Nelson Books

I ordered this book based on a recommendation from a friend. When I received and read it, I was astounded at the depth of maturity and healing the author has experienced. The author points us to the God who not only holds our dear ones we have lost, but who also touches and restores our brokenness. She does so by uniquely and beautifully sharing her own personal journey of the loss of her child, grieving, and trusting God.
As a pastor, I have given "Born To Fly" to three set of parents who have lost a baby, all of whom have been greatly blessed by the book. I highly recommend it.

This book touches your heart and opens your eyes. It shows a joyful side to a heartbreaking situation. A must for all parents!

This book is a gift from God for hurting families. I want all of my friends to read it. You can't read it without a tissue handy. It touched my heart and my spirit, but also gave me hope. It made me understand how it feels to lose a child but have hope of a promise of eternal life.

Having suffered a stillbirth two months ago, a bereavement nurse gave this book to me today. It couldn't have been published at a better time. It is so poignant, touching and beautiful. It made me cry, but it is a healing cry. My husband and friends were equally moved by it. I am ordering it for my angel baby's grandparents and will tuck my copy safely away in my memory box like the treasure that it is and review it from time to time for heartwarming hopefulness. I cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone who has suffered the loss of a precious baby through miscarriage or stillbirth.

I've read "Born to Fly" and have a sense that this is a gift from God. Having never lost a child, I sometimes feel at a loss as to what to say to family who has experienced a tragedy like this. Having a resource to point folks too for comfort, is truly a god-send.

This little New Testament includes one of the most thorough studies of the basic Christian principles that I have ever seen. The Master Outlines by Porter Barrington guide the reader through the truths of God using scripture. I encourage every Christian to get one of these for the Master Outline study and then get a few more to give away. It is the perfect size to carry anywhere and to use in witnessing. I don't know why the Master Outline study isn't available anywhere else but it makes this particular little Bible even a greater jewel.

This 'christian life study' helps has been in my library for the past 23 years. I tell every christian I meet, to get one. The Master Outlines compiled by Porter Barrington shows the gift that God has given this writer. If anyone would know of other works of his, I'd appreciate knowing about them. Wonderful study helps for EVERY christian, young or older.

I was fortunate enough to pick up this tiny treasure at a used bookstore for 98 cents. I suppose the bookstore owner thought that its small size meant it had an equally small worth. That could not be less true! Besides including some of the best books ever written (The New Testament books!) this small but mighty book contains Master Outlines of important principles of Christian life. I like Porter Barrington's system because he is not using his own opinion to supplant the Bible's words - he is letting the power of God's Word speak for itself and simply adding insights he has gained through his years of ministry. Mr. Barrington guides the reader along a journey through the New Testament, letting your mind develop in the Biblical principles. One of the features I most appreciated was the "God's Plan of Salvation" outline. I do not have a very good memory and I get easily flustered during personal witnessing moments - so it is invaluable to me to be able to pull my Christian Life New Testament out of my purse and open it immediately to a Biblical Plan of Salvation. This wonderful little book also contains two beautiful certificate pages at the end, one for honoring a person's date of Salvation and the other for honoring a person's date of baptism. This is a great way to keep a permanent record of the most important dates in your life. The very last page contains a chart for you to list friends you wish to pray for and witness to. I cannot praise the Christian Life New Testament enough. It is useful for every situation and every person. And as my 1978 edition says in the 'What the Christian Life New Testament Can Do For You' section: "It is small enough for the lady's handbag or the man's pocket." You can always have the confidence of having the Word of God with you wherever you go with this wonderful little book.

A wonderful step-by-step study outline and guide for both new and mature Christians. A great witnessing tool. Takes one from God's Plan of Salvation to How to Witness Effectively and all points in between.

I've given several away and am looking for a source where I can buy in bulk.

All across the United States Churches are dying, and pastors are discouraged. Barnett's book isn't the 'cure,' but points to an important element of giving pastors and churches new life -- serving and loving others in Jesus' name. It sounds simple, and it is. But it means being willing to do what Jesus did, to dwell among the people and to love them no matter what. I highly recommend this book for pastors and churches who want to start dreaming again.

This was a great resource for me since our vision is very similar and Pastor Matthews personal struggles and experience with the community not only enlighten the reader put those of us in similar ministry can gain hope and affirmation. What a blessing this book is and the reality of it so striking. I loved every minute in reading he accounts.

