Book Review: A Book with Heart

     Tyndale Publishers blessed me with a complimentary copy of LEAD...for God's Sake in exchange for an honest review. Todd G. Gongwer penned this book with conviction and passion that all believers should take to heart. Why do we do what we do? What motivates people to live? In this fictional account, Coach Rocker, a Kentucky high school basketball coach finds himself in the midst of life struggling along with his players' game, not knowing why he is even alive. From his career to his family Steve Rocker's life seems to be ripping at the seams, in need of more than a quick fix.
     Then, a godsend in the form of Joe Taylor, school janitor, begins mentoring Coach and in effect, the entire school and beyond. Through Taylor's guiding hand and genuine care for others he transforms the lives of everyone he possibly can and whomever will allow him the opportunity. Taylor is the hero of the story, but it's the deep void in Coach's heart that is the driving force in this modern-day parable. Every pursuit in our lives must start from within the heart. People can't live their life with lasting meaning if they are only pursuing worldly treasures. Those are fickle and will perish when the person does as well. What lasts beyond our lives here? Only with God at the center of our hearts can we lead to leave a lasting legacy.
     Honestly, I would have normally passed by this book on a store display. However, as an option to review it, LEAD...for God's Sake seemed appealing enough to give it a chance. Had I not read it, I would have never know what I was missing sadly. I am not a sports fan my any means, so I was relieved that basketball only comes through as the background in the book. It's the wisdom of Taylor that reaches the other characters' hearts, as well as the readers.
     By the end of the book, I was crying, so prepare with a box of tissue at your side. This volume would be wonderful for any believer or seeker or maybe someone who is questioning their very being. We all lead in some manner, whether it's at home, school or the workplace. Everyone can LEAD...for God's Sake.

Todd Gongwer has spent nearly twenty years developing his expertise in leadership, team, and cultural dynamics. He has held executive positions in companies ranging from entrepreneurial start-ups to public entities. He also served as an assistant college basketball coach for over a decade. He lives in Indiana with his wife, Traci, and their two children.



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Book Review: Great Guide to Fasting

     I owe a big thank you to Bethany House Publishers for sending me a complimentary copy of A Woman's Guide to Fasting in exchange for an honest review. Lisa E. Nelson, author and speaker, presents a guide to not only fasting itself, but to the preparation and aftermath as well. Fasting is not a commandment, but a discipline practiced throughout the Bible. To modern ears, fasting may seem antiquated and daunting. However, Nelson breaks down the physical and spiritual aspects of fasting for the reader.
     In A Woman's Guide to Fasting Nelson makes it a point that one only begins a fast for the proper reasons. As Jesus came to fulfill the Law, we are not bound to any specific fast. We are to make sure our fasts are done at the Spirit's prompting. There are various reasons to practice fasting and this book covers those reasons adequately, among them to request healing, protection and humility. Nelson also includes different fasts such as liquids-only, partial fasts, Daniel fasts and twenty-four-hour fasts. I particularly liked the fact those are each hit upon in subsequent chapters as to the different preparations needed for each type.
     I was truly excited to start reading this volume. I have always been intrigued by the discipline, but have been intimidated by fasting. No longer will I be intimidated by fasting due to Nelson's encouragement throughout. In fact, in the last portion of the book she uplifts the reader by relating the mistakes she has made along the way her fasting journey. Sometimes she has tried to do fasting in her own strength rather than relying on God's. We have all done that in some way in our walk with Christ.
     A Woman's Guide to Fasting certainly will not be a dust-collector upon my shelf. As much as it was pleasurable to read, it is useful as well. This book would be great for anyone who practices fasting or has a desire to begin. It only is a mere 147 pages and is well written. I hope anyone who picks this book up is on their way to deeper experience with God. Again, thank you to Bethany House for this wonderful read.