Spirituality Books

I think what I liked best about this book is that is far from a "how to" manual on discipleship or church leadership full of "tips and tricks" on how to implement programs or get people to do things. Hull is honest about his own journey, and is compelling when he encourages the reader to choose a life of genuine discipleship. Hull identifies one of the primary problems in our churches as a lack of genuine discipleship, or Christ-likeness in the lives of average believers. The solution, he argues, is to become "intolerant of fringe Christianity." He then uses a five-fold rubric to structure his vision of discipleship: transformed mind, character, relationships, service, and influence.

One of Hull's more gripping arguments is that evangelism begins with a deepening church. Disciples given over to Christ and who have a God-like love for the world will make the best evangelists. In order to extend the branches of the church, it first must strengthen its roots. In addition, Hull argues, evangelism must be a call to a whole life. We should no longer get away with momentary decisions. We must model, encourage, and produce a structure where believers at all maturity levels can find their lives aimed toward Christ.

I am convinced of Hull's basic argument that the Church needs to recapture a robust notion of discipleship. His argument that, "discipleship...is the primary and exclusive work of the church" is right on the money (pg. 29). If you want to be motivated to find out what that means as an individual or even as a leader, this is a tremendous work.

Bill Hull raises the bar for those who claim to be Christians. This book clearly supports his thesis that discipleship is not optional, and is not reserved for some elite segment of the church. He presents discipleship for what it should be - a lifelong multifaceted transformation of our character, our mind, our heart, our service and our leadership - instead of the all-too typical depiction of discipleship as a limited duration study of biblical facts leading to some type of "certificate of discipleship." One strength of the book is the degree to which Hull is willing to be transparent about his own life struggles, and the degree to which he himself is willing to model vulnerability. Fans of Richard Foster, Dallas Willard and Dietrich Bonhoeffer will enjoy, be enlightened, and experience tremendous challenge in their faith by reading and re-reading this book. I have bought and distributed no less than 30 copies.

I have enjoyed reading this book immensely! I am finding in application that it is a wonderful look at the Gospel and a great way to get to know the Savior better and listen for His voice in my life!

This book is a must read for all professing christians. The author provides the motivation and the method to enable the reader to evaluate "nondiscipleship" christianity, and decide whther or not that is an oxymoron, and if it is, what the would-be christian must do about it.
It is written clearly and is easy to understand, and therefore begs the choice from each of us!

The book is good on discipleship but, from my Evangelical perspective, is misguided on spiritual disciplines. Bill Hull acknowledges the spiritual disciplines he promotes are rooted in liberalism, neo-orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism (pp. 44,62,68). These spiritual disciplines are not rooted in the Bible but originate in Eastern mysticism and have been adopted by esoteric Christian movements over the centuries. It appears Mr. Hull is drifting with other Evangelicals into the growing surge of these unbiblical mystical practices. This issue is not a major theme of the book, but it should raise concerns and may move one to look elsewhere for a resource on biblical discipleship.

Roman Catholicism officially rejects the Reformed understanding of salvation by grace alone through faith alone. And liberal theology denies essential biblical doctrines such as the deity of Christ and his bodily resurrection. If the Roman Catholic mystics and liberal theologians Mr. Hull endorses were so good at the spiritual disciplines, and so close to God that they received direct special revelation from Him, how did they go so far astray on crucial doctrine? Could it be they favored revelation from a personal experience over what God has revealed in his Word? Scripture should provide our model for spiritual disciplines, not extra-biblical unorthodox teachings.

For example, "Choose the Life" promotes "Lectio Divina" (p.218). Similar to Lectio Divina is a form of divination called bibliomancy; the practice of seeking spiritual insight by selecting a random passage from a Holy Book. Seeking to acquire hidden knowledge by supernatural means is divination and is forbidden in Scripture. Lectio Divina may not be full blown bibliomancy, but it looks a lot more like bibliomancy than it does "accurately handling the word of truth" (2Tim. 2:15).

