Balanced

Busy but Balanced is a wonderful book for the mom who thinks she has to do it all but cannot possibly accomplish even half of her list. This book is very easy and calming to read. The book is broken up into seasons and can be read at any time of the year when you are feeling most frantic. The author has many suggestions for coping with everyday life in a very realistic manner. I found that the ideas for getting closer to your family were creative yet not too cutesy. We have simplified our breakfast "hour" by turning off the tv, listening to some pretty music and sometimes even lighting a few candles. At first my kids thought I was losing it - now they look forward to this little time together. Thank you Mimi Doe.

As a parent, I know how easy it is to get caught up in a ton of activities and loose track of the little things that keep me grounded. I never realized that by making just a few changes in my daily routine, I could create an atmosphere of peace within my own family.

So where do you begin to find ideas to help balance out your life? The book, "Busy But Balanced," by Mimi Doe, is one place I recommend you start. One great thing about this book is, that you don't have to sit down and read it from cover to cover in order to gain knowledge from it. You can just pick it up and open to any page to get inspired. The book is categorized by the twelve months of the year, and you can just open it to any page and find a useful tip or wonderful suggestion. Parents, you'll find many ideas that will help you better connect with your family.

My ParenTime highly recommends the book, "Busy But Balanced" - the suggestions are easy to implement, and the ideas are creative. Many of the ideas will no doubt become new traditions in your own family. You're sure to enjoy sharing your new sense of peace with others. This exceptionally uplifting book includes supportive resources, quotes, experiences from other parents, and gentle reminders on how to appreciate life, yourself, and your family.

Mrs. Doe is such an inspiration. She is my second mother, and I love her!
Even more so, she is such an amazing author. She continues to inspire my life and my familial relationship through her writing.
Thank you Mrs. Doe.

EVERYONE BUY THIS BOOK.

It will change your life.

Boy, this woman is inside my head. Look in the dictionary under "Type A Personality," and you'll see my picture -- a stressed-out wife/mom/daughter/employee/volunteer/etc., etc., etc. Thankfully, Debi Stack understands people like me and has provided practical and FUNNY solutions for handling my perfectionistic madness! I really like the way she uses Martha of Bethany ("Lord, make my sister help me with dinner!") to put a non-threatening, spiritual spin on her insights.

I guess I should have known this was a great book. It's been endorsed by lots of famous Christian women authors and speakers, like Patsy Clairmont, Annie Chapman, Mary Whelchel and Bunny Wilson. They knew a good thing when they saw it, and you'll know it when you see this book, too!

In Martha to the Max, Debi combines humor, Biblical wisdom, fresh insights, and tons of practical helps for today's busy woman. Her "Martha" test will nail any perfectionist and make even a Mary (like me) 'fess up to all kinds of hidden perfectionism!The humorous antics and transparent confessions of Debi Stack and her "Martha" buddies will tickle the funny bone and give you hope that change is needed--and really possible. And Debi doesn't just leave you tied up in knots; she loosens you up with plenty of seasoned advise that strikes at the heart of the problem--to correct the faulty thinking patterns that max women out in the first place. Then she leads you to the One who can really change the heart. Great book!

This humorous, fast-read is open, honest and absolutely on target. The author directs her comments to women struggling with perfectionism but most of the comments could just as easily apply to men. I appreciated the biblical basis of her insights and suggestions. This book is a must for any Christian woman who finds herself feeling like Martha of Bethany - stressed and wondering who is going to help with all the work that needs to be done! There are practical suggestions on how to reorder your thinking without surrendering your personality.

It is noteworthy that Robert S. Kaplan wrote the Foreword to this book. He and David P. Cohen are the co-authors of three other books on this important subject: The Balanced Scorecard: Translating Strategy into Action, The Balanced Scorecard: Measures That Drive Performance (HBR OnPoint Enhanced Edition), and most recently The Strategy-Focused Organization: How Balanced Scorecard Companies Thrive in the New Business Environment. In the Preface, Kaplan graciously welcomes "this new book to the Balanced Scorecard literature" and goes on to suggest that "Niven's contribution will enable many more organizations to achieve successful Balanced Scorecard implementations."

Given the potential benefits of such a program, one which provides a measurement system that balances the historical accuracy and integrity of financial numbers with today's drivers of economic success, I strongly recommend that Kaplan and Norton's books also be consulted. The total cost seems a small price to pay for the substantial value that will be derived.

