Spirituality Books

If are bodies are not fed we will die. In the same manner, if the spirituality of our being is not fed, it too will wither and fade. This book offers food for our spiritual journey in a way that makes one look forward to the meal and after partaking makes one fulfilled by the experience.

A book of daily meditations needs to give you something to think about, chew on, and ponder, throughout the rest of your day. Nouwen does this. His meditations are brief, and to the point. They cover many aspects of our daily journey to become more fully the children of God, emotional and physical, as well as spiritual. He invites you to think about who Jesus really said was your neighbor, for example. I began in June, and have not yet gone through the whole year, but I already know it is a book I will be able to use for years to come.

INTRODUCTION:
From the St. Matthew Gospel (4,4): "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' "

These were the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus quoting Holy Scripture in Deuteronomy 8:3 showing the importance of spiritual nourishment. "Bread for the Journey" is a great daily devotional/meditational book with contemplative tid-bits for thought on our daily journey as Christians. If you are not on a spiritual journey with God this book will help you form an appetite for God's Word and God's thoughts. If God as Creator is the Chef, then Henri Nouwen thru this daily meditational book is His assistant cook.

AUTHOR:
Wikipedia describes Nouwen as "a Dutch Catholic priest and writer who authored 40 books on the spiritual life." In recent years, Nouwen's meditative writings are popular with many Protestants (especially those from the emergent/emerging Church movement). Nouwen was also a pastoral psychology, and theology professor at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard universities, and spent the latter part of his life working exclusively with the developmentally disabled.

CONTENT:
The book is organized by months, and the only pattern that I could find is that some number of consecutive days are focused on a larger theme (e.g. about "Being ____", or "Jesus is _____," empowered and Holy Spirit, the church, eternal life, joy, sorrow, and others). Many of the daily meditations seem to fit the Christian calendar and major holidays.

CONCLUSION:
Henri Nouwen's 365 daily thoughts are deep, insighful, and spiritually rich. The short daily half-pager meditations include ample quotes and verses from the Bible and are so effective that it makes one "see" a seemingly simple topic in a deeply spiritual and yet practical way.

Now I feel that, really, no Christian (Protestant, Orthodox, Roman-Catholic) will leave this banquet starving or unmotivated to be more Christ-like.

INTRODUCTION:
From the St. Matthew Gospel (4,4): "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' "

These were the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus quoting Holy Scripture in Deuteronomy 8:3 showing the importance of spiritual nourishment. "Bread for the Journey" is a great daily devotional/meditational book with contemplative tid-bits for thought on our daily journey as Christians. If you are not on a spiritual journey with God this book will help you form an appetite for God's Word and God's thoughts. If God as Creator is the Chef, then Henri Nouwen thru this daily meditational book is His assistant cook.

AUTHOR:
Wikipedia describes Nouwen as "a Dutch Catholic priest and writer who authored 40 books on the spiritual life." In recent years, Nouwen's meditative writings are popular with many Protestants (especially those from the emergent/emerging Church movement). Nouwen was also a pastoral psychology, and theology professor at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard universities, and spent the latter part of his life working exclusively with the developmentally disabled.

CONTENT:
The book is organized by months, and the only pattern that I could find is that some number of consecutive days are focused on a larger theme (e.g. about "Being ____", or "Jesus is _____," empowered and Holy Spirit, the church, eternal life, joy, sorrow, and others). Many of the daily meditations seem to fit the Christian calendar and major holidays.

CONCLUSION:
Henri Nouwen's 365 daily thoughts are deep, insighful, and spiritually rich. The short daily half-pager meditations include ample quotes and verses from the Bible and are so effective that it makes one "see" a seemingly simple topic in a deeply spiritual and yet practical way.

Now I feel that, really, no Christian (Protestant, Orthodox, Roman-Catholic) will leave this banquet starving or unmotivated to be more Christ-like.

I was given "Bread For The Journey" at a particularly low point in my life and will personally attest to its restorative power. Henri Nouwen was the rare soul who wrote from a soul molded by the living heart of scripture and informed by compassionate hands-on caregiving.

BFTJ is a daily meditation guide that delves into the pith of religious experience from the Christian point of view. Nouwen's deep insights into the Eucharist are sometimes startling and far deeper than the warmed-over tripe often doled out by those of lesser spiritual prowess. But his gentle words always point with love toward healing the brokenness that is part and parcel of the human experience.

