Title: Dateable
Author: J. Lookadoo & Hayley DiMarco
The main theme of this book was to give insight on dating. You're supposed to ask yourself, "Are you dateable?"
The main thing I got from this would be THE WHOLE THING!!! I learned that dating should be fun and not all serious like every high school girl takes it. As much as they think it will work out, or how much they think they love each other...it's high school for crying out loud!
Looking at my past relationships, I wonder to myself, why did I even go there? It is good advice to not date in high school. Be friends! Hang out! Sure you might have crushes, but dating is a sticky mess and it's not worth all th time we girls put into it.
I give this book 4 stars!!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Heidi's Book Review Feb 2011
Title: Crazy Love
Author: Francis Chan
The main idea of this book was to not be afraid and get out and do what God has called you to do! God is the almighty one and we can trust Him. This book was definitely a 5 out of 5 stars and it taught me to look at how I treat others. I should treat them as if they were Christ Himself. God desires that we love those in need as much as we love ourselves. Not easy to do...
Author: Francis Chan
The main idea of this book was to not be afraid and get out and do what God has called you to do! God is the almighty one and we can trust Him. This book was definitely a 5 out of 5 stars and it taught me to look at how I treat others. I should treat them as if they were Christ Himself. God desires that we love those in need as much as we love ourselves. Not easy to do...
Monday, January 24, 2011
Bre's Book Review: Hooked
I loved this book! The main idea of this book was to look at how our brain registers any sexual activity. I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed the stories from people in their real lives. I also thought it was interesting how our brain responds to not just sex, but also hugging and being close.
Nathan's Book Review: Jesus For President
Authors: Shane Claiborne & Chris Haw
I must say this is a fantastic book. I have been a big reader of Shane and own all of his books. He has a wonderful way of working through the bible to explain how life is able to apply to our lives. I find this book to be very inspiring and full of wisdom. I'm not much for politics, but this book sheds a new light on the way we look at politics. If we look at politics through the eye of Christ we see how the empire is the force that works againest us. It no longer is a Christian nation when the values of Christ are no longer present and you'll soon find the there is a third way out of everything. You learn another world is possible and that war is not the way to fix our problem. We learn how to change the world that it is no longer the governments responsibility to change things but ours. And we can do it without them. This book is for the young and the old, but mostly anyone who wants to know what Jesus has to say about the Empire that we call the US of A. We see how Rome and the US is not so far apart and how to respond in a way that honors Christ. For anyone who is a Christian, but gets to caught up in election time. This book is for you. May God open our eyes to the powers that be. Jesus for President!
I must say this is a fantastic book. I have been a big reader of Shane and own all of his books. He has a wonderful way of working through the bible to explain how life is able to apply to our lives. I find this book to be very inspiring and full of wisdom. I'm not much for politics, but this book sheds a new light on the way we look at politics. If we look at politics through the eye of Christ we see how the empire is the force that works againest us. It no longer is a Christian nation when the values of Christ are no longer present and you'll soon find the there is a third way out of everything. You learn another world is possible and that war is not the way to fix our problem. We learn how to change the world that it is no longer the governments responsibility to change things but ours. And we can do it without them. This book is for the young and the old, but mostly anyone who wants to know what Jesus has to say about the Empire that we call the US of A. We see how Rome and the US is not so far apart and how to respond in a way that honors Christ. For anyone who is a Christian, but gets to caught up in election time. This book is for you. May God open our eyes to the powers that be. Jesus for President!
Nathan's Book Review: Lord Save Us From Your Followers
The most recent book I have read was Lord Save Us From Your Followers. I found this book to be an okay read, but nothing stuck out to much to me. The idea of the book is to find why the gospel of love is dividing America. His idea to figure it out is to but on a bumper sticker jumpsuit and hit the streets. While the idea is very do-able, i figure it would be just as simple to walk up and ask, without said jumpsuit.
