Duck Dynasty Collection

The Story

 Three generations. One duck related Dynasty. The Robertson family story told through the lens of Phil, Kay, Jep and Reed. Gather friends and family this Thanksgiving season and watch their 30-minute special film. From their humble beginnings and struggle to keep their family together, see what happened before their immense success.  #TheRobertsonsR2nd #Novembeard

http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/the-robertsons/

See the Robertson's tell their story at iamsecond.com. Just follow the link above to watch their video chronicling a much darker time in the lives of the Duck Commander family before the television series and their business success.





Books available in the RiverTree Bookstore and online at: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/index.php?module=productsearch&_logmode=Y&query=i+am+second

More Duck Dynasty favorites: 

Miss Kay's Duck Commander Kitchen: Faith, Family, and Food-Bringing Our Home to Your Table, Paperback

By: Kay Robertson

Howard Books / 2013 / Paperback

The sassy country-cookin' matriarch of the Robertson clan---and star of TV's Duck Dynasty---dishes up fabulous recipes and insider stories. From fried frog legs and sausage gumbo to crawfish etouffee and buttery biscuits, Miss Kay offers over 100 mouthwatering Robertson-approved recipes, plus beautiful photographs and family pictures. A feast for the eyes and taste buds! 240 pages, softcover from Howard. Buy it here:  http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/robertson-kay/miss-kays-duck-commander-kitchen-nov/5905510.html






Si-cology 1: Tales & Wisdom from Duck Dynasty's Favorite Uncle

By: Si Robertson with Mark Schlabach, HOWARD BOOKS / 2013 / HARDCOVER

Howard Books / 2013 / Hardcover

An up-close-and-personal look at America's favorite backwoods clan! Meet the Robertsons, The Duck Commander Family who built their rural sporting business into a multimillion-dollar empire. Get a "behind the beard" perspective of the Happy, Happy, Happy life of Duck Dynasty founder Phil. And laugh out loud at Uncle Si's tall tales and one-liners in Si-cology 1. Slipcased hardcovers, from Howard.

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/robertson-si/si-cology-1/5406895.html

Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy As the Duck Commander

By: Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach

HOWARD BOOKS / 2013 / HARDCOVER

Want to meet the man behind the beard? Besides having a popular reality TV show on A & E, and a multi-million dollar business, Phil Robertson has shared his story with thousands of people at churches and public speaking events. Now in his memoir Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander, Robertson shares his life's journey behind the camera. 
It hasn't always been the "good life" for Phil. As a young man he turned to drinking, drugs and wild living to try to fill the emptiness in his heart, in the process causing hurt to his young wife and family. It wasn't until he turned to Christ and dedicated his life that things began to turn around, and he became the entreprenuer who created a product that changed the duck hunting industry. Happy, Happy, Happy isn't just the story of an American dream come true, it's the story of a changed life. As you read you'll be inspired to believe that God can reach the hardest hearts with His love and truth, and fill their lives with life-giving purpose.
Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/robertson-phil/happy-happy-happy-my-life-and-legend-as-the-duck/4902100.html

The Duck Commander Family

By: Willie Robertson, Korie Robertson, HOWARD BOOKS / 2012 / HARDCOVER

An up-close look at America's favorite backwoods family! Stars of A&E's hit television show Duck Dynasty, the Robertsons take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of their life and faith, sharing how they went from eating fried bologna sandwiches to consuming filet mignon by building a sport-hunting empire. Includes recipes and family pictures. 261 pages, hardcover from Howard.

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/robertson-will-kor/duck-commander-family/4884135.html

Duck Commander Collection, Includes The Duck Commander Family, Happy, Happy, Happy and Si-Cology 1, Hardcovers
This special boxed set includes three bestsellers from the stars of the hit A&E® program Duck Dynasty®: The Duck Commander Family, Si-Cology, and Happy, Happy, Happy.
Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/robertson/duck-commander-collection/5939742.html

The Duck Commander Devotional

Brown,buy here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/robertson-alan/duck-commander-devotional/5910869.html

Pink, buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/robertson-alan/duck-commander-devotional-pink-camo-edition/5934853.html

Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas

 Celebrate the season with the Robertson family! Includes "Ragin' Cajun Redneck Christmas"; "Away in a Manger"; "The Night Before Christmas"; "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"; "Silent Night"; "Christmas Cookies"; "Camouflage and Christmas Lights"; "Why I Love Christmas"; "Baby, It's Cold Outside"; "Hairy Christmas"; "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"; "Phil's Prayer, Willie's Closing"; and the title track.

