General Practice Books

An easy-to-understand book that explains the health benefits from Bach flowers. I highly recommend this book to everyone who appreciates the natural way to feel better.

I began studying and using the Bach Flower Remedies about 6 months ago. I have read and re-read this book regarding different essences. It contains case studies along with both "essay" descriptions of the positive and negative states of each essence as well as check lists of qualities a person might exhibit if they were in need of that particular essence. Very informative and very useful in deepening your understanding the essences.

This book explains the theory behind Bach Flower Therapy and helps you match the one to your current situation. I have used Bach Flower Tinctures many times and have had positive results each time.

This book is the definitive guide to Bach Flower Remedies and is extremely insightful and well presented. It gives the positive and negatives for each Flower Remedy and a detailed description of each of the 38 Bach Flower Remedies. I have used it extensively in my Veterinary Practice for animals and for myself and people I know and it is a must for anyone using Flower Remedies for people or animals, though more geared towards people. I would highly recommend this book to the experienced practitioner or those seeking to learn about Bach Flower Remedies in general. Anna Maria Scholey MA Vet.MB MRCVS

This excellent work on the Bach flower remedies is one of the best books on the subject that I have encountered. The author provides the history of Dr. Bach and the remedies, deals with the remedies as a holistic healing modality and offers a possible interpretation as to how and why they work.

There is a chapter devoted to finding the right remedy for specific diseases - lists of symptoms are included to facilitate diagnosis. The practical application of the remedies is thoroughly explained and there is an interesting discussion of the 38 flowers from which they are made and their qualities.

A helpful Question and Answer section addresses frequently asked questions. The book concludes with a bibliography, list of useful addresses and an index. In additional to this informative book and for a wider look at holistic medicine, I highly recommend Gerber's masterpiece Vibrational Medicine.

The news about public school education has been bad for almost 30 years. Statistics published by city, state, and federal information banks show that kids are just not learning what they need to know, schools are overcome with violence, teachers are demoralized, and yet billions of dollars are literally shovelled into the system. Where does this money go, we have all asked,as we walk down our children's school hallways and have seen the paint falling off the walls and ceilings, the broken desks and chairs, and we have heard about the lack of services and resources going to our kids. There has been little documentation of the misappropriation of these funds until now. Lydia Segal has written an excellent and important book on this topic that will become THE textbook on corruption, theft, fraud, and patronage within the Board of Education not only in New York City, but also in Chicago and Los Angeles.
Lydia Segal, a former Investigator of the New York City public schools, says that very little of the dollars allocated to students in our public schools actually gets used by them. She details how coding problems, the procurement process, compartmentalization and opacity of information leave administrators with only two options: good corruption (which ultimately helps the kids) and bad corruption (which never helps anyone but the perpetrator and his/her allies and accomplices). Indeed, the system fights those who try the good corruption route. Ms. Segal describes in graphic detail the "godfathers" and "godmothers" (the school board members), who obtain jobs for their "pieces". Furthermore, no one who reads her chapter "Lessons From Local Political School Control", with the sub-headings "How Language Illuminates the Pathology", "No Real Accountability", "The Ease of Building a Patronage Army", "Controlling the Tools For Patronage", and "Exploiting Parents' Poverty" will ever listen to a school Principal, Superintendent, or School Board official in the same way. Our perception of public school education is changed forever by this book.
The pathology of this corruption suggests the remedy, Ms. Segal says, which is decentralization of power into the schools and the hands of the Principals. The 52 pages of footnotes, interviews, and reference materials as well as the easy reading style make every word Ms. Segal writes believable, although depressing. There is no question, however, that anyone who is interested in school reform and/or who works toward a goal of establishing an education system that puts children first must read this book.

I almost did not buy this book. I would like to understand why our schools are doing such a bad job at educating our kids. The title to this book suggested a narrow focus on issues such as bribery, which, while interesting to a District Attorney, do not seem central to the problem.

What I discovered, however, is that this book really covers alot more ground that the title suggests. Yes, Segal is a lawyer, and she started out in this area by investigating honest to goodness corruption. She is concerned about bribery, waste and abuse, all of which are larger problems than I had realized.

The book goes way beyond those relatively small issues, however. It really gets to the heart of WHY our schools stink, in a way that I have not seen anyone else do. What Segal really gets into are the reasons why our largest school districts are such ossified bureaucratic dinosaurs. She tells a number of really hair-raising stories about how totally the system does not care about efficiency or educational quality, and, perhaps more imporartant, she explains WHY the system can not care. It is a very interesting story. It goes back to the early 20th century when the Progressive Movement was fighting urban corruption, and scientific management was all the rage. The bottom line, however, is that our large systems have fundamental, systematic problems that make it astonishing that they teach as well as they do. As Segal makes very clear, tinkering around the edges with curriculum reform and such like will do next to nothing, until the organizations are fundamentally retooled so that basic efficiency and educational quality become a focus again. As things stand, there is so much red tape, so much administrative ho-ha and general bureaucratic nightmares that there is no possible way that the system can deliver a quality product at a reasonable price.

Very important book.

As a mother of two, facing the tough choice between public and private schools, I found this book full of critical insights as to how the public schools really work. Segal's analysis of the perverse incentives, corruption, and overwhelming bureaucracy that are dragging down our schools is compelling and persuasive. Her suggestions for what should be done to fix the system are intelligent and long overdue. Everyone with school-age kids should read this book now!

