Religion and Spirituality Books

There are some that believe Catholics worship the Virgin Mother. There are some they believe this book is filled with blasphemy, yet reading this book I found none. I found a book that taught that Mary helps us build a deeper and meaningful relation with Jesus. This book is about how Mary is part of God's will.

The book may be a little hard for some to read, but do not be worried. It is filled with so much rich and beautiful text, that will have you want to know anything and everything about Our Lady.

This book gave me a phrase that I will hold close to my heart:

Maria Numquam Satis " Of Mary, there is never enough!"

This is the best book written about Mary. How simple! Easy to follow and great inspiration for my life and devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. If you love her, your love will grow deeper. You most buy this book and certainly feel more attached to her. Seller is excellent. Buy at ease from them. GOOD PRICES!!!

I have spent the past four years discovering my Catholic faith after spending decades chasing professional goals of far less importance.

I have found this book to be the most important "writing of the saints" book I've read while on this four-year journey.

I highly recommend reading it slowly and prayerfully, and making the formal personal consecration. For me, this has been a life-changing discovery for which I am very grateful.

This is an important book. I am a recent convert to the Catholic Church. I grew up in a protestant denomination and Mary was someone who appeared for a couple of weeks at Christmas and then faded back into the dust of first century christianity. She was just one of many players in the drama of God. This book blows that shallow understanding to bits. Over the past year I have been getting to know my Mother. This book came to my attention only recently and I can not put it down! I will say this, one must read this book with faith. This is a very deep book, yet beautifully simple. It is a love story of devotion and courage. This book is a high calling to know Jesus in a way one may have never imagined possible.

Peace,
Keith

This is, in my opinion, the greatest single book ever written on the Blessed Virgin. It is, in reality, like a compendium of all that the Holy Catholic Church had taught on devotion to the Blessed Virgin up to that moment, although nothing has really been added since then. In 215 pages it explains everything you need to know about TRUE devotion to the Blessed Virgin - it even explains false devotions, such as hypocritical devotees etc - and the crucial importance, by the will of God, of Mary in salvation history. You can clearly get the impression when reading this magnificent book that the author was not really the one who physically wrote down the words, St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, but in reality the Holy Ghost himself acting through this servant of God. This book is an absolute must for anyone who wishes to better his/her spiritual life. Needless to say, I think everyone should read this book - sinners and saints alike. For sinners, as a way to escape from spiritual ruin, and for saints, as a way to reach perfection which otherwise is very difficult to reach without a deep devotion to Our Lady. This book definitely has the power to change the life of the one who reads it. As St Alphonsus de Liguori stated, "Only God knows the good that can be done on a soul by reading a good book" and this book certainly falls in this category.

This book couldn't have come at a better time for me. It seems the Lord knew exactly what I needed when I visited my library 2 days before a mission trip, 2 days following the tragic death of our beloved pet Nadia. As I read the book, I kept my Bible close and it all made perfect sense. I received such peace from God through the teachings of Ms. Buddemeyer-Porter. I thank the Lord for this answer to my prayer.

A wonderful review not only of scripture, but also how well-known theologians down through history agree: You will see Fido in Heaven. I cannot rate this book high enough.

If you have ever lost a pet or know someone who has, then, aside from the Bible, this is the ONE book you really should read and share. Since it came to my attention on Amazon, I have gifted this book several times always with the same grateful result.

"Will I See Fido In Heaven" is an adult way of looking at the loss of a dear pet. This book is thoughtful, and somewhat comforting. Nothing would be more comforting than actually having the lost loved-one back by one's side. However, this book is as good as it gets.

There are many believers in Christ who do not believe that we will see our pets in heaven. I must admit that before reading Mary's book, "Will I See Fido in Heaven?", I felt this same way. As an animal lover and Christian, I was willing to accept whatever God's plan was for animals eternal destination, whether it be that life would just simply end, or that their souls would dwell along side those of us in Heaven who believe in Jesus Christ. Mary uses sound scripture to back up her beliefs. God's word is true and without error. If we choose not to believe His word, then we will miss out on the blessings He intends for us to have and enjoy. If you love animals and our Lord and Savior who created them, read Mary's book. You'll be glad that you did.

