This month marks the 1 year anniversary of my personal “Plan B.” I won’t bore you with the details as I have already done that. (If you want to read it- it’s here Part 3)If you haven’t guessed the reference yet (and let’s be honest, 85% of you are here because of a @pwilson retweet that happened at some point) this post is my review of the book “Plan B” by Pete Wilson. [..]

I just finished a story. I closed the book and set it neatly on my bookshelf and stepped back and took a look at my accomplishment. Then I asked myself, “What are you going to remember from that book?” You see, I have trouble sometimes remembering a lot about the books I read. I read them and enjoy them, but soon after I forget a lot of the details. I forget the story.

How I answered my question surprised me. I will remember the importance of a story. My story to be exact.

What inciting events are throwing me into new chapters? What memorable memories am I making? What progress is the main character making? What story is my life telling?

Donald Miller faced these questions when two producers approached him about turning Blue Like Jazz into a movie. Once he was told that his life was boring and needed to be edited, he found out what elements were needed to make a story great. What resulted was one of the best books I have ever experienced. I say experienced because that’s exactly what it was. A story about story. Miller is more mature in his writing and it feels different from his other books. That’s neither good nor bad, just different. It is evident that Miller is living a great story now. No more editing.

I will always remember A Million Miles in a Thousand Years because it was an inciting event for me. If you don’t know what that means, then you should read the book and hop into your own story.

The last time I read one of Lucado’s books I was 17 years old. I don’t remember the title or even what it was about, so when I got his newest book, “Fearless” in the mail, I was understandably skeptical. Then I opened it. This book could not have come at a better time in my life. Going through a season of complete change, the word “Fearless” wasn’t in my vocabulary.

Lucado takes each chapter and picks a fear that is common today. Using scripture and personal stories, he tackles fear head on and gives the reader hope in todays frightening world. Whether it is fear of overwhelming challenges or fear of God not being real, Max delivers real and honest answers about each topic.

After reading this book, I was able to do just what the tagline said. I closed the book, sat back and imagined my life without fear. Then I got up and faced my fears head on and surrendered them. I’m not claiming to be fearless, but now I trust more and fear less. So can you and that’s why you should read it.

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young is a daily devotional book written from the perspective of God. Each day there is a short passage that serves as a reminder of God’s love. To be honest, I wasn’t sure of what to expect at first, but each devotional is supported by scripture. I also found that each day served as encouragement to face the trials and temptations that were in my life at the time.

I also have to confess that I prefer “Streams in the Desert” to this devotional. I am more of a narrative person, so I enjoy hearing stories and specific examples of faith demonstrated, but don’t let that deter you. This book is a wonderful encouragement for anyone trying to daily live out the convictions and love of Christ in their life. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for daily guidance.

Same Kind of Different As Me demonstrated the life we are called to live.

Loving others as we love ourselves.

Once we do that, God will take the ordinary and make it extraordinary.

“He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30.

And if you must have some kind of review… the book was great. Read it.