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/robertson/duck-the-halls-cd/5946270.html

Merry Larry and the Light of Christmas, DVD

Featuring the voice of Uncle Si Robertson 

Head elf at the mall, Larry the Cucumber discovers that Mrs. Crespie's house burned down---and he's determined to get her a new one by creating a light show! Meanwhile, Larry's co-worker Phillip Fleagle only cares about the mall's spectacular holiday display. Can Larry rally the community to help Mrs. Crespie and show Phillip the true light of Christmas? Approx. 45 minutes.

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/veggie-tales/merry-larry-the-true-dvd/5935036.html

New Releases 11/19/2013

Good Tidings and Great Joy: Protecting the Heart of Christmas

By: Sarah Palin

Broadside Books / 2013 / Hardcover

 

Wish me a Merry Christmas.
At a time when Christian values are challenged—when the greeting "Merry Christmas" has been replaced by the supposedly less offensive "Happy Holidays"—Governor Sarah Palin makes the case for bringing back the freedom to express the religious spirit of the season.
In her bestselling books, Going Rogue and America by Heart, Palin has revealed how her strong Christian faith has guided her life and family. Now, in Good Tidings and Great Joy, she discusses one of Christianity's most sacred celebrations, and how the holiday has been robbed of its meaning and true tradition by the pressures of political correctness.
Palin defends the importance of preserving Jesus Christ in Christmas—whether in public displays, school concerts, and pageants, or in our hearts—and delivers a sharp rebuke to today's society for the homogenization of the holiday season. Sharing personal memories from Palin Christmases past, she illustrates why she holds the celebration of Jesus Christ's Nativity so dear.
Good Tidings and Great Joy revisits our traditional roots and the true meaning of Christmas. It is a call to action to readers to defend and openly celebrate the joys of their Christianity, and to say to one another, "Merry Christmas!"
Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/palin-sarah/happy-holiday-is-a-merry-christmas-oct/5910548.html

iGods: How Technology Shapes Our Spiritual and Social Lives

By: Craig Detweiler

Brazos Press / 2013 / Paperback

 Today the world is literally at our fingertips. We can call, text, email, or post our status to friends and family on the go. We can carry countless games, music, and apps in our pocket. Yet it's easy to feel overwhelmed by access to so much information and exhausted from managing our online relationships and selves.

In iGods: How Technology Shapes our Spiritual and Social Lives Craig Detweiler, a nationally known writer and speaker on media issues, provides needed Christian perspective on navigating today's social media culture. He interacts with major symbols, or "iGods," of our distracted age--Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Pixar, YouTube, and Twitter--to investigate the impact of the technologies and cultural phenomena that drive us. Detweiler offers a historic look at where we've been and a prophetic look at where we're headed, helping us sort out the immediate from the eternal, the digital from the divine.

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/detweiler-craig/igods/4908240.html

 

Emotions: Confront the Lies. Conquer with Truth.

By: Charles F. Stanley

Howard Books / 2013 / Hardcover

 God cares about how you feel--how you process the circumstances you face and how those experiences shape your understanding of the world around you. But even more important, the Father wants you to understand that He has given you the gift of emotions to help you connect meaningfully with others, find purpose and joy in life, and reflect His love to the world around you.
Sadly, what often happens is that instead of benefitting us, our emotions control us. Rather than understanding that our feelings are a tool to enrich our lives, we are dominated by the negative thoughts they generate within us. Dr. Stanley deals kindly and compassionately with the five key emotions that wound us: fear, rejection, bitterness, guilt, and despair. He even shares personal experiences about how these emotions can take hold of us and make us feel helplessly trapped in their unyielding grip.
In Emotions: Confront the Lies. Conquer with Truth, Dr. Charles Stanley explains how you can break free from the feelings that have taken you captive and regain the purpose for which God gave you emotions in the first place.

