Spirituality Books

What a great book I recommend it for anyone. Another great book I would love to recommend is The Secret by Rhonda Burns. Very inspirational nd motivating for everyone.

this book helps you help yourself, the directions are clear and easy to
follow, you just have to make the time to do what is instructed to do.
and beleive in it

Loved the book - very informative with lots of direction to start communicating with the Angelic realm. Loved the step by step instructions as well as the personal stories of students who rec'd messages from the angels. I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in this subject.

I could see and speak to angels before this book- my fortay. I loved them and still do. Everything happens for a reason. So, one day my best gf's mom was hosting a seminar on this book and invited me- several times. My parents too. I thought arragantly "naw, i can already speak to them, i don't need this class!" than my gaurdian and my other gf's gaurdian Caleb nugded me to read it. So i stopped being a little pest and read it. Very very wonderful. Understandable and opening. After reading this, its eaiser to sometimes speak with them and truly a help in my life even more than before.

I read this book almost a year ago and just recently took a class with one of the authors, Trudy Griswold. She is an incredible woman and helped me further to be able to talk with and write to my angels. It was one of the most amazing evenings, very emotional and helpful. I highly recommend this book to anyone and a class if they can find a facilitator or one of the authors nearby!

This is a good starting point for working with Psychoactive Plants. It is however not quite as informative as the author's "The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants: Ethnopharmacology and Its Applications". If you are interested in working with plants but are not sure then this is the book for you to get the real information you need to make a informed decision.

This is a good book on the topic of psychotropic plants, though I have to admit that I'm a little shocked that the opium poppy wasn't included. Oh well. There are enough books on that subject that I'm sure if you really want to study the "black smoke" you can find another book to read. It presents an interesting subject in an approachable, readable format. My one complaint is that parts of it read a little too New Age-y, which irks me. But that's the way I am. Aside from that one (rather small) problem, I would readily recommend this book to anyone looking for an all-in-one look at this branch of botany.

The authors Richard Schultes, director of the Botanical Museum at Harvard and Albert Hofmann, discoverer of LSD and former director of the Pharmaceutical-Chemical Research Lab in Basel, Switzerland, together have over fourteen years of research in field of botany, chemistry and ethnobotony. In their book the authors offer an ethnobological look at the sacred use of hallucinogenic plants and include: an introduction to hallucinogenic plants, a plant lexicon, overview of plant use chart, detailed section of fourteen major hallucinogenic plants, and concludes with an overview of the chemical structure of hallucinogens.
The plant lexicon includes ninety-one known and most common hallucinogenic plants with: a colored picture for each plant, botanical name, geographic location, hallucinogenic properties and a short description of the individual plant. Following the lexicon is a chart overview of each plant that includes: usage in history, context and purpose, preparation, chemical components and effects. Following the chart is a detailed account fourteen major hallucinogenic plants. "Most of these plants are or have been culturally and materially important...that they can not be overlooked "(81). The authors include: a descriptive history, gathering techniques, rituals, the chemical make-up of the plant, pictures of ceremonies, and artwork of "visions" by people.
Plants of the Gods is more than a research book, it is a guide to understanding the role hallucinogens play in various religious cultures using a scientific and anthropological approach.

This review is based on the 1992 publication:
Schultus, Richard E., and Albert Hofmann. Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers. Rochester: Healing Arts Press, 1992.

If you're looking for information on how to prepare psychoactive plant medicine and, well quite frankly, how get high, this is not the book for you. However, if you'd like to gain more wisdom and insight into shamanistic practices around the world, this is a wonderful history that draws you into the mind of the shamin. I loved this book. It gave me new respect for the wisdom of those ancient people of whom we know so very little. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in shamanism and herbalism. It offers insight into not HOW but WHY psychoactive plants are ingested. Plant medicine is afford the tremendous respect it so rightly deserves.

Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers
by Richard Evans Schultes, Albert Hofmann, and Christian Rätsch

Publisher:Healing Arts Press/Inner Traditions

Year:2001 (revised and expanded edition)

ISBN:089281979-0

Categories:Book Reviews, Recommended Books

Reviewed by Jon Hanna, 6/26/2007

It may be a rare thing for a second edition of a book to warrant its own review, but such is definitely the case with the new edition of the Schultes' and Hofmann's 1979 classic Plants of the Gods. The updated version was produced as a German translation in 1998 by Christian Rätsch, and Healing Arts Press released the English translation of this in late 2001. It is a thing of beauty.

The primary and most dramatic improvement is the inclusion of numerous new photographs and art images. Although this second edition retains many of the same photos, it introduces a lot of new ones as well. In some cases, the item depicted-such as the statue of Shiva with Datura flowers in his hair (p. 11)-has been revisited with a higher-quality photo. Frequently, black and white images have been replaced with a similar image in stunning full-color. While this works superbly in most cases, there are a few situations-such as the replacement color photo of an aerial view of the Kuluene river (p. 24)-where the original black and white photo was much better. New psychedelic art is featured throughout from the likes of Pablo Amaringo, Walangari Karntawarra Jakamarra, Nana Nauwald, and Donna Torres. There are even some incredible watercolor paintings done by Christian Rätsch himself (think Codex Seraphinianus on acid)-where can we see more of his art!? A beautiful mural of an ayahuasca ceremony that graces a wall at the Cuzco Airport in Peru reminds us that some countries have a more enlightened attitude towards the use of psychoptic plants.

"Fourteen Major Hallucinogenic Plants" of the first edition has been altered to become "The Most Important Hallucinogenic Plants," and expanded to include new sections on Anadenanthera colubrina, ayahuasca analogs, Salvia divinorum, and Duboisia hopwoodii. There have been numerous expansions on the old chapters as well, including many additional species of the genera discussed. Six new plants have been added to the "Plant Lexicon," and this section has been vastly improved through the addition of color photographs. Previously, the majority of the plants described were depicted via illustrations, with only a few photo images; this situation is now reversed, with only a few illustrations. (It is a shame that there are any drawings remaining, although I suspect in some cases it might be hard to obtain photographs of the plants in question. Still, in other cases it should not have been difficult-photos of Banisteriopsis caapi, Lagochilus inebrians, Mandragora officinarum, Mimosa tenuiflora [= M. hostilis], Peucedanum japonicum, Scirpus atrovirens, Tabernanthe iboga, and Virola theiodora are all available via the web). The map of "Native Use of Major Hallucinogens" has been expanded to include Hyoscyamus sp., Duboisia sp., and A. colubrina, and the depicted range of Cannabis use has been increased.

Some problems that the original book had are, alas, retained or, in a few cases, exaggerated. The gutter of the book is too tight, causing one to crack the spine to get a full view; this was the case in the earlier edition as well. New layout glitches include shaded backgrounds for text boxes being placed too close to the edge of the text (in some cases touching it), and headlines that sit too close to the images. The problem of citing alkaloid contents as fixed numbers is still present (although in a few cases ranges are presented). Those with little knowledge on the subject might actually believe that all dried Trichocereus pachanoi plants have a 2% mescaline content, while this is actually the peak of the range that can be determined through a survey of the scant few published isolation analyses (which dips down to 0.33%, and even lower in published HPLC analysis), and may not be typical. In new cases when ranges are presented, such as the case with Mimosa tenuiflora root-bark said to contain 0.57 to 1.0% DMT, the information may not be correct. (M. tenuiflora has been reported to contain 0.31 to 0.57% DMT with specific analyses available in the literature of Gonçalves de Lima 1946 and Patcher et al. 1959, and there have been unsubstantiated counter-culture claims of 1% to 11%, see ER Vol. X, No. 3, 2001 and Ott 2001). Both the new and the old editions of this book are riddled with statements about alkaloid contents that are presented as if they were fixed amounts, when in reality alkaloid content can be highly variable.

