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Many thanks to Cynthia Spell Humbert for writing a book that has been much needed in the church. Working with women in ministry over the past 12 years, I have found that there is a deserate need among women to understand who they really are in Christ and how much they are desired by God. "Deceived by Shame, Desired by God" is the book I've been waiting for.

Cynthia brings to the table a wealth of wisdom gleaned through years of counseling in a clinical setting, but more importantly, she brings the wisdom gained from dealing with the issues of her own heart. Cynthia helps us understand our human condition and then takes us to the cross of Christ to find the power to break through to the life God wants for us.

Cynthia pulls no punches as she explains how the enemy can decieve our hearts, choking out the love from God that we so desperately need. Thankfully she doesn't leave us there, but takes us straight to the truth that will indeed set us free. We are desired by God!!

The real life stories will intrigue you, the truth of God's Word will liberate you, and your heart will be drawn to the God who desires to lavish his love on you.

Cynthia Spell Humbert has written a powerful book on shame. It offers hope to those who suffer from shame and gives understanding to those who relate to someone who is dealing with it. She describes shame as an extremely painful internal wound that can cause a woman to believe she no reason to exist. The desire to cover the shame from people and God leads to various hiding patterns in behavior. She identifies places and circumstances that lead women to put on masks to cover their shame as inauthentic churches, dysfunctional families, addictions, sexual abuse, sin, eating disorders and loss of love. Cynthia points out that a woman has great worth in the Lord's eyes and that He used broken, weak and sinful people in the past to serve Him and that He will continue to do so. She also points out that it is never to late to come to God and allow Him to heal and to change the destructive patterns brought about by shame. She balances truth with grace as she covers the need to forgive in such a way that the reader does not feel beaten down but drawn to God's love. Her honesty about her own struggles with shame and how God's using that in her life will also make it safe for the reader bound by shame to be real about their own struggles and to seek help. Thank you, Cynthia, for addressing such a widespread issue.

There are so many self-help books out there, but this one stands above the rest. Cynthia, a counselor, speaker, mom, and wife, takes us on a personal journey as she shares her own personal story, as well as stories of others who have found themselves caught in the trap of shame. Cynthia doesn't just offer stories, but practical help through spiritual, emotional and tangible steps that take you from guilt, pain or emotional conflict to freedom. This book is a keeper as it contains a timeless message that will help all who want to start fresh and see themselves as they truly were meant to be.

THIS BOOK IS FABULOUS, A MUST READ FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND PERSONNEL. DESMOND UNDERSTANDS PATIENTS' NEEDS AND FEARS ONLY TOO WELL AND PASSES THE INFORMATION ON CLEARLY AND CONCISELY. I RECOMMEND IT FOR PROSPECTIVE PATIENTS (MOST OF US) SO THEY WILL BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE PROBLEMS AND MISCOMMUNICATION. BRAVO TO THE AUTHORS!

This book is a first. It provides an intellegent, thorough insight on how best to communicate with patients. Most impressive to me was the fact that it was loaded with information, and yet was a very easy read. The use of actual stories brought the message to life, and demonstrated how well the authors knew the practical value of communication skills. I will be interested to see other professions start using this book.

Many doctors take their communication skills for granted, but the sad fact remains that most of us do not do a good job talking to our patients. Learning how to improve your bedside manner is extremely difficult to do, but this book shows you how you can do so. Reading this book is likely to be one of the best investments of your time you can make - and it's full of practically useful stuff you can implement immediately !

Author Marilee Driscoll has helped consumers and financial professionals alike by creating this guide. Long-term care planning is a complex topic, and the author has made the exploration interesting, complete, and fun.
Marilee Driscoll should be congratulated for not only raising timely and critical issues, but also for addressing her topic clearly with specific guidelines and recommendations.
This book is a keeper...for reading and reference.
...

What a great reference book for a subject that we find so hard to face! Marilee Driscoll's book not only explains all of the options that are available in a concise, easy to understand way, but you can also pick an area that you need to research without starting at the beginning of the book. I originally bought the book to see what the options are for my parents, but it also made me think about starting to plan for my own long-term care. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to make sure that they will be prepared to get the care that they want!

Without this book I wouldn't have had the courage to face long-term care planning. I perceived the topic as impossibly complex, and frankly, terrifying. The book is amazingly readable for such a dry topic, and it clarified and simplified the issues for me. When I met with my insurance agent, I had a long list of questions about the options in the application. He knew I wasn't a pushover, and actually, I don't think he ever had a client who asked so many solid and informed questions! Considering the devastating cost of nursing homes, this book has potentially saved me many (many!) thousands of dollars. I highly recommend the book to anyone "of a certain age" who knows (or suspects) that they should be worried about long-term care. If you don't know where to start, or you want to sanity check your existing plan, don't even think about it. Just purchase this book!