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/stanley-charles/emotions/5931292.html 

 

 

 

 

Samson: A Savior Will Rise

By: Shawn Hoffman

Thomas Nelson / 2013 / Paperback

 “You are a man who has vowed to protect his family, even at the cost of your own life. So you have no other choice. . . . You must fight, Samson. You must.”The year is 1941, and Samson Abrams makes a life-or-death decision that lands him, and his entire family, in the notorious concentration camp Auschwitz. When Samson is recognized by Dr. Josef Mengele and Commandant Rudolf Höss as a former boxing champion, he is ordered box for their entertainment. A win means extra rations, but the penalty for losing is death in the gas chambers.
One question haunts Samson as he and his family face one atrocity after another: Where is God in the face of such evil? An unexpected friendship between the Jewish Samson and the Polish Catholic priest Maximilian Kolbe challenges Samson to examine what little is left of his faith, but will it give him strength when he needs it most?
Based on true stories, Samson: A Savior Will Rise blends Shawn Hoffman’s thorough research with a compelling narrative that provokes questions about faith, hope, and love.
Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/hoffman-shawn/samson-oct/5456252.html

The Prodigal: A Ragamuffin Story

By: Brennan Manning, Greg Garrett

Zondervan / 2013 / Paperback

 From the inspirational author of The Ragamuffin Gospel comes a powerful contemporary retelling of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Jack Chisholm is 'the people's pastor.' He leads a devoted and growing megachurch, has several best-selling books, and a memorable slogan, 'We have got to do better.' Jack knows how to preach, and he understands how to chastise people into performing. What he doesn't know is anything about grace. This year, when it comes time for the Christmas sermon, the congregation at Grace Cathedral will look to the pulpit, and Jack will not be there. Of course, they will have seen plenty of him already---on the news. After an evening of debauchery that leads to an affair with his beautiful assistant, Jack Chisholm finds himself deserted with chilling swiftness. The church elders remove him from his own pulpit. His publisher withholds the royalties from his books. Worst of all, his wife disappears with their eight-year-old daughter. But just as Jack is hitting bottom, hopeless and penniless, drinking his way to oblivion, who should appear but his long-estranged father, imploring his prodigal son: 'Come home.' A true companion piece to The Ragamuffin Gospel, The Prodigal illustrates the power of grace through the story of a broken man who finally saw Jesus not because he preached his greatest sermon or wrote his most powerful book, but because he failed miserably. Jack Chisholm lost everything---his church, his family, his respect, and his old way of believing---but he found grace. It's the same grace that Brennan Manning devoted his life to sharing: profound in nature and coming from a God who loves us just as we are, and not as we should be. 'A wonderfully written story that is as entertaining as it is thought provoking.' ---Publishers Weekly, starred review '. . . the consummate final tale. What they have created is the Ragamuffin at his best, full of hope, full of love, and finally, full of belief in the goodness of God.' ---Phyllis Tickle, founding editor, Religion Department, Publishers Weekly 'Brennan Manning's last work continues the powerful message of grace and forgiveness that has transformed so many lives. The Prodigal will transform you too.' ---Mark Batterson, New York Times best-selling author of The Circle Maker 

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/brennan-manning/prodigal-a-ragamuffin-story/5926246.html 

 

 

 

 

 

All of Me That You Can't See

By: Callie Grant

Illustrated By: Jeremy Tugeau

Graham Blanchard Inc. / 2013 / Hardcover

 A child discovers how his inner self is growing in Jesus right along with the rest of him, as he lives out changes in his heart, mind, strength and soul. In the Graham Blanchard book collection, All of Me That You Can't See is an Absorb book, which connects studies about the facts of God with a child's inner life. Children assimilate on a personal level who God is and how they are made to be with him, trust him and love him--the life of a believer.

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/grant-callie/all-of-me-that-you-cant-see/5435546.html

Entangled: For Everything, There Is a Key...

By: Harris III

Destiny Image / 2013 / DVD

 Following the life of illusionist Harris III, Entangled: For Everything There is a Key takes us through an innovative blend of narrative film and Harris' live show experience. Classically trained master illusionist Harris III has spent the majority of his young life dazzling audiences. His performances have been featured on thousands of stages throughout the United States, and his magic-with-a-message has captured the spotlight in over 15 countries on five continents. In Entangled, Harris III takes you on a journey filled with wonder, inspiration and life-changing truth through his never-before-seen style of illusion that is unmatched and uniquely his own.

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/destiny-image/entangeld-dvd/5958802.html 

 

 

 

Surrendered: The Story of Jay Harding, DVD

Pure Flix Entertainment, Llc / 2013 / DVD

 Jay Harding wants to be the unselfish man his family needs---but he's not quite sure how to go about it! His marriage is troubled, his children are distant, and Christmas is on its way. If he purchases the gift of a lifetime---a luxurious dream home---will that solve everything? Or will tragedy teach him otherwise? Dove approved (12+). 90 minutes. Closed-captioned.

