Living-will

I am a 39 year old woman with Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic-Late Lyme Disease. I have been a work-a-holic my entire life and used to sing and dance in musicals, lift weights, ride horses, volunteer and model. I have 2 Bachelor Degrees and was beginning my Master's when, at the age of 27, this was all taken from me when I became totally disabled.

It has been tough enough to lose my career, hobbies, ability to care for myself and have children, without the lack of understanding from loved ones. The only way that I can endure these losses is through my faith in our Lord. Yet, brothers and sisters in Christ often attempt to claim I LACK faith.

This book dispells the falsehoods that believers often have about faith and explains true, Biblical faith. It also give encouragement and inspiration to those with chronic conditions.

Ron Dunn has expertly handled this subject of healing. If you have ever wondered about the Christian who WAS NOT divnely healed of a terminal illness you should read this book... It is scriptural and it shatters the myth that illness only strikes believers who have transgressed God in some way or that healing cannot be imparted based simply upon a lack of faith.

Out of extreme circumstances comes extreme blessing. When there are no answers and no reasons Dunn offers the simplest yest most difficult one of all... Trust, Faith and God's Soveriegnty.

This book has helped many people to have the courage to use their sanctified common sense, trusting that God is guiding them.

A number of reviewers have said that the book teaches that God doesn't have a plan for your life. He does ... but he's not about to tell you what it is! You *can* discover God's plan for your life, but only afterwards! It is wonderful to look back and see God's hand. [I don't think what I am saying here detracts from what the authors are saying.]

This is an important book, but it is rather tedious to read. I think that the same material could have been presented in 200 pages, without leaving out any of the important points being made. It is a great book to have read!

I recommend the book, with the above proviso.

Another excellent book on Guidance is Jensen and Payne: Guidance and the Voice of God. The authors of both books are in substantial agreement.

Outside of the Bible no other book has impacted my life in the way Decision Making has. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know know how God relates to the decisions we make everyday. From choosing a college, finding a mate, joining a church, or deciding where to eat lunch, this book will show you how truly free God wants you to be.

Friesen does excellent exegesis and uses simple logic to present his case. Its easy to read and you probably won't be able to put it down. Give this book a try!

This book cuts through a lot of culturally developed [information] about the "will of God". It makes such a difference to have what scripture says-- not just a lot of cultural or traditional hot air-- on the subject.
Friesen's straightforward, to the point writing is right on the mark, and is really quite liberating (it is for freedom He set us free...).
Another wonderful book on the same subject is by Gerald Sittser, "The Will of God as a Way of Life" (what a wonderful title). Sittser has essentially the same perspective, but his book is less academic/apologetic in style, and is more like reading the great inspirational works of Philip Yancey or others.

Using the Bible as his basis, the author tells us that often God guides us incrementally, i.e., that we have "light for our path," but do not necessary see a long way down the road. Similarly he talks about taking opportunities as they present themselves as a form of guidance. If you're in a circumstance, do what is best at that time and place.

He also points out that God may have a person in a place for a while, but things change and there comes a time to move on.

One assurance that is given to people who might fear missing God's direction is that God takes the initiative in guidance. If we're sincere in wanting His will, He will see that His will is done, Smith emphasizes. He tells us the Shepherd illustration in the Bible is reassuring in making this point clear. Not only that, but God's guidance is a gift!

There are some areas in this book where I completely disagree with the author. Overall, however, I found more positive than negative--by far.

I'm trying to apply the principles now. It's nice to have a book that can show the different aspects of "God's will" (including the personal one), yet not discount the mind. It notes that what we often perceive as guidance (e.g., the supernatural, prophecy, fleeces, and inward guidance) are the exceptions and points out why. It focuses on prayer, understanding the Bible, willingness, and thinking carefully. It recognizes however that we consider our desires, abilities, wise counsel, and circumstances. It seems to answer a lot of my questions about guidance as well as my misconceptions. Best of all, he gives you the Biblical texts to read and analyze yourself to see if his arguments hold up, let alone Biblical examples. I know one friend (who found out about the book independent of me) that bought several copies of this book to give as gifts. I may just do the same.

I find "Knowing God's Will" to be an extremely challenging and thought provoking book. Blaine Smith consistently presents a *balanced* and mature approach towards understanding and seeking the Lord's will for our lives. He makes it a point to test his own ideas against what the Bible teaches.