So fascinating are Nouwen's thoughts that one is tempted to wolf them down. But taken in small mouthfuls, chewed well and digested thoroughly, they can be healing to the mind and soul. They can also prepare the reader for properly receiving the Eucharist, not as a mere matter of habit, but as a healing ritual that connects to (and overcomes) one's own sinfulness, nourishing the spirit.

I think this is a fabulous item. I am a born again Christian, I was Pagan for a few years until I found the Lord again and got saved but it always had been told to me that Tarot is bad and I should'nt get it read. When I was a Pagan I always read my cards with amazing accuracy, but more for direction, so I can look at my past was and the path Im heading on, to better prepare for and stay focused on the future. I think these cards are great becuase they use biblical teachings to give us guidance on our lives. The bible takes on a whole new understanding and meaning to me and I love looking at the bible versus and compairing them to my life and findng "hidden meanings" in the messages. Sometimes I wonder if this is truly Tarot hidden in biblical cards, but I guess the only way to make this bad is if I was reading these to forcast my future instead of to gain better understanding as to what is going om in my life. I love the questions and suggestions she has at the end of every lot or sign. The only reason why I did not give this 5 stars was becuase she wrote in the introduction "I encourage you to treat the life of Jesus as myth, which is not to say that His life didn't happen as recorded. But, rather than viewing it as history, something that occured almost two thousand years ago, see it as a metaphor for you own life today." Casting LOTS, pg.1 I understand her point behind this and wanting us to see these as metaphors, but I dont think treating Jesus' life as a myth helps or harms that. I look at these as metaphors for my life but knowing that this isnt a myth and I think it draws me closer to the Holy Spirit when you read this knowing, Jesus went through this two thousand years ago and how what He went through and what He did can help us now. That one sentence could have been left out, otherwise this was a great book and great cards :)

Thank you for this wonderful tool. I was given this set as a gift, put it aside and just recently rediscovered Casting LOTS. The author's combining of familiar Bible passages along with sound advice, helpful questions and very clear text makes this a must have for any card reader. It's also wonderful for those new to giving readings as the step-by-step directions are so clear and concise. The readings I have given using Casting LOTS have always been exactly right and precisely what the person needed to hear.

Thank you for a wonderful set of intuitive cards.

Hello, I loved the book and the cards. They bridge the gap between organized religion and metaphysics. They add depth and meaning when used in conjunction with the tarot. The book addressed my heart, as I feel much the same way as the author. This system is wonderful!!!

