Friday, July 30, 2010

The Big Two Six

Now I know what Hanukkah is like! My birthday isn't until tomorrow but it's been such a great few weeks leading up the big two six. Balloons, flowers, dinner, a headlamp, more balloons, clothes, 3D Jesus (yes, a 3D Jesus), Mike's hard lemonade, and a re-gifted i tunes gift card (any guesses who would give me that??)

George put a balloon in his mom's trunk two weeks ago, before he left for work, that she delivered today....it's the thought that counts for this surprise!

Angie/Brooks/Wynter gave me capris and a shirt, in a size 8 and small! Did I ever wear a size 8?? Do I own any small clothing that I would wear in public? I haven't tried them on yet but I know it will be close. Flattering!!!

Cast of Characters by Max Lucado

In Cast of Characters, Lucado presents a fresh perspective on stories of many characters from the Bible. Each chapter is centered on one or two individuals and recaps Biblically based details with a modern spin to help us understand what exactly happened so long ago. Each story is accompanied by a simple to read, but sometimes difficult to apply, lesson for life. He presents Biblical material in quick chapters in a way that is easy to read for teens or adults of any reading level.

My husband and I may use this as a devotional book in the near future. The end of each chapter includes a handful of study questions that would make for great discussion. Some chapters may be a bit long to use for a devotional, but the majority are a good length for us to read separately and come together to discuss.

I really enjoyed this book. The chapters are short and do not build from each other, so it is nice to be able to put this book down and enjoy another book. One small complaint I have is that at times Lucado tries too hard to drive a point home that he has already gotten across!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

The Right To Lead


The Right To Lead – Learning Leadership Through Character and Courage

John C. Maxwell is the author of this beautiful, inspiring gift book. Through easy to read chapters filled with quotes and stories, he shows readers not how to learn to lead, but how to earn the right to lead. The stories are short, readable, and moving.

I filled a few pages with little quotes and tools to use to become a more effective leader, such as:

If we cannot act alone, we cannot act together.

It takes time to become worthy of followers.

I don't accept them. They accept me.

You've got to love your people more than your position.

There can be no courage unless you're scared.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has been or will be in a leadership position. You may have to try to lead once without formal training or experience, do an alright job or fail, and realize that there are tools out there to help you be better than you were. Then turn to this book.