Spirituality Books

In our world we are traveling at the speed of light. If you ever had the yearning to just stop and go home, this book will show you the way.

This is the first book of Steve Rother and the Group that I have read. It is spectacular. I have found at the turn of every page life changing information and empowering tools to implement into ones life. I will be purchasing more books by Steve Rother in the very near future.

Sometimes the day to day grind saps my energy making me a bit cynical and jaded about 'spiritual' matters. Reading spiritually oriented books always helps me maintain a more balanced perspective. For whatever reason, this book was just what the Dr. ordered for my latest bout with spiritual malaise. To be frank, I don't know what to think about 'channeling'. I believe Mr. Rother is sincere and presents a very positive and uplifting take on the current state of the world. He offers a refreshing perspective, and builds a strong case that in the midst of all the trouble and tragedy of modern times there is something of much greater significance going on. That all of humanity is playing it's role (quite admirably it seems) in bringing more light into the dense physical world.
We all like to think that our lives have some greater meaning and purpose and 'The Group' affirms that this is so. Through our lives, and on our planet, cosmic purposes are unfolding toward the dawning of a new day. It seems we are the cutting edge of evolution. As I neared the end of the book, I found myself feeling inspired, that life is indeed good, and worth all the trouble. It does no harm to believe that humanity's struggle toward greater understanding has repercussions far beyond what is apparent to us in our everyday lives. Is it true? I don't know. But I felt different having read it. I'm all for anything that brings a little more light into the world. Thanks Dan.

I just love this book. I re-read parts of it every time I need some spiritual nurturing. It is organized into 18 chapters on a miriad of topics, such as: tools for walking with spirit, synchronicity, the flow of universal energy, remembering the other side of the veil, and most memorably, the evolution of humanity. Each chapter is subdivided into topics as well, which makes it easy to read in short bursts if you are inclined.

The information is channelled through the author during some fairly prestigious speaking engagements, some in front of the United Nations. The amount of love pouring through from the beings that are being channelled (The Group) is enormous, and the sincerity is obvious. The information is very up-to-date and was mostly new to me, not simply re-hashing of other spiritual authors' works.

I can sincerely say that you will not be disappointed with this book, and I say this after reading 50+ spiritual books, including the classics as well as metaphysical and new age/new thought.

Traditional Eastern thought states that "life is a school", but this book, like the Conversations with God series has a different take on that, "life is not a school, as the soul is already perfect and there is nothing to learn".

This book is in agreement with that and states that life is a "game" that we invented and chose to play, the main themes being "free will" and "Hide and Seek", basically we are in essence all pieces of God's expression in as many different forms as possible, experiencing the Universe and itself from behind the veil with no memories of home.

The main object of the game is to remember home and rediscover ourselves (and each other) as powerful spiritual beings having what we take for granted as ordinary lives.


Roy Ellin
Portland, OR

great book great as a gift for christian women

It was very inspiring and enjoyable and is an excellent suggestion to pass on to our daughters. The comparison of the Bible as it pertains to todays woman and world was thought provoking and wonderful and educational.

I thoroughly enjoyed Cheryl Dickow's latest book, "Reclaiming Your Christian Self in a Secular World: A Woman's Worth." In this book, I found support and encouragement for my own spiritual journey. It inspired me to more consciously consider the calling that God has for my life. Through the examples of women in Scripture, I've identified ways to practice some of their traits in my life. I especially liked the workbook format at the end of each chapter which helped me to focus in applying Scripture to my daily life. A truly inspiring book!

I loved this book and how it relates, in plain, easy to read language, with clear examples, how we can all become better human beings. The author's writing style is gentle, warm, non-judgmental, and very direct. She has a real passion for her topic that shines through every page. And the book is just plain interesting, keeping your attention throughout!

This is a great little book to read, as the author intends, one section per week. I take this with me to weekly adoration hour at church and have really gotten a lot out of it. It is best read slowly in a quiet place, when you are able to contemplate each bit in your own time. There are some surprising lessons to learn about famous and not-quite-so-famous women of the bible. There are multiple bible verses on each page to complement the reading, as well as suggestions and activities regarding applying the lessons into your daily life. An enriching "find" of a book.

