Religion and Spirituality Books

Read these insights whenever you wonder if you're doing a good job parenting. Rachael is helpful, funny, and wise.

Rachael Carman's book "Soundbites from Heaven..." is such a wonderful book. It is arranged so as to be read at one sitting or a "dose" each day. Each chapter will strike a chord in the heart of any age mother. Older mothers and grandmothers will chuckle and occasionally squirm at the all too familiar day to day situations that Mrs. Carman makes relevant to our relationship with our Heavenly Father. And younger mothers will be inspired to hear themselves in a different light when speaking to those little blessings during a milk spill or "teaching moment" as we refer to them around my house. A great gift for any mom or grandmother. She'll thank you for it!

This book grabs one's attention from the start with the "Dear Reader" note. The author truly wants to bless the reader with the understanding that God cares about every little detail in our lives. The candor is greatly appreciated and so refreshing. It is true while reading the stories one is transported to a place in their own life where God speaks and one must decide, "will I listen?" The "Moments of Introspection" at the end of each anecdote assist the reader in searching one's heart and soul. You will laugh and you will cry. There are 52 stories, one for every week of the year and each one brings joy to your spirit.

What an awesome book. This book explains how the things we say to our kids, God is also saying to us as moms. There have been many times before and after reading this book that God has jerkerd the slack out of me when I have said certain things to my children. The author is real and writes with true conviction. She also lives out what she writes.

If people would just get this book in their hands, it could really change their entire way of looking at things. It is a simple yet revolutionary concept. Listen to what we say as we speak to our kids.....is God saying the same to us? "Take out the trash." Something so simple; I ask my kids to do it all the time. Is God trying to get my attention, do I need to take out my trash? Every chapter challenges and encourages me to examine what I am saying as well as whether or not I am listening for God to speak to me. Everyone should read this book. I have read it all the way through and now I'm going back and reading it a little at a time and really reflecting on what it says!

Jerry White's book, The Spirit and Presence of Christ, cuts through the "Religious Noise" that is so often invoked when a discussion on the work of the Holy Spirit is undertaken.

His direct, through and often deeply personal style speaks to the heart of the individual who is seeking after a deeper and more meaningful relationship with his/her Creator. Jerry weaves the truths of the scriptures and the lessons of his own journey into a narrative that is both biblical and approachable for us all.

This book is a "must read" for any one yearning to live in His Presence.

Jerald White's book, The Spirit and Presence of Christ, is a book written for thirsty Christians. Those believers who have grown weary of living the Christian life in their own strength and power and with the ever nagging thought, "Is there more to the Christian life than this?" should read this book.

Jesus said, "If anyone thirsts let him come to me and drink and out of his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water" (Jn. 7.37-38). Jesus was speaking of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 7.39). This book helps thirsty believers learn how to appropriate that living water into their daily experiences.

The author uses a combination of biblical teaching and personal testimonies to encourage and lead the reader into a deeper experience with the Holy Spirit. For those familiar with the writings of A. W. Tozer, The Spirit and Presence of Christ, follows in that line. The book concludes with a study guide to help the reader to reflect on the teachings in each chapter and apply the truths taught in the chapter to the reader's life.

White has done a great service to the body of Christ by distilling a lifetime of study and Christian living into an easy to read and understand book on appropriating the ministry of God's Spirit in the Christian's life.

If you've ever read the New Testament book of Acts and wondered why today's church doesn't have that same power and impact, THE SPIRIT AND PRESENCE OF CHRIST is for you. God's promise is that we can have spiritual fullness in the presence of Christ. This book talks about how that can happen.

Author Jerry White has spent a lifetime seeking to know God and His purposes. THE SPIRIT AND PRESENCE OF CHRIST reveals White's own spiritual journey, biblical truths, and stories of God's transforming power in the lives of believers around the globe and throughout history.

This book will help readers break away from the powerless routine of Christian living that many of us experience and discover the promise of fullness--God's intention for each of us!

Without the waste of wordiness, yet with terse tenderness, Jerry White charts two journeys in his book: his journey and the Biblical journey with a singular destination; the fullness of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The integrity, the humility, and the humanity with which he writes are disarming. This author, with the accumulating years of reading what others have written, and what God has written in His book, now writes with the wealth of authenticity.
For those with a hunger for the Spirit in fullness, and for those who need to learn of such hunger, this book is what the academic world calls, "required reading".
Thank you, Spirit of God, for blowing fresh wind across the pen of Jerry White.

