Spirituality Books

Unlike many books written for people in the world of business, this book really ties it all together. It not only talks about leadership, core values, and applying them, but also shows us why we don't and most importantly how we can, and why we must.

I recommend this book, as a strong must read for anyone working with or managing people.

With all the corruption being exposed in the business world it is refreshing to read a book that offers solutions that are both practical and easily applied. Every CEO should read this book. It will change your perspective about how we operate both consciously and unconsciously in our work, our world, and how intuition can be our best ally...

This book is a must read for all business people interested in really transforming the soul of the workplace.

As a business consultant, I couldn't agree more with the authors' insights and ideas.

The Inner Edge presents a common sense framework for improved personal and organizational effectiveness. The book is especially relevant in an era of intense scrutiny of corporate behavior and heightened expectations of ethical personal and professional behavior.

The book has an easy to use format with helpful tools such as self assessment exercises, guidelines and charts.

I have been working with individuals and small business for over 30 years in the Financial Services Industry. I have read many books and attended many workshops in an effort to expand my spiritually in both my personal and business life. This book and the concepts and exercises it provides is unquestionably one of the very best I have experienced.
I have ordered the audio CD's to assist me in implementing these concepts in my life. This book and it's concepts will provide wonderful benefits for everyone who puts it to work in their lives.

The title, preface and initial chapters excited me towards this book which i happen to browse in a local book store. I was quite excited and sometimes amazed by the clarity of presentation by the authors in the initial chapters which talks about life and its purpose, understanding and having your own "identity" and also about the side-effects of deep-rooted negative childhood habbits (unfinished business) which some people tend to carry along in their life unknowingly. The techniques to identify your strengths and small steps to be carried out to overcome the negative qualities are somewhat old but polished with new terminologies and jargons.
But I noticed a strange discontinuity in the authors presentation, when they jump into a new concept, so called "Quantum Decision Making (QDM)". The authors does not give good insight into QDM nor establish the relationship between the initial chapters and QDM. Hence overall we are introduced in lots new terms but without clear purpose and reasoning. The case studies of their approach has been clearly separated from the actual text, which was helpful to maintain the continuity in the discussion.
I would been happy or atleast understood the QDM concept better if a limited version of a CD or small visual guide was accompanied with this book. Because of this most of the latter part of the book goes over the head, when the authors talk about "icons", "multicolored 3D visualization" .. etc. Interesting/Useful initial chapters but poor second part.

This is a wonderfully inspiring and reassuring story. Mary Jo has given us a generous and lovely gift, sharing so much of her journey. And the writing, with the collaboration of Mary Harper, is superb. I know the writing is very good when I can imagine that I am right there in the experience.

As a psychotherapist and art therapist, I was impressed with how Mary's near-death experience brought her to what we call a "teachable moment," that space in which we suddenly perceive life in a radically different way. The book reinforces the value of connectedness--within ourselves, to our families and friends, and to God, however we might perceive God to be. I found myself grateful for Mary Jo, and the grace that she is able to extend by being present to people she encounters during their teachable moments. This book is short and simply written, yet speaks volumes. I recommend it to anyone in the health profession seeking to understand the connection between health and spirituality.

Mary Jo Rapini's intimate story of suffering and recovering from a brain aneurysm is nothing short of inspirational and speaks of the important role played by family, friends, and health care professionals in the healing process. Even those of us who identify as agnostic or atheist can respect and learn from Rapini's need to put her faith in a God as she bravely confronts her own mortality. Is God Pink? Dying to Heal, is a beautifully written and carefully constructed book. A worthwhile read for anyone who has ever faced a serious health crisis.

Mary Jo Rapini's book is a must read for anyone who works with illness, lives with or cares for ailing loves ones, or anyone facing or reluctant to explore one's own mortality. This work left me inspired, hopeful and humbled.

It's difficult to say that I 'enjoyed' this book ---- it's hard to read about someone's near death and about cancer and find it enjoyable; but, am so glad that I did read it! Mary Jo's experiences are definitely interesting, heart wrenching, and understandable. I've been telling lots of folks about this book and even bought additional copies to give to people. I would strongly encourage anyone to buy this book!

Thank you, Kathy Cordova for writing this book! This book mirrors all the abundance of love we can receive if we turn failures or so called mistakes into positive learning lessons, and let go of the drama of a bad dream. Does it sound too good to be true? Well, the examples in the book are taken from the real life, and theyre really true, and outcomes are unexpected happiness, always when the case writer let go of something first.

