Renewal

The forty-day retreat that this book guided me through led me into a much deeper relationship with God. It challenged me to go beyond my comfort level and to give myself daily to God's will. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to renew their daily walk with God.

This book was a watershed experience for me. It opened my eyes to what is missing in my Christian walk. I have been so hungry to understand how to let God fill this ache in my soul to know Him. I asked Him for something and He gave me this book. I can't say enough.

I am amazed at the anointing that is upon this book. Not only my life, but the lives of several people I know have been changed into lives immersed in the Spirit. Not only does this book challenge you and your perspective on your walk with Christ, but also LEADS you into that deeper walk.

This book should be reread several times for it's treasure of insights and profound statements.

Sadler interviews several candidates displaying second growth, and along the way, he not only introduces us to new possibilities of renewal and personal growth after 40, but also comments on the complexities and subleties of life as experienced by those ahead of our age.

His table of contents reads like a list of reflections on life; balancing mindful reflection and risk taking; creating a positive third age indentity; redfining work and play, etc.

We often see ourselves in his interviews, and we see how others have overcome difficult situations to restructure their life and re-emerge and remain resilient.

I particularly like his interviews with people in their 60s, 70,s 80s, giving us a glimpse of what to expect at that age.

A must read!

For those of us in the Baby Boom Generation, between being told that those over 30 are not to be trusted and those over 40 might as well cash it all in, living a full and fulfilling life during those over-40 years seemed unlikely. While society has shown us that those notions hold no water, Sadler's book takes us far beyond into a life and world that makes the first half seem like the necessary foundation for the real fulfillment which will come in our Third Age. This well researched, engagingingly written book allows us to see why and how our latter years are truly our best years - with lives that bring us the fulfillment and enyoyment for which we are meant.

In a culture devoted to youth, THE THIRD AGE is a groundbreaking work. At the present time in America, everything old is discarded not repaired. Aging is a subject for jokes, not inspiration and excitement. I am 65 and have suffered the mundane indignities of losing hair, stronger glasses, arthritis and glitches in memory, but having children late in life has encouraged me to crawl on the floor, play horsy and throw a baseball. Naturally I was delighted to read Dr. Sadler's helpful and well researched book, which provides an invaluable conversation about aging, supported by interviews with people who have explored this later period creatively. I don't feel alone in my efforts. There is no other book like it, a book that must be the forefront of a growing movement of concern about how we spend the potentially most productive and creative years of our extended lives.

This wonderfully written, heartfelt story, is directed to caregivers who may be struggling as they care for a family member or friend. Caregiving is such a heartwretching experience, and the role of giving, giving, giving can be mentally and physically exhausting. This book gives perspective, permission to care for yourself, and a "how to achieve caring for yourself" direction. It validates the feelings caregivers have -- it acknowledges the hassles and the stressors, the morals and the ethics, the values and the beliefs. It supplies direction with a sense of humor and compassion using professional and personal experiences. I found this book an excellent resource in my professional and person lives in supporting other caregivers. Cathy Thomas, R.N., O.C.N., Stephen Ministries Leader.

I am impressed by your book--by its alluring title its wide ranging scope covering so many aspects of caregivers' experiences and needs, its clarity and style and helpful wisdom on many topics. Many will find it a most valuable source to which to turn for encouragement and advice in the complex, often diffiult, always taxing responsibities of caring for others. Many people, more all the time, have such roles. They do their work with remarkable patience and skill, but it helps them to have good support from others. Robert Esbjornsonm, retired college ethics prof., St. Peter, Mn.

The focus of this book is on the caregivers's self care and survival while performing the arduous and endless tasks of giving service to other. In writing this book authors Brammer and Bingea have created a lifeline based on their professional and person experiences, drawing upon psychology, social work, philosophy, religion, medicine, cross-cultural studies and education, as well as personal involvement in caring ministries in church and broader service in Red Cross and Hospice.

It's here -- now better late than never. If you're serious fan of photojournalism and photo design you must have it. Of all the photo books on the market concerning the events of September 11th, this great non-for-profit book is one of the best I have seen to date. And I've seen a lot of them. "Endure: renewal from ground zero" is a completely noncommercial, unsentimental and yet heart breaking book. Beautifully and modestly produced; with such a dignity and great photographic passion; with all the profits, it seems, destined for good cause. I'm glad I bought it, don't miss it!