This book will surely challenge you to:-

(1) Discard your misconceptions on how we should go about finding God's will.

(2) Understanding how God reveals His will.

(3) Realize that we, too, need to take responsibility in knowing His will.

The Fat Fallacy: The French Diet Secrets fo Permanent Weight Loss is a wonderful book BUT it is a retitled version of the hardcover edition The Fat Fallacy: Applying the French Diet to the American Lifestyle. There are a few new paragraphs and a few testimonials from readers of the hardcover edition included, but otherwise its the same book. Unfortunately the new title can be misleading and many folks do not realize they are buying the softcover version of the hardcover they already own.

The book is quite an eyeopener. It makes you realize how much fake food we eat.

It seems so astonishing when you think about it. Here in America we are chasing the way to stay slim. One minute we are told it is low fat, the next its no sugar. There are folks who espouse counting carbs, others proteins. The list goes on. While we are fighting the fat wars and getting fatter, the French go about their merry way oblivious to calories. Saying NON to lowfat milk and cheese products, drinking wine etc. When do we wake up and smell the french roasted coffee? THE FRENCH ARE SLIM as a culture and AMERICANS ARE FAT as a culture. And the Frenchmen and women outlive American men and women. THEY MUST BE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT! Why not do what they do?

And that is what Clower's book is all about. He walks you step by step into the changes you need to make to embrace the French lifestyle diet. You will learn to eat for pleasure, savoring each bite. No longer do you eat tasteless low fat, it's full fat cheeses and cream. Wine with your meal if desired. Bread and plenty of it.

The secret is of course moderation and eating REAL food. Did you ever read the ingredients list on light butter. I did for the first time the other day. I couldn't understand half the ingredients in it! And neither can your body understand these synthetic ingredients! Feed your body real butter. But just a little bit because that is all it takes. You won't need to stuff yourself with a ton of food, because eating real food will be satisfying and you will learn how to eat for pleasure. Not gulping it down or supersizing. Eating a small amount in a relaxed environment and enjoying it!

With Clower's book you will rediscover the joy of food and your slim, healthy self!

Will Clower has taken an extremely common sense look at why Americans continue to gain weight, while other cultures have no such problems. The book is easy to read, funny, and engaging. It includes many examples, some easy-to-understand science behind the recommendations it makes, and a series of recepies in the back, to serve as examples.

Why is America - and more specifically, you and I - fat? We spend zillions on diet books, exercise programs, special foods, and still we are statistically more obese, have a shorter life expectancy, and suffer more debilitating health problems from our diet than the French. Yet the French eat what they want, when they want, are terrible about smoking and exercise, and do not give weight a thought. Is life just not fair?

Well, not really, according to the book. Our weight problem, and their lack of such, has to do with cuisine and eating habits; what we eat that they do not (and vice-versa), and how we go about eating it. Dr. Clower identifies and expands on how these result in a lack of success for the American diet, and the tried and true results of the French one. This is not to suggest that everyone start eating veal cordon bleu and singing "Marsaille", but that the habits that work for the French (and coincidentally, many Americans while they are visiting there) could work for us here, if we identify the lessons of the French diet and apply them.

What those lessons are fill the bulk of the book, and they are worth discovering for yourself. As you do, you will find yourself repeatedly smacking your head and saying, "Of course!" A favorite section for my family was the "Faux Food" pages, as we tried to guess what type of junk food was listed by its ingredients. I have literally not touched some of my old favorites since finding them listed there.

A big point in the book's favor is that the plan is not presented as the fervent and unbending requirements of a converted disciple. If you can't eat one meal according to the suggested pattern, don't panic! Eat the right way the next time. Clower points out that with his plan, you cannot fall off the wagon, as there is no wagon to fall off of. That is because the French diet is not a fad plan with points, counters or weigh-ins, but a rational approach to including food in your life.

In the author's words, readers should "develop a healthy relationship with their food." I totally agree. The "Fat Fallacy" opens a door to the lessons on food we have always known, but forgot. Don't pick up another book telling you what you should not eat. Get this one to remind yourself why good food is an essential part of the good life.