A real eye-opener, this very well-written and powerfully argued book finally helped me understand why
urban public schools never seem to have enough money
to educate our children despite repeated national and local efforts to change that. Ms. Segal contends that waste and abuse are the primary culprits and offers thorough and persuavie doumentaion that this is indeed true.
Because she concludes that the problem is with
pathological systems, not people, she spends a good quarter of the book discussing how to overhaul the systems.
The suggestions are overwhelmingly intelligent, inspiring, and above all, realistic.
This book is a must-read for anyone looking for concrete and specific ways to improve our educational system.

A real eye-opener, this very well-written and powerfully argued book finally helped me understand why
urban public schools never seem to have enough money
to educate our children despite repeated national and local efforts to change that. Ms. Segal contends that waste and abuse are the primary culprits and offers thorough and persuasive documentation that this is indeed true.
Because she concludes that the problem is with
pathological systems, not people, she spends a good quarter of the book discussing how to overhaul the systems.
The suggestions are overwhelmingly intelligent, inspiring, and above all, realistic.
This book is a must-read for anyone looking for concrete and specific ways to improve our educational system.

This book is beautifully written and is a pleasure to read. The author will take you down the gentle path of mindfulness in the present moment and teach you to overcome the mental formation you think of as yourself. This review can not do justice to this wonderful Buddhist book, buy it if your desire is to travel on the path to enlightenment. Ayya Khema was there and will help you along the way.

Ayya Khema, who personified Theravada Buddhism in her meditative practice and compassionate life, leads you as if by hand to the isle of inner peace. Warmth and practicality permeate this book, which is more a teaching than a tour guide. Ayya Khema reveals important insights in such a way that you hardly notice you've been taken well down the Noble Eightfold Path. You arrive at the end of the journey ready to believe her final assertion: "There is no reason why an intelligent, healthy, committed person should not be able to attain [mindfulness] with patience and perseverance." Add this to your list of desert island readings.

If you are serious about learning Dhamma, go to the bookstore and buy all Ayya Khema's books. Based on her personal experiences, she was able to explain many hard-to-understand Dhamma concepts in plain and simple words that make you go "ah!" and "wow!". Simple yet profound, she was very strict to the original teaching of Buddha's Dhamma yet present it in a way that we modern people can understand without any difficulties. You don't have to worry about any water-downed psuedo Buddhism teaching you found in the bookstore today. She was a revolutionist when it comes to improving the status of women sangha in Theravada tradition, a credit to the Buddhasasana. I am thankful to be able to learn from her writing, must be my good kamma. If you are reading this review, don't let the good kamma slip away. Get this book and learn to be an island.

This marvelous little book gives hours of pleasure, confidence, and encouragement: as well as instant calming and vision for your spontaneous needs should you require immedicate assistance. I found it to provide guidance and inspiration on any occasion that presented itself-I had but to open randomly to any page. Here is only one example of its gifts: "Only one single moment exists, and that's the present one. The future is a figment of our imagination. When the future really happens it becomes the present." (This from the 'Nuts and Bolts' section.)

I was raised Roman Catholic and I find so much value and love from these practices. I am learning to love myself as I have always been taught to love God but somehow missed the part about loving yourself. Sister Khema makes a bridge between religious gulfs, feminine issues, and meditation practices. She has masterfully put together Buddist teachings in so understandable a method that you come away from reading, even just a paragraph or two, with inspiration and love. I recommend this book to all my friends.

Sincerely, Pat

The author is a leading Theravada Bhikkhuni (Southern Buddhist ordained nun), an American citizen, born Jewish in WWII Germany. It is evident how much Buddhism means to her. She's been included in a number of anthologies (e.g. by Bhikshuni Lekshe Tsomo). The title is from the Maha Paranibbana Sutta: "abide as an island...loving the Dhamma as an island & refuge." Per Theravada, she uses Pali spellings vs. Sanskrit equivalents. The Library of Congress Cataloging data lists it as Buddhism-Psychological Aspects; it addresses several major psychological issues:
p. 18: "eventually through practice, our intentions change & adapt themselves to the Dhamma."
p. 29: "Motives are like icebergs-1/3 visible & 2/3 hidden."
p. 43: "We confront ourselves in others [Jung calls this projection]
p. 81: "Sometimes people think of the teaching as a sort of therapy, which it undoubtedly is, but that is not its ultimate aim."
p. 93: "It's only an illusion that, through the presence of other people we confront the world around us. In reality, we are constantly meeting our own inner defilements or strengths. What goes on around us serves as a series of triggers for our reactions."
p. 94: "if we feel a serious lack in ourselves, this will color our attitudes & reactions."
p. 96: "cultivating love for ourselves ...makes it easy to be loving toward others."
p. 97: "The holy life means becoming whole, of one piece." [Jung's individuation]
p. 106: "more is not better." [scientifically the world is NOT linear]
She also describes some Buddhist terms unfamiliar to me (as a student of Vajrayana):
p. 117:3 kinds of liberation-signless (impermanence), wishless (suffering), & voidness (coreless)
p. 126: path moment - provides valuable insight into Mahamudra (MM) & Dzogchen (Dz) mindfulness.
She provides some insights into gratitude, contentment, & dependence on other people, but some of her statements seem a bit over the top to me-too much of a monastic worldview & a bit extreme for lay practitioners. For example,
p. 42: "To look for love is a totally unsatisfactory & unfulfilling endeavor."
p. 95: fear arises from hate [seems backwards to me]; we should love our breath, our cushion...
p. 103: scratching & scarring the mind [interesting concepts, but a bit too black & white IMHO]
p. 104: "sorrow, pain, grief, lamentation are all defilements. There is no rationale behind any of them." [what about empathy/compassion?; IMHO attachment is the problem, but then I have a MM/Dz view]. In some chapters she seems rather dogmatic (if not anal-retentive)-especially about precepts (reminds me of the 413 commandments of orthodox Jews). I cannot accept some of her statements: p. 113: happiness & peacefulness are synonymous; happiness & pleasure are opposites. How can one reconcile her guidance to be egoless but also self-loving?
This book increased my understanding of Theravada, monastics, & even MM/Dz. Though I don't agree with some of it, I think this is a valuable book that helps one view oneself & the world a little differently.

