Christianity Books

This is the perfect type of story! it is filled with secerts,romance, hate, love, and mystery. I read it in two days and couldnt wait to finish each chapter to solve a piece of the mystery. This book kept me guessing up until the last chapter about who Gabe was. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author and also watching the movie that was made for this story.

I have read all the reviews and while I found this book to be interesting, it took awhile for me to get into the story. I did like how the author went from one characters story to the next. It took a long time to find out the main character Eliza's secret and then the book seemed to rush to the finish. Historically I am sure the book is accurate, but it did not seem like the depression years really affected the family. I also think there needed to be more of a romance between Gabe and Eliza. It was well written and worth reading, but it is a little slow at times and not Ms. Austin's best work.

The title first caught my attention as a TV Movie, that seemed like a nice, romantic story, along with plenty of struggles for characters of its historical time, and included Christian inspiration. In my search for the book - which I knew had to be better than the movie - I was happy to find out that Lynn Austin is an author of so many historical, Christian novels. I am close to the end of Hidden Places, and don't want to put it down. I can't decide who my favorite character is: Aunt Batty, Walter, Gabe, or Eliza. This book is full of struggles and hope. It shows how the characters keep their Faith in those difficulties of life.

I recently bought another one of Lynn Austin's titles. I love her style of historical, Christian fiction. I am hooked on Lynn Austin! Keep on writing! We're waiting for more!

This book was made into a Hallmark movie. The movie does not do this book justice. The book is much better and tells you things that are left out of the movie. The book is more in depth on the character relationships than the movie and gives you character background information. Excellent Read!

. . . and things not being what they seem. Lynn Austin weaves the consequences of bitterness, deceit into a satisfying tale of redemption and fresh starts. Lots of heart, some humor and a whole lot of trying to figure out why people do what they do.

I found this book just about the time the author started eHarmony. The service was not available in my area, but I felt that he had a great idea. I purchased the book in order to learn more.

I had been divorced and had sworn off men and decided I would never marry again. I read the book and was amazed at how the author took the population and showed us how the pool of potential mates was narrowed and narrowed by our location, desires, etc.

The "must have" and "can't stand" lists have saved my life. By not only learning about myself, but also by actually putting pen to paper and figuring out what I really wanted and more imporatantly how to recognize those I did not want, I was able to focus on my future.

I am happy to report that I am very happily married to my soul mate. While we were dating he teased me about this book over and over, but now he sees the tremendous benefit in the knowledge this book provides. I have continued to recommend it to all my friends and family. It worked for me and can for you too!

This book helps you really look at yourself, learn to know yourself, then you determine what traits are really important in a mate. What bugs you, what can you live with, what things can you just not stand in a mate?

This book helps you look at common wish lists for a mate and find out what matters most to YOU. Then you learn to determine if someone has these traits, so you don't waste your time on dating someone you could never be happy with.

This book makes sense, and helps people pin down what really matters to THEM. I'd recommend it highly to anyone looking for a relationship.

If you are in a relationship and its not working out, this book could also help you figure out what's wrong. This one should be on everyone's book shelves, its a great book to loan to friends and family if you don't need it yourself.

This book uses sound principals of true personality compatability.

A great book to help people identify what they are looking for when they are dating. I can honestly say that this book should be mandatory for people prior to dating! :)

An excellent guide through an introspective process, which will reveal those aspects of a potential mate that are key for you. Once you can see what is so important to you that it will ultimately make or break a relationship, the rest is pretty easy. Read it. Think about it. Second dates with people who couldn't possibly be "the one" will no longer be necessary. This was the book that made the difference for me. I give it an A+.

I am a military chaplain. One of the questions I face comes in the area of relationships. People looking around for the right one. I have suggested this book numerous times to others. It worked for me. I would highly recommend it for someone recouping after a bad relationship before going back or to another relationship.

I have found this book to be so very eye opening to myself and the Sunday school class I facilitate of 60 women. There are so many nuggets of wisdom on how we are wired for God by God to have relationship with Him that we miss because we don't see who He has made us to be. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the Word of God concerning our relationship with ourselves. How to Succeed at Being Yourself: Finding the Confidence to Fulfill Your Destiny

I have read many books by Joyce Meyers. Some are repetitive but some of us need repetition to ever get it.

I am consently reading something. Some I can put down, some I can't and this book was one of the few I could not get enough of.

This book out of thousands I have read, would be in my top 5 of best books ever written.

I do believe this book is Inspired by God. It is for those of us who are figuring out what we will be when we grow up, no matter your age.

Thank you Joyce for blessing and enriching my Walk with Christ with this book.