I have a practice in energy medicine here in Mississippi and as part of my work, I send out a monthly newsletter that goes out to clients and interested others around the U.S. and several foreign countries. Two months ago, a friend suggested that I check out "Casting Lots - An Oracle of the Holy Spirit," the meditation cards created by Ann Dorian of Massachusetts.
Ann did a reading for me, which was right on the mark. Since I do divination, also, it merely reaffirmed what I had seen, and in a different way that allowed me greater perspective. As part of my work, I deal with people from all walks of life. They include Buddhists, pagans, Christians, Jews, all colors, black, white, Native American. A problem of sorts I've noticed has been a lack of Christian-based meditative guides that are inclusive, not exclusive, and provide insights without tending to trample on beliefs. Ann has walked this difficult line with these cards - offering insights in a way that are comfortable to Christians, without being threatening or dogmatic to others.
As a result of the good experience I received from her reading, and using the cards (which are now becoming quite popular among my circle of friends), Ann offered to do readings for subscribers to my newsletter. The response has been overwhelming. This week, she wrote:
"Thank you so much for extending the time to do readings... I heard from people in Holland, Canada, Japan, Hawaii, CA, Texas, MS, CO, Ohio, PA, FL, NJ, MA, TN, and many other places that I don't remember or they didn't say. I was also invited to give readings at a metaphysical bookstore in FL when I am down there next week. Thank you for making this possible."
Some excerpts from feedback:
-- "I am absolutely stunned by the `right on' feeling I had reading your message. The explanations that you have taken the time to send are wonderful." -- P.K.in FL
-- "That was a terrific reading. I really felt it pull in areas I've already been lead towards." -- Cliff
-- "I am overwhelmed at the depth -- you got to the crux of what I have been denying." -- Janet in Canada
-- "I can't tell you how wonderful your reading was. I expected accuracy from your reading since I had an inner nudge to contact you, but I was simply unprepared for how chillingly accurate you were. This is easily one of the best readings I have had and that is saying a lot. I've been around the block as they say. Thank you so very much! I would like to purchase your divination system. The way you write and the intuitive understanding you bring is amazing. I've never been a huge Bible advocate but the Truth you tell from the Bible is far deeper than the text I've experienced before." -- L. 816 area code
-- "This seems accurate to me and on track to what I've been mulling. I was raised Catholic and long ago made peace with the negative aspects of the upbringing. What I've retained is the symbolism and ritual which is nurturing. These cards speak to that aspect of my nature." -- CM 858
-- "Please let me tell you that this reading has finally allowed me to break through some really yucky blocks as far as men go! This oracle is important to unity and healing on the planet because it builds a bridge between forms of spirituality. It heals the Christ-wound many holistic people may have experienced through its high vibration and loving explanations." -- Stephanie
-- "I am overwhelmed by the amount of information and the sophistication of your text. You have provided all the ingredients to give me precisely what I need." -- DH
-- "I was absolutely astonished at how accurate the reading you gave me was! Something I had written thirty minutes before in my journal showed up verbatim in what you wrote, as well as the exact Bible verse I had quoted to myself that same morning in the shower." -- T in Tenn.
-- "I found the messages that were pertinent to me in all of the cards that were very illuminating." -- PG 619 area code
-- "I feel so different this week. Through the readings I received confirmation of thoughts long held inside of me, seeking some sort of way to make them happen. That has been my position for quite some time now -- waiting for those things to happen. But all of a sudden, I am feeling the inner conviction and the energy to make them happen myself. It's as if the way has been cleared . . . . The reading has been very revealing and affirming for me and for that, I thank you."
Naturally, Ann cannot do everyone's readings with these cards. But I can attest to the fact that they work, and they work well, and I would recommend them to anyone with a Christian background who is interested in exploring further the realms of insight and meditation such guides offer.
Many Blessings,
Jim Ewing
Healing The Earth/Ourselves
www.blueskywaters.com
Lena, MS

I can't say enough good things about this book and card set. It most certainly will change lives. The guidance is always profound, you may find the truth hard to swallow at times but God doesn't pull any punches. I highly recommend this to anyone seeking, asking and not sure. Allow yourself enough time to ponder and meditate on readings and you will find your answer is surely there. I wish I could give it 10 stars

"Ceremonies for Real Life" presents a positive and uplifting way to look at the milestones in our lives. It does a miraculous job of marrying practicality with poetry, without being too "New Age" or preachy. Fabius's smart, friendly and casual style makes it very user-friendly and an enjoyable read, even if you don't actually perform the ritual at hand. Taking a graceful approach to celebrations, the book could be useful for everyone from the novice who might be insecure about performing a ceremony to the person who could easily improvise and go with the flow. "Ceremonies" is truly an inspirational look at the sacred in our day-to-day lives and a great gift to share with friends and family.

I order Ceremonies for Real Life for a friend's birthday. We had such a terrific time that everyone at the ceremony went out and bought the book.

This is a great little book. Ms. Fabius' book offers one a script to draw from in the creation of ceremonies to celebrate various milestones in life with friends and families. You can return to it again and again for inspiration to prepare things to say to celebrate events throughout a life time. I have given her book to several of my friends in various locations around the world as a gift. I like to give gifts to people that will have lasting meaning and this book is one of those gifts.

Ceremonies for Real Life is one of those books that you end up carrying with you wherever you move to in life.

It helps you turn every day life events into spiritual occasions that are infused with personal meaning because you lead the ceremonies yourself. Through this book you realize that life is about an alignment with the universe and taking an active part in it. And somehow it not only makes things better, but it also makes you feel you play a role in your own destiny. I recommend it whole-heartedly.

Carine has captured the spirit of "taking responsibility" for one's life moments. Instead of simply surviving coming of age, divorce, loss of a loved one or becoming a woman. Carine shows the wonder and power the moment's posses. She maintains a sage's wisdom as she unfolds one unique ceremony after another to celebrate what most of take for granted. Great read!!! You will never look at your life the same again.