It's so great to see people's opinions on this book! Julie Hutslar is my aunt, and I read the book and liked it (esp. the acknowledgments page, where she says that I was the original inspiration for the book) :)
By the way, did anybody like the poem "The Gift" in the book? My mom wrote it...I think it's amazing!
~Maggie

I had a great time reading a text written by an author that has a writing style that feels like a conversation rather than a book. Her issues are to the point and written with an elegant ease that enables a "regular" guy to understand without a dictionary or 10 years of study. Ms. Hutslar perfectly described and explained my relationship with my wife (which is not a simple one). Oddly enough, it is the same relationship she has with her husband. Her explanation of her relationship and the way it manifests and works for her is an excellent blueprint that you can try for yourself.

In summary, it was a great and easy read with many useful insights. I highly recommend it for men and women that are "lost in space" trying to find a practical relationship concept to anchor your mature thinking.

This is a Heal Thyself book. In a gentle, caring, and lighthearted voice, Ms. Hutslar shines a light on the mysteries of our everyday relationships. To welcome the concept of these relationships as special gifts (especially the challenging ones!) is a miraculous eyeopener! I turned from page to page, as if I was reading a letter written to me personally by my best friend. Once finished with the book myself, I have talked about it and shuttled it lovingly from friend, to family, to co-worker (I have an extra copy I keep safely at home!). This book is a gift you deserve to give yourself.

I don't think this is the kind of book you come onto if you're not ready. By that, I mean there are concepts that require a certain level of emotional or spiritual development to understand. It would be like a lay-person trying to understand Einstein's concepts of the universe.

The author of this "Gift" presents a viewpoint so different from what we've been taught (that being that everything is always someone else's fault) that I wonder how many people can truly understand the concepts. She doesn't vary from the idea that we are responsible for our own realities, and that the answers are to be found within ourselves. Now that's a concept (though probably one that has been taught by most of the great teachers throughout time).

If you're ready to stop playing out the same old patterns of blame and response in your life, this book is for you. If you want to hold onto your problems (knowing that they were caused by your parents, or teachers, or spouse, or whoever) then you might want to pass this one up and go for one of the 7 easy steps to a happier, richer life course-book. Of course those 7 steps didn't work in the last ten books you almost finished reading, but go ahead, this next one is different.

Try this book if you dare!

For a Navy guy like me to admit that I read a selp help book is hard enough, but to share how much I loved it with millions of people I think is even harder! My wife forced me to start reading this book "Relationships: Gifts of the Spirit" but after about ten pages she couldn't have taken it away from me if she tried. I started with Chapter eight because it was the chapter on "war". I was expecting the normal war stuff, but instead I got a lesson in something much more important. I have started to learn how to listen to my body through pain and sickness. I never thought back and neck pain were anything more that a nuisance, but the author tells me in her book that they are messages. Maybe that five mile run was too much, maybe fighting with my wife or avoiding phone calls from my mother was not the best course of action and the only way my body knew to tell me was to make me feel pain. I have since recommended this book to all of the guys! It's not what you expect from a book about relationships.

Everytime I read this book, it helps me deal with stress and setbacks that I am going through. I am buying several copies as gifts, it is helpful to most people to help them learn how to deal with everyday life disappointments and to learn to grow, to heal and evolve into the best we can be.

Do you believe in coincidences? Recently, at Harbin Hot Springs, a fabulous retreat center in Northern California, I was handed a book by an author who said, "I was planning to give this away to someone else, but it looks like you are the right person to hand it to." The attractive dark-haired woman who gave me the book was named Estelle Frankel, and is it turns out, I *was* the right person, at least in the sense that the book has made a deep impression on me.

A practicing psychotherapist and a "seasoned teacher of Jewish mysticism, Frankel studied and practiced Jewish mysticism in Israel for 8 years, and has been personally tutored by both Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. For someone like myself, who has been in and out of Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah as a dilettante, I have found parts of this book absolutely fascinating, especially Biblical-era stories and musings of what it was, exactly, that happened with Moses and the People of Israel out there in the desert... (When was the last time you were part of a group illumination, what my Pennsylvanian friends would call an "egregrore"?)