I got my own copy through the friend of the friend back last summer; later I found two more copies on Ebay but only in ÒOK conditionÓ Ð this is my only "beef" with it: although beautifully printed, it is softbound; as a book designer myself I only wish they published it as a hardcover. They should've thought about it. It is such a small treasure. IÕm glad to see it on Amazon.com Ð I guess I missed it before.

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and that is especially true of the incredible images contained within the covers of this intelligent and quite ÒdifferentÓ photo book. While purposefully restrained and reflective in tone ÒEndureÓ speaks emotional volumes.

This book is small in scale, but large with impact. A book especially powerfully reminiscent for someone who has witnessed September 11th human tragic with his or her own eyes.

If you enjoyed The Final Quest or any of Joyner's other prophetic books, or if you've never read any of his material, The Harvest will not disappoint. It's much more than "the prophetic word for the 90s." The 90s are over and most of this book still applies to the future. If you want to be prepared for what God is about to do in our world, this book is the place to start. The Harvest will challenge you in your daily walk and motivate you to go deeper in order to be a ready vessel to be used by Him.

I first read the Harvest about five years ago. It quickly pushed me out of my spiritual lethargy and into a new realm of Christianity. This book will reshape your thinking. Beware, religious Christians! God may use this book to inflict damage on your traditional mindset. If you don't want to progress in your relationship with God, then don't read this book! Nonchristians, watch out! This may be the very book to convince you of the reality of a living God, and His benefits to you!

SUBTITLE: "The Prophetic word of the nineties" -- very appropriate. Very insightful about the moves of the Spirit among the Christians. Warnings about dangerous trends.

Make sure you also read Rick Joyner's "Final Quest." It should be included in the contemporary cannon of the saints.

I found that the renewal first encounter was more then just a good read, it was an experience. The story is so rich that it reaches out and pulls you into it.There are so many twists and turns that you can not guess how it will end.When I started reading it I could not put it down and when I had to,I was always looking forward to picking it up again. The author is a natural story teller, and I look forward to his next book.

I am an avid reader and in my humble opinion , Ian J Cue should be ranked up there with King, Koonts, L'amour, and all the rest of the great writers. I cann't wait for the sequal.

The book, "The Renewal: First Encounter" was very uniquely written. Ian J. Cue has a very creative mind and is a talented author. Once I started reading this book I found it very difficult to put down. It grabbed my attention and didn't let go of it from the very first page to the very last. This is the best book I have read in a long while. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a book of romance, adventure, wisdom, and mystery all tied into one. I am looking forward to the sequels!!!

its a really good book it made my cry but I liked it alot.

This book is a great story of a mothers dedication to her son and daughter. The story is about Ryan White's devoted mother and how she helps him in the battle against AIDS. She has so much courage; how she delt with her son dieing, and her divorces. A very touching story.

God Bless Jeanne White for writing this book! If you have *never* lost a loved one to AIDS, this is *still* a must read! Ms. White writes not only of living with and dying of AIDS. She writes of the loss of a child, the loss of a loved one, and all the emotions that come forth from this -- faith, fear, anger, confusion, hope, sorrow... this book is a true human experience. If you have lost someone close to you, you must read this book. Jeanne's book brought me tears and smiles... and comfort... and hope. Jeanne, thank you for sharing Ryan's story, but more importantly, thank you for sharing your own story. It is the caregiver who is often the most devastaed after a loss. Thank you for allowing others to experience what we go through

This is the best conceputalizaton of the second half of life that I have ever read.It puts theory into practice and teaches that one can stay young and continually evolving with the proper attitute, learning and social environments tempered with an active healthy life style. The concept of retirement is no longer valid in the 21st century. We must think of
'protirement'now that can live to be centegenarians.
We must entrepreneur our futures and proactively build
on the new or retooled skills of the previous years. Our tasks become:redefining values,renewing our life's purpose, continually training to stay ahead in the ever-changing world and transition gracefully with our wisdom into new and exciting terrain. Along with the challenge of growth and change,
we bring the wisdom of the years.

Coaches will help us with change and transition, for they are not
simply 'change agents', but 'change masters' trained to accompany up on our journey,to help guide our vision of the
life we long for before we say 'adieu'.

Lot's of valuable information. Written in a conversational style that is easy to read. Helpful insights and practical advice. A real resource to help you understand the life you are living.

