What is Good for the Mind is Good for the Soul

I thought it would be a good thing if I gave you a few book reports from my week at the beach. I read four during my week of relaxation. I obviously never have time to read four books in a week but I am always reading something. Usually right after I write a blog at night. And when I am traveling I usually write a blog write after I deal with the business emails of the day. But I was thinking that almost every book I read is because someone recommended it. So I will recommend a few books for you avid readers out there.

By the way, I have found that reading not only keeps my mind moving and in shape but it is a wonderful way to be entertained and to fall asleep at night. I also do a little scripture memorization on the side. And I have memorized a few poems along the way as well. They tell me that mental calisthenics keeps your mind sharp. God knows I need that.


The first book I read (for the second time) was “Just Walk Across the Room” by Bill Hybels. If you are a person of faith this is a good one. If you are not a person of faith, you should consider reading it and digesting it. I connected with this book because I love connecting with people. It is amazing how many people want to tell their story if you are willing to walk across the room and engage them. And how many opportunities you get to tell your story. We miss so much because we are not willing or too busy or too shy to take the time to meet folks where they are along the way. Most people are starving for someone to touch them or just listen to them. I have been able to build a lot of relationships with folks because I am not really shy about that. This book has really encouraged me to reach out to more folks. My sister called me and told me to read this book. She said it reminded her of me. I obeyed my big sister and I'm glad I did.


The second book is a novel called “Evening” by Susan Minot. This one is for the nostalgic club of which I am certainly a member and was recommended by a friend. It is an incredible story of a woman who is dying of cancer and her entire life goes before her on her death bed. That may sound depressing but it really is not. It is about real love and lost love and things you cannot re-do. The story line will make you laugh and it will make you want to cry. And it will make you want to live life to the fullest and love deeply in the process. It is really a good read that makes you stay on your tippy toes keeping up with all the conversations. But great truth resonates throughout. And I love truth. And I love period. And this is a powerful book.


The third book was a really quick read called “Eat that Frog” by Brian Tracy. It is about time management and Lord knows I need that. And you probably do as well. I have already implemented several things I learned from that book. The frog is that thing that is the most difficult task you have to do in the day. The lesson is to eat it first instead of putting it off and your day tends to go much better after that. But there are many more lessons and tips to getting a grip on your time. If you struggle with getting everything done, it is well worth reading.


The final book is an incredible one called “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson. It is a true story about a mountain climber whose life is saved by a man from a little obscure village in Pakistan. Greg Mortenson promises to return to build a school for the children of their little village who have no school and who do their lessons with sticks in the sand. This book will grip you because you begin to see as this story unravels that the answer to terrorism is education. But the book is suspenseful and in some places very funny. And Greg Mortenson is one determined hombre. And you can't help but be inspired. It was recommended by a young lady (I wrote about) who was reading it sitting next to me on a plane a few weeks ago. You will be educated and you won’t be able to put it down.

So there are my four books and my quick reviews. How is that for diversity? I learned. I was entertained. And my horizons have been expanded.

I encourage you to read more often. What is good for the mind is good for the soul.