General Practice Books

The money in the collection plate is supposed to help the church, right? Now in its fourth edition, "Spending God's Money: Extravagance and Misuse in the Name of the Ministry" is a look at the scandal and misspending of the faithful and other 'charities' gone wrong, focusing especially on churches that have grown in size over the years, with the heads of these 'non-profit' organizations living as well as heads of multi-billion dollar corporations. An in-depth look to where the charity money all goes, "Spending God's Money: Extravagance and Misuse in the Name of the Ministry"is highly recommended for community library religious studies collections.

Ministry has become a path to wealth. Too much money with no accountability is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. We give to the cooperative program for missions...not for private dining rooms and catered lunches for VP's at NAMB. Not to mention the extra money they make writing books on the job and collecting royalties. Has sin been so dumbed down that these people do not even notice that they are using the tithe dollars of brothers and sisters in Christ for personal gain? Shameful.

It has become a monolithe with no REAL spiritual oversight. What is the answer? Send your money to a missionary personally.

My view is if these types of jobs paid less than six figures they may attract more shepherd like men. Take away the celebrity status and no writing books. After all, our Savior had no where to lay His head and Paul made tents.

Mary Branson has wriiten a couageous report of her experience working for leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention who have been corupted by power. It is an indictment of those who abused and defrauded the laity, but is also an indictment of the laity who failed to monitor and exercise prudent stuardship over God's money. Appropriate auditing and involement by people in the pew might have prevented this dreadful happening. It is a must read for anyone connected with the Southern Baptist Convention.

Branson shares her first hand knowledge of how these people spent money sent by well-meaning believers for their own indulgent lifestyles. The book is fair and impartial, and lets the reader be the judge. This is a book that needed to be written!

"Spending God's Money" is an honest review of how mega mission organiations can splug on the "widow's mite" they are commissioned to manage. Mary indicates the best use of mission dollars come when the giver is closest to the user of the funds.

The Bishop tells you how to live by the Word, no grey areas to skate around in. He is a truly an annointed man who will inspire you to work to be the same.

As Bishop contiunes to bless and build up the body of Christ around the world through this book! It has become another book that is a "must have" for every believer!

Kenneth Ulmer truly speaks from the heart and Christian experience. The Lord led me to this book as I was just beginning to walk with Him. In this book, come invaluable insights into developing a relationship with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Anybody, whether just reborn or wanting to deepen a relationship with God, will benefit and become strengthen by the book's content. I want to read it over and over as I continue to pursue the image of His son, Jesus Christ!

From the heart of one who sincerely wishes to please God, we have a treasure. For those seeking a life of devotion to Him, we have a classic in the making. My brother and colleague of 20 years has written a masterpiece. He leads one of America's great megachurches. The Body of Christ will benefit from Kenny's witness and words. You will yearn for God after reading this book!

During a time when I needed it most, the Lord through my sisterput this book in my hand. It is the most powerful and annointed booksI've ever read. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. I am in the process of reading it again and completing all of the exercises. I also plan to keep it with me at all times and read it daily. It is definitely a book that provides guidance, Godly wisdom, is easy to read and has made a blessed difference in my life. I plan to let everyone know that THEY SHOULD READ THIS BOOK. This book is EXCELLENT! END

This book is not for the faint of heart. It is a real look and raw look at a very painful life story. But, it may touch home with some who have shared experiencing pain in their families or even at the hands of "the Church." And, amazingly, God continues to draw this young woman to Himself and gives her faith and hope. SHe is creful to separate church and religion from faith in Christ. I recommend it for anyone who has experienced deep pain in life, yet still wants to believe. I also recommend it for anyone who desires to be shaken out of their a sterile, stagnant Christian faith.

i have avoided writing this review because i would hate to say anything that would keep someone from reading this important book.

the level of abuse and trauma that renee endured at the hands of her father and the church is sickening, and yet she writes with beauty and depth. there are times you wish she'd stop, you can't fathom anyone enduring the horror she did, but you feel a bit braver for having heard her story, shared her journey.

never have i read anyone with the courage and stamina to endure what she has endured. yet her pain is laced with glimpses of hope, beautiful prose and inspiring tender moments of care. it's unlike anything you have ever read.

if you work with children/teens, or in a church or know someone who has been abused this is a MUST READ. never again should this be allowed to happen. renee's abuse had the church's stamp of approval, it must stop, we must hear the child, we must punish the abuser and allow the hurt to grieve at their own pace.

amazingly this is a story of hope, a story of grace and a story of courage. you won't be the same after you read it.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the depths of abuse that some children suffer, and the courage and strength of those who survive.

