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I bet that anyone on this crazy world would identify him/herself with some part of this book. It's so amazind how the author reaches each and every personal and collective problem we face nowadays. And he gives an answer, and a way of overcoming them. And it's not a impossible thing, but it requires our will power to really do something for ourselves that won't misleade us into these worldly delusions, and we must throw away all the bad conditionings the society and the old religions has imposed in our minds. I feel I am really free and experiencing my immortal essence following what the author suggests in this book, and I invite you to get out of you daily slumber.

This book is utterly mind-blowing. I can't believe what I've just read; any cynicism or scepticism I had upon seeing this book ('Just another Indian guru' etc.) was gone after reading the first few chapters. Shri Mataji is the only true revolutionary, everything she says makes complete sense and is consistent with both ancient scriptures and natural science. Her explainations and analogies describing her technique Sahaja Yoga are so simple yet so powerful. Its absolutely relevent to the world today and the author's personal story adds to the overall effect of what he's trying to show us about Sahaja Yoga. He was an intellectual cynic, looking for something 'else' and duly found that in Sahaja Yoga. I'm sure all the doubts that he himself had are addressed in this book for fellow cynics - I was certainly silenced by his explainations of why he felt a certain way and how he easliy overcame it. As he says, this has to be felt to be believed so please put any intellectual doubts aside and read this book. It is about NOW! No use trawling through stuff written thousands of years ago when you could have it all summed up here! Everything will be answered. Your life will be changed!!

This is one of very few books that I would recommend on the subject of higher consciousness and spirituality. It's considerably more informative than a simple account of one's search for the truth. Mr de Kalbermatten speaks knowledgeably and in detail from his own experience and inquiries - not just intellectualizing or speculating - concerning self-realization. It's clear he just wants to share the truth that he's found.

The memories of the substantial personal time he has spent with the widely acknowledged most remarkable spiritual personality, Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, are most enjoyable. The nurturing words of Shri Mataji throughout are absolutely illuminating to anyone who wishes to sincerely experience Truth and interconnection/collectivity.

Mr de Kalbermatten's open, sincere, dedicated account of his personal quest is inspiring. He describes what we have all experienced in that there is a lot of bunk masquerading as truth out there and it's very difficult to discriminate between correct and incorrect, right and wrong. Also, that it is difficult to fix personal problems unless you can see yourself honestly. I could relate very well to his initial desperation as a young seeker, and also to his recognition as the immensity and wonder of this amazing and very practical path became apparent.

It is also immediately evident that Mr de K is genuine and his goal obviously NOT money- or power-oriented; a very rare thing in the vast new age book market these days. I really enjoyed the insights, anecdotes and huge amount of information derived from ancient sources which Mr de K so generously shares in the book.

The wave of transformation being experienced in the world is better understood if we can understand ourselves, the subtle workings of the subtle energy system inside us, through recognition and actualization of the Divine Power present in each of us.

This is one book that every inquiring mind and heart should read for the benefit of their own seeking and introspection in becoming the best that one can be. We are instruments of the Divine and we all need to first get it right within ourselves in order to get society back on the proper track, and there's a ready-and-waiting inbuilt way for everyone to achieve that. The correct 'tools' and ability to decode the signals in order to reach our destined heights are available to us through the enormous knowledge, wisdom, love and compassion of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.

The book has been a great work by Gregoire De Kalbermatten which not only gives the factual details of his own practical experiences, his encounter with HH Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi but also in depth knowledge about Sahajayoga, which was invented and gifted to the mankind by Shri Mataji. The author dealt with problems of the modern times, the depth of the ancient knowledge and provided scores of clues amd tips for a genuine seeker of truth. All my long awaited questions were answered and my quest was quenched with the deep knowledge provided in this book. This has to be read by all seekers of truth very sincerely.

I strongly recommend this book to all those interested in knowing their self.

The Advent written by G. De Kalbarmatten is an exemplary work on Brahma Gyana in general, Sahajayoga in particular. Seekers can find answers to many long awaited questions in this book.

The book begins with the author's early life before coming into Sahajayoga and his encounter with HH Shri Mataji. His experiences of "Self Realization" and of some other Sahajayogis have been described in simple and effective style. The Kundalini instrument of individual as well as of Virata has been illustrated. Explaining the depth of Reality or Truth it is said that "Human minds cannot be taken to Reality, but Reality has to engulf the human mind."

About death and rebirth, it is said that - When heart ceases to beat the individual's consciousness withdraws from the bodily organs. The content of consciousness, The Atman together gathers into Kundalini, which shrinks in size (1-2 cm). Them Kundalini leaves the body carrying chakras which are loaded with the Karma of This birth as well as Previous lives (Kundalini form attends the corpse for 13 days till funeral rites are over). Depending on the content of chakras and the condition of Kundalini, it goes to the corresponding field of energy in Virata, where the next birth is determined.

Ego, Superego, dangers of liberated sex and false gurus are elaborately discussed. The history and evolution of religions of world is quite interesting. The genesis of the universe gives enormous knowledge unknown to science till now. The following salient points can be relevant here.

