Spirituality Books

After being discharged from my job of almost twenty years I felt lost. I turned to self-help books, all generally preaching at you. After reading Dr. Sellers "Getting it Right This Time" that was my pivotal moment in my life. Her warm amusing stories taught me the most important things in life. Love, Courage and Forgiveness. Now I'm back at school earning my Medical Degree. I highly recommend Dr. Sellers book, to say that this book was inspirational is simply an understatement.

Tired of "How to" books.? Read this book with true stories of Love and Inspiration. Great Guide to uplift your life, and find your Spirit.!

I was attracted to the title and found the book full of inspiring and amusing stories.

I have read numerous books of this nature over the past 15 years and I must say this is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read. The author kept it simple without all the heaviness of many other books I've read that caused me to stop reading them. I never felt as if I was being preached to. I felt that every chapter had something personal to say just to me and uplifted my spirits while giving me hope for my future. I have already recommended this book to many of my friends. I want to share with them the love, warmth and guidence this book exudes.

"Getting It Right This Time" was one of the most heart warming yet informative books I've ever read. I feel this book will help anyone who wants to better their life in positive directions. It is a great gift to give to someone you really care about.

A truly awesome book for Catholics who would like to grow in their faith as an adult. It's easy to read, down to earth, and very practical and applicable to our everyday lives.

The book did help, as I just lost my wife of thirity one years and although I beleive in God I had a few questions about why. I agree with a lot of what the book says, but there are some parts that open the door to more questions.In the end I don't care what your religion is its all about FAITH!

The Gift of Faith was recommended to me by some friends in the Families of Nazareth movement. This book presents most of the core essentials of my faith. I believe that acceptance of the world as God made the world, acceptance of myself as God made me, and surrender to the will of the Lord are vital to living the way of Christ. Consistent with Christ's model, Dajczer provides not only very wise statements about faith, he also gives us wonderful illustrative examples from both scripture and the saints.

The Gift of Faith has three sections: the virtue of faith; the dynamism of faith; and the actualisation of faith. In virtue of faith we learn that God invites us to love Him, and faith leads to self-abandonment and reliance upon God. In dynamism we are invited to deepen our faith. We are told we can accept ourselves and consider our "happy faults". We learn to focus upon humor as a remedy to our self centeredness. In actualization we discover that the Holy Spirit wants to lead us in our journey of faith, and that the Blessed Mother teaches us the way to be open and adhere to the word of God.

What follows are several of the nuggets of wisdom in the book.

The fullness of faith is in love. Focus upon "now" as there is no past or future, only this moment, and the present brings love. Our "fear" of God hurts Him and hurts us. Fear prevents trust. I must know that God is love, that God loves me. Then I can trust Him. Be like a child, trust in God. When praying do not limit or judge the Lord, but believe in the wisdom and love of God and expect miracles.

We have a choice, attachment to things of this earth or to God. Dajczer talks of "inconceivable" faith, one which accepts death and trusts God enough to surrender to His will. This "inconceivable" faith is the faith that makes saints. The only way to true love and peace is "abandonment" of myself to God. When I believe I am strong, I lose focus upon God. It is through my weakness that I grow in trust and love of God. When I know I am weak and cannot control my life, I can abandon myself to the Lord. The key is not winning, but losing, not strength but weakness, not victory but surrender.

Knowing I am human, my mistakes can become "happy faults" if they help me believe in the mercy of God. I cannot know Christ until I know myself. I must know my sins, admit my faults, and realize that God accepts me as I am. I must learn to accept myself as Christ does, then I can learn to synchronize my thought with His thought.

The Gift of Faith is a great book. I recommend it for anyone wishing to grow in their faith.

I have been transformed by reading this book. It has helped me to see that grace comes in everything in life...that all things are from God, even the difficulties. It has helped me to rely only on God, and to see His grace through my daily struggles, failings and weaknesses.

Someone told me about this book when I was going through a hard time with believing. I'm not the kind to read cover-to-cover. Usually, I flip through the book, and see what catches my eye.
This book answered so many questions for me that I did not even know how to ask.

I picked up this wonderful book last week at the Tattered Cover bookstore while in Denver for a conference last week. I bought it for my wife who is an ordained United Methodist pastor, and I couldn't put it down while flying home to WV.

