The Creature from Jekyll Island by G. Edward Griffin

With today's economic turmoil and near collapse of the banking system you have to ask yourself a) Why does the government continue to bailout the banks and their high risk schemes and b) how is it that a bank or investment firms can receive a bailout and less than a year later give out $20 billion in bonuses? After reading "The Creature from Jekyll Island - A Second Look at the Federal Reserve" by G. Edward Griffin, I can easily see why. This book is probably as lengthy and informative as a college textbook, but not as boring. It reads like an adventure through history and uncovers little known scandals that have occurred in the U.S. and the world during man's pursuit or gluttony for money and power.

This book gives a thorough explanation of the history of banking and finance, it give clear definitions and examples the terms of fractional-reserve banking, fiat money, inflation, assets, liabilities, etc. After understanding this, G. Edward Griffin follows the trail that led to the establishment of the Federal Reserve. He doesn't stop there. G. Edward Griffin clearly explains the thought behind the Federal Reserve and how it steals from the pockets of honest American workers and feeds the big banking industry...the same industry who pulled the right strings to put the Federal Reserve in place.

This book explains how putting the monetary policy in just a few hands caused the boom-bust cycles, wars, depressions, etc. It explains how big banks can easily survive and profit from the loss of others and will continue to do so. It explains how the U.S. is being destroyed by the hidden tax of inflation.

I warn you that this book will make you angry. You will never trust a banker or a politician again.

Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor

"Men are God's method. The church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men..." (E. M. Bounds). Hudson Taylor was just that man. He was the first Westerner to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to inland China. The book, Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret written by his son and daughter-in-law, gives a biographical account of the life of Hudson Taylor and how he leaned on the supernatural power of God and His promises in the midst of trials, suffering, and tremendous barriers.

This book begins in the year 1849 with 17-year old Hudson's Taylor's beginning of faith in Jesus after reading his father's book "The Finished work of Christ". Not long after, he was burdened to go to the vast land of China, full of people who have never had the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus. This book ends with a flourishing mission (China Inland Mission) with over 1000 missionaries that was guided by the principle to never solicit funds or workers and trust that God would provide the workers and the finances to do His work. Hudson Taylor rested in God's promises and patiently waited for God to act even when the bank account was empty and no workers were to be found.

I was deeply influenced by this book. To read about this man, who laid it all down for God and had faith that God would provide, was eye opening. I realized that I just don't get it. I am too influenced by the world and have faith in a bank account, in health, and in a career that could be gone in an instant. These are not guaranteed. But Hudson Taylor knew there was one guarantee; The Creator and Orchestrator of all.

Overall, this is a great read. Although this book was sometimes difficult to follow, it was amazing to hear about Hudson Taylor's intimacy with God and his never-ending love for the Chinese people.

The Coming Economic Earthquake by Larry Burkett

President Grover Cleveland once stated "It is the responsibility of the citizens to support their government. It is not the responsibility of the government to support its citizens." He stated this when he made a stand against funding an orphanage during a severe economic crisis. President Cleveland said "I will not be a party to stealing money from one group of citizens to give to another group of citizens; no matter what the need or apparent justification. Once the coffers of the federal government are open to the public, there will be not shutting them again."

Now, it seems that the coffers are wide open and everyone seems to be in need of government assistance. But can the U.S. afford it? The book The Coming Economic Earthquake by Larry Burkett gives a good explanation about how the deficit spending in the U.S. is on the road to calamity, with all the government programs, entitlements, and special interest projects. Larry starts with the New Deal and explains how the seeds of overspending started with entitlement programs and the federally regulated bank system. He also gives some real examples with post WWI Germany and Argentina during the late 80's. He goes on to describe the current problems that continue to increase the U.S. debt and what Americans can do.

It is amazing, given this book was written in 1991, how much that Larry Burkett wrote still rings true today. Unfortunately, we have politicians who are either oblivious to the deficit or too concerned about keeping their constituents happy by passing legislation with only their districts special interests in mind.

This book seems like a doom and gloom book, but Larry assures the reader that he hopes that an economic meltdown will not occur. He also assures Christians that God will take care of us, even during hard times. Overall, this book was thought-provoking and eye-opening and makes me wonder why our U.S. government leaders are so oblivious to this major problem.

I will end with this quote from a well-known philosopher who said that socialism will replace capitalism, "A democracy is not a form of government to survive. For it will only succeed until its citizens discover they can vote themselves money from the treasury, then they will bankrupt it." This philosopher is Karl Marx.

Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell

Finished reading "Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10" by Marcus Lutrell (with Patrick Robinson). This book gives a detailed account of Marcus Lutrell, a Navy Seal, and his survival through a firefight with the Taliban in Afghanistan. Out of 20 special forces soldiers that were involved only he survived. A group of four Navy Seals were sent to hunt down the second in command to Osama Bin Laden. They were right on his trail, when some Afghan sheperds stumbled in on their hideout. Faced with the decision to kill these sheperds or let them free knowing the sheperds will blow their cover, Marcus and the other three Navy Seals let the sheperds go. This turned into an incredible firefight with up to 200 Taliban Soldiers. After taking out around 80 of the Taliban Soldiers, Marcus was the only left alive. The battle and Marcus' way of survival is amazing.

I thought this book was fascinating. I was amazed about the events that took place and the skill and courage under fire of the 4 Navy Seals as they fought the Taliban force. There was also some unexpected twists and turns that occurred during Marcus' journey for survival that included a run in with a nearby Afghanistan tribe. You will gain more respect for these tribes and their sense of honor even though they are somewhat sympathetic to the Taliban.

This books also details the Navy Seal training and the physical and mental rigors that must be endured. The account of the Navy Seal "Hell Week" gives you a glimpse into the training that these men must go through to be called a Navy Seal.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the military. I think I read this in the course of about 5 days.

John Adams by David McCollough

I recently finished reading a biography, John Adams, written by David McCullough. A great read! David McCullough relied heavily on John Adam's letter correspondances between his noble wife Abigail, Congress, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Rush, and many other notable figures in American history. The book follows John Adams birth, to his work as a lawyer, to his work with the First and Second Congress to gain independence from Brittain, to his work as an ambassador to France, the Netherlands, and Brittain, and then his Vice-Presidency, and Presidency, to his death. It is a completely candid book illustrating the strengths and weakness of the U.S. founding fathers; Thomas Jefferson’s shopping problems, Ben Franklin’s laziness and fondness for the comforts of life, and John Adams independent and honest, yet stubborn, spirit. I found this book to be an eye opener and learned so much, good and bad, about the timeline and history of the independence of our country. David McCullough gives a detail timeline of John Adams and his vast role in American history that flowed well and covered all emotions. I highly recommend this book.