Now this book Let Go and let miracles happen has already taught me many inspirational lessons about letting go.

Who hasnt been in hopeless love - to be dumped by someone - well let go of the hatred - and let something good come into your life - from an unexpected place.

I can read it in the morning when I go to work, there are small chapters full of wisdom stories from the real life. Thats also part of the secret of letting go: to live your life here and now. SO let go and let your miracles happen!


Heart Against Rock

Why? Because you have released to God and left it in his care as you do your part in earnest. If you can get past the references to A Course in Miracles, Kathy Cordova's book is a must read for those who can't surrender because of a number of reasons. Kathy's guidance can walk you through the thought process required to gently learn this practice and reap the benefits. Remember ... Moses stammered and tended sheep ... and before the burning bush encounter on Mount Sinai probably didn't even conceive of his role in the scheme of things. God, however, had other ideas and while Moses was a shepherd and Pharoah the most powerful man on Earth at the time ... Moses succeeded and the Hebrews were released from bondage.

Whether you are religious or not .... there are some gleanings you can take from the following lesson from Watton on the Web.

The word surrender in the dictionary means, "To give or hand over voluntarily."

Gethsemane For Jesus Mark 14:32-46 (Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46)

Gethsemane

It is interesting to note that Gethsemane means 'the place of the olive press.' Olives were harvested when they were ripe and crushed completely between two stones, so that the rich, green olive oil, that spoke of provision, sustenance, and healing on a physical level could be produced. That same oil was used for anointing in the Old Testament of the Kings and the Priests. Isaiah 53:5 prophesying about Jesus says, "He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Like the olives Jesus was 'crushed' at Calvary, so that the oil and the anointing of the Holy Spirit could be poured out at Pentecost on those first believers. That same anointing is available for Christians today.

Gethsemane For Us
Romans 12:1&2

1. Knowing the One we are surrendering to
If we are to put our complete trust in God, and surrender to Him, it is important that we 'know' Him. In Romans 10:9 Paul has told us how we can come to know Him through salvation, by believing and confessing "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." In preceding chapters of Romans, he also speaks of God's mercy to us, how we can know victory over our sin, how we can live our lives in the power of the Holy Spirit, and of His incredible love for each one of us, that nothing can separate us from. It is possible to have a religious system, but never be changed on the inside. Salvation can never be through a system of rules, but only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who became our Passover lamb, and shed His blood at the cross, so that our sins could be completely forgiven. It is a free gift of God, not just a head knowledge, but a heart knowledge, that is willing to give Him first place in our lives.

2. We empty ourselves of our own will
Today we live in a world that is geared to self-fulfilment, a generation where men and women put themselves first, above God, and above their fellow men. So how can we empty ourselves of our own will? How can we discern what God's will for our lives is? The answer is found in the first verse of Romans chapter twelve. "Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship." Paul then goes on in verse two to tell the Christians in Rome what that means practically "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will." To be able to discern God's will for our lives and surrender to Him we have to get rid of the worldly thoughts and attitudes that have been programmed into our minds. The emptying of self is a continuous process, and we have to be willing to open ourselves up to God and allow Him to reveal areas in our lives where we are allowing worldly attitudes to rule. As He shines His light into certain areas, we have a choice, do we hold on to them or repent of them and surrender them to God to work in those areas? Can we like Jesus be willing to say "Yet not what I will, but what you will." Jesus won the victory for you over your self will, in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the Garden, God saw the struggle that Jesus was going through and sent an angel to strengthen Him. In the same way He knows our struggle, but He Himself will come to strengthen us.

"Spiritual surrender is not about doing nothing. It is about releasing what's not working in our lives, asking for guidance, and opening ourselves up to the opportunities that come our way, then acting on them." - From the book

Say the word "surrender" and most people imagine a battle scenario with one side throwing in the towel, giving up in bleak despair. Because contemporary culture often thrives on competition and being "strong", individuals often equate the concept of surrender with a form of weakness.

In the book Let Go, Let Miracles Happen: The Art of Spiritual Surrender, author Kathy Cordova explains that surrender "requires faith, but it also requires paying attention to opportunities and taking action." By releasing attachments, goals, and expectations, we can surrender what is not working in our lives while at the same time opening ourselves to wider-and surprising-avenues for vibrant, peaceful lives.