The first step in Lectio Divina is to take a word or phrase out of its context and assign meaning to it based on how one feels. This should be quickly and easily rejected without even bringing up the mystical nature of the practice. It completely disregards the most basic principles of hermeneutics and turns the Bible into a medium like a crystal ball or Ouija board. Instead of interpreting the objective written Word of God, one is encouraged interpret their own subjective feelings about isolated words, and then assume their private experience is equal to a Divine revelation. This creates confusion about what is authoritative and the results can be harmful. The Holy Spirit does not routinely take Scripture out of context, change its meaning from what the author intended and give the reader a personalized message. God has given us his revelation in the words of Scripture to convey truth about himself and our relationship to him. With God's grace, we come to know Him by understanding what is written and when we apply the truth of his Word to our lives we are transformed.

Bill Hull uses the rhetoric of false dichotomy. "The church is seriously debilitated by the belief that the test of salvation is doctrinal rather than behavioral"(p.70). "Going deep [with God] is not learning...it is returning good for evil"(p.69). "It's not about information but formation"(p.74). Similar dichotomies heard in today's liberalized evangelicalism are; "It's about deeds not creeds", "the heart not the head", "relationships not propositions", "behavior not belief". These examples separate practice and knowledge as if they were in opposition. Rather than correct an ineffectual use of `knowledge', knowledge is entirely dismissed and replaced with `practice'. In the pages cited above, Mr. Hull dismisses doctrine, learning and information. These are foundational for right behavior and healthy spiritual formation. If he were asked about this I'm sure he would affirm the importance of doctrine, but the language he is using here indicates otherwise. It seems he is slipping into the popular "deeds not creeds" ideology of liberalism.

On page 217 Bill Hull recommends a list of books that include several Roman Catholics and medieval mystics. Referring to this list he says, "One must make allowance for excessive theological beliefs". Why does he recommend these resources? Is this the best he has to offer? I have read and benefited from the writings of Catholics, mystics and liberals. However, they are not my preferred guide for discipleship because they too often reach outside of Scripture for their practices of spiritual formation. In the future I hope Mr. Hull will give greater consideration to the origin of his recommended resources and whether they are truly biblical. We should be promoting those spiritual disciplines prescribed in the Bible rather than borrowing mystical practices from the religions of the world.

"Errors in theology tend to breed errors in spirituality." -- Donald S. Whitney

I was new to the author, having never read his thoughts or even heard of him until recently. I am a mystical charismatic, who is bent towards philosophy, and have been exposed only minimally to catholic devotional writers. I have been enriched tremendously by "Christ is Passing By." The practical holiness, and the vision of a life captured by a desire to love God and others fully is contagious. The book follows the lectionary year. The teaching is first rate in most cases, and the spirit is all God centered. I thank God for this book.

I have read this book twice, since it is so good that it deserved a second, more paused reading. Fr. Escriva is clear, direct puting new light into traditional Catholic teachings.

Worth reading!!!!!

St. Josemaria Escriva was one of those rare individuals with the uncanny ability to give us hope in humanity while challenging us to do better. Never was his preaching focused on our failures - always they were focused on what God had already accomplished in us and the potential for what more he can accomplish when we submit to his instruction. These homilies are summed up best in Josemaria's own words, "How I wish your bearing and conversation were such that, on seeing or hearing you, people would say: This man reads the life of Jesus Christ."

The homily entitled, "The Great Unknown," is alone worth the cost of the book. The small pocket format of this book makes it one more in a series of devotional tools to keep handy and ready to meditate upon at every spare moment. Keep the words of this great teacher and lover of men's souls close to you for a reminder of God's love and expectations along with the hope in things not yet seen.

[The cover of my particular edition has been updated - does not look like image provided by Amazon] It's not hard to understand why the Catholic Church considers Josemaria Escriva to be a Saint after reading "Christ Is Passing By." What an insightful man he was! He writes in a clear and comprehensible fashion. This particular book is a great resource for those who want to scratch beneath the surface of some of the most significant events from the New Testament - events commemorated each year by the Catholic Church. It's also a great resource for bible study. It can and should be read over and over again. Bottom line: "Christ Is Passing By" has enhanced my personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

This collection of homilies is one of the first books I read by St. Josemaria Escriva. While remaining optimistic, the Saint penetrates the spiritual malaise that has overcome our Western society and calls us rekindle our enthusiasm for Jesus Christ. Yet the author is in no way condescending or preachy in his style. Rather, he is passionate.

