My Bangs Look Good and Other Lies I Tell Myself

Susanna Foth Aughtmon ROCKS!
I know that's not how Book Blog Reviews are supposed to start and I don't care.
I love to read.
Fiction, Non-Fiction, Magazines, Newspapers, Blogs, Biographies, and really, I'll even read the back of a hairspray can while waiting for my kids to get out of the bathtub (I don't want book pages or my Kindle to get wet). But, as much as I love a crime novel or a sweet story, I have never experienced an author that resonates with my spirit and soul as much as Sue does. I feel like I know her; I feel like we're friends! And the truth be told, even though I know her dad, and she used to go to my church (before I did), and I read her blog faithfully, and I saw her speak once, and I met her once for like 5 minutes, and I have girlfriends that know her (and I am kinda jealous), I don't know her in person the way most people think of knowing someone. But let me tell you, Sue lets it all hang out. She is transparent in a way that most people can't imagine. She communicates about REAL life and REAL relationship with Jesus like Nobody's Business. Her writing is amazing and conversational. She's brave enough to put things on paper that the rest of us try to pretend we don't think about let alone do.
Sue's first book, All I need is Jesus and a Good Pair of Jeans, was awesome and her newest book, My Bangs Look Good and Other Lies I Tell Myself, is even better. As you guessed from the title, this book is about 23 of the lies we tell ourselves (and let the biggest Liar confirm for us); my favorites were 2, 15, 16, 18, 21, & 22. No I am not telling you what they are because you need to get the book. What I will say is: This book is GOOD. Good like: I laugh & cry every time I pick it up (because I am in harmony with the highs and lows), I am sucked in immediately, I can't put it down, I am letting my kids stare at the TV and eat Oreos for dinner kind of good.
If you are a woman, Christ-follower, mother, church planter, sister, daughter, teacher, volunteer, chocolate lover, jewelry lover, bargain shopper, dreamer, independent thinker, tired supergirl, or ever told a lie to yourself or someone else...I'll stop, that covers all of you, You Need To Buy and Read This Book. I guarantee you'll like it.

* Available now at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
**This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing. ---The FCC makes me put that on here, but I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT IT ANYWAY!

Blue Like Play Dough

Today my husband worked a short day and my in-laws are in town. This gave me the unusual opportunity to consider a nap.....I had the chance to take a LONG nap but I passed on it. WHAT???? That's crazy! Any mother of four who has the chance to take a nap (long or short) should take it. Why on earth would I pass up this chance? Because I wanted to finish the book Blue Like Play Dough by Tricia Goyer.

Now, I will confess that I read fast so I managed to get the reading in and still have time for a short nap so it wasn't all sacrifice. This book is wonderful. It hit on several parenting, spiritual, and life issues that were timely. Some of the topics I enjoyed most:

• There's no need for Excessive Self-Sufficiency.
• One of the best ways of Finding and Sharing God's Love is thru Relationship with others
• Remembering that TODAY is life, don't wait for the illusive tomorrow.
• Trust and respond to your inner voice!
• If you feel disconnected or "a little off"--- you probably are, but you can fix it. Get into the word and spend some time in prayer.
• There are no "side trips" on your journey with God, every season has a purpose. God can grow you thru it.
• Make the effort to tuck God's word in your kids hearts (ie: bible stories and memorization) and use creative ways sometimes... For instance, lights out or bedtime can be extended ANY time for reading God's word.
• The hard stuff isn't easy (like your teenager being arrested for stealing) but thru it we see God in different ways.

This book may well be the best book I have read so far this year. I plan to read it again while on vacation next week. But, better yet, I have a copy to GIVE AWAY. Comment here on the blog OR on Facebook by Aug 8 to be entered in a drawing for a free book (I'll mail it to you). If you aren't the winner, you should still get this book!

Summary: In the everyday stretch and squeeze of motherhood, Tricia Goyer often feels smooshed by the demands of life. In Blue Like Play Dough, she shares her unlikely journey from rebellious, pregnant teen to busy wife and mom with big dreams of her own. As her story unfolds, Tricia realizes that God has more in store for her than she has ever imagined possible.

Sure, life is messy and beset by doubts. But God keeps showing up in the most unlikely places–in a bowl of carrot soup, the umpteenth reading of Goodnight Moon, a woe-is me teen drama, or play dough in the hands of a child.

