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.