Spirituality Books

This book is truly life-changing. I read this book after borrowing it from the library. I rarely buy books that I have already read, but this one is an exception. It is so full of wisdom that I want to carry it with me and read it often. Nouwen's writing is extremely clear and accessible, he is speaking to the reader as a good friend. And yet, his message could not be more profound. He leads us to a transformation of life that frees us from our deepest obstacles to joy in our lives. There is nothing more liberating than learning to become God's "Beloved", and thus becoming who we were made to be.

Insightful and uplifting. Conveys a concept of God's love in a way that can be understood by individuals who are not well read in Christian theology.

I first read this book more than 10 years ago. I loved it then. It really touched me. I recently led a book group discussing this book. Some in the group found it to really touch them deeply giving them the balm they needed; others felt that it was a bit dated. They felt that this was written for a different time.

The book's initial purpose, a apology for faith, never really was met, but for the Christian seeking a deeper insight into faith this book is great.

This is a well written book on our relationship with each other and the beloved. I highly recommend it for those who are ready to be intimate with God

Our Bible Study is using this book as their current study. Nouwen speaks to the heart.

"Genuine happiness, or enlightenment, is already within us; we have only to reveal it. As spring water rushes through open earth, so happiness flows through open lives." - Taro Gold
In just a few words of a good quote, you see the big picture or universal truth. This is a collection of Eastern Wisdom and contains quotes by Buddhist and Eastern thinkers such as Nichiren, Lao Tzu, Confucius, and Mahatma Gandhi.

Taro Gold sees these quotes as "guideposts." He believes in having an open mind and in illuminating your life's path with wisdom from great thinkers.

Taro also includes:

The Buddhist concept of the Ten Worlds
Short Allegories
Short Biographical paragraphs of Historical Figures quoted in this book
Longer passages for reflection
Common Sense Quotes
Universal Truths
Eastern Wisdom

An Iris represents Faith, Hope, Wisdom and Valor. Not only is the cover beautiful and filled with this flower, the entire books is beautifully illustrated in an ornate fashion. Almost every page has a beautiful border and then the quotes are in black ink and easy to read on cream-colored paper.

I've been contemplating the reality of how we become what we think. Lately I've been watching how my own thoughts change my behavior.

Taro Gold has included a wonderful quote from Mahatma Gandhi about this:

"Keep your thoughts positive, because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive, because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive, because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive, because your values become your destiny."

This beautiful book will have me contemplating "thoughts" for a long time! An enjoyable collection of quotes to reflect on in moments when you want to think more deeply about life and your own journey to lasting happiness.

A book you will love adding to your collection.

I bring this book with me wherever I go, in my car or in my purse. I have an extra copy in my desk at work. I love it so so much -- makes me feel a lot better just to read one thought from it or one page from it now and then in the day. My husband keeps a copy by the bed to read us a thought before we get up each morning which often makes for great conversations.

This book is a tasty buffet of enlightened eastern wisdom. The quotes and passages will inspire your life and give you ancient wisdom to utilize in your daily journey. Definitely recommended to read and reread.

This is a great book!

This collection of words includes not only great quotes from good men but a whole collection of pictures behind to draw you into your meditation.

At the same time, I would encourage those who have participated in other religions to look into this book. It puzzles me why Catholics and Christians must keep attacking Buddhism and eastern religious. Indeed they fear even body positions not deemed "worthy of God."

In this slim volume, Taro Gold has packed full information into a window into the soul. You won't be missing anything. At the same time, I have read most of the quotes you have been listening to for many years, and find them very puzzling and bizarre. They do not seem to mimic the exact translations of Buddhist wisdom or thought, but rather the English translations of them, beautiful, yet profound.

Perhaps that's what I like about Buddhism, and eastern religion. Though some of his quotes may be misinterpreted, they are not without character, or mind. The Tao has been treated to one hell of a lot of interpretation here, totally changing the words Lao Tzu said in some cases. But otherwise, it seems to be a perfect translation of the mind of Lao Tzu, and that's good enough to keep you thinking.

This book is absolutely wonderful! I was referred to this book by my co-pastor and am glad I followed through to purchase it. Anyone with a desire to increase their relationship with God should purchase, read & study this book for the increase. To God be the Glory!

