Amazon.com
When Richard Foster began writing Celebration of Discipline more than 20 years ago, an older writer gave him a bit of advice: "Be sure that every chapter forces the reader into the next chapter." Foster took the advice to heart; as a result, his book presents one of the most compelling and readable visions of Christian spirituality published in the past few decades. After beginning with a simple observation--"Superficiality is the curse of our age.... The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people"--Foster's book moves to explain the disciplines people must cultivate in order to achieve spiritual depth. In succinct, urgent, and sometimes humorous chapters, Foster defines a broad range of classic spiritual disciplines in terms that are lucid without being too limiting and offers advice that's practical without being overly prescriptive. For instance, after describing meditation as a combination of "intense intimacy and awful reverence," he settles into such down-to-earth topics as how to choose a place and a posture in which to meditate.
Perhaps most interesting and useful is Foster's chapter on the controversial Christian discipline of submission. According to Foster, submission does not demand self-hatred or loss of identity. Instead, it simply means growing secure in the conviction that "our happiness is not dependent on getting what we want" but on the fulfillment that naturally flows from love of one's neighbors. Such wise and encouraging suggestions have helped many readers to discard the idea that discipline is an onerous duty and to move toward a liberating and simpler idea of discipline--whose defining character, as Foster never forgets, is joy. --Michael Joseph Gross
Book Description
The 25th anniversary edition of the most important contemporary guidebook on Christian spirituality, which has sold more than one million copies to date.
Customer Reviews:
A book worth celebrating!!.......2007-10-04
How does one live a spiritually disciplined life? What can individuals do to embrace discipleship and enhance their spiritual growth? These are among the questions tackled by author Richard Foster in his book, Celebration of Discipline: the Path to Spiritual Growth. Of course, Foster has in mind not just any kind of spiritual growth, but specifically Christian spiritual growth.
In the first major segment of the book, Foster discusses inward disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting and study. In the second segment of the book, he discusses the disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission and service. In the final third of the book, he tackles the corporate disciplines of confession, worship, guidance and celebration here yet
The tone of the book is humble and helpful, not preaching or dogmatic. Underlying Foster's recommendations are the fact that spiritual growth is not a matter of working through a checklist but making sure that one's heart is in the right place along with the outward practices.
This book is a classic for anyone wishing to deepen their spiritual life and their relationship with God.
Celebration of Discipline.......2007-09-05
This is a very inspirational book. For an indepth plan to live the right kind of life, this book puts you on the proper track. If you wonder if you are praying and worshipping correctly, please read this wonderful, easy to read, book.
Nothing like pressure.......2007-08-31
Hopefully, readers won't come away from this discouraged about the fact that they're undisciplined sluggards. :) This motivated me to try harder to exercise various elements of discipline, and learning self control is never a bad thing. If you've always thought that fasting sounds interesting but have never been motivated enough to try it, read this.
A Christian Classic.......2007-08-29
For some reason, some Christians today assume that anything that deals with spiritual formation and uses terms like "meditation" is automatically "new age mysticism." This guilt-by-false-association leads some reviewers to dismiss great works such as Celebration of Discipline. Foster, in the historic Christian tradition, offers a biblical path to spiritual growth through the spiritual disciplines.
Discipline is Misunderstood.......2007-08-10
In today's culture, discipline is seen as a dirty word. Not so for Richard Foster. In Celebration of Discipline, Foster reminds us that discipline is a gift that helps us to enjoy our freedom.
In this book, Foster does a wonderful job of making spirituality accessible to the average person and illustrates beautifully that Christianity is a spiritual path. This message is much needed in an age when so many Christian leaders present Christianity as a set of doctrines and rules to abide by. Foster shows that spiritual discipline comes first,helping us to put ourselves right with God so that our love of neighbor has a firm and sound foundation.
Foster helps us to see that discipline is not restrictive but actually frees us to do more. This makes perfect sense. If you want to enjoy the game of tennis or golf, you need the discipline to learn the skills that will allow you to enjoy the game more deeply. Foster teaches us that the same is true of spiritual discipline. We do not discipline ourselves just for the sake of discipline or to make ourselves miserable but rather to enjoy the freedom to live more fully in God.
