Way Books

Tim Woodroof has written a wonderful, thought-provoking book on the Beatitudes. The book is an excellent resource for preaching, teaching, and group discussions. I came across the book while planning a sermon series on the beatitudes and found Tim's creative approach, picturesque language, and writing style irresistable. Had I known about the book earlier, I would have used it as a study and discussion guide for the entire church to use as a compliment to the sermon series. There is plenty of material for class, discussion groups, and individual daily study. The book is not only strong on content, but on creative imagery, illustrations, and word pictures that help the message of the beatitudes come alive. It is also especially strong on application.

I have taught Sunday School for nearly 15 years. I have always been critical of curriculum available for teachers. There are many good books but few with good curriculum. Walk This Way is the best book I have ever used! Tim Woodruff not only has a way of making the Beatitudes come alive, but his packaging of his message is brilliant. If you want to undertand the essence of the message of Christ, buy this book! If you want to share the Gospel with others, buy this book! If you are a teacher of young or old or in between, teach the Beatitudes and buy this book as your guide. It is the best teaching tool I have ever used.

I echo the comments of the others who have reviewed this book. It really is that good! The author devotes a separate chapter to each of the eight qualities of heart with which Jesus began the teaching and transformation of his disciples. With a wealth of gripping word pictures and illustrations, the author leads the reader through each stage of this transformative journey. He ably demonstrates that the order in which Jesus presented these qualities was not simply random, but a sequence essential to genuine discipleship. He also ably uncovers the essence of each beatitude and destroys the shields we typically use to deflect their impact.

The main text of each chapter is followed by a lighthearted "Top Ten List" that illustrates each quality (usually in reverse). After that, each chapter contains four other sections that provide, in turn, a biographical vignette, weekly study guide, discussion questions, and practical application relevant to the Beatitude under consideration.

No book on the beatitudes has stirred my heart like this one. I highly recommend it.

Tim Woodroof takes an "MTV" approach to the Beatitudes. With many in-set factoids that relate the truths to today's issues, Woodroof finds nuances that excape most of us when we read the beginning of what is called "The Sermon On The Mount." Jesus' ten pithy little phrases hold much more meaning and impact after reading through this work book. Don't read this as a book, read it as a tool for catching the deeper meaning of the very core of following Jesus.

I've never read a book that taught me so much. Much of my life I skimmed over Jesus' first words to his disciples, but Walk This Way dove deep into the meaning that Jesus had for his disciples back then as well as for his disciples today. I believe this book is God inspired, and will help change your life concerning your relationship with Christ and the world around you. After reading it through 3 times, I am now using it as a study guide to teach a Sunday School class. The book does a good job in helping to facilitate discussions within a group.

Maggie Spilner, America's favorite Walking Guru, certified trainer and yoga instructor, offers just the right dose of fun motivation, laughter, and practical tips to get women at midlife and beyond to put "WALK" at the top of their To-Do List! A daily dose of walking is powerful medicine that helps mitigate virtually all the changes women experience during the menopause transition. I thoroughly enjoyed Maggie's friendly, soul-baring, supportive writing style and highly recommend this book for women who are beginning to realize that taking time for a daily walk --especially combined with Yoga -- maybe the best, safest, most convenient and least expensive menopause medicine.

(...)

I know from personal experience that exercise is an excellent way to mangage hot flashes. Ms. Spilner offers 14 excellent programs - something for every age and fitness level. I especially like the themes; she makes exercise fun and informative. Julie A. Calligaro, author of Hot Flashes 21 Non-Hormonal Strategies to Put Out the Fire.

Maggie Spilner, America's favorite Walking Guru, certified trainer and yoga instructor, offers just the right dose of fun motivation, laughter, and practical tips to get women at midlife and beyond to put "WALK" at the top of their To-Do List! A daily dose of walking is powerful medicine that helps mitigate virtually all the changes women experience during the menopause transition. I thoroughly enjoyed Maggie's friendly, soul-baring, supportive writing style and highly recommend this book for women who are beginning to realize that taking time for a daily walk --especially combined with Yoga -- maybe the best, safest, most convenient and least expensive menopause medicine.