Are you growing in Grace? This book is a must have for anyone who would like to escape the treadmill of religion and get reoriented in the principles of grace in order to mature spiritually. It's awesome buy it.

In Christ,
Don Boudreau

I love this book! Stanford is master of the victorious living approach to spiritual growth. His understanding of our position in Christ based on the key New Testament passages in Romans 5-8, Col. 3, and parallels closely matches my own work on Romans in Walking in Victory: Overcoming Sin and Legalism through Your New Identity in Christ, or How to Experience Your Relationship with God as the Apostle Paul Teaches in Romans 5-8.

The green letters stress lerning to view ourselves as God views us. Until we see ourselves in Christ only, we will never be able to say with Paul, "no longer I but Christ." This book will give readers a new lease on life through a deeper understanding of grace.

Dennis McCallum, author Organic Disciplemaking: How to promote Christian leadership development through personal relationships, biblical discipleship, mentoring, and Christian community

Having been a born-again "new creation" (II Cor. 5:17) in Christ for over 40 years, in addition to having done undergraduate and graduate work in Bible and theology, I can say this book by Miles Stanford is the best thing I have ever studied on the Christian life (other than Paul the Apostle himself!). Miles was a dear friend and personal mentor to me before his death in 1999. I spent my first 30 years in Covenant Theology and its "law as a rule of life" teaching which not only robbed me from true fellowship with God's Son, but almost destroyed my walk with Him altogether. God in His mercy sent Miles my way, and I have been walking with the Lord Jesus in a new and wonderful way for the passed 10 years. Be sure to understand Miles' teaching before criticizing him. Check out "withChrist.org" website for a storehouse of food for the "inner man". Miles' website is also there!
If you approach this with a prayerful spirit, you cannot help but be continually enriched through what you find in Mr. Stanford's books as well as the aforementioned website. Some of his statements may shock some Christians, but again, BE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND ALL THAT HE IS SAYING BEFORE CRITICIZING HIM UNFAIRLY. Miles is now ACTUALLY where he has always been POSITIONALLY ... "seated in the heavenlies in Christ".

The Complete Green Letters gives us as believers a clear roadmap to reach our sanctification destination "In Christ". As with Watchman Nee, Miles Stanford sees the importance of what God stated through the Apostle Paul in Galatians 2:20, "It is no longer I, but Christ." This knowledge is sorely lacking in many evangelical churches today, and is a timeless pearl that needs to be recovered. Here it is in Stanford's plain English for all to study and absorb, with your open Bible as the compass.

Throughout the course of this book the author provides us with 71 lessons dealing with Principles, Foundations, Realization, and a Guide to spiritual growth, along with the believer's fundamental Relationship to the Cross and Christ. Stanford sets forth biblical truth concerning the believer's new position In Christ, and our new covenant relationship to Law and Grace. Stanford also exhorts us not to "keep looking up" (from ourselves to Christ), but instead we are to "keep looking down" (from our position in Him) upon our circumstances here on earth. Point well taken--especially to those who would have believers look back over our shoulders to Mt. Sinai.

Here is much of the positional teaching we all need to understand, apply, and reflect upon on a daily basis. Sanctification is a never-ending process, but with God's Word, our position In Christ, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we should always be moving forward and closer to the image of Christ. I sincerely hope you will find joy in your spiritual journey!

This book makes good use of scripture and presents a very Biblical message. There are a lot of great insights and this book can be a great blessing to many.

The major problem with this book is that it is really five books that have been put into one volume. This makes it longer than most modern readers are willing to read. It also gets very repetitive. By the end of the third book, I was finding very little new material. The later books just repackage the previous ones. If you have to finish books that you start (like me) then you may not want to start this book. The last half sort of drags down the greatness of the first half.

For those looking for a similiar, but more readable book, I would recommend "TrueFaced".

