Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Book Review: Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman with Ken Abraham

Knockout Entrepreneur (Nelsonfree) Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman



Everyone probably knows that George Foreman was the heavyweight champion of the world... twice!  What they may not know is George is a real heavyweight in business and in faith.  Knockout Entrepreneur is a faith based business management book which takes you through the steps necessary to build and maintain your business.  George does not shy away from telling how his faith plays an integral part in his business dealings.

I admit, it has taken me longer to read this book than it normally does.  I have just started a direct sales business and read this book to get ideas on how to take my business to the next level. There was so much GOOD information to digest, I didn't want to rush through this book.  George Foreman gives great tips for getting into the right mindset of being a reliable, smart, and trustworthy business person to what you should do once you reach your level of success.  George ties in Christian Principles wonderfully, things like honesty, trust, generosity.  At the end of each chapter, he provides you with a series of questions/prompts to help you think through what you just learned and apply it. 

I enjoyed this book so much!  I love that it's written from the perspective that everything we do is done to glorify God, I love that George gives examples of how his faith has sustained him, I love how the chapters are short but chock full of information, I love how George let's you know right off that there is no "magic pill" when you are in business.  Sometimes you will do well, sometimes it will be lean, anytime when you put your faith in God, you will be successful.  I highly recommend this book for those just starting out in business as well as those who have been in business for a while and need a fresh new perspective.

This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson for the purpose of sharing an honest opinion. 

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Monday, December 14, 2009

Book Review - Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwall

Scarpetta (Kay Scarpetta, #16) Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
From the summary:

"Leaving behind her private forensic pathology practice in Charleston, South Carolina, Kay Scarpetta accepts an assignment in New York City, where the NYPD has asked her to examine an injured man on Bellevue Hospital’s psychiatric prison ward. The handcuffed and chained patient, Oscar Bane, has specifically asked for her, and when she literally has her gloved hands on him, he begins to talk—and the story he has to tell turns out to be one of the most bizarre she has ever heard."

I have to say this book was bizarre indeed and I did not enjoy it. I kept moving forward because I just KNEW it had to get better. Unfortunately it didn't. While the author did a nice job of building the characters, letting out little details as the book went on, they somehow didn't seem believable. The connection between the main characters was there but just seemed weak. The relationships were all a little weird. I was very disappointed in the ending as well, it really didn't pull it all together for me. Just disappointing all together.

I rarely rate a book this low but I just couldn't find much good about this one.

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**** This book was from my personal collection. I was not compensated for this review. ****

Friday, December 11, 2009

Big Apple Circus - Redux

Hi all,


Remember this post where my family and I went to see the Big Apple Circus? Well we had a fantastic time and I HIGHLY recommend you go see it if you have the time. I was recently contacted again to share this great information with you! They have extended their discount days to include Dec. 13 at 4:30 pm, Dec. 20 at 4:30 pm, and Dec 22, Dec 23 - both shows !!

To purchase your discounted tickets to the Big Apple Circus:
Online: http://bigapplecircus.org/pop.aspx and submit the code POP10 in the Promotional Codes box
By Phone: CALL 888-541-3750 and mention code POP10
In Person: Big Top Box Office 10AM–6PM daily. No service fee. Bring a copy of this blog post

*Offer good on select seat locations and performances. Must present this blog post to receive discount at the box office. Performance schedule subject to change. Offer is subject to availability; not valid on prior purchases; cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. This offer can be revoked at any time. Discount amount varies. Limit 8 tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. Telephone and Internet orders are subject to standard service fees.

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Book Review: When Christ Comes by Max Lucado

When Christ Comes When Christ Comes by Max Lucado


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Christ Comes is about how Christ will arrive in His glory in His Time. In this book Max Lucado addresses our impatience to see Jesus and how awesome His return will be. He also touches on what Christians should be doing in the meantime. At the end of the book, there is a study guide which you can use to reinforce what you are reading.

I've always enjoyed Max's books and this one was no exception. I like the structure of the book, short chapters with insightful passages and personal stories. Max is pretty funny at times. I like that more often than not he is laughing at himself. But more important than the humor, is the truth he presents. He addresses difficult questions like when is Christ coming back? What should Christians be doing in the meantime? Is there really a Hell? What will it be like in Jesus' presence? Of course he does not know the definitive answer, but using biblical truths he gives us a pretty good idea!

After reading this book, I was encouraged to speak out more about my faith and share how Christ is working in my life. It also caused me to stop and examine how my activities are reflecting the love of Christ.

This is a book from my personal collection. I was not compensated or provided with a book for review.


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Saturday, December 5, 2009

Well Done!

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Matthew 25:23
 

Last week was report cards for my son and daughter. M brought home a report card of A's and B's.  B also did well.  He met the challenge of difficult classes and excelled in his acting and French classes.  He also performed in two plays and was phenomenal!

I make sure to tell my children when they do a job well done. My children also know that if they do what they are supposed to do, they get rewarded and recognized. If they excel with the small tasks that we give them (such as schoolwork), we are willing to give them more.  More responsibility, more freedom, more material rewards.

Jesus is the same way!!  He tells us in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-28), that He will reward those who take what He has given and multiply it!  We who take what He has given us and use it to build up His kingdom will hear the wonderful words "Well Done my good and faithful servant... come share in my joy!"   

Lord my prayer today is that you will bless me and those reading this, to use our talents wisely so that we can bless You and Your kingdom!  AMEN!

Love and Blessings,
Margaret