This is such a great book. Down-to-earth and inspiring at the same time. It is full of humorous and intelligent insights. It was also great to learn more about our shared Judeo-Christian traditions.

As we move to our new home and charge this July, less than three miles from Beech Fork Lake nestled in the WV appalachian mountains, we will be sharing Rabbi Korngold's wisdom with our family as well as our congregation.

As a spiritual seeker, I tend to gravitate towards traditions and ideas that recognize our innate connection to the Earth, and spirituality's inherent beginnings in the awe and wonder with our world (i.e. nature / nature religion). Needless to say, I was naturally drawn to this book. In God in the Wilderness, Rabbi Korngold exposes the roots of Judaism, with the most fabulously unorthodox approach (that may be reformist in approach, but hopefully also in action: so that more traditionalist readers get a chance to see a different (but not so much) light on a traditional topic). She roots us firmly in our place - our rightful place in nature of which we are part and parcel. Rabbi Korngold gently explains the intricacies of biblical study in an accessible way, and I hope many readers will reap the benefits of knowing that you can't cherry-pick your way through the bible. Particularly, that one verse about having dominion over the earth, which she gracefully explains. Korngold is an adventurous spirit with a rich background from which she weaves stories of her experiences with a keen sense of wisdom - from her tradition and from nature.

I've been an avid hiker for the past 15 years and have summated all of the 52 14ers in Colorado. It was more of a challenge for me, a goal, and more of an exercise in physical stamina and endurance than a goal of connection to my surroundings. Perhaps needless to say, I've never considered myself religious or spiritual either. I picked up God in the Wilderness one rainy day after a friend of mine had left an advance copy at my home. The book is a fast read with enough depth of the biblical insights to make them readily accessible. Nothing bogs down this text - it's like packing light with out leaving anything necessary at home. As I read about Rabbi Korngold's experiences in the backcountry, and how she tied her insights to the explanation of certain biblical passages, I must say I was intrigued. Before I knew it, I had finished the book and had nothing to scoff at. In fact, on my next hike, I'll trek equipped with a new vantage point: a greater appreciation for my surroundings, a rooting of self to the mountain as my boots tread the trail, and feel of the air rushing into my lungs - a constant give and take of life - and I'll think about this connection to the world around me. Thank you, Rabbi Korngold for opening my eyes.

This is an important book because it draws the lines of worship back to the temple of nature, from whence worship in its most essential form began, before there were intermediaries between human and divine, when the raw divine was as close as the soil and its fruits. God in the Wilderness brings us back to nature at a time when nature needs us the most to recognize that we, as humans, are not a separate entity from the biological matrix of our environment. We are an integral part of what surrounds us - the air, waters, the animals, the plants, the soil, rocks, mosses, etc. - bound in a web of complex life systems on which we depend for our essential well-being. The health and vibrance of our life is dependant on the health and vibrancy of other parts of the web. In the face of global warming, the lost of species and habitats, and a potential end of the world as we now-know it, we need to be reminded of these connections to nature and shift our worldviews enough to encompass a notion that roots us back on the earth. Even though Rabbi Korngold paints this connection through the lens of Judaism, her reform approach brings us back to the earth in a heartening way.

Consider the sources of wisdom that Rabbi Jamie Korngold taps in her ready-for-the-trail paperback memoir, "God in the Wildnerness." Yes, we meet such venerable sages as Maimonides, Martin Buber and Abraham Joshua Heschel. But there's also room here for Tevye from "Fiddler on the Roof" and even a bit of wisdom from "The Wizard of Oz."

Of course, the bulk of Rabbi Korngold's wisdom is drawn from scriptures - and from her experience in reading the natural world itself. She writes honestly, which is a mark of a solid, inspirational memoir. She shares with us some of her awe-inspiring moments in the wilderness - but she also shares with us some of her moments of doubt - and even moments of great danger in her relationship with outdoor sporting, including her obsession to run a marathon of 100 miles that nearly killed her.

In other words, this is a companion book. It's not a preachy, too-good-to-be-real, 10-step guide to spiritual perfection. In fact, when she reaches the end of her text, she offers us not 10 commandments for improving our world (and ourselves) - but 20, so we can pick and choose the 10 most relevant to our own lives.