I intended to read this book slowly, because of the intense material. I kept thinking, "Okay, it's time to stop," and getting pulled in one more page and three more pages. I really like the poetry - it's surprising and concrete and deeply true all at once. I like the lines that stand out in larger type. I like that it starts out with a clear statement of abuse - no veiled hints, no way to pretend it wasn't happening.

I felt very engaged, the whole time I was reading. I didn't really expect that, since I'm not Christian and never have been. I've had that same struggle, though, believing I'm bad and worthless and wondering why "God" didn't save me. I had a solid sense of the narrator in the book, and felt like I was in conversation, and kept wanting to say, "What about...?" and "Here's how I..." and "Yeah! Me too!"

Renee Alston has poured out her soul to the world in this provocative life story. She takes the reader on a journey through hidden closets and heavy breathing. All the while searching for justice and shalom, she has learned to wrestle with God in the midnight hour. Although the light of day has come, she is left walking with a limp.
I recommend this book to anyone who dares to read it! I pray it will help to unleash a new sensitivity within the church, and promote honest confessions of doubt and faith.

Renee Altson's book is marvelous! Pastors, youth workers, lay leaders, and counselors NEED to read this book to understand the trauma of sexual abuse, the pitfalls of fundamentalism, and how God can use all things for His glory. The book has an artistic format, which also features Renee's wonderful poems, as well as glimpses of her life. It is poignant, painful, and well worth your time, thoughts, and contemplation.

Aimed at licensed therapists, this book makes you feel like you have your own business coach sitting alongside you. It is a well-written guide for the licensed therapist who is looking to improve his/her practice or change it altogether within a related field. - Cris Walker Roskelley, MFT, Author of the MFT Handbook titled "On the Road To Becoming a Successful Marriage and Family Therapist: An Insider's Guide From Graduate School Through Licensure... and Beyond!" On the Road To Becoming A Successful Marriage and Family Therapist

If you are a therapist needing help to develop a therapy practice, this is the book for you. It's tough building a practice these days. Things are way more competitive than they have ever been. Larina Kase's book is a good step-by-step analysis of what works. I recommend it highly and am going to use it with those therapists that I coach around practice development.

This is a comprehensive guide to starting a private practice that does an exceptional job combining the broader concepts of successful practice building with ample details and user-friendly examples. I found it simple to implement Dr. Kase's recommendations and quickly saw positive results in my own practice.

I am part of a consultation group of early career psychologists and we regularly discuss issues related to starting and building a practice, marketing, developing a niche area, and issues related to the business of owning one's practice. This has book has been referenced numerous times by our group and has been so helpful and informative to us, particularly b/c these issues have not been taught in graduate school or in our training. I would not forge ahead in the field of psychology and in your career as a psychologist without looking at this book first.

I have a private practice as well as a coaching business. I found this book full of excellent information and resources. I am now pursuing other business options as a result of reading this book. I have also purchased a number of Dr. Kase's ebooks, and have found them extremely helpful. She consistently gives you more than you pay for.

Well seeing as this book was written about my father, Grandad and Grandma, I totally know how factually it is. Still I read it cover to cover when he wrote the first draft and it was wonderful in its infants stages. These were truly remarkable people, hardworking, honest to a fault, and helping always when they could. I have many homeschooling moms wanting to read this to their kids and the kids beg for more. We are very proud of this piece of my history and was so glad Uncle Rex got it done. I hope you have many hours of happy reading. Sandra Southwell Harold's daughter)

Tall Trees, Tall People by Rex Southwell is a deftly written novel that takes place in northern Michigan and tells the story of one family's struggle against a background of cutting virgin timber, clearing land, and making a life in the far north woods. Set in the early twentieth century, it tells of a young man made a ward of the state, and placed with a farmer who won't let him stop working long enough to go to school. When the young man turns eighteen, his father returns, only to find his son consumed with bitterness. The road to forgiveness is a long and rocky one, amid financial pressures, the perils of an untamed wilderness, and bonds of family love that at times stretch tenuously thin. Highly recommended.

