Thursday, March 29, 2012

Leading at The Edge, by Dennis N.T. Perkins

From it's cover, you would think that this book would be about leading a group of seamen through the rough seas, aboard a sailing ship.  If this is what you are looking for, than you do not want to read this book.  On the other hand, you are looking for guidance in leading and especially looking for guidance for leading in troubled times, than "Leading at The Edge:, is the exact book you need.  
  "Leading at The Edge", is a book, that will teach you how to become the leader needed in troubled times, but you don't want to have to read this book when trouble is at your door step.  Now is the time to read and learn from this selection.  
  Perkins gives us two examples of leadership.  That is which there is a weak leader and therefore the system fails, and then there is the expedition lead by Shackleton, the commander or expedition leader aboard the Endurance, which attempted to explore and go beyond the Antarctic.  Shackleton's ability to lead comes from his ability to read people and situations.  That is what you will learn by reading this book.  
  One aspect from the book that struck me, was how you need to keep those possible trouble makers close to you, when leading.  By doing so, you can prevent subversion amongst the troops so to speak, and you will have a been chance of a brighter outcome.  "Leading at The Edge" is for leaders going into troubled waters.  What situations might you think you would need this type of advice.  Perkins spells it out for the reader in easy to understand format.  
  I'd like to thank Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this digital selection.  It certainly opened my eyes and hopefully has helped to prepare me for the time when I may need to Lead at The Edge.  I'd also like to thank Dennis N.T. Perkins for providing such a great learning tool.  No one knows all about leading from birth,  so it's wonderful to be able to look to "Leading at The Edge", for the guidance and direction we all need from time to time.

"The Ministry of Christ 1000 Days", by Jonathan Falwell

Many people, even Christians believe that when Jesus Christ was born, that His Ministry began. As Falwell, explains in his literary piece, "The Ministry of Christ 1000 Days", it wasn't until He, Jesus was grown and only three years to His death, did He in fact begin His ministry. Christ chose his disciples, and traveled through spreading the Word, Healing the sick and completing a vast array of miracles in what was only a short period of time, before He died for our sins on the Cross at Calvary. Thank You Jesus, for taking away our sins. As the reader opens this book and begins to read, Falwell, takes the time to explain to the reader just what they are about to enter into. Through the use of Scripture and practical experience, you are guided through the Ministry of Christ one step at a time. "The Ministry of Christ 1000 Days", is certainly an eye opening experience that no one should miss. There are also questions at the end of each chapter where the reader can reflect on what has just been presented to them, or they can take it a step further and use these same questions to conduct a study group where more people can be reached. At the end of this book, you will find an in depth study guide for further and future study. I'd like to thank Thomas Nelson/BookSneeze for the opportunity of reading and reviewing the selection. It is sure to become an integral part of any Christian Library. I'd also like to thank Jonathan Falwell, for taking the time to research, study and present this piece of literature. I know that it has given me something to think about, and I'm sure that anyone who picks this book up will not be able to put it down until that have turned the last page.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

"The Coming Revolution", by Dr. Richard G. Lee


A new Revolution is coming. That is what you will read when you open this piece of literature, entitled "The Coming Revolution", by Dr. Richard G. Lee. And yes I agree that there is something about to happen in this great country of ours.
Way too long now, our country has been going down a path or might I say a "slippery slope", and if we as a nation don't do something, we will be finding ourselves in turmoil. That is if we are not there already.
"The Coming Revolution" is an extremely well researched and written document, which gives plan factual information which shows just how our country, The United States of America, was founded, and exactly by which principles our Founding Fathers worked so diligently.
Dr. Lee, takes the reader from how this land was settled, and also gives direct history of the shaping of America. As you read this selection, you will find yourself thoroughly engrossed in the dialogue and you will find it hard to disagree with what the author is telling us. This is because he has taken the time to research everything he has written in the book.
Does "The Coming Revolution" mean there will be fighting in our great country? Hopefully not of a physical nature, but, we as Americans can change the direction we are headed in, by learning about what is going on, making our voices heard, and by utilizing our votes in order to produce the change which we desire. Dr. Lee, emphasizes that by sitting back and letting someone else do the work, is not going to work any longer. We all need to step up and be responsible for our country.
"The Coming Revolution", by Dr. Richard G. Lee, is a sure way to learn, so that we are not doomed to repeat the mistakes of our past.
Here is an excerpt from one section of the book: This comes from the section 'The Pathway to Victory' and deals on how to prepare for the Revolution:
"First: We Must Prepare Personally
"Second: We Must Partner with Others"
"Third: We Must Learn The Process"
"Fourth: We Must Participate In The Arena"
"Fifth: We Must Proclaim The Truth"
and
"Finally: We Must Persevere Until We Prevail"

I'm sure that anyone who picks up this book will be enlightened and moved into action. I know I have been. Thank you goes out to Thomas Nelson Publishing and Book Sneeze for giving me the opportunity of both reading and reviewing the book. I'd also like to thank Dr. Richard G. Lee for providing the information and catalyst for reform and action.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

"Mornings With Jesus" blog tour


What better way is there than to start is there than spending time with God! We are blessed with a new book from Guideposts that gives a devotional for every day of the year. Each reading has Scripture and a section of teaching to provide a pickup for the day. The extra motivation from the "Faith Step" helps us move forward each moment with what we need to do. This book is written by women, and is geared mainly toward women, but men can gain encouragement from it as well.

This book will make a wonderful gift for your wife, daughter, mother, etc. I know my wife has enjoyed the book and that we will be giving it as a gift. I am happy to recommend this devotional, and thank Litfuse for including me in the blog tour.