This book was recommended to me by my best friend who I have the deepest of Spiritual conversations with so I got it ASAP. It is a remarkable book written from the most unique perspective, from one who has passed on!! I found the book rather compelling and though I do not fully agree with all said in it, that which I do agree with I loved. The narrator speaks of such potential to those in Christ and who seek to express this relationship. I loved the simplicity spoken of in Truly trusting GOD, of waking up dispelling the thoughts of the world and flesh and to rise to the thoughts of GOD. Thoughts of love,hope,faith,trust not bowing to the shadow world but to ascend to heaven and GOD's desires. Thoughts are real and become our reality, so think like GOD.
I also must comment that the book continually mentions CHRIST is the only way. Many have taken the wonderful concepts but left out that Jesus is the door to this incredible life. I encourage you to reread this gem of a book and see this Truth and the Life that is open and waiting for all those in Christ..
This book is quite deep and yet simple, it really challenges you to examine what do you really believe. It gives examples of what mind set to pursue and how..Our narrator though on the other side of the viel discusses his/her own growth in Spirit and how we must understand the Spiritual laws and plane are the Only reality. That GOD's Word is the only Truth and that what we see here is shadowey and with Faith the whole landscape before our eyes can be obliterated!! Read this book with the Holy Spirit as your guide and you will be thoroughly encouraged to be an Embassador for Christ to your fellow siblings of GOD...JB

This is the most divine book of truth I have ever read. It is both concise and expansive in one. The Bible is referenced throughout which grounds the book, but it also helps me read the Bible in a beautiful new light. This is a very loving and caring book which gives us in essence all we need to know.

This little book is a gem. Very inspirational and unique in its approach. The title may be "Christ In You" but it is more about the Divine (therefore about Christ if you are Christian, as am I) and the way it permeates everything. God did not create the Universe and leave, as I read in a word document I recently received from a friend, but He is in everything and everyone.

You will never regret purchasing and reading this book.

Another one of these books that help you clarify your mind. The Truth of Life is expressed clearly here, allowing for changes in your life, if you study this teaching deeply and apply it with intent. The other ones that come to mind are, the Impersonal Life, the door of everything, God I Am, the course in miracles, and of course, the Tao Te Ching. The main thing is to be ready for all this, then one blooms naturally, as a flower. It's the only way it happens. One cannot awaken oneself, this being a movement of the ego. One has to become an invitation for the One to take over. These books helps one learn to become an invitation; they save us time by helping us be ready. Blessing on your way.

If you are a student of A Course in Miracles you will enjoy this book. It was originally printed in 1910 and it appears that it was channeled to the anonymous "author" who had the courage to get it printed back then. It aligns very clearly with many of the ideas and concepts in ACIM. Besides that it is an easy read. Another book you might want to read is Love Without End by Glenda Green.

I picked up this book after I read "Wooden" (recommended by friends... prior to that, I have to say that I've never even heard of Coach John Wooden). He is the most amazing person I have ever read about... so inspiring! I couldn't put this book down... it's easy to read, it's to the point and every page is motivating and inspiring! I highly highly highly recommended!

As Peter Drucker was to management, John Wooden was to coaching. A master at mentoring his teams during his 40-year coaching career from 1948 to 1975, Wooden's UCLA basketball teams won 10 NCAA national championships, including seven in a row! ESPN named him the Greatest Coach of the 20th Century. He preached team spirit. "The star of the team is the team. `We' supercedes `me'."

Recently the Los Angeles Times asked sports readers, "If you could have dinner with a local sports personality, whom would you choose?" Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, Tom Lasorda, USC football coach Peter Carroll, Serena and Venus Williams, David Beckham and Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully all made the Top 10 list. But it was former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, now 97, who received the most votes!

Co-authored by Wooden and Jay Carty (read Jay's hilarious account of his brief Lakers career), this wonderful book includes 60 one-page insights from the Coach, with 60 one-page color commentaries by Carty.

It's the perfect book for leaders-on-the-run, who need just the right snippet for a staff meeting, motivational talk or article. Topics include: First Things First, Powerful Principles, Overcoming Adversity, Everyone's a Teacher, Buts and Promises, Going Beyond Good Intentions, After You've Learned It All, Avoiding Burnout, and Making the Right Mistakes. The book includes Wooden's famed Pyramid of Success chart.

