Religion Books

What a great book I recommend it for anyone. Another great book I would love to recommend is The Secret by Rhonda Burns. Very inspirational nd motivating for everyone.

this book helps you help yourself, the directions are clear and easy to
follow, you just have to make the time to do what is instructed to do.
and beleive in it

Loved the book - very informative with lots of direction to start communicating with the Angelic realm. Loved the step by step instructions as well as the personal stories of students who rec'd messages from the angels. I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in this subject.

I could see and speak to angels before this book- my fortay. I loved them and still do. Everything happens for a reason. So, one day my best gf's mom was hosting a seminar on this book and invited me- several times. My parents too. I thought arragantly "naw, i can already speak to them, i don't need this class!" than my gaurdian and my other gf's gaurdian Caleb nugded me to read it. So i stopped being a little pest and read it. Very very wonderful. Understandable and opening. After reading this, its eaiser to sometimes speak with them and truly a help in my life even more than before.

I read this book almost a year ago and just recently took a class with one of the authors, Trudy Griswold. She is an incredible woman and helped me further to be able to talk with and write to my angels. It was one of the most amazing evenings, very emotional and helpful. I highly recommend this book to anyone and a class if they can find a facilitator or one of the authors nearby!

This is a wonderful read for anyone who wants to live a Biblical life, but just can't seem to get over the hurts of abuse and betrayal. Joyce Meyer writes in her straight forward yet compassionate transparency. In this book, she takes the reader on a hope filled, "get from there to here" journey. I wish I had read this book a long time ago.

This book has helped me tremendously. It was a real eye-opener into my personal life. Thanks Joyce for writing the things God gives you.

not only it help me understand why im going through what i gone through at that time. at first i did'nt know about healing process if there is such a thing but there is. thank God for this book. as God was doing His beautiful,healing yet painful work in me this book encourage me, help me. plus i love how joyce would include her experience, her story it's very helpful!plus she's so real, honest not faking it. Thank you Lord

My grandfather sent this book to me and I confess that when I first saw it, I wasn't sure it was anything I wanted to read. Emotional healing? What could *I* possibly need to be healed from? Denial is an amazing thing. Thankfully, I had nothing else to read at the moment and picked up this book. From page 1, I was captured by Meyer's ability to share her story, make light of her struggle, and give examples of God's amazing power to heal us from our wounds, whether we recognize them or not. This book took me through the whole scope of emotions. I found myself laughing, and alternately, weeping as I recognized myself in the pages and yes, even found God speaking to me through Meyer's testimony. I simply could not put it down. If you are a survivor of any type of abuse, or even if you're just trying to work on building mature, Christ-centered relationships, consider this book. You won't be sorry you did.

Having been a victim of abuse Joyce is able to speak to others who have been abused on their level, not just from observation or education. She doesn't just leave the reader in the place of accepting that they have things they need to work through, but she leads them through the same steps she took by God's hand to receive that healing. I have used this book to lead a women's study group and have been wonderfully blessed to witness the changes that have come out of their applying these truths to their lives.

I received this book very quickly and it was in great shape! It was a VERY good book!!

As both an author and reader of fiction, I was impressed with "Beyond the Shadows". Maybe it is because I have always enjoyed a book that could hold my attention and make me think at the same time. In a nutshell, the characters are believable and yet a little out of the ordinary and the story line unique. Give this book a try.
The Christian fiction book that I have written main story line is about ten years in the life of a little girl who was "chosen by God" to be the next Madonna in the second coming of Christ.
Tommy Taylor
Author - The Second Virgin Birth

Beyond the Shadows: A Love Story is a touching story about one woman's spiritual journey. Deborah Haskin's life was wonderful. She and her new husband, Andy, had just bought near the small town of Amethyst. Though a city boy, Andy's dream was to become a farmer, have children, and grow old with Deborah. Unfortunately, these dreams were not meant to be. After only fifteen months of marriage, Andy was killed in a farming accident. Deborah was crushed. She was angry at Andy for leaving her and angry at God for taking him.

Then Gideon Clermont came into Deborah's life. Gideon had been an army buddy of Andy's. Just before his death, Andy had asked Gideon's help on the farm. Honouring his friend's request, Gideon set out to help Andy's widow with various handyman chores around the farm.

