VLOG: Review of Jennie Allen's book and bible study

If you are looking for a book to read, or a bible study to complete...please take a few minutes and view my video review of Jennie Allen's new book and bible study.   This definitely is not a professional video :) but it will do :)

Blogging For Books Review-When Work and Family Collide

  I received a complimentary copy of Andy Stanley's new book, "When Work and Family Collide" from the Blogging for Books website.  In turn I have to write a review.   For this book, I let my husband read and write the review because he enjoys Andy Stanley's work. 

Before I go into reviewing this book, I should start by saying that I am a very large proponent of faith in God first, then family, then work.  It was while I was on a very long business trip that I heard a message by Andy Stanley in regards to this exact subject which had a profound impact on my life at that time.  It was that impact that led me to read and review this book.

In reading this book, I thought that it reinforced a biblical principal that has been lost in our society, namely the love for, affirmation of and prioritization of family.  This book will challenge the reader to take a real honest view of where they are currently at and where they could and maybe should go.  With that being said, the theology is rock solid, which is to be expected given the background of Andy Stanley.

The pros of this reading this is that it does not cut corners.  It spells out plainly why our family breakdown has occurred so prevalently, where our commitments are truly skewed, and how we’ve fallen off course and continue with the downward spiral.  It gives practical advice on how to approach a strained work/family life balance, and what must be done to correct it.  It also offers hope to the reader through real life examples and how nothing is impossible with God in it.  Finally, it also paints a real picture of while the hope is available, there will be considerable sacrifice that will need to be made to correct it.

The cons from my perspective were few, but some do exist.  While it easy to say that one wants to get to a point of balance and the book offers points on how to get there, it fails to address enough topical information on how to best handle the trials that will surely come once the changes are made (speaking from personal experience).  Next, this book offers sound biblical truth on where we should prioritize our time, but for most people who do not have deep rooted faith, a lot of the challenges listed may prove not only discouraging, but impossible, and could leave the reader feeling more lost after reading this than from when they first started.  Finally, while well written, it tends to belabor a lot of points over the course of the book as a whole when the information could have been easily disseminated over a select few chapters.

In conclusion, this book is well written and has sound advice for what is clearly a lost generation(s) as it pertains to work and family balance.  It offers true hope for so many that are caught in the worlds view of success, namely as it is viewed in the workplace.  While the encouragement is real, it will take a strong individual and a family communicating together and being on the same page to incorporate the change.  I would recommend it as a strong reading, but I believe the reader will have to have at minimum an advancing faith to truly incorporate the challenges that lie within the pages.

Summer Series (Post 2)

 I am surviving "Summer" so far.  I thought it was a good time to check in and let you know how I am doing... (for those rare few that do visit my blog :) 

On my last post (see below if you missed it) I made of list of my "Important" and "Urgent" things that I wanted to get done during my summer break.  Although, I have struggled a bit, I have actually had some victories as well.   I think the biggest victory is that I have been able to read the bible with my children everyday of our summer break so far.   At this point in time, I don't see the boys engaging the way I had hoped (spiritually speaking), but I feel that this discipline of daily Bible reading and praying will help them to realize that it is something they will need in their lives if they want to grow closer to God.  In the bible it says, that God's Word is alive and active, and I just need to keep praying that His Word will come alive in their hearts and move my boys to action for Him and His glory.

   I am pretty much getting up early, but not quite the time I have set for myself.  I think if I just go to bed a bit earlier (than MIDNIGHT :) I would have a good fighting chance of getting up at my set time in the morning. 

 I have even completed some of the things on my "urgent" list that were less important, but still needed to be done. I have cleaned up my room (this was HUGE) and I have one happy husband.  I have organized my son's closet and have been able to get in some exercise.  Oh, and I am almost finished reading the most awesome book, "Kisses from Katie".  I will write about this in a later post, but if you get a chance, go out today and buy this book...you won't regret it. 

  However, I have had a few days that I just really shut down and escaped into the world of TV and the computer.   I call those my wasted days... But with God's help and infinite grace and mercy I can start over at any minute of my day, and I definitely have had to do that. 

 HOW ABOUT YOU?  HOW IS YOUR SUMMER GOING?  I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW, JUST LEAVE ME A COMMENT :)

Blessings, Kim