The book consists of modern-stay healing stories, Midrashic-level musings, Hasidic wisdom and tales, and practical rituals and strategies for self-transformation and spiritual upliftment. The Kabbalah is, of course, returned to time and time again, and many themes that I would call (perhaps anachronistically) gnostic permeate the text. Here is one of my favorite passages:

"At every transition point in the life cycle, when one stage of life ends and another begins, we inevitably pass through this death-rebirth cycle of creation, dissolutoin, and re-creation. The shattering of the vessels is, in a sense, the Kabbalah's unique idiom for talking about what the Buddhists refer to as life's essential impermanence. As soona s something is created, its dissolution is already at hand. The vessels of creation, the finite forms created to house the infinite, are always imperfect and impermanent. They must inevitably shatter to make room for the next manifestation of divine unfolding. The light of the infinite simply cannot be contained and limited by any finite form, and so by shattering, the vessels of creation continually allow more light to be revealed. And just when things seem most broken and shattered, that is when healing or tikkun begins."

I have found this to be a rich and evocative book, one that ties together modern psychotherapy with Jewish mysticism, from the perspective of someone who uses both these tools to help individuals in their day-to-day lives. Especially for those interested in the Western esoteric traditions generally or Jewish mysticism specifically, or anyone with a Jewish background, I highly recommend this book.

Estelle Frankel's "Sacred Therapy" is one of the most important and optimistic books I have read, as a woman, a therapist, a Jew, a human being. Whether the reader arrives at this writing with explicit spiritual knowledge and practices, or simply a deep longing for understanding and peace, Estelle's graceful blend of wisdom and heartfulness inducts each of us into a direct experience of wholeness, of the Divine. Estelle does not skirt around issues of pain and suffering, nor the practical, rather, she dives headlong into the darkness with us, with Torah and simple tools, and, magically, we resurface with more hope and a greater ability to respond to Life as it truly is. For psychotherapists, Jewish or otherwise, Estelle offers a language and a context which urges us to "remember" our Selves large enough to hold our clients and to offer them a well to drink from, too. Through rich stories of Jewish history and spirituality, and with the support of guided meditations, Estelle invites us to know our Selves individually and in connection, through the eyes of God, even if we don't believe in God.

This book shifted my view of my life. My Jewish background is very rich in knowledge, learning and practice. Yet this book changed me in very meaningful ways. Estelle Frankel discusses her own life, her struggles and insights in such a generous and giving manner that it's as though she's giving the reader a gift, the gift of inviting you to gently examine your own life, your own belief system, your own relationships. By relationships, I mean with other people, with yourself and with God. Yes, the operative word is "gently". There is no hard challenge, no daring, just a gentle invitation to look inside, make discoveries and consider new ways. I love this book and I highly recommend it, no matter where you are on your personal or spiritual path.

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in the union between Jewish philosophy and psychology. The author bases her psychological discussion on kabalistic thought and beautifully weaved in stories from the Torah through which our personal stories and experience emerge and become meaningful. She also includes meditations and exercises that help to integrate the material. This is an excellent book for anyone interested in the relationship between spirituality and the psyche.

The Secret According to Jesus...
No One is Left Behind


I read this new book because it included Jesus, the first master healer and teacher who came to our world and taught us about love and God. Thank you Dr. Turrell for bringing us a new book that features the first great master,our Lord Jesus. I do enjoy reading as much as there is from the new modern masters however, why not go to source? Thanks to Dr. James Turrell and his new book "The Secret According to Jesus" written based on years of research and study of religion and philosophy he effectively expands and explains the teachings of Jesus in this new book The Secret According to Jesus." Such an attempt should probably come from someone who is a pastor, as Dr. Turrell is, for credibility reasons rather than mere opinion. Dr. Turrell uses parables and short statements of truth to allow the reader to be released from the dark side of the human condition such as guilt, shame and ignorance. Without being "preachy" or bible thumping, Dr. Turrell's book can remind us about the "secrets" Jesus once taught and lived that we may have forgotten or missed because they are so obvious. One such "secret" is: God is not external to your being. We are in God and God is in us; God does not play favorites; God does not punish anyone for making mistakes; You have never been separated from God; You can not be left behind." That last sentence intrigued me into to reading the book in the first place and is stated right in the book's title.
Dr. Turrell is busy leading a large and growing ministry in Costa Mesa, CA yet he found time to write the book because he says "it's time to wake up and enjoy the gifts you've been given." If further proof and convincing is needed he supplies the gifts from Jesus in a chapter called "Questions and Answers About Heaven, Hell and Jesus" as well as a list of Affirmations of Love: The Law of Attraction translated into the Law of Love from Corinthians 13:1-13 in the World English Bible is provided. I recommend you treat yourself to the gifts that are waiting for each of us to claim by being fully and spiritually alive as outlined in this book. After reading this book I was inspired to find and hear Dr. Turrell's Sunday service and now I attend every Sunday.
Kathy De Santis