This book is wonderful and will guide you in spiritual warfare. He's basically telling you to follow Jesus in everything and never battle the enemy alone. You will always need your Commander in Chief...Jesus at your side.

The author gives a thoughtful analysis of the kinds of daily struggles we face as Christians in the church and internally. He gives a helpful, Christlike guide to how we proceed and how we should act. I found the book inspiring.

THis book is thought provoking and will change the way you see spritual warfare and strongholds!

Not only is the author a great writer, but he possesses an insight that is rare in our day and age. I also liken this book to "A Step into Deliverance," by Toni Pugh. He deals skillfully and autobiographically about his struggle and victory over the spirit of Jezebel. I highly recommend it.

I first read Gregg Levoy's book several years ago. It was by far the best book on the subject of callings I had ever come across. Being in the field of organizational development has led me to many books on the topic, but none that compares to this. What I love about this book is that it talks not just of the importance of finding your calling(s), but goes on in depth to address the question of "once you find it what happens next?", as well as "if I follow it and it throws my whole life up in the air, then what?" This book is a rare gem because Levoy draws together many minds on the subject of callings. He is a consummate storyteller, which I love, because it's a book of people's actual journeys rather than purely the author's philosophy. I've re-read this book twice and have bought nearly 500 copies which I give to clients and executive teams, many at major corporations in the US, Canada and Europe. Every time I give it to someone they tell me they've gone on to buy more copies for others. If you read this book and it doesn't speak to you, it might mean you're not ready to pursue a calling that's niggling at you. If so, pick it up again later and you might find it the perfect book. Every time I've read it, something new jumps out at me realting to the place I'm in at the time. I also went on to sign up for Gregg Levoy's Callings Workshop, which was spectacular. It led me to bring the author to both Chicago and the U.K. to speak to my clients. You can find out when his workshops are happening by going to www.gregglevoy.com.

This book is a book that should be read by every person at some point in their lives if not several times in their lives. I have read and re-read Callings several times and each time there is something new to gain from this deep and insightful work. Gregg Levoy's writing is so full and intertwined with ideas, stories, practical exercises and inspiration, that depending on the point you are at in your life, this is the book for you. Whether you have no idea what you want to do with your life, or you need to refine your callings (as Levoy writes we all have more than one), there is a story in this work for you. When I first read Callings I believed I had a good handle of what my calling is, and by the end of my first reading my vision and calling had expanded exponentially. Now I return to this great book to further refine, and find new life in old callings - and to find new callings as my life-path continues. What a gift - and I say again - a must read for a fulfilling life!

I very much enjoyed this book. Here are just a few of my favourite excerpts:

"Our lives are measured out in coffee spoons, they are measured out not in the grand sweeps but in the small gestures. -T.S. Eliot"

"Callings keep surfacing until we deal with them"

"Repetition is fundamental to learning"

"Perhaps the main reason we ignore calls is that we instinctively know the price they'll exact."

"-Tending to small surrenders -letting go of a bad mood, making a choice or a compromise, forgiving someone, parting with fear, saying truth in a moment, spending time w/our children instead of working late again."

"Sometimes however, what first appears to be an enemy turns out not to be, and it is the better part of valor to excercise a heroic quality of discretion in following our calls."

"Be willing to approach obstacles as if they might be allies, and make your leaps of faith accordingly."

"I have discovered that often the best bait to use in luring a call is a little space. When we give off nothing but busy signals, calls don't get through. -GET OFF THE LINE ONCE IN A WHILE."

Eric Maisel - "Hushing" -"Hush your thoughts as if you were comforting a baby. A wild person with a calm mind can create anything."

Read this and find out what is 'calling' you.

I first read Callings when I was given a magazine assignment to write an article on living on purpose. My galley copy is still one that I cherish and have read a number of times in the past decade. Not only is the message sound and true, the way Gregg writes is poetic and melodious. As a writer myself, I read many passages with envy, wondering how he could connect words so well.

When I finally met him for the article interview, I discovered that he writes like he speaks, or is it that he speaks as he writes. In either case, it's wonderful to hear and read.

Feeling a little down about life? Feeling a bit lost and uninspired. Pick up a copy of this book today, and treat yourself to a wonderful reading experience -- one that could quite honesty change your life.