The natural beauty of an Indian village has been portrayed realistically in this novel even with the tiniest detail that the reader could view it as if in a movie in front.

Moncy Pothen's hero, Arjunan, is a typical village guy learns Hindu traditions and holy books like Bhagavad-Gita from his parents, in his childhood, and the ancient hero with his same name, Arjuna, inspires him. It is well explained how the unexpected events change his whole path of life when he decides to participate in the social reform. He involves in an extremist group by believing only an armed up rise of the common men would change the corrupt society. He is an educated man, with a respectable job, family and social status, sacrifices everything for the rescue of the exploited and the down trodden. When he returns from jail, regretful about his past, the society does not forgive him and allow him to socialise normally. His good deeds, importance and intention are being scrutinized for a long while.

A woman's helplessness when she looses all hopes in life; at the time of making difficult decisions; when she has to support others in distress and also when she has to choose between the right and the wrong: is shown clearly by the character Ahalya. How the power of woman can be rejuvenated by a node or a small support can be witnessed in the book at a later stage. The woman's role in the society is well explained with many woman characters and it proves without doubt that the woman is not a weaker section in the society and she can stand along side with man in every activity.

Human mind is described with expertise in this book. The way people think and react at life's different circumstances is highlighted realistically. Humour is also applied in various occasions as a part and parcel of the Kerala society. The countless characters in this book represents the cross section of a society, which includes members belong to the countless castes and creeds in India. Their life harmony and the way in which religious fanaticism tries to disrupt it are also explained well. It proves that extremism, whether it is political or religious, is harmful to the society and the common men always stand against that.

The Author shows that love is a combined feeling of security, courage, jealousy, possessiveness, oneness, sharing and caring. True love can face any obstacle when together. Even the smallest of things done for the other can make a big difference.

The unexpected ending of this story also makes it unique.

First of all, as soon as I completed the last lines of the book, tears started rolling down my cheeks. I really wonder why it happened. I think the climax has such an effect on me because basically I am a traditional Indian girl and all Indian girls are same in their heart though some act as if they are not. Beneath the Clouds and Coconut Leaves is a realistic book which gives a good idea about the social and economic conditions of people in Kerala since independence and it wonderfully portraits the feelings of a female heart.

I assume that this book will be a wonderful literary experience to the readers around the world. Mr.Pothen is a kind and nice person. He really impressed me with his story and his excellent writing skills.

Mr. Moncy Pothen in his Novel, `Beneath the Clouds and Coconut Leaves,' narrates, with ease, the rhythms of uncared, stranded lives in bitterness since the dawn of independence.

In his entire story, he spotted the starving world for love with its human touch in real life. Through out the tale, the panoramic expressions are the aerial outcome of the true nature with the living world and the ecosystem.

We can see the pompous days of feudalism are ending and a new age of scarcity or humbleness awakening and it is the hero, an unexpected source that was instrumental to the fall, comes for the aid with attempts to rescue. In the book, we experience the success of humanity above all the ideologies. It also portrays the political, social and cultural scenario in Kerala, the tiny South Indian State, in its true state.

I wish the domain made by the Author be a great success.

Those who lived in Kerala in the Sixties/Seventies would know what it means to be a Naxal. How many young men/women have sacrificed their lives on the altar of this utopian cause! How many families have suffered, some violently and some in silence! All for a cause that just fizzled out within no time and vanished from people's memory without a trace.

It's not a hitherto unexplored theme, but to my knowledge past initiatives have been in Malayalam language. Here Moncy uniquely portrays the life in a typical Kerala village, its social structure, its pulses and the swings. I'm sure the reader will be overwhelmed by the sentiments Moncy has successfully depicted without losing its innocence and flavor.
Kurien V.
Saudi Arabia

I purchased this book based on Amazon's information and the reviews. My purposes in doing so are different than most who would / should consider it -- to audit and assist US FDA-regulated companines in compliance, including the requirement for validating software in medical devices, or in manufacturing and data systems used to manufacture FDA-regulated products (devices and drugs). Given that caveat, Rodger's book is an excellent resource. He supplements his narrative with numerous diagrams which he defines as describing a process and a "set of tasks that can be used to implement or improve a formal testing program".

His stated assumptions (a pre-existing formal system in place at a company; specifically defined by the Capability Maturity Model / CMM 3-4+; with a separate reporting structure -- or, as he stated, "the full blown model described in this book details a full-featured formal testing process that is applicable to large programs and that would fully support programs deliverable to state and federal governments, or on programs delivering safety-critical systems or having significant impact on corporate profits" ). What he describes would fit well with the FDA's GMPs(Good Manufacturing Practices), a quality system similar to but more stringent than ISO 9001 / 13485, and various FDA /Agency guidance documents on software validation (a series of structured documentation and testing requirements).