For someone who grew up in Northern Michigan, this book certainly grabbed my interest. However, it turned out to be more than just a historical account of the early mid-west.

This book will appeal to anyone interested in a touching story about a boy and his struggle to be a man. It covers his efforts to build a family and mature as a person through the years before and during the great depression.

The book started strong and finished great. In the middle of the book there were a couple chapters which seemed to simply record history than tell a story, but otherwise this is an excellent book.

I highly recommend it to anyone.

This has got to be one of the best books describing in detail living in the early 1900's. Mr. Southwell, keeps you so interested and the book is so hard to put down. It is excellent..would advise anyone interested in history, especially in the history of Michigan and the lumber era to read this book and pass it to your children and grandchildren. An excellent excellent book..well done.

Masterfully written, this book takes you through the tragedies and triumphs of everyday life as a family struggles to survive and succeed during the logging days in Northern Michigan. I found this book had the perfect blend of detailed descriptions, humor, and life lessons to leave me feeling as if I knew Grover and Grace personally. This is certainly a must-read, especially if you have any interest in accurate portrayals of life during this era.

I am a third year medical student on my family rotation. I have found this book to be very helpful for looking up things between patients and reviewing key information during downtime. I think everyone needs this little book in their pocket for quick reference and general review.

Don't get fooled by its size !! this little, compact, "fit-anywhere" pockets yet so pact w/ info. Due to its size, the print is quite difficult to read. Whenever I am in clinic where I don't know what to do, this peripheral brain gives me the confidence back !!

As a General Surgeon I have frequent contacts with patient of Primary Care and his/her Physicians. In order to speak the same language this book offers me the chance to be up to date everywhere.

If are looking for a concise and updated source of information , this book is for you , the primary care book is conprehensive and include the step by step aproach to most problems faced as a family physician or as an internal medicine practicioner , the book has tables , algorithms ,figures that help to master the informations .

Great pocket book of relevant up-to-date information for the office. The book is sized to fit in the heel of your boot so the spies don't get it. Of course, if you're over 45 (as I am), this is a distinct disadvantage as my arms are not long enough to read it. If you don't have your glasses or a magnifying glass, you're screwed. Tarascon has proven they CAN make larger format books and they should consider doing it with this gem. They can label it "Large Print Edition". Braille might be a good idea.

THE TAROT by Cynthia Giles is frequently cited (by the late Joseph Campbell for one), and although many of her more salient points are mentioned elsewhere, the book remains a classic and a must read for anyone who would know more about the Tarot. My own copy is so underlined and earmarked I hardly know where to begin this review.

Giles' book covers the `History' and `Mystery' of the cards, as well as the `Lore' in a final section where she provides a sampling of decks, a booklist, and a number of `Tarot Ideas.' In the `History' section, she reviews what was known about the Tarot cards as of the early 1990s. Unfortunately, research funding for this topic is not easily acquired, so the full history--which would require an investigation of primary sources including material in the Vatican, not a rehashing of material collected by 19th Century scholars-has yet to be written. Even the six-volume series on WITCHCRAFT AND MAGIC IN EUROPE edited by Ankarloo and Clark has given the Tarot short shrift, although the sixth volume on Witchcraft in the 15th Century due out in December 2002 may make up the difference.

The Tarot may have first appeared in 15th Century Italy. Initially, it may have been nothing more than a set of playing cards, or, the Minor Arcana may have been a set of playing cards tacked onto the Major Arcana. On the other hand, the whole deck of 78 cards may have an `arcane' history. Certainly, the images found in the Major Arcana appeared in one guise or another prior to the 15th Century. Artists and writers have long recognized the importance of these images, but in the 20th Century, the psychologist Carl Jung suggested they were linked to archetypes of the unconcious and set loose a flood of prose and poetry. Recently, a new spate of books linking the Tarot to Psychology have appeared.