I recommend this book to anyone who has been overcome by the "spiritual blahs" and is looking for something solid to inspire them to greater Catholic action.

This is one of those books you look for to guide you down the true path to correct worship of The Most High.
If you have ever asked,"Is this it,is this all there is", this is a book for you.

I picked this book up while looking for more books by Pema Chodron. It was not recommended to me. I found it an astounding read. It is full of everyday useful, insightful, and spiritually nourishing information about a sect of Judaism not known to me. It is easy to read and quite inspiring. The author has started an institute that welcomes all faiths to learn more about Mussar. Everyone should have a copy!!!

This book is well written and flows. The subject will interest all those who are not afraid of introspection, who are not looking for a shortcut to a happier and fulfiling life and who have the perseverence to persist to reach a long term goal.

with, as other reviewers pointed out, a nice selection of practical exercises, like holding a rubber band or some other talisman when you get angry (to remind yourself that almost everyone gets angry and has to get over it), concentrating on one or two words when praying, and trying to think about the positive good you can help create when you are engaged in social action (rather than on who you are angry at for creating the problem).

In a world where spiritual materialism is rampant, it is refreshing to find the real thing. _Climbing Jacob's Ladder_ by Alan Morinis is an up close and personal introduction to Mussar, a little known, nearly obliterated form of Jewish Wisdom which aims in the most practical way to help anyone find his soul and then to cut through the clutter to balance and strengthen that soul by various techniques. There is no quick fix here, but what this book has to say jibes with as much as I have learned. Spirituality is largely a matter of practice. God helps those who work on their technique!  

This book is so worth the time! It is enjoyable and funny, but Thor hits home with what seems to be simple Biblical teaching and truths that we make hard to live by. I truly enjoyed it and appreciate its challenge to live its message.

This book is hilarious!! He has no problem touching the hard subjects and because he does it with humor it hurts less. We saw him live last night and he is so funny! I was so glad I purchased this!! With chapter titles like "The Sexual Life of a Nun"; "My God is bigger than your god"; and "Damn Theology" you know there must be something good in the pages. I giggled from the preface thru the end and I had to come write a review. *nevermind that I also got a deal on the price if I promised to write one* I mean it really was good.

The funniest and best book I have read in ages. It is hard to put down! It is a great book that keeps you laughing!

This book made me think and laugh out loud at the same time. Very well researched. Cutting edge research AND comedy. Very funny.

This book is packed with truth, provocative and hilarious!
I love how Thor slices up the watering down of truth in witty, insightful ways. I couldn't stop reading this and finished it in a couple sittings.
Wow! Loved it! How did I feel about it? Loved it? This book will be too smart for a few people, but they probably aren't reading Amazon book reviews anyway.

This Commentary is a very affordable way to get Martin Luther's insight on his theology of the cross. This book is really a sumation of Luther's beliefs on God and Christ.

Commentary was for a Christmas present. Receiver of the gift was very excited, and enjoys the book very much.

This review covers the Flemming H. Revell Commentary on St. Paul's Epistle to The Galations. This version is based upon Luther's lectures at the University of Wittenberg in 1531 and the translation is based upon the "Middleton" edition of 1575. This is the best version to my knowledge, but it is written in King James english. On the positive side, it reads very poetic, but on the negative, it is harder to follow. I personally like this writing as it is closer to the language of the 16th Century. This book was considered by Luther to be his favorite, and history rates it highly. To summarize, it has a number of messages, (1) Galations shows that a person who is in true faith can fall away if they are negatively influenced by false teaching - a real problem in today's world. (2) That Biblical teaching must be solely based upon Bible scripture, and anyone who teaches man's doctrines using random Bible passages to support his/her sermons is most likely not a trustworthy preacher. (3) That even faith is a gift of God, and not a decision that a person makes. (4) That "Justification" is based upon "faith alone. (5) That Mose's OT law condemns mankind, and that anything a person tries to add to God's grace in the way of works or self rightiousness, denies what Jesus Christ did for mankind on the cross - Galatians 5:4. (6) That good works result from heart felt faith, and that good works do not preceed or contribute to salvation when it comes to "Justification."
The world needs this teaching to be more prevalent; however, the world does not like to hear it; therefore, it is almost lost in today's religious teachings. This work is a masterpiece with few peers if any, and is highly recommended to a person familiar with the Bible who desires to grow in their faith and understanding.