Ø In the beginning, Sadashiva and Adishakti were united as one entity.
Ø Later Shiva_Shakti separation took place (Big-bang theory). Shakti further divided into Maha Laxmi, Maha Saraswati and Maha Kali.
Ø Brahma & Maha Saraswati forming Adi Swadhistan of Virata helped the matter to evolve its atomic structure nearly 6000 billion years ago.
(During Big-bang, matter was crushed to tiniest particles called Quarks. These quarks later assembled into Protons and Neutrons. 2004 Nobel prize in Physics is awarded to the theories which explain the forces between quarks which from Proton and Neutron).
Ø Galaxies and Solar Systems were formed 4000 billion years ago.
Ø The living cells were created 1100 billions years ago.
Ø Human brain has evolved 3 billion years ago.
Ø 70,000 years ago, Paleolithic man appeared.
Ø Raising of head and erect posture of Man caused a twist in the evolution of visudhi chakra, developing ego and superego which ultimately resulted in cutting of human consciousness from universal consciousness.

To lead the human beings with locked up consciousness, incarnations became necessary and the Cosmic Conscience produced 4 types of incarnations (Archetypes)

1. Mother Incarnations-generally single person like Durga, Chandi etc., or accompanied by Father as Sita, Radha.
2. Father incarnations-eight first incarnations of Maha Vishnu-Mastya, Narasimha etc.,
3. Guru incarnations-Dattatreya, Yogiraja Viswambhara etc.,
4. Son incarnations-Ganesh, Kartikeya, Jesus Christ etc.,

The Archetypes of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna are discussed in detail. Their role in human evolution is note-worthy.

We can also find the following useful tips to overcome catches.

Ø Sitting on the Mother Earth and looking at it would clear Mooladhara chakra
Ø Bathing one's feet in river/sea clears 3 lower chakras.
Ø Looking at HH Mataji's Photograph through a flame clears Manipura and Agya chakras
Ø Looking at the sky clears the Visudhi and Agya chakras.
Ø It too much fatique is felt, raising Ida nadi with right hand and then lowering Pingala nadi will give relaxation.
Ø If one feels depression/frustation, raising Pingala nadi and lowering Ida nadi helps.
Ø If tension/pain in any chakra is felt drawing circles with right hand on the chakra will help (clock-wise in front and anti clock-wise at the back)
Ø More vibrations will be generated if 7 Sahajayogis or multiple of 7 sit together.

In the book Tantrism, its history, its evolution and its effects on human evolution have been dealt in detail. Tantrism flourished in India during 900 to 1400 AD. Tantriks evolved certain ghastly rituals which are full of perverted sex and violence. They progressed through subconscious and supraconscious realms of universe and attained same siddhis also. But they used their energies to acquire power, money and conforts. Tantrikas established their own wicked kingdom where innocents are cheated. They some spirits and introduce the spirits into their disciples, thus spoiling their chakras and Kundalini. Author of the book strongly warns against the false gurus.

The need for collective realization is given in an interesting way. There are two destinies to the human world.

1. If present adharma and violence are carried out endlessly-Sadashiva would arrive to destry the world (Tandava).
2. If there are good number of Realized dharmic people, tenth incarnation of Maha Vishnu (who is guide towards evolution) Shri Kalki will arrive to save the Dharma and punish the adharma.

By giving collective realization HH Mataji has averted Sadashiva-Tandava.

In the last part of the book the writer gave critical review of development of East and West religions and the need for their synthesis.

In a vivid description of western culture, we can find (that) how western thought being oriented towards economic growth and material world has drifted away from spirituality. The monopoly of the Church under Roman Empire, later the rational thinking only in terms of matter has destroyed the spiritual libido of the west.

On the other hand, it is shown that the individualized spiritual pursuit has deprived the Indian society of economic growth and material comfort. Because of this the modern generations of India are running after western culture. But in Sahajayoga beautiful synthesis of both has been evolved.

This book is one of the rare kinds, which opens the new horizons to its readers.

I am the parent who picks out books for the kids, whether it's at the library or the book store. It's not very often that my husband comments on my choices but this one he came to me right after our 3-yo daughter's bedtime and said how wonderful it is. The text is so lovely and tender, and the illustrations are so rich and lifelike. It really gives a sense of connection to both nature and family roots. A real pleasure for kids & parents alike.

I like this book very much and know that I will read it over and over to my grandchildren. The illustrations are excellent. The story is helpful (learning about the concept of history in a simple fashion) and told in a lyrical voice.

The other reviews did a great job describing this book. I agree with what they said about the beauty, emotion, and love in this book. Here are my top two reasons why this is an important book:

1. Richness of language. Developmentally, if children are exposed to language rich in vocabulary, structure, and grammar, it helps in so many ways. If you read a sentence each out of stack of random Disney, Sesame Street and other character books they all sound the same. If that is all children hear they miss the richness of our language, and actually their ability to think in complex ways is affected. If you read a sentence each of books like this, you hear the difference.

2. Exposure to experience. If you read Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods, you are familiar with the theory that children today have much less real contact with the natural world, and it is affecting them. Even in my own experience, I got to poke in creeks and catch crawdads, hike in woods by myself, eat warm tomatos and corn right out of the garden, and ride my bike all day and stop by the side of the road to eat the lunch I packed. My kids won't have those experiences, and even a school trip to Sunnydale Farm so the kids can line up and pet a cow won't make up for not having the experience of being alone and self-directed in a natural environment. This book doesn't, of course, replace a first hand experience, but I believe can give children some sense of an important experience in our cultural history that most children will not get any other way.

