Member Reviews

This short title was chock full of ideas to make a difference in how you live. The author identified easy tasks that could be integrated into everyday life to help an individual make changes to focus more on what really matters in life. Would highly recommend for anyone trying to make the most out of each day!

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I went into this book with little to no expectations. I have read Christian books that looked promising, but were completely off the wall, so I try to not expect great things. This was the little book that not only could, it did almost knock my socks off. It was an incredibly pleasant surprise.

I like how there were 52 things on the to-do list, one for each week of the year. After reading it through in a few sittings, I determined that I wanted 1) the "real book" format so I could page through it easily and 2) I wanted to read it and implement each thing on the list, but all at once would be too much. I am getting the "real book" format and once I receive it, will do each item on the list, but adding them one a week. It's hard to start a lot of things at once, so I figure I will try to do the first thing for a week, then add the second thing the next week, then after doing both for the second week, add the third and so on. Not sure how it will go, but this book has inspired me to try.

The eBook was good, but not my preferred format. I highly recommend the "real book" to the eBook, BUT it is a very good book, so I wouldn't say avoid the one if you can't get the other. I would say get it and read it and use it as it speaks to you.

This is a 4.5 book, rounded up because I am buying a hard copy of it and am excited for it to come in. We don't have it at my store, so I had to order it. There is something nice about anticipating the receipt of a good book, isn't there? Kind of like a birthday gift not yet opened. That's how I feel about this book. HIGHLY recommended. Even if you aren't into the Christian religion, there is a lot of good advice in here. Yes, it is Biblically backed, so if the Bible isn't your jam, this may not be a great fit for you. It worked for me though and I am very glad that I read it. I am looking forward to sharing it with others!

My thanks to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

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This book is a must read and a wake up call for those of us always making our own plans. We must learn to seek God's plans for our lives and live fully without reservation. This book has great tidbits on things to do that make each day more fulfilling by reaching out and being there for others.

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This was a great way to kick off my new year. I liked the encouraging suggestions of the author.

I was glad to start the new year of 2018 with this book although this could be a bit intimidating. We get so busy in our worldly lives that we may well forget to set our priorities with God’s plan in mind rather than our own.

The author sets out 52 Godly to-do items supported by scripture and example. The ‘chapter’ titles are not always directly what the author will suggest as he uses twists in the topics – keeping it interesting. The tasks are not surprising or earth shaking but rather down to earth reminders of the things a Christ Follower should be doing.

This is set out in 52 sections which would indicate that it is good to read and focus on one To-Do item every week for a year. I read the whole book in one week but plan to go back to it at the beginning of each week to see if I am doing the items suggested.

It is easy to read, inspiring uplifting and encouraging. I recommend this as a nice guide to help anyone who wants a closer relationship with God and a truer Christian walk in our earthly journey.

I received this title through NetGalley. My rating is 4.5.

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A few of the tasks in this book were helpful or eye-opening, but many of them were obvious or irrelevant.

The book wasn’t what I expected, and neither were the tasks. I would read a task and expect one thing, and then find out it meant something completely different. Some of the task titles use the bait and switch tactic. These tasks sound practical, but when you start reading them, the author switches to an abstract. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it was sometimes a little frustrating.

Here is one example. The task titled “Plan your escape route” makes you think it’s going to be something about fire safety in the home, or maybe disaster preparedness, and it starts out that way, but it turns out to actually be about having a way to escape sin. This is not a bad thing, but not what I expected.

A few tasks were really good and made me think deeply, but some were way off the mark.

For one, the author says, “Admit it. More than once you’ve fired off a response on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or some other social media site that you wish you could take back.” Uh, no, actually, I haven’t. Then he says, “Or worse, maybe you’ve clicked Send and never realized how much damage or pain you caused with your post.” This is already something I worry about. Now I’m more worried.

In one chapter, the author lists things we should all cut out of our lives. Among a list of very bad vices, he also lists these: movie sequels and movie remakes. Ok, what? How are those in the same category as drugs, alcohol, and gambling? I don’t understand. Why would movie sequels and remakes be inherently bad? I disagree with that completely.

Some chapters were a repetition of someone else’s idea. For example, one chapter is about the saying, “If you want to change the world, start by making your bed,” which was first said in a commencement address by Admiral William H. McRaven. Another chapter is about “eating that frog.” It’s nice to have these ideas mentioned in the book if you aren’t already aware of them. Then you can go find the original source and learn more. But I was already aware of them, so they just made the book feel less relevant to me.

Overall, this book was only mildly helpful. A few tasks were thoughtful and relevant, but too many were either irrelevant or nothing new.

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There is some good, common sense advice in this book, and for that reason it's worth reading and considering. I don't think that 'God' necessarily needs to be attached to their importance though. It didn't ring particularly genuine to me. Although, as I said, some good advice.

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The title of this book freaked me out because as a Christian, I struggle with my faith and imperfections and the thought of God writing my to-do list scared me. Yes, well, he kind of did so with Moses in preparation for the Exodus. He also did the same with the prophets but coming from that historical background you'd be freaked out too.
However, this was a great companion, yes, it made me consider the little things that I could do to contribute to leading a more fulfilled life. In this age of digital distraction the greatest point for me was to 'check my browsing history,' and it's been a much needed insight.
I believe readers would find this book both positive and practical in their daily lives. There are 52 things and you can do them each week or day depending on what suits you. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

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With so many ways to stay organised in today's digital world it can actually become overwhelming to try and be on top of things. In 'What if God Wrote Your To-Do List', Jay Payleitner steps the reader through the process of getting our priorities right. When we write our to-do lists, Payleitner asks whether we are considering God's desires for us. This book implores the reader to truly think about what is important to accomplish each day, and how that fits in with God's plan for us.

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