Decisions for Success?

I started work again this week after a wonderfuland relaxing Christmas break. And while it has been a challenge emotionally to leave my sweet girl and step in front 35+ teenage  strangers one thing I do appreciate about my job us that it often allows me copious amounts of reading time. I finished three books this week. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (would recommend!), Love Comes Softly by Jennette Oke (an old favorite) and one that got me thinking--The Travelers Gift by Andy Andrews.

My mom and I picked up this book at a Women of  Faith conference in October after hearing him speak. He was an energetic man who encouraged us to live our lives with the knowledge that everything we do has the potential to make a big impact. We never know how God may use us. His faith was evident as he spoke and his book sounded interesting.

The basic premise this: the main character David Ponder is at the end of his rope. He has lost his job,  his daughter is very ill, he is under the impression that he is a failing husband, father and provider. He drives recklessly intending to take his own life in a crash when he finds himself in a dream. In his dream he meets seven historical characters. Each of whom provide him with a 'decision for success.'

The "decisions for success" are as follows:
1) The buck stops here. I am responsible for my past and my future.
2) I will seek wisdom. I will be a servant to others.
3) I am a person of action. I seize this moment. I choose now.
4) I have a decided heart. My destiny is assured.
5) Today I will choose to be happy. I am the possessor of a grateful spirit.
6) I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive myself.
7) I will persist without exception. I am a person of great faith.

The story was engaging enough but I was disappointed to see that the end of the story leaves David a wealthy and influential motivational speaker\ writer. I think the Andrews was trying to make the point that the sky is the limit when we make these decisions but I felt the ending misplaced the power and potential that the "decisions" have in our lives. Yes, you will be more successful if you live with cheerfulness, wisdom and integrity but you certainly may not find yourself wealthy materially because of that. What is the measure of success? It certainly is not material wealth! The Bible says we are to store up our treasures in heaven, not on Earth. Our motivation for making these decisions in our life should not be for mere selfish gain but to further our purpose--to store up treasures in heaven.

This book, while it sounded promising and I was excited to read it, was a disappointment. It left out the most important decision for success: following Christ. While the author's faith was evident when I listened to him speak in person, his book felt like just another self help book. While faith might be implied in many of the principles he presents, it is not specifically addressed. For lack of a better word, it was simply wishy-washy-- clearly meant to appeal to the largest audience possible. Ultimately the value of good decision making is misplaced. The seven decisions he presents ought to be used not simply to better ourselves but to further the kingdom of God in the process.

Now, what to read next? Any suggestions?