Ms. Cordova stresses the importance of heeding intuition in the process of surrender, addressing several questions that often plague spiritual seekers, such as "Is it ego or intuition?" and "What if my intuition is wrong?" Drawing from A Course in Miracles, she answers the first question by describing the ego's voice as:

"...fear, doubts, attack thoughts, vulnerabilities, and general ugliness that often comes to surface of our mind...the voice of authority, telling us what we `should' do-not in the sense of moral authority, but in the sense of keeping up appearances and trying to meet other people's expectations."

Ego separates through manipulating others, striving in competition, and bragging to prove superiority. Intuition, however, is "the voice of that playful child, acting out of joy, who has a beginner's mind, believes that anything is possible, and has no fear." Moving towards love and away from fear-listening to our hearts-helps us tune into the voice of intuition.

In the first part of Let Go, Let Miracles Happen, the author discusses:

* Discovering the Art of Spiritual Surrender
* Winning Through Surrender
* What We Resist Persists
* Pray, Let Go, Listen: Three Steps to Spiritual Surrender
* The Beliefs That Hold You Back: Fear, Struggle, and Competition
* Keep Your Dreams, Lose Your Expectations: Intentions, Goals, and Results
* The Four Types of Surrender

The rest of the book chronicles the stories of dozens of individuals who faced difficult, perplexing, and painful situations, and how they made it through by surrendering. Poignant, candid, and often humorous, these stories illustrate the many avenues of surrender, whether through relationships, illness, unemployment, addiction, parenthood, and even the death of a loved one.

Let Go, Let Miracles is a book rich with incisive wisdom and sage advice. I was surprised at the similarities between Ms. Cordova's life and my own, and found her honesty refreshing. Her words ring true, and both her stories and those of the others were spiritually nourishing, encouraging, and comforting. What a relief to discover the strength in surrender-to stop banging heads against the wall and refrain from doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results! If you're tired of striving, competing, and controlling-desperate to shrug off the weight of the world on your shoulders-Let Go, Let Miracles Happen will light the way to lightness, clarity, and joy.

Kathy Cordova's book "Let Go Let Miracles Happen: The Art of Spiritual Surrender" is like a coffee table book for the heart. The concepts she writes about, letting go and spiritual surrender, are beautifully presented, simple to understand and show the reader how letting go is not only possible, but life changing. This is a book you 'gift' to those in your life ... there are golden nuggets in there for everyone! Kathy's book provides the path for making journey of life more sacred, meaningful and provides tools to help one go with the flow!

I am no stranger to self-help books, the power of positive thinking types, especially. I used to believe, more than I do now, that you can simply visualize and set goals and make great things happen in your life, simply by believing that they will -- sending it out to the universe, and all that.

Those fairly innocent beliefs, and a lot of hard work, on top of personal drive and ambition, went a long way toward making things happen and a great deal of success in my life; but in all my naive optimism, I was ill-prepared for trouble and hard times, when they came.

Although I was raised in a highly-organized religious environment, I no longer consider myself religious, so much as spiritual, which to me is more all-encompassing, and reassuring. I believe in God, if that's what we want to call it -- the universal power, or force that exists within everything and everybody. Phew. Going deep here, and I didn't mean to. I'm simply trying to explain that I recognize, and certainly appreciate, in a very spiritual way, that things happen for a reason.

So, stuff was happening in my life, some bad stuff, and out of the blue (?), something else came along (this book), something good, that helped me a great deal. As sometimes happens, I ignored the help for a long time, from April, when I first received the book, to June, when I found it again, at one of those crucial moments in life, and read it. It was not what I expected it to be, and, honest to God, it saved my life, because it was what I needed -- at the right time, in the right place.

This is not a preachy, born-again, evangelical kind of book. Perhaps it is as simple as "misery loves company," but I believe more likely that when faced with seemingly-insurmountable challenges and crises in our lives, it helps to know other people have been there, and they have survived to live, love, and laugh again.

-- Sherri Caldwell, Humor Columnist & Reviewer at [...]
Co-Author, The Rebel Housewife Rules: To Heck With Domestic Bliss!

Excellent!! A life altering experience!! This is the first book I have read by this Author but I know I will be reading more. This book was assigned to me by my ethics professor, and when I ordered it I thought it sounded interesting. But when I started reading it I couldn't put it down. Although it's a realatively short book it did take me a while to get through it. I found myself stopping and really thinking about what Keri had just said. I felt myself transforming as I read each page. So much of this book hit home for me and has made me sit up and take notice. I've already recommended it to several friends and guess what my family will all be receiving for gifts this year!?!