In Tricia’s transparent account, you’ll find understanding, laughter, and strength for your own story. And in the daily push and pull, you’ll learn to recognizes the loving hands of God at work in your life… and know He has something beautiful in mind.

Author Bio: Tricia Goyer is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, including Generation NeXt Parenting and the Gold Medallion finalist Life Interrupted. Goyer writes for publications such as Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family, speaks to women’s groups nationwide and has been a presenter at the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) national convention. She and her husband, John, live with their family in Montana.

Be Encouraged by: A Perfect Mess

I love reviewing books for Publishers. When it's a great fiction book, I love being drawn into the story. When it's a business or topic-specific book, I learn and learn and learn. In the case of A Perfect Mess by Lisa Harper, it's an encouragement book and Bible Study. I had already decided to make my summer devotion time focus on Psalms and Proverbs; when this book came along, I knew it would be a perfect companion to my studies. Lisa tells stories from a personal, human, and transparent viewpoint while clearly sharing scriptures from Psalms. It's awesome. There are chapters about: approval, rest, imperfections, expectations, and anger along with many others. These are the areas of "falling short" that so many people struggle with. Lisa's message is- God's grace prevails and the pressures we put on ourselves doesn't change that one bit. There are questions at the end of each chapter that can be used for personal reflection, a book club, or Bible study.

I enjoyed this book and would whole-heartedly recommend it! I think that reading a book that reminds and encourages us about God's grace thru our imperfections is a yearly necessity.

You can buy the book....OR you can win a copy here! Just post a comment on my blog or on Facebook for a chance to win a copy in a drawing. (I'll mail it to you.) Hurry, the drawing will take place on Aug 1st!

Book Summary-- Caught up in the self-imposed pressure to do and be all the things they think a Christian woman ought to do and be, countless women are working desperately to convince everyone, including God, that they have it all together. Few have any idea that the Creator of the universe looks at them with delight even when they yell at the dog, drive a minivan littered with French fries, or think bad words about that rude clerk at the store.

A Perfect Mess offers hope to every woman who yearns for a vibrant relationship with God but worries she isn’t good enough or doesn’t do enough to merit His affection. With characteristic authenticity, speaker and author Lisa Harper shares poignant stories from her own imperfect life to showcase the real-life relevancy of the Bible in the lives of modern women. As she guides readers on a story-driven journey through selected Psalms, they will be inspired to experience for themselves how God’s incomparable love transforms the messiness of life into a gorgeous work of grace.

Author Bio-- Lisa Harper is a master storyteller whose lively approach connects the dots between the Bible era and modern life. She is a sought-after Bible teacher and speaker whose upcoming appearances include the national Women of Faith Conferences. A veteran of numerous radio and television programs and the author of several books, she also is a regular columnist for Today’s Christian Woman magazine. Lisa recently completed a master’s of theological studies from Covenant Theological Seminary. She makes her home outside Nashville.

Stealing Home -- By: Allison Pittman

Stealing Home By: Allison Pittman

I just started reading this book. Get a Copy and Enjoy!

Summary:
It’s 1905 and the Chicago Cubs are banking on superstar Donald “Duke” Dennison’s golden arm to help them win the pennant. Only one thing stands between Duke and an unprecedented ten thousand dollar contract: alcohol. That’s when sportswriter David Voyant whisks Duke to the one-horse town of Picksville, Missouri, so he can sober up in anonymity. He bides his time flirting with Ellie Jane Voyant, his unofficial chaperone, who would rather hide herself in the railway station ticket booth than face the echoes of childhood taunts. Ned Clovis, the feed store clerk, has secretly loved Ellie Jane since childhood, but he loves baseball and the Duke almost as much–until he notices Ellie Jane may be succumbing to the star’s charm. Then there’s Morris, a twelve-year-old Negro boy, whose only dream is to break away from Picksville. When Duke discovers his innate talent for throwing a baseball, Morris might just have found his way out. Four individuals, each living in haunted isolation, each harboring a secret passion. Providence brings them together. Tragedy threatens to tear them apart. Will love be enough to bring them home?

Author Bio: Allison Pittman spent seventeen years as a high school English teacher, and then shunned the advice of “experts,” quit her day job and set out to write novels that bring glory to God. She relishes inspiring other writers and leading the theater arts group at her church. She and her husband and three sons live in Universal City, Texas.

Shack Attack!