Patricia MacLachlan creates a heart warming masterpiece through a simple country family's connection with each other and their land. All the Places to Love begins with Eli's birth and his first view of the countryside his family calls home. Eli would soon grow to love this countryside through his experiences with his mother, father, and grandparents. They each have a place on the farm, which holds a special place in their heart. Mama loves the hill where she can see the sun rise on one side and set on the other. Papa love the fields and working in them. Grandma shares her love for the river with Eli as they sail notes down stream to one another. The barn grows special to Eli's heart after sharing experiences with Grandpa working in a place that brings joy to his life. Eli creates his personal getaway where the spring rains come and turn the meadows into marsh. The paintings by Mike Wimmer combined with the words by MacLachlan capture the passion filled anticipation of Eli as he awaits the birth of his baby sister. Eli is eager to show Sylvie "all the places to love."

Wonderful story and a pleasure to read over and over. Makes me teary every time, very touching. Rhythm of the story seems to help my son go to sleep.

I enjoyed this one as much as I did the previous 2 in this series. One of the best trilogies I've ever read. I hope you'll enjoy these as much as I did. Please share your reviews also. Reviews is what makes Amazon so wonderful.

This book constantly reminded me of "Gone with the Wind" only this one had great love scenes. I found myself skipping through the boring dialog just to get to the steamy romps in the hay.
Other than that, I would prefer to rent "Gone With The Wind" instead of reading this book again.

This was a great follow-up to One Wore Blue and One Wore Gray. Christa proves that she is every bit as smart, strong and determined as Daniel and Jesse. She shows a great strength in moving to the west and holds her head high with her courage and will to survive no matter the odds. Of course Jeremy shows a great deal of strength himself in dealing with Christa's headstrong attitude. Excellent book and of course great historical references as always.

Unlike other authors who attempt to write about our nation's darkest hour - the War Between the States - Heather Graham really knows the period, and her careful research is evident. She wraps up her trilogy in fine style with this third volume of the Cameron family saga with the tale of the younger sister, Christa.

Brothers Jesse, who fought for the Union ("One Wore Blue") and Daniel, who fought for the Confederacy ("One Wore Gray") are happy that the war's over and they can build a future with their wives, but what is left for Christa, who lost her fiance at Cold Harbor? Jeremy MacCauley, brother to Daniel's wife Callie, has also left his heart in the smoldering ashes of the war. In a desperate effort to save the Cameron estate from a carpetbagger, Jeremy and Christa throw themselves in a marriage of convenience....and ride off together for an adventure in the west that just might include the love of a lifetime!

With a great story, sensuous romance, and sympathetic characters, this is one not to miss.

The war is over. Brothers, Jesse and Daniel have returned home to Cameron Hall to join their wives, children, and their only sister Christa who has kept the house standing while they fought in the war on opposite sides. She was to have wed during the war herself but her love didn't show up. She later learn he died on the battle field. Now the yankees are wanting to burn Cameron Hall down while Jesse, Daniel and their families are gone away, taking care of business, with Christa left. It is going to take a signature from a Cameron relative who is a Union supporter to save the home, and there is only 24 hrs to do it. Christa is a die-hard rebel and hates all yankees, excluding her brother Jesse. And there is only one solution as far as Christa is concerned- marry Union Colonel Jeremy McCautley, who just arrived to tell his sister Callie (Daniel's wife, Christa's sister-in-law) good-bye before he heads out west for duty. Marry and then get an annulment, that's Christa's solution. But Jeremy has other plans. Furious that Christa can make vows and then throw them away so easily, Jeremy decides to make her take them seriously. You should see the looks of everyone's faces when Jesse, Daniel, and wives come home to find Jeremy and Christa in bed together the day after their wedding (knowing how much they can't stand each other and NOT knowing nothing happened in bed). Christa is now married and finds herself packing to head out west to join her new husband, while leaving her beloved home behind. And she fights it all the way. HG does a great job of carrying all three books out from the beginning of the Civil War to the Restoration afterwards. I also appreciated her carrying the family members along so the reader really gets a sense of how their stories (Jesse, Kiernan, Daniel, and Callie) are going. The bond that the reader experiences with this family is great. I do highly recommend that the reader begin with ONE WORE BLUE and then AND ONE WORE GRAY to get the complete picture- but each book is good about bringing the reader up on what has taken place, without boring those that have read them in sequence. Well, I hated to see it end. But I have purchased them and plan on reading them again in the future, they are just that WONDERFUL!!!

This book is a must have for people starting a business. I haven't entered ANY business venture without first consulting with this book. I also had the wonderful opportunity to learn with Ed Rogoff himself, he is a very knowledgeable, straight-forward man, and his book is 100% reflective of his real life traits and experience. Great Job Ed!



Elkin

Ed Rogoff has written a must buy for those planning on starting or expanding their business. He takes you through a step-by-step plan from your initial idea to your grand opening. Examples, forms and common pitfalls are all covered in an easy to follow system. If you want to make your dream a reality, "Bankable Business Plans" will get you started.