Suza Francina, author, The New Yoga for People Over 50 and Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause

Maggie Spilner's walking articles were my favorites when she was the walking editor at Prevention Magazine so it was a nice surprise to discover that she has a new book out on the subject. The book is well written ensuring painless learning and lots of motivation to get you out the door and walking.

Chapter 1 covers the benefits of walking to help relieve the symptoms of menopause.

Next is information everyone will enjoy and use on getting started followed by 14 walking programs to chose from for variety and fun. You can pick and chose the ones that are immediately interesting to you and if, in the future, you'd like to undertake any of the other options, all that is required is a little additional reading. My current favorites are walking with a pedometer, walking with your dog, birding, gardens and walking vacations.

There's a chapter on weight gain during menopause and a final section provides information on yoga poses and breathing.

Everything you need to start a successful walking program that you'll want to continue for the rest of your life.

Though the title is about Menopause and the first chapter does thoroughly discuss menopausal complaints, the risks of hormone replacement therapy and the benefits of walking on various aspects of aging often associated with menopause,the 14 Programs I developed are appropriate for anyone at any age or stage of life, to motivate themselves to walk; whether for health for fitness, for relaxation, for stress reduction etc. Every thing from Bird Watching to Historic landmark hunting, to training for a 5k. I've written three books on walking and this is my favorite, both for its content,style and workbook format!

Happy walks!
Maggie Spilner

Just wanted to note that John R Cope passed away February 7, 2003. Rest well John.

I had a chance to meet the author at our oncologist's office. John was full of life and humor. The book is a valuable and much appreciated help with insight on how to approach the challenges of living with cancer.

The book is definitley a must read. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting.

John's book will reach out to anyone dealing with an adverse situation. I found that I could relate to it in numerous ways, given the trials my family went through in the grief process.

My favorite chapters were 14 and 15 because I didn't want them to end. The inspiration and motivation in John's writing keeps you hooked. I am ready for the second installment.

Thank you John for the inspiration!

After reading this book, I could relate to the experiences that the author felt. A close family member of mine was diagnosed with cancer. This moment of her life had to be what I could only imagine a true nightmare. No one to understand your fear, pain or answer your questions on the disease. Where was this book 5 years ago when she needed it, I needed it. Thank you to the author that has created such a step by step book on not only how to deal with cancer but how to treat those that have it. Congratulations to the author for this creation. I highly recommend it to all that expect, know someone or is alive and kicking with cancer.

Excellent motivation book. "It's all about me"...NAC

I have read and witnessed the authors experiences with his cancer. I am his son. The author John Sr. is incredibly humble in describing the pain and fear he felt during these years. However, by playing by the health rules, staying positive and not quitting in the game of life, those years of pain and fear have washed away by living on and experiencing a new found love of life.

Within the book, I found that there was no thoughts of dilusions, feelings of divine intervention, or medical mysterys. Rather, a simple and down to earth way of keeping perspective and focused on the problem at hand. A step by step guide on how to deal with all factors of beating this monster called CANCER.

It would appear that anyone, regardless of education level, income level, race, religion or state of residency can relate to this excellent book. I highly recommend this book due to its easy reading feeling and very insightful thoughts on living your life right this minute, whether you have cancer or not.

Give this book a try, there is absolutely nothing to lose when fighting the monster except your life. Good job pop! Jr.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is facing cancer treatment but also to anyone faced with a difficult challenge. The author through his examples and humor explains what it feels like to be faced with a very serious challenge.

To bravely face the demands of cancer survival takes tremendous will and fortitude. The author shows us how to gain the strength to face the challenge. This book can help anyone facing a major challenge, whether that be cancer, grief, divorce, job less, it all applies. A great resource to know how to support those facing the challenge of cancer survival.