I am not much for fiction...I do enjoy an occasional read to break up all the other books. So when this one was recommended to me I did not jump on it. Then I had the opportunity to hear Paul speak at Catalyst and decided to grab The Shack and find out what the 'hub bub' was all about.

What a great read. I stopped several times throughout the book to stop and really think about the ideas, concepts, and images he was describing. I loved everything about the book.

Don't read it on the plane (like I did) or you'll find yourself trying to explain how the elevation always makes your eyes water. There are some pretty rough moments in the book, "the great sadness" as the author calls it. As a parent, I found myself a little more paranoid for a while after reading parts of this.

The first 5 chapters are slow but absolutely necessary to build the background of the story line and make it all come together. I love how Paul Young stretches the readers mind to a whole new playing field.

Dinner with a Perfect Stranger and A Day with a Perfect Stranger

From the title of this blog, you might think that I had an interesting day, and I did, the day I read these two books.
I often review books for publishers but rarely do I get the opportunity to say, "I couldn't put this book down; I read it in one sitting!" And let me assure you that a mother of 3 kids with a fourth on the way can rarely say that about any task. These books are AMAZING!! From the content on various religions, the Bible, relationship restoration, love, humor, and the plain truth in these books, all be them fiction, I was captivated.

I can not more highly recommend a book, Dinner with a Perfect Stranger, and it's sequel, a Day with a Perfect Stranger. I must say: "Buy them, Read them, and then Pass them on." I have a list of people at least 20 long that I want to get copies for.

I am including the summaries of the books below (even though they do not do justice to the books) along with a link to buy them---I was serious about the "Buy them" part.


Dinner with a Perfect Stranger:

You are Invited to a Dinner with Jesus of Nazareth--
The mysterious envelope arrives on Nick Cominsky’s desk amid a stack of credit card applications and business-related junk mail. Although his seventy-hour workweek has already eaten into his limited family time, Nick can’t pass up the opportunity to see what kind of plot his colleagues have hatched.
The normally confident, cynical Nick soon finds himself thrown off-balance, drawn into an intriguing conversation with a baffling man who appears to be more than comfortable discussing everything from world religions to the existence of heaven and hell. And this man who calls himself Jesus also seems to know a disturbing amount about Nick’s personal life.

Day with a Perfect Stranger:

What if a fascinating stranger knew you better than you know yourself?
When her husband comes home with a far fetched story about eating dinner with someone he believes to be Jesus, Mattie Cominsky thinks this may signal the end of her shaky marriage. Convinced that Nick is, at best, turning into a religious nut, the self-described agnostic hopes that a quick business trip will give her time to think things through.
On board the plane, Mattie strikes up a conversation with a fellow passenger. When she discovers their shared scorn for religion, she confides her frustration over her husband’s recent conversion. The stranger suggests that perhaps her husband isn’t seeking religion but true spiritual connection, an idea that prompts her to reflect on her own search for fulfillment.
As their conversation turns to issues of spiritual longing and deeper questions about the nature of God, Mattie finds herself increasingly drawn to this insightful stranger. But when the discussion unexpectedly turns personal, touching on things she’s never told anyone, Mattie is startled and disturbed. Who is this man who seems to peer straight into her soul?

Enjoy Reading!

~Sharon

The Echo Within

The Echo Within by: Robert Benson is a short read but it didn't connect with me. It felt a bit "new-agey." I am not overly-structured in my opinions about how God speaks to people or even the paths that can used to finding your true calling. But, this book felt less about finding your true calling than about finding a way to feel warm and fuzzy about whatever you want...I don't know much about the author besides what can be found on his blog.

I guess my review is: I struggled to get thru the book and I wouldn't recommend it.
Here is the book summary anyway--
The Echo Within is written out Robert Benson's own lifelong search for and response to the calling voice of God, he recounts his discovery of the meaning of vocation, work, and purpose through the ups and downs inherent in family life, professional choice, and spiritual experience. With clarity and insight, and in the elegant prose for which he is known, he gently invites and encourages readers to find such deep truths for their lives as well. In particular, he illuminates the way for readers to explore:
·ways to sense the Holy in our pursuits, both in the pursuits themselves and within ourselves.
·how to fall into our vocation and chart a course toward it at the same time.
·how to love the work we do, and the process of doing it.
For anyone beginning a new career or sensing a needed change in their life or wrestling with a transition suddenly thrust upon them, Robert Benson delivers wisdom, humor, and heart in what he’s learned about listening for The Echo Within—and how it can help us discover our calling.

