WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! By Tim Clark

 Kansas City, MO - May 24, 2011- Athlete Tim Clark has releases his inspirational memoir With God All Things Are Possible!

Tim Clark was born with one arm and no legs, but this did not stop him from leading an extraordinary life. The youngest of four children, his parents and his siblings never treated him differently, and with the support of his family and his own fiercely competitive nature, he managed to become a varsity wrestler at his high school. He then went on to graduate from the University of Kansas, where he wrestled on the K.U. Wrestling Club and was introduced to the sport of table tennis. Tim began to play table tennis competitively, and later went on to place second in the United States for the Standing Disabled Doubles Table Tennis National Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After graduating from University of Kansas with a degree in business, Tim joined the workforce. This opened a whole new world of competition to him by way of the Kansas City Corporate Challenge, or the KCCC. This is an annual event that allows companies to put up their best competitors in different sports events to see who comes out on top. Tim excelled at table tennis going 56-7, winning gold in many events and eventually winning the prestigious KCCC Alex George Award after an amazing 50 yard freestyle swim in just 45 seconds! His competitive nature also drove him to run a 10K without his prosthetics, completing the run in less than an hour and a half. 

With God All Things Are Possible! is a story of a man whose achievements are remarkable by any standard, and particularly amazing in light of the disabilities Tim Clark refused to allow to stand in his way. Tim's attitude is the most commendable thing about the story; his steadfast faith and his drive to not just do well for a disabled man but to compete as an athlete are inspirational to all. Readers will find themselves cheering for Tim, and in awe of his fierce drive. The back of the book also includes quotes from former K.U. and NBA basketball star Danny Manning and Time Warner Cable's Metro Sports Dave Stewart. This is Tim Clark's first book; Tim lives in Kansas City, and works as an accountant for DST Systems.

When I received a notification about this book, I decided right away it was a book I wanted to read. I enjoy reading about other people and how they overcome various obstacles. Tim Clark faces obstacles on a daily basis that I can't hardly imagine. However, his complete outlook on life in general and his own personal life is an absolute testimony to Jesus Christ. 

Tim is very real and open in regards to his life's achievements and disappointments. Not once does he show pity for himself or for his disabilities. He will admit to moments of feeling sorry for himself but then he looks upon all that God has done for him and says God is Sovereign and He has a reason for everything.

Throughout the book I read about Tim's heroes and people who have been a big influence in his life. This includes various coaches, sports figures and Joni Eareckson Tada (she's one of my heroes, also). 

Tim was blessed with a competitive drive that would be used to help him become an outstanding athlete in not just one, but several different sports; including the 10k run that's featured on the cover of his book.

Because of his competitiveness and athletic abilities, Tim also helped the company that he works with gain recognition in the KCCC. (The Kansas City Corporate Challenge.) Several large companies get together every year and compete in various sports to determine who is the best, as well as strengthen friendships and businesses. It sounds like a grand time to me!

I have to say, though, the most important aspect of the book and Tim's life, is his belief and trust in Jesus. He writes about some of his favorite passages from the Bible and how with each new challenge he turns to the Lord for strength and courage. 

This is a wonderful book and it's definitely one I am glad I had the opportunity to read. I would encourage everyone to buy one and read it, today.

About the book:

With God All Things Are Possible! By Tim Clark

ISBN: 978-1457502224

Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing

Date of publish: March 21, 2011

Pages: 192

S.R.P.: $14.95

For further information: With God All Things Are Possible, or at  Tim Clark Inspires

This book was provided freely to me for the purpose of review by Tim Clark. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. 

COMING BACK STRONGER By Drew Brees

Okay! This is the second book and the last one to be reviewed for 2010! Sit back and relax and enjoy!


Coming Back Stronger is a memoir written by Drew Brees. This is a great story! There, I said it. I really enjoyed this book. Drew has an interesting life story and what he has gone through will keep you riveted. 


Click here for the link to read the first chapter. 


This is from the inside cover of the book: 

What doesn't kill you makes you STRONGER. After a potentially career-ending shoulder injury left quarterback Drew Brees without a team - facing the daunting task of having to learn to throw a football all over again - coaches and commentators across the NFL wondered, Will he ever come back?

When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, leaving more than 80 percent of the city underwater and almost two-thirds of the population homeless and displaced, people the world over wondered, Will the city ever come back?

And with their stadium transformed into a makeshift refugee camp, forcing the Saints to play their entire 2005 season on the  road, legions of sports fans wondered, Will the Saints ever come back?

Now you have the premise of this great story. I found myself shaking my head with wonder at the determination of a man and a city determined to come back. Not just come back... but come back a winner. 

I don't want to spoil the book for you, it is definitely one you want to read. But I do have to say, I like football and I watched how the Saints have grown since the devastation of New Orleans. And having watched Drew Brees in action is a joy.


One of the things you will read over and again is Drew's optimistic outlook on everything. He never gives up. If he is feeling down, he does something to get back up. He has a wonderful way of dealing with the tragedies in his life. And he gives all credit to where it's due. God. 


I found myself encouraged reading Drew's story. It encouraged me and how I can change myself and my outlook when I find it becoming pessimistic. It will encourage you as well.


Drew Brees, his wife Brittany and son, Baylen, continue to live in New Orleans where they still pour their lives into the community that welcomed them when they first moved to New Orleans.


You can find this book almost everywhere you shop for your favorite books.


You can visit Drew Brees at www.drewbrees.com.


This book was provided to me by Tyndale House Publishers free from all obligations to give a positive review. Everything I have said is of my own opinion. 

 

 

 

LET THE SUMMER DRAWING BEGIN!

How is it possible that it's August all ready? In some states the kids are getting ready to go back to school this week or next! Here in Forest Grove, kids go back to school the Tuesday after Labor Day. Which is just around the corner! Where has our summer gone?