He also interviewed many people that I have never heard of, but I guess are important people. The is one problem I have with this book. The almost insane amount of talk about politics. He talks about the left and the right in almost every chapter. I believe that Christians should not get to caught up in politics. I believe this is a very good book, but overall is not the best. The book could bring alot more to the plate. But there is a movie of the same title that follows the book which may make this a much better read. Nonetheless, if this book needed a rating I would give it a 3.5 of 5. Don't get me wrong, this book has many good points, but I feel it could provide some more. I pray that this book does reach out to someone and that God may use it for his will.
He also interviewed many people that I have never heard of, but I guess are important people. The is one problem I have with this book. The almost insane amount of talk about politics. He talks about the left and the right in almost every chapter. I believe that Christians should not get to caught up in politics. I believe this is a very good book, but overall is not the best. The book could bring alot more to the plate. But there is a movie of the same title that follows the book which may make this a much better read. Nonetheless, if this book needed a rating I would give it a 3.5 of 5. Don't get me wrong, this book has many good points, but I feel it could provide some more. I pray that this book does reach out to someone and that God may use it for his will.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Kristie's Dec Reading
Ch. 20 - Teachability
I really liked this chapter (along with most of the others). We must remain teachable, if we aren't willing to learn then I feel this limits God's ability to use us; we will stop growing and stop hearing His voice. I have referred to the mature fruit many times - once an apple is mature it begins the rotting process (if it is not used for another purpose such as applesauce or pie it rots). I don't want to reach that "I am mature and don't need to learn anymore" attitude!!
Ch. 21 - Vision
Another area I struggle with. I (we) have a vision for our farm - what will need improving, where or how to expand, etc. However, when I look deep inside myself, I really don't have a vision for myself. Something I need to work on.
I have enjoyed reading this book. Sometimes the self reflection hurt - big time. But it has also made me more aware of my weaknesses and my strengths. This book will definitely stay by my bed and be referred to in the future.
"Dear Lord, help me to remain green and teachable that I may grow stronger for you."
I really liked this chapter (along with most of the others). We must remain teachable, if we aren't willing to learn then I feel this limits God's ability to use us; we will stop growing and stop hearing His voice. I have referred to the mature fruit many times - once an apple is mature it begins the rotting process (if it is not used for another purpose such as applesauce or pie it rots). I don't want to reach that "I am mature and don't need to learn anymore" attitude!!
Ch. 21 - Vision
Another area I struggle with. I (we) have a vision for our farm - what will need improving, where or how to expand, etc. However, when I look deep inside myself, I really don't have a vision for myself. Something I need to work on.
I have enjoyed reading this book. Sometimes the self reflection hurt - big time. But it has also made me more aware of my weaknesses and my strengths. This book will definitely stay by my bed and be referred to in the future.
"Dear Lord, help me to remain green and teachable that I may grow stronger for you."
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Annette's Nov & Dec book review
Here I thought I was just doing my December review. OOPS! I had started this one and never finished. I finished the book. Overall - 6 stars out of 5.
Chapter 16: Responsibility
"Good leaders never embrace a victim mentality." They work hard, are self motivated (think of themselves as self-employed - like that), don't say things like "that's not my job", and are driven by excellence. I really liked how he said "stress comes from doing less than you can". That is SO true! And as I train other leaders, I am always trying to show that to them! If you would think ahead and prepare, you do less and stress less. Well said Mr. Maxwell.
Chapter 17: Security
KRISTIE, ARE YOU READING THIS? ;-D We just talked about this recently...I think this holds a lot of leaders back. My husband included! At work, he is a driven, organized, forward-thinking leader. But that doesn't always translate to every situation he's in. He doesn't always feel like he has authority. I see this in so many people I work with! "No one can live on a level inconsistent with the way he sees himself." How do you see yourself? Through the eyes of God? Or through a clogged filter accumulated by past experiences, unsupportive loved ones, and perceived failures?
Chapter 18: Self-Discipline
Ouch - we all hate this one. I think this says it all..."Anyone who does what he must only when he is in the mood or when it's convenient isn't going to be successful." This is the clincher! All the procrastinators need to understand this! I also liked that he said we need to challenge and eliminate any tendency to make excuses. Be honest with yourself and just don't go there!
