Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions

Growing up in a Christian home shaped the way I live today. My worldview has to do with everything I was taught growing up at home, through the Word, and at church. I'm convinced that Jesus is the way, but up until I read this book I hadn't really taken a look at other religions & just why they believe what they believe.

Therefore I read through Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions: A Comprehensive Introduction to the Religions of the World by James A. Beverley (Thomas Nelson, 2009). This book does not delve very deep but introduces the reader to the basics of most major faiths and many lesser known ones as well.

The author comes from a Christian perspective and presents the facts of the religions covered. He does so with respect, but unashamedly compares the faiths with biblical truth.

I think that this book is important to read, as well as all other books like this that share what other religions believe. If you are to have proper discussion with those of other religions it always helps to understand where they are coming from. It is also helpful and gives insight into why people behave the way they do. Religion shapes our lives in a large way, even those who claim to have no religion are thereby choosing a belief system and that shapes the way they live.

The Hole in Our Gospel

The Hole in Our Gospel is the story of Richard Stearns, president of World Vision, and his journey from the top of the corporate ladder, hitting his “American Dream,” to his experience aiding the poor and following God’s plan for his life.

The “hole” that Stearns speaks of is the ministry of Jesus and God’s command to help the poor and destitute of the world, and how in our culture we focus so much on the service aspect that we forget it is all about the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

After reading this book I really gained a lot of insight. It is a practical book and also convicting.

Stearns’ writing style causes you reflect on your own mistakes and also learn from what he has gone through.

I was impressed how Stearns accepted the call of God and ended up being exactly where he needed to be at the right time and place. It was a great reminder that regardless of our emotions, outer circumstances or financial situations that obeying God is the only way to be truly satisfied.

Most of the book is a testimony of how God brought Stearns to a brand new place in his life where he couldn’t help but feel passionate and excited about serving those in need. The book has so many stories of Stearns’s experiences in other countries that make you realize how fortunate we are.

One of my concerns about this book was that it would be so focused on “social justice” that it would condemn those who are “rich and powerful,” but it did not go that route which made me more eager to read it. I think that there is a balance when it comes to enjoying life and God’s blessings, and also in helping people. Sometimes books of this nature can have the mindset that anyone with “stuff” or living a comfortable lifestyle are somehow in sin.

But I believe this book just really portrayed that yes that stuff is great, and helping people is also wonderful, but if we forget to share the good news of Jesus Christ with people it is really not going to change a person’s life.

The Noticer - It's All About Perspective

The Noticer is one of the best books I have read. I plan to keep this in my library forever and have recommended it to people even after only reading the first chapter, and now that I've finished it I want everyone to share the experience I had of reading it. This book helps you to really think about your life, your trials and your successes and see them through a new lens of perspective. As "Jones" tells us throughout the whole book, "It's all about perspective." Isn't that the truth. I was inspired by this book, and the interactions throughout the book will relate to your life in some way, shape or form. Each of the encounters with Jones give you a new appreciation for the good parts of life. Instead of looking and dwelling on mistakes this book helps people to see the positive outlook through every situation. I was reminded that life is more than meets the eye, and people go through situations in life that shape them and make them the way they are. It takes a selfless person to really see through the outer shell that people wear and truly learn how to care about people and have compassion on them. It also helped me to think about my life and the people who have made a positive difference. I want to be able to thank those people and let them know how they've shaped my life. What a great book, I plan to read it again!

Max Lucado DVD for kids

I’m a college student, and when I decided to request the kid’s DVD movie called Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure, I had to laugh at myself. But it sounded intriguing and I do love animated movies.

Turns out it was really impressive. It has a great story line based on Psalm 139: 13-14, which says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well (NIV).

As I hoped this movie held my attention and had me laughing. The narrators did a good job and it had creative animation, fun music, humor and a great underlying message. I’d say this movie is best for the younger generation (younger than me even :)), but would also be good in a childrens church classroom too.

I think this movie has a good message for all of us really. God has made us all unique, and there is a reason for that. It helps us to see that we need to be accepting of people no matter what they may look like on the outside (or inside). God knew us even before we were born and created us the way we are for a purpose, and our job is to praise Him in return.

I think this lesson is an important one to teach, especially in the culture we live in.

This Is Your Brain On Joy

I just read this book This Is Your Brain On Joy by Dr. Earl Henslin. I have to say that at first I was intrigued, then skeptical, then even more intrigued, then motivated.

This book uses humor, scientific terms that us normal people can understand, diagrams, self-evaluating tests and serious evidence to show that sometimes all people need to overcome mental health problems are a new look at things, a different appetite, exercise or even supplements.

What I like about this book is that it presents an in-depth look into each part of our brain...but like I said, is easy to follow. Dr. Henslin has a great sense of humor and often uses his friend and colleague Dr. Amen to support many of his suggestions. This book not only gives the scientific proof for various mental issues and how to remedy them, but also shows God's perspective on the thing. It opened my eyes to mental health problems that exist that I really didn't understand, or even had pre-conceived notions about. It definitely changed my perspective.

For anyone who needs a place to get started I truly believe these findings will help you gain a new confidence in your life and bring you to a place of JOY. I believe the author understands how important joy is for our lives, which drew me to this book. Finding joy changes us, but more importantly finding that joy through God is what brings complete healing. I would highly recommend this book! You will finish with more knowledge on the brain and more knowledge about yourself.