Having read other Jay Carty books, I knew I had to read this one and I was not disappointed. This is the sort of inspirational book that one can cycle through over and over and never cease to be inspired.

My husband and I read one each night and then read the related bible verses. It is great book for relection and discussion.

Having read several of Jay Carty's books now I have to say he is an incredibly inspiring writer and person to say the least. I am so excited each month as I check for new "stuff" from Jay Carty as it is always refreshing and different yet always connected to God with a three stranded cord. If you haven't been a reader of his books for long there are many to choose from and this writer never stops searching for Gods will in his daily efforts to continue to provide hearty reading material for all groups and all stages from salvation, and growth to a mature level of one's spiritual walk. I highly recommend anything he puts his hands on because I know the hand of God is on him. Some of what I have read and or listened to on tape are:"Discovering your natural talents", "Counter Attack: taking back ground lost to sin", "Playing with fire", "Something's fishy Getting rid of the carp in your life","Coach Wooden One on One", "Coach Wooden's Piramid of success", Darrell Waltrip - One on One, "Mike Singletary- One on One" all keeping me captivated from cover to cover!

Dora Wolfe - CA

Dolores Cannon's work is absolutely incredible and her comittment to finding "lost information" and sharing it world wide is of such great benefit for all of us... especially at this particular time in our evolution. The information that is shared with her is astounding and of such high integrity. Only recommended for serious seekers... be prepared to have your awareness greatly expanded.

Absolutely Excellent!!

Delores Cannon, yet again, brings forth Important and Urgent Information for the Times that we are in!!! This Information will help to finally Awaken the Readers to Understand What Is!!!!

If You Have Read The Prophecies Of Nostradamus From The Same Author,You Wil, After Reading These Books(1-2-3) Understand Better The Sections Concerning The Upgrade Of Consciousnes Of The Population Of Earth.
Xcellent Reading.

In order to bring world peace it is essential to spread these knowledge to the masses as fast as possible

Wow, is all I can say. If you love The Course in Miracles, Conversations with God, Disappearance of the Universe, The Power of Now or the Way of Mastery, The Convoluted Universe Vol 1 and 2 are mind blowing. Her specialty is as a record keeper for our time of all of the mysteries in life and she has record kept quite nicely through her regression therapy with thousand of individuals over a 20 year span. So if you have questions about dimensions, life after death, the reason of the pyriamads, how to awaken, the life of Jesus, and so much more you will be joy-filled to find this woman's books. Here lies the records on our earth for you to yet discover. And what a joy it is. The dedication and the wisdom obtained by her devoted work is simply amazing, and if placed in the hands of everyone who lived here on this earth not being enlightened would be impossible. Thank you Dolores for your committment to this work. Your books have helped me fill in all the missing pieces my mind has desired to know.

These are all such wonderful books!!! He is a wonderful man and writer. A must for anyone facing sorrow,challenges,health problems,dissabilities,life and death,dying,fear,anxiety,crisis in faith.. Lovely books.Highly recommend!!!90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & LifeHeaven Is Real: Lessons on Earthly Joy--From The Man Who Spent 90 Minutes In HeavenDaily Devotions Inspired by 90 Minutes in Heaven: 90 Readings for Hope and Healing

I recently bought 90 Minutes in Heaven and the devotional that accompanies it. My Mother passed away this past year, and I thought it might be comforting to me to read about someone's experiences. These books were more than comforting - they were totally uplifting for both me and my Father, who is in a nursing home, just waiting to go there and be with my Mom once again.

I highly recommend this to anyone - believer or not - who has lost a loved one.

Don Piper's experience makes me look forward to hearing the trumpet call. He is an excellent author. Thanks Don Piper, see you on the other side.

This book has small chapters that will appeal to everyone and offer comfort in the prayers at the end of each one. Losing my mother suddenly, it has offered me some comfort in the midst of my pain.

One of the best christian books out there about heaven. This book came to me after i lost my mother who was a christian. Losing her was hard for me and i wasn't sleeping well at night. This book brought so much comfort and peace to me. So much that when i finished reading it i told friends,family and co- workers about it. I rest well knowing things about heaven and what it's like to go there.