About the book:
"Be still and know that I am God.” is one of the most beautiful verses from the Bible, but it’s not easy to practice in this busy world. Mornings with Jesus will help you do just that—“be still” in Jesus’ beautiful and powerful presence. For those who are seeking a deeper experience in their relationship with Christ, Mornings with Jesus offers a fresh perspective of who Jesus is (the Healer, the Son of God, the Comforter, the Good Shepherd) and what that means for day-to-day life. With a warm and friendly voice, 365 short devotional writings on the character and teachings of Jesus encourage readers to greet each day by drawing near to Him and inviting His presence into their day. Spend time with Jesus at the beginning of each day and experience His nearness and peace in a new way throughout the year. Each day’s selection includes: • a Bible verse • an entry based on Jesus: His words, miracles, and parables; His wisdom, compassion, and comfort; His mystery, power, divinity, and humanity • a “faith step” that will inspire and challenge readers to apply the day’s message to their lives


Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/8BbyO


Blog tour schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13452857)

Friday, February 3, 2012

"The Crossing", by Serita Jakes


Claudia, a troubled young lady is dealing with the death of her Teacher and Coach ten years after her tragic death. Victor, her husband and ADA for the county in which they live has reopened the cold case, and this is extremely upsetting for Claudia. This is one of the main story lines in the action packed novel, called "The Crossing", by Serita Jakes.
During a return trip from a football game the bus in which the team and accompanying students and coaches are aboard, stops at a train crossing. At that particular time, a lone gunman enters the bus and shoots the bus driver, a student and football player, Casio, and searches out BJ the cheerleading coach and shoots her several times, causing her death. Following the investigation, the police come up empty and it would appear that the killer is never found. This is a novel which I was unable to put down because you never know what is going to happen next.
As for Claudia, who I believe to be the main character, is devastated at the loss of her coach and friend. BJ Remington. The beginning of the novel starts with some introduction of the characters in this story, which I found necessary in order to get the full picture of the entire story. Serita Jakes took the time in delving into each character, in order to paint a clear picture.
As the story unfolds, Claudia is laying on the floor of the bus with her dying coach/friend and you hear BJ speaking. I found that she was trying to figure out just what had happened to her and at the same time, she is speaking to God. You will find BJ speaking and praying at the beginning of each chapter. It sets the tone for each chapter. Claudia is the daughter of the town Pastor who you will learn more about as you read this story.
It's ten years later, and Claudia is now married to Victor Campbell, the ADA for the county. Casio Hightower, the ex-football player, now Police Detective is teaming up with Victor Campbell to reopen the case his father had initially been involved with at the time of the murder.
I don't want to get to involved with the overall story here, because I do not want to spoil it for anyone who picks this novel up and reads it. It's best to say the "The Crossing" by Serita Jakes is a wonderful read. I learned that even in death, there would appear to be some final thoughts and dreams of the person who is about to die.
Follow BJ, Claudia, Georgie, Casio, Victor and the rest of the cast of characters as you read and become involved with the story. You will not be let down.
I'd like to thank Blogging for Books, and Waterbrook Press for giving me the opportunity to read and review this heart wrenching and uplifting story. "The Crossing" by Serita Jakes is sure to be a Best Seller.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

"Every Body Matters" by Gary Thomas


"Every Body Matters", by Gary Thomas is what I would consider a Study Guide as well as a Physical Fitness Guide to maintaining the proper physical body in order for you individual body to maintain the spiritual goal which we all need for our souls. By doing so, we will only be better to live our lives in the manner God has intended us to live.
I must say that before starting "Every Body Matters", I didn't give much thought to how my physical abilities impacted my spiritual fitness. As the cover states, 'Strengthening Your Body to Strengthen You Soul'.
God created out bodies as temples, in His own image. What right do we have to destroy that temple by our negligence of our body. Thomas explains in clear and concise words how when our bodies are neglected through lack of exercise, poor diet and the such, that our physical body does not have the strength to maintain and strengthen our Soul. I must say that I hadn't thought about it like that previously. As far as the strength of our soul, if you think about it, without a clear and strong soul, we are unable to strive to maintain our physical bodies, which in turn will affect our lives all the way around.
Thomas also reminds us that our bodies are not our own. They belong to God and it is our responsibility to maintain them in order to do His work. Thank you Gary Thomas for writing such a thought provoking and knowledgeable guide. You have certainly opened my eyes and have also provided a catalyst for me to strengthen my body, in order to assist me in growing as a Christian. I'd also like to thank Zondervanblog.com for the opportunity to read and review this vital piece of advice.

Monday, January 16, 2012

"The Future Door", by Jason Lethcoe


"The Future Door", by Jason Lethcoe, is the second in a series written and directed towards the younger teenage reading group. As I did not read the first in the series, I had to learn the characters from the start, which was not a problem in the least. Lethcoe has a knack for reaching the younger mind and I'm sure that this selection will be a hit with the reader group.
The main character, Griffen Sharpe, is a young man around the age of 10 to 12 years who has a gift of being able to remember everything he sees. This helps him discover many clues which in turn assist both his uncle, Rupert Snodgrass and himself solve crimes. In the spirit of Sherlock Holmes, which by the way is one of Griffen's favorite detective's, both Griffen and Rupert go about their business of solving crimes.
In this selection, Rupert has invented a Time Machine, in the shape of a Tea Pot, and as you can imagine, this Time Machine will come into play with the story. Following Griffen and Rupert back and forth through time in order to solve crimes and right the wrongs committed by their arch enemy the Moriarty's is a wonderful way to escape for both young and old alike.
I'd like to thank BookSneeze/Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this latest selection by Jason Lethcoe. "The Future Door" is sure to be a Best Seller. It is refreshing to see that there are some authors out there who are willing to write literature that is both fun and meaningful.