Nelson Books

WOW! What a fun book. My kids never tire of hearing and reading this book. We parents enjoy it too. Tracy Nelson-Maurer paints vivid images in our minds of how life is in November on Lake Superior. We bought this book for the libraries at both of our childrens schools.

This is one of the most beautifully illustrated children's books that I've ever seen! The setting is Duluth, Minnesota, in the 1960s. During a raging ice storm, seven-year old Katy is worried about her father's safe return from Lake Superior to Duluth Harbor. He is the captain of the Edward B. Greene, an ore boat that stretches about 600 feet long and carries cargo such as taconite (pellets of baked iron ore) from Duluth to ports on some of the other Great Lakes.

As the storm rages on, Katy and her mother "batten down the hatches" at home, while Katy hopes that her father is doing the same on his ship. As she listens to the foghorn's "baaaah-rum" noise, she can see out the kitchen window that the foghorn is keeping time with the Harbor's lighthouse beacon. The combination of the foghorn sounds and the light flashes speak in codes to Great Lakes sailors, with each port having its own special series of flashes and sounds. Katy imagines that the rhythm of her own heartbeat is sending her own special code to her father, guiding him safely home.

In the morning, Katy and her mom head out in the raw weather to go to the canal at the mouth of the Harbor to await the arrival of the Edward B. Greene and Papa. The phone lines are down and the power is off from the force of the ice storm, so Ma decides they should wait where they can see any arriving ships. Before the leave home, Katy runs to her bedroom to take along with her the three "good-luck" pellets of iron ore that her father had given to her.

They sit at the mouth of the Harbor, on a bench. Katy sends her secret code to her father - her heartbeat - Buh-bump! Buh-bump! Buh-bump! Come home! Come home! Come home!

In the far distance, Katy's mom spots a small dot on the horizon with her binoculars. Could it be Papa's ship?

This is a historically based book that kids will love, not just for the great story and terrific illustrations, but also for learning the "secret" of the nautical codes of the Great Lakes sailors as well!



About the Author and Illustrator:

Author Tracy Nelson Maurer grew up near Duluth, and her grandfather was the late Captain Harvey C. Almstedt, skipper of the real Edward B. Greene. Her grandmother, Alice, knew everything about the boats coming in and out of the harbor; it was often joked that she knew more than her husband on this subject! Tracy now lives near Minneapolis with her husband and two children, and is the author of many nonfiction children's books.

Illustrator Christina Rodriguez earned her degree in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design. Christina is a freelance illustrator and designer - her work has appeared in many children's books. She resides in Stillwater, Minnesota, with her husband and dog.

Both Tracy and Christina are members of the Minnesota branch of the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), a worldwide organization of over 22,000 members.

My children listened through the whole book. Even the one who always wiggles away. It gives a taste of what life is like on The Great Lakes while telling an important story of comfort for children. The illustrations are lovely.

Storm Codes is a children's picturebook set in Duluth, Minnesota during the 1960s, amid the sights and sounds of Great Lakes shipping were commonplace. Seven-year-old Katy and her mother wait anxiously for Katy's father's ship to return to the harbor; Katy even creates her own secret code to help bring her father back safe and sound. Author Tracy Nelson Maurer, herself a Duluth native, has crafted an emotional tale firmly grounded in nautical history. Storm Codes introduces young readers to basic nautical terms, and the color artwork of Christina Rodriguez perfectly evokes the restless ocean. Highly recommended for young people who are almost ready to make the transition from picture books to chapter books.

I am the kind of person that is not going to buy or "buy into" a book unless it is supported by some reasonable evidence. If you're like me, then you'll love this book. It is based on a study recently conducted at the Tufts University. In short, the study used a program of exercise and nutrition to combat arthritis. The results? Pain was reduced by a whopping 43%!

Key to their program was strengthening exercises which have been shown in other studies as well as being extremely beneficial for arthritis patients. I am very pleased with books like these that offer sound treatments based on research. If you like these kind of books too and also suffer from back pain, I can recommend "The Multifidus Back Pain Solution" (available here at amazon.ca too) that is based on randomized controlled trials and involves only one exercise you do at home that strengthens your multifidus muscles found to be abnormal in many people with back pain. So start reading, start exercising, and start getting better!

I was recently diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, and I started following the nutritional suggestions in this book. I think it's already starting to help! Plus it tells you how to perform strengthening exercises for your aching joints. I am a big fan of Dr. Nelson's other works. I like how she explains the science and the applications. I plan to share this with my mom, who also has osteoarthritis.