I've read many books on the Holy Spirit over the years. Some were Biblical and helpful, and others weren't. We are hearing much today about the "amazing things the Holy Spirit is doing" or the "new things" the Holy Spirit is doing. Many people are getting caught up in looking for an experience or some supernatural sign from God when what they really need is a personal relationship with Christ that is based on an intimate walk with Him in the fulness of the Holy Spirit. Jerry White writes from decades of experience in seeking for, finding, and helping others find the fulness of the Spirit that the Lord promises to all (and desires for all) His children. I know that the things he writes about in this book are true -- I was there during the meetings in Japan about which he writes. I highly recommend this book to any who long for a deeper relationship with the Lord.

I loved this book, as it answered many of the questions I have as a newbie on the spiritual path. Their information is clear and concise, and it felt like they were sitting in my living room, sharing their life experience in ways that are very helpful to me. I highly recommend this book!
Carmen from California

Spirituality gets a face lift in this enjoyable read that packs a powerful punch of philosophy you can use. Their direct style, tempered by compassion offers a refreshing take on life and what it means to be spiritual--or, as The Spiritual Chicks would say, what it means to be ourselves. These Chicks are really onto something.

Are you looking for a modern, "feel-good" way to understand and accept the world for what it is? Do you feel like you should be spiritual yet don't want to adhere to the old-fashioned customs and beliefs of religion? Do you want to get the most out of life and "living" that you possibly can? If you answered yes to any of those questions, "The Spiritual Chicks Question Everything: Learn to Risk, Release, and Soar" is most likely the book for you.

"The Spiritual Chicks Question Everything" is written by Tami Coyne and Karen Weissman, two self-proclaimed "Spiritual Chicks." They are two sorts of different people-Tami is a passionate and highly motivated woman, while Karen is analytical and tends to think about things a lot more. The two of them, however, are very good friends and tend to think of spirituality the same way: that it's an awareness that we are connected to in Life and Living in a special way, and that Spirituality is a mindset that allows one to participate in life and realize that one has everything they need in this world to succeed.

That is how the idea for this book was conceived. This book is packed full of questions and answers (sixty to be exact) and real-life essays that are thrown in here or there to further explain the answer to certain questions. Here are some examples of questions asked throughout this book: Do I need to go to church to be spiritual? Am I doomed because of bad karma? Do I need God's approval to do certain things? Do I need to suffer? Is there sex after death? There are also personal essays which one or the other of the authors write to further drive a point or answer home.

"The Spiritual Chicks Question Everything" is written in an easily-understandable fashion and is short enough that most people will be able to finish it. It is 204 pages long, and is a little blue paperback book that can be carried most anywhere.

Tami and Karen convey effectively the concept that Spirituality is just living life to the fullest, not analyzing every little thing, and that we truly live in "heaven" here, that we have all the necessary tools right here on earth and within us to live happy, fulfilling lives. This book teaches that most of the old stodgy beliefs of century-old religions don't need to be taken seriously in all their aspects in order for one to gain true meaning and happiness in life. However, God is not completely thrown out in this book; many times the bible is referenced, or God is talked about in certain ways that shows that the authors do in fact believe in God, but just have different beliefs and understandings of Him.

Interesting though some of the concepts are, I did not find this book very helpful in my own quest for spirituality. For the most part, it seems these authors are taking what they want out of different religions (particularly Christianity and Buddism) and applying it like a thin veneer of faith to their own beliefs of spirituality. Sure, we are all spiritual beings and should live life to its fullest potential and not constantly worry. Had the book only gone that far, it would be difficult to argue with it, but many of the questions and answers and essays seemed to tell us to "Live for yourself" and "Don't worry about what age-old beliefs and customs and religions say; do what you feel is right and good." However, that may be just me; I'm a down-to-earth girl who was raised in Christianity and still believe it to this day (and always will).