This book is glimpse of the Jesus we should know. The teachings of Jesus are vital for our planetary and spiritual development if we are going to be approved as a member of any federation of civilized planets that currently exists in the Universe or will be formed in the future. Jesus taught the necessary rules for civilized beings to show what they are and how not to be left behind as Earth moves towards its planetary destiny. Thank you Dr. Turrell for this insight into the universal significance of his teaching.

This book is glimpse of the Jesus we should know. The teachings of Jesus are vital for our planetary and spiritual development if we are going to be approved as a member of any federation of civilized planets that currently exists in the Universe or will be formed in the future. Jesus taught the necessary rules for civilized beings to show what they are and how not to be left behind as Earth moves towards its planetary destiny. Thank you Dr. Turrell for this insight into the universal significance of his teaching.

Jim Turrell has taken what what written 2000 years ago and made it relevant to today. Want a better life now? Want to know what Jesus said and how it relates to you in today's world? Read this book!

I was so happy to read Dr. Turrell's book because it articulates my instinctual sense of what Jesus wanted to communicate. The Jesus that we get to know in this book is the Master that I want to model my life after. I pick this book up often, just to get snippets of inspiration and some true clarity. It helped me because Dr. Turrell explains scripture that has not always been clear to me in the past.

Very good book, the meditation exercises were helpful. I enjoyed this book
very much,it is a great tool in discovering your guides as well as building a friendship with them.
I would highly recommend this book, if your searching for your Spirit Guide.

This is a must have for all Pagans. It is clear and in layman's terms a great way to contact the other side and to learn to work in harmony with them to achieve your goals.

This is definitely a must-have for those who wish to contact their spirit allies. I haven't done all of the exercises in the book, but I've read through it and can't wait to actually try them all out. His personal stories in the book relate to the stories and really go to show that our spirit allies are real - they're just waiting for us to contact them.

He offers self-protection "rituals", which is a definite must-do before any spirit communication takes place and different exercises for preparing to contact our spirit allies and actually speaking with them. He also wrote in exercises for casting a magick circle and more. Although it isn't aimed at one religion, it seems more witchcraft-influenced.

If you're interested in how to contact your spirit allies, get this book.

When embarking on a study of anything metaphysical, spiritual or esoteric, please read this book FIRST. Christopher Penczak lays the groundwork that you can build on to understand the concepts of all of the genres I listed. It is easy to read and understand, full of valuable information, great exercises, and lists (angels, fetish animals etc). It is a book that you will refer back to, and probably even read twice, as there is so much information in it. This is a great basic book to read to get a well informed overview of all things "Spiritual". For those who have been around the esoterical block a few times, read it! There is so much information in it that you may still learn something new! This is a MUST READ!

great information on all topics, this book is the kind of book to read once and then go back and really live it and expereince it...awesome book

When I was a young girl, I wanted to be a missionary to Africa. Now I find myself in the interesting position of having these wonderful African teachers - Sobonfu Some & husband, Malidoma Patrice Some - being missionaries TO ME.

I have wanted the kind of intimacy Mrs. Some describes in her inspired little book, my whole life. It is my earnest hope and prayer that the western world will learn from the West African culture, and find the true happiness we have declared the right to pursue.

I couldn't possibly recommend the book more highly.

Such a well balanced sharing of spirit.

