Spirituality Books

MacArthur is a popular writer and pastor and he took on a task that is difficult; describe the lives of men we know little about.

Unfortunately the author throws too much of his own politics into ridiculous places throughout the book and he creates personalities out of nothing.

A good discussion starter but not a seminal piece of work.

Pastor MacArthur is one of my favorite authors. He always backs up what he is teaching with scripture. If you want to gain some more insight into the twelve apostles and their relationship with each other as well as Christ Jesus, then get this book.

Twelve Ordinary Men- How the Master shaped his Disciples for greatness and What He wants to do with You by John MacArthur. The book I received was in excellent condition and came in quicker than I expected. The Ladies at church in my UMW are starting this as a monthly bible study on 4/7/08. We are really looking forward to it.

This book was inspiring and moving! I enjoyed the historical information that McArthur included to add to what the Bible tells us about these men. It was moving to see how Christ transformed these men and I enjoyed learning of the possible significance of the order in which they are often mentioned. McArthur conveniently devoted one chapter to each apostle which makes it easy to divide up and read at different times.

What made Christ's disciples the men that were chosen? What made them so great? It was that they were ordinary men, like you and me. MacArthur takes the disciples and writes what we know about them and what kind of men they were. His only source is the Bible. Well, he uses other sources to find out what happened to them (in some cases) after the Resurrection. There is a little speculation here and there, but it seems well thought out and intelligent. My only fault is his chapter on Judas. Yes, he is the great betrayer. Yes he did a horrible thing, but wasn't it required of him? Didn't Jesus have to have one of them betray him? In the end, did he have a choice. One of the most interesting of the disciples and I just didn't feel MacArthur put the time, thought or energy into him that is deserved, but overall, and that includes the Judas chapter, great stuff. It should be required reading for all Christians (and other religious folks) and even for atheists and agnostics (maybe especially agnostics).

First, please ignore the odd review of this wonderful book from Publishers Weekly and follow the reviews of the other readers of this book who have given John's book 5 stars. I have seen John Welshons in person at workshops and he is in every sense the real deal. He is one of the most patient and loving people I have ever come across and he has a unique ability to address every questioner in a caring and direct manner. I have given copies of John's first book to many people who have experienced a loss in their lives and they have always thanked me for the gift. They also recognize that "Awakening From Grief" is not just a book about death, but very much a book about life. I hope you will all give this book a chance to serve you in your quest for love and happiness.

John Welshons has written another fantastic book! In an easy to read, compassionate and nonjudgemental manner, the author urges the reader to try to look at the way life is and not how we each believe it should be. A scholar of the world's religions, he draws on traditions from both the East and West. While the book does deal with different types of prayer, I think its appeal is much broader than those interested in theology. It is a book about how to find joy by understanding what is truly important. I recommend it as a gift to anyone you want to help find more joy in their lives!

A book I can pick up at any time to get an inspirational lift. Filled with such tenderness, compassion and lots of hope when so hard to find when carrying such a heavy heart. As fate would have it, When Prayers Aren't Answered came out to the bookstores it was like the book was written to match my life for the past five years as the same with John's first book Awakening From Grief. Once you start reading you will not want to put it down. I highly recommend reading it. John Welshons books are my Beacon of Light..

I definitely recommend this book. I love it because it considers all religious beliefs, and it makes quite clear that we are like little children in our love to God. If He doesn't give us what we want then we desert him and loose him all along, while the challenge is to love God and be connected with Him either He gives us what we want or not. Most of the time for our best.

A question answered even for me, who doesn't per se believe in a God that is a controlling entity outside of ourselves. Remembering that every moment can be a prayer - not necessarily seeking something to get, but an intuitive way to be so that cosmic guidance and positive attitude become a way of life and the answer is within ourselves.

I've yet to read the whole book but expect that it is as good an inspiration as Welshons previous book, Awakening From Grief, which carried me through the passing of my father, and a year later, the passing of my mother. I found Awakening From Grief to be more of a guide to living correctly than a way to just cope with death.

Great condition but didn't realise the book contained several stories. Just wanted the one story "Why the chimes rang."It was bought as a gift and the reciever was totally thrilled

I remember this book from long ago. It has a wonderful message. Not only can love make the bells ring, love can change the world! The illustration are just perfect for the story. This would make the perfect holday gift for young people, or even not so young people who want to regain the Christmas spirit of giving and service.

Destined to be a Christmas classic:Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--echoes the message of Why the Chimes Rang.