I was a bit disappointed in this book as it is just a repeat of so many of her other books. I guess if this is the first book by her you read it is ok, but I have still read much better. Borrow it and read someone else's--or just skip it altogether.

I must say that in conjunction with Purpose Driven Life, Joyce's books have turned my life around. Joyce gave me the tools to drop all of the bitterness and self- doubt that had been plaguing me and keeping me from working towards the ministry God called me for.

This book has been a "true gem" as an earlier review stated. Joyce pushes farther into the "just believe in yourself" mantra and illustrates how the key to succeeding in life is to trust in God, and all things will be given unto you.

"Confidence is faith in God." So true- and a wonderful eye opener for me.

In my own life, I've been called to ministry and I've feel ignorant and ill- equipped to serve others due to my lack of knowledge of scripture. Joyce points out that God wants us to come on faith and that He'll perfect us through His work and not our own. Our stepping out "before we feel truly ready" ensures that we'll lean more fully on God and recognize His work in creating who we are.

I can now approach my own ministry with confidence thanks to the words spoken through Joyce's anointed gift.

Once again, I've been moved to tears by one of Joyce's books. And I thank God for her and I am grateful that she plugged on and answered the call.

I was lead to buy this book with no initial intention to buy anything! I was going through a personal crisis but wouldn't have thought of buying a book with this title. Nonetheless I just felt I should, so I did. It became the second best thing to the Bible for me. I can't believe how much I gained.. I normally get bored halfway through any book and end up putting it down. Not this one. I've underlined so much I think I've covered half the book in my pen! It's like I need it just to keep my mind in the right direction, my thoughts where they should be, and to give me what I need to face the day with strength! It honestly gives me the tools for confidence I haven't found in any other book. I treasure this one.

This is one of the best books I've read regarding finding the path to true healing following childhood sexual abuse. The author, Nicole B. Bromley, does an excellent job of relating to the reader as she expresses her caring heart, and she clearly points out the steps that the victim needs to take in order to move toward healing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever been sexually abused.

Books like this reveal that free will can be a terrible thing. But without free will people would be robots. The D word (devil) also is involved in the evil that occurs.

A must read, not only for the abused individual but for all those involved with that individual. Nicole's words touch you on so many levels. Her ability to connect and empathize with the reader is amazing. Her "voice" is honest and straight forward. She gives the reader tools that are easy to understand and use that will assist them in their healing. I highly recommend this book.

For those who have experienced sexual abuse, this is a must read. The author has walked the same journey and shares from her heart of what it takes to move toward recovery and healing. Highly recommend as a resource for young adult leaders as well.

I recently discovered the answer to this question: "ever read a book and feel like the author stole a part of you that only you knew?" My answer is yes, and it comes in the form of the book "Hush." Being a survivor myself, it was hard for me to find anyone who I could relate to because I kept my secret hidden. Once I met Nicole and read her book, all of that changed for me. Her message is one of hope and optimism while still speaking poignant truth. Nicole shows compassion in every word that's written. She does an excellent job of detailing where abuse survivors have misconceptions about the world and how to get rid of these thoughts. She also uses her own personal stories to show where those thoughts manifested themselves in her life. By acknowledging these beliefs about other people and myself I finally could start making strides to heal. I hope that everyone in my situation will also be lucky enough to feel the power of healing in their life, a healing that I have learned can only come from a personal relationship with Jesus.

Anyone who is a survivor of or even just knows someone that has dealt with childhood sexual abuse can gain much from Nicole's book. I not only recommend reading this book, but also I recommend if Nicole comes to your area you should definitely go and see her speak because it will change your life.

The Ann Graham Lotz's book on "Just Give Me Jesus" was a conduit that provided the strength and encouragement to a homeless person.... I was just an instrument on God's behalf, that while serving the homeless people at a homeless shelter I encountered a man who had read one of the "tracks" I leave out for people to read, on the powerful message of Jesus Christ and how they can save their lives through his amazing grace. On the back of the track was a short summary about the book "Just Give Me Jesus". This homeless person wanted me to pray with him and after doing so, he pointed to the picture of the book and said while reading the track he got goose bumps and would like to read this book. I told him I would try to get him the book and will bring it the next time I come to serve. I ordered this book off of Amazon and took it to him. He was shocked I remembered and was overjoyed about receiving the book. Several others whom are in the same situation as he, also expressed a desire to read it. Their hunger and thirst for the hope that only Jesus can give was such an inspiration to me and a powerful message.... Praise God for answered prayers! It was such a blessing to me to be able to give this man this book.

Jen

I have gotten the book but have read only a couple of chapters. The book was in very good condition when I received it and I am thankful I was able to get it at a good price.