I like the fact that Korngold insisted the book debut in a handy paperback edition - in itself, an invitation for us to stuff it into a pocket or bag and head outside to read it.

The book tells us a lot - but not too much - about how this congregational rabbi wound up establishing an "adventure" ministry in Colorado. She's a rabbi in the Reform movement but her approach to rethinking community - and where communities should gather - is a healthy creative force within American religion.

She's not alone, of course. Evangelical Christians, Catholics, Muslims, Buddhists - a whole host of faithful people -- are rethinking their spiritual relationship to God's Creation these days. What Rabbi Korngold is saying in her book is that this isn't some kind of trendy movement designed to welcome restless seekers into the fold. No, on the contrary, she's saying that this movement reconnects with the deepest roots of faith.

I also appreciate that she refuses to profess easy answers to complex problems. In fact, some of her best passages are about her encounters with puzzles she can't offer to solve for us. Instead, she invites us to join in the journey with her. And, in the end, that's really the most powerful message in this book: a call to journey together into the world God has made for us.

The book easily could become a guide to weekly discussion for small groups. While the book is divided into seven chapters plus an Afterword - groups could use the book for one month, two months - or on a weekend retreat outdoors. In the back of the book, you'll find helpful materials, including instructions for downloading supplements for group discussions.

I can not tell you how this book has me slow down and really appreciate the relationship I have with God. Keri Wyatt Kent says that often times others base your spiritual life on how many times you read your Bible, how often you spend in prayer etc. Not that these things aren't important but we can find God in the everyday things that life presents us with if we just take a few moments to listen and be still. I have 2 young boys so I don't have alot time for myself. This book showed me that I can worship God in the little things day to day.

This was the first book (besides a children's book) that I read cover to cover after becoming a mom. As wonderful as being a mom is, I was rather overwhelmed during the first year. I began to wonder if I would ever find my way back to peace and calm. This book helped me not only to realize that I was not alone, but also to learn practical steps I could take in order to draw closer to God in this new and busy season of my life. I highly recommend it to all moms out there.

This book is well worth the price! Keri Wyatt Kent is a gifted writer and this book is well written, east to read, and thought provoking. I highlighed much of it knowing I would refer to it again and again. Thanks to Keri, I'm able to more fully enjoy my moments as a mother and I've learned to hear God's whisper even in the most frustrating, unexpected moments. This is a must read for anyone with small children.

Many mothers desperately want to spend time with God but lack the energy or time to implement spiritual disciplines. For those moms, Kent's book will be a breath of fresh air. By honestly revealing her own struggles and the answers God gently led her to, the author helps moms realize that we can pray through the day (while washing dishes, driving carpool, sorting laundry) and that our spiritual life doesn't have to suffer because we don't have hours to devote to Bible study. What a relief!

As we weather the more difficult aspects of motherhood, sometimes the cold winds of challenge, disappointment (mostly in ourselves), and downright struggle can drive us to a place of despair and isolation. By her vulnerable writing in God's Whisper in a Mother's Chaos, Keri Kent wraps us in the warm blanket of discovery that we are not alone...

She follows that profound gift with a cup of hot chocolate in the form of practical tips on how to hear that gentle Voice that helps us rise above mere survival and become more fully be present to celebrate the miracle of motherhood.

God's Whisper is easy to read yet filled with authentic treasures the author undoubtedly acquired by listening to Jesus.

As a folklore writer, I am always interested in acquiring new research materials for my library. As I already have a pretty extensive library, when I first saw "Goddess Alive!" by Michelle Skye I wondered if it could possibly offer me any information I didn't already have access to.

I was pleasantly surprised. The first section I turned to was the chapter on the Valkyries. I was so pleased to find that this chapter not only contained information about the Norse Goddesses who escort the slain battle heroes to Valhalla, and the Norse Goddess Freyja, but it also had some information on Brunhildr (sometimes spelled Brynhilde) that I'd never seen before. The names of the Valkyries are also given.

Goddess Alive! features 13 goddesses from Norse and Celtic folklore. They are connected to either seasonal dates or moon phases.