Growing up in a small town in Indiana, I got to listen to my paternal grandfather read this story to the assembled family every Christmas Eve. My father has continued the tradition within our family, reading from an original 1906 edition of the book. Every year like clockwork, my mother cries as she looks around the room at her sons, their families and the dogs. My partner and I are adopting a boy and a girl from Guatemala this year, and I can't wait to begin this tradition in our home. This is a truly glorious story about Christmas. Read it and share it with your own family. And make sure it's read aloud by the family member with the most sonorous voice.

lovely pictures and great story
nice to find a childrens christmas book that isnt a popular character of the month
adults will enjoy also, so makes reading together the experience it should be

What a delight to find this classic from my childhood. Our parents read to us at bedtime. This story of love and sharing relates universal values. Thank you for making it available.

Perhaps if I knew the life story behind the author I cold rate this book higher. He authored over 240 books and in this one he takes a very authoritative tone. Yet he cites not a single example, from personal experience, to back up his bold claims about the power of prayer. If, in the course of time, I come to learn that Murray actually realized in his own life the power of prayer he insists is available to every believer, I will come back and revise my ranking for this work.

I have been reading this book by Andrew Murray, in several different editions, since 1981. I read it over and over each year. Each reading brings a new discovery in Murray's wonderful epistle on prayer.

this is good stuff with a mix of some exegetical insight and of course his own personal experiences with prayer, it gave my faith a boost in that i have greater confidence in seeing God answer prayers.

"With Christ in the School of Prayer ..." is a wonderful classic to read and enjoy.

Don't let the second part of the title put you off ... this is a book for everyone. Really.

Second to the bible, this is my favorite book of all time. I believe it will open your eyes to what prayer and intimacy with God can and should actually be like (as well as how far we've fallen/ how distorted our view of prayer tends to be!). Other than the Word, there are few books (at least of those that are not so sophisticated as to be beyond comprehension) that I can read over and over and never fail to discover something new each time. But this one I have been reading for years, and it NEVER grows old.

Very helpful, step by step book. Leans a lot to Jewish authors, but applies to anyone. Just not familiar with some of people quoted. I would recommend.

I am a writer, counselor, and teacher in my 60's, married for over 40 years, with grown children and one grandchild. So I can recommend this book especially to midlife and older women. This book can help us harvest the fruits of our abundant life experience and share them with a wisdom-starved world.

Through stories, commentary, and especially "reflection and writing" suggestions, this book guides us to contemplate aspects and details of our lives we may tend to take for granted, plumbing the rich depths of their meaning to us, our families, and the world. To name just a few examples: pregnancy, miscarriage, and birth; hanging clothes on a clothesline, specific childhood memories, family relationships, friendships, personal rituals, illness and healing experiences, personal response to world events.

Women's Lives, Women's Legacies is a powerful tool to jump-start your own story and to share it with others. I found it thought provocing - answering questions about oneself, one's history, and future a wonderful communication tool. I enjoyed thinking about my naming process, secrets, values, and spirituality. The format of the book could be used in ways most suited to how I saw my own legacy. Being newly married I answered the questions for myself and then asked my husband about himself and his family-I learned new things about both. Whether you are married or single, have children or none, you will find your place is this beautifully written soul-searching book.

I'm a woman who's been blessed with a long and varied life. I've always wanted to share my experiences with my nieces, and to offer them my hard-earned wisdom so that they might move into womanhood a little better informed than I was. I've also had an inner desire to be seen and valued by them.
The beautifully written and accessible WOMEN'S LIVES, WOMEN'S LEGACIES offers encouragement and serves as a guide so that I may begin to write my life and in the process, come to love and appreciate myself more fully. I love the personal stories and poetry in the book. As I read, I find myself moving to that spiritual place inside myself of loving my own being as well as all the women who've lived before me and those who will come after. This book is a celebration of and addition to the heritage of women.

"Legacy work is different from autobiography, memoir, life review, and genealogy not so much in what is written, but in our intent." ~ pg. 2

Women's Lives, Women's Legacies is a practical and inspirational guide. Through a systematic approach women can access their beliefs and bless the next generation with a healing journal of life and love. Divided into three sections, there is a process of discovery through the past, present and future.

How did you receive your name? This section is fascinating and then an example of how to write about your name is given to provide perspective and inspiration.

"Begin by thinking about the home you lived in when you were growing up." ~ pg. 68

Through childhood memories you can start to create a picture of how you became who you are today. This section includes memory triggers, which are especially helpful. You may want to go through photo albums while experiencing this section of the book. I found it useful to photocopy groups of pictures for reference and organized my pictures by year.

I loved the section on "Reflections and Writing" where you complete sentences like:

What I have loved most about my life is...
A fairy tale, children's story, fictional character, or book that has had an important influence on my life is...

