Confidence Among Chaos?

Peeking out from under her covers that chilly morning, her breath gently hung in the air. She squeezed her eyes shut in an attempt to measure how safe it might be to get out of bed and face the world head on. Halfway listening to the morning news, her heart was gripped with pangs of fear as she placed herself as the main character in every scary situation mentioned-a house fire on the lower east side, another ex-wife murdered by the estranged ex-husband, and another bank went belly up over the weekend. She just did not want to get out of bed and face more possible stress today. She pulled the covers over her head determined to just push it all away-for at least the next 7 minutes until her alarm went off again.

If your comfort zone ends two steps from your bedside, then this book might be for you. If you have felt afraid about world events, or even events happening in your neighborhood or family, then this book might be for you.

Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World. What on Earth Should We Do Now? written by Dr. David Jeremiah is not his first foray into writing about difficult subjects. Dr. Jeremiah’s New York Times Bestseller, What in the World is Going On? Written in 2008 is considered the preeminent guide to end time prophesies.

In his newest release, the author does an excellent job in spelling out some of today’s biggest fears and how to overcome them in a biblically based, practical manner. Natural disasters, economic decline, and poor health are all taken from the headlines and are open for discussion and viewed through a biblical worldview. This book contains ideas and helpful anecdotes that tell us how to live valiantly while we are waiting for the return of Jesus the Christ to the earth.

At first glance I thought the neatly framed two word chapter titles were a telltale sign of the superficiality of the book. I was wrong. Each chapter demonstrates the represented ideal in depth. The chapter titles and topics include:

1. Stay Calm
2. Stay Compassionate
3. Stacy Constructive
4. Stay Challenged
5. Stay Connected
6. Stay Centered
7. Stay Confident
8. Stay Consistent
9. Stay Committed
10. Stay Convinced

The author gives real life examples, and offers encouraging scripture to help us in our everyday situations. The chapters are easy to read and have personal stories where people were able to overcome their fears, but not always their circumstances-which are true to real life. The book is a good read. As always, make sure you check the bible references on your own.

Outlive Your Life

Outlive Your Life is another masterpiece by one of the greatest storytellers-ever! As expected, Mr. Lucado’s poignant ability to get to the point and weave in personal real-life stories is as effective as ever.

In this age of self-help-pull yourself up by the boot straps society, this book is a breath of fresh air. The statistics the author uses show that the typical American family is very well off when compared to millions of other people around the globe. This is not to say we do not have our share of problems. The fact is-if you own a home and a car then you are considered to be in the top 5% of the world’s richest people.

The book is easy to read. Make sure you have a lot of time to read because once you pick it up, you won’t want to put it back down until you are finished. The book is broken into 16 chapters that are typically around 10 pages each. The chapter titles give you a sneak peek into the topic that will be discussed and include: Let God Unshell You, Team Up, Open Your Door; Open Your Heart, See the Need; Touch the Hurt, and Persecution: Prepare for It; Resist It.

In typical Lucado style, he uses personal stories, and scripture to drive his point right through your heart. It is sad, encouraging, heart-breaking and thought provoking at different times throughout the book.

It is well-known that many families throughout the country are struggling financially. Some have lost homes, and jobs and other belongings. The author shows that it does not take that much for us to truly make a difference in a life if we are willing. On page 105, the author makes what I believe is a very applicable and profound statement considering the current political climate in the country with the Tea Party, Democrats, Republicans, Green Party and more vying to prove that their party is superior and can make things better for our country. Outside of the help of Jesus Christ, no party or recovery plan is going to make a significant enough difference globally to change the lives of so many people in need. Mr. Lucado’s profound statement mentioned earlier is: “Scripture endorses not forced communism, but Spirit-led volunteerism among God’s people.” For those who may be concerned about our great country becoming a Socialist nation, remember that God told his people several times to sell all of their possessions and give the money to the poor. That sounds like re-distribution of wealth to me.

While you are looking at page 105 let your eyes wander over to the previous page and look at the comparative chart between Dadhi and Max. Two people from very different geographic locations with quite similar characteristics are reported. The book is filled with examples of what Max (quoting Bono) calls an “Accident of latitudes”, which show how lives can be so very different based simply on the region where one is born.

Outlive Your Life illustrates a timely message that if taken seriously by even 25% of God’s children, could affect the lives of so many hurting people around the world.



Disclolsure-I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Hurricanes Made From Tiny Wings

The Butterfly Effect written by Andy Andrews is a beautiful gift book with thick glossy pages and interesting art work. As a book reviewer for Book Sneeze, and Thomas Nelson publishers I have reviewed quite a few books and believe that the “Butterfly Affect” is well written and well intentioned. The author is able to pull together excellent elements of storytelling that capture the reader’s attention with a sense of mystery and awe.

