"Fearless", by Eric Blehm

About This Book

Fearless takes you deep into SEAL Team SIX, straight to the heart of one of its most legendary operators.

“As a rule, we don’t endorse books or movies or anything regarding the command where I work—and Adam Brown worked—but as the author writes in Fearless, ‘you have to know the rules, so you know when to bend or break them.’ This is one of those times.  Read this book. Period. It succeeds where all the others have failed.”  --Anonymous SEAL Team SIX Operator

When Navy SEAL Adam Brown woke up on March 17, 2010, he didn’t know he would die that night in the Hind Kush Mountains of Afghanistan—but he was ready. In a letter to his children, not meant to be seen unless the worst happened, he wrote, “I’m not afraid of anything that might happen to me on this earth, because I know no matter what, nothing can take my spirit from me.”

Fearless is the story of a man of extremes, whose courage and determination were fueled by faith, family, and the love of a woman. It’s about a man who waged a war against his own worst impulses, including drug addiction, and persevered to reach the top tier of the U.S. military. In a deeply personal and absorbing chronicle, Fearless reveals a glimpse inside the SEAL Team SIX brotherhood, and presents an indelible portrait of a highly trained warrior whose final act of bravery led to the ultimate sacrifice.

Adam Brown was a devoted man who was an unlikely hero but a true warrior, described by all who knew him as…fearless.

My Thoughts

My first reaction after reading this book (without putting it down for a minute!) was to wish this book was required reading for all secondary education students.  To understand what someone has done to keep each of us free and safe is to read the story of Adam Brown.  His name is added to the list of many other brave people when defining the word "warrior".

It's difficult to read a book when you know the ending.  Yet, it's very important to read the beginning and learn about Adam's life.  He will inspire our young people to not give up, even if their life is messed up.  Adam's parents never gave up on him.  His wife, Kelley, never gave up on him.  She deserves her own medal for the faith and courage and hope she had for her husband.

I will give Fearless as a gift to many, as this is a story that deserves to be told again and again. My humble words of praise are so insignificant in comparison to the impact of this book and the story told within it's pages.  I realize how blessed I am to live in a country in which so many people have done much to give us freedom.

Without a doubt, this book is a keeper and will stay on my favorites shelf, always.

The writing skills and thorough research of author, Eric Blehm, deserve an enormous degree of gratitude and the title of "best-selling author".   Thank you, Eric.  Please keep writing stories of unsung heros.

 "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review" 

Lord, I Give You This Day, by Kay Arthur

Do you need wisdom and strength for the days ahead?  

Do you long for the peace God promises, the power to perservere?

Reviewing "Lord, I Give You This Day", brought an instant feeling of comfort as I read the 366 Appointments with God in this power-packed daily devotional, by Kay Arthur.  She beckons you into a deeper relationship with God, helping you discover for yourself the life-changing power of His unwavering character and unshakeable love.  As each brief reading draws you into the Bible and leads you into purposeful prayer, you'll be equipped to greet each day with bold faith, confident in God's faithfulness, strength, and transforming grace. Kay says, "In the greatest trials I have faced, these were the truths that kept me in perfect peace as I took them into my heart and lived accordingly."

As I read the introduction ....

"Each brief, one page reading addresses the challenges and joys of surrendered living...."

the suggestion of surrender gave me a sense of drawing my daily strength for each new day from God, and only from Him.  Kay suggests that if you make the consistent practice of surrendering, you'll find your life and your relationships transformed.  That sounds really good and positive.
I like the format for each day's devotion with a simple thought, confirmed by God's Word and at the end is a one or two sentence prayer, or an idea or suggestion from the author how to apply that day's devotion.  The simplicity of this book will allow this book to stay at my bedside permanently.  I've read many devotionals throughout my lifetime, and this little book is just right for anyone.   The added bonus of this beautiful treasured book is the fact that the publishers had this book printed here in the United States.  One final note, the size and smooth cover make this book so nice to hold.  What a wonderful book!

You might like to click on the link http://www.scribd.com/doc/92939414/Lord-I-Give-You-This-Day-366-Appointments-with-God#.UUFLCKK0KSo   to read the first chapter and find out this is a book you need. 


"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

 

From the Library of C.S. Lewis

Selections frrm Writers Who Influenced His Spiritual Journey, compiled by James Stuart Bell with Anthony P. Dawson.

"To truly know Lewis, one must become familiar with the body of literature that marked his life.  Jim Bell and Tony Dawson give curious students of Lewis a glimpse of the books and authors that informed his life's work and kindled his imagination." - Jerry Root, coeditor of The Qutable C. S. Lewis and a C. S. Lewis scholar


About the Author
James Stuart Bell wrote his master’s thesis on C. S. Lewis, receiving his M. A. from University College Dublin, in Ireland. The owner of Whitestone Communications, the former executive editor of Moody Press, and director of religious publishing for Doubleday, Bell has authored several books, including The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Bible.