Although presented for / geared to a large corporation w/ greater resources, I would argue that the basic principles he discusses, and the systems approaches recommended, are adaptable, and 'down-scaleable' to any size company. It also provides a model / target to aim for by any software developer / provider, including (especially) the small shop, a requirement trend that will probably only increase, and globally -- and providing such companies a competitive advantage, and enhance the Intellectual Property (IP) value of the resulting product. His strategic level and test level discussions also provide the basis for input to software portions of a company's documentation -- the Quality Manual, SOPs (standard operating procedures), and WIs (work instructions) for both engineering and testing / QA.

Certainly, the recommendations, systems, documentation and efforts outlined in this book, if followed in principle, would greatly reduce the problems experienced in software / hardware implementation projects, including some recent failures / delays receiving nationwide publicity.

As such, it has proven to be a valuable addition to my consulting library, and a useful reference in conducting audits, making recommendations, and developing validation protocols.

Testing large software projects is a very difficult task. Testing can only reveal the presence of bugs, not their absence and it is impossible to cover all possible pathways that the software can traverse. Furthermore, and what is the worst, "simple" changes made in software can cascade across many modules, requiring the re-testing of all affected modules. Therefore, any testing plan must incorporate repeating tests based on feedback. Finally, testing is something that must be done, so there is no choice in the matter.
The practices described in this book are all modeled using Input-Process-Output (IPO) diagrams, which are labeled state diagrams. The states in the diagrams are partitioned into three sections, input, process and output. Inputs are represented as labeled arrows, which can originate from another state, but do not have to. The process section describes what is to be done at that stage and the output section has labeled arrows exiting the state that then go to the next state. Multiple inputs and outputs are possible and the flow can loop back to a previous state.
Each state is described in the text, where the inputs for the state are explained in detail. Applicable feedback from all persons with a stake in the operation is discussed as well as feedback that this state can give to previous states. The process is described and then the outputs that the state will send to later states are explained. Feedback that may be received from states later in the sequence is then described.
What is most impressive about these modeling diagrams is the extensive allowance for feedback. The complexity of the testing process and the consequences of the results means that testing can form a feedback loop that exhibits many of the characteristics of chaos. A loop is chaotic when small changes can cascade into very big changes. The way to prevent this in any process carried out by humans is to incorporate damping mechanisms. These features reduce the impact of any result so that they do not grow beyond the bounds of the system to handle them.
When faced with impossible tasks, something that software testing has now become, the best that you can do is examine a subset composed of the most likely scenarios. By applying the models in this book, it is possible to raise the level of your testing quality to the point where you can be confident in your software

Rodger Drabick has written a comprehensive and practical guide to formal software testing process. Everyone involved in software testing will benefit from his years of experience and his revealing insights. I've been in the testing field for more than 10 years, and I'm learning a lot from this book! This is a great textbook for new testers, a step-by-step cookbook for new managers, and a great reference book for everyone in the testing world. Rodger takes what can be a difficult and elusive process and explains it thoroughly, using graphic models as well as real-life examples. The best part is that he explains how to adapt the testing process in various situations, even Extreme Programming projects. He gives specific advice to testers at every level, most valuably for new testers and new test managers. Just a few of the things you can learn from this book: How to apply IEEE standards to your project, how to break a project into testing tasks, how a process model can be used as a training tool for new test engineers, how to apply the model to achieve a specific CMM level. Rodger's aim is to help the reader improve the testing process, thus improving product quality. He emphasizes that the testing and development organizations must work together throughout the software development life cycle - not a new idea, but not done nearly enough either. Don't be thrown by the technical-looking IPO diagrams and formal terminology - this is a common-sense approach that can be applied just about anywhere. Rodger doesn't expect you to run out and implement this entire model - he just wants to help you improve on what you do. What if your a tester who gets code to test but no requirements? Pretest and posttest meetings wouldn't be hard to implement, and they'd improve your process. This is the type of advice that makes this book golden. The appendices add even more value, with info on CMM, preferred practices, a way to evaluate your current practices, and a primer on test execution. The book's references to other works will let you explore other areas of testing.

Rodger Drabick has written a useful book for those working on test efforts in formal environments. By "formal environment" I mean a CMM level 3 or above, SPICE, or ISO registered program, or one regulated by a government agency like the Federal Aviation Administration or the Food and Drug Administration in the US. There have been plenty of templates and standards floating around for years on what to write down for such tests, but precious little describing how to manage the formal testing process. This book fills that void.

The book has the following strengths:

1. Rodger provides a clear, complete roadmap for those new to testing in a formal environment. You could follow this roadmap, with the tailoring advice he provides, and do a competent job your first time working on such a project.

2. Rodger manages to cover a dry topic like formal processes in an engaging fashion. He includes useful "stories from the trenches" and lessons learned from his experiences, which bring the topic to life.

3. Rodger transcends and complements the IEEE 829 test documentation standard by harnessing a formal process model to the templates. Rick Craig's book, *Systematic Software Testing*, does this, too. However, Rodger's book is a good complement to Rick's in a more formal environment.

4. Finally, Rodger's book is browseable. You can skim sections, get the gist, and return later for a more detailed read.

The book has a few minor weaknesses, which I should mention:

1. The bibliography is a bit thin. The body of useful and interesting test knowledge extends well beyond what's shown there.