Some new errors are introduced with this edition. Spelling mistakes are peppered throughout (they've misspelled author Hofmann's name on the back cover!), and awkward phrasings are not uncommon in those sections that were translated from German. In some cases, plants are presented as containing specific alkaloids that they do not have. For example, it is remarked that "The Turkey Red variety of the grass Phalaris arundinacea contains liberal amounts of DMT." This is in error, as this variety contains liberal amounts of 5-MeO-DMT, not DMT. Also, photographs of four cacti-Ariocarpus retusus, A. fissuratus, Astrophyton asterias, and Aztekium riterii-known in México as "peyote" are depicted, with the statement "They primarily contain the substance mescaline and other psychoactive alkaloids." This too is in error, as only A. riterii has been found to contain trace amounts of mescaline, and no mescaline has been found at all in the others. (It was interesting to see that Rätsch considers a heftier amount of mescaline, "0.5-0.8 gram" to be a dose, compared to the Shulgins' more conservative 200-400 mg dose listed in PIHKAL; I tend to agree with Rätsch.)

Any and all criticism of this book should be viewed as minor, as it is truly a marvelous work. Rätsch has taken a great book and made it better. Especially if you own the first edition, you owe it to yourself to pick up this revamp. It is visual delight, a joy to read cover-to-cover, and it will no doubt be revisited repeatedly for years to come.

Jeff laid out what all of us experience when we open up our hearts and minds to spirituality. The word "open" is the key. Through detailing his own journey into spiritual realization, he allows us to view our journey - as they are one. This is not necessarily in the details, but in the expansion of consciousness. Jeff is giving guidance to those begining down the path, but also enlightens those of us who already feel centered in our spirit. Around this framework he provides passages from other writers who have inspired us. This is not just a primer - but a well thumbed through staple of my bookshelf.

If it were possible to place the basic concepts of spirituality in a nutshell, this book does it! Spirituality Simplified gives you all the necessary tools to help you embark on a journey and/or path towards a higher level of self-awareness and self-love. I have been on that journey for almost ten years myself and it was good to go back to the basics because during this journey your are constantly working to stay in the moment, step outside yourself and look at what's happening. This book reminded me of that! It's a great read!

With Spirituality Simplified, Jeff Maziarek has created the ideal guidebook for the spiritual seeker. This book is a comprehensive guide that provides a solid foundation of spiritual teachings supported with excerpts from dozens of the most inspirational and enlightening books of our time. Whether you are new to the spiritual path, or a seasoned traveler, you will appreciate the information in this book -- and the fact that you can pick it up and open to any page for a useful message.

Readers of The Secret will appreciate Spirituality Simplified for its broader, more complete look at the spiritual principles of The Law of Attraction -- perhaps providing them with just the "key" understanding they need to unlock "The Secret" and make it work for them. With Spirituality Simplified, author Jeff Maziarek has tied together some of the most useful and profound keys to advancing along the path -- in a very easy-to-read and easy-to-understand book. This book is a definite must-read for any spiritual aspirant, or anyone interested in understanding the nature of who they are and how their life unfolds. Spirituality Simplified is one of the most practical introductions to the spiritual path available today.

I read and circulate all of my spirituality books so that they continue living and don't die on my bookshelf. Instead of circulating this one, I bought a copy for me and for each of my dear friends (my sister bought one for each of our family members).

It's a "must have" for those on a spiritual journey. The author does a fabulous job of giving you a "taste" of all areas that you should be "sure to explore" on your journey while giving you plenty to appease your appetite if you choose to stop here.

This would be a PERFECT first book to start your spirituality journey, but it's about my 50th book (at least) and I still had many awakenings in different areas of my life.

Enjoy! :-)

"Spirituality Simplified" is a wonderful book! I am relatively new to the "spiritual path" and was excited to read about these basic spiritual principles in such an organized and easy-to-understand format. Like the author, I was raised Catholic and have since left traditional religion behind. Jeff Maziarek has done a superb job relaying information in a down-to-earth manner. He uses examples of his personal challenges and successes to reiterate important principles. He even references classic rock song lyrics to provoke further thought.