I was surprised to see this book was printed in the year 2000. The reason for the surprise is threefold: I firmly believe it is destined to become a classic so expected a higher sales number and currently there are only four reviews at amazon.com and lastly out of the four reviews ministry is mentioned often, yet the book is clearly intended for those who directly minister as well as for "the rest of us". To me, the hallmark of Matthew Barnett's work is the SINCERITY throughout, which was very refreshing. In the book, Matthew Barnett recounts how (at least at the time his book was published) it is common for other local churches to actually post signs stating "No Gang Members Allowed"!! Praise God that Our Lord does not place such constraints. "The Church That Never Sleeps" will awaken your mind, will and emotions to the Lord's calling for outreach and not only inreach in our daily lives. I enjoyed the many references to his relationship with his Father, Pastor Tommy Barnett, not because of "who they are" but because their Father-Son bond is a model for any parent at any time. A powerful reminder of how parents can influence their children by not only their action but their words and their time. This is slightly off-topic in a way but when Matthew's vast early and cumulative exposure to his Dad's Ministry is referred to, it caused me to recall a certain very young actor that people scoffed at for stating (on "The Tonight Show")his early exposure to the world of acting had prepared him to move into directing movies...two boys who grew to men, different backgrounds, influenced and influential, one goes on to Minister the Lord's work and the other films. Each has had a continuing impact on many lives as a response to their childhood and inner direction. Very interesting to me and this led to my further understanding we each have the same sort of choices to affect many on a daily basis. Which road will you allow The Lord to direct you? As a result of the book, I am very interested in checking out not only the L.A. Church but as well Rick Stoker of Wilmington, North Carolina, who relinquished a very successful career as a physician for college-level basketball teams in order to establish his own ministry. The book makes it so very clear even someone like me can help (disabled, chronic illness) even with small donations...I read once all those little errors the grocery stores make that customers rarely catch amounts to huge sums of money for the grocery business...hmmmm, I can choose small donations to help the Lord's outreach through these two individiuals. That is how the book inspired me. The book came to my attention courtesy of Joyce Meyer and her daily (televised locally, also via cable, also via radio, also via her website, including "podcast") program "Enjoying Everyday Life". Matthew Barnett was a recent guest. The one word that for me best describes this work is: sincerity. Destined to be a Classic.

This book is what real ministry is all about. If you are just starting out in the ministry, this book is especially helpful. Matthew Barnett brings you from the beginning of his ministry through his amazing journey to a thriving full ministry today. He brings us back to what is real in ministry. You will be forced to examine your life, your ministry in the light of what the gospels say real ministry is all about. This book will challenge you to come up higher and to throw off some of the old ideas about what church is.

Great book. For me, and I think for many others, it wasn't so much that the book had any new revelation or teaching as much as it reminds us of the true simplicity and purity of real ministry. You know, the stuff that we used to do when we were younger, and it worked, before we got sidetracked with OUR aganda, OUR goals, OUR ministry career. Thanks Matthew! Let's keep it simple. Phillipians 2.4 should be the theme verse: "Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

When I read Daddy, Will You Dance with Me? written by Sandra Schoger Foster, I cried like a baby. My father danced with me at every special event and I relived our special ties. He passed away four months before and as I read the book, I danced with him again ... in my heart.

Karen Rice

"Daddy Will You Dance With Me?" touches reader's hearts with its message of father/daughter love and bonding coming full circle. Grown men have been known to cry while reading it. It speaks to the heart.
Marilyn Woody

"Daddy, Will You Dance With Me?" is an utter delight. Charmingly written to help fathers and daughters connect from babyhood on to the later stages of life, this lovely book is a perfect gift for both daughters and fathers to pass along. With sweet illustrations and text guaranteed to make all fathers and daughters want to have a relationship as sweet as this one, "Daddy, Will You Dance With Me?" is a definite buy.

I highly recommend it.

Deanne Davis

This is a great book for a very sentimental Dad of a little girl (no matter what age of his little girl).

Reviewed by GeorgeAnne Smith for Reader Views (6/06)

This little gem of a book, "Daddy Will You Dance With Me?," was one of the most delightful, sentimental, and heartwarming books I've read in quite some time. Short in length, but long on message, the author, Sandra Schoger Foster, not only relates, but shows the reader just how special the relationship can be between a girl and her father.

Sandra begins the story when this precious girl was just a young child, and continues through adolescence, on to adulthood. Through a few pleasant twists and turns, we watch the bond between father and daughter grow ever stronger over the years. Without giving away any secrets to the story middle or ending, I'll just mention that this sweet saga survives into the next generation.

