I believe I ordered this book from Amazon almost two years ago, and though my dear wife read it last year at some point, it got put on the shelf and I'd forgotten to read it until last week when I re-discovered it on the shelf and realized I had forgotten to read it. What a mistake! (that I had forgotten)
The Last Lecture is what became the very public "goodbye" of Dr. Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University after his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. Officially, the last lecture was given on September 18, 2007 and subsequently it was put in book form after Dr Pausch appeared on ABC News (Diane Sawyer), Oprah, etc. As expected, he did pass away last summer, July 25, 2008 (See the website for more complete information on all of the above).
I enjoyed the writing style of this book. I enjoyed the brutal honesty and humour of this book, the "optimistic" tone within a seemingly unthinkable prognosis. As a "young prof" (formerly), a guy who was a bachelor for a few years and got married a bit older, and as someone who's been aware of life/death issues for a while, I felt I had a few "extra" connections with the author. The only disappointment with the book is that Dr Pausch was not clearer on his personal faith perspective, even in the book, though I appreciate the reasons he "omitted" the religious/faith element in the official lecture.
I would highly recommend this book to any person, whether you know your death is imminent or not... As someone famous who's name I can't recall right now says, "If you are not ready to die, are you really ready to live?"
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Review of "Everyday Greatness" by Stephen R. Covey
Everyday Greatness by Stephen R. Covey is an interesting read. The book is really a compilation of 63 Reader's Digest stories by David K. Hatch that is supplemented by Covey's introduction, topical arrangement and brief commentary. With the premise that most truly heroic deeds are those small actions performed in the context of everyday living, Covey describes three purposes for the book:
1) to provide an enjoyable read experience,
2) to inspire the read to get more out of life by giving, and
3) to "arouse within you a greater passion for being a transition person." (ix)
The selection of stories is solid and thus Covey accomplishes his purposes, at least for this reader. Under seven category headings, three stories each describe 21 different character qualities and provide inspirational examples of everyday heroes. A few are well-known individuals (eg. Walt Disney, Leonardo DaVinci, Johnny Carson), though most are names you would only know if you read the story previously in Reader's Digest.
This reader found that one of the stories in each of the 21 sections was excellent, a compelling story that illustrated well the trait being described. The other two stories were also enjoyable and easy-to-read, though sometimes less directly related to the specific value. Also, 63 stories was a lot to churn through... a total of 434 pages after Covey's afterword. While the book began as enjoyable, it did eventually turn into a chore to get through all the stories. Nonetheless, the stories were inspiring and valuable reminders about what is truly important in life - and how these values are built in daily decisions.
Additionally, the book provides great illustrations for teachers or preachers.
1) to provide an enjoyable read experience,
2) to inspire the read to get more out of life by giving, and
3) to "arouse within you a greater passion for being a transition person." (ix)
The selection of stories is solid and thus Covey accomplishes his purposes, at least for this reader. Under seven category headings, three stories each describe 21 different character qualities and provide inspirational examples of everyday heroes. A few are well-known individuals (eg. Walt Disney, Leonardo DaVinci, Johnny Carson), though most are names you would only know if you read the story previously in Reader's Digest.
This reader found that one of the stories in each of the 21 sections was excellent, a compelling story that illustrated well the trait being described. The other two stories were also enjoyable and easy-to-read, though sometimes less directly related to the specific value. Also, 63 stories was a lot to churn through... a total of 434 pages after Covey's afterword. While the book began as enjoyable, it did eventually turn into a chore to get through all the stories. Nonetheless, the stories were inspiring and valuable reminders about what is truly important in life - and how these values are built in daily decisions.
Additionally, the book provides great illustrations for teachers or preachers.
Faith Promise Offering stories
After a very entertaining first "faith promise offering" provision, we did not have a faith promise offering in June, though in July and August, God has again surprised us. This summer, I've had the opportunity to preach in various local churches, including speaking one Sunday at the PTC. as our church offers pulpit supply to congregations in our local region. One of those honorariums we decided to give as our July faith promise.
As we were planning for our vacation, it became apparent that we should purchase small cargo/utility trailer, probably 4X6, to transport my wheelchair. We shopped around and the lowest price we could find was $2700. As our departure date approached on Wednesday we had talked and researched lots, but not actually purchased anything. Another connection led me to call our friend Paul Nigh (also the PCAS board chair) and he thought he might be able to access one for us, even to rent for a couple weeks. However, the one he thought might be available was not but he just "happened" to be at the UFA in Red Deer on Thursday and while waiting, looked through their retail lot and found the perfect trailer... for just under $2000. He phoned me and I told him to buy it and when he delivered it to our house we paid him back. But not only was the price a great deal, it was a perfect match to our car in terms of colour. So our August "faith promise" will be a gift to the Lord's work from the amount saved on this purchase.
As we were planning for our vacation, it became apparent that we should purchase small cargo/utility trailer, probably 4X6, to transport my wheelchair. We shopped around and the lowest price we could find was $2700. As our departure date approached on Wednesday we had talked and researched lots, but not actually purchased anything. Another connection led me to call our friend Paul Nigh (also the PCAS board chair) and he thought he might be able to access one for us, even to rent for a couple weeks. However, the one he thought might be available was not but he just "happened" to be at the UFA in Red Deer on Thursday and while waiting, looked through their retail lot and found the perfect trailer... for just under $2000. He phoned me and I told him to buy it and when he delivered it to our house we paid him back. But not only was the price a great deal, it was a perfect match to our car in terms of colour. So our August "faith promise" will be a gift to the Lord's work from the amount saved on this purchase.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Back from Vacation 2
We have returned from our extended vacation and I am glad to be back in the office at PCA and am eager for a new school year to get started. We left on Sunday, August 2 and started our holiday time in Vernon, BC visiting with Grandma & Grandpa Friebel.
After two days in Vernon, we headed south to Rock Ridge Canyon just outside Princeton, BC where we were privileged to be adult guests for a week and enjoyed seeing what happens at a YoungLife camp. My brother, Tim, brought a group of students and leaders from Whiterock and there were other high school age teens from Cloverdale and Dawson Creek, BC, as well as Calgary, Edmonton, and Grande Prairie, AB. We were served lots of very tasty food and enjoyed the lake as well as sitting in on "club" each night. We were privilege to stay in the recently completed Wolfe Creek Lodge, a beautiful three story building. 
During vacation, both Sarah and I got some time to read. One of the books I am reading through is Gordon T. Smith's, The Voice of Jesus (InterVarsity, 2003). Although I have not completed the book, it is very well written and I appreciate Smith's careful and precise use of the English language on this topic. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a thorough, articulate discussion of Christian discernment.
During vacation, both Sarah and I got some time to read. One of the books I am reading through is Gordon T. Smith's, The Voice of Jesus (InterVarsity, 2003). Although I have not completed the book, it is very well written and I appreciate Smith's careful and precise use of the English language on this topic. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a thorough, articulate discussion of Christian discernment.
I am also working on reading and reviewing Everyday Greatness (ThomasNelson, 2006), a compilation (by David K. Hatch) of 63 Readers' Digest stories on 21 key topics with "insights and commentary by Stephen R. Covey." Finally, I also read through most of the YoungLife Canada "history" - a book that was really a compilation of individual memoirs, not as much historical reflection as I might have hoped.
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