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Carolyn's book has been a tremendous encouragement in very difficult circumstances. From the day to day to several war zones, her message of the importance of theology (a relationship with God) has been a "saving" grace. In particular the concept that God is sovereign and that we run a race "marked out" for us, that the path we are on is Plan A no matter what happens, is a comfort when the going gets rough. Each time I read it, Carolyn's book has new insights for me wherever God has me. Having also read the book, my husband's perspective is that her book strengthens the church body by encouraging everyone to deepen his or her relationship with God for the good of families and the church at large. Carolyn's practical notes that follow the text, have been valuable resources. Read it and talk about it with anyone who will listen. It will benefit you and them!

James has created a vibrant work that incorporates excellent theology with compelling narrative. Employing both the Bible and modern stories, this work grasps the essential tensions of the Christian life. Her explorations of the Biblical Mary and the role of modern women in today's church are particularly insightful. I have already asked some of my university students to read and review this book and the results have been wonderful. Not only is James an excellent theologian, she is the kind of theologian the church truly needs: one that can write in an accessible and enjoyable way that all can understand.

Carolyn James has done a great service to all women by writing a book that recognizes our desire to know God better and to take Him seriously. Her book underscores our need to know theology. This knowledge enables us to persevere when life's circumstances descend upon us because we can know despite the circumstances that God is good and that He is in control. I heartily recommend Carolyn's book. Read this book - for your good and God's glory!

I throughly enjoy reading the bible and especially since I purchased NIV'S WOMEN'S DEVOTIONAL. It is so Inspirational to read from this bible. It is so clear and understandable and it offers devotional readings to motivate the heart and soul. I recommend this book to all women. One Love.

I am the wife of Randle A. Humphreys. I read through the Women's Devotional Bible twice and I can truly say it is inspirational. The women who share their thoughts and lives in the devotionals have their focus on God and how He can work in our lives. Their writings of poems, personal stories and annecdotes bring the message in that days Bible passage home. With all we have to do in our busy lives, the time we need to take to be alone with God can get easily filled with less important things if we do not make it a priority. The Women's Devotional Bible helps to focus what time you do make for quiet-time meaningful. I have highly recommended this book to friends and family, and they have liked it as much as I have.

I bought this devotional Bible as a gift for a friend and ended up purchasing one for myself. The devotions are quick to read but thought provoking and each one includes a verse for the day as well as a Scripture passage. The Italian leather cover is beautiful. I own several Bibles and I love the ease of reading and understanding God's word with the NIV version.

Have you ever doubted whether God really intervenes in the day to day activities of our lives? I know I have. When I read God's Handprints in the Unexpected my faith soared--I laughed, cried, and rejoiced that some have eyes to see God's handprints in daily life. This book will encourage and strengthen your faith. Easy to read--use as a devotional--or sit down with a cup of coffee and get ready to meet a new friend in author, Nancy Hoag. Great gift!!!

If God's words are the "meat and potatoes" of life - then Nancy's books (more specifically 'The Fingerprints of God') are the icing on the cake! It would be very easy to devour her books in a single sitting, but I try to slowly savor each heartfelt chapter. Nancy's words touch my soul to the very core, she writes the thoughts I so often have inside. By the end of the book, you will probably feel like you've made a new friend. This book could be used as a daily devotional, but I dare you to sit down and just read one chapter!! When you feel as though God has maybe deserted you, pick up this book and feel renewed that just as He has heard Nancy, He will hear you too.

Nancy Hoag has produced a collection of memoirs to touch the heart and inspire all. Her experiences when God was at work in her life are marvelous. From her dread of attending Bingo with the elderly of her community to getting caught under the raft during a whitewater expedition, she carries the reader through touching and trying moments that turn out to be blessings of the finest kind.

This book reminds us that no matter what is happening in our life, God is always there. When our patience is being tried to the limit, when we feel lost and alone, when we are depressed or angry, when we are sick or sorrowful; no matter what is going on around us, it will be okay as long as we keep God's love within us.

Hoag's narrative is loose, flowing, and chatty. She invites the reader into her life and shares everything with us: her feelings, thoughts, surroundings, friends, and family. This is a marvelous book that will certainly entertain you while showing you that you are never without God. I strongly recommend it. Let this woman show you the extraordinary touch of God in your everyday life.

My father bought this book for me, and it was very much what I needed. This book can be read over and over, and never strays from what is really the only sure-fire path to releasing the worry and anxiety that is part of being human -- Jesus Christ. The author interlaces real life examples of incredible heros, with a completely bible based guide to living life in a god-controlled fashion. I've recommended this book to nearly every woman friend I have, and none of them have been disappointed.

