It's Not About Me by Max Lucado

In the simple, straight-forward style I have come to expect from him, Max Lucado has once again written a book that gets right to the heart of a major issue in the lives of many today. Even our American constitution tells us that we have the right to "the pursuit of happiness". 'Looking out for #1' is a common phrase, yet am I supposed to be my own priority? As a follower of Christ, that answer should be a firm, "NO!".

Max points out that the me-centered life is much less satisfying than the  God-centered life. We are looking for short-term pleasures for our time on Earth, while God has the overview of knowing what is best for eternity. Think of it as having an extreme close-up of a masterpiece: the tiny portion you are viewing may determine your opinion of the painting, but you are incapable of seeing the full picture. God sees it all...and we must trust His judgement.

Max also reminds us that we are to be reflections of God. I know that I am guilty of wanting to bask in my own glory, but I want to make my goal to always seek the glory of God. I am writing this the day before Father's Day, and thinking about how I tried so hard to please my father and emulate Daddy when I was little. Now my focus should be on being the reflection of my Heavenly Father. Max ends this book with a story told to him by a rabbi. I won't disclose the details, but I admit that it is making a difference in my attitude and actions after reading it. I certainly recommend this book to all of those who want to be Son-seekers rather than limiting life to being self-centered. 

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.”

Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris

Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Why Church Matters) is an easy to read and understand book explaining why it is important to know what we believe and why. He challenges the reader to not just be content with what you are spoon-fed in church, but to dig in for yourself to uncover what is true. It is too easy to settle for an apathetic relationship, yet not to know the truth about what Scripture really says. No relationship is going to be alive and vital if one of the people alone is lukewarm and indifferent. Using his sense of humor, examples in his own life and the lives of others he knows, conviction, ...and even a couple of sketches, Joshua gives a compelling argument on why the reader needs to study God.

 

While this book did not hold my full attention, I did think it is a good book. I would recommend it highly to a new Christian or a young adult who needs to know that accepting Christ as your Savior is not the end your journey...just the first step in a lifelong committed journey that will, or should, affect all aspects of your life. I wish I had read a book like this many years ago.

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

Field Of Vision

Family Movie Night  , presented by Walmart and P&G, returns this Saturday, June 11 at 8/7c on NBC with FIELD OF VISION! 

Synopsis: Mysterious footage captured on an old video camera shows star quarterback Tyler McFarland that some of his teammates have been bullying the new transfer student, Cory Walker. Aware that standing up for Cory might get his friends kicked off the team and cost the school the state championship, Tyler must choose between winning and doing what’s right.

 

As these events unfold, the camera also reveals more surprising footage to Tyler's kid sister Lucy. She learns that Cory has a secret past, unknown even to him. Now Lucy must convince her mom (Faith Ford, Murphy Brown) and family that the camera's revealing insight is not a product of her imagination as she enlists their help to find the answers Cory so desperately needs. It's a compelling and intriguing story that shows both the challenges and rewards of doing the right thing even when it's tough to do.

You can view the trailer if you Click here.

I have to admit that I have mixed views on this one. First off, it is absolutely acceptable for family viewing! I like fantasy movies and I like reality movies, but this was just an awkward mixture for me. Perhaps I wanted the subject matter handled in less of a "fairy-tale" manner with the magic camera. It seemed obvious that Cory was being bullied, yet the principal seemed a little oblivious to the situation. There were just too many scenes that I found unbelievable. I don't want to give away anything, so I won't go into specifics.

On a positive note, I welcome any film that will open a dialogue with family members, especially kids, on topics that need to be brought out in the open. For that reason alone, I suggest you gather the family and watch this film. There were also a couple of lines said that deeply touched me, and encouraged others to take personal responsibility and leadership. One of them, "What counts is what you do from now on", is one I should remember at all times...especially when I feel that I have made a mistake. Another part of the film that I loved was recognizing music from a favorite band, The Afters!!

Since I am not as enthused about this film as I have been with the others, I want you to be able to hear an opinion from a group that has much more experience and prestige than me! Check out the  Dove Foundation Review and see what they had to say! While I would give this a "C", it truly does have its merits.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."