U2 @ Oakland

I've been a huge fan of U2 since Unforgettable Fire came out and have been to so many of their concerts over the years, yet I've never been on the floor, what is called "General Admission" - until now.

I'm a U2.com subscriber so it was easy to purchase the General Admission tickets presale. Originally this concert was scheduled for June of 2010, but had to be postponed. So I purchased my tickets in November of 2009 and FINALLY got to see the concert this past week. That is a long time to wait!

But well worth it.

I'm still not ready to explain and go into detail the concert and what it meant to me. Maybe in a day or two, but for now.... here's a few photos.

The Grace of God

The Grace of God by Andy Stanley is simply a gift to read. In it, Mr. Stanley explores grace shown in the Old and New Testaments. In this book he looks at grace by explaining the story of Grace: being chosen by Grace, Surprised by Grace, Redeemed by Grace, Ruled by Grace, Rescued by Grace, Sustained by Grace, Puzzled by Grace, Accepted by Grace, Reborn by Grace, Filled by Grace, Saved by Grace and Commissioned for Grace.

He ends with:

"In his story, he lvoes you no matter what you've done
In his story, he doesn't love you because of what you've done.
In his story, he could not love you more and he will never love you less

It's a better story.
It's a true story.
It's a story of grace.
The Grace of God! (page 216, 217)

I enjoyed this comforting look at grace in the manner Mr. Stanley presented it.

I received this book through Thomas Nelson's booksneeze program. I was not required to write a favorable review.

The Final Summit

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews is a well-written story, but one that didn't altogether capture my attention. This might be because I don't read much fiction. Still, it is about David Ponder who is visited by an angel where he meets many famous people from history .

This is a hard book to review because I enjoyed reading it, it was very easy to read, I simply don't think I prefer fiction. Still, it is a compelling story and very well written as well. I think most people would enjoy this book.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of their Booksneeze program and not required to write a positive review.

Going Deep by Gordan MacDonald

Going Deep by Gordan Macdonald is an interesting look at church and people but instead of a "textbook" approach, he tells the story through a fictional church and it in many ways comes to life. The characters are fictional; the issues are very real in the church today. I've read numerous books that talk about not just attracting people to church or even a "profession of faith" but in actually making disciples that will reproduce themselves. Therein lies the goal and the challenge of the church: to have people use their spiritual gifts to help strengthen the church and each other.

This book encourages us to be "deep" people: people who will lead and train others to be "deep" people and make that their highest priority. Out of that all good things will flow and be sustainable.

Anyways, it is a story, told in story form and yet the many issues it brings up are weighty and real to life today. Though some might get lost on this book, if you are a church leader it would be in your best interest to really read this book.

I received a copy through Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a favorable review.

For The Kids

I collect good Christian kid's books and then.... I forget to read them to my kids! So here's a list of the Kid books I've purchased and I hope to go through with my children.




This is a great family Story Bible, with 270 Bible stories, beautifully illustrated. My kids enjoy looking at the pictures in this magnificent book.



Love this book based on the Catechism, basic, foundational truths told in a wonderful story format.



A wonderful twist on an ABC Book, suitable for older kids and even adults will enjoy the subtle humor in this book.



Love this storybook and its fundamental truths that are suitable for older kids.



LOVE THIS!

And one I didn't mention.... the Jesus Storybook. I've already mentioned that several times on this blog! Love it so much!