Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

Book: Outlive Your Life
You Were Made to Make a Difference

Author: Max Lucado

Max Lucado encourages everyone to look beyond themselves, beyond their own little world. He begs us to actually "see" those in need around us and even far away and to commit to doing something about it. You can't do everything for everyone; but, you can do something for someone.

Max Lucado is an amazing author. This book is no exception. God made us for a purpose. He has a plan for us. He wants our deeds of kindness to outlive our lives. Our lives are short here on Earth; but the acts of kindness can have a ripple effect that we may never even know.

Make a conscious effort to truly "see" those that you come into contact with. Don't see the color of their skin, their religion, their mistakes. See their hearts, their potential, their needs. If you have seen the movie, "Avatar", you may remember how the tribe members greet each other by saying, "I see you." Max mentions this as well. "In certain Zulu areas of South Africa, people greet each other with a phrase that means 'I see you.' Change begins with a genuine look. And continues with a helping hand."

Max offers practical ideas and suggestions. Ways to overcome our fears, prejudices, and hang-ups. Simple ideas to get us started, with one small change at a time.

"So how can we prepare ourselves? Simple. Imitate the disciples. Linger long and often in the presence of Christ. Meditate on His grace. Ponder His love. Memorize His words. Gaze into His face. Talk to Him. Courage comes as we live with Jesus." These are Max's words of encouragement and wisdom to get you started. And it sounds like a very good place to start to me.

Max does give a very important warning. Make sure you do these things for the glory of God. Not for the praise of man. God hates hypocrisy. Remember Annanias and Sapphira? Right, not a very happy ending. So make sure your heart is in the right place. "Hypocrisy turns people against God. So God has a no-tolerance policy. Let the cold, lifeless bodies of the embezzling couple issue their intended warning. Let's take hypocrisy as seriously as God does."

This book has truly challenged me to move out of my comfort zone, out of my own little world. To make more of a conscious effort to outlive my life. Sure I have done a little here and there. But honestly, it was just a little. And after reading this book, I so want it to be more than just a little.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Dream Destinations

If you could take a trip anywhere, where would you go? Who would you take? How long would you stay?

I have been to a few places that have made a great impact on my life. Places that I am so thankful to have had the chance to experience. Many places of historical significance. I am a big U.S. History Buff.
- Philadelphia & Valley Forge
- Boston & Minute Man National Park
- Gettysburg
- Lancaster, PA

These places gave me a glimpse into our past. At some of these places, it was as if time stood still.

There are some other places that I hope to visit in the future.
- Grand Canyon
- Mount Rushmore
- Plymouth Rock
- Laura Ingall's homesteads
- Gettysburg


What about you? What are some of the best places you have visited? And what are some of the places that you still hope to see?

A little about us

Today is Day 2 of the blogging challenge. I figured a good place to start is with my family. If you are going to read 28 blog posts from me this month, you might want to know a little bit about the person writing them. Maybe not, but here it is anyway. :)

I have been married for 14 years. It will be 15 years this Friday. We are homeschooling our 3 daughters, a 12yo, an 8yo, and a 2yo.

We are an eclectic homeschool family. We pull from several different publishers, curricula, and lots of living books. Living books are my new favorite way to teach. We are currently reading a book called "Pocahontas, A True Princess." So far, we are loving it. My daughters are very picky about what we read. So anytime I find one that they both like, I let out a huge sigh of relief.

What about pets? We have a lab, two cats, and lots of fish. My girls would like to have more. More dogs, more cats, more fish, and whatever other animal I would let them bring home. But for now, I have my hands full.

We are currently in the dead of winter, with lots of snow on the ground and the wind howling as I write this. I love snow. I think it is beautiful. I love to see it falling, love to see it on the ground. Love to see the snow-covered mountains. But the dark, short, cold days of winter? Well, I don't like those so much. And I find myself battling cabin fever every winter, the past 5 years that we have been in snow-country. So if any one has any tips or suggestions on ways that you have successfully fought off the cabin fever, I would really appreciate it if you would share them with me. Bring it on, because I could sure use it.

Well, that is all for now. Now to start thinking about what to share with you tomorrow.

Blog Challenge

An online friend of mine has made a challenge . . . a challenge to post at least daily on our blog every day for the month of February.

Well, I have been wanting to post more than reviews here on this blog. To make it more personal and inviting. So, I am taking April's challenge as a swift kick in the seat of the pants. I doubt I will make it every day. Doubt I will even think about it every day. But even if I only blog half the days, it is a major improvement. So here it goes.

Day 1 of the Blogging Challenge will be to put my announcement out there. To commit myself to doing this, publicly. What will my blogs be about? I DON'T KNOW. Scary, huh? But I am going to sign off and go get some sleep. And hopefully the sweet dream fairy will visit me tonight and leave a little inspiration behind.

If not, well, I guess we will both be surprised.