Chapter 10 in this book opened my eyes to a publication produced each year by the Risk Management Association (RMA). It's called the "Annual Statement Studies - Financial Ratio Benchmarks" and is a compilation of information supplied by member banking institutions that get their information from small business loan applicants. The author of Bankable BPs says a sound business plan must favorably compare to the information in the RMA publication, or it probably will not help the loan applicant get her funds.

I recommend after reading Bankable BPs that anyone creating a business plan will do themselves a favor by examining the RMA publication to use as a guide for creating meticulous financial projections included in their business plan. Don't write the business plan first, and then compare it to the RMA publication figures. Instead start with the figures and then write the business plan.

Another similar (but not as good) publication you might want to look at is called "Financial Studies of Small Business" written by Financial Research Associates.

Besides the impressive information contained in Chapter 10 of Bankable BPs, I thought the book was a great read on the subject of putting together a business plan. The author is an associate professor at one of the CUNY schools in New York. I would have liked the book better if he had not emphasized that a business plan was a tool to help raise capital. But he does point out that a business plan is an important tool for running a small business, too.

The author listed 10 action steps necessary to create a business plan:

1. Define the business
2. Figure out initial needs
3. Outline how the business expects to make money (business model)
4. Perform market research (study industry, competitors, and potential customers)
5. Write a marketing plan
6. Describe sales effort as it relates to marketing
7. Systematize operations & team building
8. Decide on capital requirements
9. Put together pro forma financials
10. Write the business plan in an acceptable format

I'm pretty sure the author felt the action steps were meant to be done in the above order. I tend to agree with the list of action steps, but not the particular order. I think #8 and #2 should be sequenced just after #9. I find it hard to believe it is possible to decide on capital resources BEFORE you have figured out the pro forma financials. And, without knowing the capital resources needed, it seems to me it is hard to determine what the initial needs of the business will be.

All in all, this was a very informative books and I am sure it will be a very helpful book to anyone who has to put together a business plan. 5 stars!

Ed Rogoff gives an in depth but workable plan for developing a new business. "Bankable Business Plans" gives you what you need to go from your initial idea to your financial source. Examples, forms and step-by-step instructions are included in this comprehensive book. This book is a must for business owners of any size business.

This book is terrific because it directly addresses the issue that probably undermines more business plans than any other: unrealistic assumptions. After 20 years as a banker and financial advisor to growth companies, both large and small, I believe that professional equity investors judge entrepreneurs by their ideas, their ability, and the reasonableness of their assumptions. Aggressive business plan assumptions raise significant doubts in the minds of investors, who don't just want 25% IRRs but want 25% IRRs that are achievable. Rogoff wisely advises entrepreneurs to ground their plans in reality, using solid industry data and benchmarking techniques. He teaches you to think like an investor or banker before writing your plan. Very solid advice. A must-read before going to market with your plan.

Inspired by a true story, Marguerite Henry continues her literary tradition--showcasing a love of horse (and mule) flesh for young
adult readers. Unlike the homespun crises in MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE
this story takes readers into the harsh world of professional horse racing, with its stark risks and grim realities. Set in Okalahoma then in Kentucky in the 1920's this story relates the birth and racing career of a thoroughbred whose smaller stature causes him almost to be overlooked for serious training. Fortunately for horse and owner, Black Gold is loved by his young jockey, Jaydee--an Irish youth who recognizes the colt's potential and often argues with his adult trainer.

There is inevitable conflict over the horse's training and career
among the men who admire him--a struggle of wills, knowledge
and equine insight which result in Jadyee's psychological coming-of-age.
This YA weepie provides a realistic lens on various aspects of life around Track--culminating with a running of the historic Kentucky Derby itself. Horse and Youth must demonstrate that it's the size of the heart in each one, working as a team, which ultimately matters in a highly competitive world. Even adults are advised to keep a hanky handy as Henry's tale unfolds.

It was great! I loved how it was Real and how U-See-It's colt (Black Gold) was able to get back in raceing, and how the trainer and the jockey kept their hearts up when there was bad time. It was a great book. I read it really carefully that how good it was! I recomend this book to everyone, even non- horselovers. Really read it, i mean it. P.S it was a ture story.

I felt very sad reading this book because all the story characters died. But I liked the book alot because Black Gold won a lot of races and you see it. My favorite part was when You See It had her colt Black Gold.

Black Gold is a wonderful and exciting book written by Marguerite Henry. This book takes place in the early 1900's. It's main settings are in Oklahoma in the Skiatook Derby and in Chickasha. It also takes place in Kentucky in the Kentucky derby and on the Idle Hour Farm. This book is based on a true story about a racing horse named U-See-It and her colt named Black Gold. One of the most important events in this book is when U-See-It is banished from all racing tracks in the United States because her owner, Al Hoots, refuses to sell her at a claiming race. After that, U-See-It is sent to Kentucky to have her colt, Black Gold.
Black Gold becomes a great racing horse and wins the Kentucky Derby. Unfortunately, Black Gold is injured from a quarter crack in his hoof. As time goes on, Black Gold's leg falls off and Black Gold eventually dies. He has a burial ceremony and is buried in the middle of a field in New Orleans.
One of the main conflicts is a person to person conflict because Black Gold's jockey, an Irish boy named Jaydee Mooney, can't agree with Black Golds trainer, Mister Webb, about how to fix the quarter crack. I really enjaoed this book and I think you will too. Marguerite Henry did an excelent job of writing this book. So go and read Black Gold!

