Becoming Dallas Willard The Formation of a Philosopher, Teacher, and Christ Follower, by Gary Moon

This is my last book to finish in 2020 and it might be my first to start in 2021. 

No biography has impacted me as much. 

"If we are fortunate, once in our lifetime a human supernova presence streaks across our mental and emotional horizon, and the intensity of this light changes us forever. Dallas Willard was such a supernova for me. . . . Dallas’s brilliance, as important as it is, is far from the whole story. He possessed in his person a spiritual formation into Christlikeness that was simply astonishing. . . . The deepest, most fundamental reason for studying the life of another person is so we can learn to live our lives more fully, more truly, more authentically. This is why Becoming Dallas Willardis a genuinely important book."

-- Richard J. Foster, from the foreword

Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers, by Dane Ortlund

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1433566133/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_imm_awdb_Dti7FbZ4F180Y

Sobering book. I have it next to my reading chair for continued reading and reflection primer.

The Jesus Bible

Daylight, by David Baldacci

The Truth Behind Left Behind, by Hitchcock & Ice

On Leadership, by John W. Gardner

Recommended by Colonel Scott McLeod as the best book leadership he's ever read, John Gardner's On Leadership explores the nature, challenges, and practice of leadership. Gardner, an educator and public servant, provides insights into what defines effective leaders and how leadership drives societal progress.

Key Themes in On Leadership:

Leadership is not about formal positions but the ability to influence and inspire others toward shared goals. Gardner differentiates leadership from management, emphasizing vision and change over stability and execution.

Leadership must be contextual, adapting to the culture, values, and dynamics of the group. Effective leaders provide a compelling vision and foster renewal to help organizations adapt to change.

Values play a central role in leadership. Gardner rightly argues that leaders need a moral compass (something missed most leadership books), ensuring their actions align with their organization's principles. He also advocates for building leadership capacity across society, emphasizing that leadership is not limited to a few but can be widely cultivated.

Leaders face significant challenges, including resistance to change, human complexities, and balancing priorities. Gardner highlights the importance of followership as a reciprocal relationship, where informed and engaged followers hold leaders accountable.

Practical Insights:

Leadership is accessible to anyone willing to take responsibility and inspire change. Success depends on understanding the social and organizational context, continuous learning, self-reflection, and a commitment to core values.

Gardner's holistic approach ties leadership to broader societal needs, addressing challenges like stagnation and inequality. He calls for leaders who are both visionary and pragmatic, capable of inspiring trust and building strong teams.

Published in 1993, On Leadership is a timeless text in leadership studies, offering wisdom and actionable insights for anyone seeking to lead effectively and drive meaningful change in organizations and communities.

Read my Substack

@ https://dannylsmith.substack.com

Fast Attack, by Wallace & Keith

Up From Slavery, by Booker T. Washington

I've read and listened to many biographies. None have been better, few equal to Washington's. 

It’s Your Call, by Gary Barkalow

The Call, by Os Guinness

The Law of Innocence, by Michael Connelly

God’s Battle Plan for the Mind, by David W. Dacron

Master of One (Audible), by Jordan Raynor

Mastermind with Brian Henson, Tom Bargsley, 

Cuban Deep, by Wallace and Keith

Overcoming Negative Self-Image, by Neil Anderson and Dave Park

Final Bearing, by Wallace and Keith

Arabian Storm, by Wallace & Keith

Carpe Diem Redeemed, by Os Guinness

Used to Go To Church, by Nick Vleisides - First Responder Chaplain.

Raw, real and a beautiful read.

“There was a time when I was angry with God about all the suffering he allowed in the world, until I realized that we are the ones who allow it, and conveniently blame God. I used to think that what made Jesus superior to the rest of us was his divinity but discovered instead that it is his humanity we fall short of. For me, church is no longer somewhere you go, but a way of being in the world.” - page 107

Boys In The Boat, by Daniel James Brown

Killer Angel, by Michael Shaara

Considering all that's going on in America, this is a sobering read.

The captured Confederate soldiers, when asked about what they're fighting for, didn't mention slavery.

Deep State, by Jack Slater

Steal Away Home, by Matt Carter and Aaron Ivy

Such a beautiful read. 

Teeth of The Tiger, by Tom Clancy

Walk the Wire, by David Baldacci

On Death, by Timothy Keller

From Sea to Shining Sea, by Peter Marshall and David Manuel

From the Back Cover

Does God really bless a nation that honors Him? 


After the Revolutionary War, our newborn country went through an exciting era of growth and innovation. Was God intervening on behalf of the struggling nation? In this fast-paced sequel to the bestselling The Light and the Glory, you'll learn how America's future was threatened by greed, pride, and self-righteousness. You'll also see how, in the midst of turmoil, God raised up leaders to shape our unique country and character. 