I read this book when I was really feeling a ton of anxiety. Dillow does such an excellent job of writing and quoting from the bible--I truly felt that God was speaking to me through her and His words combined. My Bible Study group is now purchasing this book and we are going to do the 12-wk. study together (the study is in the back). This book is a great read for anyone--especially people seeking contentment (aren't we all?)! It has changed my life. Thank you, Linda!

This is an excellent book. We used it as a small group weekly Bible study, but I highly recomend it to any of the women I know.

This book changed my life. I cannot express how much Priscilla's words spoke to me. The Lord really used her in this book. She showed herself as vulnerable and in return she was seen as real person to the reader in the book, not just some boring words on a page. I will forever look at myself differently because of this book. I am 22 years old and I have read a great number of Christian women's books, but this one in the diamond in the rough. So many of those books speak only to certain groups of women but, this book will speak to any age of women, single or married. I was very greatful of that. Thank you, Priscilla for speaking your heart.

Any woman, regardless of her personal situation, will benefit from reading this book. It's inspiring, well-written, and very easy to read. I couldn't put it down. I'm going to purchase several copies of this book and give them out as gifts. Thank you, Pricilla Evans Shirer, for showing women their true worth and position in the Lord's Kingdom with your book, a very inspiring, "A Jewel in His Crown".

I am at an age to have the privilege of mentoring many young women. Almost every woman I've met has dealt with low self image (very few exceptions). Shirer's book is THE BOOK I recommend. Priscilla speaks to ALL women, not to only a select group. This book challenges women to see themselves as their heavenly Father sees them. The book offers insight, hope, challenge, and makes one rethink the lie believed about SELF. If I had the power, I'd place "A Jewel in His Crown" into the hands of every woman. It's THAT life changing!

I got The Girl's Guide to Life on the recommendation of a Girl Scout professional at Girl Scouts of the USA. It's well-written and easy to use. The information is as appropriate for women as it is for girls. (It's also appropriate for men and boys!).

Catherine Dee's The Girls' Guide to Life: How to Take Charge of the Issues That Affect You tackles the many challenges that face young women and girls today. Let's face it, low self-esteem, lack of political representation and gender inequity in the classroom are a drag. The Girls' Guide is a positive and necessary blueprint for battling the gender bias blues. Young women and girls lend their own voices and experiences of enlightenment and encouragement on topics ranging from math clubs to rock climbing to political activism. The Girls' Guide is an excellent combination of true stories, self-help and resources that will spark any young woman or girl to "take charge of the issues that affect" her. But don't just take my word for it. I gave the book to my eleven year-old niece. "I love it!" she said, "It's fun to read and has lots of ideas for me and my friends to do to help make us active and strong, and love ourselves."

It's magical to witness, over the course of a few years, girls blooming into young women. The spell is broken, however, when we also see sexism consume their self-esteem. Where once they were spunky and imaginative, they become self-conscious and afraid how their ideas will be seen by others. Where once they voiced their opinions, we see them swallowing ideas unvoiced--especially in front of boys. And where once they excelled in math or science, we see them play "dumb" or believe they aren't as smart as "the other gender."

The Girls' Guide to Life reclaims the strength and self-assurance for young women. With a fun, appealing style, The Guide addresses gender issues by providing exercises and activities so girls learn who they are and what their strengths are.... If you have a daughter, or care about a girl you know, share The Girls' Guide to Life with them. You may learn a lot you never knew. You also may be reminded of things you learned the hard way and never thought to share with her. Encourage sons to read it, too, so they'll learn it's all right for women to be strong, to be leaders.

It's no wonder that Dr. J I Packer praised so highly his former student (Mason) at Regent College. Thus, Mason has achieved a rare goal as a newly married young author! He excelled his teacher on this subject! As a Marriage and Family Counselor I 've been giving out this book to engaged couples as thier wedding gift. Also I gave those who improved their relationships thru counseling sessions this book as a token of appreciation. Compact yet deep! It makes you humble before the loving father and Creator. If every medical doctor and pastor approaches the client or parishioner with such an awe and humble attitude, the church will be renewed by those humble leaders with God's abundant blessings. This book makes you seek more earnestly God's grace in our helpless predicament of married life!

This is more than a book outlining "10 Steps to this..." or "7 Steps to that..." As the author himself stated, this is more of a "how come" book than a "how to" book. Mike Mason paints a vivid picture of the spiritual and emotional realities that are just beneath the surface of marriage and romance. His chapter on submission alone makes the book worth purchasing by showing us that it (submission) is much more than most of us think it is. If you're looking for a way to take control by following those "10 simple rules" to make your marriage everything YOU want it to be, if you're looking for a quick fix formula that's peddled by so many relationship guru's (I certainly was when I picked up this book), than this isn't for you. If you want to build your marriage on a solid foundation of real love, one that will withstand the inevitable storms of life, than Mike Mason's "The Mystery of Marriage" is the place to start.