"Callings" is one of my all-time favorite books. The beautiful writing is enhanced by the deep and practical non-stop references he makes to underscore his key points. There's an expression about writers that absolutely applies to him and that is: "Wow, can he turn a phrase!" This book was seductive to me and made me want to savor every page, re-read it and commit it to memory. The stories connect us back to ourselves and what feeds our souls. A true jewel that I am grateful to have found.

Besides the great stories, the pace of the book continued to draw me in and enchant me with one compelling idea after another. The selected and numerous references became great fodder for future reading as well.

One of my favorite phrases (that I cannot remember the context for but is great nonetheless): "mainlining the Serenity Prayer." Gotta love it!

Gregg's work is a gift to anyone who is breathing.

K. Osta
Asheville, NC

I looked forward to reading this book, and I was hoping to send it to my daughter. This book was for the New Age thinkers. I really did not care about the main character and felt her mentor was just another strange and nutty person who added no value. The more I read the less I liked the book. Do not waste you money. If you are looking for love, it will come be patient just don't waste your money or time with this non sense of a book.

Wonderful book. It was both useful ( seven lessons) and inspiring. I have personally met Dr. Diana and think this book as well as her workshops are very worthwhile for anyone trying to "create love" in their life. She is a loving, inspirational and a beautiful person.

This is a unique guide to finding the love you want!! Unlike other self-help books, Dr. Kirschner shares her expertise with us through an engaging narrative with characters who are familiar & inspiring to us at the same time. After reading this I thought, "If she (the main character) can find her way to real love I can do it, too!"

I was BLOWN AWAY by this book! I felt CHANGED after reading it.
I was in the process of having an internal shift concerning relationships, and this book came at just the right time, and I feel it has guided me in just the right direction. I truly believe this book is the help I need to create a loving relationship in my life! I began "dog earing" the important pages and by the time I was done nearly EVERY OTHER PAGE was "dog eared" and underlined! I look forward to reading it again and working on applying what I've learned to my life. THANK YOU to Dr. Diana for her brilliant work and insight! I have suggested it to so many of my friends, and had copies mailed to several of them!

"Opening Love's Door: The Seven Lessons" by Diana Kirschner does exactly that: It opens the door to finding true love. I had been caught in "deadly dating" patterns for quite a while until this book fell into my hands. An honest and heartfelt story which takes the reader through the Ups and Downs and the Do's and Dont's of life and love.
Through this book I was able to come to a higher level of self love and love to a man. Inspiring, true, and definately worth reading for anyone who wants to truly create a gorgeous (love) life.

Covers many aspects of success. Lots of good thoughts in this book that you will find from other great authors on the topic of success.

You will find the role of emotional intelligence in making decisions and why there needs to be both rational and emotional intelligence in order to be successful. Some tend to lean in either direction but it's hard to be balanced in both.

There are several topics explored that could have used greater narration but the overall book is good.

It leaves you to explore things like the scientific value of positive energy and it's role in succcess through quantum physics.

One year ago, in Feb 2006, I took a big step on my journey. Sometime before that, I had already begun to understand that in order for my life to change, it would have to begin with my taking responsibility... for EVERYTHING in my life.

A few months earlier, I had lost what I loved most in this world - my parents. I was richer than royalty for having had them in my life. They taught me the true meaning of what it means to be loving and selfless. But, without them, I felt there was nothing left for me here in NYC. I was ready to move away... but it didn't feel right yet.

I responded to an employment ad in the NY Times; the word "Mentor" attracted me as few, if any employers, ever use that word. Within a few days, I was sitting across the table from two men who were interviewing me for a position - one of them was Vincent Roazzi.

I'd go on for pages here if I told you everything I'd like to share with you about Vinny. From the moment I started reading his book that same day, I knew I wanted to spend as much time as possible with this person and learn from him. Sometimes, I'd linger at the office just to sit at a desk beside him, hoping that I'd get to chat with him on some evenings. Vinny answers you with questions; admittedly, a bit frustrating at times, but it leads you to the right answers for YOU.

You'll never find any huge fanfare and blinking neon lights pointing Vinny out from a crowd. He doesn't do much (anything?) at all to promote his book. Yet he knows very well some of the greats such as Bob Proctor and Joe Vitale. And I'm sure they are not surprised to see the word "Integrity" in the title of his book.