This is, in my estimation, the greatest non-canonical book ever written. Luther expounds Paul's epistle to the Galatians with an insight, power and depth of emotion which is sorely lacking in modern commentaries. He is not concerned with the various potential interpretations of "problematic passages" that fill the pages of other commentaries. From the very first page Luther cuts to the heart of the epistle-the doctrine of justification-in the way that only he can. His bold words and plain-sense interpretations result in a work filled with much of the same force and passion that characterized the epistle itself. The grace of God and the love of Jesus Christ cling to every word like the scent of a precious perfume. I cannot recommend this work highly enough. This is the very essence of the gospel as understood by the one who "rediscovered" the doctrines of faith and grace as he teaches us from the words of the one to whom God first revealed those doctrines. If you are looking for an up-to-date critical commentary or a greek-focused exegetical work then you will not find it here, but if you would hear a plain declaration of the power and wisdom of God then you will not find a better treatise apart from the Bible.

When faced with the ineptitude of my walk with the Lord Jesus I must turn to Luther's Commentary on Galatians! It nearly always brings me to tears of joy as Luther expounds on the love of the Lord Jesus for me a sinner. If Christians of today would make this book a constant book of study, second of course to their Bible we as a church would be able to say along with the apostle Peter,"silver and gold we have none,but such as I have give thee..." Its time for revival in America. Luther's Commentary on Galatians was good enough for the Wesley's amd Bunyan as one other reviewer stated. May I say its good enough for us today. Let's reclaim the power of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and learn the old truth of being justified by faith alone through His grace alone.

I found this little book to be /Inspirational/Funny/Sad/I wonder is that how God really is. Bob seems to have a much better undestanding of the "spiritual world" than most.That is why I enjoy reading his writtings so much.Thank You again Bob

I liked a lot of things about this book. It's a short read in that it's a series of statements by folks with 'answers' from God in bold below them. Each statement/answer then is a stand-alone thought that can be read and appreciated for itself. I think that God watches Judge Judy on occasion. One person says, "God, I feel like believing in you is a complete waste of my time." God answers, "I know the feeling." Another statement hit home strongly with me. A man tells God that keeping his pickup truck from starting won't stop him from going out & getting drunk that night. God tells him the truck will start after he's gone back inside to say goodbye to his mother who won't be there when he gets back from the tavern. His Mom dies in his arms, in the house, 2 hours later and the man has not had a drink since.

Unfortunately, for me personally, there are several examples of answers from 'God' that perpetuate the 'fire and brimstone,' "You're going to burn in Hell forever" God that turned me off to Him years ago. Fundamentalist Christians will love them but I tend to take that kind of statement with a grain of salt and look for the loving message that I know underlies it if it's really from God. I highly recommend this book as something to have handy for a quick pick-me-up since you can open it almost anywhere and find a useful inspiration of some kind. Even the ones I disagree with make me think and that's not all bad. It was worth the price to me.

I am an avid reader.Having read many books through the years Christian and Non-Christian.I have been helped and blessed by some,entertained by others,but I found this book to be Inspired.I could give this to my teenaged grandsons,best friends,or my mother and all would be able to enjoy and relate to it. It is refreshing and insightful.It will allow you to chuckle,touch your heart and your soul.Give you peace of mind and spirit. Each home would profit by having this book accessible to family members and friends.Its message is profound and I would recommend it as a wonderful gift .

A friend knowing my feelings about God, sent me this book. Be it a real or an imaginary God in this book, it is a God I can believe in. It feels good not hating television evangelist. It was the first time anyone had laid it out so clearly.

There are advantages of being a fulltime pastor for forty-three years. Then there are the disadvantages. I try as best I can not to dwell on the disadvantages. But the one that did bother me the most, was not being able to answer the questions of children. Adults seldom ask really hard to answer questions, like, What is Gods favorite color? or Are their toys in heaven? or Why is everything that is fun to do a sin? I remember this one well, Why did God choose the Jews instead of us? Forty-three years I have been talking about God, only to learn that I knew very little about Him. This book is The Spirit at work. A Minister who has not read this book is unlearned regardless of their education.