WOW.... thank you Mike Mason! My fiance and I are reading this book together during our long-distance engagement and find that the insights are thoroughly enriching to our relationship. This book deals with the spiritual picture of marriage, absolutely no practical "do's and don'ts" here. There are no "how to's" or guidelines for having a successful marriage... and honestly, such information seems so surface compared to the richness and wealth offered by this book. Understanding and applying the truths presented here almost guarantees a joyful and harmonious marriage. the mystery of marriage unveils the bedrock of marriage and then causes it to glow! I look forward to reading this book out loud with my wonderful husband in the many delightful years to come. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Besides the Word of God (the bible), there are three other books every Christian should read, if he/she is serious about their faith.

Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan; The Cost of Discipleship by D. Bonhoeffer, and this book, Life Together, by the same author. This book changed my perspective...totally, on how to live with 'my neighbour.' Think you really do love your neighbour? What about your brother and sister in the Lord? With so many church splits, arguments over trivial doctrinal issues, petty squabbles, and gossip justified as 'good ol' christian concern', this book is needed. It shows how we are REALLY to treat one another. Patterned after Christ, and based in scripture--this book is a must.

Bonhoeffer is brilliant in his understanding of the church's lifeblood, which is the cross. Where other ecclesiologies become distracted by secondary issues, Bonhoeffer cuts right to the foundational elements of life in Christ. The Church of today would do well to rediscover Bonhoeffer, and not only this book but his others as well. Sanctorum Communio takes a more theological look at these same issues, but Life Together is probably the best book to start with for someone wanting to break into Bonhoeffer's works. Its theme sets everything else that he writes into perspective.

Satan is the accuser, the Bible says. But Christ, with the Spirit, intercedes for us, as the Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:26 "with sighs too deep for words".

A beautiful book, my copy freely given me by a Lutheran pastor who shared my love for Bonhoeffer. I wanted to lead a Bible study, he said if he ever led one he would use this book!

I first heard of Bonhoeffer from someone at my church. I discovered Bonhoeffer for myself when I watched the documentary Hanged on a Twisted Cross, the life and times of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, which I highly, highly recommend.

The parts of the book which spoke to me most were the sections in chapter 1 entitled through and in Jesus Christ and in chapter 3, the section on intercession. Here are some excerpts I love:

"A Christian fellowship lives and exists by the intercession of its members for one another, or it collapses. I can no longer condemn or hate a brother for whom I pray, no matter how much trouble he causes me. His face, that hitherto may have been strange and intolerable to me, is transformed in intercession into the countenance of a brother for whom Christ died, the face of a forgiven sinner......Intercession means no more than to bring our brother into the presence of God, to see him under the cross of Jesus as a poor human being and sinner in need of grace....His need and his sin become so heavy and oppressive that we feel them as our own, and we can do nothing else but pray: Lord, do Thou, Thou alone, deal with him according to Thy severity and Thy goodness."

I do believe Bonhoeffer has " the mind of Christ" on that one.

Beautiful, beautiful book.

P.S. I challenge you to examine and compare the lives of Noah, Daniel, and Job
to find out what was so pleasing to God about them. How do their lives reflect Christ's and what about everyone else's?!!! Please see Ezekiel 14:14-23. So I leave you with some homework, I just couldn't resist!

This truly is a fabulous resource! The information is quite straightforward and covers a wide array of areas/issues that are certain to be impacted by the news of a loved one being ill. The components of the book cover areas such as understanding your feelings, how our fears play out in the ordeal, how to have conversations regarding the illness and ramifications of the illness, how to find resourceful medical care and how to balance one's role in life given the situation.

I would highly recommend this book for people who are going through the challenge of a loved one being ill, as it applies to not only cancer patients - but all who have serious health issues.

This is absolutely the most incredible survivor and partner-support book I have ever read. Having had to deal with several close friends and relatives over the past couple of years who have been dealing with cancer problems, I just was at a loss as to the best way to handle everything. What to say, what to do, how were they REALLY feeling? Stuff like that. This book explains it all in a way that not only makes sense, but give you a sense of hope that you can actually help people deal with these health crises and major life transitions in meaningful, caring, and loving way. I have actually used the book way beyond just cancer support also. It was helpful with my own Mother, who passed away in November, in dealing with her heart and lung problems. It's just a great communications tool. Think of it almost like a Spanish-English dictionary: only this is a patient-supporter dictionary. The patient has things that they're thinking and feeling that THEY understand, but you don't. This book will translate all that for you. I have probably given 2 dozen of these books to my own friends who are dealing with these issues themselves either as patients or as patient-supporters. This book is a true gift to the world.