The story about Colonel Chamberlain and the Union Army during the battle of Gettysburg is inspiring to say the least. Mr. Andrews' ability to weave one person’s life into another and show the effects that simple and tremendous acts have upon others is very thought provoking. The stories of simple everyday people who do courageous, and extraordinary things is beautiful

This easy to read book is entertaining. The author gives us challenging life sayings such as: “Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world” These tid bits are true to some degree, but I disagree with one of the author’s ideals.

We have been created by God the Creator to make a difference. If you believe that Jesus Christ is God and accept Him as the only true path to God, He will dwell within you according to John 14:16. The power to change the world that is within us is given to us from the Creator. Humans are not the Creator and do not by ourselves outside of God have the power to change the world. The author speaks of the generations yet unborn that will be affected by what we do today-very true, but not entirely true. The choices we make do affect others. Continuing in abusive or addictive patterns can have untold painful effects upon future generations. Investing in the right company at the right time may have untold benefits for our children and grandchildren. One important point that is missed in this book is that God is the author of our story, not each person alone. The Lord God formed each person according to Psalm 139:13. Everything we do matters, and it is for a higher purpose, which He chooses.

This book is so beautifully written; perhaps that is why it is so disappointing to me that the author chose not to distinguish the importance of God lovingly and painstakingly watching over every aspect of our lives. He makes each person out to be their own individual god by claiming that we possess the power to change the world. The one and only true God loves us so much and tells us in Proverbs 16:9 that “We plan the way we want to live, but only GOD makes us able to live it.” In addition, 2 Corinthians 3:5 states: “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. We have our roles and dreams and goals. God empowers and gives us the competence we need to reach our goals for the good of others.

Let's Do Lunch

Let's Do Lunch is an easy to read book packed with sensible tips to live a healthier lifestyle. I was not interested in reading a fad diet book, and am grateful that Mr. Wilson did not try to sell his audience a flimsy, nonsensical self-help guide that leaves one feeling hungry and frustrated. The author of the book lost 230 pounds and 24 inches from his waist and has kept it off! Initially I thought it was too good to be true. However, the author offers practical alternatives to the processed food most of us have become too accustomed to. Another nice point is that these foods don’t cost an extra arm and leg at the grocery store.

I thought it was only fair to try this diet/lifestyle change myself. I would like to lose several inches from my waist and about 20 pounds that I have not been able to looses since childbirth an embarrassing number of years ago.

One of the things that I believe makes this eating plan doable for the average person is discussed in chapter five called-“Conquering Cravings.” Most diets have us ignore our cravings, or try to be super strong-willed to overcome the Twinkie urges. Most people can do this-for a little while, when the cravings become too much, we tend to cave into them. However, the author talks in detail about meeting your body’s craving for carbs, or sugar through healthier options such as fresh fruit for sugar cravings and legumes or beans for carb cravings. It actually seems to work. I craved sugar quite a lot prior to starting this new diet plan and have found that the fresh fruit is a great alternative. I also really like the idea of eating as much as I want at the large meal in the middle of the day (rather than in the evening), but have noticed that I am eating less now than when I started the diet.

The shopping guide that is included in the book is very helpful. After my first shopping trip, my kids asked me if I thought I got enough beans. I guess I did not have to get every variety available. The recipes are very do-able, and so far they have been tasty too. The author was right about ground turkey taking on the flavor of beef when mixed together in meatloaf and/or chili. I make substitutions when needed. For example for the homemade cream of mushroom soup, once I used broccoli instead of mushrooms

Besides the yummy elephant ear I ate today and the smore and Oreo cookies I had last week while camping, I have been careful to follow the suggested menu items in Let’ s Do Lunch in order to give it a fair try. I am pleased to let you know that after one month I have lost five pounds and two inches off my waist! I really see this as a lifestyle change and plan to continue the plan.

P.S. my teens are also on the Let’s Do Lunch plan and seem healthier and like the food. Our junk food cupboard is mostly bare now, but they seem to enjoy the fruit options almost as much.

Wild at Heart

Men were created for so much more than what is reflected in popular culture today. Most prime time T.V. programs portray men as bumbling idiots that need a woman to help them put the toothpaste on their toothbrushes correctly each morning. Author John Eldredge revisits his manuscript ten years after Wild at Heart was originally published and gives it fresh updates and offers years of additional experience he and other men around the world have gained over the past decade. John is an awesome storyteller. The author’s ability to utilize real life stories, and integrate his feelings of success and failure as well as point people to the heart of God is unparalleled in the publishing industry.

Mr. Eldredge notes that a man’s soul needs three basic things throughout his life in order to thrive. These include:

1. A Battle to Fight
2. A Beauty to Rescue
3. An Adventure to Live

These core needs will take different shapes and forms throughout a boy or man’s life, but they are essential to a man’s ability to live the life that God created for each man. Men actually long for these things, but often do not realize it. Unfortunately men and women alike will often turn to less wild lovers, such as pornography, drugs or food to fill the deep needs that are going unmet. Practical guidance, scriptural truth and real-life examples make Wild at Heart a must have living field guide for every man.