About the Book

C. S. Lewis was one of the most influential thinkers and writers of the twentieth century. But who influenced C. S. Lewis? What were the sources of his inspiration? Who were his spiritual mentors?

Drawn from Lewis’s personal library, annotations, and references from his writings, this book includes more than 200 selections from literary giants such as Dante, Augustine, and Chaucer, as well as more contemporary writers such as G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, George MacDonald, and J.R.R. Tolkien, providing a vast array of inspiration from those who have shone forth as messengers of light in Lewis’s own thinking, writing, and spiritual growth.
In this treasury, you will…
· Glean wisdom on living a devout life from Andrew Murray and Brother Lawrence
· Tap into fantasy and imagination with William Wordsworth and Geoffrey Chaucer
· Ponder creation and poetry alongside Sir Walter Scott and Aristotle

My Thoughts

I like what Walter Hooper, Literary Advisor to the C. S. Lewis Estate, one of the world’s leading authorities on the life and works of C. S. Lewis, and the editor of dozens of Lewis’s works wrote about this book,  This is the perfect entrance to the world C. S. Lewis inhabited, and it arrives just when that world of books is under threat of extinction. Thanks to those who have given us such a gold mine.” 

That kind of expression made me want to read this book right now!

I found the writings of the many masters who influenced C.S. Lewis not as difficult as I first suspected. Growing up without the opportunity to read many of the 'old books' made me excited to review this valuable summary of so many pieces of literature. Each excerpt provides knowledge and inspiration. After reading even a short portion of the book quickly reveals why C.S. Lewis is one of the masters of literature.
I would recommend this book for students or someone wanting to discover short snippets of writings from long ago.

Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for sending me a free copy of this book to review

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

Mondays with My Old Pastor

Mondays with My Old Pastor has been a real treat to read and so my review will reflect positive thoughts.  The book is the true story of a a totally burned-out young pastor who reignites his faith and gathers wisdom for life while spending successive Mondays with an eighty-three-year-old pastor.

"Deep inside in some uncertain part of my soul persisted this strange exhaustion that was difficult to explain and hard to endure," writes pastor and author José Luis Navajo. Thinking of quitting the ministry, Navajo doesn't know where to turn until he begins meeting with a seasoned man of the cloth—his "old pastor"—who, through successive Monday visits, offers a legacy of wisdom in the form of 15 unique principles."

I believe this book will benefit anyone who questions their purpose in life, or feels the frustrations experienced daily.  It's a wonderful book to inspire and restore hope.   

With 15 Monday visits shared in this brief little book, I believe my favorite is on the 10th Monday.  His Old Pastor shares this:  Simply make room for Him in your daily life.  I like that.  When I act on that simple statement, my day  goes well.  
I'll share one more thoughtful treasure:  Sit everyday at the feet of Jesus, and then Tell the world what you have seen.  That would make the world brighter.  
I hope I've shared enough that you'll want to read this moving, beautifully written account of Navajo's journey from desperation to rejuvenation.  In lyrical prose, he shares the personal anecdotes, fables, and deep spiritual insights offered by the old pastor and his wife.   By turns funny, heartbreaking, and thought provoking, Mondays with My Old Pastor is a comfort to anyone who struggles in his or her walk with God.   
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Coming Revolution, by Dr. Richard G. Lee

With an intensity of stirring emotions, this next BookSneeze review has drawn me to a stronger degree of interest in our current American political stage.
Dr. Richard G. Lee has written "The Coming Revolution",   describing America’s powerful past and then revealing a nation of people who  are willing to stand up for the original principles of our country and how to protect our own personal and national freedom.

Using this country's rich heritage of liberty and democracy as a roadmap toward where we could be headed, Dr. Lee brings thoughtful clarity to the ever-growing probability of such a revolution in America; illuminating the important reminder that the voices of every revolution have been-and always will be-the ordinary everyman.

"A powerful reminder about why America is great and worth fighting for."

-Lt. Colonel Oliver L. North, USMC (Ret.)

"Within this book Dr. Richard Lee clearly reveals how the intolerable conditions being forced upon the American people by Washington's current administration will lead to a certain and powerful explosion of predictable consequences."

-Michael Reagan

What impressed me as I read this book, was Dr. Lee's description of our public education system's negligence and failure to teach our children the complete facts of our country's heritage.  This is a strong statement and yet I have actually witnessed it first-hand as I questioned the lack of American history taught in our public school.


Another section of the book may challenge your knowledge on how the legacy of The Great Awakening shaped the patriots of the American Revolution.  You can read the 14 principles in detail in Chapter 4, "The Birth of the American Spirit".  


Throughout the book are details of how this country began originally, what our country's current trend could be moving toward (socialism?), and finally what we can do as individuals to restore and inspire patriotism and pride in America!  The American Spirit is what makes this country so great.  I would recommend this book for anyone living in this country, whether you are an American citizen or not.


