The Exceptional Life: 8 Powerful Steps to Experiencing God's Best for You by Stephen Arterburn

Steve Arterburn is a well known motivational speaker, and he's written quite a few  books geared toward helping people achieve the most out of their life.

Here, in The Exceptional Life, he specifically targets those who have been affected by: shame, resentment, fear, anger, instant gratification, learned helplessness, isolation, and addiction.

For each of these undesirable traits, he offers a way of dealing with them along with the "antonym" cure that you'll receive in return. (For instance, letting go of fear in order to gain back trust.)

I really enjoyed the conversational style Mr. Arterburn employed when explaining relate able situations to each obstacle we face. Humor is woven throughout the book, instantly setting the reader at ease-which is important when talking about tough issues.

Certain chapters spoke to me more than other, which I imagine would be the case for most people. We each struggle in different areas, so what I find useful may not pertain to my neighbor, friend, etc.

I did find some of the writing rather long winded, and felt parts of it could have been summed up more quickly. It tended to "meander" a little and my focus slipped during those points. Also, some of the solutions to the problems addressed seemed a bit simplistic. Just letting go, isn't as easy as it sounds. Diagnosing the root of an issue is very important, yet the therapy afterwards is usually the hardest of all.

But as a starting tool for those who want basic connecting dots to their struggles, I'd recommend this. It's not overly complicated and is written engagingly. I haven't read any of Mr. Arterburn's other books, but am interested in checking them out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Ladies, Do You Get the Big Game?

Ladies, do you wonder what’s the big deal about the Big Game? Maybe you share your man’s enthusiasm about the Super Bowl. Maybe you’d rather get him off the couch to go running with you. Maybe you’d prefer to just go shopping. Let me share a few insights with you for Super Bowl Sunday.

While women fantasize about relationships, men fantasize about greatness. While women fantasize about cuddling, men fantasize about conquering. We men want to be something. We crave significance, influence, and impact. This desire for greatness shows up in the wilds we roam, the movies we watch, and the sports we play—or watch.

Football is the closest thing to an organized team gladiator battle in our nation. In it, passion, strength, and power fuse with precision and skill as two teams face off in an epic display of force and will. And a Super Bowl victory is the greatest prize. It’s the best of the best playing for greatness.

Men long to be great. Men were created to be great. Unfortunately, too many men don’t realize it. Yet greatness is the destiny of a Kingdom Man.

A Kingdom Man is a male who places himself underneath God’s rulership and lives his life submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ. A Kingdom Man is a man who rules according to God’s rule. Rule does not mean domination or control—it means leading with wisdom for the betterment of others underneath the overarching guidance and sovereignty of God.

A Kingdom Man is every woman’s dream because when he functions according to the principles of God’s Kingdom, she can rest underneath his covering. To cover someone simply means providing the protection and provision they need as well as an umbrella environment for nurturing and fostering emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Fused within every Kingdom Man’s urge to conquer ought to be an equally strong conviction to cover and take responsibility for that which God has placed in his care.

How does that kind of greatness sound to you?

How can you pray for your man?

Is your man ready to be a Kingdom Man?

Check out the book trailer for Dr. Tony Evans’ upcoming book, Kingdom Man here.

Pre-order copies of Kingdom Man by Dr. Tony Evans here for everyone who attends your Super Bowl party.

Sign up here to receive a series of Kingdom Man Boot Camp emails — monthly challenging and encouraging samples from Dr. Evans’ book.

Need a Super Bowl snack tip? Check this one out:

Big Game Black Bean Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 small tomato, diced

• 2 tablespoons chopped red onion

• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, plus extra sprigs

• 2 (15-oz) cans black beans, drained

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more to taste)

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• salt

Directions:

Using a food processor, pulse tomato, onion, and cilantro until well chopped. Add black beans, hot sauce, cumin, and salt, to taste, and pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth. Transfer to serving dish, garnish with cilantro sprigs, and serve with tortilla chips.

(As a disclosure, I did not write this article but am posting it on behalf of the Tyndale Blog Network.)

My favorite banana bread!

I absolutely LOVE banana bread. So whenever I come across a loaf, I do a little happy dance inside at the prospect of filling my mouth with this fruity goodness. 

But sometimes, that first bite doesn't live up to my, I'll admit, somewhat high expectations.

And what are those expectations?

Well, tons of moistness and banana flavor are at the top of my list, along with just the right amount of sweetness. 

Add a crunch factor, and I'm a goner.

This recipe satisfies all my cravings and more. And it can also be turned into killer muffins...

Without further ado, I give you The definitive banana bread!