Surprised by Hope

On Saturday, my wife needed to do some research so we dropped off the boy at his grandparents for a few hours and went down to the Nashville Public Library. It was the perfect place to enjoy and finish up N.T. Wright's Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church.

There is nothing I could say in this post to describe the gist of Wright's thinking. Every paragraph carries a big punch of theology. However, I did come away from the book with a refreshing set of thoughts on the subject of eschatology. I have not really done an in-depth study on death and what might happen to a person when he or she dies, and I'll admit I still haven't after reading Wright's book. Still, I feel like his book was a solid foundation to build on for more study on the topic. The way he presents his argument is phenomenal. It would take me years to even be at a point to dispute any of his research and thinking on life after death.

N.T. Wright certainly ranks among the brightest theological minds today. As a friend of mine says, "C.S. Lewis is a brilliant writer and good theologian while N.T. Wright is a brilliant theologian and a good writer."

Love is the Killer App

Recently, I've watched several videos of Tim Sanders, the Chief Solutions Officer of Yahoo! They are pretty inspiring. So, I finally got around to reading one of his books, Love is the Killer App.

The book is a quick and easy read packed with a lot of good stuff. The basis of the book is to help you succeed in business by becoming a "lovecat". He then narrows his focus on how to become a lovecat through gaining knowledge, building a network, and showing compassion.

I particularly enjoyed the chapter on "Knowledge". Basically, it was 50 pages of why & how you should be reading a long with what you should be reading. If you aren't reading a lot right now, Tim Sanders does a great job of convincing you that you should. If you want to get anywhere, you have to be a reader. In fact, Sanders says "Don't let a guy like me, get a step up on you." He is referring to the knowledge he gains from reading. He atrributes a lot of his success to books and implies that if everyone else was reading like he was, he might not be the same success. It made me think.

Dust Jackets

Whenever I buy a hardcover book, I always struggle between whether to keep the dust jacket on or off. Most of the time it annoys me. It slips off, it gets torn, it accidentally gets put on upside down, and it mostly just frustrates me. However, I do like the look of some dust jackets. They really do get my attention and cause me to want to read more with a few exceptions.

Right now I am in the middle of reading Love is the Killer App by Tim Sanders, and last night as I was reading I came across the following tip.

"Tip: Hardbacks come covered with dust jackets. Don't take that jacket off. Let the design keep you interested in the book. More important, the colors, the images, and the words will help elicit feedback from others. If you carry around a plain cloth book, few people will ask you what you're reading. If you're holding a book with a flashy jacket, someone will probably wonder about it, giving you the opportunity to share your thoughts and helping you learn to express the book's kernel. You own the theory best when you can fully communicate it to others."

So, I now have the answer to my dilemma. However, I do think it is interesting that Sanders tells his readers to always buy hardbacks yet, Love is the Killer App is a paperback. Oh well.

What do you do with dust jackets? Do you leave them on or take them off?

Widow of the South

This weekend I was able to finally finish The Widow of the South by Robert Hicks. For some reason (well several actually) I've not had the opportunity to read as much over the last 2 weeks. This book is a historical fiction book based on real people during the time of the U.S. Civil War. So, whenever I tried to pick up where I left off it took me awhile to get back into it.

Anyway, the story is set in Franklin, TN, and begins just prior to Confederate solders attacking the Union lines. The story is told from the perspective of several characters. The main character of the book is Carrie McGavock, who lived at the Carnton Plantation. The story follows her service to the soldiers as the Confederacy took over her home as one of the field hospitals for what was the deadliest and bloodiest battle of the entire war.

I have a really hard time with this kind of fiction. I am a stickler for details, so I didn't like not knowing where poetic license was used. However, had I never read anything about the Battle of Franklin this story would have peaked my interest to learn more. It really does do a good job of describing life during that time, especially life that took place post-war.

If you prefer fiction over history and you don't know much about the Battle of Franklin, I think you should read this story.

Descending Into Greatness

We are attempting to start a book reading club at our office and the first book on our list was Descending Into Greatness by Bill Hybels. Bill is known for his success at the Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois and even though this book was published back in the early 90's it was still very applicable.

Hybels uses the beginning of Philippians 2 as the foundation of his book. If you read that passage it pretty much sums up the book. However, the book expands by giving some anecdotal examples of how a person must intentionally take a downward path in order to rise to success. Hybels also doesn't sugarcoat it by saying it will be easy.

I didn't find the book awe inspiring like some might, but it was a good reminder of the importance of letting go of your own self interests and provide for others. My favorite part was the comparison he made between Jesus and Herod.

Have you read it? What did you think?