Here is how Niven organizes his material :

Part One: Introduction to Performance Measurement and the Balanced Scorecard

Its purpose is to "familiarize [the reader] with the field of performance measurement and provide a solid grounding of Scorecard background and principles."

Part Two: Step-by-Step Development of the Balanced Scorecard

Next, Niven provides his reader with "a detailed review and description of the elements necessary to construct this new and powerful management tool."

Part Three: Embedding the Balanced Scorecard in the Organization's Management System

Then Niven shifts his (and his reader's) attention to implementing -- literally step-by-step -- a cohesive, comprehensive, and cost-effective system based on the aforementioned principles (Part One) and elements (Part Two). This marks the "Scorecard's transition from a measurement system to a strategic management tool." Niven explains in Chapter 8 how to align every employee's actions with the organization's overall goals.

Part Four: Sustaining Balanced Scorecard Success

Niven carefully examines the importance of frequent reports on results (to date) which both broaden and (more importantly) deepen support of the Scorecard within the organization. To repeat, the Scorecard is an effective management tool as well as a source of measurement information.

Part Five: Balanced Scorecard in the Public and Not-for-Profit Sectors and Concluding Thoughts on Scorecard Success

The "many advantages conferred by a the Balanced Scorecard" were recognized and appreciated almost immediately by public-sector and not-for-profit organizations. This "rising trend" serves as Niven's focal point in Chapter 13 and then, in the final chapter, he shares some concluding thoughts.

These specifics are provided so that those who read this review will have a clearer understanding of the scope of what Niven offers. No brief commentary such as this, however, can adequately suggest the depth of his probing analysis. He wrote the book for decision-makers in organizations which are now deciding whether or not to commit to a Balanced Scorecard program. Also for decision-makers in other organizations within which such a program is now underway. Niven concludes his Preface with Euripides' especially relevant comments on the importance of balance, first expressed almost 2,500 years ago: "The best and safest thing is to keep a balance in your life, acknowledge the great powers around us and in us. If you can do that, you are really a wise man." I wholly agree with Niven that "the same applies to organizations."

Adquirí este libro y no puede parar de leerlo hasta que lo terminé. Simple, bien escrito, práctico.
Probablemente es el libro mas útil sobre el tema que se haya publicado

It is a simple written, useful book, you wont stop reading until its finished.

If you are interested in the experience of companies that implemented the BSC, read the Kaplan and Norton books. Now if you want to learn HOW TO actually DO IT then this book is for you. Instead of selling the reader on the BSC concept Paul Niven teaches the BSC step by step - just like the book title says. I particularly liked Chapter 5 - commonly used measures from each of the BSC perspectives. This is a good book to have if you are implementing or planning to implement the BSC.

Of the reviewers posted here, I think I am probably the only one who read Radical Hospitality, the other book by these authors, before reading Benedict's Way. I like Radical Hospitality better if only because it spoke to me about how I need to make some changes in my life. Benedict's Way is a great book for anyone who wants to go a little deeper into benedictine spirituality but isn't much into serious scholarship. My brother is a Benedictine monk and he showed me a review of the book that came out recently. It talked about how this book is written in a simple and direct style but there is an evident scholarship lurking in the backgrounds of the authors. They just don't seem to be showy about it. Which is very good news for the reader who wants depth without pretentiousness. Even if you do read Radical Hospitality first, you'll love this book.

Benedict's Way guides the reader easily into understanding God's intentions of our time here on earth. We have created a fast paced lifestyle that is self serving causing much anxiety. This is evident by the ever increaing need for lifestyle managing drugs. Our current society with all its technology and materialism has the highest rates of divorce, depression, sucide, etc., in history. It seems that all this financial wealth has done little to make us truly happy. Is it possible that God in is infinite wisdom understood this and inspired spiritual teachers like Buddha, Mother Terresa, and St. Benedict to teach us how to live?

Pratt and Homan have challenged the reader to look at their own life and reflect on it. For me personally this book has opened my eyes to my own self serving ways. Each chapter is thought provoking and one of my favorites Balance and Celebration caused me to pause and look at how I approach my family time, work time, personal time, spritual time, etc.

The format makes this an easy read with each chapter ending in a reflective prayer. Another great aspect of the book is the suggested reading section that includes web-sites to visit.

This book is a must read for anyone serious about living a simplier spirit filled life.

I'm new to Benedictine spirituality but am learning to value the simple things. I thought that made this book a good place to start my Benedictine journey. The book challenged my long-held ideas about spirituality and the nature of the universe and I came away feeling good about myself believing that maybe the universe is a good place after all. It helped me. I think that's what I really needed from a book rather than advice on Benedictine spirituality although I'm confident that is also a strength for this book. We all want balance and this really does help.