Billy...How the story began

I think history helps us understand how people will react, what has made them who they are today, and how things could potentially unfold. 

As part of an ongoing effort with Thomas Nelson Publishing, I am in the middle of another book review. Just wrapped up "Billy" by William Paul McKay and Ken Abraham. This fall in 2009 the movie will release...check out Billy: THE EARLY YEARS for the scoop!

I have read Preacher to the Presidents and other similar biographies that look at the impact and influence this man had on America's leaders but this is the first book that really looks at what and who had an influence on him. 

The book reveals relationships, trials, and struggles that I think we all face at different points in our life. What I found the most interesting is the roles that both Ruth Graham and Charles Templeton had on Billy Graham's journey. I also enjoyed reading more about his life in the market place as an employee and salesman prior to full time ministry. 

Great read...you won't be disappointed. 

~David 

Book Review - Me Myself, and I AM

I am not really into the whole journal craze, but I found this book to be easy to pick up and leverage it to ask some very introspective questions. It took little effort to open and dive in. It gave me things to reflect on and meditate on during quiet time in the morning and late at night. 

The book was also a great resource for finding questions to ask of friends around me and create new conversation about life journeys. The fact that I read this close to Thanksgiving also drove home how thankful I am in so many different arenas of life. 

I think the material in here would be great to use if you have a small group and you are trying to generate more conversation and discussion. 

This one is a fun and challenging book to pick up at your local bookstore or order on line and just go for it. 

Stop Doing IT!!!!

Recently I was fortunate to hear Jim Collins expound on several ideas from his book Good to Great. He also spent some time in a shorter but just as challenging book "Good to Great in the Social Sectors". He spent his time centered around the theme that greatness is not a function of our circumstances or the cards we are dealt but rather...greatness starts with a choice and then the discipline to carry out that decision.

In the follow-on study of great organizations and the differences between them, Collins made 2 statements/observations that I took to heart:

1. HUMILITY

2. STOP DOING

His point was there was one characteristic between Level 4 and 5 leaders that made all the difference. In the words of Rick Warren, "It's not about you." Humility was the game changer in taking good organizations to that next level. I have to admit that it made me stop and think about all the times I take credit for something when I could be passing it along to someone else in the organization.

The other MAJOR take away for me was the 'stop doing list'. We all have our 'To Do' lists and Collins said that great leaders take time to evaluate where and how they are being most and least effective. Based on that, they create a 'stop doing' list, These are things they will stop doing because they: can be delegated, are taking up too much time of the leadership and there by are creating inefficiency, or they are things that need to not be done at all by the organization.

Some quick thoughts...David

For Young Men Only!

I always believe in putting the bottom line up front in the military we would tell out soldiers “BLUF”.

So here goes: I am giving a copy of this book to my son (that simple). The book was short and easy read that I read on my flight from DC to Atlanta and for men, a short read is essential to make sure they get to the end. I will be using the book to drive discussion with my 5th grader over the coming months.

FYMO by authors Jeff Feldhahn & Eric Rice with Shaunti Feldhahn. When I saw the quote on the cover by Jeff Foxworthy, I was thinking, “Foxworthy? Really? What does he know or care about relative to this subject? Isn’t he just another comedian?”. The irony was that when I landed in Atlanta, Jeff was there at the conference to discuss some tough topics and help with a charity event and I had the opportunity to see his heart for helping young people all over the world.

FYMO was a great way to quickly earn a Masters Degree in ‘Girl’. Being clueless doesn’t look good on a man and when you are a young man navigating the minefield of the teen years it is even more important to get clued in. The stories and surveys shared from young women will give any young man a new perspective on what young women are looking for, what they are not, and how to win them over.

There is some great practical advice like: 5 smart moves a guy can make to get the girl. And there are some clear steps given to breaking the code about women (let’s be honest…I have been married for over 11 years and still not accomplished that).

The authors (and their wives) do a great job in gathering important information from young women and dealing with tough issues for men regarding: social networks, facebook, myspace, dating, sex, being one of the bad boys vs. a good guy, and more. My favorite quote in the book was, “Honesty is where superficiality stops and real friendship begins.”
At the end of the book there is also a short guide that will help you engage and drive discussion with your teen (or pre-teen / young man) who is starting to figure out there is in fact an opposite sex and that they don’t all have cooties.