I just read these Reviews on the inside of When Life Becomes Precious. I've given her book out many times but I just noticed these comments while I was visiting. Many are similiar to what my friends have said over the years. I am thankful that this book has been here when I needed to support my friends and this year when it hit my mother. Each time I read it, it gives me new insights, a new approach to helping those I care about; but these great writers describe her book better than I ever could!

"Elise NeeDell Babcock blends well-reasoned research with a practical commonsense approach to living a rich life...she adds the right dose of wit to balance serious topics with caring advice...a much needed chart in the seas of uncertainty." Dr. Steve Allen Jr., associate dean, SUNY and son of Steve Allen, my favorite comedy writer

"Sound and wise...it teaches us how to provide support and love when it counts the most. I recommend it enthusiastically." Dr. John Mendolsohn, president of MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Number One Cancer Center in the US (according to US News and World Report)

"Written with Love and Wisdom and is a Godsend..." Barbara Taylor Bradford, the NY Times Bestselling author

"I am grateful for this book--it is an umbrella in one of life's most difficult storms...it is wrought with love and wisdom and in the realm of sharing we and receiving comfort, we cannot ask for more than this." -Richard Paul Evans, The NY Times Bestselling author of The Locket, The Letter, The Christmas Box

"She focuses on the quality of life and teaches her readers about hope." -Henry A Porterfield, USTOO International, Prostate Survivors Support Groups

"Written in a warm and friendly manner...immensely resourceful...when you are in crisis or pain, you need this book." -Suzzane Mintz, president, National Family Caregivers Assoc.

"Superb! Outstanding. Easy to read." -Dr. Gabriel Hortobagyi, President, Ninth Congress on Breast Disease

"...Deserves a wide readership...Elise has demonstrated great insight and skill in writing When Life Becomes Precious."

-Dr. John Marsh, Yale University School of Medicine

"...Just what patients, health-care professionals, and families need." -Mary Hughes, RN, winner of the Purdue Fredericks Quality of Life Award

Jean Carper has a wonderful writing style. She is able to take complex topics that may otherwise be boring and turn them into a fascinating read. In this book she strongly emphasizes the importance of food in brain health, particularly oils found in fish. I agree with her that many people in this country may not be getting adequate amounts of omega-3 or fish oils. Clinically I have found that fish oils do help improve mood and vision. I highly recommend this book, you will learn a lot. I first heard about Jean a decade ago from my mom who had her book Food: Your Miracle Medicine. You may also consider reading my book Mind Boosters. It compliments Jean's book and provides additional points of view, suggestions, and information about dozens of different supplements. There's a lot of information about new mind boosters such as vinpocetine, huperzine, methyl donors, etc. and more of a practical/medical approach on side effects, dosages, and how to combine various nutrients to improve mood, memory, vision, sex drive, and mental performance.

This book is a treasure chest of extremely valuable information on how to preserve your mental capabilities and to protect yourself from disease with the right diet and the right supplements and amounts of them. Did you know that people taking vitamin C or E supplements are shown in general NOT to develop Alzheimer's? Did you know that blueberries, strawberries and spinach are brain-savers? Did you know that you can control and possibly prevent insulin resistence by eating a low "glycemic index" diet. Did you know that eating foods equalling 5500 ORACs a day will protect your memory and motor control? (A cup of black tea brewed for five minutes contains 1200 ORACs.) Did you know that vigorous walking for an hour, five days a week will lower your risk of stroke by about half (p. 331), as will fruits and veggies and tea (p. 323)?
Jean Carper discusses the importance of Omega-3 oils in fish for pregnant women who want to optimize their children's mental capacities, as well as for the rest of us. She discusses the B vitamins, folic acid and the other, and their vital importance.
She gets down to specifics with doses to take and appropriate combinations.
I heartily recommend this book. If you buy only one book this year, buy this one.
The writing is energetic and enjoyable. The glycemic index and ORAC tables contain invaluable compilations for charting an optimal daily diet. I posted copies on my refrigerator door!
I've given this book to several people, all of whom cherish it.

This is the third Jean Carper book I have read, and I was delighted to find so much new information to help postpone the effects aging. Like most of us, I have always assumed the conventional belief that the aging brain simply deteriorates. This is not true. Not only does Ms. Carper's new book examine the latest scientific evidence showing how simplistic that notion is, but she goes on to identify many of the practical things each of us can do to develop new health habits that will improve our mental functions. "Your Miracle Brain" will certainly be a best seller, but more importantly, it will transform the way our minds think about our brains.