A few books...

A few recent books that I have read and some thoughts about them:

CHASING DAYLIGHT was a great book. It was an emotionally tough read. It is written by Eugene O'Kelly. He was the Chairman and CEO of KPMG. He has a doctor's visit and finds out that he has 3 months to live. He says, "I was blessed. I was told I had three month to live." He writes as he experiences the end of his life and how he chose to approach that time. It is a touching and powerful book on how we should live our lives. The back of the book calls it an eloquent confirmation that our lives and the people in them are temporary joys, but the time we spend enjoying them is never lost. A definite recommendation.

I'M PROUD OF YOU by Tim Madigan. Madigan lives in the metroplex and writes for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He developed a special relationship with the late Fred Rogers and Madigan writes a masterpiece about their lives together and what he learned from Fred. After reading this I have a stronger respect for Fred Rogers. He was a Godly man that cared for and about other people. He was selfless and that part of him really touched me. Fred ended many of his written and verbal communications with Tim saying, "I'm proud of you". The words were powerful and inspirational for the author. I have taken those words and tried to apply them in my life. I have tried to leave the impression on Beth Ann and my boys that I am proud of them. I want them to know that. I have used that phrase with my staff because I am proud of what they do...choosing to teach in Christian education and seeing their influence over young children. Please read this book. You can borrow my copy. Share with people in your life that you are proud of them.

AND YOU KNOW YOU SHOULD BE GLAD by Bob Greene. This is a true story of lifelong friendship. This is another very emotional read. It is tough because it journals a life of a handful of friends and how they experience the death of one of their group. This book will have you in tears. I am unsure of who I would recommend this to based on where people are with personal life experiences. I enjoyed it and it centered my thoughts on my good friends who are on this journey of life with me. People like Chris Doggett, Brandon Scott Thomas and Stephen Bailey. My life will always be wrapped in the lives of these men. We will share and have shared many wonderful and difficult things. It makes me think of Shane Naterman and Joey Richards and how are relationship at work has grown into a great and powerful friendship in life. Read this one but be ready for it.