Joe Paprocki "Catechist's Journey"
The Catechist's Toolbox: How to Thrive As a Religion Education Teacher
Living The Mass: How One Hour A Week Can Change Your Life
God's Library: A Catholic Introduction to the World's Greatest Book
Bringing Catechesis and Liturgy Together: Let the Mystery Lead You!
Amazon.com
In The Sacred Romance, authors Brent Curtis and John Eldredge inspire readers to enter into the greatest romance of all time--one with God. Many Christians have tried to satiate the hunger of their hearts by substituting the love of God with things from this world. Since "our heart is the key to the Christian life," this often leads to spiritual stagnation and unhappiness, while God, the "Great Lover," attempts to lavishly adorn us with His perfect love. Doubting God's goodness coupled with fear of trusting Him blind the believer and prevent him from being wooed by God into a rich relationship. Life can soon become empty, cold, and worthless. Through personal narrative, Curtis and Eldredge take turns convincing the reader not only that God is good, but that recklessly abandoning oneself to Him results in a fulfilling life of abundance and awe. In this portrayal of God's character, the obvious error lies in believing that He could need anything from His creatures, or that He could be "hurt" by their unrequited love. On the whole, however, this is a call to a more passionate relationship with the lover of our souls. A follow-up book, The Journey of Desire, was written by John Eldredge after Brent Curtis's tragic death. --Jill Heatherly
Book Description
The God who saves is also a God who woos His own to a relationship primarily of the heart. As we draw closer to Him, we must choose to let go of other "less-wild lovers," such as perfectionistic driveness and self-indulgence. Eldredge and Curtis identify the lies offered by "false loves" and instruct us on the journey back to the Lover of our souls.In carefully crafted words and images, the authors entice the reader to his or her own journey of the heart, promising, "It is possible to recover the lost life of our heart and with it the intimacy, beauty, and adventure of life with God."
Customer Reviews:
Highly recommended reading for any Christian.......2007-06-18
See my review for the study guide because this is a great study to do with a group of people. Eye opening to say the least.
Fulfilling.......2007-03-30
This book really spoke to me and opened my heart to a whole new world: that perhaps God really wants to know us deeply and to love us as a lover does. The idea that we are His children, created by Him, and that we are glorious creatures marred by sin, that our hearts are new and good things once we accept Christ, are crazy ideas in the modern church, but these ideas hold up in scripture. This book has really helped me become closer to God, and closer to His true desire for my life: to live a great adventure with Him. I HIGHLY recommend it.
The Sacred Romance.......2007-01-05
I first read the book, which has profoundly and positively affected my spiritual life. In all of my readings on this subject over the years, nothing ever has put the love of God in such a relevant context. I am now re-reading the book and doing the accompaning workbook which I recommend as well. I highly recommend the book especially for those who are interested in developing a or strenghening their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Wildly Profound and Inspirational.......2006-11-20
All of us spend our lives with a desire for something more, either buried deep within our hearts or just below the surface. This book reveals what that something more is and how we both draw close to it and away from it. The authors' insights into the causes of both our joys and our miseries are nothing short of revelation. This is not a "feel good" kind of book. It does not tell us that everything will be all right if we just have faith. It explores the harsh realities of life and the glorious possibilities of our God given destiny of a life in communion with Him.
I found myself moved to the core of my being, both laughing and crying at the same time as the words of this book cut straight to the center of what my life has been missing all along. This book is not a straight-forward outline of premises though. It is a journey with God. If your heart is not open to mystery of that journey, if it is not hungry for that something more, if it does not feel something missing, then it will not be open to the message of this book. I recommend picking it up when you are at a point in your life when you find yourself hurting, lonely, lost or numb and wondering where God is and why He doesn't just make the pain go away.
New revelation, new spirituality.......2006-10-30
First of all, this book mentions "the heart" and strays from the truth of scripture terribly. God's word says the "heart is deceitful above all things and who can know it?" There is nothing good in our hearts, apart from Christ, and whatever "good" there might be in there comes from Him. Scripture tells us that in the last days the church will go into apostasy. This time has come like no other time before. There is a move to to throw out scripture and move past it, ignoring what God has already told us. What we need to know is in scripture--especially those things we need to know about Him and what He requires of us. This move in the church today to "feel" God and go "to a deeper level" is a reawakening of mysticism which does not belong in the body of Christ. The truth and objectives of scripture are not mystical, for a reason. Jesus Christ was and is not a mystic. This movement is called "contemplative spirituality" and it is subtle and dangerous. Sadly, even Eldredge has taken this route. How many more good authors and great men of God are going to forsake the completeness of God's word to turn inward to "self" and think they will find something new? Solomon said, "there is nothing new under the sun." The devil wants us to think we can reinvent and invent "new" outside of God's marvelous confines. We need to stick to scripture and stop reading books like these written by men who want to offer us something more than the Lord commanded us. We are treading on shaky ground, but all we need is His glorious word and to do what He said: "Keep my commandments."
