Chasing Elephants

I had the opportunity to read "Chasing Elephants, Wrestling With The Gray Areas Of Life," by Brent Crowe courtesy of Navpress Publishers as part of their blogger review program. The opinions express are my own in accordance with the FTC guidlines. This book pleasantly suprised me overall, however, the first 4 chapters of the book were a bit slow. The first several chapters were to help one better understand how and why the "questions to deal with the gray areas" came about. I personally think that these could have been omitted and the book would have had the same relevance as with them. Chapter 5 included the "list of questions" that would later help form your own opinion about the "gray areas". This is a comprehensive list with questions like:"will this decision addict or enslave," "is this decision made in the attitude of Christ," and "will this decision have a positive spiritual impact on self." The next chapters were the addressed areas-such as 1. Homosexuality 2.The Cyber World 3. Social Drinking 4. Entertainment and 5. Humanitarian Efforts.
Brent Crowe addressed each of theses touchy subjects with grace and knowledge that made me "like him." I didn't agree with all of his ideas but I did find that my views were a bit changed on ideas once previously thought, due to asking myself the listed questions and how they relate to these areas. This book is great for someone who wants to formulate their own opinions from a biblical basis rather than believe stricly based on what their church or parents may believe.
Great book Mr. Crowe-I look forward to your gracious and humble writing in the future!

Out Live Your Life

Out Live by Max Lucado is a great read! This book is filled with wonderful and meaningful short stories that one can relate to or understand that help demonstrate ways we can make a difference. Chapters such as "Open Your Door, Open Your Heart," "See the Need; Touch the Heart," and "Persecution: Prepare for It; Resist It" are just a glimpse of the contents that will challenge one to go for it and make a difference. This book give alarming statistics that can't be overlooked and forgotten. As well as great reading content-Max Lucado begins each chapter by quoting scripture on a blank page that is a nice and refreshing look at the word. He concludes the chapters with another relevent scripture verse and a meaninful prayer.
After reading this book, I found a discussion and action guide in the back that would be beneficial for a small group or sunday school class. The study guide correlates nicely with each chapter.
I recieved this book free for the purposes of a book review online.

Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon

Home to Holly Springs is a quaint little book where all turns out nice and cozy-like most of her other books. Having said this, it is a sweet read and I will continue to read books by Jan Karon because she is positive and uplifting in her message as well as entertaining. Home to Holly Springs is about a return to Father Tim's childhood hometown and people that were of importance in his memories. He encounters a few unexpected visitors and happenings that fill the book with its charm and character. Overall, Home to Holly Springs is an easy read with good characters and sweet story line. Happy readings!-this book was not a free book for the purpose of writing a review.

In progress

Hey everyone! I'm currently reading Max Lucado's "Out Live Your Life" and Jan Karon's "Home to Holly Springs" and will be thrilled to let you know what I think. I would love to hear your thoughts too!

Radical by David Platt

Radical may not only step on toes, but stomp on feet!  Reading this book was like eating a 10 course meal-meaning, I had to take in 1 chapter at a time, highlight, reread, and digest it.   Alot of thinking and digesting had to occur.  This book will challenge the christian life as you know it, challenge the structure of the modern church as you know it, and challenge how you live your life.  It will burden your heart for others, awaken your senses to the life of others, pull up deep feelings regarding traditions and "the way things have always been."  This book would be a great study group book or read as a stand alone. But be prepared-your mind will go haywire with new thoughts, ideas, and questions that you will want discussion with a fellow reader.  Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!  Be prepared for a deep thinking book-and wear steel toed boots! Please note-this book was not a free book for the purpose of a review-it was simply a personal review.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

Wow, after reading the book "crazy love" ,by Francis Chan, you can't help but question your relationship with the Maker and others-not only in your family, but in your neighborhood, church family, and around the world.  "Crazy love" will have you asking questions regarding finances, life goals, desire to follow Christ, and motivation behind it all.  "Crazy Love" will open doors of conversation regarding the traditional way church is run and asking "why we don't want more as christians?"  It is a great thought provoking book with catchy stories as well as ideas for service.  It has a nice selection of useful resources and websites for further information as well.  Great book worth reading or doing as a small group study!
Please note-this was not a free book for the purpose of a review-it was simply a personal review.