This book is amazing in its ability to help you remember long-forgotten memories. There are sections for friendship, family, motherhood, sexuality, spirituality and secrets. Throughout this creative work, there are some startlingly beautiful poems and wise quotes. There are lists of descriptive words you can expand on like: playful, sensual, and imaginative.

While this book is designed for journal-style writing, I think all writers and poets will find this to be especially inspirational and enriching experience. What will you leave for the next generation to discover?

One of my most treasured items is a diary my mother wrote about my first year of life and she also wrote a diary about her world travels. She is currently interested in genealogy and I think this book might be useful for anyone researching and writing about family history. This book would be perfect for a mother-daughter project or as a project for a woman's group. Women's Lives, Women's Legacies is a gift in itself and this could open the door to many worlds you want to visit time and again.

~The Rebecca Review

Andy Murry has a close relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus. He makes the point that we can only experience Christ by accepting that Jesus paid the price IN FULL for our unclean natures. Keeping rules of conduct is only a product of our FAITH. We are saved by GRACE THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST. GRACE IS AN UNEARNED AND UNDESERVED GIFT FROM GOD THROUGH CHRIST. AMEN!

Review by Richard W. Kelsey, PE and Author
Search "Powerful Wisdom for Powerful Writing,"
Amazon.com or AuthorHouse Publishers

Outstanding treatment on communion with Jesus. Very practical, accurate, useful in helping disciples to walk daily with the Lord.

I am a great fan of great devotional writing and Andrew Murray's "Abide In Christ" is one of my top choices along with a few, time-tested others (Testament of Devotion by Thomas Kelly, The Depths of Jesus Christ by Jeanne Guyon, The Spiritual Guide by Michael Molinos, The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer).

I know of no other lesson that is as crucial to every child of God than learning to "Abide in Christ." And yet there is nothing easier than drifting along on a thousand other spiritual currents than "the one thing that is needful." Our lives can thus be so fragmented and parceled among so many competing demands that we have lost sight of Jesus Christ. And to no longer fix our eyes on Him is to lose sight of everything.

One of our greatest lacks today, both individually and corporately, is authentic, intimate, sustained encounter with Jesus Christ. We think all things are well as long as we are continuing to learn more "about" Him rather than "from" Him.

The bible itself has become an obstacle rather than an avenue to greater intimacy with our Lord. Again, we think all things are well as long as we are continuing to learn more about the bible rather than the One whom the bible writes. We think learning biblical principles for living is somehow adequate and what we are called to. But this is not the call of Jesus Christ on our hearts. "You search the scriptures," He said, "thinking that in them you have eternally life, but you won't come to Me that you might have life." But in many instances, just like our forebears, we think it sufficient to eat from the tree of the knowledge of "good and evil" rather than coming to Jesus, our tree of life, our bread of life, our water of life, our "all in all." And on the road to Emmaus, Jesus "pointed out to them all things in scripture that pointed to Him." In all of our bible reading, do we fix our eyes on Jesus?

The deepest longing of Jesus Christ is for closeness with us. In one place it says that Jesus cried with a loud voice saying "Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest!" We need to be reminded of this, often and daily.

Murray writes:

And observe especially, it was not that He said, "Come to Me and abide with Me," but, "Abide in me." The communion was not only to be unbroken, but most intimate and complete. He opened His arms to press you to His bosom; He opened His heart to welcome you there; He opened up all His divine fullness of life and love and offered to take you up into its fellowship to make you wholly one with Himself. "There was a depth of meaning you cannot yet realize in His words: "Abide in me."

Just what is this "depth of meaning?" What is this "unbroken, intimate, and complete" fellowship with Jesus Christ? What is this call to "inner communion" into the heart of our Lord? Do read this classic devotion "Abide In Christ" and discover some of the answers. Rediscover the ultimate call and central message of Jesus Christ to all those who have lost their way.

Amazing book. It amplifies the call to eternal peace, the "rest for our souls" we all desire. His style is used to make one hear the Scripture and fall at the feet of God for rest. The problem with the text from the first few days is it could lean, out of context, to perfectionism.

This was one of the greatest books on living in Christ I've ever read. Though tough reading, it still influences my prayer life today. If you haven't read it, you must!