I have found it difficult to navigate through the confusing and often contradictory sea of information on alternative medicine available on the internet, though word of mouth, and on book shelves.

Given the amount of information contained with in this one text, one would think it was inaccessible or filled with jargon that the layperson cannot comprehend; with "Balanced Healing" this is not the case. Dr. Altshuler has given the reader an incredible wealth of information organized in a way that puts real solutions at their very fingertips. Whether you are recovering from an ailment or just turning over a new leaf to a healthier lifestyle, Dr. Larry Altshuler has written the book for you!

I highly recommend this book!

This book is the most complete health reference I have come upon. Altshuler isn't bantering on about one method of treating pain but gives holistic advice as well as specific treatments for each ailment. This book gives many options for every problem, giving a list of choices and alternatives that enable the reader to have an active role in their own health. Each recommended medication is discussed and he talks about taking precaution on some medications which may have side effects or can be dangerous if combined with other drugs. Altshuler also gives nutritional advice and therapy suggestions which are not often available to patients. I recommend this book highly and suggest that you take a look at it to see if it can help you as this book has helped me.

Finally, a book that authoritively blends modern medicine with effective alternative therapies!!! I find the information contained therein accurate and very valuable; it should prove to save many many folks a lot of $$$! The fact that it's written by someone who actually PRACTICES this kind of medicine, as opposed to someone who just does a literature search on med-line and writes a rehash of someone elses work, is a God-send. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to play an active role in their own healthcare and potentially save a small fortune in needless trips to the doctor. Bravo, Dr. Altshuler!

I suggest this book for anyone who has a love for the game of golf. It puts simple movements of martial arts into your swing and gives your great results! It's the best.

If you will spend 15-20 minutes a day doing the drills, eastern and western, you will really improve. The 123 drill was particularly helpful in reducing my last round by 8 strokes. His drills work they really do!

I got the opportunity to work for Ted Kiegiel at Carolina Country Club while I was in school at NC State University. I got to see him play golf and give lessons. You can really see his results in the game of the junior golfers. I have never seen so many junior golfers shooting so close to par. Everything he teaches is easily understood and easily reproduced in your golf game. Although, I never had the opportunity to get a lesson from Ted himself, I did have the opportunity to get one from one of the assistants. His teaching was similar to Ted's because all of the assistants listen to what Ted says and puts it into their own lessons. Ted Kiegiel has discovered a way to help the average golfer master the game and improve his score tremendously. If you read the book and do what it says, you will be playing balanced golf in no time.

I have found David Samuel's book, Practical Mysticism, particularly helpful because it is so practical and hands-on. Mr. Samuel not only speaks of "waking up" to the truth of existence and why some feel such a need to explore these possibilities, he gives guidance and suggestions for helping attain these possiblities. And these suggestions are both easy and difficult; easy because by themselves, each practice is do-able. Difficult because doing them with consistency and overcoming laziness is continual work. His book clearly states that this work of awakening is hard; yet, I can asssuredly say that the minimal efforts I have already put into practice from reading his book and knowing Mr. Samuel personally have profoundly affected my life. In all, I highly recommed Practical Mysticism for anyone truly seeking change and the truth in their lives.

This is a book about ideas & practices that the Author has worked at. He doesnot burden the pages with a display of learning but in simple and lucid language stresses the contemporary values of ancient texts with special references to the present day environments. The book is compact and yet complete, shorn of elaborations and complications with real power to direct our lives so as to increase awareness on balanced living with mental and physical well-being. It helps to repair our faded and fragmentary conceptions of life. Joyce Amor.........Pune 411001, INDIA.

This is a book about ideas & practices that the Author has worked at. He doesnot burden the pages with a display of learning but in simple and lucid language stresses the contemporary values of ancient texts with special references to the present day environments. The book is compact and yet complete, shorn of elaborations and complications with real power to direct our lives so as to increase awareness on balanced living with mental and physical well-being. It helps to repair our faded and fragmentary conceptions of life. Joyce Amor.........Pune 411001, INDIA.

I teach a course in elementary reading methods for undergraduate education students. This is the third textbook I've tried, and it is excellent! It has what students need to know about the theory and practice of teaching reading, written in a very readable, non-overwhelming way. Plus it has lots of practical teaching ideas. Our lab school saw it and ordered several copies for its teachers also. I highly recommend it.