The Fat Fallacy is a refreshing new way (or rather old way) of looking at food. In our search for the quick-fix weight-loss solution, we have basically abandoned food and learned to embrace a diet of generally non-edible chemicals that have been dressed to resemble food. This becomes apparent at the end of every chapter, where there is a "faux-foods" quiz, which lists the ingredients of a common food substance and dares you to identify it. I only got one right, and wondered why I've been eating all this stuff. His advice is grounded in common sense - "if it ain't food, don't eat it" - and is actually quite easy to follow. How much time do Americans spend obsessing about how many carbs or sugars or fat grams are in their "food"? And when was the last time an American actually ENJOYED one of these low-fat, low-carb, low-sugar, low-taste, low-nutrition meals? The basic idea behind this "diet" is that Americans are fat because they eat too much. We keep getting fatter in spite of all the diet "foods" we eat. The human body doesn't get the nutrition it needs from this chemical soup, so it remains hungry until it gets some kind of real food. This is the typical binge. It's really quiet disgusting if you think about how much we eat. But in The Fat Fallacy, we are shown how to choose real food and enjoy it, all the while losing weight. How? When your body actually gets the nutrients it needs, it stops telling you that it's hungry, and that's when you stop eating. Pretty simple stuff. No agonizing over what frozen-food item has less fat or less carbs, no more choking down those tasteless food-sticks, no more disgusting eating habits. Our bodies need food. Be nice to your body and give it some.

This is one of the stupidest books I've come across latetly. My dogs are smarter than the dopes who put together this compiliation of true idiocy. First off, much of what they say is simply wrong. Like, oh, "Show me a dog, and I'll show you a picture of happiness.". Who hasn't seen dogs grieve the loss of a human or animal companion? And they don't get over it quickly. Or how about, "Dogs have an endless capacity to play." They DO love to play, but after they're done, they're done. Mine usually end a play session all on their own and head for a treat or the closest dog bed.

Secondly, do you really NEED someone to tell you "Dogs are clearly pack animals and they value the other members of the pack"? Well, duh. Or, "I'm not suggesting we start following those we love from room to room." Jeez... really?

If you DON'T already know the "information" this book delivers, you're probably already in an institution, or you haven't yet reached the age of 3. And agents complain that they can't get superb writers published. What a waste of trees this thing is.

I found myself pawing through each page as I laughed and lapped up every wonderful story. The authors have truly shown how our lives can benefit by simply using our dog's behavior as a metaphor for living. I give this book five and a half paws!"

Dogs Don't Bite When a Growl Will Do is the most unique book I have ever read about our relationship with his best friend. Almost any dog lover would adore this book, and fans of William Wegman's photographs of weimaraners will feel like they have died and gone to heaven.

There's no book quite like this one. Here's the structure: The book is divided into 67 brief lessons. Think of these as being the equivalent of what you might teach your dog, except that these lessons require you to think about dogs and apply what you learn to yourself: It's what you can teach yourself. The lessons are very much in the spirit of self-help books, especially those with a meditative or Zen orientation. Each chapter leads with a thought-provoking (and usually humorous quote) that encompasses the lesson frequently from a famous person ("My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to ninety-nine cents a can. That's almost seven dollars in dog money." -- Joel Weinstein). Many of the lessons are also introduced by an outstanding black-and-white photograph of a dog or dogs exhibiting the lesson's key element. I thought the book was worth its price just for the photographs. Each lesson then starts with an observation about a dog, usually belonging to the authors. The observation is then turned into a prescription for humans. In pursuing the prescriptions, the ancient Greek philosophers and other great thinkers are often cited. In the lesson that "Dogs Are Happy with a Simple Life," Alexander the Great and Diogenes are contrasted . . . and Diogenes gets the nod because he lived the simpler life (and outlived Alexander by almost three-fold in years). You also learn that the ancient Greek word for "cynic" means dog-like. Sometimes the erudition about dogs relates to scientific research. I was fascinated to learn a lot more about a dog's sense of smell.

The personal lessons mirror and build on one another like precise facets in an enormously complex snowflake or crystalline jewel. For instance, related to the subject of happiness are the following facets: Play; love; forgiving; good company; rejoicing in small pleasures; joy; hoping; celebration; not comparing themselves to others; being easily entertained; scratching itches; not sweating the small stuff; turning work into play; being satisfied; optimism; liking treats; licking problems; antidote to stress; shaking off pests; going with the flow; running free; laughing; and compassion.

After enjoying the book (with smiles, chuckles and loud laughs), I realized that its greatest pleasure was reminding me of wonderful experiences that I have had with dogs . . . and how much I appreciated the dogs as they improved my life. That reflection left me with a warm glow.