This is an excellent work on the alternative medicinal and
conventional medicine protocols for arthritis. Dr. Nelson
mentions various Vit C dietary combinations utilizing
orange juice, strawberries or grapefruit to provide Vit. C.
Next, the authors cite important anti-inflammatory combos;
such as, Omega 3 fish oil and flaxseed oil. Sunflower oil
has the requisite Omega 6 ingredients. Sulfasalazine and
methotrexate are important protocols for treating seronegative
spondylarthropathies. In addition, the lungs, heart and eyes
may be impacted by ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases.
For instance, Iritis may impact the eyes. Calcification of
the heart valves and electronic problems with the heart have
been noted. Decreased lung capacity is another important
resultant of ankylosing spondylitis.

The authors point out that Chronic Juvenile Arthritis stunts
growth. In addition, the SED RATE (sedimentation rate) and
rhematoid factor are the gold standard for blood tests to
detect arthritis. In my own experience, the MOST- micro-oxidative
stress test may be helpful in articulating the yeast component
as an aggravating factor in arthritic conditions.

The authors provide an important series of exercises which
may be helpful for arthritic patients. The physical therapy
training consists of moderate squatting, toe stand
(standing erect on your toes), moderate push-ups by pressing
the wall, back extensions by facing the floor and raising the
head, modified sit-ups, knee extension flexing, full range
motion employing light weights in torque motion, face flat on
the floor raising the back legs, the lunge stretch,
cross-over hips, placing one knee on the chair and standing
upright or erect, shoulder stretches and a host of others.
Dr. Nelson indicates that excess joint fluid is a sign of
inflammation. In addition, surgical intervention can be
helpful. For instance, an artificial joint may last 15-20 years.
Acupuncture helps to stimulate endomorphins and change blood
flow patterns. There is evidence that acupuncture relieves
arthritis, although there is less evidence for Chiropractic.
This book is worth the price. It provides important alternative
medicinal protocols for arthritis as well as classic physical
therapy exercises aimed at preserving joint mobility and
elasticity. I would supplement the exercises with Alpha
Lipoic Acid to enhance bodily elasticity. In my own experience,
Northern Polar magnets may be helpful if strategically placed.

...Extremely informative for all, regardless of your health. Miriam Nelson has done it again not only with her easy reading style, but with very educational and informative text. I'm going to send as a gift to a friend.

A beautiful, informative book. It's great for ideas or to help you get started styling your wedding. A valuable resource for brides, wedding planners, or someone who simply loves weddings.

Susie Coelho's book is wonderfully comprehensive, lush, and practical. This is not simply a wedding coffee table book. Rather, it is a visual guide to help a couple envision what they want their day to be about.
Two aspects make this book a standout.
The first is the booklet which is designed to help you assess your style via a series of simple, insightful questions.
The second is a CD of some classic music pieces which accompany a ceremony.
As a non-denominational minister I work frequently with couples who struggle to envision what they want their day to look and feel like. While the weddings offered in the book are of higher end budgets, the themes easily can be created no matter the budget.
On a personal note, several of the photographers who've contributed to the book are folks I've had the pleasure of working with (Delesie, Cote, Joe Photo). The book's beauty is only enhanced by their work.
This makes for a wonderful engagement gift for a couple.
Rev. J.P. Reynolds

A customized and memorable wedding is the aspiration of most women. Now lifestyle guru and designer Susie Coelho draws upon her many years of experience and expertise to provide a cornucopia of illustrated ideas and examples of wedding elements that can transform this very special occasion to reflect the bride-to-be's individual personal style. By taking the Style Your Dream Wedding Quiz and the applying the results to every aspect of the event, success is guaranteed. Bridal options are organized and presented in eight distinct style categories that include Classic; Beach; Contemporary; Countryside; Garden; Fanciful; and Exotic. Best of all, the ideas and examples are adaptable to any budget, and can be modified for those aspiring brides who wish to 'do it all' themselves. Every aspect of the wedding is covered from dresses and cakes, to settings and accessories, to invitations and the reception. Superb browsing, and thoroughly 'user friendly', "Style Your Dream Wedding" is the perfect instruction guide and ideas resource for planning any and every wedding.

My son is getting married and this book has become a wonderful resource for future daughter-in-law. The book is HUGE and loaded not only with ideas, but illustrations and examples. The photos are exquisite and the ideas in this book are not only classy, but easy to implement.

Every facet of a wedding is covered in the book from the dress, to photography to invitations and everything in between. It is an all-in-one resource! And best of all, you can tweak the ideas to fit any budget!