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/pure-flix/surrendered-nov/4910122.html

 

New Releases 11/12/13

 

Love & Respect in the Family: The Respect Parents Desire; The Love Children Need

By: Emerson Eggerichs

Thomas Nelson / 2013 / Hardcover

 Children need love. Parents need respect. Dr. Eggerichs believes it's as simple - and complex - as that! In this insightful message, he explains that conflict arises when frustrated moms and dads feel dishonored, while kids blurt "You don't care about me!" - generating what he calls the "family crazy cycle." Learn to establish healthier patterns - whether you have toddlers or teens!

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/eggerichs-emerson/love-respect-in-the-family-nov/5421517.html 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Childless

By: Dr. James Dobson, Kurt Bruner

FaithWords / 2013 / Hardcover

 The second installment in the riveting new trilogy from Dr. James Dobson and Kurt Bruner transports readers to a not-too-distant future when the young and healthy strain under the burden of a rapidly aging population.

Everyone is nervous about how Judge Victor Santiago will rule. The case involved the tragic demise of a loving mother and her disabled son. A common medical procedure has somehow created havoc across the legal and economic landscape. The president's popular Youth Initiative is losing momentum. Political and economic fortunes are at stake. That's why someone, somewhere, would rather put the judge in his grave than risk a wrong decision.

Tyler Cain, a once respected police detective turned sleazy private investigator, has been pulled into the middle of events way above his pay grade. He hopes the case will restore some measure of dignity. But does he have what it takes to find the potential assassin before time runs out?

He seeks help from Julia Davidson, a newly married journalist, who finds herself torn between the influence she craves and the husband she loves. She wants significance. But he wants a child. In Fatherless, Dr. James Dobson and Kurt Bruner depicted a time in which present-day trends come to sinister fruition. This eagerly awaited follow-up vividly imagines what happens when the abiding joys of parenthood are exchanged for the gradual deterioration of a CHILDLESS world. 

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/dobson-bruner/childless-oct/4900225.html 

 

 

 

 

 

New Releases 11/06/2013

Fifteen Minutes

By: Karen Kingsbury

Howard Books / 2013 / Hardcover

 

Zack Dylan becomes an overnight singing sensation... a mega star, but at what price for his soul?
Zack has a dream. He wants to sing on the biggest stages, for the biggest crowds, and he'll do whatever it takes to make it come true. But Zack also made a promise to his college sweetheart when he left Kentucky to compete on the popular TV show Fifteen Minutes: If he made it, nothing would change him or his faith in God.Zack becomes the nation's most popular contestant, a country singer comparable to a young Tim McGraw. As his star rises, Zack is often asked to compromise and quiet his beliefs. Just as he's on the verge of winning it all, his choices lead him to the brink of personal disaster. Meanwhile, a former Fifteen Minutes winner is searching for meaning amidst her own private losses. Can she warn Zack about the real price of fame? Or will Zack lose everything he loves for his fifteen minutes of glory?
Buy it here:  http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/kingsbury-karen/fifteen-minutes/4910983.html

Once-A-Day Country Faith Devotional: 56 Reflections from Today's Leading Country Music Stars

By: Deborah Evans Price

More in Once-A-Day Series

Zondervan / 2013 / Hardcover

 

 Pour yourself a fresh, cold glass of sweet tea and ease into your favorite chair with a copy of the Once-A-Day Country Faith. You'll enjoy a front row seat to an intimate look at your favorite country stars as they discuss the personal significance of their favorite Bible passage. With contributions from 56 of today's top country artists, the Once-A-Day Country Faith includes the Bible passage that tops each of their charts as well as the reasons why this part of scripture is so valuable to them. After reading Country Faith, you'll be inspired to identify the Bible passage that's most meaningful to you. You'll also listen to your favorite country artists in a whole new way. 

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/price-deborah-evan/once-a-day-country-faith-devotional-oct/5456150.html 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nightmare City

By: Andrew Klavan

Thomas Nelson / 2013 / Hardcover

 

 Teen newspaper reporter Tom Harding is pursuing the greatest story of his career when suddenly things get very weird. He wakes up to find his house empty---and soon realizes that the whole town is being swallowed by an eerie creeping fog. Is he dreaming? Is it a zombie apocalypse? He has only hours to find out! 320 pages, hardcover from Nelson.

