Eugene Cho Book Giveaway: Overrated

Pastor Cho asks us to ask ourselves if we are really willing to do the work to change the world or if we just think changing the world is a nice idea.  Our culture of opportunity can lead us to a feeling of entitlement.  As Americans, we have the luxury of just sitting back on the blessings others have given us.  Will we get up anyway? Will we get uncomfortable for Jesus' sake and in His name?

Cho does a good job of sorting out the things we do to feel good versus the things we do that do good.  We need to be sure our good deeds are actually helping people with their real needs.  Furthermore, he dares to point out that just posting a #hashtag on Twitter or liking a Facebook page doesn't actually do anything.

Start challenging yourself by reading this book.  Then get up and actually change the world--even a little bit!  You can begin by signing up for the Overrated 5-day e-mail challenge.

Comment on this blog post to be entered in a drawing for a free copy of Overrated.  A winner will be chosen October 1.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

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Read an Inspiring and Interesting Astronaut Biography

Jerry Ross, a Purdue graduate and NASA frequent flyer, generously shares his story in this autobiography. Like many of us who went to school post-Sputnik, Jerry grew up idolizing astronauts and expecting to pursue a STEM career (it wasn't called STEM at the time) in order to keep America number one in science and technology.  He joined the Air Force, where he became a flight engineer and successfully applied to the astronaut program at NASA.  He logged over fifty-eight hours on spacewalks and is tied for first place for the number of times he was launched into space: seven!

As a Purdue graduate myself (BSIE '84) I enjoyed Jerry's account of his Purdue years and the time he spent with future astronauts (like himself!) In his accounts of the more mundane aspects of student life, I was interested to find that the Purdue I went to in the early eighties was not much different from the Purdue of the sixties: the engineering work ethic, Triple X burgers, married student housing on Nimitz Drive, etc.

Jerry was a college student when the Apollo 1 crew died on the launch pad. He was in the Space Shuttle program when Challenger exploded and on the team that recovered the remains of Columbia. When he gives his account of what went wrong, he knows what he's talking about.

Read this book for a look at a real astronaut. Not just a highly-trained technology beast, Jerry has family, friends, and strong Christian faith as well. He even gives detailed descriptions of what things look like from space: sunrise and sunset, the continents, a thunderstorm. You will feel like you were there.

This book is recommended reading for Purdue fans, space enthusiasts, and anyone from Indiana--as well as everyone else! 

I received a free electronic review copy of Spacewalker from NetGalley.

Save Money on College Classes

College has grown more expensive over the years, but there are also many new ways to save money. Your challenging high school classes, your life experiences, and your computer can help you get a college degree for much less than the "sticker price." Utilize several of these money-saving strategies, and you will be well on your way to meeting your educational and financial goals.

First, try to test out of as many classes as possible. Most people are familiar with the AP classes offered by many high schools, but there is another alternative. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers exams in a wide range of subjects, including accounting and psychology in addition to the usual foreign languages, math, and English. Most colleges will give credit for acceptable scores on CLEP exams, but be sure to learn exactly which exams are accepted by the college you wish to attend. CLEP exams typically cost around $80, which is less than the cost of a textbook for most classes. Try to take the tests at the school to which you want the credits applied, otherwise you may have to pay fees to transfer credits.

Another money saving strategy is to take online classes. You will have to pay a "technology fee" at many schools, but you will save transportation costs and room and board if the college is some distance from home. Most schools have computer discount programs to help you get an adequate computer for online study. Online classes work well for students disciplined enough to work without much supervision. Schedule time for an online class just as you would for a regular class.

Consider a community college for all those introductory classes. Community college is not as prestigious, but does it really matter for Freshman Composition or College Algebra? You can save money by transferring to a four-year institution for those important upper level classes in your major. Be sure to plan with an advisor to be sure you are taking courses that will transfer to the four-year school of your choice.

When it comes to textbooks, try to contact your professors before making a purchase. Ask whether the books listed at the bookstore are all required texts. You may learn that one of the books is just for occasional reference, in which case you may be able to use a reserve copy at the library as needed. If a course is outside your major, meaning you probably won't want to keep the book, consider renting the textbook from Chegg.com

Finally, don't overlook the small things. For example, if you are covered by your parent's health insurance, you should be able to file a waiver form and avoid paying for the college health plan. Some schools give small discounts for registering early, so watch those deadlines. Plan ahead and enjoy the journey as you make yourself a more educated person.

Bible Study Resource

The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible lives up to its title. Dr. Marty and Dr. Seevers offer the setting, summary, and significance of every book of the Bible in less than 300 paperback pages.

Use this as a reference for an Old or New Testament survey course or as a resource for Sunday School teachers.  This is also an excellent resource for high schoolers in the AWANA Journey program who are working on their required Bible readings and summaries.

This inexpensive book offers a big picture look at the Word of God for beginners or for those who teach.

I received a free review copy of The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible from Bethany House publishers.

Writing Inspiration for Every Day

Robert Benson: "Most of the time, writing a book more closely resembles digging a ditch than participating in some transcendent creative experience." (page 8)

Robert Benson offers his own insights to fellow writers.  He has done copy writing, written books, and even spent a year pretending to write a book.  This is not a how-to book with ten handy tips to overcome writer's block, but an account of one writer's experiences.

I enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, many from famous writers.  My favorite chapter concerned three hats.  What?!? Yes, Benson wisely tells us there is a time to wear the artist's hat, a time to put on work clothes and edit, and a time to be the business manager.  Wearing the wrong hat for the day's task can sidetrack a writing project.

If you sometimes feel nobody understands your life as a writer (or as one who want to be a writer) you need to sit down with this book.  You will feel like you met a new friends who "gets it."

I received a free review copy of  Dancing on the Head of a Pen from Waterbrook publishers.

Kids Ask Hard Questions

Answering Your Kids' Toughest Questions is a resource for parents and others who work with children.  The mother and daughter team of Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson have put their heads together with Scripture to offer suggested answers for children's questions about death (including suicide) and life.  Each chapter begins with a question, gives adult answers to the question, and offers developmentally-appropriate answers for preschoolers, ages 5 to 10, and older children.

Topics addressed include divorce, natural disasters, sexual sins, Satan, and hell.  Difficult Bible stories are also covered.  Children deserve honest answers to their questions.  Our honesty shows them that our faith can stand up to difficulty.

I recommend this book to Sunday School directors, church libraries, and parents.  I received a free review copy of Answering Your Kids' Toughest Questions from Bethany House.