In Listen: Finding God in the Story of Your Life, Keri Wyatt Kent pulls together the classical ideas of spiritual formation into a practical understanding that can be incorporated into our daily lives. Listening to God's work in our lives, to his Word and to others in community are all key components of this much-overlooked facet of the Christian life. Kent shows how learning to listen is critical to many of the spiritual disciplines and, through her personal experience and with reference to many of the great spiritual writers, challenges her readers to become skillful listeners.

The first section immediately captured my attention, as well as my heart, as Keri challenges us to actually listen to our lives. What do we love? Where do we struggle? What are our desires? I've come to realize that God is not only intimately aware of my struggles and desires, but that he speaks to me through them.

In the second section, Keri communicates the importance of listening to others. We all long to be listened to, but are we available to listen to others in the same way? Listening to others allows us to both minister as well as be ministered to, as we open ourselves to the wisdom and encouragement of others. Without true listening, can there really be community as Jesus intended?

The final section covers listening as it relates to the spiritual disciplines of silence, scripture reading and prayer, although Keri is quick to point out that "all of our spiritual practices are transformed by listening." Keri challenges us to begin making space for God in our lives by learning to listen deeply, rather than just follow rituals.

Keri's passion for spiritual transformation is quickly evident in her writing, and her engaging manner makes it easy to relate to what she's talking about. Listen is one of those books that warrants more than one reading and should probably be read with a pen in hand. It would lend itself well to a group discussion as well, as she poses a few thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter.

This was one of those books that has God's finger prints all over it...and through it. I related SO much with Keri's experience. I found it not only affirming...but it also took me deeper into my journey as I continue to listen for God's voice in my experience as a contemporary Christian music minister.

It's rare that I pick up a book and I'm drawn in from the first paragraph (of the Introduction!) but I was. Keri's book is timely, insightful, and thoughtful. We all need to stop and to listen to the voice of our Savior and to rediscover why we call ourselves believers.

"Real listeners notice. They pay attention."

But how do we become real listeners and to what do we listen?

In Listen: Finding God in the Story of Your Life, Keri Kent takes us on a journey through several forms of listening: listening to our own hearts and desires, listening to others, and listening to God through His Spirit, His people, His Word.

She presents listening to others as a ministry, and distinguishes between merely practicing listening techniques and actually becoming a better listener. As Keri explains: "To truly listen, we must set aside our own junk--selfishness, neediness, overwhelming desire to interrupt with `that reminds me of what happened to me!'"

Listening is costly. But so is love, and listening well is a huge part of loving well.

And when it comes to listening to God, Keri makes a significant point: "Knowing the Scriptures can guard us against putting words in God's mouth. What God is telling us and what we want God to say can sometimes be two different things. If we listen to the Bible, we'll recognize God's voice among the many that shout for our attention."

With refreshing candor, she reveals a truth overlooked by many: "If we spend time listening to MTV or reading People magazine, that's what we are meditating on, even if we don't think of it as meditating. If we repeatedly hear something, our mind will retain it. Think of how many song lyrics you've memorized, simply by hearing songs on the radio. Meditation begins with repetition, to think about something, even on a subconscious level. And that is what will shape our souls and thoughts, even our actions... What we focus on and think about, even passively, affects us. Ultimately, it forms us."

Listen speaks truth, encouragement, and challenge to both new and seasoned travelers who earnestly seek the narrow path.

I enjoyed this book - it is a powerful guide. As in Creating Extraordinary Joy by Chris Alexander, this book is packed with useful information.

To read this book is to see Hilda Villaverde from her core. Her honesty is refreshing as she guides the reader through her unique experiences with fear and her overwhelming desire and commitment to live on the "other side", Love. Her inspiration is infectious and inspiring. This jewel of a book offers ideas and affirmations to assist you in transforming your life from fear to love. Living in Arizona, I have been blessed with the honor of meeting and getting to know Hilda as a minister and speaker. She is a remarkable, beautiful woman filled with love, compassion and courage. You will be blessed with wisdom, candor and hope when you step into Hilda's journey. Rich blessings to each of you as you journey along your own unique path.

Hilda provides an extremely reader-friendly text, reminding us that spirituality surrounds us each and every day. Her grass roots experiences allow you to realize no special skills are required to open this dimension. A book which truly provides peace and confidence to the reader.