For Deborah and Gideon, it seemed as though Andy and God had brought them together to grieve and then to live. The couple's romance blossomed and the two quickly wed. Drunk in her new love, Deborah didn't realize that she had forgotten her faith. Moreover, Deborah's wonderful life wasn't really as perfect as she thought.

Beyond the Shadows: A Love Story is a beautiful inspirational story of finding and embracing the Christian faith. I suggest this book to anyone needing a faith lift.

This was a great book from a Christian perspective on the subject of alcoholism. Robin Lee Hatcher did a very good job of bringing her experiences with a loved one with alcoholism into this book. I could relate to a lot of the book because I was once in a relationship with an alcoholic. I could relate to the anger and pain that Deborah felt, the covering up of the problem, pouring out the booze, etc. This book is real and I highly recommend it to someone with a loved one who is an alcoholic.

Deborah Haskins is devastated at the death of her young husband of only eighteen months. They had just bought a small farm that was Andy's life-long dream, and now he was gone. Deb felt she had to stay on the farm. It was what Andy would have wanted and she was determined to hang on, to keep his dream alive, despite pressure from her mother to 'move back home.'  "This is my home. It was Andy's dream."
 
When a young man appears at the farm a few months after the funeral, she remembers meeting him briefly at the graveside. An uneasy feeling creeps over her as he approaches. His name is Gideon Clermont, a man who served with Andy in Korea. Deborah learns that, in fact, Andy had saved Gideon's life, and Andy had asked Gideon to come to the farm to help with renovations.
 
Gideon's quiet demeanor lulls Deborah's caution as he steadfastly sets about fixing things on the farm, working Saturdays. As time goes on, Deborah can no longer fight her attraction. Their romance blossoms and Deborah heals as her grief fades and she looks forward to a new, happy life.
 
But she discovers her new husband has kept a terrible secret from her, and as it emerges Deborah learns that her healing came with a price. She turns to Christ for strength and guidance as she tries to cope with this new sorrow. When Gideon nearly kills their young son, Deborah knows it is time to make a decision. Has it come too late?
 
Working through her own painful experiences, Robin Lee Hatcher tells a story of hope and heartbreak, faith and second chances. She has bravely tackled a subject that all too often gets covered up and swept under the carpet. We live through the agony of the non-violent form of alcoholism in the story of Deborah and Gideon. It is hard to know which way you want Deborah to behave as you feel her anger and pain, love, hate and despair. I fell in love with Gideon and I felt myself just as angry, hurt, disgusted and hopeless as Deborah. And sometimes I wanted to shake her for putting up with it as long as she did.
 
This is Deborah's story, but Beyond The Shadows is told in a unique style, with vignettes as seen through the eyes of her neighbors, parents and her pastor. It reveals how ill-equipped the Christian family is to deal with alcoholism, or any addiction. The truth is, as Deborah discovers, we can only handle it through faith in Jesus and leaning on Him for the strength to cope. Beyond the Shadows is a gripping story, difficult to read at times as Hatcher pulls you right into Deborah's heart, head and life. Highly recommended.

Although I don't like the NKJV translation at all, this is a very good study Bible. Pastor Stanley's numerous notes, articles and life lessons are very pastoral and insightful. They add more to the text than the usual study notes you find in most study Bibles. This is a fun and informative study bible and I recommend it wholeheartedly. A keeper.

After trying out several other personal study Bibles, I settled on this one as my everyday, go-to Bible. I purchased the leather bound, burgundy one with index. It really has a quality look, feel, and the indexes are a wonderful help in studying The Word. There is so much USEFUL information and marvelous study helps. The Life Principles and Answers to Life's Questions always seem to pop up at just the moment I need them or the Holy Spirit wants me to read them. It is one of the most blessed and blessing editions of the Bible I have ever read. Dr. Stanley can be proud of this legacy work. It will continue comforting/helping people for generations to come. It is that good of a resource for the Believer. I have also used the Life Principles Daily Bible for about 6 months as my morning quiet time/devotional. It is too is awesome.

I enjoy reading this version of the Bible. It offers so much comentary. I am using it for school work so I appreciate the speedy service and delivery.