I read this book about 3 times and could not put it down i went out of town to my grandmothers and lost it I nearly lost my mind but I got it back Mrs.Benson has a very good book and she is a very talented writer!! If you need a good book to read pick the way home up and you will be satisfied!!! Ashley Garrett-MD

This was my first book by Benson and it was great! I enjoyed the story a lot. Sometimes young love can last a lifetime. Winston and Marlena's did! Benson did a nice job of protraying a southern class system, in that many think you should marry into a good family of your status, where that their family's so called "roots" are untarnished. Good Job!

The Way Home is romance at its best. The story of Marlena and Winston, a couple reunited after many, many years, working to see if they can recapture their "magic" is wonderful. The love scenes are hot! Then, there's the side story of Marlena and Winston's best friends that's really good, too!!!! This is one of the best romance novels you will ever read!!!!!!

This book was enjoyable, laughable, sensual,compassionate and full of heart. I loved the storeline between Marlena and Winston and don't forget their friends Chery and Marty. This was truly a beautiful story about friends, family and lovers; who were once lost, but now are finally found. It was a beautiful story to tell about the way back home.

I loved this story. Marlena and Winston prove that love does indeed light the way home. I was drawn into this story from the first page, and by the last, I was wiping tears from my eyes. Marlena and Winston are a dynamic, engaging, very real couple who faced real problems (a snob of a mother being only one of them). I especially enjoyed the fact that Winston and Marlena weren't described as classically good-looking; all their attractiveness and love for each other came from who they were inside and from the obstacles they overcame to be together.

What I loved best about this story was the central couple's interaction with Cheryl and Marty, as well as with Patrice and Raymond. I hope that Ms. Benson is planning another story so that I can find out what happened with them. The genuine caring and concern among the three couples was something I don't often see in romance novels.

Excellent job, Ms. Benson! I look forward to your next novel.

I can't say anything more positive than the previous Gantz reviews but I will add that I too love the way this author writes and wish she would begin to publish stories for us to dwell in again.
This particular story was one of those that held my thoughts for days afterward. The emotions Bockoven is able to evoke in the unfolding story steal your heart away. It is romance in the best form.

The way it should have been is a teriffic book full of emotions and great characters. I sure want to read it again and I think you would too!

The way it should have been is a teriffic book full of emotions and great characters. I sure want to read it again and I think you would too!

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Georgia Bockoven is a writer in need of more discovery, if the fact that this book is out of print is anything to go by. But it is an honor to be able to give you a recommendation here on Amazon for this book, and every other book of Georgia Bockoven.

The writing touches more than your emotions...it touches your soul. This book is about the best life has to offer, and the worst. Not many writers can capture both and do so without drowning you in sorrow or forcing a suspension of belief. Bockoven manages the feat admirably.

I could say many other things about this book, but I can't think how without revealing details that are far better discovered as you read this wonderful writer's work.

So I ask you instead...think on the following questions. Remember your sense of loss after the death of a loved one? The emptiness in your gut? Remember your sense of fulfillment when you found your true love? Remember how the joy of life at its best filled your whole being?

When you read a Georgia Bockoven book, you will remember these things. This book in particular will make you smile, and it will make you cry. Everyone I've recommended it to who has read it has loved it. This book should not be out of print. It just isn't the way it should be. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

...I don't read romance novels as a general rule. If you like romance novels, I think you will like these books of Georgia's. If you like other genres (like me) I think you might still really like this book. My friends who have liked this book are from both crowds. So, do as you will. I can only recommend, and that I do.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Georgia Bockoven is a writer in need of more discovery, if the fact that this book is out of print is anything to go by.

The writing touches more than your emotions...it touches your soul. This book is about the best life has to offer, and the worst. Not many writers can capture both and do so without drowning you in sorrow or forcing a suspension of belief. Bockoven manages the feat admirably.

I could say many other things about this book, but I can't think how without revealing details that are far better discovered as you read this wonderful writer's work.

