The Blessing by John Trent & Gary Smalley

I recently read The Blessing, Givign the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance by John Trent and Gary Smalley.  
The authors help you discover the 5 aspects of giving a blessing.  I would recommend this book to parents and spouses who are intent on passing on blessings to each other.  Throughout the book, Trent and Smalley have woven stories along with day to day practical advice to help one pass along blessings to others.  This book helps one think about their relationships and their day to day interactions with those significant people that God has brought into one's life.  It poses the question of how can we better utilize these relationships for opportunities of purpose and increase the depth of those relationships through blessings?  A thought-provoking read :-) 


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.”

Book Review: It's Not About Me by Max Lucado

Having read and enjoyed many of Max Lucado’s books, I was eager to read It’s Not About Me.  In this book, Max tackles “me-centric” thinking as it relates to our happiness and fulfillment in this life. Throughout history, our human nature has lent itself to self-centeredness and narcissism and certainly our culture today is no exception.  But are we truly happy? What are we missing in our day to day lives? How can we be rescued from the life we thought would make us happy?  Max points out that it’s not about me or you – but it is God’s will to center our lives around Him. 

In true Lucado-style, Max tackles the topic in such a way so that no matter where you are in your Christian faith-journey, the material is understandable and thought provoking.  His analogies are powerful and the Biblical references helpful to further reflect on the messages presented.  Max illustrates how we need to center our lives around God.  The included notes and also the study guide and questions by Steve Halliday make this book a great book study for individuals or a small group.

This book is an easy read that promotes reflection and introspection.  If you have ever had the thought that there has got to be more than this in this life….then this book is for you!  I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend this book for anyone wanting to keep the focus on Him rather than on themselves.  Perhaps if we had a change of perspective, we could certainly improve the world we live in.

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.”