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- Christians Guide to Difficult Times
- Morsels for the Soul from God
- Speaks to the emotions
- Highly Inspirational Devotions
- I cannot start my day without reading from Streams in the Desert
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Streams in the Desert
L. B. Cowman , and
James Reimann
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Springs in the Valley
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From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By
ASIN: 0310210062 |
Product Description
The beloved classic devotional Streams in the Desert has been updated and rewritten in today's language for a new generation of readers. Scripture references follow the New International Version of the Bible.
Customer Reviews:
Christians Guide to Difficult Times.......2007-10-17
A cousin sent me this book when my mother was dying. I have since bought copies for others. The words of inspiration from biblical sources as well as other Christian writers was invaluable in helping me with cope with my loss.
Morsels for the Soul from God.......2007-10-05
There is no better book available (other than the Bible) that shouts volumes from the heart of God. Every page is rich with comfort, insight, affirmation, and peace that seems to be delivered personally to you from God Himself. No matter what your place in the odyssey of this life, the Lord knows your every need and intends to guide you step by step to a victory. Streams in the Desert provides this assurance when people and circumstances in our lives fail. The authors who contributed to this devotional, lived out their faith; it was not an academic exercise of futility for them. In turn, we can be encouraged that God is in the middle of our desert life and has a stream available as we look to Him.
Speaks to the emotions.......2007-09-28
I had read the original version of this book since 1969 and have read the revised edition since 1997. It is always new, speaking to my emotions each day. I have given innumerable copies over the years and plan to give five more this Christmas. I highly recommend its daily devotional thoughts.
Highly Inspirational Devotions.......2007-09-01
'Streams' is a highly inspirational book - that gives us a very timely word each day. It spiritually nourishes you with the exact 'food' needed for whatever one is going through. During the most difficult times these vignettes have made a great difference to face each day. During more 'normal' periods it encourages, uplifts, and inspires one to look up and then look out - towards others. It is truly 'God-breathed' - founded on His own Words. This book will become one of your main devotional materials.
I cannot start my day without reading from Streams in the Desert.......2007-08-05
A wonderful and comforting devotional. This is the second year that I have been reading from this book each morning. I have purchased at least a dozen copies of Streams in the Desert to give to others.
Amazon.com
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming is a spiritual adventure story. A chance encounter with a poster depicting a detail of Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son set in motion a chain of events that enabled Nouwen to redefine and claim his vocation late in his life. In this book, which interweaves elements of art history, memoir, Midrash, and self-help, Nouwen brings the parable to life with empathic analyses of each character. Nouwen's absorption in the story (and the painting) is so complete that the father's challenge to love the son, and the son's challenge to receive that love, become Nouwen's own. And Nouwen's writing is so clear and his tone is so appealingly frank and humble that readers--no matter how far from home--will find hope for themselves in the prodigal peace Nouwen ultimately achieves. --Michael Joseph Gross
Book Description
The beloved spiritual writer meditates on the parable of the prodigal son's return -- a powerful drama of fatherhood, filial duty, rivalry, and anger between brothers -- and its enduring lessons for Christianity.
Full-color photographs with gatefold.
Customer Reviews:
Everyone Has A Homecoming From Somewhere .......2007-10-13
Everyone needs to reflect upon their life at some point. This book is excellent in helping one to see how their journey in life has brought them closer to God.
Return of the Prodigal Son: A story of Homecoming.......2007-10-01
I read 3 Nouwen books at the same time. This was excellent and gave me a very new understanding of this story in the bible. This and the other two books I read (Reaching Out and Can You Drink the Cup) were excellent spiritual reading.