Drawing on a fresh national survey of 600 teen girls, as well as hundreds of personal interviews, For Young Men Only reveals the real truth about what teenage girls think, what they want, and how average teen guys can build healthy friendships with high quality girls. I do recommend picking up a copy and sharing it with your son. Heck, I was even reminded of some practical things I need to do a better job of relative to my wife.

Just QUIT!

I had to read a book that has a cover stating, “A LITTLE BOOK THAT TEACHES YOU HOW TO QUIT”.

The Dip by Seth Godin is a succinct 80 pages, presents glaringly obvious but understated facts. Not to be a cliché but this MUST read. Is it right to take an 80 page book and summarize it in one sentence? Know what will make you quit, why your quitting, and use quitting as a strategy…in other words, quit when you know you're on a dead end path. Godin states that most people fail because they either quit too fast and too often or they fail to quit pouring the resources into activities that they know will not pay off in the long run.

I am just as guilty as the next person; whether it be sports, academics, business, or relationships…it is hard for me to quit things and we all can get emotionally wrapped up in things and lose perspective. On the other hand I know people who never get passionate about anything and quit before it gets to hard.

Godin defines life-paths as curves. Of these there are two primary curves: The Dip and the Cul-de-Sac. The Cul-de-Sac curve is a dead end; you keep putting time, money, and effort into it and you just get nowhere. The Dip on the other hand looks something like this:

When you first start down a path, you are really excited about it so the reward is high. Additionally, other people are very happy for you and praise you - again, the reward is high. Then, in between the beginning of a task and its mastery, there is a potentially long period in which the reward vs. effort drops off. What the book guides the reader through questions and situations towards identifying whether your current struggle is a "dip" or a "cul-de-sac", and emphasizes that the moment you recognize that your situation is a dead end, that it is not only OK to quit, but it is, in fact, essential to success.

VERY FAST READ…I read slow and finished it in less than one afternoon.

One of the most interesting points I took away is that the world is becoming both smaller and bigger at the same time. While Thomas Friedman in The World is Flat shows us how the Internet has leveled the playing field…there is still room for small businesses if they put forward all their efforts to accomplish being #1 in their ‘niche’ market which can be defined by the product, the service, or the geography. In other words the world is infinitely small because of “The Best Pancake House in the World is in Conneat on the Lake”. How is this possible? It’s because Johnson’s Pancake House choose to be #1 in Pancakes serving Lake Erie. So are they really the best in the world? I don’t know but we all have made a similar statement about a product or service because someone choose to be #1 in their niche.

If you want to make sure your business strategy is on target, your marketing efforts aren’t in vain, have any doubts about what direction you are heading, whether all the exercise is worth it, then ask yourself 3 questions and see if you’re in the “DIP”.

Page 27 – The next time you're tempted to vilify a particularly obnoxious customer or agency or search engine, realize that this failed interaction is the best thing that's happened to you all day long. Without it, you'd be easily replaceable. The Dip is your very best friend.

Page 29 – ... the real success goes to those who obsess. The focus that leads you through the Dip to the other side is rewarded by a marketplace in search of the best in the world. A woodpecker can tap twenty times on a thousand trees and get nowhere, but stay busy. Or he can tap twenty-thousand times on one tree and get dinner.

Page 31 – It's human nature to quit when it hurts. But it's that reflex that creates scarcity. The challenge is simple: Quitting when you hit the Dip is a bad idea. If the journey you started was worth doing, then quitting when you hit the Dip just wastes the time you've already invested. Quit in the Dip often enough and you'll find yourself becoming a serial quitter, starting many things but accomplishing little. Simple: If you can't make it through the Dip, don't start.

Page 63 – Quitting is not the same as failing. Strategic quitting is a conscious decision you make based on the choices that are available to you. [and] Coping is a lousy alternative to quitting.

Page 66 – Sunk costs are not a good excuse to not quitting. Seth then goes on to challenge each of us to ask 3 questions which will help us determine where we are and if it is time to quit or stick it out…

Playing Uno and Reading Hardy Boys

Yep, that's what I did with my boys today. We played Uno and Read chapters 4&5 of The Tower Treasure. Sometimes I just love to sit with them and do stuff that they totally enjoy for a couple of hours. Actually, I do that every day but sometimes, I set aside hours to spend specifically with no Little Sister around. (usually she is with David or has already gone to bed)

Tonight was a no Little Sister around night and it was a lot of fun. I am Blessed and Highly favored- I love my kids!

