“Outlive Your Life: You Were Made To Make A Difference!” By Max Lucado

 

Outlive Your Life! By Max Lucado

 

Whenever I get a chance to read anything written by Max Lucado, I jump at it.  Max has a way of writing that is relaxed and at the same time very challenging.  He makes me think and he will make you think too!

“Outlive Your Life!” is an easy read as far as the style goes, but it is a challenging read as far as the content!  This book is what I would call a modern day journey through the New Testament book of Acts.  As we journey with the early followers of Jesus, in their attempt to live out the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we are challenged to discover and live according to those same principles in the present day reality that we know as life.

Like most of Max Lucado’s books, this one is filled with personal stories and lessons of life that Max has learned along the way!  For any person that has ever wondered,  “What difference can little ole me make in this big ole world?”, this book will help to answer that question by giving you the tools necessary to build a life that will outlive your life.

This was a very interesting book, filled with the truth of Scripture, which is made applicable to our every day living by helping us to address life right where we are living at this very moment!

As I read each chapter, I found myself challenged by the very simple reality that I was created to be and do more!  I found myself becoming inspired to not just think about it, but to actually start taking the steps forward to move my thinking into action.  At the back of the book there is a section filled with discussion questions from each chapter, which would make this a great book to read, study and discuss with a group!

I highly recommend this book and challenge people to read it with an open mind, surrendered heart and a willing spirit.  If you do, you will “Outlive Your Life!”

Disclosure: This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson Publishing for review purposes only.  I was not required to give a positive review or compensated in any fashion.

Rekindle The Fire!

What has God done for you lately?  I often take for granted the things that God has done or is doing in my life.  I tend to get distracted by what is not happening and miss what is happening.  I am learning that my missing blessing is usually my fault!

I love to go camping and one of the things that I love about camping is having a camp fire!  One thing I’ve learned about a camp fire is that it can’t be ignored!  Every now and then, you have to rekindle the fire.  This is true in the relationships that make our life worth living!  Here are three steps that will help you to rekindle the fire in the relationships that make your life matter!

Step OneTake some time today to rekindle the fire in your relationship with God. God loves you and He created you for relationship!  He wants to know you and He wants you to know Him!  Spend a little bit of time today talking to and listening for God!  Just take the time to talk and listen and you will be amazed at how the relationship fires will begin to reignite!

Step TwoMake some time today to rekindle the fire in your relationships with family! If you are blessed with a spouse and children, then make sure that you are not taking them for granted.  Those simple things that you think about doing, but fail to do, can make a big difference in all of your lives!  Don’t just think about it – do it!  Just like a little stirring of the coals in a fire, making some time with family will help the fire to burn warmer and stronger for all of those around!

Step ThreeUse some time to rekindle the fire in your friendships! Even if it’s on Facebook or twitter!  The telephone company used to advertise:  “Reach Out And Touch Someone!”  This is easier than ever with the internet social networks, email and all of our gadgets.  Use some of your time today to intentionally reach out and touch some of your friends with some kind and encouraging words!  Just pick someone!  When you throw another log on the fire, it is sure to burn brighter!

You can do this and you will be glad you did, so get after it and have a blessed day!

10 Questions!

Life Is Amazing! Many years ago, when I was a teenager, I read a book by Leo Buscagalia called “Living, Loving & Learning!”  I then had the opportunity via PBS to hear him lecture on a number of different occasions.  A few weeks ago, I came across a hardback copy of “Loving Each Other!” and it took me back to those magical days, when I made some great strides in my spiritual journey.

Intersections! I grew up in Church and had been taught the Scriptures from a very early age.  I knew the teachings of Jesus and they had challenged and changed my life.  When I heard Leo Buscaglia, his teaching helped me to take what I had been taught and exercise it in the daily living of my life.  He helped me to put feet to my faith!

The Amazing Gift Of Love! This amazing love that has been given to me as a gift is something that I get to share and in its sharing, love becomes so much more powerful and meaningful!  Below are a few questions that Dr. Buscaglia challenges us to think about.  These are not his exact questions, but my adaptation of some of the encouragement and challenge that I have received from his teaching and writing. I would encourage you to ask yourself these questions every day as you embark on this journey called life!   I hope you enjoy and learn to love and be loved!

1.) Did I share happiness or did I steal happiness with my actions and reactions?

2.) How did I express love and show kindness?

3.) Am I looking for what is right or for what is wrong in others?

4.) Do I laugh and help others to laugh?  (Is joy a by-product of my life?)

5.) What have I done today to build and make stronger my relationships?

6.) Have I worried over the trivial or celebrated the triumphant?

7.) Have I accepted forgiveness and given forgiveness?

8.) Have I learned something new and have I taught something new to others?

9.) Do I know and believe that life (mine and yours) matters?

10.) Will I let this make me better or bitter?