This book is excellent. Anyone of any age will enjoy the book immensely. This is one of the few books that I cried while reading to my kids.

As a psychologist for 30 years I have read many professional texts and self-help books. This is a valuable book for people entering the healing professions as well as for patients and their caretakers because, throughout, it touches on a man's path to recovering from brain damage. It touches on his creating a personal philosophy to see him through, skills he learned along the way, including self-assertion, and finally the love he's learned along the way.
Dick Schmelzkopf's book, Brain Damage: Overcoming adversity with wit and humor, challenges us to observe what is, to most of us, the mundane choices of life, what to wear, doing chores, and handling finances through his brain-damaged mind. This book is a practical, no-nonsense, road map outlining the rehabilitation process of a brain-damaged man ... and more. In addition, the author describes what one can expect to experience along the way and shares his views that will help people understand what tools one needs on such a journey. It will make the trip easier for all who make this journey and those who accompany them. Reading this book illuminates our lives and can only make us more tolerant, compassionate, and caring. I'm a better psychologist for having read it.
Philosophy
From his first thoughts after surgery, Dick Schmelzkopf psychologically reframes how he sees life. Dick's advice to "Add Quality of Life to your personal credo" will shake the whininess out of anyone's "pity party." Many who have died on the operating table and are brought back to life also make this shift in their thinking through the transformational experience.
Dick avoids sliding into non-productive funks when he admonishes us, "Don't beat yourself up ... Remember it and learn by it." Combine Dick's advice to us all that we "... need challenges and interests. If you don't have one, get one," with his personal stance, "I will never, never give up," which explains much of his success. Dick's dogged determination to master whatever functions his brain surgery left him is a model to everyone, with or without brain damage. Dick's prior work as a salesman has, I believe, contributed to his use of affirmations like, "I have a positive attitude that guarantees success." Dick adapted the adage, "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade," into his personal mantra, "If you're given brain damage, write about it." In addition to being great rehabilitation therapy for him, it gives his life meaning and purpose that this book "... will give somebody an idea of how to help themselves or someone they love."
Skills
This book has many techniques for the brain-damaged person to use to enhance the quality of their life and the lives of their caregivers. His recitation of his abilities, pre and post- surgery, can be an instruction manual, both for the patient and for caregivers. Whether discussing the impact on his decision-making or judgment, Dick lays out the roadmap of how a brain-damaged person can regain control of whatever is left by the surgeon's scalpel. Dick constantly reminds us of the need for the acceptance of the "slow and arduous task" of rehabilitation by patients, caregivers and health care professionals.
Dick teaches us by example. His strategy of linking his interests in darts to solving a math problem clearly shows how a brain-damaged person can learn how to cope. He serves up the problems he's had, like pattern recognition, then follows up with helpful hints for dealing with his "broken recognizer." Dick's rituals, for rebuilding his vocabulary, are his menu for finding and using what works for him. Dick's "Rule number one" for the cognitively challenged (and their caregivers) is proof that his "... pen is mightier that the surgeon's sword." Dick's comment about his re-learned poker skills are a warning to us all, should we ever find ourselves across a poker table from him.
His determination to define himself in his new life is a triumphant assertion of the human spirit and will. Dick's response to people who treat him as less than equal is a prime example of a psychologically healthy outlook, succinctly put, that others see him as a person of worth and dignity, handicap be damned. Dick's admonition that "Brain-damaged means we may be a little slower in some areas, but don't count us out," works as well for those with an aging brain as it is instructive to caregivers and health care professionals alike.
Love
This book is as much a love story of two people committed to each other in ways only a few lucky people will ever experience. It emphatically says, "Take heart, caregivers," when Dick tells caregivers, "You are important," and you feel it when he says throughout the book, "Ain't love grand?" You will find this book is full of heart, love, compassion, humor and common sense that prove that to overcome a handicap, the wisdom of the heart trumps intelligence. Every time. The two pages discussing Grief is worth the price of the book alone. Its lesson is the power of compassion, love and illuminates the author's humanity, or, as his wife says, "ECCE HOMO," which translates as "Behold, A Man."
Dick's rehabilitation journey is not complete, nor will it ever be. After a year of rehab work he has found, however, the best path for himself. He's currently busy on many writing projects. We wish him God-speed and Dragon's Luck.

What can I say....I laughed, I cried (rest in peace, Shardak), and then I laughed again (out loud, alone in the room, 1 AM). I saw myself and wondered why anyone who has ever lost their car keys is not in the same program right along with the "Rehabbers". Dick shares some very personal moments with his readers (some of these things it would never occur to me to share with some of my closest friends). He really grabs you and makes you think.....and laugh....and cry.... I felt like I was sitting and sharing secrets with my best friend. Truly inspirational, in many ways!! Thanks for sharing yourself with the world!!

