Mondays with my Old Pastor by Jose Luis Navajo

Inspirational, Insightful and Informative

When people reach their mid-life, some realize they may have taken the wrong career.  That can be quite a shock to most of us but it is a traumatic situation when you have been a pastor for several years.  The author tells his story of being at the crossroads, thinking about trying another vocation.  Through a suggestion from his wife, he goes to see a retired pastor, the one he replaced.  Through a series of Monday meetings, the author is able to re-evaluate his life, correct what has been wronged and redirect his life with more of a purpose toward Jesus.  Patterned much like the Bible the book is full of parables that help the reader to understand and better relate to the situation.  The best part of the book, without spoiling it, is at the end the Old Pastor gives a very special gift to the author.  This gift is intended to be passed on and shared with others.  I will put this book in a special place in my library.

I received a free copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review of the book.

Fearless by Eric Blehm

Perfect Memorial Day Read

Timing was perfect; I received my copy of Fearless by Eric Blehm the Friday before Memorial Day.  The book is a biography about Adam Brown.  The author does an excellent job of not sugar coating the remarkable story of this courageous man.  The author first drills down into Adam’s childhood to find how he was raised and what made him tick.  You could tell that at an early age he is destine to do something great.  Then you find out he is human and made a critical mistake that would haunt him the rest of his life, he got addicted to drugs.  At that time, his girl friend and future wife tried repeatedly to get him to quit.  Renewing his faith he digs deep to see that he should do to straighten out his messed up life.  He is introduced to the Navy Seal's and is driven to secede as a Special Forces member.  Even after he loses the sight in one eye, has four of his finger cut off, and replaced he still had the drive, determination and skill to make it into the elite of all Special Forces.  Adam Brown reminds us just how proud we should be for all the men and women who serve out great country.  His unselfish dedicated that eventually took his life should be a story told for generations to come. 

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.

All Pro Dad by Mark Merrill

With the growing number of children being raised without father’s these days many of the young men are clueless when it comes to raising their own children.  The author takes a down to earth approach on how to be a father but does not use the clinical terms or fancy explanations.  He conveys his message through stories most men will be able to relate.  The author goes through a seven part break down of what a man needs to do as a solid father.  These questions are asked to drive the seven essential steps: Who am I?  What’s my purpose?  Why do I do what I do?  How can I better love my family?  What should I model to my children?  What do I need to share with others?  And who or what am I living for?  All of these questions are addressed so men learn, apply and take a proactive approach to their families, something that is lacking in many households in America.  The book is written in such a way that it will keep you interest, many of these types of books don’t and your interest is lost before half way through the book.

I received a free copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review of the book.

The Jesus We Missed by Parick Henry Reardon

The Jesus We Missed by Patrick Henry Reardon immediately caught my attention. The topic about searching for more details behind Jesus and his mission is one that has many historical gaps. While the author has a strong understanding of the bible, some of his findings and assumptions seem to elude support for his hypotheses based on lack of evidence.  He does bring up interesting insights to some of the bible’s scriptures, mainly focusing on the New Testament. While the book lacks in data to support some of the assumptions it can be used as a good bible group topic of discussion. The book brings up many stories that would trigger group discussions about Jesus and how he would react or say in certain situations. There are also the topics regarding what was his true message or mission in certain scriptures. I found myself several time having to stop reading to ponder the implications the author was trying to bring across. I did not agree with all of them but it does make you think.   While the book did not have all the factual data I was hoping for I did find it very useful in triggering excellent discussion points within a bible study group. Keep an open mind; this can be a useful book. 

I received a free copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review of the book.

Father Hunger by Douglas Wilson covers a very critical need that today’s society continue to see spiral out of control…fatherless families. .The author covers a lot of ground about how men should be accountable to themselves, to their wives and to their children.  This topic has been written about a great deal lately.  The author covers make sure he covers all the major areas that can help.  I have read about 25 books relating to a fatherless society.  The author does cover the topic well if you have not read about this problem before.  If you have read a few books about our fatherless society then you will see nothing new in this book.  He covers the same scripture quotations and facts as the other books.  He has research the issue well and covers it in detail but where he fails slightly is the goal of arming the men with tools, ideas and suggestions as to how to change this trend. He does go over this at a never high level but does not provide enough for most men.  I run a Christian men’s groups and while is interesting reading we have to rely on other books and materials for further training.  For the first time ready about a fatherless society, it will be a good read.  If you have read about this subject before you will not see anything new.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.