Where have I been?

As evidenced from the lack of new posts, it’s quite apparent that I have taken a hiatus from this blog. However, I see value in resuming the disciplines I had several years ago when blogging about the books I was reading led me to put my thoughts into words on a regular basis.

The past two summers have proven very memorable with international travels to six countries in Europe and a touch of Asia (several ports of call in Turkey were on the Asian part of the country). I explored medieval walled cities on islands in the Aegean Sea, sailed into a volcanic caldera with picturesque whitewashed stone villas with blue-domed roofs clinging to the cliffs, toured the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Corinth, climbed the Acropolis in Athens, walked the streets of Rome, stood in the shadow of St. Peter and St. Paul at the Vatican, rekindled relationships with second- and third-cousins living abroad, swam in pristine lakes in Scandinavia, had train mishaps and adventures across the midsection of Sweden, got myself lost on a 3-turned-10-mile run in Amsterdam at midnight, nearly was left behind in Norway because I again ran a large loop away from the ship right before “All aboard” was called, stood head-in-the-clouds in the midst of a downpour on top of Pulpit Rock which juts out two thousand feet above one of the world’s deepest fjords,  and witnessed the majesty of God’s creation in the Flåm valley amidst towering snowmelt waterfalls and lush greenery and quaint villages.

Recently I came across a book online at work that caught my eye: The Story of Rich: A Financial Fable of Wealth and Reason During Uncertain Times. In this book, author J.D. Joyce has created a story that creates analogies from many of the different activities that have kept me busy since I moved away from the blog—including topics such as traveling, cultivating natural beauty, serving the church and community, seeking counsel, estate planning, watching professional sports, and training for a marathon. However, as I made my way through the chapters and made connections to my own life, I realized that perhaps I haven’t seen the forest for the trees because I’ve allowed my focus to shift on what’s right in front of me instead of thinking about the bigger picture.

In this story, which is a fictional account of a business owner named Rich fresh off of selling his company and entering retirement, the main character has encounters with people who offer him advice through their own experiences and how their choices affected their bottom line in the retirement years. While retirement for me is a long ways off, there are still valuable lessons to be learned by avoiding the mistakes other people have made and by making wise choices for the long-term that will put me on the right path. I was able to put to good use right away one of those lessons that came from the marathon chapter as I ran the Chicago Marathon last week. The point was that just as successful runners spend much time in preparation and know how to establish a consistent pacing strategy so they have enough energy to complete the race, so too planning and pacing come into play in investments. It’s true—in my first marathon I started out much too fast to maintain that pace for 26.2 miles and by mile 14 I had to take walking breaks, but last week when I ran the Chicago Marathon I set out on a manageable pace and was able to shave over a minute per mile off my previous time when I ran without a good strategy! I can only imagine that the same is true for the world of finances.

I found this book easy to read and relate to, given the wide variety of life situations Rich and his family encountered. There were also good explanations on stock market trends and the various types of investment mechanisms available today. After reading this book, I feel more prepared to go out and make wise decisions how I approach the use of money in these uncertain times.

Twelve Unlikely Heroes

All throughout history, select individuals are remembered as heroes for what they did in their lifetime. Some people are born into greatness, such as a prince inheriting his father’s kingdom; other times a person rises up from relative insignificance to stand in the gap. Literature abounds with stories of heroism, and the Bible is no exception. John McArthur, in his latest book, “Twelve Unlikely Heroes,” introduces us to several of the most unexpected candidates in Scripture for this distinction.

So, who are these unexpected heroes, and what makes them special? Enoch walked with God for 300 years, showing that God doesn’t limit based on age. Joseph endured betrayal and false accusations before leaving prison for the palace, showing that God’s ways are higher than man’s ways. Miriam played a key role in assisting her brother lead the nation of Israel out from bondage, showing that God uses women as well as men. Gideon and Samson showed that God can work with or without the benefit of human strength. Jonathan understood that David would become king and was loyal to the end, setting the bar high for friendship. Jonah was a unique case, but he showed that even being a knucklehead doesn’t faze God—His purposes will be accomplished no matter what. Esther was an orphan girl living in a foreign land yet was hand-selected to become queen, showing that God looks after His children. John the Baptist announced the coming of the Messiah after 400 years of silence, showing that God does not forget His promises. James was skeptical of his half-brother, Jesus, but later believed and became the leader of the church in Jerusalem. Mark and Onesimus were living proof that being a coward or a runaway in the past does not preclude one’s ability to be useful in the present, as they both ministered effectively to Peter and Paul after being restored.

Using his knowledge of Biblical history and customs, Pastor John McArthur paints a very real portrait of each of the heroes we meet. The characters’ virtues as well as their mistakes are discussed in ways that apply easily to the reader. This book is a very good supplement to Bible reading, and I especially enjoyed reading the background of Jonathan’s story as I was already studying it in my personal devotions. Throughout the pages of the book, the real Hero behind the victories and successes becomes apparent. When it’s all said and done, what a joy it is to know that anyone can be used by God!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of “Twelve Unlikely Heroes” through Book Sneeze, in exchange for my honest review.