The book was well written, moved along nicely, and included absolutely amazing insights and new approaches to view our life and physical reality. It was a refreshing, uplifting and a life affirming breath of fresh air in the book world. Well done, Ms Watkins!

I must admit that I've attempted to read other books pertaining to "Sethian" ideas over the years, and have found myself bogged down within them, not quite able to grasp this different way of thinking and perceiving regarding ourselves & our universe...
However, I found this book, by Susan Watkins, to be more down-to-earth, and therefore a bit easier to understand/decipher.

"Conversations With Seth" is a compilation of what went on during some of Jane Robert's classes during the 1970's. It includes specific dialogue between Seth and the various class attendee's, as well as such "topics"/"entities" as The Sumari & Seth II.

It explores the nature of our thoughts & our reality - including our beliefs about violence, sex, men vs. women, alternate realities, and much, much more.

If you are at all interested in Jane Robert's various "Seth" books, and/or are intrigued by the idea of alternate realities, and how our thoughts create the reality we are currently in, then I would higly recommend this book - it's a fascinating, thought-provoking read (to say the least).

Familiarity with Book 1 would be helpful but is not a requirement for Conversations with Seth, Book 2, which continues the dialogues and adventures between Jane Roberts and her class members as they debate with channeled psychic entity Seth. Susan Watkins spent time in the company of both: her recreation of the atmosphere and concerns of a 1970s metaphysical class provides insights into premonition dreams, mass events, politics, and God alike, and will intrigue any with an interest in channeling in general and Seth in particular.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I read this book when it was originally published in 2 volumes--however whether it is one or two books is immaterial. If you've read the Seth books you'll love this book!

Seth might appear to some readers to be a bit too intellectual for a formal setting, as I once thought. However, Seth can quite hold his own with some very diverse people, and opinions. This book is basically transcripts from Jane Roberts' ESP class, and the discussion held there.

To write a review of this book, of this series of books, is challenging in that it seems impossible to encapsulate a life-changing experience by writing a few words. Seemingly more difficult is it to express in words that which elevates you in spirit to the ultimate mountaintop experience. An experience so profound and exquisitely encompassing that my heart swells and my spirit soars 3 full years after being introduced to this work.

The delay in writing the review stems from the personal struggle of finding the `right' words to share so as to fully and accurately review that which is beyond words. How do I add to that which is already complete? And perhaps more importantly, how do I not detract from it?

But this relentless desire to share my experience with A Course of Love has ultimately won out over my uncertainty of being able to write a review that gives due justice. I am not the author (at least no more than you) and I am not here to `sell' the book. But it would be a great disservice for me to not share. If the person that shared it with me had not, I would have missed the most significant read of my life.

Certainly you would expect a review to include or describe what the book is `about'. And herein lies the difficulty. I find the process of trying to sum up this book completely frustrating. Now the words, or rather, the voice of the book comes through as clear and penetrating as the clarion sound of a well-tuned bell, ringing loud and true into the very heart of the reader. It has been the most effecting book! It can not be described as a `how to' manual but maybe as a `guide'. Not as a guide in the sense of pointing the way, but rather a GUIDE as in one who walks with you (the journey without distance). It is somehow a companion more `real' than a physical personality.

I have read many books that have had a positive effect in my life. Most have given a gentle lift while some were quite memorable. Then there are books like A Course in Miracles where you enter into a relationship with the work and find yourself engaged in something much greater than a `book'. In fact, it was during an intense year-long study group of A Course in Miracles that I was introduced to ACOL. Think of ACOL as being for the HEART what ACIM is for the mind, with the concordant shift in Reality.

If you have been a student of A Course in Miracles, then you must...... I mean, MUST look into A Course of Love. You will find that the same loving `voice' moves from `out there' to in here and then you will see that it was Your voice all along.

The effect of spending time with A Course of Love (series) has been experienced as a complete and total shift in consciousness. Uncertainty has been replaced with certainty and an internal compass of peace and joy guides me quietly through my days.

If I can give you but one gift, this is it! I have received so much from ACOL that I simply can not hold it to myself. Please look beyond the inadequate words of this review and introduce your Self to this work.

