This page contains chapters of a book manuscript I wrote during a very difficult time of my life. I wrote this while trying to deal with my daughter's drug addiction. I am happy to report she has overcome her addiction and is doing very well. It is not unusual to develop a codependent relationship with someone struggling with substance abuse. A symptom of a codependent relationship is an "I want to save the world" complex. This complex is developed because of a feeling of failure when you witness a loved one go down a path of destruction while you feel like you can't do anything to stop it. My initial motivation of trying to make up for this feeling of failure by trying to save the world was for the wrong reason, but the end result was life saving! Writing this manuscript was the huge contributing factor in building my faith, a faith that gave me the strength to keep going. It built my faith because I had to study scripture as well as research and study many Biblical commentaries and resources. Writing and researching made God very real to me and gave me a much clearer understanding of why Christianity has such life changing power, an understanding I wanted to pass on to others. The manuscript walks you through the basics of the faith. It covers evidence supporting scripture, core principals, benefits and fruits of Christianity.
I have always had a love of sports. I was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, a place where following the Browns, Indians, and Cavs are part of every day life. Both of my kids were involved with sports. My son was a first team All State football player and before my daughter got involved with drugs she was an outstanding soccer and basketball player. I loved going to their games and supporting them. When I wrote the manuscript I was working as a Financial Aid Officer at the University of New Mexico. Because of my work I got to know many of our student athletes and enjoyed supporting them as well. Because of getting to know these athletes I became familiar with the many struggles they went through, which is why there are many sports analogies in this book.
I would understand why you would ask yourself what makes me qualified to write a book on basic theology, which is pretty much what this book is. I took one Masters level class at Liberty University called Theology 101 so that makes me an expert!. Seriously, I understand one class hardly classifies me as a religious expert, but what makes this book credible is my desire to know the truth. I have no desire to live a lie because it suits my interests, I did a lot of research, using many reference books and studies as well as commentaries, in other words I relied on individuals with far more Biblical knowledge than I to write this manuscript. I simply added a few of my own insights and stories with hope of making this manuscript interesting and relatable.
Listed below is a descriptive table of contents. In order to access the chapters of this book click on the desired chapter number where you can download a pdf file for that chapter.
I have always had a love of sports. I was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, a place where following the Browns, Indians, and Cavs are part of every day life. Both of my kids were involved with sports. My son was a first team All State football player and before my daughter got involved with drugs she was an outstanding soccer and basketball player. I loved going to their games and supporting them. When I wrote the manuscript I was working as a Financial Aid Officer at the University of New Mexico. Because of my work I got to know many of our student athletes and enjoyed supporting them as well. Because of getting to know these athletes I became familiar with the many struggles they went through, which is why there are many sports analogies in this book.
I would understand why you would ask yourself what makes me qualified to write a book on basic theology, which is pretty much what this book is. I took one Masters level class at Liberty University called Theology 101 so that makes me an expert!. Seriously, I understand one class hardly classifies me as a religious expert, but what makes this book credible is my desire to know the truth. I have no desire to live a lie because it suits my interests, I did a lot of research, using many reference books and studies as well as commentaries, in other words I relied on individuals with far more Biblical knowledge than I to write this manuscript. I simply added a few of my own insights and stories with hope of making this manuscript interesting and relatable.
Listed below is a descriptive table of contents. In order to access the chapters of this book click on the desired chapter number where you can download a pdf file for that chapter.
Chapter 1 - The Secret
Christianity is much more than a religion. It is having a purposeful relationship with a God that gives us peace, contentment, and an abundant life. This chapter offers strong evidence , as supported by various studies, of how a strong faith will lead to a more fulfilling life. It also touches on the purpose of our creation, why free will is so important, and God's love for us.
| chapter_1__the_secret.pdf |
Spiritual growth does far more than just get us into heaven! Our spiritual growth will help us develop personal attributes that will help us improve our performance is all aspects of our lives.
| chapter_2_-_peak_performance.pdf |
A very important chapter that provides compelling evidence why the Bible can be trusted. You will read how science does more to point to creator than disprove one as well as other evidence that indicates the Bible is far more than a good book of literature.
| chapter_3_-_can_we_trust_our_playbook.pdf |
One of the most common and most dangerous misconceptions about Christianity is it is just like all the other religions. There is nothing farther from the truth, as this chapter will point out. In addition you will also understand the other dangerous lie many believe - if there is a God all "good" people will get into heaven. In other words this chapter will explain the significance of Jesus - our only hope of salvation.
| chapter_4_-_the_only_way.pdf |
What drives us? For many peer pressure and destructive forces do. This chapter simply asks you to examine what driving forces are in your life and suggests what forces should be driving you.
| chapter_5_-_whos_driving_your_car.pdf |
Why is obedience to God important? You will learn in this chapter how ignoring God's instruction causes tremendous bondage and living by His standards actually gives us more freedom in our lives. Promiscuity and substance abuse are important topics discussed in this chapter.
| chapter_6_-_true_freedom.pdf |
Peer pressure has so much to do with how we value ourselves and others. Often we are made to feel inferior because we don't "measure up" to the standards set by our peers. We often make unhealthy choices because of unhealthy influences. Our spiritual growth should change the way we view ourselves and what is important to us, in other words how we determine our identity. This chapter explains how baptism and communion are connected to forming a new identity as a child of God.
| chapter_7_-_who_am_i.pdf |
Pride is the number one reason people reject God. Christians are not exempt from having a pride problem. Pride causes us to be judgmental and unloving. Pride also keeps us from reaching our potential as a person.
| chapter_8_-_pride^j_a_major_stumbling_block.pdf |
We suffer more than we should and too often "beat ourselves up" because of perceived performance and/or spiritual failures. Redefining our view of failure will help us. This chapter should help you cope with the disappointment and heartbreak experienced when you feel you are not meeting your expectations or hopes.
| chapter_9_-_dealing_with_failure.pdf |
We often sell ourselves short and discount God's power in our lives. This mindset is due to not having a powerful faith that can transform our lives and help us reach our potential. This chapter will help you understand God is not a passive God, he is a God that will give you power to truly have a life of value and impact.
| chapter_10_-_expect_to_win.pdf |
This is the nuts and bolts chapter of this book because it will take you through the steps that will help your spiritual growth.
| chapter_11_-_the_game_plan.pdf |
Beware! There are spiritual forces out to destroy you. Knowing there is an enemy opposed to God will help you be prepared for obstacles you will face that could damage your spiritual relationship.
| chapter_13_-_be_prepared_for_war.pdf |
There is a reason why God said the most important commandment is to love God and the second most important is to love others. Love is what gives Christianity the power to make a difference and love is what God is all about.
| chapter_13_-_love_-_the_end_result.pdf |
We can't experience anything more fulfilling than knowing we have a life that makes a difference. Our love of God and love of others will equip us to have a fulfilling live of value.
| chapter_14_-_make_a_difference.pdf |