Book 9

Some friends of mine found out early in their pregnancy (with baby 4) that this baby was going to be different than the others and they blogged about their journey here.  They have inspired many through this journey and it's only the beginning.  They wrote a post about a book and I decided to read the book as well.  Just like my friends, I think this author has probably inspired quite a number of people.  I couldn't sleep last night so I was able to finish the book:

Double Take:  A Memoir

By:  Kevin Michael Connolly

Despite the difficult circumstances the author, Kevin, faced in his life (a big one being born without legs) he lived, he loved, he traveled and I'm guessing he inspired those around him to do the same.  As the sun started to light the sky outside of my east facing bedroom window this morning, I read the part that inspired me to read the book in the first place as it was shared in my friends' post:

"...I don't think of myself as 'disabled.' As I interpret the word, you are only disabled if you are

incapable of overcoming the challenges presented in any given situation. I might be disabled

when trying to haul a hundred pounds of concrete up a flight of stairs, but to my mind, I'm perfectly

able-bodied when I am skating around New York City. Being disabled is also a matter of choice.

Anything that you try to hide from the world also imposes a limit on you. If you don't want to risk

showing off your wobbly knees or clumsiness on the dance floor and decide to sit on the sidelines,

then you are unable to dance, thus, disabled."

Kevin's memoir is a quick read and worth it!



Book 8

See this post.  I listened to book 7 a second time!

Book 7

So, I didn't actually read book 7, but listened to the audiobook in my car.  It was super funny listening to the author and his mother read the book, much more so than it would have been for me to read it.

S'Mother

By:  Adam Chester

Read By:  Adam Chester and Joan Chester

"The story of a man, his mom, and the thousands of altogether insane letters she's mailed him." 

Picked this audiobook up on a whim at the library.  I almost never laugh out loud in front of other people and rarely when I'm by myself either but I laughed out loud to some of the things in this book.  The author, Adam, tells his stories in a humorous sarcastic way, plus the letters his mom has sent him over the years are Crazy.  The advice she gave him (often out of no-where, and always unsolicited) wasn't even good advice.  Her paranoia came out in every letter, either about death, crazy family members (not including herself) or making sure Adam always knew where her will was and how much  money in insurance policies existed for him to cash in on.  If you've ever had a mother (or grandmother) who said and did things that just didn't make sense, then I think you might relate to this book.  I caution you against listening to it in the presence of children though as the Author does swear on occasion.

Book 6: Through My Eyes

Book 6:  Through My Eyes

By:  Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker

I don't really watch any sports on TV but Facebook has helped me keep up on the hype over Tim Tebow the last two years and I did finally watch Denver's final game of the season this year (which wasn't really one they played well).  I've grown to like Tim Tebow's determination to live out his faith and ever since my 2011 summer vacation in Florida, I've been curious about his book.  Tim happened to be on a book signing tour in Florida while we were vacationing there so the morning paper had a big article on him.  All that to say, my friend Melissa loaned me the book.  Overall, I'm glad I read the book but for someone who doesn't really care that much about sports, the play by play by play by play of EVERY football game he's ever played in was too much for me.  I did appreciate seeing "through his eyes" how various experiences (on and off the field) have helped shape him into the man of God that he is (including many influences from his parents and coaches).  Athletically speaking he is talented, but after reading his book I'd say he also worked very hard to get to where he is.

I did quote his book to a small group I was leading to help encourage them to tell their story.  No one likes to talk about themselves and everyone is sure they can't do as good a job as the person before them and I read them this quote from the foreword of Tim's book:



"Here's something else that I haven't always grasped but which in the last few years

I have come to understand in my own life, and which now burns in my heart for others

to also recognize and realize: we all have stories to share.  We all have life experiences

that can bless the lives of others.  Whoever we are.  Wherever we find ourselves. 

Whatever we are involved in, no matter our age or station in life. 

Stories that, when shared with others, can make a positive difference in the world."

I was also encouraged by a specific thought Tim had near the end of his book.  My team at work has been going through transition and it occurred to me that how we reacted and dealt with the changes as a team could really influence the rest of the organization (good or bad) and Tim helped me see that:

"Sometimes, people see more of your witness when you're facing adversity

than when everything is going your way. People expect you to be a good winner,

but they know how agonizing it is to lose. When you are able to reflect God's light during

those times of great disappointment, it can have quite an impact."

I'd recommend the book, to spite the rehash of every football game, and I'll continue being a Tim Tebow fan even though he's not playing for Denver this season.  I did find myself wanting to tell him about Compassion because it aligns very well to some of his own beliefs and passions.