As one who has had some significant Pluto transits, this book has been a frequent companion. Transiting Pluto in particular gets a lot of bad press, but Tierney approaches these times of transformation in a positive manner and offers practical ways to make the most of these transits. The writing is clean and accessible to readers at all levels of astrological knowledge. The reader has a reference for Pluto transits through all the houses and to all the planets, which makes this work an excellent reference for practicing astrologers, as well as a support tool for those undergoing the transits themselves. Tierney has done astrological practice a great service with his trilogy of works on outer planet transits. He is as authentic as Pluto demands!

"Alive and Well with Pluto" is an excellent choice for either getting acquainted with Pluto and its mysteries, or for furthering your study of this often intimidating planet. This book has something new and different to say about Pluto and is quite readable for those at all levels of astrology.

I read the author's "Twelve Faces of Saturn" two years ago and was impressed with his grasp of this serious and weighty planet, and so, I was anticipating a penetrating look at Pluto and was not disappointed. After reading this book, you will understand how relevant in today's psychology-oriented culture is the mythology of Pluto, and you will feel much more hopeful about any Plutonian transit you may have coming up.

Chapter Two---not to be missed---presents the benefits associated with successfully managing transiting Pluto. There are many suggestions, written in a witty, but exceedingly practical way, of how to do just that: manage your own Pluto encounters.

Before turning to Part II---a thorough analysis of Pluto transiting each house and planet of our natal chart--a careful reading of the "Tour" chapters (Three and Four) will provide you with a foundation for Part II. These chapters, covering how Pluto sizes up each natal planet and house, are well written and very easy to digest. These forty-four pages are lucid sketches of these basic factors of our chart, and what can happen when Pluto pays a visit.

The author seems on such intimate terms with the principles of the planets and houses, collectively and individually, that one feels as if he/she is reading a direct translation. Tierney's natal concepts are presented in a fresh way---you may look at the planets and houses with a clearer eye after reading this book. A bonus in reading "Alive and Well with Pluto" is that the Outer Planets are sometimes discussed as a group. Additionally there are excellent sections of the transits of Pluto with each of the other Outer Planets, Uranus and Neptune.

I now look forward to reading Bil Tierney's other two books in this trilogy---"Alive and Well with Uranus" and "Alive and Well with Neptune."

This is the workbook for We the People, a manifesto for problem solving as (r)evolutionary as any 18th Century founding document. It is to be used by communities, groups, or institutions in crisis or when they know in their hearts and minds that they need to rehabilitate their policies and procedures to make them genuinely of, by and for. A DIY of the highest social, political and moral order, it contains incendiary statements ("Democracy isn't supposed to work. We are supposed to work it."), inflammatory suggestions (consensual taxation) and tools for self-empowerment (forum media) such as make flag waving child's play. Senator Bill Bradley says that a healthy society requires the interwoven functioning of three sectors: government, market and civic. Currently, government and the market/corporate sectors are in cahoots, giving the planet, the Third World and Main Street the cold shoulder, busier building others' nations than rebuilding our own. Especially in the wake of 9/11, this leaves the civic sector up for grabs. It is the closest to home, where most of us can achieve our fullest potential, and retaking it is the purview of "Recreating Democracy."

In simple, accessible prose, it defines and delineates what progenitor Wells calls "Consensual Democracy," which is nothing less than voluntary, direct, inclusive, open-session, open-minded, non-partisan local self-governance. Because democracy is inherently neither Liberal nor Conservative, the book is neither. Or both. But both Consensual Democracy and this book are radically pragmatic. Herein are the principles (twelve of them), and the realistic procedures, structures, formats and sample documents for organizing from the bottom up. The book can be taken entire as a kind of gospel of community renewal or sections can be broken away from the text and adapted. (Portions would make great teaching materials for civics or social studies classes.) The support materials are a sort of "Everything You Needed to Know About Democracy But Nobody Told You." For readers to see how the effort to democratize plays out in real time and with real people, the authors offer a series of dramatic (roll-playable) scenes in which the citizens of Everytown (based on the fifty-year Chestnut Hill PA experience) determine where they want to go, learn to draw out and consider each other's visions and abilities, and decide how to get there in a fiscally responsible way: by creating a consensually democratic, hands-on Community Association. A complement to sovereign government, such an Association is capable of tackling economic, social, racial, land use, environmental, business, educational and leadership problems that sovereign government fails to, often cannot, address. It proves a contentious, dynamic, unpredictable, long-term, and exhilarating undertaking. Not easy, never virtual, it fosters self-awareness, widespread participation, and enlightened self-interest. As Everytowners align their separate visions into a shared one, they create a recognizable repository of social capital--trust, competence, independence, confidence, mutual and self-respect--that is both a means and an end of living democracy.