Didn't think it possible to find another Masterpiece like A Course in Miracles (ACIM). But then someone sent an email one year to the day after finishing ACIM about A Course Of Love (ACOL). This Course makes several references to the Bible and ACIM. In fact ACOL uses the same terminology as ACIM and actually builds on ACIM. ACOL takes the next natural step. ACOL provides the "knowledge" or gnosis on how to combine the mind with the heart. In fact, according to ACOL, it is not necessary to think if you listen to the heart. Stop planning and start being! There is nothing to accomplish. We ARE the accomplished.

"Your heart-not to be confused with the pump that runs your body, but identified as the center of yourself-has no thought system separate from your own and must exist in the reality where you think you are".

This "heart" or "center" is the Christ in all of us as "ONE". This Christ in us is the signature of God in us and us in him, the common denominator.

ACOL restates what ACIM drives forward........."Nowhere in the mystery of faith is it stated that Christ became a body."

Brilliant explanation on how we perceive form........"the infusion of spirit. Taking the creation of form backwards, it leads to this conclusion: Spirit precedes inspiration, inspiration precedes imagination, imagination precedes belief, and belief precedes form."

The paradox trigger......."Tell me what to do and I will do it? Are you not ready for certainty above all else? Are you not ready to be done studying and to begin living? Have you not become increasingly convinced that you have not been living, and wondered what it is you have been doing? Have you not grown weary of what passes for life in your world? Have you not wished you could throw out all the thoughts and worries that fill your mind and begin anew?"

The ancient Gnostic creed lives on in this passage "You do have power that is not of this world, but this does not mean power that is not of this world, but this does not mean power as you see it here, the power of details and the information of which you think when desiring or fearing a fate of prophecy. The power we speak of is the power of knowing." The knowing comes from the heart. This knowing is the Gnostic gnosis! The center; the center of being.

If you are an accomplished ACIM student, this Course will show you the way to remove the perceived barriers or "split" between the mind and heart. While this Course builds on ACIM, it is much more "Earthly". There are much more down to Earth helpful references to help remove all percieved barriers. Very few lessons, easy to understand even if ACIM has not been completed. The reason is simple; the heart need not learn anything. The heart is complete. Nothing else need be added. We as one are united and perfect.

A friend gave me a spiral-bound manuscript of this work, a pre-publication version, which I have been savoring...a few pages each day. I have found myself "selling the praises" of this incredible work on a one-on-one basis. Today I realized that I could increase the audience for my praise by posting a review here. So here goes:

The truths and principles in this work can be life-changing if one allows oneself to take it in slowly, without getting hung up on how it came to be or the authorship. Wear the words for yourself without pre-judgement and your life can be enhanced.

I've been around the block a few times when it comes to self-help, personal development and spiritual literature. Hey, I've even authored some! THIS WORK IS TRANFORMING ME.

It truly is a "must read" for anyone who claims to be seeking enlightenment.

Mari Perron's "A Course of Love" is exquisitely beautiful, a true gem.
I was led to this after years of intensely studying"A Course in Miracles" and will be forever grateful for having been guided to this next, all necessary step.
I see it as a most important complement to the Course because of its focus on the heart, while it can certainly also stand completely on its own and guide one into Awakening to the Christ Mind. I have given this to lots of friends and have without fail experienced a wide opening of the Heart Chakra. If you are not into a mere intellectual approach but ready to experience the 4th dimensional consciousness through a gentle, tender opening of your heart, then this gorgeous book is for you.
Make yourself a great joy and add to your library a book you will eternally treasure!

I interviewed Mari Perron, who channeled this work, for this book review. She is a genuinely humble individual who is articulate and very attuned to the values of ACIM. Much about the initiation of ACOL can be found on her web site (http://www.acourseoflove.com). Those who have studied "A Course in Miracles" were identified to her as the best audience of the Course of Love series, because they are ready for it. Indeed, the works, three in all, were presented to Mari as "another Course of Miracles." It is true that others have believed themselves to be channeling for Jesus in the years since ACIM; I make no judgment about any of these works, but do encourage you to check out ACOL.

I used to think that success was all about having a lot of money, having a big house, and wearing diamond studded underwear. Sure, there is nothing wrong with these things...except maybe the diamond studded underwear, that is just wrong on too many levels...but to me, success is not so much about externals as it is a deep inner feeling of knowing that you are doing something with your life that can make you feel good about who you are as a person.