The thumb indexes are very helpful in finding Chapters easily. The Life Principles included in the Bible are a real plus. The highlites in blue of significant passages are helpful. The other markings by passages are nice to note also. Very satisfied.

I had a feeling I would not be disappointed with this Bible after knowing who the author was. Charles Stanley has a wonderful way of putting things into todays perspective. I would recommend this bible to anyone at any stage of their christian walk and also any age.

Very inspiring. It really helped me finish my book, "My Vow of Silence - the roughest 3 minutes of my life"...

Great for writer's block. Read one essay per day and call me in the morning.

[...]

Sometimes this series seems wussy but this particular book is absolutely great. You get to read about authors during their struggling years and times of doubt, and, it's all across the board in writer types.

Enjoy.

I'm going to admit it. I love the books in the series CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL. I became an addict almost from the beginning. I even remember the first time I read a story in one of the volumes. I was having a terrible day, and all I wanted to do was complain, but no one was listening. It was suggested I sit back, relax, and enjoy a fire roaring in a fireplace. I grabbed the first volume in the series, the only one available at the time, and read a story at random. It was about a little boy battling cancer who dreamed of being a firefighter. I read the first paragraph, figured it was going to be sappy, and if it was too gooey, I'd throw the book in the fireplace as kindling. Well, that's not what happened. The child did not survive, but the local firefighters made his frame come true and as I read, I became emotionally involved in the story, almost feeling as if the kid was my own son. But it did more than just make me realize I was getting a bit to cynical in my not so old age, it reminded me of what writing can do for a reader: make a connection to a person's heart in a way no other medium can. Over the years the books in this series have made me take a few moments to reflect, appreciate life, and see the good that is out there even if we don't always realize it. No, not every story moves me, but I do believe that every story in the series moves at least one reader, and if writers claim to be pouring out their heart and soul on the page, isn't this the point? In some ways I have this series to thank for reminding me of my dream to write something that will be published. As I read many of the stories in this series, it reminded me that we may all have a story to tell, but writers take that story one step further and put it on paper.

Now, while I love the books in the series, I wondered if CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE WRITER'S SOUL would have enough of an edge. I guess I believe books on writing should be challenging in order to be credible. I've read the books on writing theory by people such as Eudora Welty, John Gardiner, Anne Lamott, and Brenda Ueland as well as the "you can write a best selling novel in thirty seconds" type of books. Of course I read the former as an artist, but the latter for research purposes. The main character in my novel in progress is a popular writer so I need to know how popular writers write, right? Right. I wondered if the CHICKEN SOUP volume would have the critical push I need, or whether it would be enjoyable stories without a bite, so I avoided the book. Then I remembered something. Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen are two of publishing's most successful writers/editors, and the first volume was rejected by publishing houses that thought the idea would never succeed. I'm willing to bet they regret rejecting Canfield and Hansen now, but it also reminded me, these two people know the ins and outs of writing and publishing, and they may know what writers need to read.

Obviously I purchased this volume, and I've read it as I do most of the books in this series. I look for a story that interests me and read it. Usually I take something with me. This volume shows the variety of people who take words and put them together in an attempt to find meaning. Some of the writers with stories in this volume include esteemed authors such as Ernest J. Gaines, best selling writers such as Clive Cussler, and writers from the world of entertainment such as Garry Marshall and Art Linkletter. Most of the stories are written by lesser known names that may not have the notoriety but have the same desire to put words to paper.

I'll admit, most of the stories in this book I use in teaching, usually when teaching junior high students about the importance of pursuing dreams or having confidence in one's abilities. Yet as I teach these lessons and remember where the stories come from, I am reminded of my own desire to write, and since that's the purpose of the book., it succeeds.

This notable volume of "Chicken Soup" consists of eighty stories within ten chapters to thoroughly inspire and give voice to the value of writing, whether for profit and as a career or for the sheer joy in the outlet of creative expression.

Each true-life story was written by a professional writer within some genre of the field, and I found myself turning the page to find any familiar to me. Regardless of familiarity of name, each story will inspire, even if you have no inclination to write. And if you do write, you will find helpful tips, comradeship and motivation along with the encouragement.

As with all books of the Chicken Soup series, this one can easily be book-marked and read at leisure. I enjoyed every page and every story.