Beautifully written and illustrated with talent and attention to detail, "Daddy, Will You Dance With Me?," will make a lovely gift to your father, or a wonderfully appropriate keepsake for anyone you know who wishes to create memories with their own fathers. My father passed on four years ago, but when I read this book, memories flooded back to me of my special relationship with him. Whether a gift for Father's Day, birthdays, or stocking stuffer, make sure to put this book on your shopping list for that special someone. I guarantee it will put a smile on their faces when they read it; I know it did mine.

Having read this book to three to five-year-olds at Halloween for three years running and having it be a HUGE hit every time, I decided to get my own copy. The children love the repetitiveness of it and the spooky pictures. The tension builds and builds right to the end when everything turns out to be just fine. (Note: That's a total of 180 children with very big eyes and almost no wiggles!)

The artwork is beautiful and detailed. My three year old loves to find the cat in each picture and to find the faces in the windows, walls, and curtains. One can always find something new in the paintings. The story uses repetitious wording, so he can virtually read it to me. We have read this book many times, yet neither of us ever gets bored with it.

This "Dark Dark Tale" by Ruth Brown is simple, short and sports a gothic flair. The illustrations (also by Brown) are nothing short of brilliant. Brown the artist captures the fog, shadows and light of her own dark dark little world. Perfect for preschoolers (my two year old loves it and always anticipates the ending), it holds their attention (there can't be more than 120 words in the entire book) with the repetative prose that children love. Perfect for lovers of children literature and childrens illustrations as well (which is what drew me to the book in the first place). We love it and read it daily.

A wonderful choice for young children at Halloween or any time of year. Reading this aloud is lots of fun -- you can make it seem scary as you go through each page, then watch your child's reaction at the end. My son wanted me to read this over and over. We also have fun looking for all the little critters in the forest: owls, bats, tiny glowing eyes peeking out of the dark places, the cat, even a badger!

This book is rather cute and there is a cat that runs through the pages, making an appearance here and there. I loved the fact that this book presents itself as a "dark, dark" book and it really is funny that it is not a "dark" tale at all. The "darkness" is more about the lack of light than it being about evil.

You start in a moor and walk through a woods. Then there is a dark castle and you walk up to the door. Once you enter the castle, you are in a dark hall and go up some dark stairs. You are in a fairy tale castle and then you see a dark passage. You are tempted to look behind a dark curtain and then the cat stands looking up at a dark cupboard.

The last page shows a mouse in a box with a rather frightened look on its face. So the only fear in this book is that the cat has found the mouse. Although it does seem the cat leaves the mouse sleeping happily in his little bed with his miniature candle and miniature slippers.

The beauty of this book is in the art. Ruth Brown studied art at the Birmingham College of Art and the Royal College of Art. She has worked on animated films for the BBC.

Meowingly Cute.

~The Rebecca Review

Den of Deception by Richard Nelson is one of the best 'who-done-it' books I have ever read. The writing and story line is in the 'big-league' class. It is a quick read, as the story flows very well. I highly recommend this book to others.

Den of Deception is a fast-paced story that reads like it was written with the big screen in mind. The scenes are all so visual and easy to picture being played out to the accompaniment of a dramatic score, sound effects, and lighting.

Jon Roman is definitely leading-man material. He's rich, good-looking, witty, and trained as a highly efficient killing machine by the Army's Special Forces. When he's hired by beautiful doctor Brianne Richard to help find her mother's killer, he soon discovers that he needs all his training for the job. He stumbles onto a decades-old conspiracy involving government agencies, organized crime, and Brianne's family.

Jon and Brianne are kidnapped as a warning to drop the investigation, and they barely manage to escape with their lives. When Brianne is hurt in the process, the case becomes personal for Jon, because he and Brianne have fallen in love.

Richard Alan Nelson writes with a voice that manages to be witty and engaging even when writing nail-biting, violent scenes, and his storyline never drags. He made me genuinely like his characters and I hope he'll let me visit them again in future books.

Den of Deception will keep the reader turning the page as they experience a compelling and intriguing story filled with danger and romance. Bravo, Mr. Nelson for deftly weaving this exciting novel with believeable characters and sizzling romance that gripped me from the start and never let go.

L.C. Martin

It's a deadly combination this second time out for author Nelson. Once again Nelson demonstrates he can put words together well, and even mix genres a bit resulting in this winning combination, guaranteed to satisfy men and women readers. For me there is just the right amount of dialogue and detail in "Den of Deception" and without giving anything away...the title is perfect...trust me... Keep the good reads coming our way, Nelson. Outstanding!