Know this, readers. Remember your sense of loss after the death of a loved one? Remember your sense of fulfillment when you found your true love? Remember how you couldn't put down a book because it captured your whole attention, your whole existence even? If not, don't read this book. But if so, get it.

This book is awesome and powerful!!

Nancy Missler gives biblical advice on how to love God's Way and she delivers this life changing truth in a beautiful and simple way!

It doesn't matter if you're a guy or girl, young or old, married or single- if you are a Christian you have to put this at the top of your reading list!

Nancy Missler's book is for those who have gone through life difficulties. And who hasn't? Every person goes through something in life that will challenge us to grow either emotionally, or spiritually.

It could be a difficult marriage, or a depression, or a painful childhood, or past mistakes, or perhaps a betrayal of a friend. The book gives many examples of how people have pulled through trying times. How did they do this? By learning to love themselves and others God's way.

The Way of Agape encourages us to look at the bigger picture, and seek out God's love in the midst of our difficulties. Nancy Missler encourages us to begin to see things from God's perspective. If God truly lives in our hearts, how can our lives reflect this fact? Nancy Missler explores this and the many facets of love and relationships, and scriptures related to God's love.

Experiencing tough times is something we can all count on , and having God's tools available to cope, not only builds character, but builds and heals lives..what can be better than that?

Nancy Missler has offered us something of real value that we can use and apply in our daily lives. Great book and great study on love.

So many of us who claim to be Christians believe that we are loving others with the love of God. The dilemma is that only God can impart that kind of love to us as we seek His will above our own. Nancy Missler uncovers the reasons for the failures in our lives and shows us the only way to truly overcome them - by loving others and laying down our "right" to our own feelings, desires, and ways of doing things that are typically diametrically opposed to God's ways. This book is one of the most influential and instrumental instruction manuals for maturing your walk with Christ, freeing you up, and opening up your love floodgates. Nancy teaches us what it means to love God in practical, easy-to-recall terms. She outlines a practical methodology for rising above the challenges in life to achieve victory and progress rather than always repeating our failures. Read it and gain victory!!

There are very few books I would call "life changing," but The Way of Agape is one of them. Even if you're already a Christian, this book is a must read.

Also the book could use a good editing, and sometimes you might feel your wading through some small sections, the message Missler is giving is clear and extremely important.

You really gotta read this one.

I went through this book with the study guide in a women's bible study group and haven't been the same since. I highly recommend it. It gave me not only a new perspective on God's love but practical tools for applying God's love in every day situations. On a scale of 1 to 5 I give it a 6.

I read this book while on vacation over Christmas and what great timing! I have read or skimmed lots of books on 'change' or 'finding and following your dream' or 'finding your calling' etc.... this is the first one that I truly feel got under my skin and has inspired me to begin change in my life that I have been contemplating for years.... I think of passages or stories from the book at least twice a week. I highly recommend it to anyone -- even if you aren't contemplating a change....who knows - -you may find that you should!

I can't say enough about "The Way of Change: Finding Joy in Your Journey." It made me smile and it moved me to tears. I'm anxiously awaiting the next effort from author Hailey D.D. Klein.

This book will give everyone the necessary tools to look into their lives and themselves and go about making personal changes.
The writing is sensational and it was a pure pleasure to read. I very much enjoyed Ms. Klein's personal stories.
I so look forward to her next book.

Anyone who wants to live life as it was intended will find true joy in The Way of Change. Hailey Klein's thought-provoking, revealing book contains all the insights on personal fulfillment and happiness that were ever shared with the world. From Plato to Rumi to Emerson to Ghandi, it's all here, spoken in the words of a real, everyday person living her life with joy. Anyone looking for a quick fix should look elsewhere. But plan to keep looking because change takes time and practice. It is in each moment of practice, the journey, that joy is contained. Read this book and learn the practice of loving each moment of your life, from the good times to the challenges; it's all part of living.

