Nouwens Collection of Classics

Nouwens You Are The Beloved is a collection of his writings. This book is meant to be a devotional but for time sake and for review purposes I read it as a regular book. Many deep thoughts but at times it was a bit hard for me to get into but then I went through November and December to read accordingly with the time of year and I read it non stop. Quite a few passages I high lighted and went back to so I could read it again. I've read a few of his writings and would highly recommend this to those who are familiar with  Nouwens works or perhaps reading his works for the first time.

Satisfy Your Soul with Pipers Classic Collection

     Really enjoyed this devotional read from Piper. I read it through as a regular book and consider Piper a deep writer. Definitely no "marshmallow" filling in his writings. Over 400 pages this is offers some great insight to Gods word and teachings. As piper offers where many may not sit down to read a lot here is an opportunity to take in a few minutes and get a glimpse of what God is showing us in and through his Word. I would recommend any book from Mr Piper is a writer you know you can trust rightly handling the Word of God

Waterfall Whispers- How to Hear the Voice of God, Mark Batterson

     As the song goes He is still speaking we are just not listening. In the Whisper Batterson urgently reminds us to heed the voice of God but to do so always be listening. Because He indeed is speaking. And personally I have wander from the concept, the doing, of putting such into practice. To truly live out words Ive prayed again and again "to give me ears to hear, eyes to see and a heart that would follow." God who sent His son to die for us expresses His desire of a relationship where we hear Him and move in Him. In not expecting we are hiding from where as Batterson points out we need to hide in Him. And just as important I believe is to pass this on to our children. That God is literally breathing through and speaking to us.  My prayer is to hear his whisper like a waterfall and to run towards Him. And Batterson gives a reminder towards the end of the book no matter what in life, "dont let whats wrong with you keep you from worshiping whats right with God" Once again a very good read from Mark Batterson.

No Arrows-Erwin McManus

One of the best reads in a while. I have read McManus books in the past and was anxiously awaiting to start this book. Page by page is a reminder that we have ONE life to live and we should be well spent at the end of it for Gods glory alone. to quote Francis Chan " Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding in things in life that really don’t matter."

I really liked that Erwin was really open this book from his trouble relationship with his father to his recent battle with Cancer. And what went on in between when he stepped away for 6 years. Just a really good read that I did a lot of high lighting and plan to reread soon. Would recommend this book to everyone. And may we live out the reminder to leave no arrows for Christ alone we live.

As Kingfishers Catch Fire

In reading through As Kingfishers Catch Fire I have found several "golden nuggets" and taken time to hi-light them as well and share a few with others, That being said I have had trouble getting through the book. But I would say its worth reading and Im sure it would be more of help for pastors as well in giving insight. I am a fan of the Message so I thought I would give this book a chance. But again I have been hi lighting parts including how we as Believers mess things up by separating the sacred from the secular. God is involve in your life 24/7 from church to work to play and we need to realize such and invest in such to truly be living this life. Peterson truly has a way with words which connects the heart of the message to the hearts and minds of the readers.

Break Open The Sky Break You Open

When I first started BREAK OPEN THE SKY I wasnt too sure But it didnt take long before I got caught up in the book and highlighted so much of the book to go back over and dive in deeper. I was reading this during my familys mission trip to Kenya so it was a reminder to live outside ourselves.  The book contains so many great stories of faith lived out by everyday people like you and me. And seems to be summed up in the quote from Catherine Booth “we are made for larger ends than Earth can encompass. Oh let us be true to our exalted destiny” I would highly recommend this reading. In offering grace and mercy we will never outdo God may such pour out of our lives and learn the beauty in stepping out of our comfort zone.

Steve Jobs Last Words..

When I read Jobs last words it gives meaning to the words "Beautiful Ache" Rich &  Poor alike, most of us forget what life is really about and how fragile life and love is...

The last words of Steve Jobs -

I have come to the pinnacle of success in business.

In the eyes of others, my life has been the symbol of success.

