10 Books that shaped my life. pt 2

Yesterday I ran out of space writing my list of 10 most impacting books on my life. I had to stop at 5. If you missed yesterday’s article, find books 1-5 HERE.

2 notes before I get into 6-10.

• The list is not in any order. Book 1 doesn’t necessarily have greater importance than book 10.
• I have read a lot of books over the years. Books I may have “enjoyed” more or found more interesting didn’t make the list. They didn’t make the list because their impact wasn’t as great as these 10 books.

Here is the 2nd half of the list.

6. 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork.

John Maxwell is a leadership guru. He’s built teams, lead teams and taught teams all over the country. While I don’t currently have a “regular” team I work with, the The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork is one I regularly think back to.

When I originally read the book I was in the midst of dealing with one of my team members who I ended up firing (one of my first times having to do that). It helped shape in my mind exactly what I was looking for in a team member and leader.

More than that this book helped me believe in the power of building a great team.

7. Entreleadership.

I was hesitant to list this book. I am actually still a few pages from finishing it, and it’s just come out this year. EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey made the final cut because it’s helped confirm a few things about myself.

I’m a leader, and I love figuring out how to make a business or organization work (mine and others). Ramsey gives lots of great practical advice, and I have found myself realizing how much I have to offer my business and others.

8. Me, Myself and Bob.

Phil Vischer is the creator of VeggieTales. In my former life, I was a children’s pastor, so I became very familiar with VeggieTales.

When I began reading the Me, Myself, and Bob, I didn’t realize Phil had lost the company (now owned by a large corporation). I found myself relating to his experiences of risking big and losing just as big. I read the book as I was dealing with some big risks and big losses in my own life.

It helped me realize there was a light at the end of the tunnel. It might not be the light I was hoping for, but there was hope.

9. Wild at Heart.

John Eldridge is the author of Wild at Heart along with a host of other books. He attacks the idea popular in today’s religious culture that says men should be tame and mild.

It’s a message I needed to hear a few years ago. I needed permission to be a man, and learn more about what it meant to be a man. Great book.

10. The Bible.

It’s the best selling book of all time. There is a reason.

If I had one book that would be the MOST impacting book on my life it would be The Bible. I daily find inspiration, hope and guidance in it. I am currently using the free Bible app from You Version on my iPhone and iPad.

They offer hundreds of translations and scores of devotional plans. I highly suggest it if you have a smart phone or tablet computer. My favorite translation is the New King James (takes out all the thee’s and thou’s), and I usually don’t use any special study tools.

In the midst of writing this 2nd post, I realized each of the books have a Christian bent to them. It’s wasn’t purposeful, but it definitely shows my own bent.