Monday, April 13, 2015

Power of Half Hour


As I was reading this book, I couldn't help but realize how influenced by this man and his visions for the world my church is. Everything from the Dream Center to Adopt-a-Block. We have started the process for our own Dream Center here in DC: DC/DC. Sidenote and shameless plug: If you enjoy music, you should download this project (YOU ALONE) from our church's worship team! All proceeds go towards the DC Dream Center.

When we look at problems in any area of life, it can be overwhelming. Barnett really makes it possible to make a difference in someone's life (including your own) by investing thirty minutes at a time.

There are 30 power principles included in the book that go along with the personal action plan in the back. Ideally, he suggests going through the book thirty minutes at a time. So pacing yourself while reading the book and actually APPLYING what you're reading is the goal.

Principle #13 is Slow down: Step off your treadmill to get perspective.

"Sometimes it's good to stop running and be quiet. I know that sounds countercultural" (65). ESPECIALLY IN DC!

Principle #17: Make a Career "Work": Boost productivity with thirty-minute meetings (85). ESPECIALLY IN DC!

Thankful for this book. It not only shares principles for life but also stories from Barnett's own life.

I reviewed this book for WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Blogging for Books. I received this book for free in exchange for a review of the book.

Friday, April 3, 2015

March Madness: Book Edition



 Meditating On the Word by Deitrich Bonhoeffer. This is the first book by Bonhoeffer I have been able to get through so far. I'm still working on Cost of Discipleship.

One of my favorite quotes from this book was: "The Word of God demands our time.... To be a Christian is not a matter of a moment; it takes time" (122).


The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn

This small book was a great reminder of being careful with what we are given.

"If we give instead of keep, if we invest in the eternal instead of in the temporal, we store up treasures in heaven that will never stop paying dividends" (18).


The Pursuit of God by A.W. Towzer

Another book for the CS Lewis program. I read this one on my Kindle. Even though it's sometimes convenient, I am not really a fan of Kindle books. I remember less about them. Honestly not a huge fan of Towzer's style of writing, but he has some good thoughts.


Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Ahh, the good Bronte sister... the one worth reading. I have purposefully not watched any movies, read any reviews, or looked at any spoilers for the book, so the storyline was a complete shock to me! In case you haven't read it, I won't include any details, but overall Jane is a very likable character who was easy to relate to. I liked that she wasn't afraid to speak her mind.


Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets

As part of my prep for the mission trip to South Africa, our team read this book. Having not grown up in a church like the one Dutch talks about, it was interesting to read. I loved chapter fourteen, which was about watchmen and the different responsibilities they have. "Watchmen keep things, places and individuals safe" (261).

The following question haunts me: "Is it possible that some who have fallen away from Christ would not have if someone had interceded for them" (87)?

"The unbeliever cannot war for himself" (188).

I am part of the C.S. Lewis Fellows program, which greatly influences what I read and what time I have leftover to read what I want! The program ends in June and honestly, I can't wait to have some choice in what I get to read! SCARY CLOSE by Donald Miller is one of the top!