Remembering what our forefathers endured, I know this book can inspire each reader to take a positive approach and not be afraid to stand up and protect our freedom.  Reading The Coming Revolution confirms the belief that protecting our personal and national freedom comes with a price.  


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

No, We Can't, by Robert Stearns

The world is shifting.  It is dissatisfied, baffled and craving transformation.  

Once I read that intro, I was curious.  The world we live in today is bombarded with news of coexistence, wars, peace, and opinions.  What should we believe?  Does anyone know the truth?  How can we trust any source to be accurate?  These are all questions that begin to have answers in this latest book I've read, by author, Robert Stearns.

The book, "No, We Can't, Radical Islam, Militant Secularism and the Myth of Coexistence", provides the reader with a comparative religious overview of a coming perilous culture clash.

My first impression as I began to read this book, was apprehension.  As I read further, I realized I need to be more informed about the three dominant world cultures and their value systems.  The presentation of each culture is quite detailed and factual.  Understanding how different belief systems and each culture's response to basic human needs was the major portion of this book.
After reading "No, We Can't, a believer of  Judeo-Christian beliefs and values will be able to respond to a world we thought would always stay the same.  That world is changing rapidly whether we like it or not.  Should you read this book?  Yes.  Should a believer of Islam or secularism read this book?  I think so.  Will we all be able to coexist?  After reading this book, probably not.  The age-old struggle for power and being in control hasn't changed.
One final thought.  I believe this book would be read by more people if it was titled, perhaps, "The Climax of Human Civilization", or "Coexistence Is A Myth".
"I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers for this review."

Then Sings My Soul, Book 3, by Robert Morgan

My passion is music, especially hymns of faith.  This future book to review, "Then Sings My Soul", will be a treat to read. 

The long-awaited third installment! In 2003, Robert Morgan released what would become a future classic for over a million readers, a unique book entitled Then Sings My Soul. This collection of the world’s greatest hymns and the stories behind them stirred an entire generation to better understand the heritage of our faith through song.
Now, in the long-awaited third volume of this series, Morgan expands his material to include the great history of worship, the first biblical hymns, biographical sketches of the most interesting composers, and almost 60 generations of hymn singing. The new book also includes a collection of the greatest hymns you’ve never heard, with lead-sheets included.
All of this is in addition to even more standard hymns and the stories of the composers behind them.
Morgan’s conclusion guides the reader into enjoying all of God’s music, blending the old and the new into a symphony of praise that keeps the worship alive for a new generation.
 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Game One", by Emmett Smith

 After watching this "smooth moves" entertainer, it will be delightful to learn about the man behind the dancer.

Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher of the Dallas Cowboys, Dancing with the Stars champion, and successful real-estate investor, outlines the principles that helped him become a winner on and off the football field. In "Game On" he encourages you to live your God-given dream, now. Emmitt reveals that it’s not only vision and talent that propel us toward our dreams, but also a combination of determination, persistence, humility, courage, and faith. In this book, Emmitt gives readers the tools to pursue their dream with all their mind, heart, and soul.

The best part of "Game On" is author Emmitt Smith's ability to draw his reader into his plan (that works!) to dream, set goals, and then build on the strengths God has given you.

I found myself thinking seriously about dreams and goals I still want to achieve.  Not only dreams and goals, but a very important part of this book deals with principles that are determined by our character traits.  Chapter 3 "Follow Your Path", discusses the content of our character.  I was very impressed with this chapter as the author reminds us that in order to be of good character we put the needs of others first, not always an easy thing to do.  Well, I believe that is "Game On"!

Emmitt shares many football stories throughout the book, which would attract many sports enthusiasts to read his inspiring story.  In particular, stories of his time spent with football legend, Walter Payton, deserve to be read.

I have received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House

We Be BIG by Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey

We Be BIG is a true story based on the lives of two funny men, Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey, radio entertainers on an Alabama morning talk show.  They each share of growing up with a passion for entertainment and the technical features of radio.  The story continues with their eventual collaboration of talents as they have become a popular, conservative, red-neck flavored, morning-commute radio show.

"We Be BIG" kept my attention.  In fact, after finishing the book, I logged onto their website and enjoyed their morning program streaming live on Q102.  Years ago my younger brother told me of his favorite radio show with these two guys, Rick and Bubba.  Now I understand where he got his funny, true stories!  He proved the belief told in the book that listeners respond to people who are 'real' on the radio. 

My biggest impression of the book was how two men followed their beliefs.  They worked very hard, invented extremely clever marketing tools and made true-life events funny.  How American is that!

One of my favorite stories, "Save Sand Mountain Sam", tells of the rescue of a pitiful possum.  Rick and Bubba used that possum promotion to build radio ratings and it worked.

They saved the most important part of the book toward the end as they shared how God has directed and continues to direct their lives, on the radio, and in their personal lives.

This book will make you laugh, as well as cry.  Most of all you will be encouraged to continue to trust God to show you how to make choices in your life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”