Thanks, Amazon!!

Donald (Shirley) Schlegel

I read this quite a while ago; It was my first book by this author. I never forgot her, either. Then I saw her on T.V. one day, and I noticed that her eyes were on fire by the Holy Spirit, and her adoration of the Lord encompassed every word she spoke. This author is genuine, and her writings have a tender way in which they woo and lull the reader into a deeper walk with Jesus. I simply love everything Anne Graham Lotz writes. Thank you Anne, for making our tumultuous world easier to bear with your sweet words.

Carrie Lynn Jones
Author of It All Began... When Jesus Gave Me Sneakers

This book is incredible!! It's the first book I have read of Anne Graham Lotz and it will not be the last. I love her writing and relate to her on so many levels! The more I learn about Jesus, the more I agree with Anne - Jesus is all I want and all I need!

I loved this book. It gave me so many other views of how a true Christian should follow after Jesus. It was an eye opener when it came to the world view versus a Christian view of life and the tribulations that comes along with it. I am so blessed to have read this book, and highly recommend it for ALL women of faith that is struggling with their purpose and why God created them. Just Give Me Jesus is all about a woman's purpose and her role in society. Anne Graham Lotz hit it right on the point. I am a changed woman because of this book. Jennifer Rankins

The Law Of Thinking gives you the Master Keys to unlock your doors for living. Once you enter the doorways, they are rules, spiritual laws and guidelines you have to follow that leads you through the pathways which will take you through your goals and developmental stages of your journey.

The Journey of Life which is purpose, fulfillment, fulfeelment and destiny; the ultimate destiny of finding your Truest God Self.

Thank You Grand Master Prophet E. Bernard Jordan for sharing God's principles, the principles that are in you and in each one of us and for giving us the permission to honor ourselves while feeling guiltless, but DESERVED.

I am one of those people who, actually, taught that I was a thinking until I read the book "The Laws of Thinking 20 secrets to using the Divine power of your mind to manifest prosperity" This book made me realize that nothing exists unless the mind creates it, and everything that is taking place in my life....I created it at one point, or another. My thinking process has changed, and I am now creating my own reality from a conscious state of mind. I am now self-employed because I have learned how to used these principles, and I am applying them to my life. Thank you Master Prophet E. Bernard Jordan for writing such a stellar work of art!!!!!!

Bishop E. Bernard Jordan's book brings three words immediately to mind: BRILLIANT, POWERFUL, AND INSPIRING. This wonderful book is all three of those things and I should actually add, eye opening and insightful, to that list of adjectives. This book is a MUST READ for anyone wanting to manifest prosperity into his or her life. I can't urge you enough to read this book AND to seek out other books/videos by Bishop E. Bernard Jordan. His teachings are influencing huge corporations and world leaders and after you read this book I'm sure you will understand why. Stop wasting time reading the reviews and get the book. Your return on investment from absorbing the principles in this book will pay for itself many, many times over! In "The Laws of Thinking" Bishop Jordan teaches 20 secrets to manifest prosperity in your life. If you're a Christian the book will renew your spirit and bring you closer to God as well. If you're not a Christian then this book will give you some valuable deeper insights and may open your eyes to some important things that you hadn't considered or experienced before. Really, it doesn't cost much and what you will surely gain from absorbing the principles taught in "The Laws of Thinking" make it an easy choice - GET THE BOOK AND READ IT TWICE!

WOW.......... This book has changed the way I think totally. Now I edit my thoughts from not good to good. This is one of the most important books i am proud to own and share. You cannot go wrong with this book in your library.