Also check out:

Living Deliberately: The Discovery and Development of Avatar
Resurfacing: Techniques for Exploring Consciousness
Love Precious Humanity: The Collected Wisdom Of Harry Palmer

This is a wonderful book that offers many little gems that encourage and facilitate the willingness to be open to intimacy in relationship. I think for many people who have struggled in relationship the author offers very useful, practical and enriching ways to let ones' relationship grow and develop. I love that the book is from an African perspective and though it's not geared only to Africans shows that African people have a workable approach to relationships that is spritually centered and life affirming.
I especially liked the authors' discussion on the use of rituals in African culture. The author made them come alive for me and helped me recognize that ritual is something we do anyway though we do not call it that and why. Her discussion on it's value and power in African culture was very empowering because she shows how we can open ourselves up on many levels to healing ourselves and our relationships by consciously utilizing rituals in our lives.
I also liked the author's emphasis on the importance of community, in helping build intimacy and supporting healthy relationships which is especially important for African people.
I would have liked more information on how some of the rituals or concepts used in ancient ways could better translated or modified for the present time.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like a spiritual, african centered approach to building healthy relationships.

This book reminds us what a real intimate relationship between a man and a woman should be, the pratical and spiritual dimensions of it. Thank you Sobonfu Some for writing this lovely and useful book.

Sometimes the words you're looking for come from the most unlikely places. Sobonfu Some's contribution is absolutely crucial if we are to find a counterbalance to our consumer culture. Singles, couples, adults and teenagers alike will find rewarding activities in this book which warm the heart more than going shopping can, and it's a gasp of fresh air. I hadn't realised the import of how we connect to other people until I read this book.

Wonderful! You are offered step by step tools that helps to bring peace of mind,joy and fulfillment.

Who knew? We have these ten gifts if we choose to use them. What a place we could have if only we would. Clear writing. Find your gifts and use them.

Was laying in bed in the early fall of 2000, and was flipping the stations on my radio when I came upon a cool radio show out of New York City, called the Joey Reynolds Show, where he had this wonderful lady on who had authored this book The Ten Gifts. She was joyful , funny, but not stuffy. Let me also note that I am non religious.

The book grew out of a tragic situation that sadly few Americans even remember. The Red River flooding of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and its sister city, East Grand Forks, Minnesota.60,000 plus people were effected and many areas are still recovering.

The Ten Gifts she writes indepth about are: The gift of Faith, The gift of Love, The gift of Dreams, The gift of Courage, The gift of Unity, The gift of Joy, The gift of Trust, The gift of Character, The gift of Thanks, The gift of Intention.

This is not a get quick happiness book, where you wake up one morning and discover all your challenges have gone "poof". What she does do is teach you lessons with ideas that you can use, one day at a time, who over weeks and months can help your life become happier or at least more at peace.

After the flood of her citie's river, Robin Silverman took the time and effort to re-build her life from scratch. Learning thoughout the way what we take for granted and how not to. The most prominent of things we take for granted are Faith, Love, Trust, Thanks, Joy, Dreams, Intention, Courage, Unity and Character. These ten things, are also known as The Ten Gifts. Some of them take time to aquire, but most you have the ability to use from childhood.

We so often take the things we're comfortable with for granted. We're programmed to be propelled by the avoidance of pain, and the pursuit of pleasure. But there is much pleasure in what you have already. Look around. Look at the people who lovingly support your every move and look and the gifts they've graciously given to you. Reading this book re-opens your mind with the ability to look at everything anew. And also, not take it for granted, because it can just as easily be taken away.

At the end of each chapter, Robin lets you exercise your gifts with questions, suggestions and advice. Her down-to-earth writing style makes it seem like you're sitting with her, listening to her story one-on-one. This is a wonderful book and I recommend it to everyone. Even you!

It's a refreshing reminder of the important things in life and how easy it is to incorporate them in day-to-day living. I love many things about the book. The stories are heartwarming and the exercises included help to bring the gifts to reality.

It makes a perfect "gift" for family and friends as well as being a necessary item in every library. Read it and you'll see why!

Very easy to read - clear and understandable. A great gift to give to your pastor who dabbles in modern evangelistic techniques.

WHY don't pastors get it? This book, in it's tiny, afternoon-reading size, hits the nail on the head. Every Christian in churches with Purpose Driven or program-embracing pastors needs to read this little volume.

If you have ever had any doubts about where you stand with God, or if you think that you can "slip" into heaven on your own standards, READ THIS BOOK! Using the account of Jesus and the rich young ruler, the author diminishes any questions about what it takes to become a true child of God.