Chapter 19: Servanthood
JESUS! That wraps it all up! I think we've heard a lot about this principle in our church (thank God). Servanthood is intentional...doesn't happen by accident.
Chapter 20: Teachability
This is why we did Signet! And why I'm doing it again next year. The one consistent theme I hear from different leaders is this principle - to remain teachable. Keep learning! And I thought it was really good when he said the leader "who keeps making the same mistakes" makes no progress. Forget your mistakes and keep going, BUT remember what they taught you!!
Chapter 21: Vision
Very well said. There are entire books just written about this idea. (I have some great ones if you'd like to read more.) The Word of God says "without vision, people perish". This is SO important! And if you're a leader, you can serve the vision of others - but you should also seek God about what your personal vision is! You only have this one life. What has He purposed for YOU to do? "Vision leads the leader." So good... I thought it was so insightful when he described the different voices you need to listen to in finding vision. I have never heard it said that way before. I will definitely refer back to this book in the future. So many nuggets and practical things to walk these principles out!
Thanks for reading it with me!!
Chapter 16: Responsibility
"Good leaders never embrace a victim mentality." They work hard, are self motivated (think of themselves as self-employed - like that), don't say things like "that's not my job", and are driven by excellence. I really liked how he said "stress comes from doing less than you can". That is SO true! And as I train other leaders, I am always trying to show that to them! If you would think ahead and prepare, you do less and stress less. Well said Mr. Maxwell.
Chapter 17: Security
KRISTIE, ARE YOU READING THIS? ;-D We just talked about this recently...I think this holds a lot of leaders back. My husband included! At work, he is a driven, organized, forward-thinking leader. But that doesn't always translate to every situation he's in. He doesn't always feel like he has authority. I see this in so many people I work with! "No one can live on a level inconsistent with the way he sees himself." How do you see yourself? Through the eyes of God? Or through a clogged filter accumulated by past experiences, unsupportive loved ones, and perceived failures?
Chapter 18: Self-Discipline
Ouch - we all hate this one. I think this says it all..."Anyone who does what he must only when he is in the mood or when it's convenient isn't going to be successful." This is the clincher! All the procrastinators need to understand this! I also liked that he said we need to challenge and eliminate any tendency to make excuses. Be honest with yourself and just don't go there!
Chapter 19: Servanthood
JESUS! That wraps it all up! I think we've heard a lot about this principle in our church (thank God). Servanthood is intentional...doesn't happen by accident.
Chapter 20: Teachability
This is why we did Signet! And why I'm doing it again next year. The one consistent theme I hear from different leaders is this principle - to remain teachable. Keep learning! And I thought it was really good when he said the leader "who keeps making the same mistakes" makes no progress. Forget your mistakes and keep going, BUT remember what they taught you!!
Chapter 21: Vision
Very well said. There are entire books just written about this idea. (I have some great ones if you'd like to read more.) The Word of God says "without vision, people perish". This is SO important! And if you're a leader, you can serve the vision of others - but you should also seek God about what your personal vision is! You only have this one life. What has He purposed for YOU to do? "Vision leads the leader." So good... I thought it was so insightful when he described the different voices you need to listen to in finding vision. I have never heard it said that way before. I will definitely refer back to this book in the future. So many nuggets and practical things to walk these principles out!
Thanks for reading it with me!!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Kristie's Nov Reading
Ch. 16 - Responsibility
I think Mr. Maxwell hit the nail on the head when he said that 'People now focus more on their rights than on their responsibilities.' So many people want to lay blame on someone else instead of stepping up and being responsible. Being 'self-employed' we have to be responsible it is up to us to get our work done, there is no second shift that will pick up where we slack off. In ministry we have to be responsible there is NO room for slackers. Sometimes I think maybe we have to learn to say no if we can't get a task done by ourselves or within a time frame we have to be responsible and ask for help or step aside so the job can get done. Saying no is a responsible thing to do; we can't be 'yes people' and then fail to complete the task. Two more of John's quotes that were good: 'No one can do the minimum and reach his maximum potential.' and 'Failure to hit the bulls eye is not the fault of the target. To improve our aim, we must improve ourselves.'