Which brings me to wonder, who will like this book? Who will truly benefit from this book? What messages are its authors are trying to get across? Born-again Christians and Atheists most likely will not agree with this book, Christians because of the many times the authors change something from the bible and basically throw out many of the age-old beliefs and truths of Christianity, and atheists won't because of its many references to "God" and an "All-Powerful One." Buddhists might because this book does actually reflect many beliefs and thoughts of Buddhism. For people who are not religious in any way or are undecided, The "Spiritual Chicks Question Everything" might be a good tool for them to begin to get in touch with spirituality and living life to its fullest. It seemed to me that the authors used a "pick-and-choose" method and took what they wanted from whatever religion, and used it as the foundation for their own beliefs of Spirituality. Which many will find no problems with. I did to some extent, however.

Don't get me wrong-I liked some of the ideas presented in the book. Particularly that we should live life to its fullest, not judge each other, and that we should treat others in a reflection of a way we wish to be treated. Pretty classic semi-religious stuff, isn't it? This book does offer some very good advice and questions/answers and explanations about general ways we can live in fulfillment of our desires. The authors many times reference Spirituality as Power, and that we can embrace Power in our day to day lives for a more fulfilling life. I did like the many positive things and ideas that the book presented and explained.

Overall, If you're looking for a book that answers many questions about Spirituality, want a better perspective of living life to its fullest, and want to see how you can perceive the world as all you need to succeed in life, pick up a copy of this book. It does contain some thought-provoking material that can be enjoyed and appreciated by most. Are you wondering what Spirituality is, and would you like to know how you can use it in your life? Read this. Are you looking for something deep and sacred that will give you the meaning of life? Skip this one; you will probably be disappointed.

The Spiritual Chicks ask all the right questions, don't claim to have all the answers, but show us how to find out for ourselves. THE SPIRITUAL CHICKS QUESTION EVERYTHING was such a fun read, yet, at the same time, it was thought-provoking and very real. The questions are great, but it's the essays by each of the authors sandwiched in between that are the soul of the book.

This is a funny, witty, romp through the realm of spirituality. And it isn't done with a pious pompous stuffy tude either. If it's not a shot at hard core legalistic organized religions, then it's a darned good sensible excuse for us all to explore the possiblity that this existential stuff ought not be so heavy. There is no dogma here. Just thought provoking wisdoms that teach us to lighten up. I'm feeling lighter already.

MIKE ...

I have read several books of this type, and Mr Main's was the best thought out and most realistically useful of them all. His use of the Oz icons was brilliant and the insights he has are simple and to the point and dead on accurate.

This book came up as an Amazon recommended read for me. That was okay. As I collect everything on the Oz film, and also practice Ashtanga, I might have purchased this book, anyway. However: this is a very simply-written collection of thoughts, presented in a non-linear fashion. I found the non-linear approach to be confusing. I feel it bypasses some important elements of the story. I still think Salmon Rushdie's book is the best and most comprehensive approach to understanding the film.

I don't find any outright references to yoga here, nor do I see any sort of outline regarding how about the philosophy behind yoga is tied into the author's ideas.

This is a spiritual book, based on the author's personal philosophical views of the film. I would recommend it to a young person, someone who is just getting acquainted with symbolism - and who has actually seen the MGM movie! There are a surprising number of young people who have never read "The Wizard of Oz", and who have never seen the film! If you are new to the film, you would enjoy the fun guidance this book could bring to your life.

Darren John Main is a Yoga teacher from the West Coast who has a gift for putting complex ideas into simple, down to earth language.

I have downloaded all of his available talks (which are presently available for free from his web site http://darrenmain.com/)and have listened to them countless times and have read his "Yoga And The Path Of The Urban Mystic as well.

This book, which I believe was his first, uses the "Oz" characters as metaphors along the spiritual journey. I found his analysis of the characters to be believable and useful in terms of being able to apply them to my own understanding of the complexities of life.

Darren uses examples from his own and other's lives to illustrate the points throughout the book. This makes it a very "real life" type book rather than just philosophical speculation.

Though this is a fairly short book it is filled with endless treasures of insights.

Highly recommended!!!!!

Namaste

I found Darren's honesty in telling his stories and relating them to another story that we all know and love a wonderful way to bring spiritual principle to daily living. I have always loved The Wizard of Oz, has have so many millions, but I love the connection of the characters to deeper aspects of myself. A great and fun read for all.