They make me so proud - both who they are becoming and the decisions that they make.

Wild Goose Chase Blog Tour

I was selected to participate in the Wild Goose Chase Pre-Release Blog Tour. I received a copy of the book in advance to review (release date: Aug 19). Exciting!!

The short review is: AWESOME STUFF!

For those more accustomed to a actual book review, here goes:

With great anticipation I read Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson. Following his phenomenal writing for In a Pit with a Lion, my expectations were high. Mark did not disappoint. Wild Goose Chase which challenges readers to embrace passion in pursuing their relationship with God delivers its message on-point and in a reader-friendly way, never is there an air of preachiness or condescension. This is just a guy who lives the adventure in a human way sharing the journey with others. Mark’s ability to tell a story captivates readers. He uses many examples and people (names kept the same in order to reveal their identities) to show successes in living a life of pursuing God by the lead of the Holy Spirit or the ‘Wild Goose.’ Reading this book gives insight to the things and emotions that can hold us back. Mark is not ashamed to talk about fear, guilt, being too comfortable, grace, and forgiveness. Each person who dares to read this book will find a place to be challenged for growth in their relationship with Christ. I hear the message about “Loving people when they least deserve it or expect it” ringing in my head. And I am glad to say that I acted on it today. Mark’s priority comes through loud and clear and that is: not to have readers know “more” but to inspire readers to live their adventure by choosing action courageously.

Read this Book then share it with a friend!

On that note, I have a FREE copy to give away. The first person to leave a comment on this post gets it. Good Luck!

**If you would like to purchase the book now, try here.

Don't Miss Out!

THIS INFO IS ONLY GOOD THROUGH AUGUST 10th!

I think Seth Godin is one of the most forward thinking leaders out there today and he challenges people to look at where they are, where they are going, and why. I really appreciate how he challenges business leaders. He has the most popular blog on the Internet and it is one of my life goals to personally meet the man.

Through a friend of Seth's I got the inside scoop on his next big launch!

The TRIBE is like the Fight Club -- for ideas!

The Tribe will be an exclusive membership but it is open to friends for a short time. If you are willing to pre-order the book then you can get in on the ground floor of the Tribe.

The details are on Seth's blog.

Date Night

Sharon and I had our monthly date night last night. I made the reservations and she found the babysitter. Off we went for 2.5 hours of adult time to talk, eat, and relax at Tysons Tower Club.

We recently read a book called the Love List by Les & Leslie Parrott. It recommends 2 things you should do as a couple daily, weekly, monthly, and annually. Great little book, easy read, and short enough that a man might read it all! One thing they recommend is a date night...Sharon and I already subscribed to this and love that time away every month to date each other.

Visioneering

Used a big chunk of the 10 hours in the air to digest Andy Stanley’s book, “Visioneering” and what was left I finished up during the start of vacation. Stanley takes the historical story of King Artaxerxes and his servant Nehemiah to draw life lessons on why vision is important, how to set vision, how to respond to challenges, and staying focused.

My biggest take away is the following quote, “The most significant visions are not cast by great orators from stage. They are cast at the beside of our children…My most significant vision casting takes place on my knees with my face twelve inches away from the face of my children.”

WOW!

Some other quick highlights on this excellent book:

1. Vision begins as a concern
2. Don’t Get distracted
3. Anyone can be a critic, everyone can come up with solutions because it does not take anything special to have a good idea, but it takes a visionary to generate results.
4. Vision requires constant attention…one individual has to be willing to pick-up the vision and be the person who will deliver.
5. Leaders who have success in vision casting share at least these three traits: A Peaceful Spirit, Healthy Relationships, and Character
6. To be an effective leader you have to engage people’s heart and tie it to the vision.

PEACE

Took off early on Monday morning and flew with Mark Batterson to California. Rick Warren was hosting a special event at Saddleback Church in Orange County. I have forgotten how beautiful California is and how awesome the sunsets are.