Good in a Room

During my trip to New York, I took Good in a Room by Stephanie Palmer with me. Stephanie worked with MGM and supervised several multi-million dollar films, including Legally Blonde. She has a lot of experience in meetings and hearing pitches from screenwriters. She decided to take what she has observed in meetings and give readers a few tips.

I enjoyed the book and got a lot out of it. Although, I'm not a screenwriter, I did take to heart much of what she said but tried to think how I could apply her suggestions to web pages and routine meetings. I also particularly enjoyed the chapters on the subject of networking. She talks about how it is more important to sit down with one person for an hour rather than 6 people for 10 minutes each. If you've been talking an hour, then odds are you will get along with that person should you work together. Well, that happened at our conference. In fact, we ended up talking with a guy for over an hour and a half. We enjoyed the conversation immensely and made a genuine contact.

I have to say this is the kind of book that causes you to look back on past experiences and say "what was I thinking?" I was embarrassed by myself when looking back at some of the things I've said or done in meetings.

Who Moved My Cheese?

For lunch yesterday I walked down to the local Barnes & Noble. I decided to pick up Spencer Johnson's Who Moved My Cheese? I actually sat down and read it in the next 30 minutes. It was a nice little story.

I know many people have read this book several years ago and the message may not be new, but as short as the book is, it's a great refresher for dealing with change. Now, I didn't think it was the greatest thing I had ever read, but I will say the story of Hem, Haw, Scurry, and Sniffy relates to us all. Regardless of how big or little change you are facing, it's a good story.

I'd say read it.

Raising a Successful Child

A few weeks ago my wife and I stopped by the Half Price Book store. As we were wandering around the store I noticed a table full of books that were all the same with a sign that said, "$1". As I looked closer there must have been 50 or 60 titles of The Everything Parent's Guide To Raising a Successful Child by Denise D. Witmer.
So, with low expectations and price to match, I picked up a copy. I have to say it wasn't mind blowing nor was it life altering. However, I did find it very useful. It did a great job of raising awareness about situations we face with our little one. It was simple to read, with highlighted facts in each chapter, and a summary of what to look for in each age bracket. The book covers a multitude of issues, from modeling, discipline, even budgeting. I'm glad I picked it up.

This was the first of The Everything series that I have read, but I am inclined to pick up others now. I also heard on the radio yesterday, some stat on how unprepared parents are with raising children. I don't know what the stat was but basically it said that parents are not reading parenting books. Don't do you child injustice - read a parenting book, or several.

The Tortoise Always Wins

We are reminded a lot at our office about the Aesop's classic fable, The Tortoise and the Hare. Once in an interview Dave Ramsey had with Zig Zigler, they talked about the story. Zigler said something along these lines. No matter how many times I read this book, the Tortoise wins every time!



Happy Birthday Dad!

Boom! 7 Choices for...

I just completed Boom! 7 Choices for Blowing the Doors Off Business-As-Usual by Kevin and Jackie Frieberg. The Friebergs co-authored the international best seller NUTS! Southwest Airlines' Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success. In the last 2 years, I can't count the number of references in books that I've seen about Southwest Airlines' way of doing business. The stories you hear really are remarkable. Anyway, back to Boom!. I had reservations at first because I wasn't sure I really wanted to read another business book right now, but with authors like Seth Godin and Marcus Buckingham giving it praise I decided to go ahead forge through. I'm glad I did.

I like it when a book slaps me in the face and that's what this one did. You see, working for Dave Ramsey is something special because the atmosphere is absolutely incredible. There's nothing "usual" about business here. It's nothing like a corporate environment. Having said that I didn't expect to get a whole lot out of this book but there were so many incredible take aways that can make my work experience go from great to greater. So, if I can say this about a book, working in a place that I love, then I imagine Boom! can do for you even more if you are somewhere you loathe.

Whether you are in a leadership position or at the bottom of the totem pole, the Friebergs have some great stuff to offer. This is one of the best reads so far this year.

If you want to learn more about the book and the authors, check out http://www.boombook.com/. In fact, while you are there, take the survey and see what kind of impact the Friebergs might have on you.

Put this one on your reading list!

Meatball Sundae

Last night I wrapped up Seth Godin's latest book Meatball Sundae. Overall, I liked what he had to say and enjoyed it, but by the end I still felt like something was lacking.

Godin said in the introduction that you could read the executive summary and pretty much get the gist of the book. He was right. That's not to say the book wasn't worth reading, but the summary is a good place for a quick review.

