Howard Thurman said, “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive”.

God designed men to be dangerous, says John Eldredge. Simply look at the dreams and desires written in the heart of every boy: To be a hero, to be a warrior, to live a life of adventure and risk. Sadly, most men abandon those dreams and desires—aided by a environment to our faith that feels like nothing more than pressure to be a ‘nice guy.’ It is no wonder that many men avoid church, and those who go are often passive and bored to death. In this provocative book, Eldredge offers a view inside the heart of a man and gives men permission to be what God designed them to be—dangerous, passionate, alive, and free.

This book had many passages where I was just struck with “aha!” moments. I love learning about human nature, about God’s plans for our lives and I find it compelling that John Eldredge says that every man wants a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.

Eldredge shares stories, quotes, Scripture verses and more to make his point. (I didn’t get on with some of his choices, some stuff gets lost in the sea-filled divide and some is just cheese!) He goes into some detail on what a man will be confronted with during his battle for his heart, but the answer to the question of how exactly a man is to go about finding his heart is not clear. . . except to find that mission, that adventure, and give himself permission to live.

Wild at Heart, is masculinity 101……. marmite effect: I give it 4-stars!

My favourite parts of the book were Day 30 “Living Up to Your Potential” and Day 36 “Fighting the Battle.” They were real encouragements to me. Another aspect of the book is that not only does it talk about what a godly man looks like, but also what it takes to become that man. Hopefully, you find this devotional as thought provoking and inspiring as I did, despite the across-the-pond translations needed at times! Great for all men!

Barbara Streisand said ‘The Mirror Has Two Faces’ is a film about transformation; transformation from the ugly duckling to the beautiful princess, transformation from the mindset that values the superficial without looking below the surface; transformation when an adult woman realises that her father thinks she’s beautiful; transformation of true friendship into deep, abiding and passionate love.

Watching the film with my beloved caused more than a few smiles and laughs but also some tears.  Tears as I know something of the wonder of recently discovering I am beautiful. Johnny tells me that I am beautiful on the inside and out; the first time anyone has ever said anything like that to me.  My Father in heaven also tells me that I am beautiful, loved unconditionally and forgiven. Forgiveness is transforming. Jesus death on the cross is transforming.  God’s unconditional love is transforming. God’s grace extended to such as me is transforming, it enables me to look up, confident that regardless of what circumstances or people may seek to message, God remains Sovereign and He (like my beloved), is planning for me in love.

How many faces do I have? There is the public face that presents confidence and competence but in reality just covers what is really going on underneath, the private face, the real me, is seen by few – the doubts, the fears, the struggles, the sadnesses, the uncertainties, the longings to be different – more holy, more kind, more gracious, more loving. I am so very glad that God invites us to come; to come to Him just as we are, burdened and heavy laden, anxious, worried, uncertain, empty, thirsty, hurt, rejected, abandoned, betrayed … far off.  He says ‘come and find rest … come home, where you belong’. This rest is a rest of letting go, relaxing in the everlasting arms, allowing myself to believe what my Heavenly Father believes about me.

So, …. if you want to laugh, cry, enjoy and dream watch the film with someone you love and be grateful …. grateful like me for the love of a man that consistently affirms and messages unconditional, unswerving love and grateful that my heavenly Father has always seen and known what I was/am and continues to love me just the same!

As Goethe said, Love does not dominate: it cultivates!

In “The Hole in Our Gospel” by Richard Sterns there is one part personal testimony, one stories from around the world and one part call to action. The book intertwines Richard’s personal story and calling from God with stories of people that have either been helped by or have helped others through World Vision’s contribution to global transformation. This book delivers an engaging and pacey story while giving you plenty to think about. Richard asks you some great questions like, “What was Jesus’ mission?” and “What are we here for?” The book also is interlaced with a lot of great quotes.  My favorite of which is by William Sloane which says,

“I love the recklessness of faith.  First you leap, and then you grow wings.”

I really enjoyed this book a great deal and intend to read it again. I found this book to be everything that I really like in a book.  I enjoy books that stretch your thinking and propose tough questions for you to think about. This book had me really asking what my purpose in life is, as well as, gave me a new perspective on how I express life and faith!

I can honestly say after reading this book I am a changed person and I don’t think you can read it without changing yours as well. I have really started to look at my faith differently, which has caused me to “un-compartmentalize” it.  I have a new perspective as I wake each morning to begin my day and realize just how privileged, responsible and blessed I am. Let me warn you, The Hole in Our Gospel is a book that once you read it, you simply cannot go back to the way you were before. This book made me laugh, it made me cry and it caused me to take action.

An underlying theme is that many of us seek balance in our lives. We need to seek imbalance. Sounds weird, eh? Imbalance keeps us alive, is Buckingham’s theory….. moreso, “the secret to success and happiness lies in your ability to know yourself well enough to make strong choices without regret…”

One particular point of research reasoned that women are less happy now than at any point since 1972! Buckingham goes on to point out that today women are twice as likely to be on anti-depressants medication as men. Buckingham outlines the SIGN;s of women who live the mantra of this book;- ‘strong lives.’  Those are: Succcess, Instinct, Growth and Needs fulfilled.

It’s slow, solid – yet full of sparkle……. The online test and other ‘lady’ resources doubtless will shine too! and yes it’s wonderfully (overly) optimistic!!

* “Nothing can foster courage like a clear grasp of grace. And nothing fosters fear like an ignorance of mercy.”

* “Questions can make hermits of us, driving us into hiding.”

* “Fear feels dreadful. It sucks the life out of the soul, curls us into an embryonic state, and drains us dry of contentment.”

* “Fear corrodes our confidence in God’s goodness. We being to wonder if love lives in heaven….. Fear unleashes a swarm of doubts, anger-stirring doubts.”

* “Real courage embraces the twin realities of current difficulty and ultimate triumph.”

* “When Christ is great, our fears are not.”

* “Fear loves a good stampede……Fear’s been making a good living lately.”

Fear to me, if unidentified, is like a thief that robs us of all the opportunity to live the life that Christ has designed for us. Fear may forever knock on our door, yet Lucado offers godly advice, catchy turns of phrase and hope-filled stories that can be summarized in one challenging phrase: trust God – fear less!

The daily question that flows from this book, remains;- “Do I respond more out of fear of failure, rejection, calamity, or out of the power of the risen Christ in me?” Either God did not give us a spirit of weakness and fear, but of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind,….or not? Either 2 Timothy 1v7 is true or it is not!

The invitation is real, the resources outlined are immense; Jesus always fulfils his promises. Perhaps the harder reality is to imagine your life without fear? It is an invitation – it can be our truth?!

Fortunately, when things look the darkest – a mysterious old man named Jones has a miraculous way of showing up. Communicating what he calls “a little perspective,” Jones explains that he has been given a gift of noticing things that others miss. In his simple interactions, Jones speaks to that part in everyone that is yearning to understand why things happen and what they can do about it.

Based on a true story, The Noticer seeks to blend fiction, allegory, and inspiration. This, spoken by Jones to Andrews, speaks to me too…..