This book is valuable to me because like the cover says, it is "A Handy Reference Guide". Before reading this book, I was already familiar with authors such as Eckhart Tolle and Neale Donald Walsch. Jeff Maziarek introduced me to many other authors and resources that I am now going to explore. I like having "Spirituality Simplified" on my bookshelf because I can turn to it to get a refresher on a specific principle.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone on a spiritual quest. Reading this book will provide you with confidence that you are on the right path!

Stepping Off the Edge: Learning & Living Spiritual Practice
The Harvard Ph.D. who dropped acid, dropped out and went to India in search of enlightenment. Your mother's nightmare. Your mother would be glad to know that Ram Dass hung in there, bringing comfort and light to people for the last 40 years. He has attained something worth attaining. I'm told by a friend that Ram Dass was at his most impressive last year, leading a seminar after a stroke that left him barely able to speak. He credited that stroke with teaching him humility. The hard way. A heavy hitter worth reading. Ram Dass writes from a Hindu/Eastern perspective, though he is a trained Western psychologist.

For a person who has read broadly over the years, this book might raise suspicions that it will contain little that is new. Certainly most of the ideas can easily be found elsewhere. But, this is a personal report by a fascinating man who represents an important take on our times. It's worth the read as well as enjoyable. About the time it seems we've heard it all before, the author makes a statement that causes us to sit up a little straighter and say "I've actually never thought of that before." It seems to me that is why we read.

It's been said that Ram Dass was "there" before everyone else. This statement holds true regardless of how you choose to define "there." He continues to show us the way in this, his first post stroke book. Let me quote from the book. "We struggle against the inevitable and we all suffer because of it. We have been trying to find another way to look at the whole process of being born, growing old, changing, and dying, some kind of perspective that might allow us to deal with what we perceive as big obstacles without having to be dragged through the drama of misery. Understanding that we have something-that we are something-that's unchangeable, beautiful, completely aware, and that continues no matter what, really helps."
Ram Dass practices what he preaches. He not only tells us the way, he lives it. That is why we trust him . He's always been ahead of his time. Now, regarding aging, changing, and dying, he still is. "Still Here" is a must read.

Exceptional book for those with a realistic view on mortality and aging. For those who have aging parents, a must have! To truly understand life and growing.....not only growing older, growing wiser.

Have you ever read a book and wished that it would never end? That is what this book was like for me. I got so much from it that I am purchasing another to give away to a friend.

This book gives a very clear and succinct description on the basic nondual nature of reality and that our own awareness is the only cause for not recognizing this. I liked it very much for its simplicity and getting down to the core of it without alienating phrases.

Memory tells that I once seemed to visit leo's beautiful internet site (awakeningtothedream.com) and read his book... not knowing 'advaita'... though it is ever clear... like looking in a mirror... a smile still seems to linger. As a waterfall takes no credit for being a waterfall, leo takes no credit for the writing - nor the insight. This book will be read from many perspectives and, in some cases, it will seem that a door opens into a doorless void that needs no words to express itself... it is not what you think it is, yet it seems to be... smile. If it seems you have read this far, perhaps this One book is enough... Love

I've read many books on Advaita Vedanta and nondualism, and this is absolutely, without a doubt, the BEST of them all. Hartong writes so lucidly about difficult concepts that you will quickly come to understand many aspects of nondualism that take others YEARS to grasp. This book ranks #1 on my Advaita reading list. #2 is I Am That by Nisargadatta Maharaj. If you want your understanding of reality to be boosted RIGHT NOW, read this book. I'm now reading it for the second time, and marvel at the clarity and quality of the writing.