Style Your Dream Wedding is well organized and is has the following special features:
Quiz booklet
Color palette booklet
Dress silhouette accordion pullout
Six 8-page gatefolds
CD of 15 traditional wedding songs
Postcards
More than 600 world-class color photographs

If you are planning a wedding, you must get this resource!

I wish more people just knew what was written in this book. Its not really what you did in one situation or another, its who you are that makes you who you are. so if you had a bad day or somebody turned you down or something, dont crumble into pieces, just keep living the way you want and eventually- sooner than later- that will pay high dividents

This book was given to me by a co-worker years ago when leaving my first counseling position. Ever since then it has inspired me and been a resource that I constantly utilize. Ive used it in my practice of therapy as well as my personal life. Great book that will never become outdated. Buy it and use it, and use it, and use it. Its always close by for a reference on my daily journey. Highly recommended.

After receiving my disappointing MCAT score and three unsatisfying grades, I saw the world was tembling in front of me. I began to question myself. Do I really have what it takes to become a doctor? Maybe I am not smart enough to compete with other people. I was feeling very discouraged until I encountered John Maxwell's "Success: One Day at a Time." In the book, it says success is not measured by how much one accomplishes but by how many problems one encounters, and one should never give up their goal just because it is difficult at times. I read the entire book in one sitting. The book really helped me to divert my attention from focusing on my lackings to my strengths. It helped me to build a new attitude toward the means of acheiving my goal.

I've always been a big fan of John Maxwell's work and this did not disappoint. This is a great companion book. Full of great, short, positive insights it's a great source of daily inspiration and wisdom. Maxwell still reigns as the leader in understanding leadership and vision and by culling the wisdom of great leaders he once again provides an inspirational and insightful book!

This book is an answered prayer for me. I was in a Christian store and needed something to uplift me. I feel so exhausted as a mom to 2 boys (a toddler and one in grade school). I prayed to God and He led me to find this book. The title first caught my eye. Then as I read the back cover I thought this is the book for me. I was so excited to read it as soon as my kids went to bed. Wow! The author truly understood what I was going through. I am so thrilled of all the basketful of ideas she has to refresh me: body, soul and spirit. I recommended it to my sister-in-law and she can't wait for me to be done reading it. Then after reading some portions of it, she decided to get one for herself. I praise God for Lisa Whelchel for leading her to write the book and share her experience and wisdom with fellow mothers. If you're a Mom, it's truly a great book to have.

I love the layout of this book. Need some fun to spruce up your day? Turn to chapter 14. Need to reassure yourself it's okay to take time to get that facial? Read through chapter 8. Need someone to send you creative emails for 21 days to help you develope a habit of praise? Check out Lisa's Personal Mom Coaching at the end of the book!
I love that I can pick up Taking Care of the Me in Mommy and find some small, do-able, positive task to use to take better care of myself, so that I can take better care of my family.
[...]

This book is fabulous and just what I needed as a busy Mom. It has incredible applications that you can use on a day by day basis as a Christian. I would highly recommend it.

This book was recommended by another mom. At first it sounds like something for first time moms. This is not the case. Each chapter is easy to read with lots of great ideas and suggestions. Lisa talks about taking care of youself so you can be a better mom. Every chapter focuses on the mom in different areas. Then at the end of each chapter, Lisa shares suggestions to accomplish it. She encourages moms to try one new thing, but to not feel guilty if you don't do them all. And a bonus of this book is that you can go online and receive an email encouraging you to put it into action. You can select a topic to work on for 21 days. I just finished working on cleaning your home. Everyday I got an encouraging email with tips and a prayer. It was really amazing. At the end of the 21 days, you select another topic. This is all free for those who purchase this book. I highly suggest it to any mom regardles of age or number of children!

If you liked Book 1 you will like this book. Excellent compliation of information about our favorite hymns.

These are very nice books for anyone who likes hymns and their history. Each hymn is printed on one page and looks very much as it does in a main-line church hymnal. On the facing page is a history of the composer, author of the words or both and story about the writing of the hymn. I recommend them for church goers, former church goers, choir members and ministers. The binding does not lend itself to sitting open on my piano rack, but I could alter that if I really wanted to play from the book. They are good books for picking up to read just a few pages at a time. Enjoyably informative.

If you ever wanted to know the background behind the hymns that we sing, this two-volume collection is for you. Robert J. Morgan has collected and compiled stories of hymns from all over the world and from every time period. Each book takes a look at 150 hymns, so the sum total is 300 - certainly, most of the familiar hymns including your favorite hymns are included. And there are other hymns herein, that you would enjoy singing and reading about.