Walking With Bilbo

In crafting the epic tales of the adventures in Middle Earth, JRR Tolkien did a masterful job in creating a mythical world when he wrote “The Hobbit” and the “Lord of the Rings” series. Though fictional, the stories of hobbits and dwarves, elves and men, dragons and goblins and trolls, compel the reader to take note of the characters and their characteristics and join in on the journey, as it were. Some fans of the series go so far as to call themselves “Tolkien junkies”, and one of them has written a new book looking at lessons gleaned from “The Hobbit.”

Sarah Arthur, author of “Walking With Frodo,” has followed up her first devotional book with a sequel (or should it be considered a prequel, as is the case with “The Hobbit” compared to the “LOTR” series?) aptly called “Walking With Bilbo.” At any rate, we discover 22 key lessons from Bilbo’s journey with Gandalf and the dwarves that apply to the Christian journey. The author makes it clear that JRR Tolkien did not intend for his stories to be 100% allegorical, however, there are striking connections that can be made.

Knowledge of the classic work is not entirely necessary, as quotes are brought in and further expounded upon. Rounding out each chapter are discussion questions and a list of related Scripture verses. I found this supplement most enlightening, as the passages from Genesis to Revelation confirm the themes drawn out from the book. One such parallelism is that of being chosen and selected. In the original story, Bilbo did not ask to go on the journey with the dwarves—Gandalf specifically chose him because he saw qualities deep within Bilbo that would be developed on the journey and effectively change the course of history through the success or failure of the mission. The same was true for Jesus selecting His 12 disciples, and is true today for all Christians. The calling to follow Jesus is there—do we have the faith to go on the journey?

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of “Walking With Bilbo” through the Tyndale Blog Network, in exchange for my honest review.

The River

It’s not often I come across a book highly recommended by both Andy Andrews and John C. Maxwell—authors I have learned a great deal from—so when I see that they mutually agree that a certain book will transform the reader’s perspective on life, I take note! Having finished reading The River by Michael Neale about a week ago, I concur with their predictions that this book would have an impact on me. Already I’ve seen that where I previously was more or less complacent I am now pursuing positive change. I am further developing God-given talents through music, meeting and interacting with new people, and taking big next steps in securing a more satisfying job. Is all this due to reading one little book? I’m not sure, but let me tell you about it.

Gabriel Clarke lived his childhood scared of The River and anything to do with water. Perhaps that’s because of the memory of a day he could not get out of his mind—the day he last saw his father, who saved the life of a kayaker at the expense of his own life. Young Gabriel was mad, “Wasn’t I more important than that reckless kayaker? Didn’t he deserve what was coming?” These thoughts plagued him and caused him to live in a shell for most of his childhood. His heart slowly changed over time, and one day Gabriel decided to accept a friend’s invitation to go on a rafting trip in Colorado—on the same river he and his dad had loved many years ago. It was there that he realized he was made for The River. It didn’t take much to convince him that his dead-end job of cleaning the Five and Dime store back in Kansas should not and could not hold him back from fulfilling his destiny at The River. Throughout his experiences that summer interacting with The River and the people who were also called to The River, Gabriel became a new man—a man who took hold of not who he was, but who he was destined to become.

While I enjoyed this novel at face value due to the gripping story that kept me up late at night and wishing my lunch break were longer, there is another level to this novel. In the narrative, the author stays away from most religiosity in the story, but when viewed as an allegory comparing The River to God and His ways, a lot of spiritual insight can be found. In fact, during the month leading up to the world-wide release of his book, Michael co-hosted a four-part sermon series at his church in Florida about the deeper meaning of what The River is. He reveals that “The River [God] is shaping everything in its path.” “The River [God] is alive and is moving all over the world.” “The world will not be the same because of [God] The River.” “When we’re with The River [God], we know it’s where we’re meant to be.” Gabriel truly found his life when he encountered The River. The same can ring true for you; just get in…all the way in!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of “The River” through Book Sneeze, in exchange for my honest review.

Rudy—My Story

To get myself back in the practice of reading, I decided to pick a story that I could really get in to…one that I knew I would have a hard time putting it down. What better type of book than one about sports—particularly one about football?! The book I just read is more than the story of a kid who played football for one of the greatest collegiate teams ever, but about the determination that brought him to the point of getting to take the field…for all of 27 seconds in the final game of his senior season! The story is none other than Rudy Reuttiger, the dreamer who found a way into Notre Dame and whose hard work carried him to a place where people told him he would never get to go.