Well, to help take care of the end-of-summer-blues, I am going to have a drawing for two great books....

AND

Now, I personally have not read either book. These were given to me by Tyndale House Publishers without any stipulations on what I was to do with them. So, I am going to give them away!




A little about each book...





CHAMPIONSHIP FATHERING: How to win at Being a Dad by Carey Casey with Neil Wilson



On the back cover:



"Here's your ticket to the Hall of Fame. It's never been tougher to win as a father. You face a never-ending list of responsibilities, and your kids receive conflicting messages from the culture. It takes a real game plan to get your children to adulthood in one piece physically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally.

"Carey Casey's got the game plan. Using a lifetime of heart-touching personal stories and revealing research from the National Center for Fathering, he'll "school you up" on the most important - and rewarding - position you'll every play. Carey's three fundamentals of being an effective dad (loving, coaching, and modeling) present a proven playbook for the Championship Fathering team.

"Whether you're a fatherhood rookie or a field-battered veteran, this practical guide will change your whole family... and maybe even generations to come."



Here's what a few people had to say about the book (on the inside page)...



"I first knew Carey Casey as a young man, preparing to attend seminary, and have always had the greatest admiration for him. He has a deep love for people and a desire to lead them, especially young men, to Christ. I would highly commend to you any book written by Carey Casey. - Billy Graham"

"I've known Carey Casey for 30 yearas. He's truly one of America's most respected and trusted leaders. In Championship Fathering, Carey lays out three easy-to-follow, fundamental steps that will take every dad in the direction his kids and wife desperately need him to go. Carey is a true example. He is a fantastic dad and speaker and he loved God devoutly. - Joe White, Founder of Kanakuk Kamps and author of Sticking with Your Teen"

"Fathers today need coaches who equip them to be effective dads. Carey Casey wants to be your coach for a championship season. I want to encourage you to get this book and join his team. - Dr. Dennis Rainey, President, Family Life"



This is Carey Casey's Bio...



He is chief executive officer of the Kansas City- based National Center for Fathering. He served as chaplain for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games and several NFL teams and spent eighteen years with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has also been copastor of a church in inner-city Chicago. Carey and his wife, Melanie, have been married for thirty-one years and have four children and two grandchildren.



SHATTERED: Struck Down But Not Destroyed by Frank Pastore with Ellen Vaughn



On the back cover it says:



"One life shattered, one man saved. Cincinnati Reds pitcher Frank Pastore stepped onto the mound in Dodger Stadium to throw another fastball - something he'd done thousands of times since childhood. But this time was different. The batter connected and the ball came rocketing back to the mound, shattering not only Frank's pitching elbow - but also his dream of getting "rich and famous" through Major League Baseball...

This is a story of how the fragments of broken dreams can be reassembled into even bigger and better things. A story of how, when life's disasters and difficulties knock us down, they don't have to destroy us."



Here is what a few people had to say about this book (on the inside page):



"Frank has become one of today's leading Christian thinkers. Shattered is the story of how God worked in his life - the book will not only inspire and entertain, but it will also challenge each of us to grow in our own walk with God. - David Barton, Founder and President , Wallbuilders"

"Shattered tells Frank Pastore's amazing story of going from being a pro baseball player and an atheist to becomeing a fearless apologist and defender of the faith. Frank has a gift for taking the complex and making it understandable. He speaks and writes with passion. One of the best definitions of good communication is logic on fire. That is what Frank Pastore communicates, with great impact. - Greg Laurie, Senior Pastor, Harvest Christian Fellowship"

"Frank Pastore is not just the energetic host of a major syndicated radio show. But he is a complete testimony of the work of God. Shattered tells of Frank's compelling journey through pain and recovery to healing and wholeness in Jesus. It's a great read. - Dr. Carl A.Moeller, President and CEO, Open Doors USA"



Here's the bio on Frank Pastore:



He was the last kid picked in seventh grade PE but he went on to pitch eight years in the major leagues. He was never drawn toward academics, but he went on to earn two master's degrees in philosophy. He was a latchkey child, with a manipulative and dysfunctional mother and an emotionally distant father, but he's been happily married for over thirty years, with two great kids and a beautiful grandson. He was an acerbic atheist for twenty-seven years, but today he's the host of one of the most successful Christian radio talk shows in America. Shattered is a story of paradoxes. A story of how an unpredictable God can surprise any of us with His power and love and make beautiful the shattered pieces of our lives—even for those who don't believe He exists.



Okay! Here's how the drawing is going to work....



1. Leave me a comment on which book you would like to win and who you are going to give it to (or keep for yourself) and why. That will give you one chance to win.


2. Sign up to receive this blog via email and leave me a comment stating that you have done that. That will give you another chance to win.


3. Become a Google Follower and leave me a comment that you have done that. That's another chance for you!


4. Follow me on Twitter... you got it! Another comment and entry!


5. One more way to win! Grab either one of my buttons and leave me a comment letting me know where it's at!


6. Ok, here's the last way to win... Follow me on Networked Blogs and let me know, for another entry.

 So that give you six different entries for the drawing. Don't forget to add your email address and the name of the book to each entry so I will know who you are and what you want! Remember to put your email address in a spam-proof way...... email [at] address [dot] com


If you want to try for both books then be sure to follow the rules for each book.



For you fellow bloggers... If you post this contest on your blog let me know via email... latawniakintz [at] gmail [dot] com with your link and I will give you two additional entries making it eight entries total for you for each book. Don't forget to let me know which book you are entering for!



Sorry, but this contest is for USA residents only.



So there you have it! The drawing will end August 31, 2010. I will contact the winner via email and the winner will have one week to contact me. Have fun entering the drawing and have a safe rest of the summer! God bless you all!