Brain Damage is an amazing journey. Both the story and its author are testaments to the indomitableness of the human spirit in its quest for wholeness. However, the author's pilgrimage, compelling in its own right, is but a subplot to a recurring theme throughtout the book. This is a love story, marriage the way God intended it. "For better or worse, in sickness and in health"--vows often spoken but not always honored, expecially when tested the way these were. You will love this book, and you will love the way these two people love each other. Enjoy their journey, then I challenge you. See if you can ever again be angry with your spouse for ignoring the budget or failing to lower the toilet seat.

Dick Schmeltzof's very personal book, Brain Damage, is both heartwarming and informative. He treats a very serious subject with humor, wit and compassion. It is difficult to imagine the drastic changes that have occurred in Dick's life since the emergency surgery to remove a tumor on his pituitary gland. But through his carefully constructed narrative, we can "feel" his frustrations and also revel in the incremental -- yet moving forward -- progress that he makes. His is a story of great courage, hope and love; a lesson for Humanity. Thanks to Dick for sharing this moving and insightful story of life after brain surgery. Readers will laugh. They will weep. And finally, they will applaud this incredible human being. Dick demonstrates a real gift for storytelling through this book. Let's hope he delights us with "Brain Damage II".

This is one story that will inspire many people and give them hope for recovery from brain injuries. The author uses humor and wit and weaves his story of how he over came and coped with his "brain damge". It is a positive message about a serious concern. The book is a great read even if you do not have anyone in your lfie with brain damage - it really is about attitude and how you can cope with whatever happens to you in your life.

I totally recomend this book to all readers. It will add something to your life in a positive way. It is uplifting!

I purchased this item for my 12 year old daughter for Christmas. She received other flashy and expensive gifts but this was one of her top favorite gifts!! It is a great outlet source for writing thoughts and feelings while reading others as well.

It is great to have a place to write down all that you are feeling, and it gives you little clues so that you can write down things that you are not even necessarily thinking of at that moment in time.

This book did absolutly nothing for me. Just a boring thing to write in, which I haven't.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: Journal, was one of the most moving books I have read. It's directed towards adolescents, and deals with issues every adolescent girl faces. It's a blend of stories, quotes, poems, and spaces to write your thoughts. This book has many different sections such as: family, love and kindness, learning lessons, and though stuff. My favorite section, however, is "loving yourself". This book gave me a chance to deal with issues and see that I'm not the only girl whom faces such issues. Chicken Soup is a book that I am able to pick up at any time if I need some inspiration on a situation, or some reassurance. Other issues helpful to me were on drinking, self-esteem, eating disorders, and how to deal with my past. The best part about this book is that a lot of it is compiled with texts written by teenage authors. There are spaces for friends to write about you, and spaces for you to express how you feel about certain things. Chicken Soup allowed me to realize I was not the only girl who had experienced some of the feelings that I did. After reading this book I knew I wasn't alone! I do highly reccomend this book to any teenage girl. Adolescence is a hard time to get through, and many girls need inspiration. You do not have to read the book cover to cover; you can pick it up any time and read whatever section you desire.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: Journal, was one of the most moving books I have read. It is directed towards adolescents, and deals with issues every adolescent girl faces. It's a blend of stories, quotes, poems, and spaces to write your thoughts. This book has many different sections such as: family, learning lessons, love and kindness, and tough stuff. My favorite section, however, is "loving yourself". This book gave me a chance to deal with issues and see that I am not the only girl whom faces such issues. Chicken Soup is a book that I am able to pick up and at any time if I need some inspiration, help, or reassurance. Other issues helpful to me were on drinking, self-esteem, eating disorders, and how to deal with my past. Another good part about this book is that a lot of it is compiled with texts written by teenage authors. There are spaces for friends to write about you, and spaces for you to express how you feel on certain issues. Chicken Soup allowed me to realize I was not the only girl who had experienced some of the feelings I did. After reading this book I knew I wasn't alone! I do highly recommend this book to any teenage girl. Adolescence is a hard time to get through, and many girls need inspiration. You do not have to read the book cover to cover; you can pick it up any time and read whatever section you desire.

Even before starting to read The Lost Teachings I felt the importance it would have in my life. In different ways I had been searching for the truth about what's going on with the Earth and how I'm playing a role in it. It being all to easy to say there's nothing I can do to change the way things will go; let's live on. My view has altered fully.
Reading the book made me eager to go on, since it often made me feel like being there; kind of I've lived this sensations before. This combined with stories of all lifetimes, long ago as well as recently, made it very easy to read and made it have a big impact on my life, an impact I never could forsee when I started it. Feeling back though I do remember the deep feeling about this book being good for me in my search for the truth. Finding this truth has had a big impact on me since. a life of Unselfish Love walking my path following the Universal Law. Starting to give more than ask. Feeling the importance of this impact on my life makes me happy to reread the book over and over, discovering it again and again, rediscovering myself again and again following my path. For everybody who's searching his own path in this roalercoaster world I strongly advise reading this book. I feel sure it will have the same effect on you as it has on me and my life in this loving World.