Although I have so far only read the book once, I suspect that upon rereading it I would notice other connections and pleasures. The book seems to draw upon the source of goodness in life itself.

Have you ever wrestled with God in an effort to discern his will for your life? If so, I believe you'll benefit immensely from this recent offering by Chuck Swindoll. It has been an invaluable resource for me, because in recent months I have realized that the Lord is calling me away from my career as a lawyer and into full time Christian ministry. Talk about needing to figure out God's will!!

This book has no "magic bullets" in it. It can't answer all your questions about where God is leading you. Chuck admits that, and makes no bones about it, in the first pages. But what he offers instead are some solid, practical insights from scripture that should affect our attitude about God's will. He emphasizes God's wonderful attributes, and in particular his sovereignty, to give comfort and hope to those who are confused about the Lord's purpose for their lives.

Chuck also firmly yet lovingly reminds how NOT to try to figure out God's will. This is neither rocket science nor witchcraft -- it's pure holy mystery. You can't figure it out by coming in the side door. The overwhelming emphasis is on learning to trust the God who loves us infinitely, and who has our best interests at heart. In other words, God's will is in the journey more than the destination as we walk with him in that relationship of love and trust.

I recommend this book very highly for every believer, but especially for anyone who is going through a major crisis of faith in seeking God's will. You won't get hard answers, but you'll get insights that will speak to your heart. Giant thanks to brother Chuck!

This is the best book I have ever read on knowing the will of God. The most significant part of Swindoll's writings are that they point to what we all should already know from God's Word. As my husband and I are seeking the Lord's will about our career or whether or not we should go into the mission field, Swindoll reminded me of the confidence we have in God's sovereignty. I'm so glad that I can rest in that. This is a book that I will recommend to anyone who struggles to know the will of God. Thanks Chuck!

This is one of the best books I have ever read. It put into words, what I have known in my heart: That God is God, and He knows what He's doing; and that I am accountable to him, not the other way around.

My husband and I transformed our life through Ultraprevention. And we've completed only part of what is recommended so far. We are gradually continuing on the path because it works. As patients of doctors Liponis and Hyman, it is hard to overstate their genuine caring and desire to help their patients live as fully as possible. How terrific that everyone can try their program through this book, not just those fortunate enough to be able to go to Canyon Ranch. The most important points we've learned from our experience: 1) Take charge of your own health. You cannot count on today's harrassed, malpractice-threatened, inappropriately incented doctors to do it for you. Even those with the best of intentions are hamstrung by the system. 2) The smallest steps in the right direction can bring significant rewards. The program is not overwhelming and complex when you think of it incrementally. Just take one bite at a time -- it's not an all or nothing exercise.

What a fabulous book, and filled with easy to understand tips and advice you can immediately put to use. These 2 doc's make more sense than the US mint. And from their stories, they are living examples that you can survive cancer and chronic fatigue. I really like the list of "ten tests your doctor should be doing" and their whole philosophy that good health is more than just the absence of disease. Their six week plan seems do-able, and their stories about patients ring so true that I'm willing to give their plan a try. So phooey on SouthBeach and to heck with Atkins! Let common sense, good nutrition and reasonable exercise save my life and yours. The book is easy reading... and be sure to give it to a friend or loved one when you're done with it.

I have read many books on how to stay healthy, and by far, this is the best book that I have read on the subject. I suggest that anyone who is interested in taking control of their health destiny to sit down and absorb what these two very informed doctors have written on the subject. We need more doctors who, "look outside the box," and desire to educate people as Dr. Hyman and Dr. Liponis have undertaken with their wonderful and enlightening book. It is a must read for everyone!

In "Hearing God," Dallas Willard runs through the prison stuffing keys in all the cell doors, inviting us to turn the key and be set free from our preconceived notions of when and how God speaks to us. Make no mistake, this is no light summer reading, and it will require a lot of time to digest everything he has to say. I recently finished reading this book, and I feel as if scales have fallen from my eyes. Willard is pointing us toward what life can be like if you would only have confidence in the fact that God wants to speak to you, if only you would know what frequency to tune your ears to (I know, that's a horrible analogy, but it's the best I can come up with while staring at a computer monitor).

Trust me, please, read this book prayerfully and with the full expectancy that God will open your eyes to all that is truly going on around you. It will forever change you...