The first part of the book is titled "The Turning of the Year" and features the following goddesses:

The Winter Solstice: Cerridwyn, Welsh Goddess of Rebirth and Renewal
Imbolc: Brigid, Irish Goddess of Fire
The Spring Equinox: Eostre, Anglo-Saxon Goddess of Spring
Beltane: Freyja, Norse Goddess of Love and War
The Summer Solstice: Aine, Irish Goddess of Faeries and Fertility
Lammas/Lughnasadh: Danu, Irish Mother Goddess of Wisdom
The Autumn Equinox: Modron, Welsh Mother Goddess of Mystery
Samhain: Hella, Norse Goddess of the Underworld

The second part of the book is titled "The Faces of the Moon" and features the following goddesses:

Waxing Moon: Branwen, Welsh Goddess of Sovereignty
Full Moon: Maeve, Irish Goddess of Personal Power
Waning Moon: The Valkyries, Norse Goddesses of Battle Magic and Soul Journey
Dark Moon: Morrighan, Irish Goddess of Magic and Death
New Moon: Rhiannon, Welsh Great Queen and Horse Goddess

Each chapter is laid out into sections which include information on that particular goddess, the holiday or moon that they represent, a guide to a pathworking for that particular goddess, a guided meditation, an invocation to that goddess, an activity, and then a ritual.

The guided meditation is visually appealing, and rather complex, so you'd either want to record it or have someone read it to you. In the chapter on the Valkyries I chose to read the meditation several times over, then I just did the meditation on my own. I didn't enjoy this quite as much as recording it myself first, but it can definitely be done.

The information on the different goddesses is extensive and well-researched, and the details on the holidays and moon times are very informative. For the spiritual soul, the pathworking, activity and rituals are beautifully done and are sure to please.

Much more than a simple guide to ancient goddess mythology, I found "Goddess Alive!" to be not only informative, but beautifully laid out and rich in tradition and legend. I thoroughly enjoyed Michelle Skye's easy to read (and understand) writing style, and the illustrations by Kris Waldherr were beautifully done. I would highly recommend it to not only the folklore buff, but to all those interested in furthering their own spiritual practice.

The drawings and descriptions of the goddesses in this book are beautiful. I bought it because I am interested in the pathworking meditations and working more with the Goddess/es. I also like that Michelle Skye takes her stories from both the celtic and norse traditions. The Goddess is back! And this book is very well done.

I'm amazed at what I learned about the Goddesses, beyond what I ever imagined - what a delightful book and so well written. Michelle Skye, you definately have my interest. Looking forward to your next book.

Come and invite the energies of these goddesses into your life, and see what lessons they have to teach and share! Step into the legends of old, and envelop yourself in a unique experience. Feel the cold winter air against your skin in one meditation; feel the ancient sun warm your face in another. I was so sorry to see this book come to an end.

Michelle Skye has authored a lovely compilation of ancient myths centering around these major Celtic and Norse goddesses. Through Ms. Skye's painstaking research, you will learn the story of each goddess, but this is much, much more than a history book. You will explore each goddess through wonderful guided meditations, interesting activities, ritual, and invocation. You will also explore each goddess' relationship to a Sabbat or Esbat, and discover what meaning she holds for you.

At the beginning of the book is a helpful section called "Starting on Your Journey," which gives a solid foundation in grounding and centering, explains pathworking, and prepares you for the meditations. Ms. Skye has an easy, informal diction that brings alive each goddess and makes for a very uncomplicated, comfortable, and encouraging read. The wonderful illustrations by Kris Waldherr beautifully bring to life a face for each goddess.

I believe you will love the opportunity to learn made available through this book. I especially just loved the meditations on Aine, Hella, and Rhiannon. I especially just loved this whole book.

A well researched, and fundamentally sound book. As a retired world history teacher a found this book to be a wealth of information on Celtic culture. This early Indo-European people-The Celts-had a significant impact on the development of several Western European cultures. Many people are not aware of this early influnce. The Celts once dominated Europe from Spain to Scotland with a particularly strong predominance in Ireland and Wales. The history of both Ireland and Wales began decades before the arrival of Christianity.
Furthermore, in my opinion, this book recognizes the influnce of women in the culture of Celtic society. It is a creditable presentation of the role and efficacy of women in ancient cultures. Good Job Michelle Skye.