I've mentioned in several other reviews how there was a time in my life where I felt like an abject failure...that I was a huge dissapointment to all of life. I'd look at my world and see nothing but despair and negativity and hopelessness. I really wanted to end my life at one time. But looking back on those days, I realize that I didn't want to die as much as I wanted all those thoughts I had about my life to die.

But how do we change our thoughts? How do we go from thinking that we are failures to thinking that we're successful? We change our thoughts about ourselves by changing the thoughts we have about ourselves. I'm sorry to be so simplistic. I'm sorry I don't have some "Wa-zoo" device I could sell to you like the Nega-vac 3000 that sucks away all your negative thoughts and feelings, but the bottom line is that if you want to start thinking and feeling good about your life, then you are going to have to start thinking and feeling good.

You see, we do play a role in our own lives. We do have a say as to what we are going to think about. If you woke up feeling kind of lousy this morning, I want you to do something. I want you to go back to bed. That's it. Put the covers back over you and get up again...but this time get up thinking a positive thought about yourself...this time get up feeling as though you have something to offer life because you do; YOU!

This book is a total Godsend. It is to be devoured. It is to be assimilated. When you read it you can just feel little skyrockets of joy going off in your mind. I'm not gonna kid you, it does take work to change your thoughts and it takes even more work to keep them changed but think about this, the moment you begin to change, the WHOLE UNIVERSE will change with you. It has to! There is no set reality! All reality is, is your ideas about it, anyway.

So you could be a totally boring, mouth breathing drone or you could actually become something wonderful...something beautiful...you could be like me! And I am wonderful! I am beautiful! I am rich! I am successful! But then again, so are you. The only difference is, is that you aren't thinking it...you aren't feeling it. You are a success now. You really are. Consider this your invitation to become even more successful!

I wish you well on your journey of Light.

There have been dozens of books telling you that your thoughts create your reality and how to use that to your advantage. This is one of the original such books. The major difference is that because Holmes was inspired as one of the original channels through which this very important information came through, I could fell that his words in this book were highly charged with transformational spiritual energy. I'm not talking of some New Age foo-foo idea. And I'm not talking about religiosity (religion, the bureacracy between God and man!). I'm talking about grounded, very real direct spiritual power. What he offers in this book is the real deal. I have known of this stuff for years. And yet when I read this book, I intentionally approached it with "beginner's mind" as if I've never heard of this stuff before. And as good as my life already was going into this book, applying what Holmes writes has boosted my life to a new level of inner fullness. Buy it, read it, apply it every moment and this will transform your life.

Ernest Holmes' philosophy, applied with a somewhat specialized focus and in capsule form. A magnificent book to pack for trips, taking little space and keeping the spirits up. Unconditionally recommended.

If you have never read Ernest Holmes before, this is a great book to start with. It is simple to read, yet it conveys Ernest Holmes' wisdoms at the core, and directly.

Ernest Holmes will tell you about the concept of Divine Mind, Spiritual Supply, Mental Laws, and why our thoughts create our experience.

The first time I read his concept of "Entering The Absolute", it really opened up a new way of thinking for me. He says that to enter the absolute means, be able to think independently of any existing circumstances or problems. Meaning, if you have any problem or situation which you wish to solve or get out from, the only way to get out from it is to spend your focus mainly on what you really want - which is the solution/answer. If you are poor, you have to think thoughts of wealth,abundance and success, to dwell on the "Infinite Supply" and never on the present circumstances. Many other authors have written about true stories where people have gotten themself out of their situation of lack, by daily thinking and feeling about what they truly desire.

I recently read that the author Anthony Robbins, many years ago when he was broke, he set such big 'impossible' goals for himself such as owning a huge castle to live in, a limosine, being a multi-millionaire and being the successful person he desired to be. And he mentally rehearsed each goal everyday, as if its already achieved, that within JUST ONE YEAR he achieved all of his goals above! The castle, the limo, the wealth and life he dwelled on everyday!

For those who are interested in this topic, you may want to read "As A Man Thinketh" by James Allen. However, I still think 'Creative Mind and Sucess' is the best. If you are interested in Ernest Holmes, I recommend his other books such as "This Thing Called YOU", "Love And Law", "The Essential Ernest Holmes".

