The Worth of a Book

"The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it." - James Bryce

Recently, a coworker informed me about a man who was wanting to assist applicants who have applied for homes through Habitat for Humanity. This man is seeking to serve others through his time, energy, and financial
support. While I have not had the chance to meet him yet, I was given a copy of his book, It's Your Decision: Parenting the Way God Intended.  

As a resident assistant, I also encountered an individual who had written and published a book.  Throughout the year, I got to know her, and I even had the chance to have her sign a copy of her book, Battle for the Stars, for me.  

Although neither of these books were written by professional writers (by many people's conceptions), they are a culmination of hard work and heart-felt ideas that are preserved on a few hundred pages.  These books may not be for everyone, but I think we can all benefit from considering the authors' passion and effort that was poured into their work.  We should all set goals, seek after them, and appreciate others' efforts to do the same.

The Grace Card

The Grace Card

An absolutely amazing movie!  I certainly enjoy the law enforcement aspect of it, but the best part is the lesson about love!

Red Letter Christians

Tony Campolo has put together a blog that includes entries from a wide array of authors.  I find the entries to be very thought-provoking and beneficial.  I would encourage you to subscribe.  (You don't have to worry; they do not send out too many emails.)

Here are three entries that I read recently:

• The Face of Privilege in Hard Times
• Coming Out of the Theological Closet
• Hell on Earth and the Kingdom of God

(I want to add in this article by Shane Claiborne because I especially like his list of things to try.)

We Need to Start Making Changes

Financial Matters

Flipping Burgers to Flipping Millions

Initially, this book did not sit well with me because of the way the author talked about money.  As I continued to read, I began to appreciate the lessons and principles more.  Although many of his figures do not seem practical (e.g., 10 percent returns), they provide useful illustrations that support his financial principles.

"Seven Unchanging Laws of Money" (p. 26)

1. Save ... and begin saving early.
2. Control your expenses.
3. Make your money multiply. ... Invest
4. Guard your money against loss.
5. Make your home an investment.
6. Ensure a future income for yourself and your family ... by developing a career, improving yourself, and investing.
7. Work and study to increase your ability to earn.

In order to compliment these ideas, I would suggest reading a book that we read at Grace, The Treasure Principle.  While saving is important, giving is often overlooked.  We need to recognize that we have a responsibility to help others.  If you do not think that you can have an impact, read this article.  Each person that answers the call to tithe will bring us closer to significantly reducing many of the problems in our world.

Alright - Darius Rucker

Another one of his many great songs...

Yes

"What if Jesus Meant All That Stuff?" by Shane Claiborne (courtesy of Red Letter Christians)

Read 

this

ARTICLE!