Contemplating death is not at the top of the list for conversation starters. For many it is a topic that raises more emotions than they are willing to deal with. The unknown can be terrifying and uncertainty even more so. It is especially frightening for anyone who does not believe that there is life after death and that lifecan be lived for eternity in the presence of God. Yet the idea of knowing how long you have to live can be a fascinating topic. So the question is, what would you do differently if you knew that you had only one month to live?

The Bucket List, a popular new movie, and the country music hit "Live Like You Were Dyin'" address the question from a secular perspective. However, Kerry and Chris Shook have taken that question and turned it into an actual 30-day challenge --- a day-by-day inspirational that could literally change the way you live. Those organizational things that we intend to do someday give way to the more important relational tasks that we have been putting off. Cleaning up the house and yard give way to preparing ourselves to leave this life with no emotional messes left behind. The one-month-to-live lifestyle is a stirring concept that encourages living life to the fullest every day, regardless of how many days are left.

Each section of the book is based on universal principles: Live Passionately, Love Completely, Learn Humbly, Leave Boldly. Within each section are day-by-day challenges such as Thawing Out Your Frozen Dreams, Thanking Those Around You, Experiencing a Personal Miracle and Creating a Lasting Legacy. Each segment is filled with the love for people that God has given the Shooks. Their love for God and for individuals allowed them to start a fellowship with eight friendsthat has now grown to over 15,000 members. It is not any degrees or titles they may have but a sincere desire to see people fulfill their potential, to live the abundant life, that has motivated them to do the same.

Making changes can be one of life’s most difficult challenges. Yet, in order to improve and enrich our lives, and move through our lives with purpose, changes are necessary. Kerry and Chris Shook have taken Biblical principles and incorporated them into a challenge that is both stirring and inspiring without the legalism that often accompanies calls for change. In other words, they don’t try to guilt you into changing. Rather, they cheer you on with short stories and examples of how others have accomplished magnificent transformations.