Leo Hartong connects the reader to the terrain of Nonduality in a manner that is gracious, enjoyable and satisfying. The topics of enlightenment, ego, intellect, the witness, I Am, awareness, meditation, awakening, teacher/seeker, death, are integrated effortlessly.

Awakening to the Dream is both an excellent introduction to Nonduality, and an encounter with an awakened one. The writing style is memorable. This is a valuable work which could become a classic in the field. (Note: The previous sentence, as the well as this entire review, was written in 2003 when the book came out. It is first being posted to Amazon.com in 2007.)

Here are a few passages:

"These words are nothing but a gentle reminder from yourself to yourself that you are the awakened one."

"This whole universe is the dream of the Self. Our identity is one continuum with the deep Self, and when we use words like unconditional love, bliss, and acceptance, we are reaching for our own hands."

"Once your true identity is uncovered, you'll see that birth, existence, and death do not happen to you, but in you."

"Enlightenment appears as a goal that one can reach only as long as there is the illusion of a separate entity or ego. In Zen, it has been called the gateless gate. When one stands before it, the gate seems to be there. When one passes through and looks back, it's clear there never was a gate nor anyone to go through it."

Jerry Katz
One: Essential Writings on Nonduality

Leo's book is really good - it's very conceptual and uses every "trick" to point to that which you are. Leo has a way of using analogy and metaphor to throw us back to that which is the basis for all experience - not to see a new state of mind, a special experience, but to know that what you are is the silent, still presence in which all states and experiences arise. Leo's writing at times seems to reflect an impression by Alan Watts. He gently invites you to see through the concepts and duality that are the nature of the mind.

A wonderful, wise book brimming with Toltec wisdom and practical examples. I have read it more than once and given it as a gift to friends (who always borrow my copy).

This was a pivotal book for me. Upon reading this clear, funny, beautifully written text, I went from being a casual "spiritual surfer" to jumping in with both feet! I literally could not put it down, and when I finally finished it, I decided to apprentice with Sheri, who is an amazing teacher. I have never looked back as my life has gotten better and better. I have immense gratitude for this book and highly recommend it to others with a wish that they might have the same experience.

Dr. Rosenthal explains the Toltec path quite eloquently and leaves little room for possible misinterpretation!

I am in the middle of this book, and despite my reservations about the title, it's really a great resource. I've loved Don Miguel Ruiz's writings for years, and Ms Rosenthal, the author, is one of his students. Highly recommended.

As a "left-brained" sort of person on a spiritual quest, I have found books by don Miguel Ruiz and others to be vastly inspiring, but also frustratingly short of definitions, history, and structured calls to action. Sheri Rosenthal's book addresses all these issues in a precise yet profound way - extending the work of earlier Toltec Masters while providing structured step-by-step guidance for the rest of us.

THE TROUBLED TIMES WE LIVE IN, IF MAJORITY OF PEOPLE FOLLOW DHARMA PADA AS TAUGHT BY BUDDHA AND WELL TRANSLATED BY ESWARAN, LOT OF PROBLEMS AND UNNECESSARY SUFFERING WILL BE GONE.

I have read several English translations of the Dhammapada --a dozen partially, half a dozen totally. As a non-Pali reader, I do not have any opinion on the grammatical quality of such translations. By reading any two, you will easily understand the difficulty of putting ancient eastern texts in west languages. As a rule, however, the spirit of most of the versions remains clear and transmits a good sense of the Buddha's Teaching. On the other hand, anybody can judge the readability and the beauty of any work regardless its origin. As such, Eknath Easwaran's book is excellent. His 80-page Introduction to Siddhattha Gotama's life and Teachings by itself justifies acquiring the book. The Pali Canon paragraphs that Easwaran quotes are "tuned" for the west reader. (Even though he probably overdid it at least once, I could not trace in any of Buddha's discourses "what a disciple losses through meditation: sickness, anger, depression, the burden of old age, the fear of death." I do not think the Buddha said such words but that is probably what he meant.) Chapters' introductions by Stephen Ruppenthal are also very illustrative. The fact that Easwaran is an Eastern scholar, not a Buddhist one, provides his writings the impartiality and independence that the Buddha would like to see in the spreading of his Teachings.