The Laws Of Thinking / The Book


The laws of thinking as I finished this book the fourth time I then begin to dissect it one chapter at a time four additional times. I then acquired the tongues of fire and the contents of the book began to resonate a sound of new beginnings. Then after all of this I found myself in a place where if anything at all started to give me discomfort the chapters in this book bring to mind the instant solution. As a case in point lets take money for instance everybody likes to talk about money and in most case's it's the lack of money. The reason why that is- is because we hold money in the wrong perspective. If you lack money you lack the power to think a premise at ZOE is that if you can think it up you can think it down. As we read in the laws of thinking we began to find out that we put money in the place of God. Often times we allow money to dictate our decisions rather than taking God at his word. The bible says my God shall supply all of my needs according to his riches in glory Philippians 4:19. We also began to realize that the bills that we have in our pockets is not money-, money real money is the currency of the mind. For years we were driven into a position that made us believe that if we had money we couldn't be close to God, and for a long time I bought into that as if being broke made me more holy. 1st John 3:10 tells us that God wants us to be prosperous - beloved I desire that you prosper and be in health even as your soul has prospered. When we read our bibles we find out that it was Jesus himself who put money on the same level as God Mathew 6:24 you can not serve two master. Until I read the laws of thinking I could have never looked at money like this and now I will never look at money the same way again. Bishop Jordan writes on page 202 of the book you must conquer your love of money to conquer the evil in your life. I like how Mother Jordan says it if your saying money is evil, money is not gonna come to you because your saying it's evil. For we all know that it is the love of money that makes it evil, even as we think a little deeper, even though the bile says that the love of money is the root of all evil. Father God in me can I express this,?-( Speak Son) it's not the love money, it's the lust of the individual. It's not the money it's what we do with the money. I f you are in a place where you have run out of reasoning away the fact that what they teach you at your local church has a question mark the laws of thinking will dispel many many of the myths. The laws of thinking will give you the clarity of purpose and keenness of direction, just like the resolution on your plasma screen the higher the pixels the greater the quality of the picture. For instance the bible says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made that's in the book of Psalms 139:14 well in the book of the laws we find out just how we are made when we begin to learn about the seven chakras, and the seven other bodies that where born with us we realize just how fearfully and wonderfully we are made. And on the sixth day God said lets us make man then on the seventh day he rested from all that he had made and we begin to know that the number seven is the number of completion, or perfection peering in the book of Genesis. Well as we dig deeper we see that this book is the perfect explanation to and for all the misconceptions of the past if it does not stir your spirit it will anger your intellect. I and my father are one this in the past was reason enough to be crucified John 10:30-33 for your works we stone you not, but because you being a man make your self equal with God. The law of oneness will put to rest all these myths because the book says that without oneness there can be no atonement when you look at this you see at-one-ness. I firmly believe that the laws of thinking affectionately referred to as the book is an explanation, clarification, exhortation, and revelation that will change a region a nation, a world. This book uncovers the lies that enslaved a people, that stole a civilization, that raped many generations, and killed a culture as there are many remnants ah, but it's just not the same. This book ,the book does what the children of Israel where afraid of when they herd the thundering of God at Mt. Sinai Exodus 20:18-19 it shows us God in the raw in other words it uncovers the nakedness of God. This, the book is not an aid this, the book is not a supplement it is what Eve was to Adam it is a rib a companion, a help meet. I know there are many Theologians who will take that statement and run with it , yeah and look what happened in the garden well just as it was then as it is now God is in control. This laws of thinking, the book will prosper you it is a law; This the book will let you be you and let me be me it is a law, this book the book will lift your spirit it is a law. The laws of thinking, the book will give you the desires of your heart attraction it is a law. This laws of thinking, the book will show you how to bring things from the spiritual world into the natural world it is a law; write the vision and make it plain upon tables that he may run that reads it Habakkuk 2:2. Often times God will ask us to do something that in the natural just does not make sense sometimes in this life we are going to have to take some risk the book The Laws Of Thinking will make sense of the risk you take in the name of the spirit. This Laws Of thinking the book will produce in you right divine habits, oh yeah it is a law. When we work from the sweat of our brows we remain under the curse ah, but the book teaches us to work from our passion, it is written that when you work from your passion you will never work a day in your life. Often times we say things with our mouth do we not remember that the power of life and death are in the power of the tongue Proverbs 18:21. If you say it you better pay it ah the book tells the truth about the vow it is a law. The Laws Of Thinking book is so powerful it will either draw you our it will drive. When you take heed to the truths that are contain their in it will draw you into a level of consciousness that will cause you to walk through life seemingly un-scathed. There are many believers who still think that the kingdom of God is treating everybody right, going to church and then you can enter into the kingdom. Ah, but the book The Laws Of Thinking teaches us that you have got to get into the right system oh yes it is --- a law. The truths laws ,and principles that the Master Prophet teaches are going to take back an identity of a people I believe that right divine order will rivet through every person who sincerely embraces this book. I believe that imprisonment will be an experience that if it even continues to exist, will cause rehabilitation to become a certainty. The only way to really rehabilitate a person is to change his/her mind, and a change of mind is what repentance. As we begin to let go of the worn out traditions of the past then we can walk in the consciousness of the eternal now. I am reminded of a passage of scripture that says 2nd Chronicles 7:14 if my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. This book The Laws Of Thinking if you try to reject it, if you try to dispute it, if you disrespect it - it will drive you out of your mind.


Prophet Dennis L. Green
Copy write c 2008

Doug Moo offers a great exegetical and expositional commentary with the PNTC series offering on James. Well worth the buy, if you don't have a solid commentary on James. Nothing too crazy, and lots of compelling argumentation for his positions.