The conference was incredible with leaders from all over the country. Mark was asked to speak to this select group of invites who came to learn more about Rick’s vision for the PEACE Coalition. Rick has more than a big dream he has a heart for helping people by taking on the 5 Big Global Goliath’s of today through PEACE:

P - Promote Reconciliation
E - Equip Leaders
A - Assist the Poor
C - Care for the Sick
E - Educate the Next Generation

I will share more later but just wanted to encourage everyone to dream big dreams and trust God to fill in the gaps. I was totally in awe at the wisdom, experience, and teaching provided by these spiritual giants of our time. Mark is sought after by so many and is truly a transparent leader who men in leadership look to. Mark has a new book that will be coming out called "Wild Goose Chase". The more I hear him tell people about the book, the more excited I get...can't wait for the release later this year...

50 books in 52 Weeks

21 weeks have passed since I started the challenge of reading 50 books in 52 weeks. I have set benchmarks along the way to evaluate my progress and make sure that I am keeping on track.

Today was one of my "goal dates;" I wanted to have finished 20 books by May 3rd. I have finished 22 books! [Below is the list of books I have read thus far]

1. Fiction- 1st To Die by: James Patterson (12/17/07)
2. Kids/Finance- Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees by: Neale S. Godfrey (12/30/07)
3. Spiritual/Personal Growth- Wonder by: Arthur Gordon (12/30/07)
4. Leadership/Business- The Starfish and the Spider by: Brafman & Beckstrom (1/4/08)
5. Fiction- 2nd Chance by: James Patterson (1/4/08)
6. Fiction- Life of Pi by: Yann Martel (1/12/08)
7. Biography- Tuesdays with Morrie by: Mitch Albom (1/18/08)
8. Spiritual/Personal Growth- Cure for the Common Life by: Max Lucado (1/26/08)
9. Fiction- 3rd Degree by: James Patterson (2/2/08)
10. Self-Help/Life Lessons- The Five People You Meet in Heaven by: Mitch Albom (2/12/08)
11. Self-Help/Personal Growth- The Secret by: Rhonda Byrne (2/13/08)
12. History/Leadership- A Message to Garcia by: Elbert Hubbard (2/16/08)
13. Fiction- 4th of July by: James Patterson (2-23-08)
14. History- Common Sense by: Thomas Paine (3-5-08)
15. Biography- I’m Proud of You by: Tim Madigan (3-8-08)
16. Spiritual- I Became a Christian & all I Got was this Lousy T-Shirt by: V. Antonucci (3-15-08) 17. Fiction- 5th Horseman by: James Patterson (3-18-08)
18. Fiction- 6th Target by: James Patterson (3-24-08)
19. Marriage- The Love List by: Drs Les & Leslie Parrott (4-10-08)
20. Biography- Eat, Pray, Love by: Elizabeth Gilbert (4-15-08)
21. Fiction- 7th Heaven by: James Patterson (4-22-08)
22. Kids- The Five Love Languages of Children by: Gary Chapman (5-02-08)

My next goal is 30 books by July 13---when we get there, I will let you know how I am doing. Happy Reading!

Book Update (50 in 52)

By: Sharon

Well, I promised to keep you posted on my endeaver to read 50 books in 52 weeks. The second reading target on the journey is: A total of 10 books read by February 20th. I am happy to say that I have read 12 books. Yeah!!

So Far, here are the titles:
1. Fiction- 1st To Die by: James Patterson (12/17/07)
2. Kids/Finance- Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees by: Neale S. Godfrey (12/30/07)
3. Spiritual/Personal Growth- Wonder by: Arthur Gordon (12/30/07)
4. Leadership/Business- The Starfish and the Spider by: Brafman & Beckstrom (1/4/08)
5. Fiction- 2nd Chance by: James Patterson (1/4/08)
6. Fiction- Life of Pi by: Yann Martel (1/12/08)
7. Biography- Tuesdays with Morrie by: Mitch Albom (1/18/08)
8. Spiritual/Personal Growth- Cure for the Common Life by: Max Lucado (1/26/08)
9. Fiction- 3rd Degree by: James Patterson (2/2/08)
10. Self-Help/Life Lessons- The Five People You Meet in Heaven by: Mitch Albom (2/12/08)
11. Self-Help/Personal Growth- The Secret by: Rhonda Byrne (2/13/08)
12. History/Leadership- A Message to Garcia by Elbert Hubbard (2/16/08)

So, I am on to the next target- I will read 20 total books by May 3rd.

You may check out my reading shelf, book reviews, ratings and what I am planning to read at www.shelfari.com/daverean