I started reading Ms. Villaverde's book on a plane and I could not put it down. Her story is compelling, her narrative powerful. Even though we each have a little different story, so many of us embrace the same fears. Reading this book changed my life in a very visceral way. It will change you, too.

This book is a valuable experience for anyone who reads it. As Hilda faced her challenges, she learned about herself and her spirituality. It is a great example for each and everyone. Once you read it, you'll want to share it with friends, family and strangers. Well worth the time.

I bought this book from after amazon recommended it to me, and for the first time I can honestly say, "Amazon, you've let me down."

While some of the stories in Mentally Incontinent are interesting and funny, the writing is just bad. Writing like this could benefit from a few rounds in a college workshop environment and a good working over by a professional editor. Instead of telling stories with rich visual images that immerse the reader in the scene, Joe spends a lot of time directly addressing readers, running off on tangents, and writing about being a writer.

For example, in "Late Night Adventures at Kroger", he spends 2 full pages setting up the story, and only one page describing the action that SHOULD be the most interesting part. The entire description of the very exciting scene is captured by, "The next four seconds were probably the most intense 4 seconds I have experienced in my entire life. I can honestly say I know what it feels like to be in Bullet Time slow motion now. I can't really tell you exactly what happened, however, because honestly I have no clue - It was all one big intense blur." ARE YOU SERIOUS? I just read all that exposition and that's the climax you give me? If you're watching it unfold in bullet time, shouldn't you be able to describe it in intimate detail? Isn't that the benefit of slow motion? And look at the mistakes (I made sure I quoted it verbatim). Imagine an entire book like that.

That's the great thing about writers like David Sedaris and Tucker Max - they can tell stories that are boring, innocuous examples of banality and make them wholly interesting.

It's HOW you tell the story, Joe, not just what the story is about.

Save your money for another David Sedaris book.

I've been a big fan of Joe's since I first peeped his website, "Mentally Incontinent," from a link from Fark. If you like Fark, you'll love Joe. His book is hilarious. I'd already read most of the stories on the site, but buying the book was completely worth it. It's one of my most requested loaner books-- my friends keep asking to borrow it! I've finally told them to buy their own! Highly, highly recommend this book, but ONLY if you like to laugh. If you don't, well... find another book. :)

If I had to summarize this book in one word, it would be fantastic. This book is literally impossible to put down, even if you have read the stories before. They are great the first time, the fifth time, and even the tenth (even if its at 2 am and everyone is yelling at you to turn off the lights!). The book itself really has everything. There are stories of love, loss, triumph and lots and lots of laughs.

I reccomend this book to anyone who reads! You wont regret it (though maybe the people up with you at 2am might)!

This book is for anyone who loves to have a good laugh. Not only is the premise really original (a book compiled by readers), but the stories are extremely hilarious, and yet personal too. I bet you'll find yourself reading it in one shot - cover to cover - it's that good!

While I had read most of these stories on his website, I still find myself laughing all over again this time around. But, the best part of this book is the author. If you register at his site (which is free and safe), you can actually talk with him. Have a question about the book? Ask. Lets see you try that with Stephen King!
If you have a sense of humor, you will definately find this to be one of the most amusing books you have read.

Yogi is a true Gru. Following his teachings will truly teach you how to commune with GOD, our creator.

I have always respected other religions, and that's what i love about this book! No matter who or what you believe in... you WILL get what you need from these prayers!

Inspiring and uplifting words are what you will find in this book! The title 'Metaphysical Meditations'doesn't seem to do justice to the beauty of this book, and yet, I don't know what words would. Also, another reason to not be put off by the title is that this book, in my opinion, crosses over and into all religions. You do not need be a follower of Paramahansa Yogananda or Self-Realization to reap the rich benefits of reading these meditations. An open mind and heart and love of God is enough.

The book is small, pocket sized, which makes it perfect for carrying with you. -And once you begin reading this, you'll want to have it with you to glance at whenever you feel the need, have a need, or for an inspirational pick up, or whenever you happen to have a few moments to spare. I like to flip this open in the mornings, and anytime throughout the day and read whatever page I come to.

The book begins with a 'Prayer for a United World.' Then, there's a forward that goes over meditation briefly. Which begins with this: "Most persons would want to meditate if they understood how to do so. The purpose of meditation is to know God, to connect the little joy of the soul with the vast joy of the spirit."

