Monday, August 20, 2012

Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day

I've wanted to read a simple, concise book to reference the many religions of the world.  Here is the opportunity to read a brief description of forty short readings, and I was able to absorb it quickly and update my understanding of the world's beliefs.

What religions are represented in your neighborhood, your workplace, and your children's school?  Things seem to be changing every day, and it can be hard to keep up.

In Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day, a cross-cultural expert and professor Garry Morgan explains the key beliefs, histories, and practices of more than twenty religions, including the familiar - Christianity, Judaism, Mormonism - and some of the lesser known - Baha'i, Sikhism, and New Age religions.

The book's format presents an easy-to-read description of a particular religion and includes "An Extra Minute" that I found interesting.
I recommend this book to all those who are curious about what others believe.  It would also be a useful tool for those who need a quick reference if you're teaching a Sunday School class, or leading a bible study.  I think the author's goal to always be respectful was achieved.


*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Books as part of their blogger review program.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Monday, August 13, 2012

Fully Alive Lighten Up and Live - A Journey that Will Change Your Life

Be prepared to get up and get moving!

I first heard the name Ken Davis while listening to his daily radio spot, "Lighten Up And Live" - and his humorous stories remind us to not take life so seriously.
Now, the message he brings in Fully Alive is a real life-changer, if you decide to make that choice.
A fine speaker and author, Ken Davis, has presented a positive challenge for all of us, if you're in your 20's or your 80's, to overcome our fears, "function at the capacity we were created for in every area of life, and not squander what God has given each of us."

With that summary, let me share how this book has encouraged me with the hope that I can still accomplish the dreams I've had and that I can still explore and achieve new experiences.  At an age when many consider it time to "slow down" or "retire", I know that is not the case, especially when Ken Davis tells us he is 65 and he's going to continue climbing mountains, finishing triathlons, or building a tree house for his grandchildren.

There are more self-help books and articles on the market than I want to count,  so when Ken invites me to walk with him on a journey, along a road of heartache and adventure to a place he calls "the land of the living,"  and discover what may be missing in our lives, I promise you'll want to get up and get moving.
A poignant and entertaining storyteller, Davis points out the practical steps necessary to live this way – everything from lightening up to taking a quality of life assessment, to overcoming trials – while also revealing the power of Christ's resurrection available for each of us.
Ken offers to take care of ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually.  So many books and speakers focus on one or two of these aspects of caring for ourselves.  This book covers it all, and it reads quickly.  In fact, I need to finish this review and get going - it's time for my hour of physical care.  
One final note.  Ken's book is one to read, give as a gift, and tell others how it gets you up out of your chair and moving.   I give this a full 5 stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Fully AliveFully Alive