2. Rodger is careful to note that the processes he describes are for formal environments. So, the brief section on Extreme Programming struck me as somewhat of a non-sequitor. However, readers will probably simply skip this section if they aren't using XP or other agile approaches. If readers are using XP or some other agile approach, I'd recommend a different book on the testing process first.

In the domain and user community Rodger is addressing with this book, neither concern should dissuade someone from buying the book.

Anyone testing in a formal environment will likely benefit from Rodger's book. If you are testing in a formal environment for the first time, reading Rodger's book might well go from a good idea to a survival requirement. Formal environments are the world Rodger has worked in for decades, and no one else has brought his wealth of experience in that world into writing a book about the testing process.

First, this book is not primarily for software test and QA professionals who are working in 'typical' organizations. As noted by others, the approach this book provides is best suited to organizations that are at least at CMM level 3. Moreover, unless software engineering practices across the organization are mature the approach will probably fail. However, that does not prevent even a Level 1 organization from selecting best practices and tasks set forth in this book and applying them. The net result will be an incremental improvement, and may be the catalyst for larger improvements with a small win.

That said, this book is invaluable to mature organizations that are committed to software engineering at the defined, managed or optimizing levels of maturity. It distills formal test practices drawn from a variety of sources and the author's experience into a succinct, process-oriented guide. The model itself is presented in IPO (Input-Process-Output) diagrams that start at a high level to describe the process itself, and drill down into successive levels of detail in level 2 and 3 IPO diagrams. This process-oriented structure gives a great deal of clarity to a complex set of processes that touch all milestones in any SDLC.

I like the fact that the model proposed is not rigid, but can be tailored to development life cycle approaches ranging from waterfall to agile approaches. Chapter 8 gives advice on how to accomplish the tailoring without breaking the integrity of the process. I also found the appendices useful, especially Appendix B (preferred practices) and the plans and templates provided, and Appendix C (testing processes evaluation questionnaire).

If your organization is pursuing CMM level 3 or above, or are contractually required to have a formal software engineering process or process capability, this book will address the software testing process areas of a larger initiative. However, do not overlook some of the small wins a chaotic organization can achieve by using many of the ideas in this book.

This is an excellent general book on worship. It includes exposition of both Old and New Testament texts, leading the reader continually back to the bible as the source for authority and information on God-centered worship. Horton taps into the thinking of other bible scholars. He also presents some material that may surprise some readers, in which the voices of the very young adult generation of Christians speak out on what they believe about worshipping God. If you invest in only one book on worship in the near future, this would be the one to read.

Michael Horton is editor of Modern Reformation. The magazine comes out every other month. It is devoted to bring a new reformation to the evangelical churches today. Each issue concentrates on a different doctrinal truth and how churches of today have moved away from that teaching. The magazine argues for systematic theology which today's culture pulls many a Christian from studying or discovering. The author of this book believes the Christian Faith is being dumbed down.

Jesus Christ is the central character of the whole Bible. The human writers of the Old Testament did not comprehend, but God knew.The Holy Spirit breathed both the Old and New Testament. God is the ultimate author of all scripture. The Law, man's rebellion against God, animal sacrafice, and prophecy all point to Jesus Christ. The Author states what is less clear in the Old testament is made clear through the revelation of the New Testament.

And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27 RSV)

The author's explicit thesis:

God has promised to save and keep His people through means he has appointed and through no other; the ordaining means of grace are limited to the preached word and the sacraments.

Worship ought to focus on God. All praise should be to God for who He is, what He has accomplished, and what He will do. Worship is a response to God. The author quoted from the Heidelberg Catechism: that God wants His people instructed by the living Word.....} If the people were not up to speed the answer was to get them up to speed, not accommodate the degenerating condition.

Scriptural Reading recommendation, Nehemiah 8:1-8

This scripture tells us the word of God was read and explained. The book of Hebrews explains the coming from the old covenant to the new. The word church comes from the Greek word ekklesia meaning shared. But the primary or chief concern of the church is not to build community, to enjoy fellowship ,or to have moral instruction for children. The primary or chief concern is worship our Creator for being the chosen, redeemed, justified, and sanctified, until one day we will be glorified in heaven. Therefore the gathering should not be out of habit, social custom or heart felt needs. As John the Baptist declared: Behold the Lamb of God to take away our sins. God provided the means to wash away our sins through Christ's sinless life, death and resurrection. Therefore the gathering should be a shared praise and worship for His Grace and long suffering.

The author further argues that praise should be object centered: God and His saving work in Christ. Not subject centered praise; lyrics of songs should not concentrate on what we are doing. An example of subject praise is the hymn: In the Garden . He walks with me He talks with and tells me I am His very own.

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the
sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way which he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
(Hebrews 10:19-25 RSV)

Scriptual recommendations: Romans 10:5-8, 13-15, 17;

Faith comes by hearing the word of God. The author argues that the sermon is central to worship. It must be about the word of God and not pop culture. through communion and Baptism God conveys His grace through the common elements water, bread, and Wine(or grape juice). God summons His people together for this purpose. Michael Horton argues you most know the things of God to know God. Faith is the sole means of justification. Faith comes through the hearing of the word.

For, "every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be
saved." But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not
believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? And how can men preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!" (Romans 10:13-15 RSV)

Michael Horton argues that acceptance of authority even God is abnormal. Cutting ones path apart from everyone even God is normal. An individual cheat himself when he tries to reshape God instead of allowing God to reshape him. A church/worship service should reconstitute the individual life into a Christian life. A new script to an individuals life. Purpose, identity hopes should be conformed by the word and Spirit.