As a devotional writer and mom, I read a lot of books marketed towards those two groups. This book combined the two in a delightful way. Grace for the Race compiles meditations for busy moms written by Dena Dyer. The writing is both humorous and heartwarming. Ms. Dyer makes herself vulnerable and displays a humility I find endearing. My favorite chapter tells "What Real Love Looks Like." I'd recommend this book for busy moms. Each chapter stands on its own, so the book can be read on the run. And how nice to find a fellow chocoholic mom writer!

No matter what season of mothering you're in, GRACE FOR THE RACE offers something to encourage you. If you're pregnant, maybe you can relate to Dena who says, "As I write this, I'm seven months pregnant with our second child, and I have a confession: I don't like it! I feel like a penguin in bicycle shorts!"

If you're a new mom struggling with keeping up and wondering why your emotions are all wacky, you'll be blessed by Dena's tender descriptions of her postpartem depression, when she was "low on sleep and high on anxiety." Dena says that her passion is to "help women see that we're in this race together."

GRACE FOR THE RACE is divided into nine sections that relate to the various stages and emotions of motherhood: training well, warming up and stretching out, the first lap, using proper equipment, hopping over the hurdles, handing it off, in the final stretch, crossing the finish line, and on the podium.

In the beginning of the book, she quotes a prayer from Saint Frances Cabrini, "Give me your grace, most loving Jesus, and I will run after You to the finish line, forever. Help me, Jesus, because I want to do this with burning fervor, speedily."

Each chapter is short, a few pages of hilarious stories from Dena's personal life. And she is such a great storyteller -- I can totally relate to everything she's describing. At the end of each section, she offers "Notes from the Coach," which are easy-to-read scriptures from modern versions of the Bible that speak right to the heart.

I'm going to get some copies of this book to have on hand for baby shower gifts and for mom friends who I want to encourage. It's so wonderful to read something where you feel loved and accepted for who you are, yet also challenged to be the best you can be for God.

Dena says, "If you're like me, you probably feel 'stuck' sometimes. Every day, I look toward the top of Mt. Laundry, having just tackled Mt. Dishes. Taking a deep breath, I start the climb...When I feel overwhelmed in the midst of the endurance test called parenthood, it helps me to remember that I'm not alone -- other climbers have gone before me."

Reading this book is like pausing a minute to sip a cool refreshing drink, then gearing back up for the climb, knowing that you're never, never in this parenting gig alone.

--Reviewed by Heather Lynn Ivester for Mind & Media

When I first sat down with Grace For The Race I figured I would read a couple of the devotions. I read half the book before I realized it. These meditations, geared towards busy moms, will make you forget just how busy you are. They are so delightful, humorous, and heartwarming. You will enjoy every carefree moment you spend reading it. And, it will definitely leave you feeling like those moments were truly carefree.

Dena Dyer divides her thought provoking meditations into nine sections designed to inspire and encourage. Each piece begins with an appetizer (a quote) and ends with desert (scripture) related to that particular meditation. The entree is stories and insights from Dena's own life. Each piece is filling and inspirational.

You not only get a peak into Dena's own life, but you realize that what Dena says is true--we are all fellow runners, in the same daily race, with the same Coach. As Dena would have it, Grace For The Race, cheers you on in your daily race and inspires you to look for the little miracles in your own life. It also encourages you to set aside time, even if it is just a few minutes here and there, to talk to your Coach and lean on Him.

I bought Dena's book for my mommy friends for Christmas. They really liked the family stories and personal tidbits Dena wrote about. After I started reading the book myself, I couldn't put it down. I am not a mommy yet, but I will refer back to the book when I need inspiration or motivation, or just a laugh to lighten up the marathon moms always run! Grace for the Race meditations are inspirational for future mommy situations, but also, for now, is inspirational to me, just as a woman. Thank you Dena! I look forward to your next book!

This is the perfect read for every busy mother. I have three small children, and had sworn off any parenting books for awhile to read only fiction. I couldn't put this book down. Divided into REALLY quick daily readings, her true-life stories of mothering made me laugh out loud, and each reading is coupled with great Scripture pertaining to the day's topic. Dena's light hearted and profound approach left me feeling like I really can tackle each day as a busy mom.