I first read the author's other book, "Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic" and was totally blown away by his insight and wisdom. I've read (and continue to read) as much as I can on subjects of yoga and spirituality and was so impressed by this book that I wanted to find another by the same author. I was frankly not too excited when I saw that his other book was entitled "Spritual Journeys along the Yellow Brick Road." I'm probably the only former kid in America who didn't like "The Wizard of Oz" and had to force myself to see the whole movie from beginning to end. I'm also a fussy reader, and had to decide if I really wanted to read this book. The other reviews posted on this site were so positive I decided to give it a chance. I was not in the least disappointed!! I would never have thought of the "Wizard of Oz" as a spritual journey, but the author clearly and capably demonstrates this for his readers. This book was not only highly entertaining and a very enjoyable reading experience, but it teaches many valuable lessons without seeming to do so. Whether or not you are a fan of the movie or the Frank Baum book, I would highly and unquestioningly recommend this book to anyone who is on his/her own spiritual journey, or to anyone who just wants to have a good time enjoying a great book.

Joe, Joe, Joe, Joe, Joe....You are such an incredible person. Always have been. Always will be. Just like Bill and Orien...

Five stars doesn't even begin to describe the wisdom of Mr. Sharp's way.

Joseph Sharp has the rare ability to render the spiritual realm in such a powerful and vivid way that one begins to feel the most abstract beauties of the universe become almost tangible. His prose is crisp, lively, and remarkably insightful. This is a book for anyone who loves life now, or thinks she or he might possibly want to love life in the near future. Bravo, Mr. Sharp!

Joseph Sharp's new book, Spiritual Maturity, sets his readers on a wide road, "[a] road extending far beyond what we think we see now, far beyond any preconceived ideas of spiritual correctness we could possibly imagine." He recognizes the messiness of life--the impulses to anger, jealousy, fear, the reluctance to forgive ourselves and others--and sees these not as obstacles to spiritual maturity but as part of the road. In a series of lovely and sad stories, taken from his experiences as a chaplain at Parkland Memorial Hospital and his personal relationships with the dying and terminally ill, he suggests that personal and emotional honesty are more important to spiritual maturity than any sort of formulaic positivism. At the same time, his is an inclusive work, referencng the Bible, Buddha, Zen masters, Rilke, Anne Lamott and Martin Luther King, Jr., among others. For Joseph Sharp, exploring spiritual maturity means exploring life in all of its complexities. I strongly recommend this intimate, thoughtful book, full of subtle insights and small blessings.

For many of us on a spiritual journey, we can often look back on our path and note benchmarks of wise words that seemed to have advanced and enhanced our progress. Joseph Sharp's incredibly insightful book, "Spiritual Maturity, Stories and Reflections for the Ongoing Journey of the Spirit" promises to endure as a marker and guide for transformation and clarity to any spiritual seeker.

Wise beyond his years and certainly our times, Sharp's clear and steady voice is, at once, comforting and illuminating. Throughout the book he engages a remarkable wisdom that asks the reader to honor the truth of the spiritual process. "Remember, we have been given a sacred individuality by God so we might express our inner brilliance within this mortal coil. The message from within is: You can be grand.", he begins. Sharp "promotes a way of courageous self-honesty - especially when social or religious pressures to `keep up appearances' encourage us to pretend otherwise. Sacred individuality asks us to cultivate open-mindedness, tolerance, and a sense of grand permission in our lives and seeking."

This book serves as a common-sense guide to spirituality and Sharp creates an "atmosphere of permission" that invites the reader to better understand the wisdom within and among us. He reminds us that "authentic spiritual maturity has much more to do with acceptance, recognition and exploration, and less to do with avoidance, denial and escape" and he encourages us to find our own individual path. "The individualistic imagination of the brilliant soul usually annoys the rather dull, hallowed halls of `The Established Way'", Sharp says. He challenges the reader to always be different, distinct, courageous and outrageously individualistic on the journey.

This book endeavors to teach us that our life's lessons are present in every moment. Every encounter, every thought, every experience in each minute of the day is a sacred spiritual act designed to help us discover our truth, our path, and ourselves.