Guyon has given the church a spiritual gem. And this gem has been mostly hidden... hidden by years of religious junk that is void of life-changing power! She writes of what many call "the deeper Christian life" when it is truthfully... the normal Christian life. Unfortunately, it is this Christian life that most believers never mature and grow up into.

Guyon calls believers to learn a new way of prayer and a new way to read Scripture. This new way will ultimately lead us to experience the depths of Jesus Christ.

Guyon recognizes that man is tripartite or trichotomous in nature. Meaning... man is composed of spirit, soul(psyche), and body. It is in the spirit of man that we meet Christ. It is through the denial of our soul-life (i.e. will, emotions, intellect) that we learn to meet with God in the spirit. The spirit then governs the soul and body as Christ intended in divine order.

It is through abandonment and pressing through the "spiritual dryness" that we shall take hold of a deeper experience with Christ. Discerning the activity of your spirit vs. your soul... will allow you to come to Christ in the way he has placed before us. It is by turning inward to Christ that we discover his life in us.

"When your soul is once turned toward God---the God who dwells within your spirit---you will find it easy to keep turning within. The longer you continue to turn within, the closer you will come to God and the more firmly you will cling to him." p.54

Many believers are led astray by external activities of the soul for years before they ever take seriously the spiritual things spoken of in this book. This is a common occurrence... but it is not normal and it never should be accepted as an inevitable delay of Christian maturity.

Guyon writes, "If a new convert were introduced to real prayer and to a true inward experience of Christ as soon as he became converted, you would see countless numbers of converts go on to become true disciples."

She goes on to say, "the present way of deaing only with external matters in the life of the new convert brings little fruit. Burdening the new Christian with countless rules and all sorts of standards does not help him grow in Christ. Here is what should be done: The new Christian should be led to God. How? By learning to turn within to Jesus Christ and by giving the Lord his whole heart." p.117

This book is about how this happens. I have not read a more practical book about Christian living. I highly recommend this book to those who have exhausted themselves by attempting to live like Christ in the soul-life.

For more of a thorough teaching on the tripartite nature of man... please read, "The Release of the Spirit" and "The Spiritual Man, vol.1" by Watchman Nee.

I recommend the following books:
The Release of the Spirit
The Spiritual Man (3 volume set)
The Centrality of Jesus Christ (Works of T. Austin-Sparks) Volume One
The Pursuit of God: The Human Thirst for the Divine

"Experiencing the Depths..." is one of the best books on prayer ever written. But, you need to follow her instructions to actually do chapters 1,2, & 3 before you read on. The temptation to continue reading and not doing is enormous but the result will just be confusion. Also reading her Autobiography will increase your understanding and connection with this book.

Pastor pablo alegre

This book changed my life by helping me understand just how close Christ is to us who believe and seek Him. I don't ever have to be alone again and can practice the Greatest Commandment in all my life, and have complete joy in Christ. Daily Bible reading is also a must for me to help keep me turned away from the "world" and at the same time turned inward towards Christ Jesus who abides in me and in all. Praise God and Christ for new life!!!

This book seemed very interesting, however I found that even when its contents were explained simply, it's almost too vague or confusing for me to comprehend what the author is suggesting. In its shortest form, this book teaches Christians that meditation is the key to remaining focused on God and staying in His holy presence. However, it uses vauge suggestions like, "Now bring your self into the Lord's presence and just hold yourself there in silence." Now, I take it as if I could already bring myself into the Lord's presence, then I probably wouldn't need this book! However, late on the book does offer a little more explanation. But the true value of this book is when it goes in to describing the difficulties one can expect to face when trying to draw closer to the Father. This section of the book (luckily a large portion of the entire text) is by far the most useful and practical and on it's merits alone I would recommend this book to all but the newest followers of Christ. (Newer followers might not understand the issues discussed without a little "practical experience" under their belt.)

This little book will help you get closer to God as you pray. It should be on every Christian's book shelf. It is a little hard to get in to, but don't give up - persevere - and you will be rewarded with a better prayer life.