Gustavo Estrada. Author of Hacia el Buda desde el occidente: Sus Ensenanzas sin mitos ni misterios

First, I must say that this is the only translation of the Dhammapada I have read. That aside, this translation is more than just another translation. The first 100 pages or so makes this book worth its weight in gold. Eswaran gives an overview of the history of the Buddha's life, from pre-enlightenment to his death. Eswaran hits many highlights of the Buddha's teachings from the nature of the world of form to karma and reincarnation and numerous other areas of the dharma. The translation of the scriptures is easy to read, and notes on many of the scriptures are in the back of the book, which help to clarify many of the passages even further.

The chapters are broken down by theme, and each chapter, or sometimes two chapters, are introduced by Stephen Ruppenthal. These introductions are handy and help the reader to understand what he or she is about to encounter in the upcoming chapter. Many references are cited and much of the Buddhist philosophy is explained both in the introduction by Eswaran, and by the chapter introductions by Ruppenthal.

Besides all of that, the quality of this paperback is excellent. The pages are recycled material, and the cover is thick and sturdy for being a paperback. If you appreciate Buddhist philosophy, or any of the works of Indian spirituality, you must add this book to your library.

The introduction and explanation by Eknath is incredibly clear, insightful, and profound. To read the Dhammapada you need an explanation and this one is great.

Normally, I don't like to read introductions to books, but I found that this introduction to be the best part! I found myself reading it and saying, "wow, now that's what they are talking about! well put!" He explains Buddhism concepts in a terrific way.

Big thumbs up.

the book presents the dhammapada, a book text of the Buddha's words for those who don't know, in an easy to read and understandable way. each chapter is headed by a introduction that explains the meaning of the chapter and clarifies some of the content. this is a must read for any Buddhist, non Buddhist looking for wisdom, or for anyone with any interest in the subject.

After searching for a book to help me with prayers, I will recommend this to everyone! Each prayer created right from scripture and has scripture references after every prayer! This is a must have for every Christian! You won't be disappointed!

How do you know if you're praying for the right things? You can't go wrong when you're praying the scriptures! I've owned the books that go into this for many years and they are always close at hand for those times when I'm unsure in a situation, or my prayer time has become lukewarm. It is broken down into prayers for every situation so it's easy to find what you need and the scripture verses that are used. I've given them as gifts for years for friends and relatives and it makes a good gift for new believers. This edition is gorgeous, but what is inside is priceless.

A coworker was sending this book to his son in the military overseas and let me take a peak. I was so impressed that I purchased one for my family and my father. It has prayers for any situtation imaginable. I highly recommend.

Recently I signed up to participate in the Intercessory Prayer Ministry at our church and noticed this title the first time I went to the prayer room.

Before I intercede for others, I use this book to help me get in the right frame of mind by praying for myself first. The book contains prayers for every circumstance: God's guidance, wisdom, discernment, relationships, weariness, financial concerns, etc.

The prayers are written as Bible verses so in essence when you pray these, you are praying God's Word back to Him. I have found myself to be in a better frame of mind when I use the book to prepare me to pray for others.

I highly recommend the book for anyone who wants to strengthen their prayer life and to also help memorize verses from God' Word. Again, there are prayers for practically every situation in life.

Read, pray, and enjoy!

A lovely book with a prayer to suit whatever you are looking for. I like the index that helps me find just what I need. There are so many good ones that I got sidetracked by every page, and I just had to stop and read each one!

I had read this particular book at another house and was so enthralled with it that I wanted one for my Library and I am giving one for a birthday
present.I probably would not have bought it had I not seen it first.

Product received in timely manner..great book for those seeking to develop in their relationship with God. We can learn much from the writers of the devotions contained in this book.

