A Leader's Heart

I truly believe we are all leaders in our own spheres, whether it is among our families, our communities, or even just as masters of ourselves. That's why I was so excited to read A Leader's Heart from John Maxwell. I received a free copy from BookSneeze and was so impressed with the quality of the book. It's absolutely beautiful and the first page I opened to gave me something to think about. I have different roles- woman, wife, mother, church leader, and they all must be balanced. Everyone I work with or serve is important and different. Reading through this book and taking the chance to reflect on the ways I can improve as a leader was wonderful. I can't wait to follow through the yearly diary and see how I can be better each day.

Max Lucado's Out Live Your Life

You Are Special is one of my favorite children's books so I was excited to read this newest book from Max Lucado, Out Live Your Life. I recieved a free copy from BookSneeze and started reading it immediately. It's a quick, easy read but also thought provoking. I love all the stories he shares about ordinary people making a difference. Sometimes, between all the housework and responsibilities I have with my little kids it's hard to feel like I can make a difference, but this book made me feel like I really can. I love how he explains that Jesus, the ultimate example, was humble and diligent. He worked and served and we can too. God has given us gifts so we can love and serve those around us, like His Son did. Lucado also shared the story of Mother Theresa and said, "None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus." And that is what it's all about. I loved this book and appreciate the chance I had to reflect and think about how I can apply these important principles to my own life!

One Hand Two Hands by Max Lucado

I love You Are Special by Max Lucado so I couldn't wait to get ahold of his latest children's book, One Hand, Two Hands. My free copy from BookSneeze came in the mail and my son and I eagerly opened it. It was absolutely wonderful! The illustrations are happy and attention grabbing- my son loved seeing what came next. Even better, the words were sweet, meaningful, and easy to understand. I loved this and can't wait to read it over and over again with my children- to help them learn the meaning of service and the difference that they can make.

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge

I was very excited to receive this book from Booksneeze, the companion volume to Captivating. Written by John Eldredge, it claims to unlock the secret to a man's soul. I could tell from the very beginning that my husband would identify with this book and hope to get him to read the pair. Together I think they provide a good perspective on making a relationship work between two very different kind of people (because like the authors said in both books, we are certainly different, but God made us that way!) The Christian insight was also appreciated. Good read!

How Not to Be a Messie from Sandra Felton

I recently read The Messies Manual by Sandra Felton. The best thing I learned from this book is that the difference between a poor or a good house keeper is that when they walk by a little mess or thing to clean, the cleanie does it then instead of procrastinating. I've worked on that more recently and I think it's making a difference! She also suggests making a goal, then going room to room, cleaning out extra stuff, and eventually you'll have the skills to maintain a clean house.

Now I'm just trying to remember, "Our houses look the way they do because we give them permission to look that way!"

Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge

I read this book a month ago but I've been behind on my blogging to say the least! This book was lovely. I received a free copy of Captivating to review from BookSneeze and I'm glad I did- I wouldn't have bought it but feel enriched having read it. The premise of women as wonderful, special daughters of God is refreshing and enjoyable. Although my person beliefs aren't quite the same as the authors, I loved how clearly they described Christ waiting at the gate- just waiting for us to come unto Him. I also found myself agreeing with their ideas of what women want from men and our innate, God-given differences. This was uplifting and inspiring- a great read.

Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go by Lucille ONeal

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book after I saw it on BookSneeze (Thomas Nelson provided it to me for review). Written by Shaquille ONeal's mother, it chronicles her life in her own words. This was a quick and easy read- I was happy to pick it up and see what would happen next. Lucille wrote very candidly and did a great job conveying her feelings about growing up in difficult circumstances, becoming an unwed teen mother, and eventually having a very famous son. Although my faith is a little different than hers I liked learning about her beliefs and how they saw her through difficult times. I loved when she talked about dressing up her baby doll little boy and found myself identifying with her a lot (particularly as a very tall woman!) This uplifting book left me feeling positive and proud of her for accomplishing so much. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't focus only on Shaq but on how he changed her life for the better. I've already recommended this to my husband and mom and know others will like it, too.