I have five critical commentaries on James (Lenski, Bruce, Woods, Martin, and now Moo). This one will more than likely be the primary source for me when I study the book in a critical fashion. He is thorough and that is what I want. If you are a preacher looking for something quick and in summary form, a smaller work might be more useful. For me, as a preacher, if I am in the circumstance where I need something quick I am already in trouble. I like the Pillar Series. Not long ago I read of one's review that was overly critical of the work on the epistles of John - I do not subscribe to that sentiment at all. It is a good series!

If you are looking for an answer to a question raised about the meaning of the book of Phillipians, you could not find a better treatment. This is a wonderful resource and fine treatment of the text. I used it in a series of sermons, and found it very easy to acess and get the gems of the book.

`The Epistle of James' by James B. Adamson, 1976, 227 pages in the series The New International Commentary on the New Testament; `The Letter of James' by Douglas J. Moo, 2000, 271 pages, a volume in the series The Pillar New Testament Commentary; and `James' by Ralph P. Martin, 1988, 240 pages, A volume in the series Word Biblical Commentary are all `full featured' and recent commentaries on the first of the short `catholic' epistles in the New Testament.

I find it amazing how different the material is in these three volumes. After 1800 years of commentary, one would expect a fair amount of uniformity in thinking about this short letter, but there is a remarkable range of differences in emphasis among the three.

Those of you who are familiar with the world of biblical commentary will recognize that all three are part of major series of commentaries. Adamson and Moo belong to series dedicated to the New Testament, while Martin's volume is an offering of a larger series on both Old and New Testaments. And, each volume is organized in a way to match the editorial style of their series. This is most clearly seen in Martin's volume, as his work is organized in virtually the same way as the much larger work on Paul's Epistle to the Romans by the distinguished scholar, James D. G. Dunn. This is no surprise, as Martin is the New Testament editor for his series, the Word Biblical Commentary.

Ranked by scholarly detail, Martin has the most and Adamson has the least, with Moo somewhere in between; but don't take from this that Martin is heavy on the Greek and Adamson has no original Greek. All three are specifically written for the scholar and assume that the reader either knows classical Greek or is willing to slog through all the Greek words and expressions. The irony here is that while Martin is the most heavily scholarly, it may also be the most accessible to the lay or strictly pastoral user, since this series divides scholarly observations into the `Comments' on each paragraph, while more general thoughts are spelled out in straight English in the `Form/Structure/Setting' section and later in the `Explanation' section following the `Comments'. Adamson organizes all his `special' or more technical topics in `Excursus' sections following his main commentary. I found this just a tad distracting, especially when I discovered some mistakes in references to these Excursus sections in the main text.

All three authors give us their own translations of the text, and all three agree on where the difficult phrases are to be found. If I were to pick a volume purely on the basis of their translation, I would prefer Adamson, as he seems to give translations that best resolve these difficult sections. But, in all three cases, the authors agree on where the difficulties lie and, in general, the nature of the difficulties.

In the three authors' introductory chapter on the author, themes, and canonical status of the letter, all three agree on the major points. They uniformly agree, for example on the belief that the letter does, in fact, represent the thoughts or writings of James, the brother of Jesus, who was head of the Christian Jews in Jerusalem up to about 62 CE. They also agree that the final form of the letter was rewritten and polished sometime in the early 2nd century, CE. The authors are also uniform in their citing Martin Luther's misunderstanding of James; however, I would give Luther credit for seeing scriptural support of many Roman Catholic doctrines, even if any sound reading of `James' shows that this support is probably stretching James points just a little too far.

On the major themes of the letter, I generally prefer Martin's emphasis on the three topics of `Wisdom', `Perfection', and `The Piety of the Poor' to the other authors' interest in theology and the law. James is clearly spending less times on these typically Pauline topics than he is on lessons for a Christian life.

Among all the other differences, it is most remarkable to see all the differences between how the three authors structure an outline of the short letter. If you didn't know better, you may think they were talking about two different writings. This is just a symptom of the fact that `James' is much less a theological argument a la `Romans' and much more a collection of lessons on prayer, right Christian behavior, and the implications of faith. This is consistent with the fact that the letter has much in common with the Gospels, especially the Gospel of Matthew (See Martin).

One last difference I detect between the three is the fact that Martin makes more connections to modern theology of, for example Dietrich Bonhoffer, while Moo and Adamson have more citations to the great reformers, Calvin and Luther.