In. My. Purse.

All. The. Time.

Seriously ---- This book is amazing. It has a permanent home in my purse... (it's not too small, not too big - just right) And I use it almost daily....or at least a few times per week. Sometimes I'm in a bad place and need a quick inspirational message, and sometimes I just feel like feeling better about something....Whatever the reason, you will LOVE THIS BOOK. I ordered 5 more after I got it to give to friends and family...that's how much I love it. I know when some open it they will think "ummm....ok..?" at first....but they end up thanking me later.

GET THIS BOOK you wont be sorry!

this book has been so helpful at valuable to me so many tough times like i'm going through now. the messages are short but powerful. this book will certainly help you restore your peace. like another poster said mine is getting worn out.

Each time my spirt is down, or I'm going through a situation, I turn to this book. I hold the book in my right hand by its spine, fan the pages with my left hand to stop at randum. The passages I've read, I have felt its deep spirtual feeling and I understand its meaning. Then I reflect on my situation and the passage fits. It helps me to understanding whats going on. It uplifts my spirit to deal with my situation. It give me insight to view my problem from a different angle. It also assures me that what I am currently going through will end. I will get through it. In my view, its a powerfull book. I have read several other books by Iyanla, even watched her talk show (sorry that went off the air), but like the bible, I keep Faith In The Valley near by.

This is my FAVORITE book by Iyanla Vanzant because of: It's size(small enough for your tiny purse), its lack of preach-i-ness and how the index is organized by subject. I feel its a synopsis of all the subjects covered in her other books. I also feel the book is applicable to women of ALL cultures. You can use it as a daily guide or you can use the index to find a subject for which you could use guidance.

I can not express how insightful and helpful this book is! It really makes you look deep into the reason(s) why you thought you needed a book of affirmations in the first place. This book is perfect for those "why me" and "I really can't take any more" moments when you feel like life, and everything in it, needs to give you a break. If you're a woman experiencing a lot of change in your life and it seems like you just can't handle another crisis (or is it a crisis afterall?), this is the book for you. I carry it in my purse!

I found this to be a wonderful piece of work and have lent it to several friends who were diagnosed with cancer. Monsignoir Velo's reading was very delightful and I give him a lot of credit for being able to read his good friend's memoires.

Beautifully written. As Cardinal Bernardin reflects on the last three years of his life, he shares the importance of embracing prayer, family, suffering, beauty, reconciliation, pain, and forgiveness in order to appreciate and completely enter into the fullness of peace.

For anyone who feels lost or alone in life or frustrated, angry, or scared at the thought of facing death, I recommend this book. Love and peace pour out of the pages as the author shares his life experiences, struggles, and genuine concern for others. He shared his love with countless people he encountered in his life, and his love continues to be shared after his death to any reader who has the opportunity to read this book.

The book is quite short (can easily be read in one sitting) and is incredibly focused and well organized. The book title, chapter titles, and introductory letter are handwritten by the author and really add genuineness to the book. Highly recommended.

Joseph Cardinal Bernardin made a very large impact on the City of Chicago. A simple, humble, very human being, he was greatly loved by all Chicagoans. At the end of his life, two huge events impacted his life, being falsely charged with sexual molestation by a young man, and learning that his life was soon to end as the victim of cancer. This book is a moving, eloquent statement of how he dealt with these and how his faith in God was tested and ultimately made rock solid. It is an inspiration to all who who are faced with burdens beyond their strength.

I have purchased this book several times and recommended it on numerous other occasions. I bought it first for myself, and on the other occasions for friends, family members and acquaintances who were dealing with serious illness and end of life issues. The feedback received from each recipient has been very positive. Cardinal Bernardin leads the reader through his last days of life as he deals in a very graceful and touching way with terminal cancer, life's issues and personal spirituality. It's not long until the reader feels he or she is walking the journey with a close friend. Through his experinece, Cardinal Bernardin helps the reader deal with his or her own mortality in a peaceful way. He is still ministering to us. I highly recommend this book for all those dealing with illness, family members, ministers, and healthcare professionals. Incidently, You don't have to be Catholic to fully appreciate this book.