A book you cannot forget.......2007-09-27
This is by far the best book for a troubled soul. It surrounds the reader with hope and warmth and kindness. When all is bleak, this is the book that will give the reader confidence in life.
Return of the Prodigal Son.......2007-09-05
This book was such an inspiration to me that I gave my copy away for someone else to read and now need more to give away!
Nouwen at his best.......2007-08-31
This is a masterpiece! Nouwen looks at the prodigal son through the perspectives of the prodigal, the older brother and the father. It allows us to identify with each of the characters at different points in our lives. Rembrandt's imagery of the father is very moving. It gives a beautiful perspective of the desire, mercifulness, and love that our Lord has for us sinners. I highly reccomend this book. It is one of the best books on spirituality I have read.
Book Description
In this unprecedented masterwork of inspiration, Paramahansa Yogananda takes the reader on a profoundly enriching journey through the four Gospels. Verse by verse, he illumines the universal path to oneness with God taught by Jesus to his immediate disciples but obscured through centuries of misinterpretation: "how to become like Christ, how to resurrect the Eternal Christ within one's self."
Never before available in its entirety, this landmark work by one of the most revered spiritual teachers of our time transcends divisive sectarianism to reveal a unifying harmony underlying all true religions. A groundbreaking synthesis of East and West, it imparts the life-transforming realization that each of us can experience for ourselves the promised Second Coming -- awakening of the all-fulfilling Divine Consciousness latent within our souls.
Yogananda said, "In titling this work The Second Coming of Christ, I am not referring to a literal return of Jesus to earth. He came two thousand years ago and, after imparting a universal path to God's kingdom, was crucified and resurrected; his reappearance to the masses now is not necessary for the fulfillment of his teachings. What is necessary is for the cosmic wisdom and divine perception of Jesus to speak again through each one's own experience and understanding of the infinite Christ Consciousness that was incarnate in Jesus. That will be his true Second Coming."
Customer Reviews:
Awesome.......2007-10-03
I am still reading this wonderful book right now, and I feel a new sense of self-realization. Buy this book!!
REKINDLING.......2007-08-23
I have read Autobiography of a Yogi, Conversations with Yogananda, and The Revelations of Christ. I cannot stop reading Yogananda's Work. The sensation of meeting a good friend over and over again through all of these pages is delightful and exposing.
Brilliant - one page closer to God........2007-07-07
This is a great book for the true mystic and especially for the christian mystic. For me personally it has been great because of the fact that my approach to spirituality in this life began with an eastern yogic perspective although a westener myself. Later on I "became" a devotee of Jesus but I had a hard time integrating my experiences from eastern spirituality with the general perception of Jesus - something was missing. So although I can learn a lot from my new christian friends about devotion and other such beautiful virtues I needed another piece of the puzzle to be able to fully integrate my perception of God and spirituality. This is where Yoganandas book came in - it totally bridged the gap that I had between my inner conflicts. That is obviously also a part of Gods plan for Yogananda, that he was meant to be a bridgebuilder between eastern and western spirituality. He has played out his role sublimely and this book is great evidence of that. To me this book is the Gospel of Yogananda as he also implies himself. A Gospel for the spiritually advanced who knew there were more to the teachings of Jesus. Intuitively I extracted some useful deep knowledge from the existing Gospels but the amount of insights and wisdom Yoganandas have added to that is priceless. If there is even the slightest urge from the Christ within you to read this book, go buy it and most importantly live it - it is so worth it! at the same time go have fun, sing, dance, laugh, have a farting contest - be who you were meant to be - a loving, shining child of God.
Enriches the Gospels.......2007-05-25
One day as I was working on my next sermon, I shared a complex passage from Luke with a friend, who happens to be an Interfaith pastor. As we both studied the text she brought out this two volume set of books; I read through Yogananda's discourse on that particular passage. As I read I found myself filled with excitement as new insights seemed to literally pour into my head and heart. I borrowed her books for a few days, and as I continued to read Yogananda's discourses, though I didn't always agree with his interpretations,I continually found myself being filled with an even greater appreciation for the Christian Gospels and a renewed awe and love for Jesus, himself. I now use these volumes each week as a supplement to the usual commentaries and resources for sermons, Bible classes,and the various talks I give on my own Christian faith. The feedback has been incredible. People tell me the teachings I now present stir them in new exciting ways; they say it is as if the Gospel messages are re-engerizing their lives. They come away with new insights and a deeper appreciation for their own faith in Jesus. I attribute much of this to the wisdom and thought-provoking discourses within these two volumes.
I highly recommend The Second Coming of Christ, along with M.Borg's books, for all clergy, of all faiths. Even when one doesn't agree with Yogananda's discourses, they will open one to greater, and exciting new ways of viewing the Gospels.
Great.......2007-05-18
This is an indreadible buy, having been taught the scriptures my entire life and then to read this WOW!
I have learned another perspective, deeper meaning and understanding of the scriptures.
It is very thought provoking and peaceful to make sense of "confusing double meanings"
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- A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness
- Been thorugh at lot a church
- Must-read for anyone who wants to understand leadership and authority better
- very healing and touching book
- Elucidating truths about King David's life
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A Tale of three Kings: A Study in Brokenness
Gene Edwards
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
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ASIN: 0842369082 |
Book Description
Those facing the pain and brokenness that result from unfair treatment by other believers will be encouraged by this powerful story of David, Saul, and Absalom.
Customer Reviews:
A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness.......2007-09-05
After living life for many years this book even makes more sense about the necessity of self being broken in order to be the obedient instrument God uses to accomplish His will. We pray "in Jesus name". If we believe this is proper, then the pecking order about all things belonging to the Father show we are only renters here which can easily be recognized from the attitudes of God's anointed that Edwards describes. A valuable plus by growing this insight can impact your own life with a deeper understanding of the acceptable approach to God. After reading this study it can make you more cognizant how to be a better follower of Christ, releasing us of perceived obligations that actually belongs to God alone. Our only job is to love God and do His will, anything else is vanity.
Been thorugh at lot a church.......2007-08-05
This book is an excellent book for any one that has ever been hurt through a church experience. If you have been involved in a church break up, youth pastor or asst pastor leaving, or have set under a "spear throwing " Pastor ( if you read the book you will understand). Get this book. If you work closely, to the Pastor get the book. if you will ever become a Pastor get the book. I read the entire book in one day. It is a real easy read.
Must-read for anyone who wants to understand leadership and authority better.......2007-07-26
This book is a revelation: very insightful and challenging, but incredibly easy to read. You'll be amazed at how easily Edwards can rock your world. I particularly recommend it to anyone who aspires to Christian leadership and, even more so, to anyone who has been burned by Christian leaders before. I first read this book coming out of a difficult situation on the mission field and this book really helped me to understand God's perspective on spiritual authority, service, humility and his own will. Actually, I wish every Christian would read it. It'll take you a few hours at most I'd guess.
very healing and touching book.......2007-07-05
I read this book when a friend gave it to me as a gift. The insight through the three kings' lives was very new for me. And every page takes you step by step to the healing process, helps you see the healing throughout the scars of Biblical characters... If you know someone hurt, offer this book to that person...
Elucidating truths about King David's life.......2007-04-08
A Tale of Three Kings contains helpful information about how we can thrive in spite of being under the leadership of someone who abuses authority. Succinct and easy to read. Powerful.
Book Description
This is the only anger management system we've found that offers interactive exercises to help readers understand and modify their own behavior. Whether your anger is from tension at work, frustration at home, or just life in general - this workbook will help you identify and modify the anger that keeps you from inner peace and contentment. From doctors nationally known in the field of Christian counseling.
Customer Reviews:
Book is a joke.......2007-10-02
This book is supposed to help with anger management? I am open to listening to mythical stories about dudes who lived a couple of thousand years ago as much as the next guy, but in an anger management book? Sin is causing all my anger? Wow didn't know that. I do have a better idea of something that makes me angry now, religious mythology passing itself off as a self-help book. Get this book over in the religious section with the rest of the fairy tales.
I wouldn't have been so upset about this if the book had something marked on it saying that it was religious in nature. I don't normally don't read such garbage and leave that to others who do believe in such things, but to slip it in and waste my time!!! Is this how you indoctrinate people in your beliefs?
Oh well, there's plenty of other anger management books out there. I will be more careful next time I select something like this and get something actually useful.
This book owes me some stars for being such a tremendous waste of time.
I'm sure christians will get upset at hearing this, but I'm sure you'll turn the other cheek.
If you need me I'll be over here with my "Sin"
Should be in the religious section, not pyschology.......2007-07-19
The cover and description of the book do not express that Les Carter and Frank Minirth are really only interested in appealing to Christians or people who want to convert to Christianity. I look to books like this for scientific reasoning, but was greatly put off when it started quoting Jesus on page 11 (after prompting the reader to complete workbook questions on previous pages therefore making the book unreturnable.) Anyway, I think it's a shame the authors do not put "For Christians Only" on the cover so at least their book would only end up in the hands they intended.
The Anger Workbook: A 13-Step Interactive Plan to Help You... (Minirth-Meier Clinic Series).......2007-07-17
What a great book. I wish I had had this book when I was in my 20's, it would have saved me alot of family and work problems. Finally I am finding positive ways to deal with my anger and finding out why I have had such anger problems for all my life. If you have anger problems get this book. They also have one for depression and my wife went through it and it is just as awesome as this one. Don't wait any longer! Get control of your anger and depression.
Anger Workbook.......2007-06-11
Very good information. Very revealing to find anger issues buried deep inside. Christian based.
Not Great.......2007-03-21
Not the best workbook I have seen. It is not very interactive either. It also has a lot of references to religion.
Book Description
Ten years after his death, Edwin Friedman's insights into leadership are more urgently needed than ever. He was the first to tell us that all organizations have personalities, like families, and to apply the insights of family therapy to churches and synagogues, rectors and rabbis, politicians and teachers.
Failure of Nerve is essential reading for all leaders, be they parents or presidents, corporate executives or educators, religious superiors or coaches, healers or generals, managers or clergy.
Friedman's insights about our regressed, "seatbelt society," oriented toward safety rather than adventure, help explain the sabotage that leaders constantly face today. Suspicious of the "quick fixes" and instant solutions that sweep through our culture only to give way to the next fad, he argues for strength and self-differentiation as the marks of true leadership. His formula for success is more maturity, not more data; stamina, not technique; and personal responsibility, not empathy.
This book was unfinished at the time of Friedman's death, and originally published in a limited edition. This new edition makes his life-changing insights and challenges to a new generation of readers.
Customer Reviews:
A must have book for all leaders.......2007-10-17
Other reviewers have described well about this book. I am just joining in with my vote to add that this is a must have systemic leadership book. I don't know when this paperback started available, but I paid mine last year for $65 plus shipping from the Amazon market place, but it was worth it. After I bought mine, the remaining copy was listed for nearly $200. I am glad that the family decided to reprint this book.
News we need to hear.......2007-09-19
Edwin Friedman has given us a model of human leadership that combines the insight of the natural sciences with the wisdom of spirituality. If you think that the conformity of the consumer culture is bad for your health, you are right. If you have been wondering why our great democracy has produced such seemingly spineless leadership, this book will aid your understanding. As a reader who is also a leader, I was relieved to read that my problems were not pathological but only to be expected. This is good, validating stuff.
A seminal contribution to cognitive philosophy and leadership studies shelves........2007-07-09
A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix is a new edition of the Rabbi Edwin H. Friedman's seminal treatise, as relevant today as when it was first published posthumously in 1999. A Failure of Nerve examines fallacies of emotional and intellectual thinking that can bedevil leaders of individual, group, and national efforts, including the fallacy of paying too much attention to raw accumulated data; the fallacy of allowing empathy for others' feelings (normally a positive quality) to corrupt logical reasoning or blind one's measured consideration of new ideas; and the importance of the expression of the self in a leader. A highly scholarly and academic perspective on common misperceptions and roadblocks to confronting difficult problems. "As with the treadmill effect, the concern with finding the right answer is both contributory to a fixed orientation and symptomatic of it. And yet the problem is emotional, not cerebral. Perpetually seeking new answers to established questions rather than reframing the basic question itself not only betrays lack of distance on the part of the searcher; it also prevents obtaining the distance necessary for being able to think, much less go, in new directions. Seeking answers can be its own treadmill. Changing the question enables one to step off." A seminal contribution to cognitive philosophy and leadership studies shelves.
Best Book on Leadership Yet.......2007-07-03
I started out wondering if this book would be too technical, but the way it was edited and structured, it soon became the best book on leadership I have ever read. It came at the subject from a totally fresh and new perspective- one that I had not thought of. When I finished it I thought, "This is so simple- why has everyone missed this view of leadership?"
Great book. How do we get it into the government's hands? They need it badly.
Great Application of Family Systems Theory on a Macro Level.......2007-06-11
This book provides a great application of Bowen family systems theory on a macro level. Having some basic understanding of family systems theory is helpful, but not absolutely necessary, in understanding the concepts of this book. Friedman applies family systems ideas to leadership in ways that will make you think differently about what makes an effective leader (whether it be a President or a parent or any leader in between). For those, like me, who use family systems on a micro level in psychotherapy to help individuals and families function better, seeing how these same family system ideas can also be applied to the "big picture" is eye opening. Friedman's writing style is clear and enjoyable. As a framework to explain his theories on leadership, Friedman uses the cultural mindset that existed in Europe at the time explorers were proposing to set out across the Atlantic to seek new trade routes to Asia. This framework may seem odd and out of place, but is in fact a clever and captivating means for Friedman to explain his theories effectively. The editors of this book also deserve praise in how they astutely updated and stayed true to this unfinished work by Friedman. Whether you are a leader looking for new ideas to become more effective in what you do or simply a person who is just interested in leadership as a cultural concept, this book will inspire you to think differently and question conventional wisdom.
Book Description
Author Francis Fernandez-Carvajal makes generous use of the writings of the great saints as he brings you focused and moving meditations on themes taken from the Mass readings for that day, the liturgical season, and more. This work is rich and extensive enough to serve as your spiritual reading for a lifetime, as it helps you relate the particulars of the message of Christ to the ordinary circumstances of your day. Each volume is small enough for you to carry to Adoration or some other suitable place for meditation. The whole set comes with a handsome slipcase that prevents wear-and-tear on the individual volumes.
Customer Reviews:
Daily meditations.......2007-09-13
A wonderful series of daily thoughts and meditations based on the Catholic readings of the day that helps you realize what's important in living a good Christian life. The best daily readings that I have come across. A must have for every home!!!!!
Worth the expense.......2007-09-10
If you are looking to follow the liturgical year, but the Liturgy of the Hours has left you feeling like you want something more, then I can't recommend this series more highly. It is very hard-hitting, but not theologically complex. It stresses holiness, and adds praticality (not the other way around).
The author is very sacramental, very well-versed in Church teaching and the Fathers of the Church, very Marian, and very loyal to the Holy Father. He quotes scripture, Church fathers, Councils, and, of course, Josemaria Escriva. His grasp of morality and human behavior is incredibly insightful and probably comes from studying traditional Catholic wisdom in pastoral matters.
The readings tend to follow the Gospel, and even on Sundays he has separate sections for each cycle of Sunday readings (A,B,C). There is so much material here, it can provide a lifetime of reflection and inspiration.
Outstanding!.......2007-05-21
I am not one for meditations, but these are outstanding. The series is expensive if you are on a budget, but if you had to buy only one source of further spiritual guidance (other than your bible and your catechism) this would be it. I have not seen anything like it and it really just touches what you need to focus on in small, bite-sized pieces. I cannot say enough good things about this series...I have even purchased as gifts for others thirsting for spiritual guidance. The author puts in lots of explanations and foot-notes so you can do your own investigating, referencing of the different quotes and theology...etc.
In Conversation with God.......2007-05-13
I was very please with my choice in the Conversation with God as my daily devotion. If you are looking for more ways to incoporate God into your daily life then I highly recommend getting the Set of 7 Volumes of In Conversation with God. It has given me new ways of thinking about not only God but also our precious Savior Jesus and Our Blessed Mother. Order this set and you won't be disappointed!!!!
The Best Daily Devotional.......2007-03-22
In Conversation with God is an amazing devotional. It is the best that I have ever seen. It was referred to me by a Cardinal who reads it daily. I am blown away by the insights into the Scriptures, the Church, and God on almost a daily basis. It amazes me that one man could write all 7 volumes. A spiritual tour de force.
Amazon.com
In 1927, Walter Evans-Wentz published his translation of an obscure Tibetan Nyingma text and called it the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Popular Tibetan teacher Sogyal Rinpoche has transformed that ancient text, conveying a perennial philosophy that is at once religious, scientific, and practical. Through extraordinary anecdotes and stories from religious traditions East and West, Rinpoche introduces the reader to the fundamentals of Tibetan Buddhism, moving gradually to the topics of death and dying. Death turns out to be less of a crisis and more of an opportunity. Concepts such as reincarnation, karma, and bardo and practices such as meditation, tonglen, and phowa teach us how to face death constructively. As a result, life becomes much richer. Like Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Sogyal Rinpoche opens the door to a full experience of death. It is up to the reader to walk through. --Brian Bruya
Book Description
This acclaimed spiritual masterpiece is widely regarded as one of the most complete and authoritative presentations of the Tibetan Buddhist teachings ever written. A manual for life and death and a magnificent source of sacred inspiration from the heart of the Tibetan tradition, The Tibetan Book Of Living and Dying provides a lucid and inspiring introduction to the practice of meditation, to the nature of mind, to karma and rebirth, to compassionate love and care for the dying, and to the trials and rewards of the spiritual path.
Customer Reviews:
An extraordinary book........2007-10-04
"Just as if you put your finger into water, it will get wet, and if you put it into fire, it will burn, so if you invest your mind in the wisdom mind of the Buddha, it will transform into their wisdom nature."
Considered by many to be the most astute interpretation for Western culture of the Tibetan Book of the Dead and the Tibetan Book of the Living, this contemporary classic by Sogyal Rinpoche blends ancient ideas of Tibetan Buddhism with a fresh perspective from a master who has spent a good deal of time teaching and lecturing in the West.
It is most moving to read his prologue especially, in which he deals with the death of his master, for which he was present. The great spiritual process of learning to die, before dying, as the secret to life, is explored in this section. Much of what is now being reflected upon in the new spirituality of Echart Tolle and others is covered here with clarity and a certain depth not found in other western spiritual classics.
On a personal note, I revisited this book after dealing with a lost love and found it to be the pure water of the dharma that I needed in order to overcome the horrors of such a loss. I would encourage anyone to read this amazing book, but especially those who are in a place of pain, hopelessness, or suffering in this very moment. Strike while the iron is hot! The terrible, clear light of grief is in fact a step into profound self-awareness. It was an honor to read Rinpoche and to be touched by his sincerity and clear mastery of the practice.
First most lifechanging book I've ever read.......2007-10-02
I reviewed the second most life changing book I've ever read, so I figured I should come back and review the first most life changing book I've ever read, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. After my husband died, I wanted to know what happened after you died. He was my one and only true love. When I read this book, I realized that Sogyal Rinpoche had some knowledge of what he was talking about, and this book had all the answers to the mystery of life and death for those with the wisdom to recognize it, and the determination to study and practice it. I read the book 3 times in a row right away right after I bought it.
A few years later after reading the book I joined Rigpa and took the classes they offered. After few years of practice, the cube farm way of life no longer made sense to me. So, much to the chagrin of all my relatives, I ditched my 6 figure Silicon Valley job to go work on a horse ranch by the beach!
Maybe the book should come with a warning label. Warning, this book could be hazardous to your income! Don't feel bad for me tho because I have a sweet IRA which I invest myself so I'm all set for retirement. You can feel jealous instead :-)
Actually, after some years of Buddhist practice, my clarity of mind has improved so I think if I ever had to go back to my old work, I would get all those enterprise-wide IT projects done better, faster, and everyone would have a lot more fun along the way.
Understandable at Last.......2007-08-23
This book makes a complex Buddhist belief understandable for most. The author illustrates principals with examples from his own life. Interspersed with poetry and songs, it is an insightful study on a most important subject.
Nice book.......2007-05-21
A well written book by an author who understands the Tibetan teachings of impermanence. This book is an easy read for the novice student of Budhism, but I wouldn't recommend picking it up as a complete beginner. The book is best suited for early students who are at the least familiar with Tibetan teachings and philosophies.
It is an excellent companion to the Tibetan Book of the dead as it will help clear up some of the things explained in that text in an easy to read and understand fashion. The author makes good use of personal stories, and conventional teachings, and helps to simplify a very demanding aspect of Buddhist study.
the tibetan book of living and dying.......2007-05-14
I find it hard to fully express how important this book is.
The subject may seem morbid but the contra is true, like the bardol thodol it stands alone in spiritual writings.
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