When reading the book for the first time, I was "blown away" so to speak. Not only because of their amazing ancient history, but because I had an experience I never had before. I had the feeling I already knew their teachings somehow and while reading, I felt it was truth.
For almost a year now, I have been applying their teachings about the simple Universal Laws that govern this Universe and using the self-improvement meditation techniques described in their book. But most importantly, I'm working on manifesting in my life, the very essence of their teachings - Unselfish Love. And my life has already changed in a profoundly positive way.
Loving other people Unselfishly has also been called the Golden Rule. An old concept (and it is often overlooked) but I, as the Children of the Law of One, believe it is the most important spiritual teaching in the world. All good people can agree with me if I say "this world needs a lot more love" and I would recommend anyone who agrees with this and thinks the Golden Rule is a good thing, to read this book.

This book helped me to under stand the Bible better. I loved this book

I have felt the intense experiences of Jon while reading the book and still do after finishing the book and reading in it again and again.
The book is written in a straight and readable way, handing over universal messages that touch the inner being of 'spiritual searchers' or perhaps those who simply read out of interest.
The book is containing the A-Z ("Atlantis to Zen Buddhism") of Real spirituality, and methods to improve one's life via spiritual practice, or how to change one's life and by doing so also have a positive effect on others automaticaly.
Reading the book will have a deep impact on any searcher and person that seeks to live in a sane society, and is truley a revolution in presenting great and yet basic concepts in the most logical and straight forward way.
This book may be just what you were looking for, answering fundamental questions you carry around with you through life.

if you are curious as to the cause, nature and origin of the critical state of disharmony on our planet, The Children of The Law of One & The Lost Teachings of Atlantis by (the now late) Jon Peniel is the most comprehensive, informative and authentically true book i've found on The Matter.

with humor and aplomb the CLO & LAT explained everything to me about "life" as we know and experience it in/on the extant (3D five sense reality) incarnated plane of existence we live/operate in/on. the CLO & LAT also caused me see, literally and figuratively, The Light -- especially understanding, appreciating and coming to terms with the fact that we are indeed spiritual beings having a human experience (as opposed to human beings having a spiritual experience or even human beings having a human experience).

if you are wanting to know the origins of our being here, how things "devolved", why things are the way they are in our world/plane of existence today, how they got this way -- the details and history of how the whole "mess" started, who/what is responsible, what's gonna happen next/how the "mess" is going to be "cleaned" up, what needs to be done, how to better yourself and live life so as to be an exemplar for others, etc. -- essentially all of life's mysteries and questions explained -- then this is The Book for you.

an excellent companion book imho, Fallen Angels and the Origins of Evil: Why Church Fathers Suppressed the Book of Enoch and Its Startling Revelations, is Most Congruent and dovetails very well with the CLO & LAT teachings on what Went Wrong and what's gonna happen to Right Things.

Very informative. The Courage to be Yourself makes you delve into yourself and gives great examples that help answer the question of "Why am I feeling this way?"

Such a feel good book, I have been really down lately after ending a bad relationship and my panic attacks came back. From the first minute I started reading this book I started to feel much better. Sue Patton Thoele know what a woman needs and delivers, she makes us realize our true potential.
I know feel totally empowered!!

This book is an amazing map for the journey of a woman's lifetime. Never has a book so related to women's issues and self esteem. Any woman who has ever wanted to take charge of her life and all she can be really should read this book.

Years ago I opened this book and recognized myself in too many ways. Through gentle nudging and no nonsence from Sue, I was encouraged to admit "Hey, that's me!", followed by understanding, then action to change. This book changed my life, and continues to do so, as every so often when I can feel myself slipping into self doubt &/or martrydom I pick it up again. I can't lend it out because I have highlighter all through it! But I have sincerely recommended it dozens of times, & will continue to do so.

As a Christian, I was very offended by the views and statements in this book. Sue Patton Thoele (author) states in this book..."Is it possible that we are made in the image of a Mother God, a feminine creator, a divine spiritual essence? We're beginning to accept the answer as yes."

Sue continues to lead her readers into using the divine feminine within and uses what SHE calls "prayer" as a means of overcoming negative emotions. This "prayer" is either directed inward to oneself or to a Mother/Father God, not to God in heaven.

To top it all off, she has one of her chapter topics labeled "bitch". I know that the same points in this section could be made in a much more tasteful way.

If you are considering this book and have any belief in God whatsoever, you may be offended as I was and be very disappointed that you wasted your time and money.

"The Divine Plan of the Ages" was written in 1886 by Charles Taze Russell, one of the innovative religious thinkers to step forward in the United States during the 19th century. Other examples would include Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy and Ellen G. White. Russell founded the Bible Students, a movement that much later developed into the Jehovah's Witnesses. However, the Witnesses have abandoned many of Russell's original ideas, so this edition of "The Divine Plan" is not published by the Watchtower Society, but by a independent group of Russelites in Canada. Amazon customers should note that this is only the first volume in a seven-volume work, known as "Studies in the Scriptures". The entire set is available at another product page.