This is a collection of approximately 80 stories from various writers, some famous, some not. The stories are personal anecdotes of the obstacles faced in becoming a writer. Most of the stories seem to have a hardship story to tell, for example, overcoming poverty or illness. My favorite story was from the Christmas Box author, telling how he wrote and self-published the book.

If you are looking for writing instruction, this is not what you want. However, if you need to be reminded that many other people who have aspired to become succesful writers have faced and overcome overwhelming odds, then you will enjoy this book. I recommend this book to any aspiring writer who is currently feeling discouraged from rejection or self-doubt.

Essential reading for anyone of any religious or spiritual persuasion who fancies her/himself a spiritual aspirant or truth seeker. Reveals the need to be constantly aware of the tendency we have to fashion our spirituality into a commodity that actually bolsters egoism rather than liberating us from it. Gives many examples of how this process takes place. This book forced me toward a deeper honesty about the motivations behind my own spiritual quest.

Chogyam Trungpa(rinpooche(bright star?))'s (how's that for a possessive apostrophe 's'?) book is so far the best I've read of Buddhism and how to get There from Here. No worry that there is here, but simply you may not be, yet. After 40ish years of off and on study of and practice, I have reread this book from the section, "The 4 Noble Truths" all the way to the end. The beginning I have lived and am familiar with. I've done chi gong, inner smile, inner heat(Kathleen McDonald), Taiji,read TaoTeChing, Chuang Tzu, and practiced other skills of my own devising, BTW. I am no expert, not a scholar, but after working with Kathleen's pedantic methodology and Walpola Rahula's What the Buddha Taught, and even the wonderful Zen Mind Beginner's Mind, Trungpa's presentation is clean and clear, straight to the heart of the matter.
I reread and re-mine these chapters whilst walking a treadmill, before or after sitting. Never really knew what the turnings of the wheel of dharma were(but like the concept), never felt like 'surrendering" to no buddha, dharma, sangha--it's all in the gap.
Trungpa is a master of concision. This book is a service to us beginners.
I hear the book is middle level instruction. That's neither here nor there.
Enjoy.

Alot of people find this book very hard going, as it challenges their comfort zone. Chogyam Trungpa's controversial career is characterized by his style of "crazy wisdom" by Western followers.

Book Description
In this modern spiritual classic, the Tibetan meditation master Chögyam Trungpa highlights the commonest pitfall to which every aspirant on the spiritual path falls prey: what he calls spiritual materialism. The universal tendency, he shows, is to see spirituality as a process of self-improvement--the impulse to develop and refine the ego when the ego is, by nature, essentially empty. "The problem is that ego can convert anything to its own use," he said, "even spirituality." His incisive, compassionate teachings serve to wake us up from this trick we all play on ourselves, and to offer us a far brighter reality: the true and joyous liberation that inevitably involves letting go of the self rather than working to improve it. It is a message that has resonated with students for nearly thirty years, and remains fresh as ever today.

also Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior

I found this book an excellent guide in understanding Buddhism. It is a book that requires more than one reading. Chogyam Trungpa teaches the Path with the use of analogies that are helpful in trying to understanding the Buddhist religious beliefs, and practices. I found this to be a thought provoking book.

Chogyam Trungpa is no doubt by far the most influential Buddhist Master to the west. Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism is a must-read master piece for those who are considering to step onto a spiritual path or those who want to pursue the ultimate true happiness in life. It seems that he can see through our mind and intention, and be able to give the most apprehensive, vivid and direct advice to us, not only to our mind, deep down to the heart as well.

This is a treasure of both translation and commentary by Eknath Easwaran. Yes, the actual sutras of the Buddah are well worth the pondering. Not only are the sutras classics ... the concepts and puzzling koans are applicable to our 21st century lives. If this were the last book you were to ever buy, it would be a wise choice.

