The Noticer is about a fella named Jones. Not Mr. Jones, just Jones. He wanders in and out of people’s lives long enough to impart some wisdom and “perspective.”

This “perspective” from a total stranger is transformational. Jones sees things that everyone else misses. He points out ideas and knowledge that is typically right in front of the person, but they are too caught up in themselves; too close to the topic, to see the “big picture.”

Some of the quotes in this book are incredible If you are someone who does not normally memorize scripture or quotes, then I highly recommend you make an exception! Here are a couple:

* Wisdom is the ability to see, into the future, the consequences of your choices in the present

* The way we feel loved is usually the same way we express love

* Forgiveness is different than trust or respect. Forgiveness is about the past. Trust and respect are about the future.

Everyone can gain some perspective by reading this book. Andy Andrews has masterfully placed a little bit of all of us on these pages. So if you want a broader view of who you are and what’s going on around you…pick up a copy of The Noticer.
It is well worth your time!

Back in September, I wrote a post about living “in” the world without becoming “of” the world. I was able to share scripture to clearly define the issue, but I couldn’t offer much insight into how to deal with the paradox.

Well, I have found a book that answers all of my questions and presents several more questions to consider. It is an incredibly challenging book that will make you consider past situations and give you great insight into how to live a Transformist life today.

Kary Oberbrunner does an excellent job of making a distinction between Christianity & culture, while pointing out that culture is not absent from Christianity. With this point made, Christians are faced with a decision. Do we continue to live as Separatist or do we become Transformist and engage culture for the glory of God?

This is a very well thought out book with life changing application. I would recommend this book to every Christian. Especially those of us who struggle with living in the world without becoming ensnared by the world.

Contact Kary at his website.

Follow Kary on Twitter.

I recently read This is Your Brain on Joy by Dr. Earl Henslin. I was drawn to this book because it was written by a psychotherapist, but from a Christian perspective. I was intrigued to hear his viewpoint on relating prayer & God’s will with traditional therapy.

Dr. Henslin has delivered a very well written book on his studies and the work of Dr. Daniel G. Amen. It defines how your brain functions in easy to understand language. He goes into great detail to discuss Dr. Amen’s SPECT (single photon emission computerized tomography) scans and their importance in treating his patients.

The book covers some of the issues that can arise in the different areas of the brain and how those areas can be treated. And while often people of faith avoid the topic of medications to treat mental issues, Dr. Henslin was not afraid to talk about medications as a course of treatment in some cases. However he also recommended alternative to taking medicines, such as supplements, proper diet and exercise.

Overall, I would recommend this book. The “Amen Brain Checklist” on page 33 and subsequent answer key is worth the price of the book. The checklist will help you analyze yourself and may lead to some unique self awareness.

Max Lucado is a gifted writer who has written dozens of books. His writings never seem to tire or repeat. God has given him a unique ability to translate his thoughts to paper with feeling and passion. Just as a preacher can communicate through metaphors & stories, Max Lucado speaks to your heart in a way that is easily understood and visualized.

His latest book, For The Tough Times is a small, compact book. It would be perfect to give away. I’m thinking about keeping a few copies around to give to people facing difficult circumstances.

Have you ever been through a hard time? Ever felt like life was unfair or harsh? Or, do you know someone who may be experiencing a dark time? This book is perfect reading during when uncertainty approaches.

Max Lucado uses excellent imagery when speaking of how much God is for us. My favorite is that if God had a car, my name would be on the bumper sticker. Love that!

Overall, I would highly recommend this short book. If you pastor a church, teach a bible study or just have a heart for people, I would recommend picking up several copies. Listen to people today, they are hurting. This book may be what they need to receive a glimpse of God’s love.

The last bible I purchased is my current “everyday” bible. It is an 8 year old black leather bound thin NASB bible with lots of scribble notes and underlines. I take it with me everywhere. I like to curl it up while I walk with it, so it has a unique curved shape. I love everything about that bible. It has served me well!

But for my morning “routine” quiet times, I have been looking for something that will help me dive into God’s word in a fresh, new way. I wanted something different, but familiar. Something to stretch me but something I can read with the familiarity of a well worn rounded bible. Thanks to a great friend, I’m pretty sure I found it.

Today I bought a new bible. Yep, a fresh new bible. The One Year Chronological Bible

James Patterson shared with me recently that this bible helped him more in terms of spiritual growth than anything else he has ever read in his quiet time. That’s a powerful testimony!

So 2009 will be the year of the Chronological Bible. I’m praying for spiritual growth beyond anything I could ask or imagine!

I received a copy of Max Lucado’s For The Tough Times today from Thomas Nelson Publishing. They’ve asked me to read the book and write a post about it.

This book will be my very first online book review. So check back in a week or so and my comments should be posted. Hopefully the publisher will allow me to continue as this gig really fulfills two of my passions: reading and blogging (and the free book is a nice bonus too!).

Have a great day!