Russell's ideas are really to complex to be commented upon in a short review. Only the bearest out-line of "The Divine Plan of the Ages" is possible here. Anyone who reads the Bible is immidiately struck by real or apparent contradictions, for instance between the Old Testament and the New Testament, or between the Pauline epistles and Revelation. Russell attempts to harmonize the various end-time scenarios with each other, creating a fascinating synthesis of his own. His main idea is that God have offered different kinds of salvation to different categories of people. Jesus came to gather a small minority of really devout followers, who would be willing to sacrifice their humanity to follow him completely. These will be transformed into mighty spirit beings at the Second Advent, seated in Heaven next to Jesus, from where they would rule the world. The majority of Christians, however, while justified by faith in Jesus, will never reach such a high level of perfection. They will be resurrected to an earthly existence during the Millenium. Russell imagined that the Millenium wouldn't be completely perfect. Mortality and evil would still exist, but at a much smaller scale than today, since society would be ruled by the resurrected saints of the Old Testament, and ultimately by Jesus himself. Esentially, the Millenium is a kind of benign theocracy. Thus, Russell harmonizes the more spiritual Kingdom of God of the Gospels with the more political Kingdom of Revelation or the Old Testament, by declaring that they are both true.

One of Russell's more innovative ideas was the notion that all humans, living or dead, would be given a "second chance" during the Millenium. In this way, he solved the vexing problem of the unsaved millions of humans, who according to traditional Christian belief go straight to Hell, for no other fault than never hearing the message of the Gospel. In Russell's scenario, all humans are resurrected during the millenial reign of Christ, and put on probation. If they refuse to accept the Gospel message even then, they will eventually be destroyed. Thus, Russell was not a strict Universalist, but his scenario nevertheless allows for more people to be saved than, say, Calvinism.

Other ideas usually associated with Russell are also expounded in this book. Russell denied the existence of Hell and an immortal soul, no doubt because of a literal reading of the Old Testament, some would say over-literal. He believed that the resurrection of Jesus was spiritual. Jesus rose from the grave as a spirit-being, not as a human. This idea, anathema to "traditional" Christians, explains the curious appearences and disappearences of the resurrected Jesus recorded in the Gospels. Also, Russell points to Paul's statements about "heavenly bodies" as proof of his contention. He is not unsympathetic to the plight of the workers, and occasionally lashes out against giant corporations, predicting sharpened class struggles and even socialist revolutions. However, Russell eventually recommends his followers to abstain from politics, instead concentrating on spreading the Gospel and live moral lives. Russell was also a Christian Zionist, believing that Israel would become the most prominent nation on Earth during the Millenium. While it would be a Christian Israel, in other writings he explicitly rejected attempts by Christians to convert the Jews, instead supporting a return to Orthodox Judaism. The rationale behind this is not explained in "The Divine Plan of the Ages". Russell's failed prophecy about the Millenium commencing in 1914 is not included in this work either, but belongs to the second volume. However, the curious idea that God has a body, and is hence limited in space, although omnipotent in power, is mentioned.

Some of these ideas sound vaguely familiar, probably because we associate them with the Jehovah's Witnesses. Others sound odd to us, since the Witnesses rejected them during their amazing expansion through-out the world. In a sense, Russell is the least known of the innovative religious founders of 19th America. Reading this book fills a gap.

A absolute must read , if you want to know the God of Justice and not the God of Just Us.

This book abolutely opened my eyes to the incredible Plan God has as revealed in the Bible! The author lays out beautifully how God has different periods of time which progress toward the blessing of all mankind. There are so many good people today who are not Christians, but the DIVINE PLAN explains everybody will actually have their first real opportunity to choose God when Satan is out of the way in God's Kingdom. Everybody is already praying for His will to be done "on earth as it is in heaven." But this book explains how that will work. And it explains how all the evil in the world is not because God doesn't have enough power or love to stop it. It gives scriptures for everything. It makes so much sense!

This book is the only one that accurately and harmoniously presents the truth of the Scriptures. It lives up to its title, "The Divine Plan of the Ages". It answers all reasonable questions on the Scriptures. A must have and a must read.

It is truly a vindication of the character of God.

As an explanation of the problem of evil, this book is the best ever written. C.S. Lewis made a valiant attempt in The Problem of Pain, but his book is an apologetic of discredited Christian traditions, and as Amazon reviews demonstrate, is unsatisfying at an emotional level.

The Jewish answer is famous, too: "Why Bad Things Happen to Good People." It's conclusion: there are some things even God can't do.

The Divine Plan of the Ages, which was written in the 1880s, was a seminal work that, as Progress and Poverty by Henry George did to the world of economics, turned the religious world upside down. It was considered so subversive that bookstores refused to sell it, and churches organized book-burning parties to destroy it. It's a credit to our day that Amazon carries this book, which has been almost entirely promoted for the last 120 years by people who love the Bible, whose lives were changed for the good by the powerful insights contained in this book.

If you're a Christian who, say, wonders about the controversy between Calvinism and Arminianism, this book is for you.

If you're a missionary who feels like you are trying to sweep back the tide with a broom, this book will revive your faith.

If you're a skeptic who has become disillusioned with the answers offered by Christian apologists, you'll discover that the Bible is more harmonious than you ever dreamed, and the reasonable prospects for the future of mankind are brighter than even Christians have dared to hope.

I read this book at the age of 17 and it changed my life forever, leading me to receive Jesus Christ as the Lord of my life. More than that, it unlocked the simple, Biblical keys that present a victorious gospel, a fair and just God, and a balanced view of what's happening in the global village today.