This little book is great at providing us with gentle loving nudges to make the changes we want to make and somehow postpone. It's what I think of as common wisdom, which is as uncommon as common sense. It reminds us of the wisdom that we already recognize, no startling new information. It's comfortable and yet, an invitation to grow in just the way that we're ready for and willing to tackle.

Hailey shares some of herself and welcomes us. It's a treat to join her on the journey.

This book is a fantastic addition to my herbal reference library. Well organized and very reader friendly. I will be referring to this book often!

I am a midwifery student just getting into herbalism. My best friend is an herbalist, so I knew a little bit going in. This book is a fantastic introduction. The basics are laid out in a really straight-forward and helpful manner. Once you start getting comfortable with it, the reference bit is fantastic for quickly finding things. Michael Tierra does a fantastic job of walking the line between mysticism and science. He provides enough of the physical workings of the herbs to satisfy a rational mind, but doesn't lose track of the spiritual connection.

Mr. Tierra's reference on herbs is a wonderful addition to my collection. I would strongly recommend it to those who are just starting out in herbology as a first book, or to those who are seasoned pros...

This is also a text for many schools of natural medicine

This is perhaps the best book on herbal medicine I have ever read. Tierra covers not only the botanical and therapeutic properties of herbs, he shows with great clarity how they fit into the wider context of holistic healing. His integration of traditional Western herbalism with Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine--and he is a master of all three--justifies his proprietary name of "Planetary Medicine."

This book is an excellent staple to understanding the basic properties of herbs, their energy (cool or warm) and what systems are affected. The definitions of herbal properties were clear and concise (alteratives, diuretics, etc.) The section on diagnosis and treatment listed Yin and Yang conditions and how to apply Yin/Yang theory to herbal medicine. This was helpful in understanding the energy of a plant. Both Western and Oriental herbs are listed in seperate sections and is fairly extensive. Most dosage recommendations, however, are listed in tincture or infusion form with little information on application through "00" or "0" capsules. In the Treatments for Specific Ailments section, the ailments are generalized like menstrual cramps, colds, constipation, coughs and sore throats, etc. While a very good basic foundation it does not elaborate on the different symptoms, for example, of a cold. Do they need a respiratory relaxant or stimulant, a demulcent or an anticatarrhal? Many of the remedies are in infusion or decoction form which is not practical for someone to have dry herbs in bulk to prepare this recommended blend. Also for client compliancy it is not realistic. The last chapter on magnetic therapy, while highly informative, has no place in an herbal resource book. I found this book to be in an easy to read format and a valuable basic resource book for a begining to intermediate herbalist.

Buber is one of the great original thinkers of modern Judaism. He reads here six Hasidic tales and infuses them with his own fundamental perceptions as to the nature of the religious life. He writes with grace and power. And there is in his interpretations and retellings a sense of the holy and the inspired.

Martin Buber has a way of speaking to my heart. He speaks as a human who has always struggled with the cynicism and skeptical spirituality of our age. Yet he has retained a strong faith in God, and a strong faith in God's real presence in our struggling human everyday life. We may not always feel His presence...but in Buber's words we hear another's testimony that God is with us even when He seems absent. In these short parables, Buber introduces us to other humans...ordinary men...who likewise have struggled to walk with God. Their walk is grounded in the existential. But unlike other ways such as Zen, their walk gradually reveals the real presence of God who has been walking with us since day one. It is as if in our faithful walk God gradually becomes trulu felt as walking beside us...and in our hearts.

41 pages of wisdom from the standpoint of Hasidism (from "hasidut": allegiance, piety)--but Hasidism seen through the heart of Martin Buber.

This too-brief book really asks only one question: why are we here?

Buber responds with thoughts, anecdotes, and reflections, all of it extraordinarily condensed and yet marvelously lucid.

Here are two quotations:

"Our treasure is hidden beneath the hearth of our own home."

"Man was created for the purpose of unifying the two worlds. He contributes towards this unity by holy living, in relationship to the world in which he has been set, at the place on which he stands."