This book is by far the best collection of prayers. The book contains Latin and English prayers side-by-side of one another so you can follow and learn Latin. I have been looking for a book like this for five years, and it was just by mere chance I came upon this when I typed the word "prayers" in the Amazon search bar. I'm truly happy and grateful that I own such a treasure. I will advocate all Catholics/Christians to buy this book. Also, there is a Spanish edition for those Spanish readers, it's called "Oraciones Y Devociones", isbn# 0879738596

This is a wonderful little book (size not number of prayers) that can be taken easily to work or on the plane. It contains a wealth of prayers many with the Latin translation on the opposing page. While it contains the morning, evening and other general prayers like many other books it includes the liturgy of the Mass, meditations on the Rosary, and other special event prayers and blessings. If you need one prayer book this is the one I would suggest. But I would supplement with the Pieta (blue)pamphlet. I still need to review Fr. Hardon's book of prayers.

I was introduced to this great little book on a retreat last winter with Opus Dei. A number of the men there had it and I borrowed one for a while on the retreat. This is a little treasure that should be in every Catholic home.

A number of features make this one such a nice prayer book. It is compact and fits in a [...] pocket. Also it contains great pen and ink sketches and illustrations, especially for the Stations of the Cross. It has such a variety of prayers if you only had this prayer book it would be sufficient for a wide and varied prayer life.

The first section of the book is a series of articles on How to Be a Better Catholic. The next section is a collect of basic prayers, the Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Our Father ... then the sections become more specific:

Midday Prayers
Evening Prayers
Preparation for Mass
The Eucharistic Sacrifice
Prayers after Mass
Communion Outside Mass
Eucharistic Adoration
Guide for a Good Confession
Devotions to the Blessed Trinity
Devotions to Our Lord Jesus Christ
Devotions to the Holy Spirit
Devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Devotions to St. Joseph
Various Prayers
Prayers at the Time of Death
Prayers for the Dead
Blessings
Sacraments When in Dander of Death

I guarantee that if you pick up this little book, you will find yourself referring to it time and time again. It will become one of your most valued books, for help in developing your spiritual lif

Excellent but a newer version is available under James Socias as Editor.

I was introduced to this great little book on a retreat last winter with Opus Dei. A number of the men there had it and I borrowed one for a while on the retreat. This is a little treasure that should be in every Catholic home.

A number of features make this one such a nice prayer book. It is compact and fits in a breast pocket. Also it contains great pen and ink sketches and illustrations, especially for the Stations of the Cross. It has such a variety of prayers if you only had this prayer book it would be sufficient for a wide and varied prayer life.

The first section of the book is a series of articles on How to Be a Better Catholic. The next section is a collect of basic prayers, the Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Our Father ... then the sections become more specific:

Midday Prayers
Evening Prayers
Preparation for Mass
The Eucharistic Sacrifice
Prayers after Mass
Communion Outside Mass
Eucharistic Adoration
Guide for a Good Confession
Devotions to the Blessed Trinity
Devotions to Our Lord Jesus Christ
Devotions to the Holy Spirit
Devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Devotions to St. Joseph
Various Prayers
Prayers at the Time of Death
Prayers for the Dead
Blessings
Sacraments When in Dander of Death

I guarantee that if you pick up this little book, you will find yourself referring to it time and time again. It will become one of your most valued books, for help in developing your spiritual life.

This is a great prayerbook for Catholics and has all the essential prayers except for the Luminous Mysteries and hence this portion of it needs to be updated. The version I have has bonded leather covers and gold imprinted letters. The pages are also gilded and the fonts are also of a nice size for easy reading. I find the section on "How to be a Better Catholic" to be very useful as well as Latin versions of some of the prayers on the facing pages to the English versions. Highly recommended but they should update and include the Luminous Mysteries.

This book has a little bit of everything - feng shui, zodiac signs, dowsing, recipes, and organizational tips. It's so full of information it can be a little overwhelming, but she does organize the book very well. I enjoyed the food recipes and the recipes for natural cleaning solutions. The author also states that dogs prefer positive energy and that cats prefer negative energy, which I have long suspected.

The book has too much of a mystical hoopla vibe for me, though. I stopped when she got to the section about the negative effects of tampons on my spiritual energy or whatever.

Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet, by Norma Lehmeier Hartie, is an indispensable reference book for anyone who cares about their health and well being and for the future of the planet.