With incredible insight and clarity, Sharp asks us to embrace our own dark moments as pathways to spiritual learning and growth. "For the seeker, the question is not whether we can successfully shield our spirituality from life's grit. We can't. The real question is: Do we cultivate a vision that gives us permission to acknowledge and include all our life experiences, especially those darker moments within the boundaries of what is considered appropriate territory for spirituality?", he asks. "When we encounter life's painful and unpleasant experiences, do we pause to consider the possible wisdom beneath the suffering?"

Sharp delivers countless brilliant moments throughout the book and exacts points of wisdom from other friends on the path such as Anne Lammot, Rumi, Rainer Maria Rilke, Chogyam Trungpa, Natalie Goldberg and Robert Arpin.

In this book, he embraces all religions but encourages us to find our own truth and personal experience outside the confines of any religious doctrine. Sharp reminds us that we must travel our own path and avoid accepting religious doctrine blindly without spiritual exploration - "we are asked to seek the spirit of the teaching, to get to the heart of the matter with self-honesty and awareness -- to find the inner truth of that information."

Throughout the book, Sharp offers a tender voice of reason to guide us on our journey and perhaps his greatest gift to us is an abundance of courage, "An honest soft courage. A courage that opens the heart, reveals vulnerability, and trusts in a larger process at work. Make no mistake about it, being true to yourself and your unique individuality demands the quality of soft courage," he writes. "It takes courage to step out of the safe, convenient, and comfortable boundaries we've established for our lives: courage to give ourselves a wider landscape in which to seek and explore; courage to give up the illusion that we will one day get `everything right', and courage to honor and appreciate the divine human mystery that is ultimately beyond our conceptual understanding altogether. It takes courage to kiss our scars figuratively as well as literally."

This is an incredibly wise book written with a kind and clear brilliance that should illuminate even the darkest path and send us on our journey with God-speed.

This is the first book i've ever read on Spiritual Warfare. I enjoyed it very much, it's not a light read, however it's definitely a page turner. Although i didn't read it in a short period of time, i've always wanted to read the next chapter. It uses biblical passages as its foundation and then move to the application in daily life as christian. I definitely think this is a must read for every christian who wants to move to the next level in spiritual warfare.

Buy it, read it, apply it, and then share it!

the book has many aspects to overview in one's life. it is indeed a descent reference for a more defined perspective on what is really going on in a misunderstood or rather highly underestimated realm of reality. Thanks again for your assistance.

The title is a little decieving, however, Spiritual Warfare for Every Christian is a great book. Some chapters are a bit heavy for "every" christian, but a must read knowing that the enemy is always near. I have recommened this book to many.

It was well written and was a pleasure to read. Buy it, you will be glad you did :-)

This book will change your life. I know that seems trite and overused, but it is true. Not only is it practical and logical, but it is firmly rooted in excellent Biblical teaching. It encourages Christians to pull their heads out of the sand and get into the battle. It is balanced in its treatment and asks us to get serious about out calling, while being practical about telling us what that is and how to go about it. One thing I loved was its treatment of the battle within. Dealing with our own hearts and minds is the first step. You have to learn what gates are and how to shut them. No more fear of the Devil or seeing a demon behind every bush. Equip yourself! If you ever have a chance to watch the video teaching series on this topic by Dean Sherman, I highly recommend that as well.

I absolutely liked this devotional and you get to learn more about the CCM group Point of Grace. There are 24 chapters, its easy to read, with song lyrics, questions, etc. I'd even reccomend it to those that aren't fans of POG, because its a very well done devotional. Great for beginners and new Christians. You can use this devotional anytime of the year, since it doesn't have any calendar dates. It's also great for a small group study.

I read the book it is really good it inspires me so much.I have all their cds.I love their music so much .I can't wait to meet them.I LOVE POG.