Spacialization of Heaven

Two Different Realms of Existence

Present Rule of Sin and Death

vs.
Coming realm of Consumation

Those Who Belong to This Age

vs.
Those Who Belong to That Age

The World is divided between those who belong to Jesus therefore the coming age and those who belong to the world, therefore are doomed in their sins.

The author also discusses today's and yesterday's culture. No age has a monopoly on truth. But truth in God's word should be the guide how worship should be structured, not how it attracts unbelievers or pleases the believer.

Overall Dr. Horton's book is excellent, particularly chapters 4 and 5. He does a tremendous job of locating the constitution of worship in Scripture and of addressing the narcissism so unfortunately prevalent in the church today.

I did find his virtual assault in chapter 2 on believers experiencing God somewhat overdone. Granted, there is far too much seeking of the experience in the church today, but that does not and should not be taken to mean that a believer cannot have some kind of experiential reality of God. Further his observations in this area seem to neglect passages like Psalm 27.7-9. And his discounting of believers seeing God at work in the present "The world is shot through with divinity and nearly everything and every experience is an opportunity to touch and see God's face" (pg. 39) seems to emphasise God's transcendence at the expense of His immanence, the latter of which is also confirmed by Scripture, e.g., Psalm 19, 50.6, Romans 1.20, etc. The overall thrust of this chapter suggests that it is impossible for a believer with, for lack of a better phrase, their theology straight, who is seeking God in accordance with His word, to witness God in His creation, which again seems to me to contradict Scripture. It is true that these experiences are not means of saving grace as defined in Scripture, nor should they be mistaken for or sought as ends themselves, but that does not - when they are truly of God - diminish their reality or significance in the life of the believer.

Insofar as the reference to ministers being formally sent or approved by an ecclesiastical body, "And, by the way, Paul clearly understood 'sent' to mean sent by the church through its appointed officers, as his insistence on the laying on of hands reminds us" (pg. 42), while that is true, I would offer that what Paul did not have in mind are the formal scholastic hoops now required by many of those same bodies before they will even consider recognising (much less ordaining) a person as a minister. The idea that one cannot be a theological sound and truly called minister unless formally educated and ordained (which seems to be what Dr. Horton is getting at) is contrary to the Scripture to which he appeals. Timothy had no formal education that we know of other than being brought up with an understanding of the Scriptures and his being mentored by Paul. Neither did Titus, or for that matter Peter, James, John; nor in all likelihood did the many house church leaders like Priscilla and Aquila, Nymphas, etc. While I agree that seminary and ordination is the common and perhaps even preferred route into ministry, that does not mean that God cannot/does not sometimes call and equip people without their having done everything according to some set of denominational rules and requirements.

In closing, while the bulk of this review takes issue with the author's views as mentioned above (thus the 4 star rating), the book on the whole is well worth reading. It speaks particularly to a serious problem in the church today and should be read and heeded by far more people than it probably will be.

A Better Way: Rediscovering The Drama Of God-Centered Worship by Rev. Michael Horton (Associate Professor, Westminister Theological Seminary, California) is a clear and careful examination of the Christian worship of God. Individual chapters address the Biblical passages that form the source of Christian worship, and the importance of putting God and Jesus Christ foremost. Specially written for those who keep the faith, as well as for pastors and worship leaders, A Better Way is strongly recommended as a profound, life-changing book about what it truly means to express one's reverence with a Christian context of scripture and tradition.

In this day and age, all you have to do is shop around and you can probably find the church that has a worship style of your choice. In some ways, this might be good, but it does cause some bitter division in churches that have not settled on the style that "works" for them.

Is this the right way for it to be? Has the purpose of worship gotten lost somewhere between the traditions and the new ways? Where is God in all this, in other words.

The author, one of the members of the popular White Horse Inn radio show that examines Reformed theology for the edification and equipment of the believers, realizes that worship is one of the primary functions of those God has called to Himself. Using Biblical illustration, he teaches readers what worship was meant to be, and also provides some useful material that brings aspects of the Bible to a new light and helps some parts that have not quite made sense a bit more comprehensible.

***** The man to whom the book is dedicated, James M. Boice, would be proud if he could read this educational and informative text.

This book is a revelation to those seeking to be good parents. What is most remarkable about the book is that as we are given the gift of peeking into the emotional journeys of children we gain insight into ourselves as adults. We see ourselves in these children. This in turn gives us insight into ourselves as parents and how we are handling many of these same emotional issues with our own children.

My wife and I have chosen to read the book out loud together and then discuss the things we have found helpful. The opening thesis of the book was enough to rock our parenting world. It continues to do so. Read it for yourself and see if it doesn't do the same for you. I know that this is a book that we will read and reread again.

James and Dr. Michele Pickett

The author, a psychotherapist for young children, has spent 25 years doing play therapy with troubled children.

The book brings her wisdom, distilled from years of meditating on the human condition from the vantage point of what children need in order to flourish.

The inner world of children comes alive before your very eyes in this book. Theology, poetry, psychotherapeutic thought and literature are woven together, with great erudition but without any jargon at all, to make the experience of reading it one that captures your imagination.

Reading it is like listening to a parent or teacher for whom you have the greatest respect talk with you about what matters most in life.

Very good combination of anecdote and theory.

I wish I'd had this when my kids were younger.