I was first introduced to this book in one of my graduate literacy courses and I have been hooked every since. The teachers at my school pass it around constantly looking for ideas. My favorite aspect of this boks is the fact that there are real teachers giving real examples of what works in their classrooms. There are no strategies that seem too hard implement in your classroom, because the layout is right there!! You know it can be done and it words because the examples in the book are proof! You don't feel like you are reading about some ideal or Utopia of a classroom. You are reading about REAL classrooms. I absolutely love it!

This is an excellent resource. It is concise and contains a wealth of information. I teach second grade and am working on a Master's degree in literacy. I am finding this book to be invaluable. Much of the information is sorted into charts for easy referencing. So many of the books I have read lately seem to ramble on and on. This book makes it's point and moves on to other salient information. I get rid of so many of the professional books I purchase after I read them. This one is a keeper. It is very pertinent to the current trend in improving the literacy of our children.

I have been teaching and reschooling horses for about 23 years now. I use methods from Sally Swift to Linda Tellington Jones - back to 'old school' of Reiner Klimker and DeNemethy & Seunig.

I purchased this book with a gift certificate, and then when I got it sort of flipped thru the pictures and didn't think much of it. Until I purchased a 4 year old stallion.

I started reading thru, and will admit I have not read the entire thing, but only the first few sections.

I have got to say I was impressed. In the first few sections I have read there was not much specifics of how to do 'dressage movements' or the same old same old with 'frame' or 'aids'. But he really gives the reader something to get to the basic root of HOW a horse LEARNS something. I have read a lot of great authors, and I gathered some new 'insights' - not new fads, but basic stuff that should START with a horses ground handling from day one (and many times doesn't).

Hey, even if the book gets worse from here - I have PULLED something usefull from the little bit I have read.

I have been reading a lot of books about starting young horses recently and this is by far the best. Aside from the fact that it is well written and easy to follow, I feel that it answers the questions most books skip over and puts simply into words what is difficult to describe. Although there are many books that offer advice on starting young horses, many of them tell you what to do - ground schooling, long lining, lungeing - but don't give any insight on what you are trying to acheive in terms of balance, bend and contact. This book fills in those gaps and more.

Michael Schaffer explains so many of the small details that many trainers can't put into words- and explains the "whys" to go with it. I am especially excited about the ground exercises as I have thoroughbreds off the track to retrain and youngsters to start. I have tried several of the exercises on one of my mares that has been very skittish (she was retired from racing because she became too "unruly" to handle- on or off the track), and the results have been great. I underlined most of the contents of the book in marker because there isn't a lot of excess "filler". Everything that is written is important. Everything in the book is written to help the horse by helping the rider to understand why the horse does something, and how to gently correct or encourage as needed. When you have worked through the excercises in the book with your horse, you will not only have a great riding horse, but also a wonderful companion. I am even doing the ground excercises with a broodmare who isn't riding sound, simply because she is learning respect (she was "pushy" when I got her) and to be alert to where I am and what I'm doing at any time.

I recommend this book highly.

This book was written after Steve Biddulph's first book "Manhood" which was truly groundbreaking. If one grows up in the masculine societies of Australia, US, Britian, Scandinavia etc then these books are invaluable. Problem of course being that it's hard sometimes to get these masculine men to read books like "Manhood" as they are very confronting and avoiding emotions is what macho societies are all about! This book is great as it's aimed at parents and others raising boys and the differences between little girls and little boys. Definately a book that if bought and followed by parents would be amazing for future generations. It hasn't got the detail of some of his other books though.

This is the BEST book I have read on raising boys. Biddulph writes in a clear, crisp voice making it easy for anyone to understand the fine art of being a male. He has made me realize how and why my husband and son are the same in some ways and very different in others. Girls are not ignored here, either. He compares and contrasts the two, so subtle differences are made just as obvious as the not-so-subtle ones. He takes time show why the two can act and/or react differently in the same situations. Everyone, especially teachers, should read this great book!

As a first time expecting parent of a boy I have many concerns. My biggest one being that I am single and will be raisig my new son without a father. This book stresses the importance of male role models but also helped give me many alternatives to a father. Now I feel better knowing ways I can do things to help make up for him not having a father and that things can work out just as well. Plus the book also covers areas such as gender differences, sexuality, and how to help him in everyday life and what he needs in a parent(s)as well as from other people in his life. This book has given me confidence that I can raise him well. I recommend this book highly to single mothers who are concerned about male role models for their son and also to first time parents of boys.