Consensual Democracy and this, its book, propose that the true test, task, and success of our collective future lie not only in material accomplishments, which are impermanent, but also in constructive, collaborative relationships created patiently, methodically, and deliberatively over time between people who live and/or work in proximity with each other and have concern for the common good. We the People have largely lost the habit of such commitment, cooperation and communality. Consensual Democracy revives the practices and, in time, the habits necessary for evolving such rewarding, life a-affirming and freedom-sustaining political and personal relationships. "Recreating Democracy" reminds us that such habits can be taught. Our kids will need them. Only healthy, self-organizing, self-renewing civic cells are immune to the viruses of terror, national disarray, economic decline and global chaos.

It has been suggested...that Well's and Lemmel's
Recreating Democracy be read as a companion volume to Robert Putnam's
Bowling Alone. .... What Recreating
Democracy provides is practical guidelines for citizens to create
contexts for political conversation and action. "Civic
engagement" as Putnam employs the concept, refers to informal
networks as rich civic resources, but these networks do not
necessarily inspire public debate and wider social questioning. Wells
and Lemmel offer "new tools and methods" that look beyond
individual concerns to their political and structural dimensions and
provide citizens with a blueprint for creating a means of engaging in
public discussion. If one is interested in creating civic engagement
that produces public-spirited conversation and action, providing
citizens with a public context to voice their political concerns, then
Recreating Democracy should be their handbook.

What is both
refreshing and unconventional in this book is not only the methods for
civic renewal but also the way in which they are presented. With a
highly pragmatic commitment to provide realistic and useful tools, the
authors take the reader through a detailed process of civic
conversation and action with chapters written in the form of
hypothetical yet entirely believable letters, memos, and
"dramatic scenes." These unconventional chapters are
accompanied by more traditional chapters on theory and practice.

The
conceptual framework for this book, what the authors call
"consensual democracy," emerged out of more than a
half-century of experience in community building in a community
outside of Philadelphia. Consensual democracy is defined as democracy
by consent (not consensus) deriving authority from the freely given
consent of individual citizens. This is contrasted with
"sovereign government," deriving power from public laws and
police powers.

Among the most useful and exciting tools of
consensual democracy are "the community catalyst" and
"consensual taxation." A community catalyst is a public
workshop designed to create a vision of a community's future and a
plan for achieving that vision through voluntary action. Consensual
taxes, along with a consensual tax bill, allows citizens to know
detailed financial information about budgeted community programs and
provides them with the opportunity to support or withhold support from
programs and expenses for which they are assessed.

Recreating
Democracy should be consulted by anyone interested in the civic arts,
as a primer not only for community renewal but for renewing the skills
of democratic citizenship. As John Dewey wrote in The Public and Its
Problems (1927) "faculties of effectual observation, reflection,
and desire are habits acquired under the influence of the culture and
institutions of society, not readymade inherent powers." Fewer
and fewer institutions in our culture inspire these faculties and
habits. Wells and Lemmel have performed a valuable public service by
providing tools for acquiring these habits of democracy as a means of
civic renewal.

Wells and Lemmel have created a rare book, one that actually offers a clear path towards an elusive goal. The question of how to create a better community is essential for any society. I'm not claiming that this book has the ultimate answer, but it does provide some very interesting ideas. The cool part is that it goes further then just ideas, it provides very concrete steps that should be taken to attain a better community. It comes complete with worksheets for town meetings, ideas on how to raise awareness for community happenings, agendas for meetings, even breakdowns on funding a community association.

Best of all the format of this book is straight-forward and easy to understand. I'm a 20 something computer profesional with very little background in civics, but this book made a difficult concept very easy to follow. It's actually laid out like a play, with simple characters representative of different personalities you probably have in your town. Add to that an impressive appendix of all the forms referred to in the play, and you have a book that really does make a complicated concept easy to digest.

All in all I'd highly recommend this book to anyone interested in their community and civics in general. It will introduce the complexities of building a community and offer a clear path on how to achieve that goal.