Daniel “Rudy” Reuttiger was one of 14 kids growing up in an industrial town outside Chicago in the 1950s. Nothing came easy for him, but Rudy was not a quitter. Despite his undiagnosed dyslexia, Rudy graduated from high school, completed a tour of duty in the Navy, and worked several jobs back at the power plant. His deep desire, however, was to attend Notre Dame and play on the football team. Through the help of key individuals and the determination to do his best, Rudy was able to fulfill his dreams. The book could have ended as he was carried off the field on his teammates’ shoulders (as it does in the movie version), but the real Rudy has more to tell. In “Rudy—My Story,” he talks about how the same persistence that was the backbone in his early life was essential years later in getting the blockbuster movie created. It’s actually quite remarkable that the film actually did get off the ground, considering how many obstacles had to be cleared away.

If you’re looking for a motivational read that inspires you to dream big and have faith that your dreams can happen, Rudy is proof positive that it doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get back up.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of “Rudy—My Story” through Book Sneeze, in exchange for my honest review.

The Founders' Key

In the span of time since I last posted on this blog, I have hiked the mountains of Colorado, crossed the Golden Gate Bridge in California, traveled through the Indiana farmlands, enjoyed the serenity of Michigan lakes, and returned to the hustle and bustle of the Washington, D.C. metro area — my birthplace. Through the array of places I was able to visit, I can see why Katharine Lee Bates penned the poem “America, the Beautiful.” Reflecting on the lyrics of our national hymn, I am reminded that America is not just beautiful for her mountains, waters, and countrysides, but for the heroes who gave their lives to their country for the cause of liberty and justice. As such, it is of essence that we not neglect our foundings but consider the elements involved in the establishment of the United States of America. It is in returning to our nation’s birthing that we can discover how truly blessed is our nation to have the beginnings we had and how far we’ve come since then (not necessarily all in a good way).

With 2012 being a critical election year in the direction our country will be heading, my interest in our country’s founding documents has piqued. In the book, “The Founders’ Key,” author Dr. Larry Arnn (president of Hillsdale College) explains that the connection between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution is both relevant and as necessary for proper government today as it was when the founding fathers instituted the democracy. Between the two documents, we have inspired beauty in the freedom-heralding Declaration of Independence and commanding guidelines in the regulation-setting Constitution. Modern policies have made efforts to divorce the one from the other, upholding the Declaration but ignoring the Constitution. Through real-life examples, the author expressed the ongoing shift towards liberalism as legislators have redefined key elements in the Constitution.

Besides writing a commentary on the Declaration and Constitution and where our country could be headed should we continue to separate ourselves from the original purposes our founding fathers had when creating the governmental system, the author of this book includes a section for further reading at the back highlighting five of the Federalist Papers written by James Madison as well as the complete texts of the Declaration and Constitution. I found this section very helpful for easy cross-referencing the source document to compare phraseology on a particular subject. Overall, I am quite impressed with this book. It was a bit heavy reading to get through at times and took me longer than I would have liked to complete. However, the content is vital to getting our country back on track. Get out there on election day and do your civil duty and VOTE for the candidates who will best uphold the principles this country was founded on!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of “The Founders’ Key” through Book Sneeze, in exchange for my honest review.

Then Sings My Soul

What do you do when you have a bad day…complain about the unfairness of life, tell your sob story to anyone in shouting distance, or maybe just crawl under the covers and hope things turn out better the next morning? How about turning to God and focusing on His amazing love and the grace that is greater than our sin? He has redeemed us and given us all we have needed day by day as we acknowledge our dependence in Christ alone. God will take care of you in times like these, and as we know His eye is on the sparrow, joy can fill our inmost heart today as He leads us to higher ground. Come, we that love the Lord, to join in a song of praising the mighty fortress that is our God.

In the previous paragraph, perhaps you picked up on some familiar phrases that came straight from several hymns of the faith. These hymns (and others like them) lift up the soul, provide strength to the weak, and cultivate joy in the believer’s heart. In the latest book I read, Then Sings My Soul, Vol. 3, author Robert Morgan highlights many of the hymns that form our rich heritage and gives the background on the writing of the hymn. Covered in the book are ancient hymns sung by the early Christians to modern ones written by current hymnwriters, with a few stops along the way. This is the third book in the trilogy, so not all the traditional hymns are covered in this installment.

I really appreciated the author’s thoughts and views on hymns. Hymns are a way of turning our focus outward and upward for what God has done for us. Hymns are eloquent expressions of our beliefs, and many are prayers that we sing to God. In addition to being used in corporate worship, they should be read, committed to memory, meditated on, played, prayed, leaned on, quoted, and passed on to the next generation. It is important to dig into the wealth of wisdom the generations before us have left us through the richness of the hymns of the faith. Along with the cloud of witnesses, let us here and now proclaim, “How great Thou art!”

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Then Sings My Soul, Vol. 3 through Book Sneeze, in exchange for my honest review.