200 Pomegranates and an Audience of One: Creating a Life of Meaning and Influence (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Seacoast Church, Uncle Herbie, Miss Leslie (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

I am fortunate enough to rub shoulders with Shawn everyday as we pursue ministry together. I have watched as he approaches each area of responsibility he has been given with the eye of an artist toward an audience of one. He lives what he writes about and our lives and ministries have been better for it. I am confident you will be encouraged and better off for being around Shawn, as I have been, as you connect with God s artistic vision for your life through this book. --Greg Surratt, lead Pastor, Seacoast Church

Product Description

Shawn Wood explores the story of obscure Old Testament
character Huram of Tyre, a bronzeworker putting the finishing
touches on Solomon s Temple. Huram was renowned for his
talent, but he saved the most ornate details of his temple work,
including 200 intricately crafted pomegranates, for a place
where most people would never even notice it: thirty-four feet off
the ground, atop two massive columns.

Huram s example shows readers the importance of using talents
and skills to benefit others and to contribute something of lasting
worth, and doing our best even if God is the only audience.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0687654920
• ISBN-13: 978-0687654925
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #298,490 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast & easy read, lasting impression. Professional & personal., August 7, 2008

By	Kem Meyer "Kem Meyer" (Granger, IN) - See all my reviews

I cried reading the acknowledgments and was laughing in chapter one. This book was a fast read with the highs and lows of a good drama and made a strong impact; professional and personally. My faith and my filter is different because of Shawn's humble and authentic story telling ability. He brought truths about God AND myself to light to inspire more.

In his book, Shawn uses his story and stories about people around him to drive this home: "Self examination" is a time when we see who we are and choose to be better or worse. There is no staying the same."

I am not the same. Good read for anyone...student, parents, grandparents, professionals, domestics... It's a keeper.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seeing the artist's heart in everyone, August 7, 2008

By	Dawn Nicole Baldwin (Sycamore, IL) - See all my reviews

200 Pomegranates and an Audience of One sheds new light on God's calling for each of our lives.

Through Shawn's unique perspective, everyone [from single moms, CEO's and even people who feel quite ordinary] has the ability to see why the efforts of our individual "canvases" is truly a work of art that matters to God.

Shawn blew me away with his whimsical story-telling style and piercing truths. I never would have guessed he was a first-time author & can't wait for his next book.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprised, August 12, 2008

By	Tim Stevens - See all my reviews

I'll be honest...when I first heard the title of a new book by Shawn Wood, I said, "Two hundred what?" It didn't sound like any book I would read.

Later I heard the entire title: "200 Pomegranates and an Audience of One: Creating a Life of Meaning and Influence." Okay, it sounded a little more interesting to me. But time is limited. I still wasn't sure I would read it.

Then Jessica Kelley from Abingdon Press asked me to consider giving the book an endorsement. Oh boy. I told her I'd be glad to read it, but I would only endorse it if I liked it. She sent me an early manuscript a couple months before the book was released.

I learned from the first few pages where the "pomegranate" reference comes from. Yes, I'm a pastor, and yes, I've read the Old Testament a number of times, but I've never noticed the passage about the artist Huram and his bronze veggies (or fruits, I'm really not sure). Then I started the introduction, and I was sucked in from the very first paragraph.

Shawn is great at telling stories. I don't mean he's really good. He's great at it. I love the way he authentically shares out of his life, from the pain of his past, to stupid decisions he's made. It helps me identify with an author who is normal.

I'm convinced this book will have broad appeal. It is for anyone who desires to be great at something. I could see my wife (a stay-at-home mom) enjoying this book as much as I enjoyed this book.

This book is an easy read, and isn't very long. If you picked up a copy already, you'll see my endorsement on the back cover. Just so you know, no one paid me or bent my arm for an endorsement. After reading the book, it was an easy decision.