by Rolf Crocker


Why are you here?  How you are living?  These are two of the most important questions you could ever ask yourself.  Both questions deal with the core issues of A) how we define ourselves and B) what kind of a difference will we make in this world.  Since this is the time of year when we traditionally evaluate where we’ve been, how we’ve done and where we’re going, look upon these two books as illumination for the imagination, fuel for the fire and sustenance for the soul.

The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren (© 2002 Zondervan) This is a book I have referred to in past articles & Book Reports, but have not reviewed for you until now.  I cannot speak highly enough about “The Purpose-Driven Life”.  Be forewarned – this book is based on the premise that we were created by God and for God.  I believe nothing happens by “accident” or “coincidence”.  What drives everything I do in my life and work is spiritually-based.  Everything has a purpose, especially your life.  We were created for specific destiny – this book will help you discover what that destiny is.  Author Rick Warren takes you through a 40 day journey of finding out who you were meant to be and discovering what you are meant to do.  Remember – this isn’t your typical ‘self-help’ book, but if you apply the truths contained in its pages, you will never be the same again.  This book has remained on the New York Times Best Seller list for 152 weeks, and is currently #4.  5+ Stars!

Living Life Intentionally by Richard W. Luecke (©1996 Lucky Learning, Inc.) How would you live your life if you knew with certainty that the end of your life was in sight?  What would you do, what would you say, how would you act?  This book was a recommendation from my good friend Jasmine Martirossian (author of “Decision Making in Communities”, reviewed in the November 2004 Book Report) and is a very unique read from a very unique vantage point.  The tagline of the book says, “Insights, observations, inspiration and helpful hints for salespeople.”  Author Dick Luecke was a highly-successful insurance salesman and trainer.  When he found out that he had terminal cancer, he set out to write this book which is a combination of sales strategies, personal life lessons, and an acknowledgement of those who helped him along life’s journey.  This is not a “poor me” book.  In fact, it is the polar opposite.  Luecke passed away in August of 1997, a year after this book was published, but within its pages, he left a substantial legacy.  The book is no longer in print, but can be obtained through several on-line retailers, including Amazon.com.   5 Stars!