Those of us losing our eyesight and who love to read often turn to the audiobook. It is like having a wonderful text read to us at bedtime as we listen on levels spiritual and psychological unreached by silent reading. Please notice the audiobook of this present precious text of peace is read by a Monsignor, a close coworker of this blessed Cardinal.

The false accusations of abuse made against this great American Cardinal were quickly cleared up, and this slim volume insightfully and clearly records that process and the holy process of reconciliation with his false accuser, in a lesson for us of peace and reconciliation and of forgiveness of those who most completely destroy us. The Cardinal truly lives and demonstrates for us the promise we make each time we pray the Our Father. Forgive us in the same way that we forgive those who have trespassed against us. Forgive us with the same forgiveness we show others. Just as we must do unto others what we want others to do for us, JEsus also calls us actively to forgive others in the same way we want the Father to forgive us. This saintly and courageous Cardinal Forgave the disturbed young man who falsley accused him of abuse, and this book well displays the process, that we might also learn to forgive, in the Love of God, in our interpersonal relationships and national policies.

How many times must we forgive, o Lord. Not seven but seventy times seven.

We need in our national Catholic Church this voice now more than ever. Read this book and weep and become renewed in our Gospel mission to love and to forgive and to spread the good news to the poor and liberation to the captives. Sight to the Blind. In this time of unjust war and overwhelming violence, we need to hear this book.

Yet some Catholics for political reasons continue to condemn this saintly man (while silent on Cardinal Law), eagerly assuming the accusations true, or some association with others similarly accused, in order not to hear the exhortation by this great Cardinal that the right to life does not end at birth, but at a natural and God given death. The right to life must be supported at every point in our life and in every aspect of life. This great CArdinal elaborated for our edification the seamless garment explanation of the right to life.

Womb to tomb.

Please read this book.

I must rush to Mass now, and I bring this book with me to help my confused prayer. I thank God this great and holy and courageous Cardinal left us this Gift of Peace in the weeks before his untimely death. As head of the USCCB at the time of the crafting of the prophetic letter The Challenge of Peace, his courageous voice is needed now more than ever. Yet we have this, his abiding Gift of Peace, and that strong letter for peace. Take and read.

Pray for peace. Receive this Gift of Peace.

It's rare to come upon literature with a pulse and a heartbeat on every page. This is one of those precious gems that I will read once a year for the rest of my days.

God's blessing in print. Hope again. Hope anew. Hope for you. Buy it. Read it. Live it.

Thank you Archbishop TUTU

Bill Dahl
Author, Creator, Editor
The Porpoise Diving Life

What an eloquent writer! Bishop Tutu writes so beautifully, especially when he describes the Love of God. The concept of transfiguration is explained in a passage about the cross which truly brought me closer to my Lord. Dear Christian brothers and sisters: read this book and be prepared to have your prejudices and fears about other people shattered by the Love of God.

I am leading a group study at St. John's Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida using this beautiful book of meditations by Bishop Tutu. There are discussion question after each chapter.

The book came in in a short amount of time, and was in great condition.

Desmond Tutu is a man of morals and conscience with the courage of his convictions. This book should be required reading for every school student. Better yet, invite him to talk -- he is outstanding!

i am enjoying this book . it has given great spiritual in sight to my broken heart. it also has help me to see my self as i really am. i recommend this book with great plus plus status.

I found this book to be both practical and inspiring. The journal in the back of the book gave me additional references to look up and a space to record my thoughts. This is a book that can be read by an individual or enjoyed in a group. It offers the reader something to reflect on and grow from each time you pick it up.

I was in a very dark, depressed in my life when I picked up this book. Immediately, the dark began lifting and hope settled in. Since then, I have bought and given this book to over 30 people who were struggling with life's hurts, disappointments and tragedies. They too, were able to gain a greater hope from God who desires to be our strength and comfort through every aspect of life. I am right now purchasing another for a dear friend struggling through illness. When life seems crumbling and there is no hope, God wants you to know He is there giving you "just enough light for the step you are on." Hope is a person, Jesus Christ, who imparts peace no matter your struggle.