In Book II, there are stories about many hymn favorites, including: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus", "The First Noel", "Break Thou the Bread of Life" and "Joy to the World!"

Both books would be very helpful to pastors planning worship-and indeed could be the springboard for any number of sermons, illustrations or hymn festivals.

But the usefulness does not stop there. These volumes are really a mini compendium of faith's response to God's wonders and blessings, and so, together, they are treasuries of devotional resources.

For more than twenty years, author Robert J. Morgan has served as the pastor of The Donelson Fellowship in Nashville, Tennessee, so he brings a pastor's reverence and appreciation of these hymns to his narrative

Robert Morgan has collected the stories of familiar hymns which transcend denominational boundaries. I sang many of these as a youth at Catholic Mass, and later, as I have regularly attended Protestant services. Not only did I enjoy reading the lyrics in the quiet of my living room, but I also learned more about the intended meaning of each song.

Significant Songs (just a few of another 50 I could list)
* "O Sacred Heart Now Wounded"
* "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"
* "Joy to the World!"
* "The First Noel"
* "O Holy Night"
* "O How I Love Jesus"
* "I Love to Tell the Story"
* "Beulah Land"
* "Nothing But the Blood"
* "God of Our Fathers"
* "Softly and Tenderly"
* "I'll Fly Away"
* "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?"

Christian hymns are part of world music, going back hundreds of years. Whether written by a repentant slave owner or a Catholic priest who believes scripture should be in the common man's language, or as an extension of a theologian's great poetic skill, the stories of the classics are anything but ordinary.

What impressed me was the easy style of Morgan's writing as he explained the theology and origin of the songs. Each song receives one page describing its author and history.

I learned, for example, "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" by Ada Ruth Habershon isn't a secular song of generic faith sung only by folk singers, but a rich song of longing for eternity in Heaven specifically for Christians.

I like that Morgan included "Away in the Manger" and other Christmas carols. In the Christmas holiday context, they feel like simple ditties, but reading the lyrics showed me how many started as hymns sung throughout the year as worship.

A downside of the book was the organization. Morgan researched this carefully and grouped the hymns chronologically. Each song gets its own entry. In many cases, specific material was lacking, or, as in the case of the Wesley brothers, John and Charles, many were written by one author. There was only so much Wesley information to spread out over all of their songs. It would have made more senses to collection the songs of one author together, with one essay to avoid this problem.

"Then Sings My Soul" is aptly titled, referencing the famous lyric. It is as instructive as it is encouraging. For me, as I walked through memories new and old, I found that this coming Sunday as I sing these with my fellow parishioners, I will be singing with more soul than the Sunday before.

I fully recommend "Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories" by Robert J. Morgan.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

This book is great if you can find it in stock and in print. I lived across the street from the author many years ago. As a gift she gave my mom a copy . It has been a long standing favorite in my mothers home. Not only does powdered milk make economic sense but it also makes time sense. I love using the cream sauce recipe to make soups and gravys in no time. I love the flavor of fresh fat free yogurt. I am always calling my mom for one recipe or another . Years down the road when my mother either passes away or gives her cookbooks away due to inability to use them there will be a fight over who gets this book. Unless of course we find enough to go around in print.

I actually helped her to bind this book, and I want to tell you that I think this cookbook is a must to have in your food storage. Not many people know what things you can make with powdered milk and this helps you out. I echo the words of the publisher. (:)

I loved this book. I needed to find some recipes to use the milk I already have in my food storage. I never realized there were so many ways to use powdered milk. I was so excited with the taste of the recipes that I made seven of them in two days. I also used the evaporated milk recipe in one of my families favorite deserts. It was a real hit.

I am one of the author's 12 children. Growing up with powdered milk was the best. We learned the many uses of dry milk and how to use it. Now, being married I wouldn't be without it. I give it as gifts for all occasions. This book contains everything from fruit smoothies to cottage cheese to pancakes and desserts. Growing up, I thought that dry milk was a staple in everybody's home. I was wrong. With this book, it could be a staple in your home, one you wouldn't want to live without.

I great friend of mine suggested this book during a troubled relationship I was experiencing and it has been a Godsend. I didn't know such thoughts, feeling an emotions that I was feeling could be captured in such few lines of text. I adore this book and would recommend it to anyone who is going thru an emotional transition.

Simple words full of wisdom that make you THINK and say, "Yeah, I understand that." Good book.