If I had to pick only one of these, I would go with Martin's volume in the Word Biblical Commentary series. If I were interested only in pastoral interpretation, I would go with Moo or the article `The Letter of James' by Luke Timothy Johnson in `The New Interpreter's Bible', since both refer heavily to the standard NIV and NRSV translations. If your interest is in a scholarly study of the letter, you will probably want all three.

This is Moo's second commentary on the epistle of James. He wrote his first one in 1985 as part of the Tyndale series. This commentary is the result of fifteen years of reflection on that work. The content of this commentary makes it evident that this is the mature thought of a noted scholar on the letter of James. Those fifteen years left him more convinced "that the heart of the letter is a call to wholehearted commitment to Christ" (x).
Moo provides a lengthy introduction to this epistle (46 pages worth). This introduction includes the history of James in the church, nature and genre, authorship, theology, occasion and date, and structure of James. Concerning authorship, Moo holds that James, the bother of Christ, is the author. He presents arguments against this traditional view and then answers them. The section on the theology of the book is a feature more commentaries would do well to include. He dates the writing of the letter around the middle of the 40s AD. This is important because the date of writing has great implication on the relationship of the letter to Paul's teachings. Moo does not place a ridge structure on the letter. Instead, he finds "several key motifs" which "are often mixed together with other themes in paragraphs that cannot be labeled as neatly as we might like" (45). Denying the assertion of some commentators that the letter has no unifying purpose, Moo argues that the central concern of the letter is spiritual wholeness of the readers (47).
Moo's analysis of the text is insightful. His word studies are well done. He presents a wide range of possible meanings but uses the context to determine which meaning is James's meaning. Moo also does a good job in showing James's relationship with Paul. James is not writing against Paul. James means something different by faith than does Paul. They are addressing different problems.
The format of the commentary is user friendly for the most part. One helpful aspect is that Moo's introductory notes precede the verse by verse exposition of major points and most sub-points. Moo transliterates Greek words making the commentary usable to those who do not have the advantage of knowing Greek. One slight critique concerns the chapter divisions. The chapter divisions of the commentary are based on the chapters of James. This is fine, but the table of contents is broken down by his outline. One would whish the editors would choose a method of division and stay with it. The only other criticism is that Moo's writing style can be difficult at times. These two minor criticisms in no way change the fact that this is a masterpiece. It is short at only 251 pages not counting indexes. Anyone from a layperson to a scholar will benefit from this commentary. This reviewer would recommend it without hesitation (something he does not do often).

This is what I read as a child - over and over again as I grew up. It is a magnificent version of Bunyan's classic. In particular what I like is that Helen Taylor doesnt shorten the story as much as others do. She retains a lot of the detail and the encounters that Christian has along the way. This allows a child as they grow to learn many of the valuable lessons for the Christian life which Bunyan intended us to see.

There are many children's versions of this which are wonderfully inllustrated - this one isnt, although it has line drawings scattered throughout. But it more than makes up for it in its content. I've purchased another more lavishly illustrated version of Pilgrim's progress to show alongside this one, but actually haven't got round to doing that yet.

What Helen Taylor has also done is to retell the story from a child's perspective - it is Little Pilgrim's Progress. It is in essence the same story - just downsized slightly. This makes it all the more easy to read to children.

My four year old daughter pleads for me to read to her - not content to wait until next Sunday for the next installment. She wont let me stop and sits wide eyed as I read it to her.

Why would I want a shorter version when I get to spend longer reading to my child?

I was recommended this book by a mom of 6 homeschooled children who ALL loved it. My 5 year old cant wait to read the next few chapters every day, and I am enjoying it immensely as well. Even my 2 year old doesn't mind sitting and listening. This is a book we will read over and over!

During my childhood nearly 40 years ago) I was utterly fascinated by this book. It stood out as one of the most interesting books of my childhood days, and it made an indelible impression on me. (Other favorites were C.S. Lewis' Narnia series, Little Princess, & Secret Garden). But back to Little Pilgrim's Progress: I'm not sure why this book was so intriguing to myself and my siblings, perhaps because the little pilgrem faced real dangers and even death??
Well, recently this book came up in conversation -- I hadn't thought of it for years -- and I dug out a copy, and started to read it. Moments later my nearly 6-year-old daughter came up and asked me if I would read it to her. My nearly 4-year-old son also wanted to listen. (I read freqently to my children, and they often are able to enjoy stories beyond their age level, but still I thought this would be too advanced to hold their attention.) But still, I decided to try. Of course, when I read I simplified or explained the language from time to time (some of the wording is old-fashioned). But to my astonishment, my children were absolutely riveted. The chapters in this book are short, and the children kept begging me to read more!! I was especially amazed that my 4-year-old remained totally engaged in the story (there are occasional illustrations, but it isn't a picture book; they were just listening). We finished the Christian part of the book in a few reading sessions over 3 days. (We later read the Christiana story, but the children didn't find it as interesting).
Conclusion: I'm not saying that this book would usually be of interest to such young children, but only wanted to comment that it can be a very exciting book and can provide much opportunity for thoughtful discussion with a parent.
Oh, I will add one more thing -- shortly after reading the book, one day my son asked if he could change his name to "Help" (like in the story). And later, he asked if he could be called "Greatheart". So now we jokingly have added those names to his middle name. Also, after reading the story concepts came up a lot in conversations over the following days and weeks.

