Book Review: Eye-Opening History

     BookSneeze on behalf of Thomas Nelson Publishing recently allowed me to review a complimentary copy of Larry P. Arnn's The Founders' Key.  Arnn delves into the history and minds of the Founding Fathers of our country to understand the purpose of the two documents that were written to form America and to keep it as a free country. As the political climate changes with time there are politicians who feel that the founding documents have become obsolete. However, Arnn surmises that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written to stand the test of time.
     Arnn connects the dots between the purpose the Fathers intended in the Declaration with the parameters set in the Constitution. He details the history and sacrifices people made for the liberties we now enjoy. External historical documents are referenced to back up the original intentions given. The colonists that stood firm in their beliefs for equality rose against a domineering king who took liberty to impose harsh conditions at the cost of the colonists' freedoms. That point was driven home, so the reader gains a deeper appreciation and respect for those men. That then resulted in our nation as we know it.
     The Founders' Key is enlightening, enjoyable and enterprising. Arnn reminds us, the people of a free nation, to recall our beginnings. I couldn't agree more. As a people, we have become complacent as the years have worn on, living in comfort of capitalism. Many citizens don't take the time to understand what our so-called representatives are doing or saying in Washington. They are suppose to be our voice. Representation is what makes the United States a government for the people, by the people. I for one would like to know what my "voice" is claiming upon the Hill.
     This book is a short read, but deep in content. No one should read it in a couple of days, but rather take time to let what Arnn is saying sink in. Although many are not believers of Jesus in this country, many more are. The Founding Fathers allowed their faith to guide them, as we should. When morals run amok and our political scene seems to be shoddy in areas, it is time for citizens of this great country to recall our beautiful beginnings. We have a choice as to which road this country is going to take. The Founders' Key is a great start!

Book Review: Don't Cheat Yourself from this Book

     Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers sent me a complimentary copy of Andy Stanley's When Work & Family Collide in exchange for an honest review. Stanley aims to guide the reader to find a better balance in life. Where do our priorities lie? Who and what is getting our attention? No matter who you are, someone in your life is feeling short-changed. There aren't enough hours in the day to do it all and to be it all to everyone and to everything. So, what to do?
     God calls us to put our greater focus on our families and those we love. When you retire, someone will fill your shoes at work, but no one can take your place at home. One of Stanley's greatest pieces of advice, and the major premise of the book, in When Work & Family Collide is to allow yourself to cheat someone or something of your time and give that time back to whom it belongs. If you're expending yourself at the office to the wee hours of the night, realize you may someday have no one to go home to. Everyone, especially your family, needs to not only know of your love, but they need to experience that love.
     When I first saw the title of the book, I was a little hesitant to review it. I don't work. Well, actually I do as a stay-at-home mom. So, I decided to review it and I am glad I did. Not only did it help me personally, it allowed me to get a glimpse into how my husband may feel as he pulls himself between work and family. To my amazement and utter delight, Andy Stanley recognizes the stay-at-home mom in When Work & Family Collide.  I also appreciated the fact that the real-life examples of scenarios we may face include people of many types, even a man that did double-duty as a stay-at-home dad and ran a home business was included.
     This book can be used by anyone that wants to prioritize their lives knowing something is out of whack. Maybe you struggle with exhaustion from the juggling act you perform or are missing your family so much that you dread leaving the house, this short, fun-to-read Stanley book will be just what the doctor would order. He doesn't give you a step-by-step manual to gain balance, but provides a persuasive guide to get you back on track. When Work & Family Collide was previously released as Choosing to Cheat- I prefer the newer title. In the back is a nice, little study guide. I found the questions easy to understand and ponder. The first step I advise is not to cheat yourself of reading another great Andy Stanley book.

Take a look at Chapter One for yourself.

Buy from Amazon here!


About the Author: Andy Stanley is a pastor, communicator, author, and the founder of North Point Ministries, Inc. Since its inception in 1995, North Point Ministries has grown from one campus to five in the Atlanta area and has helped plant over thirty strategic partner churches globally. Each Sunday, more than twenty-five thousand people attend worship services at one of North Point Ministries’ five campuses. Andy’s books include Enemies of the Heart, The Next Generation Leader, How Good is Good Enough? and many more. He lives in Alpharetta, Georgia, with his wife, Sandra, and their children. (borrowed from Waterbrook Multnomah)