Stormie Omartain has long been one of my favorite authors. She shares her personal experiences with her readers. She reminds us that when God called Abram, He did not hand him a detailed map. He called Abram (Abraham) to follow. God still calls us to follow. We are to follow Him through faith. We are to live for Him day by day. He gives us strength and grace for each day and faith to face tomorrow. "Regardless of what your situation is at this moment, God has an abundance of blessings for you."
We want to see what tomorrow will bring, but that is not God's way. Stormie Omartain's style is simple and easy-to-understand. She shares her story and faith in a manner that keeps the reader reading. Each chapter contains supporting scripture and prayer. There is a Prayer and Study Guide included. Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On would make a very good group study. Ms. Omartian and I share beliefs.. As my faith has matured, I have learned to depend on God. He has never let me down. Storms of life strike all of us; if we would only turn to Him in prayer before, during, and after the storm, we would have the assurance that He is with us. Ms. Omartian is a prolific author. She sheds light on how to experience the joy of living a life walking with God. I strongly recommend Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On to all.
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com

This book was a lifesaver for me. It put light into my dark, dim world. When I found this book, I was in a severe depression, going through a most difficult time in my life. I credit it with saving me. And I give glory to God for putting it in my hands.

No matter where you are in your life, this book will benefit you. You don't have to be as low as I was for this book to bless you. It is a must read for everyone!!

It is worth every dime that it cost and then some. Once you read it, you will want to put it next to your bible and keep it forever.

It means so much to me that I purchase it for everyone that I cross paths with, who seems to be in need of faith, love, comfort, and/or support. I use it as a way to minister to those in need.

You will LOVE it!

Ed Brown definitely knows Master Suzuki's heart.
And he presents the warm heart of his master in a logical and progressive ordering of a few of Suzuki's lectures.

After 30 years of daily meditation (15 in the style of Monk Dogen) and always failing to reach calmness of mind in every session,
a book like this gives a nugget of hope.

For example:
specifically, on page 6 of the Chapter on "Calmness of Mind," it offers:
"Exhaling, you gradually fade into emptiness--empty, white paper."

This is as clear as it gets;
the essence of the connection between breath, body, mind and emptiness.
Thank you very much.

Other concepts are also explained nicely.

For example:
Suzuki explains the meaning of the koan of "Jumping Off the 100-foot Pole,"
starting at page 16. (Myself, I've never really understood this one. I've always pictured myself reaching the top of the Pole and then trying to decide what to do next.)
Suzuki explains that this is precisely where I make my big mistake--stopping at the top of the pole and thinking. He says that the secret is just to say "Yes!" and jump off from there--forget the top of the pole and extend your practice.

One last example:
In the Chapter "Stand Up by the Ground" (page 139)
Suzuki explains "Immo,"
which can also mean a questioning, "What is this?"
A very subtle point here.
"What" or "It" is both something very definite ( "What" is "it"? may refer to that specific table right over there, and at the same time something beyond description and comprehension, maybe this table has only one leg and functions more like a chair and is merely drawn by an artist to symbolize some basic human emotion.)
Oh boy, my mind really runs wild with kind of "stuff."

Maybe Ed Brown will write a new book, giving his own commentary on these concepts.
Didn't Zen successors always write commentaries on scriptures?

Well, maybe "not always so."
Yet this book is like a Zen scripture.

Thank you very much Mr Brown.

If you are truly after understanding the nature of Zen Buddhism this book will be the greatest gift ever. Infinite wisdom of this man will touch you with every phrase, not colored, not wrapped in unnecessary complications, simple, deep and true. This is a book to read many times and to feel lucky time after time.

