Tim Challies

Challies delivers on his goal of presenting a short, fast-paced, practical guide to productivity. I was pleasantly surprised at the theology supporting his productivity goals along with such fresh, relevant, and applicable productivity tips. Some productivity books major on philosophy, while others emphasize strategy; Challies brings both. And while many productivity books have been written from the ranks of the experts, Challies claims no such status, while expertly delivering the goods. He show more doesn't drag along his points, but writes clearly and helpfully. I think my own tools and systems will largely look more "Challiesian" in the future. I'm eager to try out the task managing app, todoist and clarifying my various roles and responsibilities in order to do more better for the good of others.

There were a few one liners worth mentioning here.
You do not exist to get things done. You exist to glorify God (10).
Do theologically informed planning, or the urgent will trump the important (92).
"Sinful men and women that we are, we may subtly assume that our top priorities should be those tasks that make us feel good about ourselves instead of actually doing good for others" (93).

Overall, it bordered on 5 stars. I wish Challies could have expanded more on the idea that not only time, but energy are commodities and do not come in unlimited supply. We must make daily choices as to what we will engage in because both time and energy are limited. This point was consistently well scored in regards to time, but I really hoped he would also expand on it in regards to energy. Additionally, the catechism of knowing why you exist at the start proved very helpful. This foundation for productivity is essential and Challies got the discussion off to a great start. It was off to such a great start, I wish he would have continued along this line of thinking for a few more chapters. Though very minor, perhaps some attention could have been given to our utter dependency on Christ for everything, for we alone can do nothing apart from him (John 15:5). There are more than a few great saints that knew nothing of a productivity system, but accomplished great things and did the work of ten men, all by the strength and energy of Christ powerfully working within (Col. 1:29). He empowers our productive aims! This book is well worth the read. show less

A fantastic overview of the Bible! I loved the combo of text and visuals—it really brought the data/information to life in new ways for me. Nothing like seeing things to have a lightbulb moment!

I really wanted to like this book more and tried throughout the reading. Most of the connections to each artifact felt forced and the discussion of each, and the stories of the people behind them, was far to brief. I was also bothered by a sense of relic worship that Catholics tend towards and could never shake that uneasiness.

There were a few useful pieces of Christian history I relearned and it has spurred me to revisit some of the lives of past Christian leaders. For that I am thankful.

(Note to self: I actually listened to the audiobook of _Seasons of Sorrow_, narrated by the author, via Libby. But since Goodreads doesn't list an audiobook edition, here we are.)

I was really excited to read a new book by Tim Challies, having read and enjoyed Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History last year.

I was not excited, instead sorrowful for the author and his family, that his son had died. How utterly heartbreaking!

The book stems out of his experiences during that show more year of firsts, and the death not only of his son but of many a "could-have-been" dream/wish/hope. It's a powerful, poignant, emotional read; I'm (of course!) terribly sorry for his loss, and also grateful for his willingness to share his experiences and allow us to join with him in his "ministry of sorrow."

The "bonus material" at the end is well worth a read, as well. I appreciated some of it (most notably his writing on being angry with God) even more than the main material!

Very much a recommended read. show less