Don Maruska has been an "agent of hope" for organizations of all varieties for many years, particularly here on the Central Coast of California. Over the years, readers of Don's "Business Success" columns in Knight Ridder newspapers have been able to sample from a variety of "hors d'ouevres" from Don's wit and wisdom. Some of us have even settled down to a full-course entree through his extensive consulting for businesses, non-profits, and government agencies of all sizes. But in this book, we can all partake of a veritable feast of great ideals, with a menu built upon a systematic and methodical program for putting those ideals into practice.

The essence of Don's message is that all worthwhile human endeavor requires a partnership of interests. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "The good men may do separately is small compared to the good they may do collectively." Partnerships and collective action require that men (and women, of course) work together, and in working together they must take risks, and most of us are risk-averse. Don Maruska illuminates a systematic remedy for risk, and it lies in open communication based on a language of hope.

Today's highly-charged media culture seems to foster a very different language, a language of scorn and spite and hatred, bred of a lust for conflict and blood - both literal and figurative. It is a truism that the pen is mightier than the sword, but these days, too many pens (and microphones) have been honed on the whetstone of fear. We no longer trust our adversaries to fight fairly; our politics have been darkened by poisonous accusations of corruption, treason, arrogance, slander, and lies. Rancor has replaced reason in virtually every meaningful political debate, and incivility is the rule rather than the exception.

In this atmosphere of "mutual assured destruction," it is refreshing to find a book that seeks to turn us in a different direction - to transform the conversation from the ridiculous back to the sublime, where people can once again find common ground around common aspirations, and where political dialogue can once again take place upon a basis of trust and mutual respect. Don Maruska has given voice to a longing that lies within all of us, and we need but listen to that voice.

If enough of us begin to listen, and to respond with the framework that Don has built for us, great things can happen. Great decisions await.

"Don Maruska has provided an excellent blueprint for decision-making success. His book, How Great Decisions Get Made, is an indispensible tool for anyone involved in leadership, in both the public and private sectors. I have had the good fortune to watch Don use these principles firsthand, and I marvel at how he has translated his 10 easy steps into a clear, straightforward guide. This book is one that is destined to be pulled off my shelf for guidance, time and time again." Dr. Steven M. Ladd, Superintendent of Schools.

Don Maruska is a genius. His 10 Steps to reaching agreement are a simple process that any group or organization should use to deal with complex issues. This simple system removes ego from the decision making process and avoids the "me too' speeched that drag out a meeting, polarize the participants and add nothing to resolution of the issues. Don's system enables the group to reach quality agreements quickly and harmoniously.

Bill Colby is a passionate writer, and his genuine care and concern for the Cruzan family shines brightly in this book. It raises powerful questions about the status of American law on the topic and the morality of the decisions that you hope you -- or your family -- will never, ever face.

P.S. They call it a legal story, but it's not a difficult read. On the contrary, it's very understandable -- no legalese here!

Despite this book being written by the lawyer who represented the parents of Nancy Cruzan who wanted feeding apparatus to be withdrawn and thus to have Nancy die, this book presents the issues and the struggle fairly and even-handedly. This is shown in a way since after reading it I conclude the U.S Supreme Court's decision was right--in the circumstances shown the family could without monetary loss have permitted their child to not be starved to death. The account of the trial and of the appellate history of the case is absorbing and shows the author is an able lawyer, admirable in representing his clients. I have no hesitancy in saying if it had been my child I would not have gone to the efforts which Nancy's father went to in order to have his child die. But psychologically Nancy's parents wanted the living death to end and their lawyer was right to seek the relief his clients desired. An extraordinary book.

Long Goodbye: The Deaths Of Nancy Cruzan by William H. Colby is the in-depth and true story of a judicial trial concerning Nancy Cruzan, a woman who was thrown from her vehicle and suffered horrific injuries. Since that tragic accident, Nancy has remained in a coma for five years, until her family abandoned hope for her revival and requested the removal of Nancy's feeding tube so her life could end peacefully. But the state intervened and denied the family's wishes. Thus began a extended legal battle began over who had the authority and the right to authorize the end of medical intervention with respect to a patient like Nancy. Long Goodbye is a profoundly emotional story of striving to do what one hopes is the right thing, in accordance with the wishes of those who cannot speak for themselves -- and the role of government to intrude into family and medical issues. This is a profoundly important issue that plays out in our hospitals and nursing homes every day. At the crux of the matter is the right to life, the right to die, and who has the final authority over a loved one caught up in a plight similar to Nancy Cruzan and her family.