If you think that you might benefit from "therapy", listen to these programs. A large part of the effort of therapy is getting an individual to open to themselves, to see themselves as they really are, as a precursor to making changes in their life. Caroline Myss' recordings of "Energy Anatomy" and "Advanced Energy Anatomy" open the door to that introspection, giving you a framework in which to see your past life, and present actions. True, you may not agree with everything she says. But I guarantee you will find yourself nodding in agreement over and over again, at the insightful ways she presents the workings of human minds and emotions. And you will find Caroline Myss offering you answers to many of the questions you've asked yourself ("Why do I do this?" "Why did I do that?") over the years. I'm not recommending you forego therapy, if you really need it. Professional therapy can be very valuable. But I am saying that Caroline's recordings are a terrific way of getting in touch with yourself, and seeing yourself clearly (maybe for the first time), regardless of whether you want to pursue professional counseling, or not. And because (as Caroline says) the mind and emotions are prime determinants of the health of the body, this is an excellent series for anyone interested in taking good care of their body, and creating the best health possible for a vibrant and very happy life.

Caroline's wisdom is remarkably shared with examples that I can understand and encompass. This is not my first Caroline Myss tape, but it has helped me more than I can write. I'm from a family of "victim" archetypes and I have a tendency to overspend when I'm letting my "child" archetype have control of my thoughts. Caroline's tapes have helped me make positive changes in my life that I would have taken years to even comprehend before these tapes. Buy the CD version because you will want to listen to the lessons over and over.

I listened to the first Energy Anatomy set and loved it, so I bought the Advanced set. I was disappointed. There is less actual material, more pontificating. Fewer real life stories, more bold, brazen and mostly unusable assertions. Above all there is far less charm, humility, humor and humanity. Myss must have a clientele of new-age noodle heads who enjoy being berated. Or maybe she's just sick of her audience. But she says a lot of things like "you have no idea what the consequences of any action will be, and your foolish to think you do". Well, if that were true, getting from your bathroom to your car in the morning would be impossible, right? She says "you have absolutely no idea how much you've been influenced by the social mind." Well, actually I've given this quite a bit of thought, Carolyn, but then you wouldn't know that because YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA who I am.

Also, content-wise, I don't find this to be about "advanced energy anatomy" at all, but about archetypes, which is a bit of a different subject. Pass on this title and listen to her previous work, before fame made her arrogant.

Described as Advanced it means exactly that. But, most chapters in the series of 9 CDs are easy to follow and really don't need too much previous spiritual reading. The material reveals what the listener is ready to hear no matter the stage of a person's inner development. Listen to chapters that appeal most to you. And when they appeal to you. You will be sure to learn something you've never heard before, gain new perspective you've never had before. And if you were to listen to the lessons again at another time, you will be sure to still pick up new insight only because your own experiences and spiritual maturity add to the experience of listening to this series.

Mysticism is being able to see the unseen world---to see the invisible world. Mysticim is deeply cultivated insight. Carolyn Myss teaches you through Advanced Energy Anatomy ways to cultivate your insight and presents mystical insight in easy to understand monologue. She is truly a leading teacher of our times. Her speech is easy to follow and her samples are always practical and involving.

The introduction and discussion archetypes can help you understand your self better and your relationships with others and the world better.

The lessons on creativity and spiritual vocations are inspiring. Being able to see your creativity and your dreams interwoven and inseparable can help you understand yourself better and seek fulfillment...at the same time realizing your divine potential.

The discussion on survival, creative and visionary intuition was only one of my favorite new discoveries.

For those who seek to heal themselves and maybe even others, this audio set is very, very enlightening.

So much wisdom and insight is found here! Don't just listen, take out your notebook, post it notes or journal and write the best of what you hear.

Of the many spiritual readings I have endeavored, here is a series that is well worth your money. For practicality, for spirituality... for joining heaven and earth within you...don't miss this series!

Caroline Myss at her best!! The most profound answers to the questions you didn't even know you had asked.
I listen to this series over and over and highly recommend it to anyone who is seeking to live in accordance with their higher truths.

This Bradley Hathaway book and CD are amazing. He is so real. I love it!

This book is cool because it comes with a cd combo. You can really feel the emotions when listening to Bradley read his prose. Highly recommend if you are a fan of indie poetry or just looking for something to listen to that inspires you. He talks about his faith in a way unlike most ive heard. its raw, its deep and it captures your attention.

There are no words for this book. Bradley Hathaway has captured the christian walk in a simple book of peoms.

Bradley's Book is absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!! I't is full of the honest truht about practicaly everything!!!!! I recomend this book for everyone ages from ages 1 to ages 1001!!!! It is deserving of your household and is calling your name... It opens the eyes to the simple beauty of God and his creations... You should buy it!!!!!!!!!!!

