Nearing Home

I received a copy of Nearing Home by Billy Graham from Book Sneeze for an honest review. In this moving narrative, Billy Graham once again takes up the pen not only to share his personal experience of growing older but also teach us some important lessons on how to view our time here on Earth. He says that the Bible makes it clear that God has a specific reason for keeping us here. So what is His purpose for these years, and how can we align our lives with it? How can we not only learn to cope with the fears and struggles and growing limitations we face but actually grow stronger inwardly in the midst of these difficulties?

In what may be his most powerful message of the last decade, Billy Graham speaks to all on his side of Heaven as he covers the improtance of four key areas: Building strong foundations and understanding the gift of years, Facing life's transitions, including the passing of years, retirement, and when loved ones die, Making wise decisions, and Understanding our glorious hope.

Graham's sermons, books, travels, interviews, speeches, and ministry have changed the world. He speaks about influencing the younger generation and leaving a good memory and example. There is a lot of great advice within the covers of this book.

Money Secrets of the Amish

I received a copy of Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Craker from NetGalley for an honest review. Author and journalist Lorilee Craker was just like the rest of us, feeling the pinch from the financial fallout of 2008. As a freelancer, her income was going the way of the dodo-family dollars seemed like an extinct myth, the bank account some archeological evidence of past prosperity.

Then, inspired by a news segment covering her people, the Amish, and how they emerged from the economic crisis unscathed, she realized it was time to get back to her roots and learn a thing or two about their time-tested approach to personal finances. While the middle-class was wringing its hands over the family budget and the wealthy were weeping over their slashed portfolios, the Amish were content as always, spared from the cares of the world and worldliness. They not only had financial health to support their lives, they exuded a wholeness that eludes so many when the financial bottom drops out.

If you want to go on an "Amish money makeover" read Money Secrets of the Amish. Craker gives examples of how her family has changed after her visits with the Amish. She also provided steps in each chapter that will help you to change your family as well. This is a good book with many examples and real life stories that will help you change your mindset about our culture.

Start Something That Matters

I recently received a copy of Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie from NetGalley for an honest review. Love your work, work for what you love, and change the world - all at the same time. This sentence sums up the book.
In Start Something That Matters, Blake Mycoskie tells the story of TOMS, one of the fastest-growing shoe companies in the world, and combines it with lessons learned from such other innovative organizations as method, charity: water, FEED projects, and TerraCycle. Blake presents the six simple keys for creating or transforming your own life and business, from discovering your core story to being resourceful without resources; from overcoming fear and doubt to incorporating giving into every aspect of your life. No matter what kind of change you're considering, Start Something That Matters gives you the stories, ideas, and practical tips that can help you get started.
This is a great book that shows you how an idea was transformed into a national brand. And that giving is the bases for what we all should be doing.

Heaven is for Real

I recently read Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent. I received the book from Booksneeze for an honest book review. Heaven is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters Heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.
Colton said he met his miscarried sister whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.
The story is amazing to say the least. I'm amazed by how much Colton said he saw and happened in the short time he said he was there. I just can't get over Colton saying he saw Satan while he was in heaven. That's not one of the people I'd expect to see there. This is a great book.