Dangerous Men helped me re-think some of the central tenets to my faith as a Christian. Identity, forgiveness and grace, accountability and community, and spiritual warfare are all addressed in fresh, balanced and edifying ways. All that and it's a book written to address sexual issues, so aside from helping me re-order my thinking about and practice of sexuality, it has given me a paradigm to approach any issue with. The book is great for small groups or individuals. The type of community that it fosters is unprecedented, in my experience, and I'm grateful that this book found its way into my hands.

Dangerous Men does what no other Christian mens' book about sexuality has done: provide practical and effective advice on fighting spiritually for sexual purity. Lowell Seashore spares his readers euphemisms and double-talk and instead provides frank, honest wisdom on the issues of identity, lust, pornography, masturbation, spiritual warfare, and freedom in Christ. Unlike other "every man-type" books, Dangerous Men diagnoses sexual sin as a symptom and then addresses various causes: demonic lies, mis-placed identity, failure to fight spiritually, etc. This book is for men who want to break the cycle of sin-confess-sin-confess and claim their identities as free children of God.

One word of caution: to get the most out of this book, go through it with a group of other Christian men. I don't think it was designed as a stand-alone tool. I went through it with a group, and it seemed to work best.

Dangerous Men is not about formulas or useless encouragement to "just try harder" at seeking sexual purity. The study highlights the truth about who we are in Christ, the spiritual battle we face and how we need other men in our lives to fight together to live lust free. This is nothing new to what the Bible says, just truths I easily forgot and honestly couldn't handle alone. Furthermore, Dangerous Men does not just offer the same defensive techniques common in other Christian purity books/guides. Defense is good and necessary, but how do you actively fight to renew your mind? How do you get up when you stumble? Is it possible to live lust free in our current sex-crazed culture without installing blinders? How do I equip myself with the Armor of God from Ephesians 6? Answers and personal examples are found within.
I found this material 5 years ago and God's work through it and my choosing to remain in accountability has changed me from feeling defeated and lost to knowing my true identity in Christ and embracing the goodness of my sexuality - without lust. I know if I read my review here 6 years ago I would be very skeptical - after all, I'm an engineer. It took a risk to step out towards freedom. It hasn't been easy and I'm still growing. But beginning to talk about my struggles with other men and walking together through the material presented in Dangerous Men was the best decision I've made. This book helped make that initial decision easier, as well as the continual choice to take up my cross daily - whether in fighting for purity or other struggles in life.

Dangerous Men, as well as the ministry that stems from this workbook, has been one of the most influential set of principles in my life and adolescent development. I have benefited from and worked with the LFL ministry for several years now and seen many confused, bogged down, beat up, and shameful good Christian boys pick up their swords and become dangerous men for the Kingdom of God. There is no special power or aura to this book, when treated as a solution or program it fails to yield any result. The power is in Jesus and his victory at Calvary, this book presents Christ's love in an approachable manner undistorted by the false pretenses that usually filter out the authenticity of the truth of God's word. I would encourage anyone to look into this book and seek to align their paradigms with that of Christ Jesus.

Dangerous Men is a book that opened my eyes. I grew
up going to church and not talking about sex.
Dangerous Men talks about sex. Sex is good. God made
sex. Dangerous Men reminded me that God loves me and
made me sexual. I would recommend reading Dangerous
Men only if you have balls. If you don't, you should
read the women's book.

Bought to give to a friend. I lost a child and was looking for a book to help her. It was full of helfpul ways to deal with grief.

The author has the ability to perfectly verbalize the feelings which, up to now, were just that, feelings. Its been 30 years since our son's death and we still cried from time to time but didn't know why. Now we rejoice in our tears.

Elaine Stillwell, mother of two young adults killed in a car accident 15 years, ago has spent many years since as the Bereavement Coordinator of the Diocese of Rockville Center, N.Y. In Death of a Child she offers support and advice to parents dealing with the whole spectrum of loss: children who die suddenly, after extended illness, before or soon after birth, and even death that involves war on terrorism. Topics include anger with God, communicating with a spouse, voicing emotions, and coping with holidays and anniversaries. Stillwell does a good job addressing specific issues for each of these losses.

This book is filled with insight,practical advice, and inspiration. I think it will help me be a better friend to my friends who have just suffered this terrible loss.