Hartie concisely covers a wide range of subjects and includes a comprehensive listing of advisory organizations, product and service resources. Part I of the book, "Banish the Ugly from Your Life," is a blueprint for green, sustainable living. Discover how to replace toxic and unsustainable products from household cleaners to food (including recipes) to furniture to personal care products with safe, eco-friendly ones. Hartie is the tough but motivational Life Coach in her approach to cleaning, removing clutter and on organizing the home or office.

Part II, "Bring in the Beautiful to Create a Harmonious Environment and Self," includes a chapter on Earth-based spirituality and a fascinating look at the Four Elements (Earth, Fire, Air and Water) and the Medicine Wheel. The core of Hartie's philosophy blossoms in Chapter Seven, "Applying Harmonious Adjustments(tm): Using Feng Shui and Other Techniques for Powerful Results." Unlike other Feng Shui authors, Hartie has experience as a designer and her skills are apparent in this chapter and the following two. She has combined principles of Feng Shui, the Four Elements, color, energy, Vastu, creative visualization, and good design principles that create a unique and eclectic approach to home decorating. Finally, Hartie provides guidance on how to manifest personal or professional desires.

In Part III, "Putting the Pieces Together," Hartie skillfully integrates the many subjects of the book into a unified and cohesive whole.

At its cover price of $19.95, Harmonious Environment is a value alone for the comprehensive green living product suppliers in the Resources section.

What makes this book so truly ambitious, however, is what lies beneath the surface. In a sense, this book is only marginally about decorating ones home per se; it is a tome about personal transformation and about saving the earth. A theme that runs throughout the book is that all beings on earth are interconnected energetically. It is empowering to read that each person has the ability to manipulate their homes and self to both raise the collective energy and to manifest their own desires. Motivational, enlightening and well organized, Harmonious Environment is one remarkable book.

"The energy from flowers is so bright and strong that they can be put anywhere in the home and they will enhance your life." ~ pg. 217

Norma Lehmeier Hartie is a design consultant and Harmonious Adjustment practitioner who enjoys gardening and cooking. She created the practice of Harmonious Adjustments to give her clients the chance to reconnect with nature and to manifest their personal and professional dreams. Through her book she introduces ideas for detoxing and decluttering your home environment.

If you want a happier, healthier lifestyle that is more in harmony with nature, then Norma Lehmeier Hartie's book has a world of information to make this possible. She can help you:

Remove toxic products from your home and garage
Clean and organize your home
Buy environmentally friendly cleaning products
Organize your home for more peace and harmony
Find healthy personal care products
Grow plants that help to control pollution - A list of the Fifty Best Houseplants
Find the best choices in flooring
Figure out how to recycle larger items like a refrigerator
Cook more safely and use kitchen scraps for your garden
Formulate a plan to keep your house clean
Organize every room in the house
Decorate with Confidence

Reading through the list of harmful products gives you an idea of the ingredients to avoid in cleaners and how they can affect your health. For an antibacterial spray, the author suggests water and essential oils and for cleaning silver she also suggests more natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar. Using Borax and water is less dangerous than chlorine bleach fumes and you may want to try this in your shower. You may enjoy products by Seventh Generation.

Chapter three felt a little out of my personal range of expertise, although we know that thoughts can affect our environment and life and can move our life in a positive or negative direction. This chapter deals more with spiritual practices. Chapter 6 also delves into a deeper connection with nature, personality types and elemental powers. The list of Yin and Yang is helpful to create a balance of the two in your home. An entire chapter is also dedicated to plants, gemstones and crystals.

"If you are the average American woman, you expose yourself to over two hundred synthetic chemicals that are found in the products you use as you prepare yourself for the day. These products do not simply sit on your skin; approximately sixty percent of these ingredients get absorbed into your bloodstream." ~ pg. 91

Chapter four is especially informative and essential if you are trying to be healthier and want to find organic alternatives to products filled with synthetic chemicals. Why should you avoid petroleum and talc? Why is there lead in hair dye?

The section on an Eco-Friendly Kitchen is interesting and the chapter on natural and organic foods also gives ideas on how to save time in the kitchen. A few recipes are included:

Vegetarian Pasta Primavera
Fajitas
Risotto with Scallops or Shrimp
Lemon Rice
Grilled Vegetables

An extensive list of resources and a very handy index complete this well-researched and extremely helpful book. If you enjoy Feng Shui or decorating and organizing your home, there is a lot to enjoy and you may find the information in this book can also help with fatigue, anxiety and sleeping problems.