However, apart from work, I have little joy. Finally, my wealth is simply a fact to which I am accustomed.

At this time, lying on the hospital bed and remembering all my life, I realize that all the accolades and riches of which I was once so proud, have become insignificant with my imminent death.

In the dark, when I look at green lights, of the equipment for artificial respiration and feel the buzz of their mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of my approaching death looming over me.

Only now do I understand that once you accumulate enough money for the rest of your life, you have to pursue objectives that are not related to wealth.

It should be something more important:

For example, stories of love, art, dreams of my childhood.

No, stop pursuing wealth, it can only make a person into a twisted being, just like me.

God has made us one way, we can feel the love in the heart of each of us, and not illusions built by fame or money, like I made in my life, I cannot take them with me.

I can only take with me the memories that were strengthened by love.

This is the true wealth that will follow you; will accompany you, he will give strength and light to go ahead.

Love can travel thousands of miles and so life has no limits. Move to where you want to go. Strive to reach the goals you want to achieve. Everything is in your heart and in your hands.

What is the world's most expensive bed? The hospital bed.

You, if you have money, you can hire someone to drive your car, but you cannot hire someone to take your illness that is killing you.

Material things lost can be found. But one thing you can never find when you lose: life.

Whatever stage of life where we are right now, at the end we will have to face the day when the curtain falls.

Please treasure your family love, love for your spouse, love for your friends...

Treat everyone well and stay friendly with your neighbors.

Ragamuffin Gospel-Grace & Mercy

When I saw this classic had been reissued I look forward in reading it once again. It was like seeing an old friend that you hadnt seen for years. Manning has a way with words, a unique way in sharing the heart of God and his words come from one who knows the depths of our Need for a true relationship with Christ. Mannings words embraces the Father with the prodigal. As i read this once again it was like listening to a collection of my favorite songs knowing the rest of story as I started many of his stories. But it was refreshing to be reminded the folly of Gods love, and how deep it is for you and me. The Ragamuffin Gospel would easily be one of the top 5 books I would recommend to a Believer or a non Christian to read. There's a beautiful ache in all of us that desires to hear the Gospel from the Ragamuffins perspective. Manning was brilliant in connecting the hearts of the Savior and the ragamuffin. 

Nothing To Prove

The book "Nothing To Prove" breathes out the title on every page. My wife was introduced Allen’s teaching at woman’s Bible Study and she showed me a couple of short videos by her and I was really Impressed. I love that she truly tells it like it is not just for some but for all of us. We are indeed "all jacked up" and but for the Grace of God.. This reading is a strong in-depth reminder that we have nothing to prove to others or even self but to live in and out the life God has for us. To let Him breathe in and through us and truly realize it is all about Him. As Believers we are to be the ones who set the standards and others should see a life that they wonder what is going on. But we tangle ourselves are in pity and pride. And find by the end of the day we have "successfully" entertained our way through once again. But to live out the bigger vision is a reminder and challenge from Allen in that we would see we need each other and a need to find relationships, to feel a part of something bigger than ourselves and most of all to recognize our need for God like never before and we would find His Love in ways we never have before. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. I prefer books by the likes of Chan, Elderidge, Platt, and would add Allen to the list of must reads for Believers. 

Finding the Freedom to ENJOY

ENJOY by Trillia J Newbell is definitely a book written for women but in saying that I have enjoyed reading it and have been reminded throughout each chapter to offer up thankfulness and delight in the things God has set before us. Id say that ENJOY covers every aspect of life and relationships with God and one another. Quite a few parts worth high lighting and/or sharing. One quote from Timothy Keller really got my attention was "To Be LOVED but not known is comforting but superficial. To be KNOWN and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be FULLY KNOWN and TRULY LOVED is, well, a lot like being LOVED BY GOD. To grasp such a truth would be to grasp and live out life as God intended for you and me. I told my wife she needed to read this one and on that I would recommend husbands to read this and take time to discuss it as well. This book also offers up a deeper insight of study and suggests things to do to so you will live out what you are reading.