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/klavan-andrew/nightmare-city-strict-street-11-15-13-nov/5421618.html 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Hope in Front of Me: Find Purpose in Your Darkest Moments

By: Danny Gokey

NAV Press / 2013 / Hardcover

 

 * In the wake of his young wife's death, Gokey's rise to third-place American Idol finalist was shadowed by pain---but God met him just where he was. In this moving account, he shares his reflections on his childhood, Sophia's passing, his TV competition experience, and his new life as an advocate for the disadvantaged. 224 pages, hardcover from NavPress.

 

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/gokey-danny/hope-in-front-of-me-strict-street-10-1-13-oct/5393839.html

 

My Hope America, DVD

By: Billy Graham

Pure Flix Entertainment, Llc / 2013 / DVD

 

 Since his last sermon in 2006, Billy Graham has been asking God for an opportunity to bring lasting hope to the entire nation. Now, in what could be his final public address, this outreach effort charts a new path with a message of God's love. Three DVDs, approx. 7 hours total. Closed-captioned.

 

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/pure-flix/billy-graham-my-hope-nov/5471635.html 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Will the Heaven Begin? This Is Ben Breedlove's Story

By: Ally Breedlove, Ken Abraham

Penguin Putnam Inc. / 2013 / Paperback

 

 On Christmas Day, 2011, 18-year-old Ben Breedlove's soul went to heaven---for the final time. Diagnosed with a heart condition that posed a constant risk of sudden death, Ben had several near-death experiences during which he felt the presence of angels and experienced the perfect peace of heaven. This is his inspirational, heart-rending story! 320 pages, softcover from NAL.

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/breedlove-ally/when-will-the-heaven-begin-strict-street-10-29-1/5920120.html 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whispers of Hope: 10 Weeks of Devotional Prayer

By: Beth Moore

B & H Publishing Group / 2013 / Paperback

 

 In Whispers of Hope, author Beth Moore addresses how to pray without ceasing and pray effectively by walking readers through an easy to remember and apply method of prayer, coupled with seventy daily devotionals, and followed by prompts to put this prayer method into practice. In turn, readers will better understand how devotional reading and prayer are central to a stronger relationship with God.

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/moore-beth/whispers-of-hope-oct/5421569.html 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He Wins, She Wins: Learning the Art of Marital Negotiation

By: Willard F. Harley, Jr.

Revell / 2013 / Hardcover

 Everyone's favorite marriage doctor brings couples a new way to look at the art of marital negotiation where both partners get what they want. Discover Dr. Willard F. Harley Jr.'s revolutionary concept of joint agreement that keeps husbands and wives on equal footing - and equally satisfied! Helping you resolve conflicts immediately and permanently, he demonstrates how to apply his win-win approach to arguments about friends, family, career, finances, children, and sex.

Buy it here: http://www.rivertreebookstore.com/item/harley-willard/he-wins-she-wins-oct/5435288.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review

“Grace: More Than We Deserve Greater Than We Imagine” 

by Max Lucado 

c2012 Nelson Books

Reviewed by Diane Busch

Max simplifies and reiterates what grace is, what it means and what it looks like in the life of Christ and others. Jesus showed extraordinary grace to many--can we follow his example?  Max also shares real examples of people showing amazing grace--to challenge and inspire us.  He asks us if our lives have been changed by touched by grace?  We receive God’s grace and then we pass on grace to others.  Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.  We are challenged to willingly accept God’s overwhelming grace--the undeserved forgiveness we receive through Christ--and then to live a life of grace

DVD curriculum for small group study is available for this book also.

Book Review

Divine - Karen Kingsbury

c2007 Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Reviewed by Diane Busch

Many of Karen's books address issues that some people are facing but that other people may not understand - such as autism, life-threatening illness, death of a parent or child, infertility, adoption, drug abuse, long-distance relationships, etc. This book is about battered women and their feelings of self-doubt, pain, sadness, helplessness and hopelessness.  These women have been oppressed, beaten down, treated like trash, abused, threatened, etc. They live in fear. They may make poor choices due to the thoughts that have been put in their heads.  

This book helps those who have not experienced being victims understand why some women are stuck in a harmful cycle and can't seem to dig out of it, possibly making unwise choices over and over again.

Through this wonderful story of redemption, Karen helps battered women see that they are victims--not the cause--of being beaten and taken advantage of.   The story chronicles two journeys happening in two different generations (time periods).  The character Mary helps counsel other battered women at a shelter because she was a victim herself for years and has experienced God's love and redemption. She can share her story and help other women through their circumstances. It gives her credibility.  These two different but parallel stories can sometimes be a bit confusing if you forget which character you are reading about at the moment.  But in the end it is a unique way to tell this story.