Giles covers the `Mystery' of the Tarot in the second section of her book where she reviews four major levels of a Tarot reading: Rational, Psychological, Psychical, and Metaphysical. Certainly, some charlatans have used a rational approach to trick an unsuspecting client. On the other hand, the rational approach may be used by an analytic reader, a thinking personality type who relies on the content of the cards to deliver the message. The Psychological reader may use cues obtained from the querant at a feeling level, while the Psychic will rely on intuitive avenues such as ESP or clairvoyance. The metaphysical reader uses a form of sensory input not detectable by most people. These four types of readers are linked to the four Myers-Briggs personality types - Thinking, Feeling, Intuitive, and Sensate (or in the language of Tarot - Swords, Cups, Wands, and Pentacles).

Lest you think the Divinatory properties of the Tarot are impossible, Giles reviews recent developments in Quantum and Particle Physics, as well as material on the Holographic Universe that indicate the universe is not a well known entity. Her discussion of the shortcomings of believing only what one can empirically deduce with the five senses is cogent and fascinating reading.

This book makes an excellent reading about tarot - it's very readable, and it approaches the subject in a sensible way.

The first four chapters deal with the history of tarot, which is presented in a based manner (= based on what historians can tell about tarot) rather than in a romanticezed manner (= based on wild fantasies, e.g. about the tarot originating in egypt).

The next four chapters describe the "mystery" of tarot - it's relationships with such subjects as alchemy, kabbala, chakras, etc. Included is an explanation of why does tarot works based on quantum physics, which I personally dont like - it sounds too much like psuedo-scientific mumbo-jumbo.

The last part deals with tarot lore - a part that lists various types of decks, which is nice for somebody who wants to find a deck to her taste, an excellent list of books about tarot, and a dozen tarot ideas which is recreational if nothing else.

All in all, I'd recommend this book to anyone who is interested in tarot. It's 97% gold, 3% tin, and a gem in a time where tarot is misunderstood by many.

If you want to learn how to read the Tarot, this book isn't going to help you much. But if you want an introduction into the history and theory of the Tarot, this may be the book you want. Giles' history is refreshingly skeptical, compared to most Tarot introductions I've seen; the discussions of the development of the Tarot ties it in to broader esoteric traditions. I have to confess that I was unconvinced by her attempt to link Tarot to quantum physics. One of the big pluses of the book is a lengthy annotated bibliography of books on the Tarot, which gives you enough information to make an educated guess as to which books would give you what you need. (There's are also several reading lists scattered throughout the book on various fascinating subjects.) There's also a bibliography of decks, which is helpful but could be more detailed. This book is more an introduction to learning about the Tarot than a book about the Tarot itself; if you want to read only one book, this may not be it. (I'd recommend "Tarot as a Way of Life," by Karen Hamaker-Zondag.) But if you are thinking about reading several books on the subject, this would be a great place to start.

I thought that this was a really interesting and easy to read tarot history. I am a tarot reader, and not only do I love doing readings, but I think of the cards as works of art. This book does much to explain the truth and myth about the depictions of the tarot. For the tarot novice, this is an easy read that doesn't get bogged down in reams of mysticism, but is a pleasureable book and informative at the same time. It will also help you understand the tarot better, and possibly read the cards better also. There is a list of decks and categories for them and a list of manufacturers, not to mention an extensive list of other tarot books. If you are just starting to introduce yourself to the tarot, or if you are well learned in tarot you will find this a fun read!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand the background to the Tarot. This book does not give you instructions on how to read the tarot, though. But if you are interested in the various theories about where the Tarot comes from and who it has influenced, this is the book for you. Cynthia Giles does a good job of explaining various points of view, even ones she does not particulary believe in. When it comes to history, most books just choose the one they hold as true and don't even bother to offer evidence to back it up. Giles not only offers evidence for her theory but also for the ones she discredits. As far as the mystery section, Giles does an above adequate job of comparing the Tarot with other esoteric pursuits. The lore section has a pretty good resource list of Tarot decks and other books to check out. A great book for an intermediate who wants to understand the foundations of the Tarot.