BEYOND DESERVING: CHILDREN, PARENTS AND RESPONSIBILTY REVISITED is a powerful witness to the healing effects of love not built on earning(78). It should be read by anyone who loves a child or anyone who was a child and struggles against the drought still to bloom.

The guiding metaphor of the book is Emily Dickinson's poem #1058, a poem that describes the miraculous development of the flower through peril and the assistance it receives to "pack the Bud - oppose the Worm - obtain its right of Dew." Behind the poem, this book and the therapeutic model Martyn describes is, as she says, the mystery of unconditional and hence, non-manipulative love. This love, for Martyn, is not merely an underdeveloped human capacity; it is akin to what Dickinson called "the Droughtless Wells"(poem #460), or what the Biblical tradition calls the "mercy of God." (77-78). It is not something we do but something we draw from.

Martyn is a psychotherapist whose work with children over twenty-five years provides the wealth of clinical stories that inspire and animate her theory of development. She is also author of THE MAN IN THE YELLOW HAT (Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1992).

At the core of "Beyond Deserving" is parenting guidance presented in a practical style well grounded in academics, scientifically and theologically. As parents, we learn that even as we struggle to do the best we know how for our children, we cannot help but be influenced, for better or for worse, by our own early years, by the ways in which we were raised by our parents and significant mentors. Martyn explains with deep compassion the ongoing development of parents right along with the development of the children whom they are struggling to raise.
Standard parenting techniques such as behavior management and logical consequences are placed within a context of what is ultimately desired, that which is good for the child in the deepest sense, that of assisting a particular child with the awesome task of growing into the adult person this child can uniquely be. Good parenting requires intervening "...powerfully and unconditionally on the side of what is good for the child, standing with the child instead of standing over against him in judgment"(p126). This approach to parenting, based on a model of unconditional (Divine) love, is shown to result in non-authoritarian, non-manipulative parenting that allows a child to blossom according to their own unique potential.
Framed within the poetry of Emily Dickinson, we find help for adults from a humanitarian, scientific, and theological perspective. This book is ultimately practical and compassionate. Compassion is perceived for the battles of childhood, both those common to all children of all generations and those unique to our particular time. Compassion is also present for parents who are struggling with their own limitations to do the best they can for their children.
This is not a step-by-step, how-to-parent book in each particular circumstance, but provides a refreshing lens through which all such parenting techniques can be evaluated as to their ultimate usefulness in truly helping a child flourish and bloom in the deepest way. And, it does so with great compassion for us all. This is a book for all who have children, all who have ever been a child, and all who care about children to read. Compassion for the human race, with all its difficulties and wonder, is at its heart.

Highly recommended reading, Beyond The Lie: Finding Freedom From The Past by Alice Smith is an outstanding guide for Christians caught up in terrifying feelings of shame and distrust, and who are searching for an escape to a personal world less susceptible to the all consuming evils promoted by the broader culture of the world today. Providing an informed and informative mapping of the proper pathway to a spirituality healthier lifestyle, Beyond The Lie helps the reader to avoid being victimized or otherwise lapse into behaviors that would disgrace themselves and their families. Above all else, Beyond The Lie gratefully speaks to Christian readers of the glorious sacred love of Christ redeeming them from the bonds of their past, the temptations of the present, and the promise of the future.

I really liked this book. It's easy to read and her stories are real clear. Alice shares in a way that hurting people of this world can be set free of their past. First Alice shares how as a child she was victimized and how she struggled with her abuse for years. But she doesn't stop there she goes on to skillfully explain how we can be free from the torment that has kept us bound all of our life. It really is a lie you know, we don't have to remain a victim! We can be set free. This book will help change your life.

I am thrilled to recommend "Beyond the Lie" to anyone who has suffered at the hands of others, experienced traumas or ever asked the question of how to turn suffering and difficulties into something better vs years of repeated pain. The transparent stories, biblical principles and step by step instructions are the result of over 35 years of counseling and ministry.

In almost 15 years of working alongside Alice's ministry, I have seen thousands of lives impacted and changed by the insights shared in "Beyond the Lie". Personally my life is completely different than where I was years ago when I first met Alice. "Beyond the Lie" can make a difference in your life as well!

Debbie Walker
Houston, TX.

All people, including Christians, have traumatic events that keep them in spiritual and emotional bondage. Alice Smith is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and trauma. She began her life journey as a victim, but through the healing power of Christ, she emerged a victor.

Smith's book, Beyond the Lie: Finding Freedom from the Past offers help to all who struggle with past abuse experiences. Through personal and victim stories, biblical stories, statistics, a bibliography of suggested reading and victim resources, Smith provides readers with the necessary information to rise up, gather hope in God and walk out of the darkness.

Smith's book is laid out in a manner that makes it easy for the reader to gather the information necessary to help themselves. She discusses forms of abuse and typical responses by victims, systems of thought that can impact how you view yourself and the world, warning signs that victims send out, positive self talk and healing through Jesus Christ.

Armchair Interviews says: If you, or someone you know has suffered abuse, Beyond the Lie: Finding Freedom from the Past is a valuable gift to give.

No wasted words here! I found this book easy to read, succinct and to the point. It demonstrated how childhood rape or molestation can be overcome through prayer, with graphs and charts that were very helpful. The author made clear how to overcome a victim mindset. Especially helpful were definitions of spiritual warfare terms, how demons find ways to attach themselves, and how to get rid of these parasites. ("you've got worms?") Yes, this book helped me gain confidence and put away fear. Highly recommended!