~The Rebecca Review

This is a great book for both the beginner and those working on clearing their environment. A very interesting read.

No matter what your goals are, this book has the starting point for you. Learn how to make your life less toxic and get a better relationship with Mother Earth.

After getting a recommendation on this book from a spiritual retreat I'd gone to, I thought my Mom would enjoy reading this book, so I got it for her for Chirstmas. After browsing thru it before I wrappped it up for her, I plan on reading it after she's thru with it because it looks very interesting. I think she'll also enjoy it. Thanks for sending it in time for me to give it for Christmas!

This book is both encouraging and uplifting. You will not be the same after reading of the powerful healings through Mary. It is a quick and easy read. Makes a great gift for someone needing encouragement due to sickness.

Wonderful book!!! One of the best i seen on Our LAdy for some time. The writing is very good. I would have liked more traditional pictures , but that being said it is treasure of a book. A+

These stories tell of real healings through faith in and love of Mary. They inspire anyone who reads them to believe that they too can be healed of whatever their dis-ease might be. This book is an inspiration.

Compiled, organized and edited by photojournalist Cheri Lomonte "The Healing Touch Of Mary" is a compendium of more than sixty personal accounts by men and women from around the world revealing the Blessed Virgin Mary's compassionate, loving, faith-nurturing divinity for all of humanity. Enhanced with full-color photographs of the Madonna drawn from Nicaragua, Peru, Italy, France, and the United States, "The Healing Touch Of Mary" offers dramatic, heartwarming stories of Her miraculous, modern-day appearances to Christians in need. These inspirational stories range from a girl who shared her glow-in-the-dark statue of Mary with a frightened friend, to a woman in a car wreck to whom the Blessed Mother appeared, to a child whose broken fingers were healed by Lourdes water, and so many, many more real-life examples of the Madonna's intervention into the lives of those who needed her most. "The Healing Touch Of Mary" is highly recommended reading for Christians of all creeds and denominations, but most especially for members of the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Catholic communities.

I read it in one sitting, crying half the time, laughing the other half. It really made me think about life and death, and not trying suicide, as it would really be the wrong answer. If you're considering suicide, this book is a "must read"!!

About five years ago I was blessed to meet Joyce Brown, She had given me her book to read. I was going threw alote at that time I was addicted to drugs, a week after recieving the book I ended up in jail were Joyce Brown visited me. She brought me another book to finish reading I finished the book while in custody I can't tell you the power that book had on my life. I didn't get clean from drugs right away but that book gave me hope I no longer wanted to die. I am 16 month clean and sober and am under going treatment for hepitis c some days are really rough and seem almost unbearable, but I make it threw I believe in the message the book sends and to all those who are having a hard time in life I encourage you to read this book. It has had a life changeing effect on my life.
Joyce if you get a chance to read this I just want to say thank you for haveing the courage to write this book it has helped me immensley. I will allways have a special place in my heart for you. Barbara Cimino

Brown's book conveys spiritual truth in a simple (but not simplistic) manner. Perhaps theoutstanding feature of this book is not so much that it tells youentirely "new revelations", but rather that it infuses that whichyou have heard before with a spiritual sense of truth--a certain inspiration. Particularly recommended for those feeling depressed.

This is a book that is saving people's lives. I give high praise to Joyce Brown for being willing to share these private personal experiences so that others may find joy in living. I recommend this book to anyone struggling with finding meaning in life, and especially to those contemplating suicide. It can help. It can send you to your knees to give prayers of gratitude for being able to live in this beautiful world.

This is the most important book I have ever read. I have read everything I could find on the topic of near-death experiences for the last 32 years. This topic of what happens on the other side of our existence, it very important, comforting, uplifting and interesting. It also gives one knowledge of what is ahead. This books has all the answers to all the questions anyone will ever ask about what happens when one passes over to the other side of existence. It is all here in one book. I truly wish I would have had this book thirty years ago. I am purchasing at this time copies for my husband and all my children. The information contained in this book really gives the answer to the reason we are alive and here in this place. It tells us what the consquences of our actions do, what we should be thinking about and how we should live our lives every day. I recommend that this be required reading for everyone!