Newly revised, From Sea to Shining Sea is the riveting story of a country moving forward--but always with an eye on the Christian heritage of the past. 


Peter Marshall is a nationally recognized speaker on Christian growth and maturity and on America's Christian heritage. A graduate of Yale University and Princeton Theological Seminary, he lives in Massachusetts. 

David Manuel is the author or coauthor of several books, including Like a Mighty River and The Jesus Factor. He is a graduate of Yale University and lives in Massachusetts.

—————

But have we honored him? Are we now? I don't know that we have, or are.  - Danny Smith

Sabbath, by Abraham Joshua Heschel

I wasn't quite so fond of this as Mr Comer - "I found a little book by a Jewish mystic on the Sabbath. 1 I read it. Then I read it again. Then I read it again. I hate to say, This book changed my life! but, well, this book changed my life. For the first time I started to practice the art form of Sabbath, an art form as ancient as creation itself."

— Garden City: Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human. by John Mark Comer

But then, I've read it once. The last chapter about "time," I have read twice. Very good.

The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olson

The most powerful part of The Slight Edge is the simplicity and practicality of the philosophy. Olsen summarizes many big ideas we may already know, and shows how to apply them in simple, daily steps. The book is sobering yet uplifting at the same time, because it presents so clearly how we can shape our lives, there's no longer any excuse not to.

Olsen shares relatable stories and examples to help us understand the concepts in the book, including his own story – how he went from a beach bum to owning the 5th largest solar-air energy company in America, to losing everything and rebuilding from scratch again. Most chapters end with testimonies from people who shared how they have applied the Slight Edge in their lives.

Master of One, by Jordon Raynor

In the author's words...

Part I: The Purpose of Mastery 

If the first, most fundamental purpose of masterful work is to bring God glory, the second is to love our neighbors as ourselves. We ought to pursue excellence in our work not as a means to an end but in obedience to what Jesus identified as the Greatest Commandments. 

As Christians we can't claim to love our neighbor as ourselves and then do our work with mediocrity. 

Mediocre work is nothing short of a failure of love. It is through the ministry of excellence that we love our neighbors through our work.

Part II: The Path to Mastery 

There are three keys to mastering your one thing. 

- The first is a direct or indirect apprenticeship. 

- The second is what scientists call "purposeful practice," which distinguishes itself from "naive practice" in that it requires specific goals, intense focus, rapid feedback, and frequent discomfort. 

-The third and final key to mastery is having the discipline to stick with your one thing over a long enough period of time to become truly masterful at it.

Part III: The Promise of Mastery 

The third and final promise of mastery is that when we pursue excellence in our work as a means of glorifying God and serving others, we are invited to share in the True Master's happiness. 

While our happiness is not the primary purpose of work, our desire to find work that we love is a good, God-honoring thing. The truest and deepest satisfaction of vocation follows mastery, not the other way around. 

It is only when we get insanely good at what we do that we not only fall in love with our work but stay in love with it over a long period of time.

———-

Thank your Jordan and I apologize that when I started reading your first book (while it was still a blog post of sorts), I thought you to be too young to teach me anything new and worthwhile. You have.  - Danny Smith

The Garden City, by John Mark Comer

From the book, page 286 - Just remember one last thing: if your dreams are all about you, then your dreams are way too small. You need to dream larger. Larger than your job or career or net worth or name or body. You need dreams as large as Jesus’ vision of the kingdom.

How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body, by Dr. David Hamilton

Aging Matters: Finding Your Calling for the Rest of Your Life, by R. Paul Stevens

A Minute to Midnight, by David Baldacci

The Cornerstone Path, by Scott Reese

The Insanity of God, Nik Ripken

Long Road to Mercy, by David Baldacci

Summary of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, by John Mark Comer

The 19th Christmas (Audible), by James Patterson

The Heart of a Christian Sales Person, by Dave Kahle

The Perfect You (Audible), by Dr. Caroline Leaf

Life Without Lack (Audible), by Dallas Willard

One Good Deed, by David Baldacci

Second Best Thing, by James L. Swanson

Called to Create, by Jordan Raynor (2nd time to read)

Note

I just noticed I've only finished 1 article (worth posting) and zero books this year (2/29/2020).

Counting the starts this morning and I find I have 11. Ha, 11! My first thought after noticing I'd only finished one was "well, I've been focused."

Maybe not so much. This has been a good checkup. Time to finish a few worth finishing.

He Took Up Arms Against Liberalism | Desiring God

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/he-took-up-arms-against-liberalism


Danny
512-773-6528
www.LinkedIn.com/in/DannyLSmith