Flashpoints: Igniting the Hidden Passions of Your Soul

It's common to view the process of success as a means to a goal, but Steve Arterburn views it as success itself. The lifestyle of accomplishment defines the achiever. The author has the credentials as he's candid with his readers that he's failed and struggled over the years before having something to show for his efforts. Writers that discuss passion in an authentic way motivate me. Arterburn is such a writer. Arterburn is a Christian who notes that true passion comes from discovery God's plan for your life. This is how he discusses a God-given dream: "The word 'inspiration comes from a Latin word meaning 'to blow' or 'breathe upon.' I love this word picture because I can just see the Spirit of God 'blowing' an idea into my brain. I truly believe that many, if not most, of the best ideas in my life have been God-breathed." You're encouraged to pursue God and His plan for your life. Fulfillment comes from living the life He created you to live. This is a book for dreamers in the most positive sense of that term.

If you truly want to make your dreams come true, then read this book. With so many self help books out on the market, this one differs in one key way.... Stephen Arterburn shares a step by step methodology to "ignite the passion in your soul." Many of us exist rather then live. This book encourages us to live, and thrive. If you're willing to open your mind and follow through with focused action, you'll be amazed with what you can accomplish.

The basic premise of this book is that life throws at us opportunities that, if acted upon, can change our life and the lives of others. From weight loss, to career changes, to attitudes, every aspect of our life can be a place we experience a "flashpoint" of awareness for a need to change. How often we sweep these under the rug, or rationalize them away, but we don't have to. The book is very grounded in Biblical principles, although the author uses examples of how many non-Christian people have taken advantage of life's "flashpoints" in a very secular fashion.The book starts slowly and I felt the first few chapters tended to meander a lot. Once the book gets into some specifics on how to identify when you might be ready for embracing one of these life changing moments, and specifically how to take advantage of the opportunities and what to expect, it is captivating and helpful. I especially like the way the book cautions about the trails and challenges of embracing these "flashpoints". As is clear in the Biblical passages included in the book, we may well be called to make changes and have opportunities to make a difference in ways we haven't yet dreamed of, but these changes will not be pain-free nor without their share of consequences. This is an excellent point, and is what separates this book from so many other "seize the day" type of proclamations. Our focus truly should be on not "what's in it for me", but rather "what's in me for it"! The trials and challenges strengthen us for a higher purpose and often without these we would be unable to succeed. The last half of the book is outstanding and well worth the read. My only complaint was that the editing of the presentation was not as impactful as the message, but overall this is a great book and a good wake up call to take advantage of the "flashpoints" we are given and to have the courage to risk enough to change ourselves and be a change in our world.

I listen to New Life Live as much as I can, so when Steve Arterburn started promoting this book, I knew I wanted to get it. Finally I did get it, and I'm so glad I did. I have to admit it wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but it was good all the same. He talks about when you get an inspiration for something that you just can't ignore and you have to act on it. What I appreciate about this book, in comparison to other books popular in the Christian market right now, is that it's not name-it-claim-it, or you have the power in yourself to do this, or whatever. He emphasizes over and over how the inspiration must be of God's will, it will take a lot of faith, a lot of work, and there will be trials and temptations and setbacks. But there will be growth in grace and maturity and discipline at the end, as well as perhaps financial gain or material blessing and such. He never assumes or lets the reader assume that God will just grant our desires or wishes or inspirations without working on our character, on our faith, on our lives. I also appreciate how honest he is about his own life and mistakes and failures, from his struggles with weight to paying for an abortion in college. The book is a very easy read, and perhaps will give you the motivation and inspiration to change your life and make a difference no matter what the cost. I so praise God for Steve and the ministry of New Life!

I work for a bookstore and have very little extra time to read a book from cover to cover, but this is one that litterally just jumped off the shelf at me. I purchased the book, took it home and finished it at 1:00 am in the morning. This is a great encourager and reminder to anyone who has lost site of their purpose, dreams and visions. It is also one that you can keep for future reference if you are a Pastor or Teacher. It gives some great real life experiences.