I have read several English translations of the Dhammapada --a dozen partially, half a dozen totally. As a non-Pali reader, I do not have any opinion on the grammatical quality of such translations. By reading any two, you will easily understand the difficulty of putting ancient eastern texts in west languages. As a rule, however, the spirit of most of the versions remains clear and transmits a good sense of the Buddha's Teaching. On the other hand, anybody can judge the readability and the beauty of any work regardless its origin. As such, Eknath Easwaran's book is excellent. His 80-page Introduction to Siddhattha Gotama's life and Teachings by itself justifies acquiring the book. The Pali Canon paragraphs that Easwaran quotes are "tuned" for the west reader. (Even though he probably overdid it at least once, I could not trace in any of Buddha's discourses "what a disciple losses through meditation: sickness, anger, depression, the burden of old age, the fear of death." I do not think the Buddha said such words but that is probably what he meant.) Chapters' introductions by Stephen Ruppenthal are also very illustrative. The fact that Easwaran is an Eastern scholar, not a Buddhist one, provides his writings the impartiality and independence that the Buddha would like to see in the spreading of his Teachings.

Gustavo Estrada. Author of Hacia el Buda desde el occidente: Sus Ensenanzas sin mitos ni misterios

First, I must say that this is the only translation of the Dhammapada I have read. That aside, this translation is more than just another translation. The first 100 pages or so makes this book worth its weight in gold. Eswaran gives an overview of the history of the Buddha's life, from pre-enlightenment to his death. Eswaran hits many highlights of the Buddha's teachings from the nature of the world of form to karma and reincarnation and numerous other areas of the dharma. The translation of the scriptures is easy to read, and notes on many of the scriptures are in the back of the book, which help to clarify many of the passages even further.

The chapters are broken down by theme, and each chapter, or sometimes two chapters, are introduced by Stephen Ruppenthal. These introductions are handy and help the reader to understand what he or she is about to encounter in the upcoming chapter. Many references are cited and much of the Buddhist philosophy is explained both in the introduction by Eswaran, and by the chapter introductions by Ruppenthal.

Besides all of that, the quality of this paperback is excellent. The pages are recycled material, and the cover is thick and sturdy for being a paperback. If you appreciate Buddhist philosophy, or any of the works of Indian spirituality, you must add this book to your library.

The introduction and explanation by Eknath is incredibly clear, insightful, and profound. To read the Dhammapada you need an explanation and this one is great.

Normally, I don't like to read introductions to books, but I found that this introduction to be the best part! I found myself reading it and saying, "wow, now that's what they are talking about! well put!" He explains Buddhism concepts in a terrific way.

Big thumbs up.

the book presents the dhammapada, a book text of the Buddha's words for those who don't know, in an easy to read and understandable way. each chapter is headed by a introduction that explains the meaning of the chapter and clarifies some of the content. this is a must read for any Buddhist, non Buddhist looking for wisdom, or for anyone with any interest in the subject.

I am so glad I bought this book. The DVD's and book are so clarifying and powerful. If you wonder about how your life could be better. If you find yourself worrying about past or future events. This book is for you. It's transformative. It's a spa for the mind.

Filled with a lot of great insights, as I've come to expect and enjoy from Eckhart Tolle. But what I really loved about this particular audio set was hearing what an incredibly playful sense of humor Eckhart has and that made listening to this Audio goldmine of self awareness all the more enjoyable. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Good stuff. great thoughts. something we all need to take the time to reflect upon not thinking about.

Excellent, as are all of Eckhart's works. I strongly reccomend this set to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of life and spirituality.

This extraordinary CD set of Eckhart Tolle's Findhorn Retreat in Scotland is one of his best collections. World renowned for his bestselling books "A New Earth" and "Power of Now," Eckhart speaks on the simple and powerful truths of his essential teachings. Every word expresses the deep stillness, profound presence and extraordinary power of waking up to the essence of the present moment with masterful clarity.

He offers clear guidance, quiet humor, deep wisdom and simple tools as he deepens our awareness of the sacredness of life and being.

I highly recommend these talks. You may listen to them time and again and they will remain ever fresh and new.

Katie Davis, Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment

This is one I borrowed from the library but definately will buy to add to my collection. I read this leisurely in 4 days staying up pretty late on the 4th day trying to finish it. It is amazing what someone can get through when God is carrying them. I am astonished and happily excited by a story like this one. Thank You for sharing Mrs. Brookshire.

This book was awesome. I read the book in a day in a half. This book was passed to me from my Aunt. I learned a lot from ready this book. Just to wait and listen closely to what Jesus has to say. Don't jump into relationships without seeking Gods face first. From this day forward my life will never be the same. I will continue to be more observant of that gut feeling that we get, they are not always butterflies but Jesus trying to tell us something. LaJoyce Thank You So much for sharing your life with all of your readers. This is definitely what God ordained you to do. I was always taught that God allows us to go through things so that we can help others that may face similar situations and so that we can have a testimony to share with others.