This book/cd is an excellent source of inspiration whether you are a Christian or not. Bradley's poems speak to the very basic issues that, I dare say, all of us encounter. From the need for a hug (my personal favorite) to the issue of what it means to really be a man.

The book is an excellent way to explain where the poems came from and a little more about what they mean. The book creates a context for the poems that help people understand the poems and not jump to conclusions about what Bradley "really" meant.

This book/cd offers an enjoyable collection of honest, insightful, and sometimes satirical, poems that will make you laugh, cry, and think.

Wow! As soon as you start to read this book, the characters (even the dead ones) come alive. You get introduced to a whole new dimension and it is incredible!

If you never believed in angels before, you will after this. The descriptions and the imagery make it so easy to see this happening all around you - even while you're reading the book. You wonder who might be reading it with you!

You're not kidding - watch out for angels watching out for you!

This book will change your life for the better - forever!

This book was amazing. I recently went through a significant loss. Jeanie had read Angel On Board before she passed, and loved it, and now I know why. It helped me hear her and gave me peace. I recommend it highly!!!

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I'm going to submit some stories to Angel On Board, Real Life Stories because events since her passing are just too fantastic to be coincidences - it has to be the angels.

Of course they do! This book is one of them! Oh my gosh!!!

I loved this book. It took me to a whole new dimension of living. I could see the angels around me (not literally of course) just the presents they leave behind.

This is an inspired work of fiction! Everyone needs it! It's fun, it's tear jerking, it's thought provoking! It's AWESOME!!!

Read it - you'll be glad you did!

Angel On Board, Second Edition

This is a fun fiction romp through heaven that will make you laugh at your own life more than anything. It asks some thought provoking questions and shows a new perspective. Lots of great dialogue and interesting circumstances. Vividly described. Great fiction work. You'll love it! Then, watch out for angels watching out for you...

This book is very inlighting and educational. If everyone carried this book around and followed it, we would all get along alot more cordigally and feel great about how we feel as individuals and couples (our relationships with others). There would be less disaggrements and couples divorcing and more communication going on. The chihuahua chapter is one to read over and over. Mary has figured it out for us and you will too by reading this book. You won't leave home without it!
Great Job Mary Thank You -
Wendy + William NH

Awakened Instincts is a staple book that everyone should have as part of their personal library. Simply put, this book is an easy read that will have you turning the pages in anticipation of how you can elevate your senses on every single level. It's enlightening; it's simply Mary O!

Mary O is the real deal all around. She has a unique style that sets her apart from all the rest. Tune into her radio show on Sirius 102 and hear for yourself. I can guarantee you that, after listening once, you will be hooked! Mary O is a truly talented and gifted woman and I can honestly say that I feel blessed that she is here and sharing her gift with the world.

I'm a new follower of Mary and just started listening to her on Sirius for only a few months. Not only has she awakened my instincts but enhanced my whole life and this book shows you how to do it! It's very easy to read (you don't need a phd), and I keep buying more because I keep giving them away. My daughter is reading it now and she now understands our connection to each other more then just family. Thank you Mary & Jacqueline! and keep up the good work!

A WONDERFUL, DELIGHTFUL READ. SO INFORMATIVE AND ENLIGHTENING CAN ABSOLUTELY BE USED AS A GUIDE FOR LIVING A JOYOUS AND PROPEROUS LIFE.
MARY'S EXPERIENCE, SINCERITY AND ABILITY AS A CONSCIOUS EXPLOYER OF CONSCIOUSNESS IS UNMATCHED BY ANY OTHER.
RUN DON'T WALK TO PURCHASE THIS INSPIRING, CHARMING, CAPTIVATING BOOK. WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE THIS VERY TALENTED, GIFTED WOMAN AMONG US.

Not only is Mary Occhino an excellent radio host on her sirius show ... she is a talented writer who can make you believe in your own abilities. She writes as though you are sitting with your best friend mulling over the days events. The difference in Mary's abilities is that she herself has conquered adversity many times over in her life ... coming out a better soul. This book teaches you how to see into yourself. How to be more aware of your surroundings and signs that come to us daily. It is rather amazing to slow down a bit and observe the world around. If you are reading this Mary here's a laugh ... I walked around like a giant onion head staring at my soup pot for over a week. LOL

My point is ... she helps us to see the good, bad and ugly. More than that, she is down to earth and an excellent guide herself, willing to help you on your own journey. Wow, I have never in my life had anyone even close, to the impact that this lady had had on my life already. Run, don't walk ... you won't be sorry.

Don't forget to "Lock and Load" sirius radio channel 102 ... M-F 8-11am est. I bought my subscription just for her show, it paid for itself in one day!!!

Leslie Marton