Tuesday, May 8, 2012

All-Pro Dad

"All-Pro Dad" by Mark Merrill is the perfect book for dads. This book has 8 chapters, each one based on a different fundamental concept of being a man and a father. Each chapter title is written in the form of a question, and includes concepts such as: What Should I Model to My Children? How Can I Better Love My Family? What's My Purpose? 

"All-Pro Dad" is full of insightful wisdoms for men - turning the societal ideal of manhood on its ear. Mark Merrill uses a compilation of stories, insights, and observations in building the groundwork for being a successful father to your children. Each chapter has a short series of steps that help illustrate the values and how to implement them into a daily life. Also, each chapter ends with a "Huddle Up and Ask Your Child" section, that encourages you to find out how your children see you through a series of questions. This also allows you to interact with your children and understand their perceptions. 

This book would be a wonderful tool for any father - and would make an awesome Father's Day gift! I think that there is so much great wisdom and insight in these 200 pages - it is almost certain that it will really make you see fatherhood in a completely different light. I would give this book a 5/5, without a doubt. Wonderfully written, concise, and so insightful. Perfect!

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

The Necessity of an Enemy

"The Necessity of an Enemy" by Ron Carpenter Jr. is a book devoted to discussing why we, as Christians, are tempted, attacked, and used by the enemy. In this book, Carpenter discusses how these enemies and obstacles can be used to fulfill our own calling and purpose for God. Carpenter makes the point that we need to understand why an enemy is necessary so that we can also recognize those situations and prepare ourselves to take on our enemy. 

The chapters are relatively short, so this could be a daily read in place of a devotional. It discusses such topics as weakness, the battle within, your potential, intimacy, and the weapons in our own arsenal. Carpenter uses a lot of Biblical reference in conjunction with personal stories to illustrate each chapter. He also includes on thought or principle in bold print that sums up the chapter and helps you to remember the basic points long after you have read them. 

What I enjoyed most about this book was that it was an honest book about something that many of us struggle with - why we are tempted, weak, attacked, etc. I think that this book offers up a lot of insight on how we can prepare ourselves, and protect our spirit from the enemy. I think it also shows us how God can use us in the midst of an unbearable situation for His purpose. 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone - it is a book that can easily fit into any busy schedule, and can offer up so much wonderful insight for our daily lives. I loved it! 


FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Water Brook Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.