The author has done a very good job creating an engaging story that offers fathers and sons an entertaining framework for discussing what character and integrity mean in day to day life. Perhaps the best testimonial I can offer is that when I gave the book to my son he was very excited. He has read five chapters in two nights and loves it!

A brilliant blend of sci-fi and character boot camp! This powerfully woven story provides a starting point to tackle central issues with your son.Teknon is a real hero wrestling with the pertinent issues of the 2000's. Therefore "Champion Warrior" puts muscle into your desire to provide a strategy for mentoring your son. Practical,concise and achievable,mission possible!

It is a remarkable, high adventure story of a young man's initiation into courageous manhood, which includes high risk exposure to dark and evil characters and episodes. Brent Sapp has created a plot line which is compelling, convicting, and as large as the moral challenge that faces us in this complicated world. Young men profoundly need "rites of passage" to initiate them into the world of mature manhood. Teknon and the CHAMPION WARRIORS is both a challenge and an invitation to young men and their families to contract for the launching of a CHAMPION. Dr. Donald Joy, author and Director of the Center for the Study of the Family

It is a remarkable, high adventure story of a young man's initiation into courageous manhood, which includes high risk exposure to dark and evil characters and episodes. Brent Sapp has created a plot line which is compelling, convicting, and as large as the moral challenge that faces us in this complicated world. Young men profoundly need "rites of passage" to initiate them into the world of mature manhood. Teknon and the CHAMPION WARRIORS is both a challenge and an invitation to young men and their families to contract for the launching of a CHAMPION.

Dr. Donald Joy, author and Director Center for the Study of the Family

This book is more than an engaging science fiction novel: it's a way of having some heart-to-heart discussions with your son about critical issues like honor, overcoming anger and fear, respect of women, and life purpose. Along with the two accompanying guides, you have a ready-made three to six month curriculum for manhood disguised as something cool. I'm going through it with my twelve year old and highly recommend it.

I have always enjoyed reading quotations, but Timeless Wisdom took it to the next level. This book was easy to read and impossible to put down. The "you are what you think" philosophy in Timeless Wisdom is truly inspiring and enlightening. This a 'must read' for anybody who is searching for happiness and fulfillment in their lives.

It used to be, I would weep and weep about the small things in life, and wondered how I could change my life. This book is it. If anyone needs inspiration, or just a book of great quotes, this is the book for you.

I have always enjoyed reading quotations, but "Timeless Wisdom" took it to the next level. This book was easy to read and impossible to put down. The "you are what you think" philosophy in "Timeless Wisdom" is truly inspiring and enlightening. This is a 'must read' for anyone who is searching for happiness and fulfillment in their lives.

This is simply the best book I have ever read. It changed my life. Buy it now.

My wife received it as a gift and I abducted it. It's the best quote book I've read. I read a chapter each morning and found it completely uplifting. The minute I finished with the last page, I went right back to page 1 and started it from the beginning again.

Michael Horton somehow gets it. Having been immersed in Reformed Theology for so long, and being in the war that he is, Dr. Horton manages to get out the Good News in this little book. He does warn that this book is not to be read in the midst of times of tragedy or suffering. It is not a good gift for someone who has been bereaved. However, it does look at suffering and death sqaurely, and points to the only hope there is. If you like Gerhard Forde or Martin Luther, you will like this book, though Horton somehow does not quote Luther that much!

All of the other reviewers have stated a case for Dr. Horton's book far better than I can. I would just like to add that I have read this book and I have recommended it to others who are wounded and are tired of looking for yet another "seven steps to fulfillment...," or "ten secrets to a happy life..." ad nauseum. One thing I have taken away from Dr. Horton's teachings is that we as humans keep seeking a way to climb up into heaven, not understanding that God has come down to us and that scripture is all about Christ Jesus and Him alone. It is not about ways to fulfill our empty hearts (and heads!). This is a wonderful journey into the person of Christ and I highly recommend it.

I'm thinking that this book should be required reading for:

1. Pastors
2. Lay people
3. Anyone who is considering, or has responded to, the call to follow Christ

When I'm out and about, or even just flipping through the channels on TV, I am often confronted by statements that Christianity will "fix" your life. I admit that Jesus has fixed some parts of my life and that my life is definitely better with him than without him. However, we should never tell others, nor should we expect, that accepting the call to follow Jesus will exempt us from pain or trials; grief or temptation. Neither does it carry a promise to make us healthy, wealthy, and wise. "It isn't a technique for our personal therapy."