This is easily the best book on finding God's will I have ever read. It succeeds because Willard recognizes there are no formulas. The way to find God's will is to find God and learn how to converse with him. Willard argues that in seeking God's will, we generally are asking the wrong questions: "What job should I take?" "Whom should I marry?" Those questions are legitimate but should be secondary to desires to have a deep relationship with God. It is in that relationship with God that the questions of our lives get answered. Willard then explores what the Bible teaches regarding ways in which God communicates with us. Excellent.

Dallas Willard points the direction to a life of loving God in his book, HEARING GOD. The path is there to all those who believe in Christ, it is not hidden. This is not a book about doing what we are told to do, but rather entering into a loving relationship with the Lord and the direction he provides in making us who He wants us to be. As Mr. Willard writes, "Hearing God is but one dimension of a richly interactive relationship, and obtaining guidance is but one facet of hearing God." This book points to a life long relationship with Christ, and will lead the reader into being the kind of person He calls each of us to be.

Written to complement The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, this book will help you identify and develop the personal qualities you need to become a more effective leader.

Maxwell does an excellent job of getting to the heart of each quality in a few short pages. He starts with two relevant quotations to start you thinking. He then gives you a short real-life example of that particular quality in action.

He breaks each principle down into specific applications, gives you a brief period where you can assess your own effectiveness, offers you concrete ways to improve yourself, and wraps each chapter up with a profound thought that will stay with you long after you have closed the cover.

What you get out of this book depends on how you read it. This is a very simple read, and you may be tempted to race through it and miss some key points. Maxwell rightly suggests that you walk through each quality methodically, giving it the attention that it warrants based on your current level of competence.

While the material warrants five stars, some spelling mistakes and the author's use of his own quotes dropped it down a notch for me. Otherwise, an excellent handbook for improving your personal leadership qualities.

Larry Hehn, Author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory

I genuinely like this book because it causes the reader to BE the qualities of a leader. It addressed character, charisma, commitment, communication, competence, courage, discernment, focus, generosity, initiative, listening, passion, positive attitude, problem solving, relationships, responsibility, security, self discipline, servanthood - to get ahead put others first, teachability - keep leading - keep learning, and vision.

This book will show you that every leader is a leader first to themselves, by integrating the above qualities into our consciousness, and walking our talk with others, and especially within our own selves.

I recommend that the reader seeks to BE these qualities, and to integrate them into a positively focused life - from the inside out.

This book is a wonderful contribution to embrace the highest qualities of genuine leadership, sans the ego's need to try to get others to follow you, but simply to be joyously immersed in BEING you.

Highly recommended to bring out the leader in you.
Barbara Rose, author of 'If God Was Like Man: A Message from God to All of Humanity' and "Individual Power: Reclaiming Your Core, Your Truth, and Your Life'

This is one of the best books on leadership I have read. It gives specific examples and motivational thoughts as to what it takes to live the life of a leader.

The book is an easy read and can be used as part of a 21 day/week/month program to apply the morsals and maxims of leadership Maxwell provides.

Now that my copy is all marked up, I can't wait to share it with my employees!

A very thoughtful book. Paints a vivid portrait of the major issues we will be facing this century. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking to understand what future demographics has in store for us, and how we should prepare for it.

Age Power is a compelling look at how our world will be forever changed by the aging of the enormously powerful boomer generation. I was particularly moved by the implications of the "age wave" on the lives of American families. How will millions of working Americans afford the simultaneous costs of funding their children's education, caring for elderly parents, and saving for their own retirement? Age Power is well worth the read for the chapter on the "caregiving crunch" alone, and Dr. Dychtwald's "financial wake-up call" includes invaluable tips on "age-proofing" your life. If you're looking for a thoughtful explanation of the greatest challenges we will face as individuals and as a society in the next century--as well as practical solutions--don't miss this book.

I have followed this author's work for many years and this is his best book yet!I would heartily recomend it. Ken Dychtwalds' book Age Power is the most comprehensive and insightful analysis of the impact of the Baby Boomers on society. Written in an informative manner for the general reader, I found his book fresh with ideas about how to understand the landscape of the future. From the impact on health care, business, economics and education, the "New Old" will rule, accordingly to Dychtwald, and after reading this thoughtful book I now know how. I found his suggestions for how to influence this future to be very interesting. He makes a convincing case for a higher level of social responsibility required by the aging baby boomers as we move into the 21st century. Age Power is a book that I will refer back to for a long time. I will use it as a guide for my personal and business planning.