Ch. 17 -Security
I feel this chapter dealt a lot with self evaluation. Can a person with a lack of self confidence still be secure with them self? Reflecting on it: I know my weaknesses and my strengths (for the most part). I am secure with who I am on this ministry team; however this doesn't mean that I become content and not allow myself to grow and be stretched.
Ch. 18 - Self-Discipline
I think this is an area where a lot of people struggle. I know I struggle with dieing to myself and doing what I know I need to do: devotions, pray time, eating healthier, exercising, etc. But Mr. Maxwell summed it up 'If you have several reasons why you can't be self-disciplined, realize that they are really just a bunch of excuses - all of which need to be challenged if you want to go to the next level as a leader.' Or the next level as a Christian, healthier person, or better spouse.
"Lord, help me challenge my long list of excuses!!"
Ch.19 - Servanthood
This was an encouraging chapter to me, maybe because I have no problems with serving people. I love to do things for others. I feel my day has been a success when 1st: I have made someone laugh or at least smile; 2nd: when I have been able to do something for someone else.
I think Mr. Maxwell hit the nail on the head when he said that 'People now focus more on their rights than on their responsibilities.' So many people want to lay blame on someone else instead of stepping up and being responsible. Being 'self-employed' we have to be responsible it is up to us to get our work done, there is no second shift that will pick up where we slack off. In ministry we have to be responsible there is NO room for slackers. Sometimes I think maybe we have to learn to say no if we can't get a task done by ourselves or within a time frame we have to be responsible and ask for help or step aside so the job can get done. Saying no is a responsible thing to do; we can't be 'yes people' and then fail to complete the task. Two more of John's quotes that were good: 'No one can do the minimum and reach his maximum potential.' and 'Failure to hit the bulls eye is not the fault of the target. To improve our aim, we must improve ourselves.'
Ch. 17 -Security
I feel this chapter dealt a lot with self evaluation. Can a person with a lack of self confidence still be secure with them self? Reflecting on it: I know my weaknesses and my strengths (for the most part). I am secure with who I am on this ministry team; however this doesn't mean that I become content and not allow myself to grow and be stretched.
Ch. 18 - Self-Discipline
I think this is an area where a lot of people struggle. I know I struggle with dieing to myself and doing what I know I need to do: devotions, pray time, eating healthier, exercising, etc. But Mr. Maxwell summed it up 'If you have several reasons why you can't be self-disciplined, realize that they are really just a bunch of excuses - all of which need to be challenged if you want to go to the next level as a leader.' Or the next level as a Christian, healthier person, or better spouse.
"Lord, help me challenge my long list of excuses!!"
Ch.19 - Servanthood
This was an encouraging chapter to me, maybe because I have no problems with serving people. I love to do things for others. I feel my day has been a success when 1st: I have made someone laugh or at least smile; 2nd: when I have been able to do something for someone else.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Alexis' October Reading
Chapter 11
Listening is a valuable tool in which people need in order to feel safe and to get through life’s struggles. As a counselor I have learned that some people just come into a session to be heard and for no other reason. Today, too many families are getting busy with jobs and schedules that go over and beyond which affects their relationships. If parents would listen to their children the families we see today would be in more successful. Notice I didn’t say that parents have to agree with their kids but listening is a vital part of relationships that is needed for children to feel accepted, learn, and grow.
Chapter 12
Passion is a huge part of why I do what I do. Without passion I would not be able to survive in the field of counseling or my career. When my feelings lie to me and I don’t feel like continuing on with day to day behaviors with the youth, I remember the passion that the Holy Spirit has given me and somehow I always find the strength, desire, and most importantly the passion that helps me focus on my goal and to continue in the field that God has called me to.
