A Night to Remember with Nicholas Sparks

Photo courtesy of Sacred Heart University

Check out this story about a lecture given by bestselling author Nicholas Sparks at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT.

Did you know he founded a Christian school in North Carolina?

http://ctarts.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-night-to-remember-with-nicholas-sparks.html

Book Review: Greater by Steven Furtick

'Greater' Follows Great First Book from Megachurch Pastor
By Lauren Yarger
In the world of books by pastors,  those by Steven Furtick, the thirtysomething senior pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC, stand out as some of the best with great teaching and insight, rather than just "feel good" philosophy.

His debut, "Sun Stand Still" (Multnomah Books, 2010 -- you can read the review here) still is one of the most illuminating books I have read for new insight into God's word and plan. If that book encourages us to pray "audacious prayers," his newest, "Greater: Dreams Bigger. Start Smaller. Ignite God's Vision for Your Life" (Multnomah Books, 2012) shows us what living an audacious life looks like.

It's the opposite of where so many Christians find themselves: wasting their lives while waiting for greatness, or wallowing in defeat at failed attempts to get there. There's a "greater" life just waiting to be lived, Furtick, says. God doesn't promise greatness, but he does offer you a life that's greater than the one you're living now. Stop settling for 'good enough," he encourages and pursue "greater."

Furtick offers practical steps for how to move on the new path, using personal experiences interwoven with lessons from the life of the prophet Elisha. If you think God has something bigger planned for your life, but you haven't been able to figure out what it is, or if you know what it is, but can't figure out how to get there, Furtick has written this book for you.

Some of his insights:

"We spend all our time dreaming about where we wish we were and what we wish we had and no time investing in where we are and using what we have. And so what we wish we had never comes because we never use what we do have."

"What matters most is not what I think I am or am not. Or what others think I am or am not. What matters is what my Father sees in me and what He says about me."

". . .the greater life isn't about living the perfect life. It's about keeping your passion intact, no matter what."

Detailed questions for each chapter are included in the back of the book to encourage discussion for study groups.

For more information about Furtick or the book, visit

• http://www.stevenfurtick.com/
• Steven Furtick on Facebook
• Greater Book Website
• More Info
• Read Chapter One
• Author Bio

You can purchase "Greater" by clicking on this link.

A free review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.