Read his book...you'll be glad you did. And while you're reading it, remember this: He didn't become rich telling people how to do what he has never done, which seems to be an easy way to fame and fortune for a lot of people. Vinny scraped bottom at a time when he had a wife and five children to support at home. He learned a formula for success, and has been teaching others that same formula for over 15 years. But you will also learn from his book that although people want change... ironically, they don't want to change.

If YOU are at the lowest point of your life, or ready to make things HAPPEN rather than feeling like you're a victim of HAPPENSTANCE, Vinny's story will inspire you and, hopefully, move you to take action. Or if you're using a formula for success that just doesn't seem to be working, stop for a moment and learn Vinny's way... it's a little different from what you've probably learned in the last 5, 10, 20+ years.

Thank you, Vinny, for your generosity in so many ways. May the Universe keep and bless you and your family for many years to come.

~Denise Michelle 02/04/07
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For many years I have been studying and practising 'manifestation' and wondering why my results were so limited. I found the answer in this book, along with many other answers. This book differs from other books in the same genre in that it is absolutely clear and solid, marrying spiritual wisdom with practical insight. I can't recommend this book too highly, and will be applying its principles to my own life.

To say that Spirituality of Success is chicken soup for the soul would be too cliche`, yet that's exactly what it is. If you're willing to be brutally honest with yourself, I'd recommend Roazzi's book because it can make an improvement in your life as it did in mine. All my friends to whom I've recommended it have thanked me. One of the encouraging things I learned from reading this book is that if you're one of those people who have always felt like the "odd man/woman out", take heart. We're the ones who are right! The rest of the world is screwed up.

I'm very selective about what I read and not easily impressed. When I heard Vinny on NPR I knew I had to buy this book. I have recommended it numerous times already as one of the most important and helpful books I have ever read. This book shows how to be a successful person - not just businessman. It's principles are simple and timeless - and what is particularly great - really gleaned from what the author learned in recovery (a 12-step program). A reviewer said it was a good book, but without much practical help. That couldn't be further from the truth. This book was worth a $1000. seminar. It guided me and motivated me, and truly saved me when everything in my life was changing - including work. Thank you Vinny! You're da man!

Hace dos anhos fallecio nuestra hija y entre los muchos libros que leimos sobre la perdida este fue el que mas nos ayudo. Se lo hemos recomendado a muchas personas.

After our daugher's accidental death two years ago, my husband and I read many books on grieving and loss. Sittser's book was the most helpful to us in processing our own grief, offering not pithy platitudes, but thought-provoking reflections out of the author's own catastrophic loss. We have bought many copies of this book for friends going through difficult times because it is relevant to those who suffer loss of any kind.

Peggy Reynoso

Excellent, cannot say enough about how this man explains the grieving psyche. Moves beyond everything else that is written. Although my loss was not as terrible as his I could identify with everything he said. It is so good to have someone confirm that it is something that we go through and, perhaps more importantly, what we can get through.

Would recommend this to all who have undergone loss in any form.

I am going through a very difficult time in my life and was advised to read A Grace Disguised. This book offers an amazing insight into the grieving process and acknowledges that everyone's healing process is completely unique to them. I felt encouraged and rejuvenated knowing that I could relate to the many emotions experienced by the author and so many others who may also be going through similar scenarios but have had their emotions or actions repressed and even belittled. I strongly recommend everyone read this book because it not only offers personal growth during troublesome times, it also may help guide those who have a friend or loved one experiencing a difficult loss to offer stronger support.

The book, A Grace Disguised, changed my life. A doctor actually "prescribed" it for me, after the death of my daughter and her fiance. After hearing so many people blunder through callus pharses they hoped would make me feel better it was a great relief to spend time with someone who actually knew how I felt.
Many, in my family, have read this book. My husband's life was changed, as was my own. We have given this book to countless others who are in the midst of grief. We always keep several copies on hand. My husband, who is new to online buying, bought these copies. When they started arriving in Spainsh we were both a little confused. He had somehow gotten over to the Spanish version with out knowing it. We can only deduce that we're about to meet spainsh speaking grievers in need of comfort.
As you can probably tell by reading this, I am not Richard, I am his wife, secretary and best friend.