St. Francis of Assisi wrote, "Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary, use words." This remarkable book will inspire your team members with the poignant commentaries from the early heroes of the Christian faith.

New books are important, but the classics are imperative. As you mentor and encourage your team members, it might be time to remind them that long before Billy Graham, Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, Beth Moore, Chuck Colson, Dr. James Dobson, and even D. L. Moody, the pioneers of the faith were building our theological foundations, brick by brick.

Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith, the book editors, begin, "We today suffer from the unexamined notion that the more recent something is, the better, the more true it must be. This book is our attempt to counter this present-day myopia. It brings together fifty-two carefully chosen selections from the great devotional classics."

If your team members have never read (or even heard of) Jonathan Edwards, Frances de Sales, Bernard of Clairvaux, Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, Soren Kierkegaard, Evelyn Underhill, or John Baillie--order the book. These fifty-two pillars span the centuries: Gregory of Nyssa (331), Francis of Assisi (1182), Catherine of Genoa (1447), John Bunyan (1628) and Watchman Nee (1903).

If you're in what John of the Cross (1542-1591) called the "dark night of the soul," when you've lost all the pleasure you once experienced in your devotional life, you can feed on the riches of these classic writings from our brothers and sisters past.

In the chapter on The Book Bucket, from Mastering The Management Buckets: 20 Critical Competencies for Leading Your Business or Non-profit, I warn about the dangers of "management-by-bestseller syndrome." Have no fear about Devotional Classics. It endures. The editors remind us of C.S. Lewis' savvy counsel, "It is a good rule, after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between."

I really enjoyed this book. It was part of the assigned reading for a Spiritual Formation retreat I took through my college. The collected devotionals in this book are wonderful. I like the different sections included in the book as well. If you want to just read devotionals to stir up your prayer life you can just read that section.

Also at the end of each devotional there are reflection questions and spiritual discipline exercises to do. I found this to be very helpful in breaking out of the routine in my devotional time with God.

It is so inspiring to read the writings of these great men and women of faith throughout the history of Christianity. I reccommend this to anyone looking to deepen their faith.

What a treasure! I've just started reading, "A Woman's Journey". Women everywhere share the same hopes and dreams. I feel a real connectedness with the women in these stories. I celebrate their triumphs, share their sorrows, and learn life lessons. A rare gift that continues to give hope and heal the broken.

I've read every "how-to" book there is on the market and never felt as inspired or as encouraged as I did after reading "A Woman's Journey". That's because every woman in this book is ordinary -- they're not psychologists, or therapists, or magical, mystical healers. They are simply like you and me; like my best friend; like my next-door neighbor. They struggle, they fail, they pull themselves up only to fall down again. Yet every one of them has something extraordinarily uplifting to say about life, about love and about faith. I've given "A Woman's Journey" to every significant woman in my life, along with a quite a few men who have the desire to better understand and appreciate the feelings of their wives, girlfriends, mothers and daughters. I'd like to thank each and every author who contributed to this anthology. God bless you for sharing your hearts along with your hope.

God Allows U-Turns: A Woman's Journey is heartening experience. I would recommend reading onr or two stories a day as a part of your devotions or have one as a bedtime snack. They are an encouraging reminder of God's love for us, no matter what.

I just finished reading the third book in this series. The true stories in this book were filled with such hope. These ordinary people showed me what real faith and love was all about. I was deeply touched. I had to have many tissues handy while reading this one. I'm looking forward to buying several copies of this one for family and friends for Christmas. This volume really reaches out to woman of all walks of life. I related to many of these stories. I can't wait for Volume four to come out at the end of the month. (Aug, 2002) American Moments.

Reading this book made me laugh, cry, and feel proud to be a woman. These stories reflect triumph in the lives of the writers and transmit hope to the readers.

The reader won't find judgment or preaching here, just women with the insight to experience God's wonder. You can't read this book without increasing your ability to accept new gifts from God.

I'll be giving this book to women in our family as they graduate, marry and celebrate other important events in their lives.