The meditations are short, 3-5 lines per paragraph on a page, and easy to read. No complicated long winded stuff in here. Some of my favourite titles/meditations from this book are:
'Never Lose Hope'
'Spreading Divine Joy'
'Creative Activity'
'Overcoming Fear and Worry'
'Divine Prosperity'
There's also a "Christmas Meditations" section in the back.

There is so much love in this book.
This is a great gift to give as well.

This little book is so full of spiritual wisdom that I place it just short of scriptures such as the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita (both of which influenced the thought portrayed here). I have several copies of this book (car, work, home). Its perspective is a yogic one, but its truths are universally applicable. Paramahansa Yogananda is unique among so-called gurus in being one that truly walked his talk. There is advice for all areas of life and everything said is filled with love and moderation. You will find no book outside of scripture that has more spiritual bang for your buck, in my opinion.

This little book can be kept in pocket or purse. For decades I have known about its power to change the reader from darkness to light, from despair to hope, and from "give me" to "I give." Far ahead of its time, "Metaphysical Meditations" by the famous teacher Paramahansa Yogananda (Self-Realization Fellowship) will not disappoint. First published in 1932 by a teacher who sees positive similarities in many of the world's religions, this book urges the reader to actively pursue spiritual growth, self-love, love for others, kindness and positive thoughts for all our concerns. I love ya Yogananda, wherever your spirit is residing! Bless you!

This is one of the best Christian devotional books I have ever read. It is unique in its presentation of events in the life of Christ and the author's spiritual insights certainly draw one closer to God. I gave a copy to my pastor and he recommended it to fellow pastors, as well as friends and family.
Gert McIntosh

I find this devotional to be so touching and thought-provoking. I have purchased one for my husband, daughter, and two friends. I only wish I had bought more. In relation to the scripture, Mr. Gire ties Moments with the Savior into every day life and hin doing so this book helps me to know how to pray more effectively about different matters in my own life and in others for whom I pray. It is very insightful and highly recommended!

I have received more graces through this book than any other in my library. Ken Gire knows how to make the Bible come alive in very real, truistic ways. A definite +++

By far my favorite devotional book. Gire, through his gift of story-telling, brings to life the characters and situations of those Christ touched in his time here on earth. The prayers that end each chapter help me examine myself and fix my eyes on Jesus. This book is wonderful for those who only know the name of Jesus and seasoned Christians alike.

On seeing other interesting reviews, I briefly need to quote Ken Gire in his exceedingly well-written glimpses! 1) An Insightful Moment of the Fields: "He lies there so meekly...Coming to us in the weakest of ways. He placed himself at the mercy of creation, at the mercy of a census, at the mercy of us mortals, even at the mercy of animals." After being immersed in sacrifice, I find An Intense Moment in the Desert: "The desert is where we face the strongest and most seductive temptations in life...where the enemy is most formidable, and where we are most vulnerable."

Ken uses descriptive adjectives so artistically. He seems truely sincere, never boring. With the Insightful Moment at Nazareth, he creatively expounds upon Jesus reading the Prophet Isaiah in the Synagogue.

"Nazareth was Jesus' hometown. (Just in case my first readers may not know the fact) Nazareth's obscurity is surpassed only by its austerity." With few words he sparks my imagination!

Two more dramatic moments compelled my total attention: Gire's
Intimate Moments With Peter and Insightful Moments of Character, focused upon the Beatitudes! Describing his Fishing with the disciples, Gire writes: "Above them hover squawking fluries of herons, cranes, and cormorants waiting to dart in and steal away what they can of the catch." (To any salt-water fisherman that cuts it deeply)

Finally, An Insightful Moment of Character: "The Crowds were comprised largely of outsiders. Hardly pillars of the community.
What did they hear in His voice when he preached? What did they see in His Face?" Then his answer comes in outline form: "He was poor in spirit...He mourned...He was meek...He hungered and He thirsted for righteousness."

"If the world persecuted Him; What would it do to His followers? Similiar thots are included in his most Intense Moment about the Mountain-top, with more creative embroidery. Poor in spirit, mournful, meekness, hunger for rightousness... being merciful, being pure in heart, also a peacemaker." What a wondrous way to end my Commentary...Awesomely full of Intimate, Instructive Moments with Jesus! Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

I love dogs so the sad eyes of the hound drew me into the book, but Russell Fink's quirks kept me turning the pages. Russell is what I call a cloud person, someone who just can't get a break in life. I felt so sorry for him, but at times his paranoia became self-fulfilling.