I had been wanting this book for awhile and I got it for my birthday. I was so thrilled. It is a truly awesome book. These four girls are very talented and definetly chose the right way in which to use them! Their voices blow me away everytime I hear them. God blessed them so much. This book is SO good! Please buy it! I assure you that you will love it too!! :o)

I'm a big fan of Point of Grace, so I got this book originally because I liked them so much. When I read the book I was blown away!! The girls may not consider themselves writers but the did an incredible job on this book. I had to contain myself to only read one a day! If you are a Christian, I garuantee it will bring you closer to God, and if it doesn't touch you in any way, e-mail me:o)

Point of Grace's "Steady On" Devotional book is a beautifully written piece of literature. For individuals who may be in a "dry" spell in their walk with Christ, I reccomend you read a devotional from "Steady On" every morning- read it in the morning (do the questions through keeping a journal)and that way you have started your day on a solid foundation. Also, be sure to end your devotional time in prayer. "Steady On" is a great way to get excited about your walk with Christ. Point of Grace is a pheonomenon in the Christian music industry. With amazing harmonies and their honesty behind their words in "Steady On", it's no wonder that this group is as succesful as they are. Go out and purchase "Steady On." If you sit down and get totally honest with yourself, this devotional book can lead you into days filled with the hope, peace, and contentment that Jesus longs for you to experience. You WILL NOT be disapointed. Enjoy...

Within these pages lies the truth about good and evil. As you read this book be prepared to be amazed at the volumes of information that is related to the reader in such a short time. This is the most compelling compact book of the century being around one hundred pages, but within those pages are inspired words that will touch the very heart of any reader. This is an awesome book and a must have for any library.

This is one of the best Biblically-based books that I have read on the lift of Jesus! I absolutely love it and would highly recommend it to anyone who would like to learn more about Jesus Christ. It's a must buy, in my opinion.

Of Ellen G. White's many astounding books, this is probably her best seller. Literally in the tens-of-millions. A beautiful guide to understanding and personally accepting Jesus Christ and His Grace. The perfect gift for anyone even considering following the Son of God. And despite false accusations from many, after reading her inspired works you'll better understand why she is America's all-time best selling female author, and most widely translated of any gender. A beautiful light to the real Biblical Jesus.

"Steps to Christ" is a wonderful book! If you could just read one book, this would definitely be the best one to read indeed! It brings God's love closer to you than you could ever imagine. It opens your eyes to just how much God really loves you, a love that none of us deserve. This is a must-read classic! I would highly encourage anyone to get this book and read it and pass it on! You'll never be the same. It opens to the heart the great impact of the Gospel and shows the way, the only Way, to salvation-Jesus Christ.

This is by far the best book on religion I have ever read. The case for Christianity is stated in simple language and the basics of this religion are explained very well. Everyone should own this book.

A beautiful synthesis of inspiring teaching stories, everyday-workable spiritual instruction and timeless truths, SuperWisdom is a valuable tool for anyone who sincerely wants to find the True Self.
We are lead through the "Four Gardens of Growth," each containing powerful, life-changing principles presented in a clear, easy to absorb way. I especially liked the "Heart Hints" at the end of each section.
For those interested in energy studies, this is a great book. Learn how to increase energy, how not to waste it, how to invest it for more learning- it's all here.
SuperWisdom gets right to the heart of true self-change. While Vernon Howard's influence is felt throughout the book (and much credit is given), Truth has found a bright new voice in Tom Russell.

This is a good book. It is admittably largely based on the writings of the late Vernon Howard. I would advise anyone to go directly to Vernon Howards many books (especially THE POWER OF YOUR SUPERMIND). A of his books are availible at a good price on Amazon.

Dave

If you're a fan of Vernon Howard's superb books and teachings then be ready to meet the man who is carrying on the torch. Tom Russell, one of Mr. Howard's students and associates, has written a terrific book based on many of the teachings learned from his mentor. (I've followed Tom's SuperWisdom ezine for years so as soon as I learned the book was coming out I knew it was something I would read and from which I would greatly benefit.)

This book is awesome. I got more than my money's worth in the introduction alone! And, yet, the information continued to get even more powerful as the book progressed.

Definitely one of those books that - once you read it one time - you'll want to keep it in a very visible place in your library. That way you can read it again, or at least just pick it up from time-to-time and turn to any of the pages. I guarantee that, regardless of the page you choose, you'll find the exact gem you needed to experience at that very moment.

Superwisdom is a 21st Century book that takes a new look at mankinds age-old spiritual quest to discover Lifes purpose. Tom Russell has created a book that will inspire any weary traveller to get back to REAL spiritual work and, as he puts it,"refuse to be a stagnant pond". Theres a real practical side to this book, something that is often severly lacking in the multitude of new age/spiritual books overcrammed full of concepts and philosophical discussion. Superwisdom encourages self-reliance and gently prises one away from spiritual dependency. Self-discovery can be fun again by using the many tools and ideas presented in Superwisdom. Theres no creed or heavy doctrine to follow but a vibrant lightness of encouragement, simplicity, and practical tips to get out there in the world and APPLY your inherent SUPERWISDOM.

