A Place Called Blessing

I'll admit, I'm not one who heads straight to the fiction section in the library, but after reading the latest novel by Dr. John Trent, I just might frequent that section more often. When I picked up A Place Called Blessing, I could hardly put it down. In the book, the narrator retells his story of growing up in a foster care system, being separated from his brothers, being able to reconnect with them for a while only to blow it a little while later and get all of them sent off to a children's home still at a young age. Our friend Josh coped by learning to trust no one after going through feelings of rejection and living with the label of being undesirable. His story is one of overcoming loneliness and a past filled with hurt as two individuals invest into his life and show him that there is more to life than living for oneself.

Through the models of the characters portrayed in this little novel, I’ve been blessed by all the ways of encouragement, wisdom, and generosity each person exemplified to one another and motivated to do similarly to others. This is a wonderful book and deserves to be on everybody’s reading list.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of A Place Called Blessing through Book Sneeze, in exchange for my honest review.

Washington: A Legacy of Leadership

A few weeks ago we celebrated the 235th anniversary of our country's independence. In our nation’s existence, perhaps no one particular man has had such a vital part in shaping our country than George Washington. He is referred to as the “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” Having recently traveled out to the state bearing his name, I decided it best to brush up on some George Washington history. The book I decided to read is titled, Washington: A Legacy of Leadership, from the new series on the American Generals.

As a volume focusing on his military career, this book started with his first military missions and focused on his key part in shaping the country through heading up the Continental Army and the path that brought him to the point of leading the new nation as her first President. I learned a lot about what went into the rigors of warfare at the time—much hardship and sacrifice definitely were required of all men. Through it all, Washington's integrity and resolve made him the man for each of the responsibilities given him. Even while a young soldier, Washington was a man of principle and self-control and one who trusted in the providence of God. He was a flawed man, but due to his willingness to be used by God, he fulfilled his purpose in life and set the foundation for a strong nation. Through the stories and accounts the author was able to bring to the table of Washington and his men, I have a greater appreciation not just for the man but also for my country.


Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Washington: A Legacy of Leadership through Book Sneeze, in exchange for my honest review.

Facing Your Giants

I recently came across a study on courage by Max Lucado. Taken from David’s example of meeting Goliath head-on (or head-off, as the case may be), the title of the work is “Facing Your Giants.” In this study, Lucado identifies practical ways that we too can go out and face our giants.

As a precursor to the whole situation, young David was willing to be used of God, even if it was to be out in the fields tending the sheep—a job none of his older brothers wanted to do. While there, the groundwork was laid for David to be courageous by protecting the flock from lions, bears, and other predators. When it came time for action on the big stage, David already had the perspective which views God as bigger than anything else that is out to get him—whether it be a hungry bear or a blasphemous giant. The theme that Lucado brings out is “focus on God, giants tumble…focus on giants, you stumble.”

This book served as a good reminder to me that no matter the struggle I may be facing, like David I ought to look to the past an recount God's faithfulness, make prayer a priority, and be persistent with the passions God has given me. There have been situations recently that seem impossible—and no doubt there will be more around the corner—but these principles of godly courage hold true. I would highly recommend this book (or audiobook) to anyone who has a giant or two standing in the path before him—go face your giant!