Mind, Body, And Soul: A Guide To Living With Cancer by Nancy Hassett Dahm is a book that will better the lives of cancer patients, their family and friends. Nancy Dahm reaches out to those who need reaching out. Mind, Body, And Soul presents the answers to the questions that cancer patients need to know for higher quality of life during difficult circumstances. From pain management techniques to spiritual strength, Mind, Body, And Soul is an incredible and solid resource and guide.

John Weaver

MIND,BODY AND SOUL GAVE ME RENEWED STRENGTH FOR MY RECENT CANCER OF THE FOOT. IT WAS AN EXCELLENT GUIDE FOR MY HUSBAND, AND THE BOOK SHOWED ME INTERESTING WAYS TO COMBAT THE PAIN OF MY CANCER.
NANCY H.DAHM CERTAINLY HAS THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO PROVIDE HER READERS WITH IN-DEPTH INFORMATION AND THEREFORE GAVE ME PEACE OF MIND. NANCY PROVIDES ONE WHO HAS HAD CANCER OR LIVING WITH CANCER, WITH A PHILOSOPHY OF "LIVING" AND DYING WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE TREATMENT!
I HAVE FOUND THE BOOK AN INSPIRATION IN OVERCOMING MY FEARS AND STRESS WHICH CANCER ENTAILS. I RECOMMEND "MIND, BODY AND SOUL" WHOLE HEARTEDLY FOR ANY PERSON OR MEMBER OF A FAMILY THAT HAS A CANCER PATIENT!
ESTHER SPERA, TAMPA FLORIDA

This is a MUST READ for anyone who is going through a cancer ordeal. Whether it is for yourself or for someone else, you will find it to be an invaluable resource of practical and inspirational material. It is one of the most comprehensive, inspirational and hopeful books I've read on the subject. It has practical medical information, philosophy and stories of miracles and hope. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs advice and comfort.

The princess within revealed to me the true identity of who I really am in Christ,once I allow God to heal all of the broken places in my life. Sister's this book encouraged me to come out of the pig's parlor, and to sit on the throne of royal priesthood, as a princess. It helped me to realize that Jesus is my Secret Keeper, and that every thing that I was ashamed of I could tell my secret keeper. I have always admired Serita Jakes for the virtuous woman that she is, and she is one of the greatest examples that we have today as a black woman, and her position in the church,community, home,and etc. She exempifies the way that God intends for us to be. So please single and married women, don't delay any longer. If you desire to be healed, and desire to be the woman, God intends for you to be please get this book A.S.A.P.

I had a chance to meet the author of this book during a Womens' Conference at The Potters House Church on 9/23/99-9/26/99. She autographed my copy for me. This book is a revelation to those of us who have struggled for years with not feeling we were good enough, who felt we were inadequate and who never thought our childhood dreams would become adult realities. First Lady Jakes does an outstanding job of teaching us Christian/Saved Ladies how to be confident in who we are in the Lord and who the Lord is in us. Personally meeting First Lady Jakes was a joy and a pleasure and this book came directly from her soul. It is helping me realize that God is there to help and assist us in every area of our lives; and He has been there all the time. This book is writen like a secret diary to the Lord. How exciting to read how the Lord has blessed this wonderful woman of God; and lets us know that God has everything under control if we just trust in Him and let Him be in control. A Must Have for the Christian Womens Library; it will certainly bless your soul.

Her words humbled me, and yet lifted me up to recog nize my place in the Kingdom of God. I am not just the daughter of the King, I am a Princess and I belong at the forefront of the Kingdom. I can describe how much this book has made me realize my worth in Christ.

drug rehab right between the eyes that pulls no pun ches and shows us where we need to go next