This work by Walter Chantry ought to be read by anyone who is interested in seeing people come to saving faith in Jesus Christ. In our technique addicted society this book is a breath of fresh air. Chantry carefully walks the reader through how Jesus shared the gospel with the rich young ruler in Mark 10 and compares it to how we do evangelism today. If you are involved in sharing the gospel, are training others in evangelism or lead a Bible study or Sunday school class this book ought to be seriously considered as part of your teaching materials. Thought provoking, insightful and readable, this book will get others talking about how Christ shared the gospel

Pastor Chantry writes with a concern that addresses many of the the shallow and careless evangelistic methodologies that are still widely prevalent today. While evangelistic zeal for the lost is essential,zeal which is according to knowledge is equally important. The book highlights in places the great danger and harm that can be caused by misplaced zeal. He uses the Lord Jesus' personal evangelism with the rich young ruler because that contains all the essential elements for gospel preaching and evangelistic witnessing that should be present if our zeal is to be united with Biblical knowledge. Who better to instruct us on how to evangelize than the Lord Jesus Himself. A few of the essential elements are: preaching the law of God,preaching the character of God and preaching the necesstiy of true repentance. When preaching on the character of God the preacher is seeking to make known the attributes of God,and thereby exalt His character. Pastor Chantry thus exposes one of the great weaknesses in so much preaching and evangelism today,that being, that it is man centered when it should and must be God centered. Why is modern day evangelism and missionary labours so impotent? Walter Chantry asks in the introduction: Where is the power of Edwards and Whitfield in today's preaching? The author thinks that it is in the content of the Gospel message. Mr.Chantry writes on p.36 "The absence of God's Holy law from modern preaching is perhaps as responsible as any other factor for the evangelistic impotence of our Churches and missions." Men,women and children must know that they are lost before they can truly be saved and the preaching of God's Holy law is the means that God has ordained to bring about conviction of sin. Romans 3:20b ...for by the law is the knoledge of sin.'Today's Gospel...' will help to expose much of what is lacking in so many pulpits and many evangelistic endeavours,may the Lord be pleased to use it to that end for many years to come.

I saw Kali speak at a church function and just couldn't wait to get my hands on her book! What a motivation, she makes you laugh and cry all in the same sentence! You will walk away from this book with a good feeling in your heart, ready to pass it on to the next woman in need of a pick-me-up.

What an inspiration this book has been to me. I often begin my quite times using it as a devotional to get my mind focused. The words brought encouragement, hope, tears and laughter!

Like a box of gourmet truffles, find a comfey chair and savor the delight of each individual chapter as Kali shares her own stories of encouragement. Guaranteed to touch the heart of women, this special little book makes a great gift for women of all ages. Truffles from Heaven is a blessing you don't want to miss!

Kali Schnieders' book, Truffles from Heaven, proves to be a one-sitting read. From cover to cover, Schnieders keeps the reader laughing one moment, crying the next, and nodding in agreement throughout. With real-life experiences that many people can identify with, the author shows how God has a hand in every aspect of one's life, truly working all things to His good! Her refreshing, open style makes the reader think she's sitting by your side chatting with you. I look forward to more work from Kali Schnieders!

Dear potential reader,

Sorry for the rating. They wouldn't let me send this note without one--so I just went with the average reader rating.

I would like to invite you to taste a sample chapter from my book by visiting my website. By going on line you can determine if my recipe of encouragement, blended with humor is the right gift for your friend. Yes, your friend who is hurting and in need a morsel of inspiration--the one grieving the loss of a spouse, a parent, a job, a pet or a dream. Your friend who is getting married--or wish they were. We all know someone in need of a truffle from Heaven, don't we?

The question is, "What EXACTLY is a truffle from Heaven, anyway?"

As any true chocolate lover knows, truffles are delicious, handmade, morself of chocolate--often a gift between lovers. Truffles From Heaven are gifts...from the lover of your soul. God's truffles are lovingly laid into the palms of our lives; they're exactly what we need, given in the moment we need them most and expect them least.

My stories are true, they are personal, and they are meant to encourage all readers to search for the evidence of such sweet gifts in their own daily lives. My prayer is that you (and your friend) will do just that.

Blessings, Kali Schnieders