As we follow Brie on her hunt for revenge and retribution against the man that killed her mother, we are taken on a journey. The ups and downs of the hunt, the man she meets along the way and all the sordid family secrets, keep you wondering what will happen next.
Great job Mr. Nelson, I can't wait for more books from you. Two Thumbs Up!

Recommendation: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Lynn Young is the Managing Editor of MWLA, A reviewer and an Editor.

I love all the books by John Eldredge. This one is no exception. The things that he talks about are real in a practical sense, things that matter to our hearts and things that we struggle with. It doesn't read like a big theology book but very hands on. It talks about what to do with your desires and how to handle them.

John Eldredge says in the book that we live in the life of desires - who we are are identified by our desires. Our desires are inherently good. But our desires also need to be checked against by the truth because there are false desires too, that are not from God.

Our desires reside in our soul - they live in a place "where our souls are flourished in an atmosphere rich in love and meaning, security and significance, intimacy and adventure."(p.72) We desire these things.

John spends a lot of chapters speaking about the agony of desires - desires that are not met and yet to be fulfilled. One thing I like about him saying this is that in waiting our soul will be extended. As agonizing as it is to wait, it really feels like a good dose of medicine to take.

What are our desires? It varies. You have your heart desires and I have mine. But John gave plenty of examples: a single person wanting to get married. A married person wanting to save his marriage. While reach your heart desire may not be easy, he encourages us not to be disheartened by this prolonged waiting. But he did warn against dropping out of the journey of desire and carrying on your life while leaving your heart desires behind. Then what road will you take?

He also warns against substituting false desires with your true desires. Pleasure is the word for false desire. TV, shopping, advertisers, food, etc. These things anesthetize our pain. "If the evil one cannot get us to kill our hearts and bury our desire, then he is delighted to seduce our desire into a trap." (p. 84) Don't give in. Stay with the pain!

John has talked about a lot other stuff that I can't include them all in here. Read the book. But what I get the most out of the book is this: if you think you have found your heart desire on earth, don't set up camp and call it home because we will never be home until we go to heaven. Life is a journey and a battle. Guard your desires! Keep them alive!

Whew! That God created me with deep desires that are signpost to guide me to become the man He wants me to be..... that is freeing. So many of us have been taught that all our desires are "of the flesh" and fall short
of true holiness. This book released me from all that into the joy of
walking in God's approval as His beloved.

John Eldridge at his best. This book reads like "Purpose Driven Life", but with more emphasis on the heart, instead of the mind. Excellent reminder of God's love, instead of His plan.

Eldredge always touches me with his writing, he has a way of presenting what's in scripture and using it as a backdrop to anecdotal stories thus making stuff I kind of know already become more alive. I feel closer to God and I feel more like wanting to serve God when I read his works.

In Desire, Eldredge presents us with the fact that we all desire things, relationships, sex, food, etc., in life. We all live with desire and if desire is stuffed, shoved away, then usually we'll end up seeking out illegitimate ways to meet our needs for pleasure and pain avoidance.

By allowing our God given desires to drive us to the places God has for us, in other words, for living in such a ways as to allow the desires of our hearts (what God has built into us) to guide us with the hand of the Spirit to those places God intended us to go, then we will live lives filled with both joy and fulfillment even in the midst of hard times and pain.

This isn't some cheer leading rah-rah book, nor is it some kind of "name it and claim" type of instruction. This book is about what we already know (that we want stuff out of life) and that Jesus said he came to give us life, and to give it to us in the fullest sense of what that means. That life eludes most of us, even the best of Christians.

I strongly recommend this book.

I have been enjoying all of John Eldredge's books. He really hits home with me. I recommend his books to everyone I know.

Every day this devocion makes sense and is relevant to the trials and experiences that I face each moment. I have read this for years and years. However, each day seems fresh, relevant and speaks to me each time I read it. Even though it was written centuries ago, the message is up to date and I cannot avoid wondering how the author knew that I needed this?

After pouring out my heart to a woman I worked for, she gave me an old copy of this book. It has truly has been an answer to my prayers. I am a 21-year-old college student, who found myself in the words of Mrs. Cowman. She examines the heart's deepest troubles and exposes them to the promises of God, healing them from the inside out. I would recommend this book to anyone.