Chapter 13
A positive attitude can be challenging at times, especially when a child that I am working with have so many obstacles to face and it doesn’t seem like the child is willing to learn. However, if just one person will believe in that child, something beautiful occurs. Regardless of the mistakes that child makes, the child begins to experience something new that he/she has never felt. This is the value that I am important, that there is hope, and that I can also have a positive attitude that can affect the rest of my life! The power of our lifestyle and have a positive attitude truly does impact those around us.
Chapter 14
Problem solving: This is very important in my life because time after time I had to find a way through the storms to achieve my heart’s goals. This was not easy. I laugh because at times it is easier for me to help others through their storms than to solve my own problems that I face. But that is why we need each other as the body of Christ, to build one another up, to spur each other on in love, and finally to fulfill God’s plan of reaching the lost!
Chapter 15
Relationships are such an essential part of what God intended us to do as the body of Christ. That is to be an extension of His heart, such as caring for the sick and poor, encouraging someone at the bank or store, and finally revealing that is through God’s relationship with us that we can enter into the eternal Kingdom with Him! The power of grace is what makes our relationship so beautiful with Christ and the lost.
Chapter 16
Responsibility is what God requires from us. If I am unwilling to follow through as a good steward or a hard worker than what fruit am I going to bring forth. But if my heart is willing and I do everything I can to achieve goals the reward is others can see that my responsibility is to do my best. This is when blessings can occur and God can trust me with what He has given me, which leads to the rewards of accomplishment and success.
Alexis
Listening is a valuable tool in which people need in order to feel safe and to get through life’s struggles. As a counselor I have learned that some people just come into a session to be heard and for no other reason. Today, too many families are getting busy with jobs and schedules that go over and beyond which affects their relationships. If parents would listen to their children the families we see today would be in more successful. Notice I didn’t say that parents have to agree with their kids but listening is a vital part of relationships that is needed for children to feel accepted, learn, and grow.
Chapter 12
Passion is a huge part of why I do what I do. Without passion I would not be able to survive in the field of counseling or my career. When my feelings lie to me and I don’t feel like continuing on with day to day behaviors with the youth, I remember the passion that the Holy Spirit has given me and somehow I always find the strength, desire, and most importantly the passion that helps me focus on my goal and to continue in the field that God has called me to.
Chapter 13
A positive attitude can be challenging at times, especially when a child that I am working with have so many obstacles to face and it doesn’t seem like the child is willing to learn. However, if just one person will believe in that child, something beautiful occurs. Regardless of the mistakes that child makes, the child begins to experience something new that he/she has never felt. This is the value that I am important, that there is hope, and that I can also have a positive attitude that can affect the rest of my life! The power of our lifestyle and have a positive attitude truly does impact those around us.
Chapter 14
Problem solving: This is very important in my life because time after time I had to find a way through the storms to achieve my heart’s goals. This was not easy. I laugh because at times it is easier for me to help others through their storms than to solve my own problems that I face. But that is why we need each other as the body of Christ, to build one another up, to spur each other on in love, and finally to fulfill God’s plan of reaching the lost!
Chapter 15
Relationships are such an essential part of what God intended us to do as the body of Christ. That is to be an extension of His heart, such as caring for the sick and poor, encouraging someone at the bank or store, and finally revealing that is through God’s relationship with us that we can enter into the eternal Kingdom with Him! The power of grace is what makes our relationship so beautiful with Christ and the lost.
Chapter 16
Responsibility is what God requires from us. If I am unwilling to follow through as a good steward or a hard worker than what fruit am I going to bring forth. But if my heart is willing and I do everything I can to achieve goals the reward is others can see that my responsibility is to do my best. This is when blessings can occur and God can trust me with what He has given me, which leads to the rewards of accomplishment and success.
Alexis
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Annette's October Reading
Ch. 11: Listening
BINGO - this is a big one for me right now. I definitely catch myself listening for facts and information, and sometimes forget to listen to the heart of the person. Sometimes people just want/need to talk. I do however know that I am able to read between the lines. That's where the Holy Spirit comes in to listening - having discernment! I wholeheartedly agree that the majority of communication problems come from poor listening. Definitely true in my leadership and personal life. I'm also reminded how important it is to seek mentoring, no matter where you are in life. I do this primarily through books right now, but also through my Pastor, and other leaders I respect (Pastor Mark, Dean Nifferotus, Mark Zweifel). I'd like to find a woman leader that I can connect with.