The main theme of the book is about how traditional marketing (old) is increasingly losing ground from new marketing. Web 2.0 has completely changed the dynamics when it comes to making your company a big deal. No longer is it feasible to try and hitch your wagon to a star. Big media is no longer the major player in marketing and advertising, the consumers are. Anyway, Godin shares 14 different trends for new marketing. If your in marketing and advertising and you are not familiar with all of these trends, you might want to get a copy and brush up on the internet.

Have you read Meatball Sundae? What did you think?

No More Mondays

Perhaps I should have waited to talk about this on Monday, but there's no time like the present. A few weeks ago, life coach, author, and radio show host, Dan Miller came to speak at one of our devotionals. He left us all with a copy of his latest book No More Mondays as a gift.

As I read through his first book, 48 Days to the Work You Love, I had a hard time getting into it. It suspect it was largely due to the fact that I really liked my job and I was not into reading as much. Well, this time around was completely different. I loved the book. I took a lot of great quotes and examples from every chapter. Just being in the book made me feel confident about chasing one of the dreams I've had for the past few years.

Here are a few excerpts that I was glad to find. Enjoy the book and keep reading.

People often ask me how I find time to read as much as I do. (I read at least one new book a week.) The answer is that I'm afraid not to...

...The marketing guru Dan Kennedy says he's observed that people with tiny bank accounts tend to have no libraries, but they usually have big TVs.

A Stanford University study has indicated that if you read thirty to sixty minutes each day in your field of interest, in four to five years you will be a national authority.

All leaders are readers.

- No More Mondays , p198.

Mastering the Seven Decisions

Thanks to Andy Andrew's and Thomas Nelson Publishers, I was able to read Andy's latest book Mastering the Seven Decisions, which is on sale now but won't be shipped until April 15, 2008. This book is a follow up to The Traveler's Gift.

You certainly don't have to read The Traveler's Gift before Mastering the Seven Decisions, but they cover the same subjects in two completely different ways. His first book is simply a fable that's a light read and very enjoyable. It's about a man who meets seven different people from the past and future and gives him some guiding principles. This latest book takes his first one a step further.

Mastering the Seven Decisions takes a hands on approach with application. Throughout each chapter, Andy gives you several questions to help you apply each "decision" he discusses. There's a good bit of repetition from the first book, but to be honest it didn't really bother me. The stories Andy uses to make his point are fun to read. This book was a nice refresher. It reminded me to check my compass when it comes to personal growth.

The Shack

"Why does God allow bad things to happen?" It's a question that will never stop being asked and one that never has an easy answer. The things that take place in our world that cause such a question to surface have also been the cause for many people to turn from God completely.

William P. Young's The Shack addresses this question as he writes about the inner struggle of a man named Mack who has had to deal with death and abuse. I'm not qualified to critique the writing style of Young, but I will say the book does a great job of addressing the question through a fable. I'll admit that it was a bit strange, but all in all he does a great job of helping readers think about how God also has to deal with evil as well. If you have dealt with some type of heart ache in life which in turn may have put a strain on your relationship with God, then I think you will enjoy this book. It doesn't have to be an experience with death or abuse. The story simply helps you handle thoughts that cause your frustration with God. Besides, the book is becoming very popular and it wouldn't hurt to know what everyone is talking about, right?

I did notice in the back of the book an ad by the publisher Wind Blown Media. It was an ad for another book they put out that I highly recommend. It's So, You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore? by Jake Colsen.

Pet Peeving's pet peeve contest

All right Pet Peeving readers. This is your first opportunity to win a prize on Pet Peeving's first ever contest. Here's the scoop.

The Prize:
I am giving away 8 free copies of Andy Andrew's book, Mastering the Seven Decisions. The book goes on sale April 15, 2008. So, you could get a copy before anyone else!

How to Win:
Be one of the first 8 people to answer the question below by commenting on this post.

What is your biggest pet peeve and why?


It's that simple - good luck! Oh, if you are one of the first 8 and it's likely that I don't know how to reach you, please email me at ben4rest [at] gmail.com.

The Way of Jesus

The last four books I have read in the Christian genre have all been recommendations. Three of the last four have dealt mostly with the issue of "institutional church". I have to say that what I have read in the past few months has shaken the very ground from which I was introduced to my faith...but I like it.

I just finished a book by Jonathan & Jennifer Campbell entitled The Way of Jesus. The authors share a little about their journey and frustrations with "church" and reveal the path they took to discovering Jesus in a more personal way. It's a path rarely found in organized religion. The book alone is worth the quotes that are pulled out in each chapter. Still, I would place the impact this book had on me behind So, You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore? (a fable) and Pagan Christianity. I've enjoyed all three and here is where I'm left.