Being creatures of habit, human beings often have downfalls and pieces of themselves that inhibit them that they would like to change. This short book really helps with a wonderful analogy to show in plain terms what it is we do when we are forced into a habit. This has helped a few people I know, and it has helped me tremendously to help me turn around and practice my Christian faith, not just preach it. Whatever piece of you it is that you want to get rid of or change, reading this will definately be helpful.

This is something I have given to many I have dated. It talks in a sweet poinent way about how we feel when we fall for that special someone.

Holds your attentiion from the first page and continues to the last. Ted Dekker is one of the very best in Christian suspense. Highly recommend this book.

If you love thrillers, especially Christian thrillers, you'll love "Three". It kept me on the edge of my seat till the very last page; Dekker's lastest, "Adam" is the same way. Purchase both and enjoy!

One of my favorite books, I love a puzzler and this was top rate!
A page turner if there ever was one, relax & get comfy because you won't want to put it down.
Happy Reading!

Kevin Parsons is being tormented by a mad man who leaves riddles as clues and bombs as consequences for failure. The attacks seem to be focused on something from Parson's past and he will have to rely on his best friend Samantha to help him unravel the mystery. Sensing this could be connected to an earlier case, FBI agent Jennifer Peters steps in to help reveal the stalker.

THR3E grips you from the very start and races ahead of you leaving you breathless as you try to match wits with the author and the characters. Each time you think you have the mystery solved, Mr. Dekker whips you around another corner filled with surprise and suspense.

This book kept me riveted and turning the pages faster than normal. The tension and suspense continued to build with nice plateaus to catch my breath while I evaluated the recent clues. The characters were wonderful, very strong and intelligent. The writing was nicely done. I enjoyed the changed style and pov when the author permitted the reader inside the thoughts of the antagonist. Very chilling. There were no cheap tricks or convenient story-telling theatrics.

Hands down, this is the best book I have read in a very long time.

CarolASpradling.com author

I love this book. It is truly a blessing to hear such refreshing words of worship. I pray CeCe continues to let the Lord use her in great way!!!

Jesus said that a tree is known by it's fruit.

When I attended one of CeCe's concerts last fall, I experienced for the first time in a long time, the awesomeness of the Presence of God. This sister led us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, straight to the Throne Room of God. I tell you that my life has not been the same since. I said to the Lord, I want what she has - "Your Presence."

So, I was so excited when I heard that she had written a book about worshipping God. I pre-ordered mine and received it two weeks ago.

I "highly recommend" this book, written by a women of God who is a true worshipper - and by the fruit that I witnessed from her life - "walks with God."

In the book CeCe gives biblical insight on how worship is a lifestyle of walking with God - not just an one-time or once-a-week-experience. How worship is not about "me" but ALL about Him/God, Who He Is and what He wants to do thru me/us.

Also, she shares part of her personal worship life-style. In the second part of the book she discusses the songs from the Throne Room, their meanings and how God led her to pick those songs....awesome.

Finally, there is a section for personal/group reflection with questions concerning the content that can be used for personal or group study.

I found the book extremely practical. The listing of some of God's names found in the Bible that I can use to express my love to Him and her example of praying on her knees with a worshipful heart that prompted me to do the same.

Now, that I am fininshed reading the book - I have began to apply some of the things that I have learned and all I know is that the Lord has drawn me closer to Himself and I don't wannna ever let go!

Read it and find out how you too can become protected, healed, peaceful, powerful, changed, receive direction, clarity and much more as a result of worshipping God and living in His presence.

His,

CeCe Winans is one of the best!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I received my copy of this pre-release last week and read it much too quickly. It was great.
When performing, CeCe has a way of making worship such a personal experience that I often feel as if I am intruding on the intimate relations she is having with the Father.
After reading this book, I now know why I often feel that way...because she has an intense love relationship with God thru Christ and when she sings she is "performing for an audience of One."
The book is clear, concise and very easy-to-read. With a subject like worship, simplicity is key. I am glad that the message was not lost in a cloud of "religious" lingo or watered-down by neglecting to mention the personal responsibility that I have to surrender my will to God.
In the book, she describes worship as a lifestyle, one in which you can daily walk in a close relationship with God by keeping your heart focused on God all throughout the day.
She gives biblical insight on three vital elements of a true worshipper: confession, surrender and loving God with all of your heart.

Although I have heard CeCe for more than twenty years now, last year God has used her relationship with Him (that is so evident in her spirit) to 'cause me to want to know Him that way - i.e. when you see me you see the Father in me.

Reading this book and practicing the things that God has revealed to me, has encouraged me to desire to stay in The Throne Room - and for that, I thank Him!!

***** Submitted by Nellie for www.goodgirlbookclubonline.com The GOOD GIRL Book Club