We Presbyterians needed a book which conveys our tradition and guides us in prayer. This book is wonderful! I can see the hand of providence (how Presbyterian of me!). Its major sources are The Book of Common Prayer, The Book of Common Order, Ecumenical Prayer Books, and "New" material. The book has given order to my prayer life and infused my devotions with meaning.

I have committed myself to the spiritual discipline of writing meaningful letters to friends; yet, I just could not give up the daily practice of intentional, guided, prayer. In the past five or six months I read a devotional reflection, scripture, and prayers, both written and private. I then used these prayers and scripture as a type of mantra to reflect on a theme for the day. After this has concluded I would clear my mind and wait for God to speak. There is a specific small leather covered book I have used to recite guided prayers and Scriptures. The Book of Common Worship: Daily Prayer has been an invaluable tool in my discipline of daily prayer. The Book of Common Worship: Daily Prayer has a number of beneficial tools for a daily prayer practice. The book has provided an outline for Morning and Evening Prayer time, with alternative texts for special seasons and festivals within the church year. The book even provides a section for prayers at mealtime. The book breaks down the Psalms into those shared at Corporate Worship and then ones that can be used in private reflection. Prayer Litanies are provided on a number of subjects of need. The Book of Common Worship: Daily Prayer concludes with a helpful listing of the daily lectionary for the church year. I have enjoyed the process of learning the Psalms in an ongoing spiritual process. I have explained on numerous occasions the difference between reading Scripture, and using Scripture as a communal discipline of prayer. Reading a psalm and then saying the same verse over and over until I know it by heart allows me to internalize the message. Then I allow the passage float between my conscious and unconscious mind in silence. Once in a while a spark of divine recognition takes place in the directed silent communion with God through prayer. This book is a stepping off place in your daily prayer life. I recommend this book for the holidays because of it's a gift of prayer. The leather cover, with gold trim, is elegant while remaining affordable. How many Christmas gifts have the potential to change lives. If you decide you want the Book of Common Worship: Daily Prayer for yourself or someone else, give the church office a call and Jane can give you the number for Cokesbury publishing, so you can order in time for Christmas or find it on the web at www.amazon.com. Let me know how this resource influences your daily prayer life. Rev. Scott Paczkowski, First Presbyterian Church, Merrillville, IN

Anyone wanting to have a structured prayer life I highly recommend Book of Common Prayer. It is a beautiful book and praying the psalms helps deepen one^s spiritual life. The Lectionary gives you the daily readings of the church. It is an ecumenical book with many beautiful and inspiring prayers. This is a book that will give you much thought for meditation. I highly recommend it. The book is for morning and evening prayer.

Anyone wanting to have a structured prayer life I highly recommend Book of Common Prayer. It is a beautiful book and praying the psalms helps deepen one^s spiritual life. The Lectionary gives you the daily readings of the church. It is an ecumenical book with many beautiful and inspiring prayers. This is a book that will give you much thought for meditation. I highly recommend it. The book is for morning and evening prayer.

Anyone wanting to have a structured prayer life I highly recommend Book of Common Prayer. It is a beautiful book and praying the psalms helps deepen one^s spiritual life. The Lectionary gives you the daily readings of the church. It is an ecumenical book with many beautiful and inspiring prayers. This is a book that will give you much thought for meditation. I highly recommend it. The book is for morning and evening prayer.

This book "Breaking the Enemy's Grip" is without a doubt the best book Eddie Smith has written. If you have ever struggled to be free from the pitfalls of sin this is the book that will set you free. I have been a Christian for many years. Yet much of my Christian life has been in bondage of my past. Once I put into practice the steps Eddie has laid out in this book I was set free. The grip the enemy had on my life for many years was broken. Today I work with men that often have the same struggles I had. When I meet such a man I give him one of Eddie's books. Then set back and watch the Lord work. But man or woman you too can break free from the enemy's grip on your life. Buy this book; you will be glad you did.

I liked this book. Also read Pigs In The Parlor by Frank Hammond. It will enlighten you on bondages, strongholds, curses, and subtle satanic opposition that delays answers to prayers and other demonic rubbish that can prohibit God's promises from working in your life.

It is amazing how many strongholds you can allow enter your life without realing it. Thanks to the appendix for enlightening me in areas I was not aware were cultic practices. When I started to make my list, it was getting longer and longer as the Lord revealed to me what needed to be address. This is a thought provoking book that takes you to the next level for spiritual intimacy with out Savior.

I was first introduced to the principles of this book when God used Eddie Smith to minister into my life over fourteen years ago. After praying with me one afternoon, he handed me a teaching booklet called "10 Steps To Freedom" and challenged me to pray and follow through with the steps outlined in the booklet. Little did I know then how it would transform my life or how I would in turn use it to minister into the lives of many people over the following years.

This is a powerful, insightful and practical book on leaving behind defeat and beginning to make a difference in God's Kingdom purposes and in the lives of others. God can bring an end to a painful past, peace instead of torment, forgiveness instead of bitterness. Breaking The Enemy's Grip will impact you for sure!

Debbie

i highly recommend this book for many reasons. the first is that it clearly engages and fulfills the title. eddie smith confronts issues that many are fearful or unwilling to confront. his tremendous life and ministry experiences comes through loud and clear so that the reader says "now i understand". as a pastor, i have seen many walk well below the life of victory Christ has for them so this book will be a regular part of our recommended reading list.