Reading
2008 October 21
Here are a few things I’ve read over the last several weeks:
Go Put Your Strengths to Work by Marcus Buckingham
- I highly recommend this book. It challenges the age-old idea that the way we will succeed in life is to thrust our energies into our weaknesses in order to improve them. Buckingham’s research shows that in fact, people get better when they focus with a higher level of intensity on making their strengths stronger. It’s a great read for anyone interested in maximizing their influence, productivity, and effectiveness.
Wide Awake by Erwin Raphael McManus
- Full disclosure: I am an Erwin junkie. That said, this is a fantastic book. It explores what it means to truly live out your dreams. One of my favorite quotes from this book is, “There are things that you are not supposed to learn from experience because the experience will kill you.”
Community 101 by Gilbert Bilezikian
- I decided to do some reading on what Biblically functioning community should look like. At the request of Dr. Waddell, I started with Community 101. Wow. Any Christian should have to read this book. Community is central not only to relational growth, but also to Spiritual growth. Bilezikian begins by exploring the Triune Godhead and then launches into a fantastic overview of what “the church” should look like.
Eternal Echoes by John O’Donohue
- This book is community from the perspective of a quaker. O’Donohue uses multiple essays to explore our longing to belong. Why were created with this longing? What happens when it is not met? When it is pursued? When it is rejected? When it is found? It’s a fantastic reflection on human relationship and the need to belong to one another.
 
 
Awesome stuff man. I need to do a post like this… except… i only read one book at a time…
I just ordered Wide Awake. Can’t wait to read it. I’m a Erwin junkie as well. I haven’t heard or read anything by him that didn’t challenge or enlighten me on some level.
Drew,
Yes you do need to do something like this. Also, I only read one book at a time as well. This is reading from the last month or so.
I like the whole concept of not focusing on what you do badly. People, churches, businesses try to do TOO MUCH. Focus on what you do well and do it better. AGREED.
Wow. Those sound like some great reads. I too have spent a lot of time in books lately.
The latest four are:
1. Who Lives in the Pond?
2. Biscuit’s Pet & Play Easter
3. Who Says Baa?
4. Thank You Prayer
For an in-depth synopsis on the previously mentioned, please visit my blog…nevermind, I don’t have a blog.
I would trade the benefits of reading all four of my books for the opportunity to read one of yours to a niece or nephew.
I think im more on Ashleys level.
Ahhh, that’s so sweet, Jordan. Brings a little tear to my eye. I’ll have to send you a book to read to the kids via skypes!
I pretty much have these memorized:
Green Eggs and Ham
Go, Dog, Go!
Go, Train, Go!
The Giving Tree
The Tea Party
My Dad and I
Love You Forever
I’ve read each of those AT LEAST 100 times… not to mention their Children’s Bibles too. Seriously though, having kids rules. I love reading to them. Best part of the day.
I’d like to recommend “The Shack” by William P. Young. It is AWESOME. It gives a whole new perspective on how to see God and who He really is.
(Kerry in Montgomery)
Hey Kerry!
I’ve read “The Shack”
Click on “2008 Reading” on the sidebar to see my review.
Hey Jordan! (Backatcha)
Good review on The Shack. I’ve read it several times. Other good books I’ve read are “So You Don’t Want To Go To Church Anymore” by Jake Colsen, “When Heaven Invades Earth” by Bill Johnson, and “The Incurables” by Teri Speed.
Maybe I should start a blog with a book review!
My kids are past the Green Eggs and Ham now! Enjoy it while you can, Ashley!!! They grow FAST!