Tom Russell has written a book that feels as though it had already been conceived, as though it has been available forever, nearby, in a place as close as breath, just waiting for somebody to come along and write it. As a theologian, I can say with confidence that most of the seekers I know prefer our wisdom sharp as straight Scotch, difficult, prosaic, nearly impenetrable, demanding skull sweat and spiritual gymnastics to navigate the terrain. Most of us turn up our noses at any kind of wisdom which is presented as in any way easy. Yet Tom has distilled centuries of insight and truth into a form that is easy and pleasant to read, but which is also grace-filled in its daily application. A rare and welcome feat. There is nothing in this book that has been watered-down for mass consumption. Those looking for a quick, esay, and cheap way to gain wisdom will be disappointed. Still, the Way is there, not to fill the seeker's cup, but with the much more fulfilling invitation that the seeker daily become the cup which is repeatedly filled. This is a book to be placed on the handiest bookshelf and returned to time and again. It is a jewel, rare and costly, and I treasure it.

As a big fan of the sisterchick series, I was excited to find this devotional. I have just done the first couple of devotions but already really enjoy it. While it is fun to do, it is sprinkled with "meat" to chew on and really get you thinking. Also, each lesson is very manageable, time-wise, which is important to me as a mother of 3 young children.

I found this little book very helpful on a recent personal retreat I took. The stories are insightful and the lessons we learn are common and real.
the pages to journal and write your thoughts and prayers are useful as well.

I've read every Sisterchicks book that's been published and this one is just as awesome as the others. Every Sisterchicks book are so great that you can't put them down once you start reading them.

Inspiring and uplifting. Something you would want to read over and over again. I have given as a gift to close friends.

Sisterchick is "a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and gives you a reality check when you're being a brat." A great definition; my only change would be that she loves you even when you're being a brat! But Robin Jones Gunn's Sisterchick definition has served her well as she has been delighting readers with her wacky adventures around the globe. From Sisterchicks on the loose in Finland to Sisterchicks down under in New Zealand, the concept of women having fun, solving problems and enjoying life has resonated with female fans and made her a popular "chick-lit" author.

TAKE FLIGHT! seems like a natural rest stop, a place for us and the author to take a break from whirlwind adventures and simply reflect. Robin's own Sisterchick, Cindy Hannan, had just returned from doing a Bible study series in Indonesia, which inspired her to think about collaborating on the devotional that God had been leading her to write. Cindy agreed, and TAKE FLIGHT! took flight, with Robin telling "God stories" and Cindy providing thought-provoking questions that spur self-awareness, honesty and a desire to know Him more personally.

The resulting book is filled with stories of encouragement, love, hope, wisdom and whimsy. The stories come from "Robin's Nest" and the focus questions and highlights come from "Cindy's Perch." These are but two of the unremitting bird references that could be annoying in less loving hands. But because they are done with such a sweet spirit, we not only enjoy them but add a few of "owl" own!

Each section of the book has several chapters that can be read in order, out of order or straight through. The first section, "Bird's-Eye View," includes Sunset Worship, Love of Strangers, and A New Dream. Robin intermingles her "God stories" with stories from the Bible, both Old and New Testament, to show how God has always known the needs of His children and how He has always provided the answers they need. The most obvious and difficult being: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love one another as you love yourself. As we ponder the concept of love, the longing for it grows...it's a God thing.

While most women can relate to having a best friend when they were girls and teens, and even as young marrieds, many have lost that joy with the onset of career chasing, numerous moves and outrageously busy schedules. It's not easy to make friends with all of that going on, and somehow the fear of rejection and disappointment keeps us from taking the risks necessary to do so. And how much simple joy we miss as a result.

TAKE FLIGHT! and the Sisterchick stories themselves put a longing in the heart for unconditional friendship. The words that Robin and Cindy use to inspire us to take the risks are precious and encouraging, and are sure to spark our spirit to TAKE FLIGHT!

--- Reviewed by Maggie Harding