This is an amazing book that says everything I am currently feeling after the death of my 16 month old son in April 2004. She has a wonderful ability to cut to the heart of the matter- the insensitive comments from others, the unbearable-ness of your loss. Yet she offers hope for the future. She knows the second most horrible thing would be to have others forget your child, and offers ways to lovingly keep their song alive. My favorite part was the simple prayer she offers, those who have read the book know which one. The one that starts, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do, etc. Thank you Elaine for those five minutes of healing laughter. If you have to read this book, I am sorry for you, and I hope it helps you as much as it did me.

Mark and Patti Virkler's book, Dialogue with God: Opening the door to two-way prayer, explores the place of intuition, imagination, and journaling in the process of one's spiritual development. The Virklers, writing from a conservative and charismatic perspective, argue that Christians should be able to discern God's voice in their own hearts.

After an introductory chapter, the authors explore four keys to discerning the leadings of the Holy Spirit in the midst of daily life, giving a chapter to each key concept. First, one should become aware of spontaneous thoughts and feelings, especially when one is in times of prayer and meditation. Second, one should learn to quiet the mind through exercises such as deep breathing and meditative music. Third, one should make use of visualization techniques by imagining a scene from the Bible or making an effort to remember one's dreams. Fourth, one should keep a journal in order to keep track of these efforts and chart one's spiritual growth over time.

After these chapters, the authors offer an allegorical interpretation of the Tabernacle furniture in the Hebrew Scriptures for the purpose of focusing one's meditations. Next are two chapters on the nature of prayer and how one can be sure that she or he is hearing God's voice clearly. Chapter 9 presents excerpts from the journals of several students who have made use of the Virklers' teachings on this subject. The final chapter summarizes the contents of the previous ones and brings them together under the overarching goal of deepening one's personal relationship with God. The book has several useful appendices giving biblical references and excerpts from Christian mystics and saints throughout history who have had experience with seeing visions during prayer.

I found this book to be highly useful and instructive in the process of learning to keep myself open to the movement of the Spirit in my own spiritual life. Their advice via the four key concepts is practical and simple, which I appreciated. However, the book is not without its faults.

Ironically, my primary criticism of the book is that it does not treat Scripture seriously enough. The exegetical technique used by the authors is haphazard at best. The authors tend to make use of Scripture in quips and verses, rather than in terms of the Canon as a whole, individual books, paragraphs, or pericopes. They completely ignore questions of genre, socio-historical context, and narrative structure. Their use of the Bible seems to treat it more like a book of magic spells rather than a collection of inspired texts.

That being said, I would still recommend this book to readers as a text on personal spiritual development. I have implemented their four key concepts in my own life and have found them to be useful. I have had more success in discerning the voice of the Spirit and I plan to continue to follow some of the Virklers' advice. If one is able to bear in mind that this book is not intended as a work of exegesis, but is rather a resource for spiritual growth, then one can easily excuse some of the liberties the authors take with the biblical text itself. Sections such as the authors' treatments of the prophet Habakkuk or the allegorical interpretation of the Tabernacle furniture bear a resemblance to various monastic texts such as John Cassian's Conferences or the Philokalia of Eastern Orthodoxy. As a devotional text on Christian spirituality, I highly recommend it.

This is the best book to start a relationship with God by journaling. I really feel the presense of the Lord after doing the exercises demonstrated in this book. I would suggest it highly.

I'd recommend any book by the Virklers! But this is my favorite. I've read many books on hearing God's voice but this was the only one that truly made sense and truly worked. The concepts taught in this book revolutionized my relationship with God. I'm sure God has always wanted to talk to me through His still small voice. Reading this book pointed me in the right direction.

For 30 years of my ministry I would occasionally receive a word of knowledge from God. In a prayer counseling seminar they recommended "Dialogue With God". I bought it and read it and I said to myself "I can do that" and I did. Since then I have taught others in three parishes with outstanding results. If you read this book you will find out that "you can do it" too.

I have read many "how to hear the voice of God" books,
and this is the first one that actually helped me.
And it helped a lot. This book goes through all the
ways God communicates, dreams, visions, and conversation
in prayer. I have read better stuff in the dreams/visions
category and Mark himself recommends other authors in this
category also. But in the dialog part this book beats them all,
and is the only one I have read to date that really helps.
There is a lot more out there than we realize, daily dialog
with a loving God who is your best friend is not just possible,
but is desired by all (God and us), so step into a new dimension
in your walk and read this book!