I bought this as a gift for my mother and she loves it. Even though it is a little harder to find, my mother claims that the evening devotionals which are taken from Cowman's "Springs in the Valley" are just as moving as the Morning devotionals (taken from "Streams in the Desert"), if not more so. Another great gift idea is the "Streams in the Desert" Journal which gives the reader room to journal next to the moving daily devotional.

I have been reading the paperback devotional of "Streams in the Desert" and I enjoy it greatly. It is non-judmental and very loving. My fave devotional!

I had to order this as my old one is in at least 25 broken sections from reading and re-reading it! Not a day has passed that each particular page has spoken to me God's words of faith, encouragement, endurance, pressing on with a song in your heart and even the gentlest but firm discipline when needed. The authors and "selected" readings I know were directly from the Holy Spirit given to these saints of old. This book is a must for every believer embarking on the pilgrimage back home to heaven. (see Hebrews 11:13-16) Brings healing tears to the spirit, soul, and body.

I have read different devotionals, but this is by far the best! What I love about this particular book~~it's two devotionals in one! In the morning I read a devotional and before I retire for the evening I can read more "refreshing" words penned by Mrs. Cowman.

Mrs. Cowman was "wise beyond her years". I cannot tell you the times I have read her devotional and felt like I had been in touch with heaven itself.

This study is a work of God's desire to bring a woman into a full relationship with Him. The lay out is especially rich in scripture and real life stories. Thomas' ability to be transparent with you and her gift of bringing the Word into a living relationship is so satisfying. I was filled - moved to tears; of joy, of freedom, in a richer, fuller relationship with our savior, Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father God. Thank you Angela for sharing your life in this printed work. It made a huge difference in my life.

This book sat around my house for at least 3 years. I never expected to read it, but never gave it away. One evening I was digging through my pile of books looking for anything to read while I took my evening bath. By the second chapter it was clear God had put this book in my house for a reason. I was craving for an awakening in my spirit but having a hard time getting off the bench. This was just what I needed. What a great surprise. I love the ideas presented in this book. If you are a burned out wife and Mom like me looking for a shake up in your spiritual life, read this one.

I go back and do this book every couple of months. I bought it for three younger teen cousins and my 11 year old sister. They will get as much out of it as I do at age 25. Can't say enough about this fantastic journal.

This book was wonderful. I saw myself over and over again. Angela has a wonderful way of saying what most feel.

All my life I've longed for the answers written within the pages of this book. Not only did I learn about beauty but I learnt how to love the not-so-beautiful experiences of my life. Above all, I leaned to be real! I am so thankful to Angela for being so frank. It was a sigh of relief to have so many questions that I've had all my Christian life....answered!

This book has been so helpful to my prayer life. It has broadened my understanding, deepened my respect, and aided in the fruitfulness of my prayer life. I believe prayer is foundational to our relationship with the body of Christ and Jesus as our Lord. Reading this book has been like spending time with a wise elder who desires to assist the walk of fellow brothers and sisters. I can't recommend this book highly enough. God bless.

This IS a great book. I've read books on prayer...good books, but this focuses on intercessory prayer. I checked this out of my church library, but have to have my own copy so I can highlight, etc. I can't add anything else. The other reviewers have said it all.

I happened on this book when I was dealing with a particularly bad patch in my life and it gave me the courage to pray and have faith that things can change, and they did!. The book isn't "preachy" at all, but is lively and enjoyable. I was saddened to hear of Mr. Dunn's passing a few years ago. He certainly made an impact on my life through his work.

Ron Dunn has made such a tremendous compilation of truth from scripture and through what was his own amazing journey, on the power of the praying Believer. As a Christian who struggles with this topic often it has been a much needed, simple to read, breath of fresh air. I recommend this book to everyone, not just those like myself who struggle with prayer. Again, it is very easy to read and understand.

This book is phenomenal. I've read a lot of books - GOOD books - about prayer. This tops the list. Ronald Dunn lays out prayer principles in a logical way that is easy to understand and to follow, and which has a solid foundation in the Word of God. He writes in a way that makes it easy to believe that prayer is real and works, AND that anyone can do it. He shows throughout the book that God want us to pray, but He also wants to answer us. Many people forget about that second half of the equation. He gives us reasons why we should pray - about anything and everything - and why God not only wants it but requires it of us before He will move in a specific situation.

This book will be instrumental to anyone who wishes to grow in their relationship with God and in their prayer life. I've already read it three times and found new nuggets of wisdom and understanding each time. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have - and grow in - an effective prayer ministry.