This book is comprised of several short essays that are each about ten pages or so in length. It is difficult to explain exactly what the book talks about. But it basically is a series of discussions about what our lives mean in relation to G-d. Why we are here on this planet, how you can think of your life and the lives of others, and lessons from other great Jewish thinkers about these same topics. I read this book, which is tiny and small, maybe 80 or so pages, and it changed my life. It opened for me a new way to explore my Jewish identity that was discrete from the mechanics of the religious observances. I am now very interested in Jewish philosophy and epistemology and want to read further. I would highly, highly recommend this book to anyone, Jewish or not.

...Martin Buber encompasses the whole world in the span of 50 pages. He relates new interpretations of a handful of old myths and stories, making each one reflect the individual's personal journey towards enlightenment. Poignant and marvellously efficient and concise in his style and vocabulary, Buber has created a book which is accessible to small children, but which will resonate with anyone even slightly interested in spirituality. It can be read in an hour, and is a book to which I return again and again for guidance and inspiration. Truly, a miracle of a book.

Through his exquisite writing, using Rumi's work as a vehicle, Andrew Harvey has given us a handbook to the inner courts of the soul. The depths of his observations will take you about as far as the written word can. It is not enough to just read this book. One must then go back and meditate one's way through it to truly absorb its richness. To do less would be to smell the fragrance of the wine but never taste it. Truly, this masterful study is a veritable banquet for the searching soul.

Rumi is one of the greatest spiritual mystics and poets who we can read today. This book is a wonderful guide, both through some of Rumi's poetry, and in gaining insight into Rumi's life. This book is one of my favorite books in my library. Andrew Harvey has clearly experienced the passion of Rumi himself, and is able to guide the reader through profound waters with skill. I found his commentary to be a bonus to the experience of reading Rumi.

As one with a lifelong interest in mysticism, I have been reading Rumi for forty-five years now. Unfortunately, I cannot yet read the originals, and I have had to intuit the sense in some rather bloodless interpretations. Harvey, however, seems to hit it just right. To the degree that we can speak of these things during a person's lifetime, he seems to me to be a genuine mystic himself, passionate and full-blooded as the real thing usually is. Six months ago, I gave a copy of this to a much younger friend who had discerned the via negativa with no external guidance before we met. He rejoices in the book and is delighted to find words that exactly mirror his own untaught discoveries. I do not normally gush over such books. I was rigorously trained in Catholic theology and philosophy, hold a graduate degree in East Asian religion and identify myself as a Christian. I am not expert in Islam, though I know far more than the average reader, having edited one work on Rumi. So I tend to cast a jaundiced eye over most work like this. But if I were forced to reduce my library to a scant hundred volumes, The Way of Passion would still find an honored place. Rumi, though heterodox like all mystics, spoke powerfully not only to the Sufis of his time but to orthodox Muslims, Jews and Christians. Though Harvey certainly does not rank with Rumi, his interpretation can speak meaningfully to all persons of good will who do not barricade themselves behind denominational lines. On the basis of this book alone, I would read anything that Harvey writes.

One viewpoint: Harvey is clearly inspired and explores many of Rumi's pieces in a heartfelt way. Excellent reading! It's healthy to spend time with Rumi and contemplate on his ideas--and humor. Rumi is among the top, top spiritual writers available. He understands--as does Harvey--what's important in Soul's journey Home.
(I'd suggest, to fill out this book's perspective, reading Twitchell's Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad (I and II).)

The Divine Love, Divine Passion, Divine Power, and Divine Truth of Rumi are all explained here by Andrew Harvey. True to the book's title, Harvey has truly created a delightful celibration of Rumi and his works. If you are on your path, or even if you have wondered off the path into the dark forest, Harvey has provided a clear roadmap to the next level of transformation. This map comes repleat with warnings of speed traps, and roadsigns - telling of Rumi and Shams "wildness, violence, and ferocity" as they traveled down their path, drinking wine, and going ever onward, toward the Sun. Just enjoying moments of Divine Grace.