My Top-5 Books
My first few blog posts were very deep and personal to me, so I thought I'd go a little lighter and offer you 5 books that have impacted my life over the past few years. I hope you'll check them out and pray they impact you as they did me.5. The Carpenter - Jon Gordon-Jon's book is awesome. He sent a few of his books to me after connecting on twitter, and they were all great reads, but The Carpenter was definitely the most impactful. This work of fiction comes to life with amazing characters, and inspirational messages. You'll love the heart of the the Carpenter, and how he gets the main character Michael to save his business with practical, simple methods of putting others first. This book taught me the greatest success model is 3 simple things --- LOVE, SERVE, and CARE.http://www.amazon.com/Carpenter-Story-Greatest-Success-Strategies/dp/0470888547/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414615291&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Carpenter4. Uncommon - Tony Dungy-Tony is one of the best people I've been around. His heart to share and inspire is something I've always admired in him. His other books Quiet Strength and The Mentor Leader are fantastic reads, but Uncommon was a game changer. Tony is a man of integrity who loves God and loves people. "Uncommon" really looks at the core of us as people. Tony challenges the status quo and looks to challenge us in how we live our own lives. Are we selfish or selfless? You'll definitely need a highlighter for this book. So many practical, life changing tips.http://www.amazon.com/Uncommon-Finding-Your-Path-Significance/dp/1414326823/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top3. Beyond Ordinary - Justin and Trisha Davis-The ultimate story of marriage redemption. Justin and Trish pour out their heart and souls and show how marriages can be saved, even when they reach the lowest of lows. This book has given me a new look at the marriage covenant and why it's so important to NOT settle for an ordinary marriage. Justin and Trisha are honest, raw, and passionate about their story. When you read this book, read it not only looking for an amazing story, but trying to learn and grow from their experience. Highly highly recommend for all people married or are thinking about getting married.http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Ordinary-When-Marriage-Enough/dp/1414372272/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414614599&sr=1-1&keywords=Beyond+Ordinary2. Love Does - Bob Goff-This guy might be my hero. Love Does has inspired me to want to not just tell people I love them, but to actually SHOW it. To make loving people a way of life. Usually books take me a good couple of weeks to finish but I completed this book in 3 days. Bob has challenged me to examine my life and how I love other people. Selfishness is something we ALL struggle with and Bob shows us we overcome that by simply focusing on others. Also, Bob does something I've never seen before. He provides his phone number in the back of the book and answers every call that comes his way. Truly making himself AVAILABLE to others. I love that. Read this book and come out smiling.http://www.amazon.com/Love-Does-Discover-Secretly-Incredible/dp/1400203759/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414614632&sr=1-1&keywords=Love+Does1. Lead ... for God's Sake - Todd Gongwer-I continue to tell people that Todd's book has impacted me more than any other. I received this book about 3 years ago through a friend and once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I VERY rarely read the same book twice, but this one I've read multiple times and get something new out of it each time. The book is a parable about a successful high school basketball coach who loses his edge and stumbles upon the wise counsel of Joe the high school janitor. This book challenged me on every level of life and forced me to examine why I do what I do. The best book I've EVER read on leadership and maybe the best book I've ever read PERIOD!http://www.amazon.com/LEAD-Gods-Sake-Parable-Leadership/dp/1414370563/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414614658&sr=1-1&keywords=Lead+For+God%27s+Sake