Book Review

Home Run (a novel) by Travis Thrasher

2013 David C. Cook

Reviewed by Diane Busch

This is a great book of hope for anyone who has struggled or is struggling with addictions and also for their loved ones.  The story follows the character of Cory as he grows up with an abusive dad and later goes on to become a major league baseball player.  He struggles with alcoholism and anger.  His addictions and their consequences catch up with him and he finds himself temporarily out of a job and sent back to his small hometown in Oklahoma.  He is lonely and broken.  He is mandated to attend a Christian 12-step program called “Celebrate Recovery”.   Slowly, his life is turned around.  Through Christ salvation and redemption are possible.

Home Run is based on the hit movie that is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Sinner's Creed
by Scott Stapp
2012, Tyndale House Publishers

Fascinating biography.  If you have ever listened to music by Creed you will be interested in reading this biography.  He is very open and honest about his life

Book Review

The Me I Want To Be : Becoming God's Best Version of You - John Ortberg - c2010 Zondervan

Reviewed by Diane Busch

I'm a long-time fan of John Ortberg's books. They are easy to read and understand while giving great insight and inspiration.

Right off the bat in chapter one, John says, “There is a me I want to be.  Life is not about any particular achievement or experience.  The most important task of your life is not what you do, but who you become.”  “Your life is not your project.  Your life is God’s project.”  When we are inspired we are connected to the Spirit of God which makes us flourish--making us fully alive with a purpose for living.  You are never too young to flourish. “When you flourish, you become more you...God wants to redeem you, not exchange you.”  

These quotes alone should make you want to grab the book and start reading today.  John asks, “What could you want more than to become the person God created you to be?”  

Saint Irenaeus wrote, “The glory of God is a human being fully alive; and to be alive consists of beholding God.”  John adds, “When my primary focus is being present with [God], everything else has a way of falling into place.”

“God’s plan is for you to become the best version of you, but right now there are two versions of you.  There is the you God made you to be--and there is the you that currently exists.  What do you do with the gap?”   “We cannot bridge this gap by our efforts or good behavior.  We cannot earn God’s love and forgiveness; it comes only by God’s grace.”

“The only way to become the person God made you to be is to live with the Spirit of God flowing through you like a river of living water.”  “God’s plan is not just for us to be saved by grace--it is for us to live by grace.”

John starts out chapter five with “There is a God.  It is not you.  This is the beginning of wisdom.”  Now that’s a quote we should pass it on to our children and grandchildren.

“Have I invited Jesus along for the ride, or is he driving?  Who is behind the wheel?...There is no way for a human being to come to God that does not involve surrender...Surrender is not the same thing as passivity.”  “Jesus does not come to rearrange the outside of our life the way we want.  He comes to rearrange the inside of our life the way God wants.”  “For deeper change, I need a greater power than simply “trying harder” can provide.”  “A river of living water is available, but the river is the Spirit, not you.”

John also states that there is also a “me I don’t want to be”.  The follow verses can help us with that.

• Romans 12:2 NLT - Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
• Colossians 3:2 - Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.
• Romans 8:5 - Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
• Philippians 4:7-9 - Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

John says, “We need to have a very clear picture of what kind of person we want to become, and why.”  “When we know ourselves and each other, when we walk in love, we are free to be called to the best version of ourselves--God’s hand-signed version of ourselves.”

“When you discover your strengths, you are learning an indispensable part of what it means to be made in the image of God.”  Dorothy Sayers said, “Work is not, primarily, a thing one does to live, but the thing one lives to do.”  “...Research shows that the best moments of our lives … come when we are totally immersed in a significant task that is challenging, yet matches up well to our highest abilities.”

“When we discover the gifts God has given us and the passions that engage us, and we put them to work in the service of values we deeply believe in--in conscious dependence on God--then we are working in the Spirit.  Then our work is helping each of us to created the me I want to be.”

“If you have courage to make changes in your life, something can happen in your soul.  The Spirit will bring the courage.”  “In prayer--in the presence of God--we come closest to being fully ourselves.”

Obviously I recommend this book.  I’ll end with a question for reflection that John asks near the end of the book:  “If you were to choose a logo for your life, what would it be?”

DVD curriculum for small group study is also available for this book.