I'm left with purposefully redefining what "church" is and living life that way. I've finally begun to embrace the church in it's broadest since where it is more inclusive rather than exclusive. I'm still not convinced that a gathering of people at a large building doesn't have advantages over an organic house church. However, I clearly see where the disadvantages are as well. If you are at point where you feel good about "church", then take off on this study. It will rock your world.

Back in the saddle

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of an old friend coming into to town to visit. We enjoyed the snow. It was my son's first big snow and he seemed to have fun. He wasn't sure why his mom and dad were throwing that white stuff at each other but when it was time to go in, he wouldn't have it. Then as the weekend came to an end, my 2/3 of my household became sick and I was one.

I'm better now, and it's nice to be back in the saddle. So, before you think this post is pointless, I just wanted to jot down my experience from this morning's devotional at work before I forget.

We had the honor of hearing Dan Miller author of 48 Days to the Work You Love (which is a great book) and radio show host speak to us this morning. Dan also provided each of us with a copy of his latest book, No More Mondays which I will read in the next few weeks and let you know what I think.

This morning Dan spoke about opportunity. He gave several good examples from his line of work as a personal coach. I'm not going to spend a lot of time telling you all of the examples, but I do want to remind you that if you are in a work situation (or other life situation even) that appears to have very limited options or you don't like the options available, there are often other options available that you overlook. Exercise some patience and resist the knee-jerk reactions to a bad situation. Whether it is a layoff or you simply don't like your job, there are more opportunities to your situation than you might think about.

Here is a blog post on Dan's blog about opportunity.

The Reason for God

A few posts back I mentioned that I was reading The Reason for God by Timothy Keller. The book was sent to me by a new friend in NYC who has what many would say is an unbelievable story of survival. However, as I read this book it occurred to me that his story isn't so unbelievable when you believe in God.

You see, Keller's book deals with the whole issue of skepticism and having faith in God. The book was wonderful. It handled the subject of apologetics in a very clear and concise way. It isn't over your head theology. It's not a "Bible beating" approach to prove the existence of God. More than anything, the book helped me to appreciate my faith in God and gave me a greater confidence to live a life in Christ. It takes a practical look at both sides; Atheism and Christianity.

Every chapter challenged my critical thinking and has pushed me to think further. It's also caused me to consider more about how religion can be a very dangerous weapon, especially against those who do not believe in a faith. I was reminded that Christianity can carry a certain arrogance if you're not careful. If anything Christianity should bring a greater awareness of humility which sets it apart from other religions, but it often does not.

It's a great book, and is a wonderful supplement today for Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.

Thanks for the book Brian!

Velvet Elvis

Recently I have heard a lot of people talking about Velvet Elvis written by Rob Bell. I have actually heard a lot of mixed reviews. Some love it and others didn't really care for it at all. Since so many people have talked about it, I decided to take a look under the hood.

I wasn't impressed. Still, it was worth my money because I got several good thoughts out of it. The only thing about the book is that I never felt like I was following a pattern. I got a few good nuggets here or there but I just kind of wondered where the author was trying to take me. I'll admit, it could have just been me. I was reading through a lot of it while being distracted by my one year old.

I don't think this book will challenge any seasoned Christian with thinking, but I can see how this book would be a nice little read for those in the beginning of their faith. I do appreciate Bell's aptitude for research. He does manage to reflect on some historical facts that pertain to the setting of several Bible passages, that many ministers or authors would have chosen to ignore (ex. Jesus's garment and Jewish education for children)

Have you read it? Thoughts?

Pagan Christianity

Frank Viola and George Barna have joined together to write a very challenging book for Christians today. It's called Pagan Christianity. If you enjoy "going to church" this book will challenge you. If you are not comfortable (I don't know, even if you are) with your faith, this book is not for the faint of heart.

The idea of this book challenges our current views of what exactly "church" is. Even for those who have sought out after the perfect church by asking how the first century church practiced, might discover that they still have not followed the early church's pattern. The authors set out to show how our Sunday patterns are not rooted in New Testament examples, but rather are influenced from pagan rituals from earlier centuries.

In the past I have fought through many of the thoughts Viola and Barna introduce, and after reading it I actually developed a greater appreciation for many ideals of my own heritage within churches of Christ. There were many things I was taught growing up that seemed petty and unsubstantial, ie. churches of Christ are not denominational, but this book gave credence to some of the stances that were taken. However, I revisited many areas of our heritage that I wasn't so proud of. Regardless of your heritage, I think you too, will experience similar feelings as you read it. It's a book by its very nature, that will call you to action - whatever that may be.