Although these characters seemed more colorful than life would allow, Michael Snyder added just enough reality to make it all work. Russell struggles with the same questions of faith that many of us do, especially when something bad happens to someone good. But without a sermon, Michael weaves in the answers with a little help from Russell's four legged buddy, Sonny.

Before you reach the end of the book you'll laugh, you might shed a tear, or even recall your first kiss. The good thing is that Michael doesn't tie everything up in a neat little bow. Life isn't like that, so why should this be? But there is a happy ending. Perhaps if we cheer him on enough, Michael will someday bring Russell Fink back in a sequel.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! And that's saying something cause i don't read books very often. Who could not love a book that has ..'whispy biscuits'? The hockey stick incident was over the top, FUNNY! I cracked up laughing! You'll fall in love with Russell and his basset hound. It's funny, it's mysterious, it's dog gone hilarious!! Pick up your copy today.

"Here's the church. Here's the steeple. Read this book and enjoy it, people!"

My Name is Russell Fink is a must read for anyone who loves a witty, heart-warming adventure that will bring laughter and tears. Michael Snyder's unique style of writing is so refreshing and inspiring that I couldn't put it down!

By exploring Russell Fink's trials, relationships, and mysteries, I found my own faith uplifted. This quirky character is neurotic, scarred, and loyal to a fault. His best friend in the world is his alcoholic dog, Sonny, whose murder takes Russell on a spiritual journey leading to family unity and true love.

Reading this wonderful book left me wanting more. I'm hoping for a sequel, so I can find out what the future holds for Russell, his true love, and his family.

Michael Snyder's, Russell Fink, is one of those books that, well, the stranger it becomes, the more sense it makes...if that makes sense. But that's the beauty of it! Well, you'll just have to read it to see what I mean. And I can't tell you how great it is to read a Christian character who isn't 1) a consummate do-gooder, or 2) a closet phsyco, or 3) a hypocrite in general. Russell Fink is a perfectly quirky, sort of weird guy...which...gosh...he sounds like 'people.'

One note...I was a little insulted by the editor's review on this page. Apparently, we Christian ladies might be too easily befuddled by this novel to enjoy it. Yeah, right.

Nice work, Mr. Snyder. You wrote a hoot of a book!

I have to admit, it was the clairvoyant basset hound, Sonny, who got my attention and prompted me to read Russell Fink, but it was Russell's story that kept me reading. Michael's premier novel is a cleverly woven tale of Russell's experiences as he investigates a murder that the police won't touch, the murder of Sonny. And Russell, is well, Russell - undoubtedly one of the most unlikely heroes that you'll ever meet. I promise, you'll learn to love him before you get to the end of the book and you'll laugh yourself silly all the way there.

As a long-time EFT practitioner and energy psychologist, I can recommend this book with no hesitation. Whether you are new to the concept of energy medicine, or an advanced practitioner, I am sure you will find much valuable information in this book. I haven't seen anything better on the subject!

I especially liked the way the different authors each had their own section in which to describe their specialties, from Gary Craig's EFT to Donna Eden's fascinating work with body energetics. This is a book I will always keep in my reference library.

This book is easy to read and understand. The techniques offered WORK. I wish every troubled person owned and used a copy of this book every day. We are made of energy.....and this book shows us how to actually affect this energy to improve our physical and emotional health. I'm very glad I found it.

The title says it all. I found this book at the library several months ago, brought it home and began using EFT on myself. Not long after, I ordered six copies -- one for myself and five for my friends as Christmas gifts.

I used EFT on Sunday to remove a friend's fear of flying. It worked like a charm. I should point out that I am not trained in EFT -- I learned what I need from this book and the book rocks!

This is an interesting subject matter. It is a beneficial mode of healing and as stated in this book the "methods can be traced back 5,000 years". I like the fact that their is another tool that can heal which can reduce or even eliminate medication. The author provides information that shows this concept as a tool which complements the science of Psychology.

This book includes a 5 minute daily energy routines that can be combined with other disiplines of excercise. Some of the routines can assist with insomia, ADD, and memory to name a few. IMHO-I would not try any of the information in this book without seeing a professional in this field. I highly recommend this for individuals suffering from PTSD and missing limbs.

This book is clear, fascinating and contains many examples. I have purchased three copies as gifts and am going back for more.