Ch. 12: Passion
LOVE this chapter. It is all so true - so well put. This is the one thing that I've struggled with in training leaders in the past. And I think I need to start by asking them what they're already passionate about instead of trying to convince them to be passionate about the same things I am! DUH! This is a powerful thought, "To add growth, lead followers - to multiply, lead leaders." Makes perfect sense... I thought it was very insightful to "follow your passion instead of others' perceptions". Sometimes we try to be something we're not.
Ch. 13: Positive Attitude
This seems so common sense to me, but it really is essential to effective leadership. And it is a CHOICE! We are not controlled by our circumstances. This principle should be made clear by the Word of God as well. No one wants to be around a sour Christian, let alone a sour leader. And remember that "who you are is who you attract"! Is your mind conditioned to win???
Ch. 14: Problem Solving
Love this one too! I can usually anticipate problems, but my main issue is to solve them ONE BY ONE. I like how he said you have to make them "line up for you one by one". That's great advice for me. I don't run from problems. Even the whiners and complainers in your life can help you have insight about things that may go wrong. That's how I choose to let them influence me. :o) I also think it's great wisdom to not make decisions when you're down. Emotions betray us all the time.
Ch. 15: Relationships
You'd be surprised how many leaders neglect this area. I think they unintentionally view their team members as resources and tools, rather than people! I love to work with people on a team. I think it's the truly God-way to lead...to involve the body of Christ. "People respect a leader who keeps their interests in mind." I hope that I'm remaining aware of these things. You better let me know!! :o) But I do work hard to remember that we all have full lives to live, in addition to fulfilling our calling.
BINGO - this is a big one for me right now. I definitely catch myself listening for facts and information, and sometimes forget to listen to the heart of the person. Sometimes people just want/need to talk. I do however know that I am able to read between the lines. That's where the Holy Spirit comes in to listening - having discernment! I wholeheartedly agree that the majority of communication problems come from poor listening. Definitely true in my leadership and personal life. I'm also reminded how important it is to seek mentoring, no matter where you are in life. I do this primarily through books right now, but also through my Pastor, and other leaders I respect (Pastor Mark, Dean Nifferotus, Mark Zweifel). I'd like to find a woman leader that I can connect with.
Ch. 12: Passion
LOVE this chapter. It is all so true - so well put. This is the one thing that I've struggled with in training leaders in the past. And I think I need to start by asking them what they're already passionate about instead of trying to convince them to be passionate about the same things I am! DUH! This is a powerful thought, "To add growth, lead followers - to multiply, lead leaders." Makes perfect sense... I thought it was very insightful to "follow your passion instead of others' perceptions". Sometimes we try to be something we're not.
Ch. 13: Positive Attitude
This seems so common sense to me, but it really is essential to effective leadership. And it is a CHOICE! We are not controlled by our circumstances. This principle should be made clear by the Word of God as well. No one wants to be around a sour Christian, let alone a sour leader. And remember that "who you are is who you attract"! Is your mind conditioned to win???
Ch. 14: Problem Solving
Love this one too! I can usually anticipate problems, but my main issue is to solve them ONE BY ONE. I like how he said you have to make them "line up for you one by one". That's great advice for me. I don't run from problems. Even the whiners and complainers in your life can help you have insight about things that may go wrong. That's how I choose to let them influence me. :o) I also think it's great wisdom to not make decisions when you're down. Emotions betray us all the time.
Ch. 15: Relationships
You'd be surprised how many leaders neglect this area. I think they unintentionally view their team members as resources and tools, rather than people! I love to work with people on a team. I think it's the truly God-way to lead...to involve the body of Christ. "People respect a leader who keeps their interests in mind." I hope that I'm remaining aware of these things. You better let me know!! :o) But I do work hard to remember that we all have full lives to live, in addition to fulfilling our calling.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)