Its kind of hard to believe that this book proceeded Ernest Holmes classic text "Science of Mind", but I am glad it did and would recommend this book prior to reading Science of Mind. This is truly the secret unlocked but with a powerful spiritual foundation. Bottom line we are each God, the Universe in expression, and that truth appears in our life according to consciousness (awareness) and I will say it again and again BELIEF. For those looking for a quick fix, put this book down and go out and find something else. While results may happen rather quickly this spiritual path is for those willing to commit themselves to a better life by expanding their consciousness and putting out to LIFE. Once I embraced and realized my relatonship to the One, a great sense of peace, poise, fearlessness and confidence starting expressing through me. I thought I had these before but the foundation was largely ego based. Many of the ideas and concepts I believed as a child have been revealed to me in this book, concepts, ideas, and truths of prosperity, abundance, peace, poise, health and that I can live in this world bu not be of it. I am by far not a religious zealot or fly by night "im spiritual" type. I use these ideas to better my life and they are expressing through me here and now. I am manifesting more prosperity and abundance in all forms like never before. I pull this book out as a part of my daily study when im feeling good and when I need a pick me up. Former Oaklund A's pitcher Barry Zito sings the book praises for helping him become a a star pitcher.

Ive read all of Ernest Holmes book, but this one has to be the best for those on a new path or wanting to study and practice these principles especially when you cant make it to a local churtch or study group. Science of Mind is the ultimate text, but the language is very rich , Creative Mind was written almost 100 years ago but is still very prevalent today. YOU CANT DO WRONG WITH STARTING HERE!

This volume is shaped around intuitive explorations of women's spiritual journey: "Owning Self," "The Imperative of Intimacy, "Mothering," "Generations," "Sacredness in the Ordinary," "Images of the Divine." Though my 18-year-old daughter and I have come to perceive ourselves as women very differently, this is a volume we both have come to love. I wouldn't think of sending her off to college without her own copy!

Marilyn Sewell's work on "Cries of the Spirit" was more than worth the price and I have wanted to thank her over and over. A death in the family and I grab her book to find the right words, a marriage and there she is again, providing a womans point of view from a variety of woman that I have found extremely useful. No matter the occassion, a new baby in the family for instance, and flip of the pages and Marilyn found one more woman who said what I want to say beautifully. Not to mention the times I sit alone, staring at the bay and use the poetry for inspiration for myself. "Cries of the Spirit" (and laughter I might add) is a worth while find!

A truly rich and diverse sourcebook of poetry and prose which defines women through our writings. The book is an anthology of more than 300 poems and several of prose pieces by such authors as: Annie Dillard, Denise Levertov, Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Marge Piercy and earlier writers such as Hildegard von Bingen and Margaret Fuller. My favorite writings are from the hearts and minds of writers such as Joyce Carol Oates, "Growing Together," Margaret Atwood, "Five Poems For Grandmothers," Gwendolyn Brooks, "The Mother," and Annie Dillard "Holy the Firm". These writings offer visions of women from the ordinary to the eclectic. Marilyn Sewell, a Unitarian Universalist minister & doctoral candidate, offers an inciteful introduction to this book. I often dip into this book when seeking just the right poem to review or to remind myself how diverse the women's writing movement is. I give this book a huge FIVE stars. And I hope others will be able to enjoy this book as much as I have.

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This is the only anthology of poetry that I have ever read cover to cover without putting it down. This book is comfort, a talk with your best girlfriends, encouragement, enlightenment and thought-provocation all between two covers. I would recommend it for any woman's private library and the libraries of her friends who love good words, moving images and beauty.

I've had this book for about three years, and given it as a gift numerous times to my women friends, because it's the perfect companion in any mood and for any occasion. Marilyn Sewell has collected a broad spectrum of poetry from women, both famous poets and not-so-famous, and collected the entries into categories that make it simple to find a reading for just about any occasion or ceremony. There are wise words here, beautifully presented. Bring this book back into print! Buy it! Have it on hand as an instant resource, along with the collections by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon ("Earth Prayers," "Life Prayers," "Prayers for a Thousand Years") for all those occasions when you need the exact right perfect reading for an important moment.