One of my favorite books. A book that adults can enjoy while reading to their kids.

I teach grade 3 4 5 in my church and am very pleased with this newest version of one of the oldest best sellers. Very little if any meaning is lost in the transistion from an Adult epic to a children story book. I would highly recommend this book for all young readers and most adults will love it too!

I really enjoyed this fictional portrayal of the woman at the well. Her strength came alive, not just her shortcomings. It made you think, about your past, present and your future. And it most important lesson of all was that it is not where you are it is where you are going. My thought process was challenged by Hendricks portrayal of Christ which was as I found out later his intention.

This book is wonderful. The women's guild at my church featured it as a topic of a book discussion last year. We had the pleasure of taking part in a telephone conference with the author Obery Hendricks. He was very gracious. It was a wonderful experience. The reader gets an understanding of how women and minorities were marginalized in society during Biblical times.

This is a touching story of a young womans journey from her joy of life to near-death despair around to a greater joy of life.
It truly celebrates the strength of womanhood. The descriptions were vivid and the personalities so real, I felt I knew all of the characters. Because all women have experienced Maryam's life in some form, this story will touch your heart in an unbelievable way. I loved this book!

In this glorious tale of redemptive love BEFORE we know what it is, Maryam flowers despite the heartships and trials of her life. Hendricks is a master storyteller who gives us the depth of anguish from both the men and women, while not excusing the pain that the men are causing the women in this Novel. Given to me by a Pastor who shares the stories of women in the Bible with his congregation, I read it from front to end without stopping, finding the message that God loves us even when we don't see it. Worth reading, but more, worth its use as a Bible study tool. Wonderful story with a dynamic ending!

This is a gripping, at times lusty, tale based on the life story of the Samaritan Woman. LIVING WATER is not a stereotypically lightweight, biblical novel. It's for readers who are ready for a challenge and willing to look for truths presented in nontraditional forms.

Author Obery Hendricks, a seminary "professor of biblical interpretation," calls this, his first novel, "an African American retelling of the New Testament story of the woman at the well who was married to five successive husbands at a time when women did not have the right to choose either marriage or divorce." Ethnic overtones are evident in some characters' nicknames (Sonny Boy and Big Mama) and patterns of dialogue ("Oh Lordy, we're in trouble now" and "Don't he talk sweet"). But there are deeper parallels: The ravages of slavery and harsh control influence the heart of the story --- the Samaritan men being humiliated and beaten down by the Romans; the women being powerless property of the husbands who have lost respect for themselves and take out their frustration on their women.

The book opens with a short, startling death scene of the Samaritan woman's fifth husband. Then Part 1 is a flashback, from prenuptial childhood up to that pivotal, bloody mess. She --- her name is Maryam, though significantly we aren't told this for 250 pages --- is a spunky, in-your-face kind of kid who sadly learns, from her kindhearted grandmother, Ma Tee, that spunk is not acceptable for girls. "Atop the coarse woolen tunic that is [the girl's] usual attire is now draped a stale, heavy garment of carefulness. Ma Tee has tried her best to craft it to her size, yet it does not fit. Still, she will dutifully struggle to wear it, though its weight will sag her heart to its knees." And this narrative comment comes even before she's married to and beaten down by her first husband and abandoned by numbers two, three, and four.

This is a feminist story, but not drastically so; it is egalitarian more than man bashing. The big cast of characters --- five (or is it six?) husbands, three father figures, a brother-in-law, Messiah Jesus, and more --- include bad men and good; similarly with the Samaritan women. In a supplemental reader's guide, Hendricks explains that the Samaritan woman's journey "to be free of male domination and mistreatment was also my own journey to free myself from the roles of dominator and mistreater."

Theologically conservative readers may rankle at some feminist theology, but, again, this is not as radical as it might be. Hendricks interprets biblical passages (mostly from Proverbs, once from Luke) that personify Wisdom (a feminine Hebrew word) as being descriptive of "the woman-side of God."