What Jesus does promise is that we will have trouble and that we will be participants with him in his suffering . So, unless you are some kind of sick person, this doesn't sound too exciting. Why then, would anyone choose to become a Christian?

Horton correctly instructs us that, "The good news that we proclaim is true, not because it works for people in that pragmatic, utilitarian way, but because nearly two thousand years ago, outside of the center city of Jerusalem, the Son of God was crucified for our sins and was raised for our justification. This historical event may not fix our marriages, our relationships, or our messed-up lives the way we would like, but it saves us from the wrath of God to come and gives us new life, hope, and wisdom for our existence here and now, guaranteeing the end of pain at last."

If you've been disappointed with your life (or with God) because things aren't going the way you were promised, this book should be a source of great joy. Horton makes a clear distinction between what God has promised and what (well-meaning, but wrong) people have assumed to promise on his behalf. Hope in God's promises is not misplaced and will never disappoint.

Horton has done a good thing for us all in writing this book.

If you're one of those Christians who are wondering if the modern-day "evangelical" teaching that God only wants to give nice and pleasant things to Christians is biblical then you must read this book.

Though Horton has written several books throughout his academic career that is very technical and scholarly (e.g., "Covenant and Eschatology," "Lord and Servant," etc.) he has also written books that really touches the hearts of ordinary lay Christians who struggle with living the faith daily - like this one.

The message that Horton wants to get across to his readers in this book is clear: though they are many joys and blessings of being a Christian, Christians will still go through troubles and sufferings. During times of crises Christians need to look to Christ alone as Redeemer for hope and comfort.

Horton's book is divided into two main parts: 1) God of the Cross (chaps. 1-6), and 2) God of the Empty Tomb (chaps. 7-10). The first section deals with the issues of suffering, theodicy, and God's sovereignty; the second deals with God as Redeemer of creation. Readers will find both sections to be practically helpful as they sort out why tragedy strikes and how Christians can have hope even in the midst of these tragedies. In summary form, Horton smashes down the unbiblical ideas presented by the prosperity teachers and seeker-sensitive pastors in this book.

Overall, the book is very helpful and theologically on target. It is also easy to read and, thus, accessible to all types of people. If you're one of those Christians who have no clue on what the Bible teaches about God's character and the nature of the Christian life (i.e., a Christian who thinks that being a Christian automatically makes your life good and easy) then you really need to pick up this book and really see how the Christian life is.

We no longer attend funerals, we attend "memorials" or "celebrations." While we're there, we're told that so and so went to the "big fishing hole in the sky," regardless of whether or not so and so ever professed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We are told that "Every cloud has a silver lining." These are all indications that our culture cannot deal with the reality of sin and it's consequences. In Too Good to Be True, author Michael Horton seeks to provide an honest look at sin and suffering and how Christians can deal with it.

Horton begins by relating the tragic story of his parent's deaths, setting the stage for the reality of sorrow we face in our lives. The book moves from suffering to biblical truths using autobiographical stories to bring to life the theological explanations of reality. Drawing from many passages of scripture and insightful theologians throughout Christian history, Horton offers explanations of the complex nature of the world we live in points to the finished work of Christ on the cross as our true hope and joy for this life.

Michael Horton is a well established theologian with many academic works under his belt. Since I was only familiar with his academic work, I was somewhat surprised to find how well he wrote about his personal life in such a tender and insightful manner. Passages such as the following resonated with me and aided my perspective of God's work in my life: "Even in my prayers, I can all too often identify with the hymn writer's words, `Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.' In moments of peak piety, I am still a struggling believer; and in moments of great transgression, I am still baptized into Christ's death and resurrection and thus a citizen of the new creation that has dawned with Christ's victory over sin and death and his sending of the Spirit." (p 146)

The result is an excellent book full of biblical wisdom and deep theology made practical for real life. I believe this book will be even more helpful for me when I return to it as trials occur in life, and I commend it to others as a faithful illumination of how Christians should deal with sin and suffering in their lives.