Jerry Sittser knows loss. He deals with the most difficult aspects of grief. He understands and leads us to healing. Of all the books I've read over the past year, this one was by far the best and most helpful in dealing with the death of my loved one.

If you could only choose one book beside the Bible, I would tell you to choose this one. I always underline and use my books for future reference. In this case I underlined more than what I left unmarked. I also made notes in the back of my book with page # and subject pertaining to explanations of many biblical terms. In my opinion, this book would greatly help every reader and I wish I could put one in every Christian's hand. The Church would be so victorious if all Christians read this. I am planning to give as many copies away that I can. And to everyone I talk to I will mention this book is MUST READ! In short get it!

I first read this book in the early 1960s when I had just become a believer the year before. There are things in this book that will help anyone to become a NORMAL Christian. It is not entitled How to be a Super Christian. It tells it like it is, turning to our spirit where the Spirit of the living God dwells will enable Him to permeate your fallen self and conquer the devil's influence in your life to become an Overcomer. I bought 15 to give to young people who love the Lord but are struggling to "be a good Christian". I gave them to someone to give to them anonymously. The Lord directed me. I don't want thanks.

This book has really helped to change my life in a positive way. Brother Nee does repeat things a lot, but you have to relish that repeating because it gets the truth down into you and helps you to see things you've probably not realized so deeply before. This is my favorite book of his I've read so far and will read it again and again. It is very helpful for anyone not happy with their own spiritual walk. It is a little slow to read because the translation is a little choppy, but I think it is good that way because you have to absorb what you are reading and it is definitely worth the time to read - again and again!

This is one of those "life-changing" books we hear about that should be a must for every believer...even, and perhaps, especially new believers. There are 36 reviews posted before this one, so, I will make this short.
If you've struggled in most of your Christian experience, with trying to 'die to self', truth expounded upon in this book will set you free! Watchman Nee through revelation from the Holy Spirit, speaks to this issue more accurately than any I've read.

The top values when reading Watchman Nee are depth in Bible exposition and insight. The drawback of reading Nee is lack of hermeneutical restraint. He sometimes "reads in" meaning that may or may not be true, but is not warranted under a grammatical-historical hermeneutic for the passage in question.

This book is his best. His conclusions are all well reasoned and exposited from the text of Romans. Nee has a delightful grasp of the grace of God and what a living relationship with him should be like. You get the depth of insight, but without allegorizing or undue license.
-Dennis McCallum, author Organic Disciplemaking: How to promote Christian leadership development through personal relationships, biblical discipleship, mentoring, and Christian community

C of D was very good. Prayer out does C of D by a long shot. Layers of good stuff are on every page. Buy and Read.

One of the best books on prayer I've ever read. He's very rooted in Scripture and yet very thorough in His observations on how we, as humans, interact with God. It continues to challenge me as I read through each new chapter. Highly recommended!

God used this wonderful book to pierce my heart with His truth. He has opened my eyes to what prayer really is and deepend my desire to be in converation with Him. This book has taught me new ways to approach The Throne and a new understanding about what it means to intercede for those I love.

I am in a study/prayer group which is using this book as a guide. I find it helpful to discover new depth in prayer.

Richard Foster has given me a sense of literacy in the realm of something I've fumbled through most of my Christian life-Prayer.

His manner of dealing with the specifics of prayer, the different kinds of prayer and the purpose of prayer in each chapter have given me something to grasp in the illusory world of communing with God. The idea of communication with an invisible God which Paul charecterises as dim and dark is less foreboding in the light of Richard Foster's interpretation of scripture.

His depiction of personal experiences, which aren't given to fluff or hyperbole, have solidified my resolve to pursue a life of prayer.

All I can say is Spirit Horse's is just Breathtaking. A beautiful book,I would recommed it for any horse lover.

This is one of the most beautiful books that I have seen of horses. Very well done. If you know somebody that loves horses, this is the book to buy.

The best art photography I've seen.. A must for horse lovers.

The photo book Spirit Horses is an must for every horse lover. The photo's are incredible and create or catch a mistical atmosphere as I have seldom seen. The captions are inspiring. Not a book to read but one to pick up once a week for half an hour meditation. Highly recommended

Misleading - Linda Kohanov only wrote the Intro.
Repetitive photographs and sparse text.