For a novel that is replete with social commentary applicable to any age --- including a chapter on an itinerant, fraudulent faith healer --- LIVING WATER is an engaging read. Part 2 --- in which Maryam claims her name, takes up with a man who loves her and treats her well, and becomes a disciple of Jesus --- includes powerful scenes of redemption, even unto the last page, which drew a tear to my eye.

--- Reviewed by Evelyn Bence

i think this book is amazing along with the author delilah i have had the privladge of listening to her for years actually almost 11 years now and i have called and talked to her a couple of times. She is an amazing women and an inspiration to women everywhere!!!

I've only been a fan of Delilah's show for about a month now -- I discovered it last month -- but I'm already a big fan of it.
Her book, which I picked up and read simply out of curiosity -- is equally wonderful. It contains a delightful mix of warmth, humor, sadness and inspiration, and it's all just plain good reading. It's like a box of chocolates that you don't want to eat up all at once, but to linger over and enjoy.

This book isn't simply an autobiography about Delilah's life, but rather, it contains sketches of it along with stories from some of her friends and readers. You'll probably enjoy this book even if you've never heard her speak on the radio -- and you'll love it if you have. She shows just as much warmth and love in her writing as she does on her radio show. I recommend this book for anybody who loves good inspirational reading!

I absolutely loved this book! It is one of the most inspirational books I've ever read. I definitely recommend it to anyone, especially if they're going through a hard time, and even if they're not. I admire Delilah. I, too, am a mother and that is about the most important part of my life right now, so I can relate to her. It was nice to read a book about someone who values their motherhood as much as I do. But there's other things about the book other than that, so anyone can read it. And I love God, so I love the spiritual aspect of it. When is the next book coming out, Delilah? We're anxiously anticipating!

One day, several years ago, I was driving back to Milwaukee from Mauston. There are areas where radio reception is "take what you can get." At one point, I pulled in a station that featured a syndicated show called Delilah. With a perky voice, a laugh, and a few giggles, this lady takes calls from listeners who ask for a special song for a special somebody. It was quite uplifting.

Recently, in driving to and from Indianapolis with my wife we again pulled in a station playing Delilah. My wife has become hooked on it and has found a station in Milwaukee (Light 97.3) that plays Delilah every evening.

One day, while in the local bookstore that also sells used books, I came across this volume. I thought my wife would like it so I paid the few dollars they were asking for it and surprised her with this gift. She has enjoyed it.

Eventually I decided to read it. And it is a very interesting book.

The layout of chapters follows Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (if you don't know this particular passage, think The Byrds and their classic "Turn, Turn, Turn." Delilah was also kind enough to include the passage at the front of her book). She divides the chapters up for each "time," beginning with "A Time to be Born." The book is subtitled "Encouragement and Inspiration for the Times of Our Lives."

But the book isn't autobiographical as it is an extension of her show. You won't get a chronology of her life her. In "A Time to be Born" she talks about her "Kissy Baby" she had as a child and her prayer that the doll become real. She then seques into giving birth to her own children and the different reactions she had to each conception and birth (my contention in being pro-life is that a woman who has had more than one child has different memories of each pregnancy and each child was different in the womb. If the "fetus" were just an extension of the mother's body, I don't believe these differences would exist).

She follows that with "A Time to Die," just as Ecclesiastes does. It might seem strange in its order, but this book pulls it off wonderfully. The mourning of the loss of life stands in stark contrast to the giving of birth.

Not every "time" in Ecclesiastes is used. Delilah does not include "A time to kill, and a time to heal," even though this could be personal growth. "A time for war and a time of peace" might not be politically correct, but is very relevant today. There are others not used-maybe Delilah will bless us with a follow-up volume?

Not to say that she can't. Delilah has used listener stories in her book as a connection between her, her audience, and her readers. She also concludes each chapter with an original poem to display her skills as a poetess. And in the last few months in this year 2003 many military families have called Delilah's show and shared their stories and hopes and fears. So, Delilah, can we see a completion of Ecclesiastes sometime soon?

I would recommend this book for Mothers' Day or as a gift for someone special. My wife has read it several times now.

Delilah, a radio show host, gives us encouragement and inspiration as she tells us things that have happened in her life; plus, she shares stories of some of her listeners and friends.

I admire Delilah, as a woman who believes in and loves God, as her example as a mother, and as what she appears to be as a person.

Delilah hasn't always had it easy, but yet she appears to be a dynamic person. This book is wonderful. If you are going through or have gone through a rough time, either physically or emotionally or both, this book will encourage and inspire you. And if everything is going good for you, this book is also for you. This book is awesome and wonderful.