Bruce Baker

12 Steps to Freedom

Revisado: 02-04-25

I highly recommend Steps by John Ortberg. As a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for over 25 years, I have read countless books on the Twelve Steps, but this one stands above the rest. Steps is not just about addiction. It is about the things that keep all of us stuck: fear, shame, control, trauma, and the struggles we carry but rarely talk about.

Ortberg brings a depth of wisdom and honesty that sets this book apart. He writes not just as a pastor or a teacher but as someone who has wrestled through pain and brokenness. His words aren’t just insightful, he lives them.

I truly believe this book has the potential to change how people, especially the church, understand the Twelve Steps. It is more than a recovery tool, it is a path to healing, freedom, and profound transformation for anyone willing to take it. Ortberg’s gift is in how he tells the story, weaving together truth, struggle, and hope in a way that pulls you in.

This book takes you to the hardest places but doesn’t leave you there. It walks you through the valleys and points you toward something greater. It is a journey worth taking, everyone should read this book.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Jesus Parables Transform Our Relationship witf God

Revisado: 10-15-24

The book weaves scripture, philosophy, and practical insights together in a way that just clicked for me, although I did have to slow down at times to digest some of the more profound concepts. I appreciate how Willard always writes with the reader in mind—it felt like he was walking alongside me, guiding me through these profound truths. I also noticed how much of it has impacted my day-to-day decisions and outlook on life, reminding me that the kingdom of God is something we can experience now through our connection with Jesus and others.

One of the most remarkable illustrations Willard brings up is the power of Jesus' parables. He highlights how, through these simple yet profound stories, Jesus revealed the nature of God's kingdom in a way that invites us to enter in. For example, the parable of the mustard seed shows how something seemingly insignificant can grow into something mighty. Willard emphasizes that these stories were meant to teach and transform. They offer us a glimpse of how God’s kingdom operates—not in flashy, instant results, but in gradual, steady growth that has a lasting impact. This reminder resonated with me deeply, reflecting how God's work in our lives often unfolds quietly but powerfully.

I also want to thank the team who carefully pulled together the text for Scandal of the Kingdom from Dallas’s writings, lectures, and other materials. Even though Dallas is no longer with us, his wisdom and insights continue to impact so many lives. His work lives on through books like this, offering us the profound spiritual direction that resonates deeply with our walk today. It’s truly a gift that his voice and teachings remain accessible, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of God’s kingdom.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Practical guide to self-discovery & transformation

Revisado: 08-28-24

"Bring It Out" by Ben Pilgreen isn’t just a book—it’s like having a heart-to-heart conversation that encourages you to take a closer look at your life and uncover the potential you might have missed. When I started reading, I felt like Ben was inviting me to explore the best version of myself. His writing is down-to-earth and deeply personal, making connecting with his message easy.

One thing that really hit home for me was the focus on who you’re becoming, not just what you’re achieving. This idea reminded me that true success is about the growth and character you develop, not just ticking off accomplishments. Ben’s idea of building a “Wisdom Table”—finding the right people who challenge and support you—made me think about the importance of community and how the right relationships can help you grow in all areas of life.

Another part that stood out was his encouragement to step out of your comfort zone. It’s easy to stay where things are familiar, but this book pushes you to take that leap of faith, knowing that real growth often happens when you’re uncomfortable. The reminder to live a faithful life, not just polished on the outside, spoke to me about living more authentically.

What I love most about "Bring It Out" is its emphasis on consistent, intentional actions. Ben talks about how growth comes from our small, daily choices, not just the big, occasional ones. His advice on facing challenges head-on rather than avoiding them was a powerful lesson that I know will stick with me.

The idea of flourishing by planting yourself in the right environment felt like a gentle nudge to consider where I am and whether it’s the best place for my growth. This book isn’t just about motivating you to chase your dreams; it’s about creating the conditions for those dreams to grow over time.

If you’re ready to break free from limitations and step into the life you were meant to live, I can’t recommend "Bring It Out" enough. It’s a journey that has the power to change not just how you think but how you live.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Great Beginning to a great series of books

Revisado: 01-31-23

Great story that answers a great many questions from the Left Behind Series. Do not read this book first until you have read the first few books in the original series. While it is the first chronologically it assumes that you know a few things from the original books.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Story of the DC-10 Crashes

Revisado: 01-06-23

The concise, detailed story of flight 981 and the entire DC-10 program. Three crashes that killed hundreds all follow back to poor design decisions.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Great as always.

Revisado: 11-13-22

Harry is getting older but still gets the job done. If you are into Harry Bosch you will love this one.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Calm this Chaos - The Holy Spirit

Revisado: 09-13-22

Today's world is a mess. We live surrounded by the pandemic, school shootings, recession, political division, and war. With more questions than answers, where do we turn? As a Christian, I have answered that question by saying God, but I have always had difficulty understanding what that meant. In this book, Max Lucado explains how God, through the Holy Spirit, has the answers to the questions we need to have answered.

Max puts his thoughts down in an easy-to-understand, informative, and enjoyable way to read. While we might not always like the answer, God is there for us. We are never alone; we have a helper and advisor always available for us to turn to. In the end, He is always right.

I highly recommend this book. It is changing my life already.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 9 personas

Sometimes Confusing

Revisado: 11-11-20

The book has a well-coceived plot and generally was well written and easy to follow. I had to listen to the ending 2 times so that I was sure I understood what happened.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Informative look at being an astronaut.

Revisado: 07-08-20

A great inside look at being a NASA astronaut. Chris shares his life lessons and experiences with some surprising revelations.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Great first book - Inside view of Microsoft.

Revisado: 02-20-19

I followed Brad for years and lived the Surface story with him as it happened. This is a great book recounting that story of which he was a part of from outside of Microsoft.

Even with this partial success story, Microsoft continues to stumble in the consumer space. Brad details this with the clarity of someone who was involved from the beginning. Great first book.

The narration was a little dry but easy to understand.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas