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!
Average customer rating:
- beautiful illustrations
- Endearing tale of Easter
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Legend of the Easter Egg, The
Lori Walburg
Manufacturer: Zonderkidz
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Benjamin's Box
ASIN: 0310224470 |
Amazon.com
One April morning Thomas and his sister Lucy are gathering eggs from the hens and discussing Easter. But Lucy falls ill with scarlet fever before she gets a chance to tell him about Easter eggs. Thomas is sent to the local candy shop merchants, John and Mary, while his sister is quarantined. One day, when Thomas is lonely and frightened about Lucy, Mary gives him a chocolate Easter egg and tells him the story of Jesus's resurrection.
"But why do we have Easter eggs?" Thomas asked.
Mary explained. "Just as a chick breaks out of an egg, so had Jesus broken free of the tomb of death. Easter eggs remind us that Jesus conquered death and gives us eternal life."
Written by the author/illustrator team of Lori Walburg and James Bernardin, and featuring the same setting and characters from their bestselling The Legend of the Candy Cane, this story reveals the significance of Easter, which lies far beyond the wholesale gobbling of chocolate eggs and jelly beans. (Ages 6 to 9) --Emilie Coulter
Book Description
A young boy learns the meaning of new life when the wife of the owner of the local candy store shares with him the symbolism of the Easter egg, telling the hope-filled story of Christ’s resurrection.
Customer Reviews:
beautiful illustrations.......2007-08-17
This is one of several Easter-themed books our family owns, and it is one we return to again and again no matter what time of year. It contains many of the various elements of Lent/Holy Week, and weaves them into a lovely children's story. The illustrations are outstanding, particularly the one of the angel outside the empty tomb on Easter morning. Currently we have the board book version (which is of course abbreviated) and like it so much that we want to buy the full-length version. I'm confused as to why a previous reviewer gave it only 3 stars but had no criticism of it. It's a 5-star book in my opinion and highly recommended.
Endearing tale of Easter.......2000-03-31
In this historical fiction story about Easter, a young man learns the legend of the Easter egg and about his faith in Jesus.
Thomas asks his sister about the legend of the Easter egg while they do their chores. Unfortunately she doesn't get a chance to answer him before she gets Scarlet Fever. While staying with friends, he asks about Easter eggs. Thomas finds his answer and prays for the first time.
This endearing story is a great way to explain some of the symbols used to celebrate Easter to young children. A great book to add to the other collectable legend stories like The Legend of the Candy Cane.
Book Description
Dr. Douglas Rosenau is a licensed psychologist, and a Christian sex therapist who has for the past seventeen years used his training in theology and counseling to help Christian couples enrich and reclaim God's wonderful gift of sexuality within marriage.
A Celebration of Sex answers specific, often unasked questions about sexual topics, presents married couples with detailed techniques and behavioral skills for deepening sexual pleasure and intimate companionship, and is an excellent tool for premarital education.
Previous edition: 0785273662
Customer Reviews:
Grad School Disappointment.......2007-05-04
We recently used this book in a graduate counseling class and many of us were, well, disappointed. The book is highly informative in many areas of sexuality; however, much of our class (especially the females) felt that there was an over-emphasis on "pleasure" (instead of exploring the spiritual components of sexuality) and that it was overly-stereotypical in much of its content. For a "technique and sexual dysfunctions book," this is okay; if you want a much better book on the Celebration aspect of sexuality, read Dr. Gardner's book: Sacred Sex: A Spiritual Celebration of Oneness in Marriage
Excellent book, especially for those wanting a Christian perspective.......2007-04-10
Rosenau's book is thorough, practical, biblical, and truly helpful. He covers a wide range of topics related to sex that are often not addressed, especially in Christian circles. As another reviewer mentioned, there are a few points on which I disagree with him, such as suggesting petroleum jelly as a lubricant option, but overall I highly recommend this book for everyone seeking to learn about sex.
Useful for new moms.......2007-01-11
I read this book when I was a new mom and it helped me a lot. From a Christian point of view it was very beneficial. Highly recommend to anyone.
Excellent guide.......2007-01-10
This has been a great tool for my husband and I as we try to mend and rebuild a intimate and passionate relationship with each other. I would recommend this book for any couple who wants to strengthen their relationship.
Great book for your marriage.......2006-07-27
This has been a great book with tons of useful information so far. I really like it because it focuses not just on "sex" but on the whole sexual and marital relationship between a man and a woman and encourages you to develop as a well-rounded couple. My husband and I have gone through various parts of it as a newly married couple and appreciate the honest information and advice in various areas to assist us in cementing our bond together.
Book Description
** COMPLETELY UNAUTHORIZED **
Speculating about the cultural metaphors in Janet Evanovich's wildly popular mystery series (which includes 11 books, from One for the Money to Eleven on Top), this anthology takes a look at lingerie-buyer-turned-bounty-hunter Stephanie Plum and catalogs her bad luck with cars (she's blown up quite a few), her good luck with men, her unorthodox approach to weapon storage, and the rich tapestry of her milieu: Trenton, New Jersey, also known as The Burg. The contributors praise the way the series smartly spoofs that familiar chick-lit epiphany—I have a bad job and what I really want is a good man!—in "Bounty Hunting as a Metaphor for Dating," "Why Stephanie Should Quit Her Job . . . but Never Will," and "Nothing Better than a Bad Boy Gone Good." Several essays veer from the chick-lit perspective and focus instead on the comic theme of luck and chance that ties Stephanie to the barroom gamblers and gangster meanies of her home town in "Luck of the Italian?: Skill Versus Chance."
Customer Reviews:
"Plum" seriew.......2007-09-02
I love the Stephanie Plum series of novels. I really hate reading so I purchase them both in audio for me and paperback for houseguests and friends. I'm drawn in with the excitment and adventure of the story that Janet seems to capture in every novel. It has twists, turns, Lula, mystery, wonder, and of course two very "HOT" men! Who wouldn't want a mix of both men. :} I would recommend the "Plum" series, her "Full" series, as well as her earlier novels of mixed titles. They're all great fun and keep you as a reader at the edge of your seat waiting to see if a cars going to get blown up, who's died this week, who attends the pot roast dinner, who she sleeps with next, what will burn down next, and will she get her man (love or bounty). I hope you enjoy them as much as I have. I look forward to #14 in the "Plum" series, the next "Full" novel, and the new novel Janet recently wrote with a new author being released this October. Thank you!
Miserable waste of money.......2007-08-29
Sorry I bought it. NOt worth the time to read. Even an unauthorised biograpy should have some consistency, some value not author conjecture. I know the lady is a character but this author didn't seem to be able to follow even an elementary line of thought as to how she got to be who she is. My opinion but I'm sticking to it
Toatal Waste of Time and Money.......2007-08-24
This book was a total waste of time and money. It was really just a rip off on information that could be gotten from almost any Stephanie Plum books written by Janet Evanovich.
PERFECTLY PLUM.......2007-08-21
LOUSY BOOK. UNAUTHOURIZED AT THAT. EVANOVICH OUGHT TO SUE THEM. BUNCH OF WANNABE'S SITTING AROUND TRYING TO DISECT EVANOVICH & PLUM. NOTHING TO BE GLEANED HERE. SAVE YOUR MONEY. BETTER YET...BUY MY COPY. I WANT MY MONEY BACK. VERY DISAPPOINTED.
Not what I expected.......2007-08-08
I don't know what I expected but I love the Stephanie Plum series. I have started this book 3 times at various essays and it hasn't held my interest yet. If anything changes I'll change my review.
Average customer rating:
- Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life
- Jeremy Fink and the M eaning of Life
- Truly Inspiring
- Interesting Characters
- Surprisingly profound, recommended for middle schoolers
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Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life
Wendy Mass
Manufacturer: Little, Brown Young Readers
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ASIN: 0316058297 |
Book Description
In one month Jeremy Fink will turn thirteen. But does he have what it takes to be a teenager? He collects mutant candy, he won't go more than four blocks from home if possible, and he definitely doesn't like surprises. On the other hand, his best friend, Lizzy, isn't afraid of anything, even if that means trouble now and then.Jeremy's summer takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious box arrives. According to the writing on the box, it holds the meaning of life! Jeremy is supposed to open it on his birthday, but the keys are missing, and only the keys can open the box without destroying what's inside. Jeremy and Lizzy set off to find the keys, but when one of their efforts goes very wrong, Jeremy starts to think he'll never be able to open the box. But what he doesn't know is that there just might be other ways to find out the meaning of life.Lively characters, surprising twists, and thought-provoking ideas make Wendy Mass's latest novel an unforgettable read.
Customer Reviews:
Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life.......2007-08-26
Wendy Masse's Jeremy Fink and the meaning of life is a true master piece. I suggest that for anyone from the ages 10 to 15 and people that like fiction should read this book.
Jeremy Fink is a twelve-year-old boy in search of something special, keys. He is in search of 4 keys to open a box which supposaly holds the meaning of life. He got the box from his dad. The weird thing is his dad died when he was 8. He is supposed to open the box on his 13th birthday. But there is one problem, he doesn't have the keys. There is no way to open the box without damaging the contents inside without them. So Jeremy and his friend Lizzy goes on a wild goose chase to find them.I like this book because it isn't like some of those books that you can guess what will happen. I like the unexpected.
This is one of my favorite books I strongly suggest you read it!
Jeremy Fink and the M eaning of Life.......2007-08-26
Wendy Masse's Jeremy Fink and the meaning of life is a true master piece. I suggest that for anyone from the ages 10 to 15 and people that like fiction should read this book.
Jeremy Fink is a twelve-year-old boy in search of something special, keys. He is in search of 4 keys to open a box which supposaly holds the meaning of life. He got the box from his dad weird thing is his dad died when he was 8. He is supposed to open the box on his 13th birthday. But there is one problem, he doesn't have the keys. There is no way to open the box without damaging the contents inside without them. So Jeremy and his friend Lizzy goes on a wild goose chase to find them.
This is one of my favorite books I strongly suggest you read it!
Truly Inspiring.......2007-08-13
This book, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, is truly inspiring. Jeremy's hard work and determination resulted in a powerful and outspoken book. Jeremy and his friend Lizzy, are on a quest to find the keys to his father's box. Mr. Fink died when Jeremy was a little boy but he wanted his lawyer to give this box to Jeremy on his thirteenth birthday. Unfortunately he lost the keys.This beautiful box was handcrafted by Mr. Fink so Jeremy does not want to break it open. Jeremy travels around the city searching for they keys. This book is very intriguing and is a real page turner. This fictional book really shows people that anything can happen at anytime unexpectedly. I would highly recommend this book to all of my friends.
Interesting Characters.......2007-06-12
Reviewed by Frank Deaton (age 16) for Reader Views (6/07)
"Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life," by Wendy Mass, is a story about a boy who goes on an adventure to find the meaning of life. Jeremy Fink is 12-years old and is about to turn 13. His father died five years ago, and all of a sudden a month before Jeremy's birthday, a box arrives in the mail from one of his father's friends. The box is engraved with "THE MEANING OF LIFE: FOR JEREMY FINK TO OPEN ON HIS 13TH BIRTHDAY." Jeremy immediately recognizes the engraving to be of his father's craftsmanship. The box is wooden and has four keyholes in it for the keys to open it and can't be pried open. The whole book is about Jeremy and his best friend Lizzy getting into trouble trying to find the four keys to open the box before his birthday happens. They try everything, like looking in flea markets and all around his neighborhood. After a bit, the two try to sneak into the old abandoned office of the friend that sent the box to see if the keys are there. They end up getting caught by the security and get sent to do community service for an old man named Mr. Oswald. He sends the two on delivery runs to return items to certain people before he moves away and they meet many interesting people all with their own meanings of life.
The whole book is a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Jeremy Fink was an interesting character to read about and I thought of him to a nerd in a sense and could connect with him. The only thing I have a problem with "Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life" is that I think it is intended more towards younger kids; yet there are things in there that only people 16 and older would really understand. I really liked the book and recommend it.
Surprisingly profound, recommended for middle schoolers.......2007-06-04
On the first day of summer vacation, the summer that Jeremy Fink is due to turn thirteen, Jeremy receives an unexpected gift from the father who died when Jeremy was eight. Opening a package from an unknown lawyer's office, he finds a smooth wooden box, with four keyholes, engraved with the words THE MEANING OF LIFE: FOR JEREMY FINK TO OPEN ON HIS 13TH BIRTHDAY. Unfortunately, the lawyer has misplaced the keys to the box, four different keys, all of which are needed to open the box.
Jeremy and his best friend Lizzy (no, they aren't secretly in love with each other, they're just lifelong best friends) spend the summer on a quest to find the keys that will open the box. The quest takes them to unexpected places, and encounters with interesting people. Jeremy and Lizzy both grow and learn along the way, and find surprises at the end of the quest.
Wendy Mass's characterization is strong, especially in reference to Jeremy (portrayed in the first person). Jeremy collects unusual candies, and lives primarily on skittles and peanut butter sandwiches. He's fairly cautious for his age, nervous about traveling around New York City without an adult to accompany him. The scenes where Jeremy and Lizzy learn about Metro-cards to get into the subway are priceless. Jeremy bears the emotional scars of a kid who has lost a parent. Though enough time has passed that it's not a gaping wound, he still carries with him the knowledge that the worst can happen at any time. He also, despite his early protestations of not having anything romantic going on with Lizzy, struggles a bit with the transition to young adulthood, and the fact that Lizzy is female. It's awkwardness, not sexual interest, which I found a refreshingly realistic approach.
Here are a few of the many passages that I flagged, to give you a feel for Mass's writing, and Jeremy's personality:
"As the limo heads into parts unknown, we amuse ourselves by pressing the buttons to open and close the partition. Then we look outside to count how many people turn their heads as the limo passes them. Once that gets old, I wrap the box in the bubble wrap, and I can't help popping the bubbles. Lizzy jumps every time." (Chapter 9)
"It's great watching someone who loves what he does. Dad was like that, at the comics store. Mom loves the library, and Lizzy's dad loves the post office. I wonder if I'll ever find something I love as much." (Chapter 14)
"Maybe this is why people go to church. For a sense of belonging, of escaping the everyday routine where people don't generally burst into group song. I've only been here ten minutes, and I feel it already. I also feel Lizzy tugging on my shirt. It takes only a second to realize I'm the only one still standing. I hurriedly sit down." (Chapter 15)
"I inhale deeply. Funnel cake. Cotton candy. Fudge. Corn dogs. This is what Heaven must smell like. I stop short as we pass a booth that is new this year. A man in a red apron is dipping a Twinkie on a stick into the fried dough that they use to make the funnel cakes. It's a fried dough Twinkie! My mouth waters. I have to wipe the drool off with my shirt." (Chapter 18)
It's a masterful mix of profound, adult thoughts and kid-like interests. My favorite scene is one in which Jeremy and Lizzy have to give false names to get into a building in New York.
"Lizzy signs the clipboard and pushes it over to me. She signed in as Tia Castaway, the name of the little girl in our favorite Disney movie when we were little, Escape to Witch Mountain. She gives me a little kick on the shin, and since we're supposed to be brother and sister, I carefully write Tony Castaway and push the clipboard back to the man." (Chapter 6)
OK, I just like that one because Escape to Witch Mountain is still my favorite Disney movie. But I liked the whimsy/pop cultural reference to the whole thing. I feel a kinship to Wendy Mass, because she thought of referring to Tony and Tia Castaway.
I do have a couple of criticisms. I thought that the book was a little bit long - the story dragged for me a bit in the middle, and it took me a while to get through the book. I also felt somewhat manipulated by the ending, though I will admit that it made some questionable things more clear. Even as I was feeling manipulated, I couldn't resist the ending, either, and spent a lot of time thinking about it once I had closed the book. Thinking about the meaning of my life. And people could do a lot worse than read a book that makes them think like that. Recommended for middle school readers, especially those with a philosophical or questioning bent, or those fond of treasure hunts.
A slightly longer version of this book review was originally published on my blog, Jen Robinson's Book Page, on June 3, 2007.
Book Description
The bestselling author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People makes a passionate and practical case for the relevance of Judaism today. For anyone who wants to know more about Jews and Judaism.
Customer Reviews:
Down to the point........2007-02-05
I was born to catholic parents, later in my teens became a methodist, about two years now I've been doing a lot of reading about judaism.
During the course of reading this book I learned a lot. Specially the last chapter where he expresses his opinion about both faith.
When I was a catholic I was guided into believing that the jews where not really the good guys. What they did was unforgiving. (read any book about the expulsion of the jews from Spain in 1492 and after, that should give you a very good idea.) Until recently (1962-65) the vatican published the "Nostra Aetate" asking the jewish community for forgiveness for past "mistakes" and for the christian (catholic) community to make peace and be more tolerant with jews.
As a methodist ( and other branches for that matter )that part of history "doesn't" apply. Why? Well protestants started around the 16th c. and much later. That doesn't mean that they are saints either, they have their blemishes too. But what is more troublesome about them (evangelicals) is the insistence of converting you over. No matter what the conversation may be, sooner or later the pitch comes. I know, I've done it.
The only way to get along is like Kushner proposes in his book, is a mutual respect for each others faith. (period) His opinion about the events of the crucifiction (refering to the jews participation) might not coincide with many, after all he is jewish, and indirectly he is expressing two thousand years of pain and suffering, unfortunately some of it is still with us today. So think about it, what would your opinion be if you where in his place.
I highly recommend this book to all non-jews and jews alike.
Beautiful insight into the traditions of Jews, totally changed my life!.......2006-12-25
The beauty and heart within this book is amazing. I don't see how anyone could read it and not walk away affected if not completely changed. The author has a way of writing that makes you feel alive. I encourage anyone, regardless of faith, to read this book. I, for one, am giving several away for Christmas presents.
(Almost) Everything You Wanted to Know About Judaism.......2006-08-18
I love love love this book. I am Jewish, but this book really helped explain a lot of things to me that I never knew before or never thought of before. Harold Kushner is so articulate (a quality which I envy!), and he knows how to explain things or present them in a simple to understand way. I recommend this easy to read book to everyone who ever asked me about Judaism, and certainly anyone who is interested in conversion (I meet quite a few people in my line of work who approach me about that). If you want to know more (hence, the ALMOST), visit your local synagogue or look for some websites on the internet (I like aish.com, and I am NOT an orthodox Jew).
A great book for me at this time in my life.......2006-05-19
I am in the infant stages of my conversion to Judaism, and this book really cemented my conviction that this is the right decision for me. I felt that Rabbi Kushner clearly explained what Judaism is all about to him and, in many instances, to me as well. The chapter dealing with the dietary laws I found particularly helpful and enlightening, as this is one of the most intimidating factors for me in converting to Judaism and living as an observant Jew. Rabbi Kushner's explanations helped me understand the dietary laws in a different way, as allowing the sacred to enter into mealtimes -- which takes the focus off food -- and I immediately began "keeping kosher" to an extent.
I didn't feel that this book slammed Christianity, but I'm not a Christian so my perspective is decidedly one-sided. I did feel that this is a book about Judaism, not about Christianity. There are places where Rabbi Kushner compares and contrasts the two religions, but I didn't get the sense that he was saying, "Our way is better than your way." I DID get the sense that he is a man who feels deeply connected to God, and sees his religion as the source of that connection. While it's likely that a (relatively) small number Christians would read this book, it seems to be intended for Jews -- a book for Jews about Judaism, written by a Jew. The references to Christianity did not seem to be an instruction guide on Christianity so much as a way for Jews to understand their own religion within the context of modern American society, which is predominantly Christian.
If you are interested in learning more about Judaism -- what do Jews believe? what is the Jewish religion all about? -- then I think this is a very good introduction. Rabbi Kushner's explanations are easy to read and understand and at the same time very enlightening. Don't let this be the extent of your studies into Judaism, but it is a fine place to start.
An insightful book.......2005-04-28
This book was written in a conversational style, and it is made clear by the author that he is writing his opinions and thoughts based on a lifetime of studying religion.
I didn't think that it slammed Christianity. Some of the other reviewers took offense at some of his statements about Christianity, but the truth sometimes hurts. The Rabbi certainly said things about the history of Judaism that Jews would rather not know as well.
This also was an interesting book in that it also touched on where Atheists fit in all of this - what is the role of God in both the Jewish and the Christian faiths.
I don't think this book was the be - all and end - all of books about Judaism and Christianity. But I thought it was interesting and insightful. The Jewish and Christian religions will be around for decades after Rabbi Kushner is dead, so people should just toughen up and enjoy what he has to say without feeling threatened.
Average customer rating:
- Miracle: A Celebration of New Life
- She calls this a miracle?
- What a precious book!! And beautiful music.
- Great for new mothers
- Only God can create life
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Miracle: A Celebration of New Life
Anne Geddes , and
Celine Dion
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
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Binding: Hardcover
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Pure
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Miracle (Special Edition with a 60 page version of the 180-page book)
Accessories:
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Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
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Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer
ASIN: 0740746960
Release Date: 2004-10-12 |
Book Description
Never before have two top artists created such a multimedia work to honor the unique and steadfast bond between mother and child. Vocalist Celine Dion and photographer Anne Geddes conceived Miracle as a way to express something deep within their own hearts, and now both the experience and the outcome will delight music and visual art fans throughout the world.Miracle features more than 100 stunning new Geddes images. Each frame reflects the beauty, grace, and magic of both the photographer and her subject. Babies enfolded in blooms, mothers embracing the life flowering within: Anne's artistic eye captures it all. The exquisite images are wedded with the lyrics to all-new songs by Dion, created and performed on the book-accompanying CD in Celine's unmistakable international superstar style. It's easy to hear how her clear and melodious voice has captivated millions throughout her career. A DVD rounds out this artistic package, exploring the genesis of the Miracle project and taking its audience behind the scenes to witness the making of this memorable production. Celine's title track music video highlights the DVD.As a complement to this many-faceted experience, Sony Music will release its stand-alone Dion CD concurrent with the book's debut. AMP is delighted to play a role in bringing this important collaboration to readers and listeners, providing a crossover experience rivaled by few others. Mothers, grown children, grandmothers, friends, and gift givers everywhere will want to join this celebration of wonder.
Customer Reviews:
Miracle: A Celebration of New Life.......2007-08-23
most incredible....Wonderful photography....I gave this as a gift to my expecting daughter...WE have loved wandering thru the book and enjoying the memories a mother and daughter make along life's path, some day her daughter will have the same experience..... WE LOVE IT !!
She calls this a miracle?.......2007-08-16
Some old fart blows his beans up her muff and the end result is a 'miracle'? Give me a break. If that's a miracle, so is taking a dump...which is pretty much equivalent to the entire recorded output of this overmarketed, overrated, so-full-of-herself commercial twit.
What a precious book!! And beautiful music........2007-02-22
This book and CD are so soothing. I LOVE to look at this book cover to cover. I think it's the most beautiful thing ever. I pop in the CD and look at this book and I'm so filled with awe on the miracle of life. These babies touch your heart, and are captured so beautifully in this book.
Anne and Celine have given me such a gift!!!
Great for new mothers.......2007-01-03
I received this book as a gift about 1 month after the birth of my first child. I loved it! I was so amazed with babies and how perfect they are when they are born. This book uses newborn babies in the most beautiful photos. You can look at the photos and appreciate what a miracle little babies are, especially if you have just given birth to one. The music CD has many songs that I sing to my baby when he is going to sleep. Many of the songs are remakes of classics, some are her originals. Again, as a new mom, I appreciate the words of these songs and they capture how much love I feel for my new little peanut!
Only God can create life.......2006-08-06
This book is truly a celebration of life. If you read this book and still think that allowing abortions on demand is okay, then your heart has grown too hard. dls
Book Description
Brief, incisive essays clarify key issues raised in Celebration of Discipline and encourage a fuller understanding and practice of the spiritual disciplines.
Customer Reviews:
Good Study Addition to Foster's Classic.......2006-07-10
I've used this study addition to help lead discussion in my book club. He writes tough questions that demand some thought and soul-searching. The study guide is also short and reads easily, which allows the discussion leader to prepare even with limited prep time. I recommend it for both personal and group use.
Great Study Guide!.......2005-08-02
This guide is perfect to get you motivated to work these Disciplines. It is a great companion to the Celebration of Discipline book. It allows you to be an individual while growing with others.
How good?.......2000-03-06
This booklet is very helpful for ones first contact with the Celebration of Discipline book itself. This book requires 15 pages of reading a week to go along with the 15 pages out of Celebration of Discipline. This is good for group leaders or heavy-duty spiritual growth fans. The exercises makes the collective material a real spiritual work out.
Book Description
Throughout history, people have attempted to contact the divine through ceremony. From weddings to sweat lodges, funerals to religious fasting, every culture has appealed to the gods for their blessings of important human passages. At this stage in our evolution, many find they no longer need to have priests or shamans to honor the holiness of their lives. In Sacred Ceremony: Honoring the Holiness in Everyday Life, Steven Farmer offers ideas on how to create your own ceremonies to consecrate the critical events and passages that you experience on your life's journey. Rather than complex rituals or exacting formulas, Sacred Ceremony offers clear guidelines and suggestions for honoring the spiritual nature of these important milestones.
Whether the ceremony is intended to consecrate the passing of a loved one; celebrate the union of two people in marriage; heal some emotional, physical or spiritual suffering; or honor the seasons of the earth, sacred ceremonies restore faith and serve to remind us of our place in the cosmos and our intimate relationship with all of life on our precious planet.
Ceremony can assuage a sense of separation and allay feelings of isolation from life and from others, resulting in a greater sense of connectedness. It can also help heal the fundamental spiritual wound—the illusion of separateness from the Creator and Creation. Whether private or shared, by following these suggestions, you can personalize and increase the depth of meaning of your knowing and feeling of spirit, thus bringing greater peace and harmony for yourself, your family, and your community.
Customer Reviews:
Great condition, and good resource.......2007-03-23
This book arrived in mint condition. I have used it already in planning a service; it could have been more helpful if it had more ready made ceremonies in it, but I am happy with it.
Great Book on Ceremonies.......2005-12-24
*****
This is a great book on all aspects of ceremonies---design, planning, facilitation, and practicalities. It also includes many examples of various types of ceremonies chock full of great ideas and inspiration. I read this book all in one sitting, and enjoyed every minute of it.
If you are planning a ceremony, this book will be invaluable. Or if you are a minister or facilitator of ceremonies, it will also be invaluable.
Note that although typical Christian ceremonies are referred to, this book primarily deals with ceremonies that are creative or different from standard cultural celebrations. It doesn't focus on any one alternative tradition, but includes all---for example, Native American, Celtic, secular, etc. It would primarily appeal to the person who is wanting to design a meaningful and memorable ceremony of their own from any or no religious tradition.
I loved this book---it is definitely a reference book, but also a very enjoyable read. When you're done, you'll definitely understand how to plan and why you'd plan most any ceremony!
*****
This book is a must!.......2003-05-31
Steven has written the ultimate "how to" book for creating ceremonies. I appreciated his clear, easy-to-follow suggestions and examples. This book (the only one you'll ever need on this subject) excites the imagination to create a ceremony for every important event along life's path. As you can tell, I love this book and if I could, I would give it more than 5 stars!
Welcome to sacred space.......2003-05-22
Steven Farmer invites you into the conscious sacred space of ceremonies with an easy and gentle presence. He has done his research and practice and now invites you into his collective wisdom. The grace is that everyone can find an abundance of useful ideas and practices for themselves and others in these celebrations of the sacred. Use it as a foundation and then improvise for all the sacred ceremonies that living and dying has to offer. Steven invites you into his journey of sacred space so that you might learn how to more fully enter your own with others. This book is a gift and blessing. I look forward to reading more of his writings.
Karen Anderson.......2003-04-12
There are certain books in our lifetime that we just know from the moment we open the dust cover and read the intro that there will be information in it's contents that will completely inspire us; Sacred Ceremony is just that type of book. From the first chapter until the last, Steven takes you through his journies of personal and professional experiences in his life and how different types of ceremonies brought to him and others a profound self healing and deep peaceful comfort. With each ceremony written, I felt Steven take me (as the reader) into the heart, soul and dynamics of the ceremonies with great ease and understanding. Those who are drawn to work with the elements of nature, the power of spirit, whether beginner or experienced, each will receive great blessings in absorbing the material writiten.
From page one to page done, you will be captivated and inspired, I assure you.
Average customer rating:
- Highly recommended top pick.
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One Planet: A Celebration of Biodiversity
Nicolas Hulot
Manufacturer: "Harry N. Abrams, Inc."
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Rainforest
ASIN: 0810955342 |
Book Description
Our planet, with all its spectacular diversity, is a source of endless fascination-the stunning success of books like Earth from Above is proof of that. Now comes this spellbinding volume, filled with glorious images from the world's greatest nature photographers. This breathtaking work celebrates the amazing variety of species and ecosystems and how various forces affect them positively and negatively. In his absorbing, informative text, journalist Nicolas Hulot presents a lucid portrait of eight ecosystems (forests, oceans, deserts, poles, mountains, wetlands, grasslands, and cities), the species that inhabit them, and the role humans play in each. One Planet, just in time for Earth Day, is a loving photographic tribute to the beauty of the earth-it will remind us all how important it is to preserve this exquisite planet.
Customer Reviews:
Highly recommended top pick........2006-11-06
Eight biological ecosystems of the Earth are described in full here, but with a difference: an oversized presentation and vivid full-page color photos are as much the emphasis as natural history text, lending to a format which will please coffee table collectors of fine art and photography as much as natural history readers. OUR PLANET: A CELEBRATION OF BIODIVERSITY gathers a striking abundance of close-up images of flora and fauna alike, presenting gorgeous shots which are extraordinarily artistic and well detailed. While the natural history explanations are very well done, it's the vivid color photos which makes for a unique, highly recommended top pick.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
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