To Plan B or not to Plan B

Shakespeare’s famous question “To Be or Not to Be” is metaphorically similar to author Pete Wilson’s main theme in his book titled Plan B. Pastor Wilson’s approach is honest, heart wrenching and refreshing. The author asks what we do when God does not show up the way we thought he would.

Like Shakespeare’s question of To be or not to be, Pete asks-what will we do with our Christianity when we walk through extreme situations? The Pastor utilizes relevant biblical examples such as David and Joseph and their very real life trials to help us see that God is still with them. Could this mean that God is still with us in our painful situations? The author thinks the answer is absolutely! In fact, the author that at times God orchestrates difficult circumstances in our lives in order that we would choose to grow closer to Him.

Author Pete Wilson is a pastor at Cross Point Church in Nashville who is able to combine biblical and real life stories from his life and lives of others to illustrate how to respond to life changing and challenging situations.

The book is easy to read and is just over 220 pages and has a discussion guide in the back. I highly recommend that everyone get the book, not just people going through a trial. Eventually, we all deal with difficult situations and can benefit from the wisdom presented in Plan B. To purchase the book or learn more go to: http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=0849946506&title=Plan_B&author=Pete_Wilson .

Is the End Near?

The movie, the theories, and the fear of the year 2012 is creating a frenzy about the end times. The hype surrounding the supposed destruction of the world in 2012 has given author Raymond C. Hundley PH.D. a very hot topic to write about. His new book titled “Will the World End in 2012?” is well written and covers ten of the major theories regarding the possible destruction of our civilization as we know it.

The author is able to discuss in a non-biased and entertaining way the Mayan calendar prediction, solar storms, Nostradamus' predictions, Super Volcano eruptions as well as the less heard of conspiracy theories such as the collision with Planet X and Earth’s destruction due to the alignment with the Galactic Plane.

Many cultures throughout history have been curious about the earth’s total destruction. Mr. Hundley consults experts that specialize in specific areas such as the Mayan culture as well as scientists that provide arguments for and against the theories. Some of the potential predictions have some scientific merit and could very well contribute to our planet’s demise.

The book is written in simple to read language and each major theory has a chapter of its own with a story from the author, facts about the theory and expert testimony for or against the stated facts. I would have like more detail surrounding each theory, but understand the author’s desire to keep these extremely complex topics simple.

Of great value in the end of the book is an explanation of how to be prepared for the end of our lives, whether it happens in 2012 or fifty years later.

Check out the Publishers site for more information on the book.

He’s No Fig Newton

Inspiring. A true underdog story. Isaac Newton’s determination and strength changed the scientific community forever. Sir Newton was a Christian, who according to this biography had a real relationship with Jesus Christ that shaped his thinking and behavior. The central theme of this book is about a man who loved to learn.

The book is written in chronological order which gives a detailed look at a truly gifted person’s life from birth to death. Interestingly, Isaac Newton was born on Christmas day in 1624-the same year that the famous scientist Galileo died. We are able to understand how his family dynamics and childhood affected his desire to learn. Mr. Newton’s tenacity in his teen and young adult years as well as his desire to learn throughout life helped him through difficult periods later when colleagues disagreed with him and attempted to discredit his work.

Isaac was an amazing person who educated himself through childhood and even as a student at England’s famous Cambridge University. Mr. Newton’s depth of understanding in chemistry (Then called alchemy), math, religion, astronomy, history, and languages seems unprecedented in history. According to the book description, “He built the first reflecting telescope, authored the book that became the basis for classical mechanics, and wrote the three laws of motion,” which are still taught today. The author, Mitch Stokes, does an excellent job of writing highly technical information in layman’s terms so that it is understandable and reads very easily.

This book has re-inspired my desire to learn more about the world that God created.

To purchase a copy go to Thomas Nelson Publishers.

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It is always nice to learn from others people’s life lessons. George Foreman certainly has lived a wonderfully varied life of poverty, fame and wealth. In George Foreman’s autobiography titled Knockout Entrepreneur, Mr. Foreman offers his sage advice on life and running a business.

Mr. Foreman’s practical advice and no-nonsense style have a lot to offer someone just starting their own business or a seasoned business person. The author certainly practices what he preaches by repeatedly giving the full name of his most famous and best selling product-The George Foreman Lean, Mean, Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine! The book is quite a good marketing tool for the Foreman machine, as well as Mr. Foreman himself.

The chapters are easy to read and are in a logical order. Thankfully the author did not prescribe 7 easy steps to success as too many non-fiction books do these days. He repeatedly talked about how hard work got him to where he is today. Too often people are afraid to share their failures, which is a big mistake because much can be learned from understanding what people did wrong, as well as what they did correctly in their circumstances.

In my opinion, Knockout Entrepreneur is a big hit.