Be Blessed and Highly Favored

Tjis is a must read for all females young and old to read. AIDS IS A DEVASTING DISEASE!

The writer does an excellent job telling the story, betrayed by a thing called love. It was a difficult book to put down , once starting to read it. La Joyce should be an inspiration of hope and faith to all people especaially women. She really opened up her soul and poured it out in this book. I am amazed that she remembered so much of the hurt, deception and pain that she had gone through. What was so interesting to me was the fact that she continue to love and care for husband right up until the time he died of aids. What she endured was truly faith under fire. It's worth buying and reading.

I'm very glad this book exists; it's proof this kind of thing can happen. I read this quickly, not because it's going to win a Pulitzer, but because the reading level is not difficult and the subject is so timely and juicy.

1. THE DL MAN'S FAMILY WAS COMPLICIT IN THE CHARADE!!!! So many women in the Black community think the DL is just another example of lying, no-good men. The author here suggests that her husband's mother and sisters were complicit in promoting marriage and keeping the secret just that. When people receive counterfeit money or foreign coins, they often try to pass it off on other gullible people, rather than throwing it away. This book proves that many families of DL men are more than happy to make a Black woman's life miserable if her presence will be a cover for the family. I always say, "Notice how parents don't want their straight daughters to marry gay men, but they'll tell their gay sons to 'get married and cut all this foolishness!'" This book shows Black women who knew full well their DL relative was having unprotected sex with another Black woman and they did nothing, absolutely nothing, to stop it. So much for womanist unity!

2. THE ACTIONS HERE WERE SPECULATIVE WHEN THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN. Late in the book, the author says, "I still don't have proof that my husband was on the DL." She even suggests that he wouldn't have been honest about it if she had confronted him. HOWEVER, she never did confront him. Some women are very good doing private investigation; "Divorce Court" shows tons of examples of sistuhs doing that. The author herself never sniffed around. She never asked friends if her man was on the DL. She never went to his HIV-positive ex-wife and asked her for questions.
There are several books and articles saying, "How to see if your man is on the down low." I think many of them are unscientific, salacious, and homophobic. But here, the author kinda admits that she turned a blind eye. This book will not help women ask those difficult questions. If you want to not see the pink elephant in the room, sometimes you will. So this book didn't tell me more info about DL men. It's kinda scant in a way. The explosion in which a DL man has to come clean never happens here and maybe DL men purposely play women because they know they don't really want to see the truth.

I liked the consistent inclusion of the Divine Name represented by the letters YHWH and some of the interesting renderings of certain texts.

Our Disciple Bible Study used the first version of this book in our Basic Resource Library. When the original book "went missing" we had to reorder, and discovered to our delight that the new book now included The Five Books of Moses. What a wonderful resource for Bible study, or personal use! It has become one of my favorites and I plan to purchase the next volumes as well.

Never before have I experienced a translation of Old Testament scripture that truly brought me into what the essence of the text was. Fox makes it perfectly clear that these books were written in Hebrew, not English. I would reccommend this translation to anyone who is curious what it is like to peek in on an ancient text and learn from the first five books of Moses in the way it was more likely intended to be learned from.

I used to say that it was pointless to try to study the Bible without Hebrew - that it was impossible to "feel" the text, to get the humor, the irony, the poetry. Not anymore. This is a must for any student of the Bible, as it captures the liveliness and strangeness of the original and expose it as the allusive, alliterative, jabberwocky text that it is.

Hebrew is best, but this is, finally, a good second choice. It would be perfect if it had Hebrew written alongside - a great way to learn for students.

This is not the only edition with English translation of the Pentateuch/Chumash that I own, and I don't think it's the only one anyone should own, but it is an essential part of my collection. Fox has combined precision in translation with interpretation and poetry, and the combination makes me run to it very often to see his version, which often makes a challenging and provocative comparison to more traditional translations. The type is large and well-spaced. My only criticism is that the Hebrew is not included; at times I'd like to be able to compare the original words to Fox's renderings, to see how they compare.