I am very new to Zen and have read several books on the subject. I have practiced zazen for a little while, so I am, by no means, advanced on the subject of Zen and zazen meditation. This book is geared more for those who are more advanced into the world of Zen and Buddhism than I am as there are a lot of things written that I really don't understand (I know that's somewhat Zen in and of itself), but seriously there are better books for beginners. Hopefully in a few years I can pick this book back up and get more out of it.

That being said, the essays are short and wonderful and even though I didn't "get" all of them, there were a lot of great little nuggets inside. For the price, this book is packed with great stuff, I'm just not sure it's for beginners.

Outstanding book with insight into a true Zen master. Written after the passing of Suzuki Roshi by one of his students, it is an insight into a beautiful man.

Not always so is a simple book with a single teisho or talk every couple of pages. This allows you to read one talk and digest it without having to delve into any serious brain bending. Suzuki Roshi presents the most complex ideas of Zen in a refreshing and accessible way. I enjoyed reading the 1-2 pages and then going to sit, just as if he gave me a personal teisho.

It is a thin book, but would you expect anything less from someone who could say one word and hold everything in it?

If you are new to Zen or an old master there is probably something wonderful to find in here for you.

On page 110, it is written: "Because we do not cling to any particular standard for thinking, for us there is no true way and not false." Is that not a meaty philosophical idea that could lead to endless intellectual discussions about the Buddha etc. etc.? His life will be prolonged in your mind and get in the way of your practice.
The book does end on what Zen really "is"; "So the point is just to sit..." (page 152). "Even though our practice is not better than a frog's, we continue to sit." (page 151). "Just sit for the the sake of zazen" (page 152).
But you won't make a best-seller with: Just sit. Just sit. Just sit., page after page. Sazuki's best-seller "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" was already too much more than enough to get across the simple idea that Zen is what happens to you when you sit still and follow or count your breaths. And what happens to you cannot really be put into words and ideas.
I give the book four stars for the interesting personal stories, philosophical and psychological discussions. But for the real practice itself-- sitting and meditating in Zen fashion--it was entirely unnecessary.

By looking at five different aspects of our personalities, we can see how our uniqueness in each of the areas combines to create an incredible potpourri of advantages and opportunities. Through an examination of spiritual gifts, passion, abilities, personality and life experiences, the author takes us on a journey to understanding our original divine design. With copious quotes, lists, and reflection questions, the author forces the reader into a very personal examination of the way that they are hard-wired. The The appendices are not superfluous but take the user on a journey that is exciting and filled with potential. It would be difficult to read this book and not emerge more confident and self-assured.

5 Reasons why this book is a MUST read. Here's my SHAPE acrostic.

Simple: Erik does an incredible job of making this stuff easy to use.

Helpful: The Spiritual profile that every participant leaves w/ helps the reader to succinctly understand what their next step for service is.

Authentic: if you're able to go through the small group curriculum ( video ) you'll seek Erik's authenticity. It's the real deal.

Passion: As you read the book you'll sense a desire to want to do something bigger than your normal everyday routine. You'll discover or rediscover your passion to impact lives or causes on a daily basis.

Experience: You must experience SHAPE either in book form or through the small group curriculum. Both are incredible resources!!

This book helped confirm the strengths I felt I had. The assessment really opened my eyes to the specific ways my spiritual strengths can be used to help others. I also appreciated the part of the book about having a board of advisors and a training partner. We can learn a lot from the people God has put in our life.

What an eye opener! After reading SHAPE and applying what I learned, I discovered where I truly am in my life, what I am good at, and where to spend my energy in daily living. Based on the content of SHAPE, I have made significant changes that have improved me, my marriage, and my other relationships. This is a must read if you want to get to know yourself on a deeper level, put your true talents to work on what matters most in life, and make a difference in the world you live in....

This book was a great follow up to the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. While Warren's book helped me understand that God created me for a purpose, SHAPE helped me discover how I am made to achieve this purpose and the practical steps to put this purpose into action!
Since reading both these books, God has revealed my purpose and shape to me and I am dedicating my life to becoming a marriage and family therapist. I am currently working in the field and going to school to get licensed as a therapist!