Over 2 million Americans in prison, another million each year arrested on drug charges, economic development tied grimly to building prisons and jails. America made a wrong turn somewhere. It isn't like we don't know where and when. It was when we lost faith in the ability of therapists to treat addicts, became afraid and decided they must go to jail and for longer and longer periods of time. Those who understand addiction know that jail sentences do not cure it, regardless of the length. But, judges and prosecutors and victims and voters don't care. They want to feel safe. So the burden falls on those of us who believe drug treatment is a better alternative. And our confidence is shaken by pretty low success rates. Lonny Shavelson has discovered what most have missed. We cannot clean up the addicts until we clean up the treatment system. The system has built a career on convincing us that if someone does not do well in recovery it is not the fault of the therapy or therapist. "The addict just didn't want it badly enough," they say. Not true, Shavelson argues. His book is a must read for policymakers looking for what Shavelson calls, "the elusive secret to effective rehab." It is coerced treatment, make 'em go and make 'em stay long enough for it to work. But...and this is the key to Shavelson's book...the "secret lies...not only in coercing addicts into programs, but in coercing the programs to do rehab right." No legislator or governor should spend another nickel on treatment until they read this book and put it to work in the treatment system. Treatment folks should read it as a "self help" guide. Hold up the mirror to your face! For all of you, a curious thing will happen as you read this book. You will come to understand that no one just becomes an addict. Sure some make bad choices but for most the bad choices were made for them. Childhood traumas, sexual abuse, genetic predisposition. As you read about the lives of the 5 addicts Shavelson tells us about, you find yourself...caring. If we are going to meet this challenge, that is what we must do. Caring is the elusive answer. We must care enough to do what we need to do. For anyone who is involved in the substance abuse issues at any level, this book is required reading. Wonderful book.

This skillfully written account of the struggles of five addicts, each of whom the author followed for several years, is not only informative about the promises and perils of rehab, but incredibly moving in its portrayal of courageous attempts to put wrecked lives back together. Set in San Francisco's maze of competing bureaucracies, with forays into homeless encampments and drug lairs as well as welfare hotels and a suburban home, the book makes a powerful argument for a coordinated approach to treatment that meets an addict's long-term psychological and physical as well as short-term behavioral needs. A surprising finding is that people mandated to treatment by drug courts do better than people who "demand" it: the latter are not only stonewalled by hard-pressed administrators, but abandoned to their old environments after "graduating" from whatever program they managed to get into; whereas the drug courts place their clients, track them tenaciously, and give them chance after chance to succeed, often in the face of public opposition.

Lonny Shavelson is also tenacious in following his chosen addicts, several of whom lapse and relapse and are all but lost to the streets. Each of these five is lit from within, at least briefly. One falls through the cracks, but most appear to have been saved, if not through grace, through their own hard work and the faith of a few people in the system...along with the author. This is a riveting read, about people who demand our attention, respect, and empathy. Others in similar circumstances deserve better from the system.

Since my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I have bought every book I could find about the subject. After devouring each book myself, I pass it along to my mother and siblings to read. I enjoyed because it gives a truthful and heart-felt account of one woman's situation with her father's Alzheimer's, and shows how the disease not only affects her relationship with her father but also her relationships with her siblings, husband, friends and even her clients. Praise to Avadian for writing about her experiences.

That being said (typed), I did not think this was the best account that I have read of the subject. Davidson's book describes the author's experience with her husband's Alzheimers, and is much better written. It gave a much more clear description of the slow decent into Alzheimers, and is a beautiful, almost lyrical book. By all means do buy but please consider reading Davidson's book first.

I first met Brenda when she came to our support group. I witnessed and assisted in her journey with her father as she did with me with my husband. Brenda's courage, compassion and humor are an intregal part of this book. Her experiences in this book will help other people realize they are not alone, and to really enjoy and learn from every little or big event in their loved one's journey through Alzheimer's.

A beautiful story told by a young successful career-woman who put her life on old for a father who has Alzheimer's. Like me, Brenda Avadian was in her thirties when her life was disrupted by having a parent diagnosed with Alzheimer's. In this beautifully written chronicle, Brenda shares that story and also includes a bibliography, helpful Web sites, and a very helpful list of "Ten Suggestions for Caregivers". Wonderful full-page photos of Brenda's father are included in this delightful book that should be on the reading list of every caregiver.

Dr. Hickey's hard work is proven in this book. The serial profiling that he has done has made this book outstanding reference material. I have had the good fortune of meeting this man and I think anyone who has anything to do with any type of law work should read this.

This book should be your first reference if you would like to understand the "reality" of serial murder. Cutting through the sensationalism this crime attracts, Dr. Hickey provides an in-depth, research-based analysis of almost 400 serial murderers and their crimes. He also offers the reader insight into the numerous theories (biological, psychological, sociological, etc.) that help to explain this phenomenon, including his own Trauma-Control Model. Of special interest in this 3rd edition of the book is Dr. Hickey's coverage of the phenomenon as a global problem, including a study of 300 Foriegn serial murderers.

Being one of the lucky people in this world to study from Dr. Hickey at Fresno State, I consider this book and the Dr. to be two of the most amaizing sources of knowledge in this dark field. If you begin reading this book knowing nothing about the topic, you walk away being a sudo-expert in the field and study of Serial Killers