4 stars (Understanding and Healing a Woman's Soul.) - If your a man and just can't seem to figure out woman, then this book is not necessarily for you. I would encourage you to read John Eldredge's, the co-authors other book, "Wild at Heart". It touches on everything in this book, and will also help you understand yourself better as a man, which in turn will help you come to a better understanding of what makes woman tick. If you are a male that is into counseling woman then I would recommend this book to you. From my interaction with woman over the years, I can see this book bringing healing to many a woman's life, as long as they give the book a chance and are honest with themselves. I do see some anger in some of the other reviews, but I really think these reviewers are just missing the point. As a man I do find the type of woman that the author tries to lead all woman to become, to be the only ones that I truly find Captivating. And no matter what some people would say, as a woman you are entitled to be Captivating. So buy the book and enjoy becoming all that you can be. 5 stars (Every man and women on earth should read this and Wild @) - Hello!! Jesus came and died for our sins. We have been released from the curse of sin and death, this includes the curse issued in the Garden. I believe that this book should be read in conjunction with Wild at Heart for we can not understand our roles as men and women unless we understand each other. John has taken on an incredible task - to understand a woman's heart. He did the only thing that he could do, he asked his wife to help. They have taken modern culture and showed us the desires reflected in unsaved and saved humanity. Then they showed us how to meet those desires - to pursue a romantic relationship with God. In order to give ourselves permission for this romance, they had to first show us that God needs us - no one else on earth can fulfill the purpose that God created us for. Then they showed us th... Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: Spirituality - General :: Religious life :: Religion - Prayer & Spirituality :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christ :: Captivating - Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman-s Soul
5 stars (A great book) - A great book with a practical approach to a sensitive area for all men. 5 stars (Great tool to overcome sexual temptation) - This is an incredible book. It totally helped me to overcome my struggles with pornography and sexual temptation in general. It gives the reader tools to fight the battle. I'd highly recommend it. It's changed my life and the lives of others I know. If you struggle at all in this area, it's the book for you. 2 stars (Agreed) - Hello, my name is Michael Campbell, and having used this book in a study group I agree that it is totally a mixed bag. I feel her review is right on, and dont really have that much to add to it. Luckily it was a quick read (each of the 6 sections takes only 20 or 30 minutes to read) and so I dont feel I wasted a lot of time on it. If you struggle with sexual purity then this is for you. If not invest your time in the Bible or another wonderful book Gods Politics by Wallis. God bless! Mike Campbell ... WaterBrook Press :: Religion & Counseling :: Temptation :: Sex :: Religious life :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Counseling :: Christianity - Theology :: Every Man-s Battle - Winning the War on Sexual Temptation One Victory at a Time (The Every Man Serie
5 stars (the most useful and practical) - spiritual guidebook I have ever read. No faith is required, only simple practices 5 stars (We all need a reminder......) - I read this book over the course of three mornings. A great way to start the day. A simplistic yet profound message that will change the way you look at yourself and other people. I love how at one point he directs our attention to the page we are reading stating how a sheet of paper is more than just a sheet of paper. It contains the clouds, the rain, the sun, the trees, the logger (even the logger's wheat breakfast),etc. One cannot exist without the other. How often do we focus on every breath we take? Consciously, we can breathe in while we "heal our bodies", then breathe out and "smile" (which I am sure most of us are lacking). This is a quick, yet effective, exercise you can try right now as you read these reviews -- breathing and smiling. Smiling works. It changes how you feel and it affects others positively. Try it the next time you are out and about. We are all connected. His message in this book is beautiful. Can't wait to read more and revisit this one in the near future to increase my understanding of his philosophies of mindful living. Enjoy! 5 stars (Life Changing Book) - I have read this book like 5 times and everytime I read it I learn something new. This book has changed my life and the way that I treat others. I would recomend this book to anyone who is looking for themselves or something bigger than themselves, for anyone who is looking for answers this book has them. I have bought copies for my friends and have loaned my own out and everyone I have given it too has said the same thing that they couldn't put it down and that it was just what they were looking for. Read this book and open your mind and heart up to it and it will change you. ... Bantam :: Body :: Mind & Spirit & New Age :: Religious life :: Religion - World Religions :: General :: Buddhism - Zen :: Buddhism :: Thich Nhat Hanh :: :: Peace Is Every Step - The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
1 stars (Well meaning but mis-guided) - Hi As a former twelve stepper i know that most 12 step programs especially AA denigrate organized religion......the 12 steps look on the surface to be totally christian but if you study AA's hallowed "Big Book" you'll find many statements that are totally incompatible with orthodoxy...." the spiritual path is broad and never exclusive." which is in direct opposistion to Jesus's statement that the path is narrow and broad is the path that leads to destruction.......When taking a forth step inventory when you get to your sexual inventory it just says to look where you have been selfish..forget adultary...its not mentioned.......bill wilson claimed extreme drunkeness kept him from cheating on his wife but after sobering up he had several misstresses..........they had a group of AA people that their whole job was watching him so he didn't embaress AA..... He Experimented with LSD thinking it was the answer for people who couldn't get the program...... While writing the 12 steps he claimed he got inspiration directly fom a 15th century monk named Boniface..... Dr. Bob the co founder and his wife Anne had regular sceances in their home........i won't post my email here because AA people are fanatic about the cult.....there is a book called Not God .i forget the author but it was taken from AA's archives plus if someone will put there email on a post i can send online documentation about every thing i say..... aa's vuanted success rate is actually about 6% for one year of sobriety and 1% for five years..not an overwelming success... the suicide rate is very high..due mostly being controlled by sponsers that basically browbeat sponsees..i was on the verge of suicide when i left the cult...i had quit the church after being brainwashed that the doctrines of all churches are man made...I have discovered real spirituality not the AA brand.. just watch tv..12 step programs are mentioned constantly as real pop culture now......the suc... Conciliar Press :: Twelve-step programs :: Religious life :: Religious aspects :: Religion - World Religions :: Religion :: Pastoral Care And Counseling :: Orthodox Eastern Church :: :: Steps of Transformation- An Orthodox Priest Explores the Twelve Steps
5 stars (Every man should read this book!) - Frankly, I do not understand how any male Christian could give this book anything less than 5 stars. Outside of the Bible, no book has impacted my life in the way this one has. From the first few pages on I was hooked because this book was speaking to something that I knew in my heart was true. John Eldredge has a deep desire for men to recapture a Godly, masculine identity that is lacking so much in our culture today. This goes way beyond just being a nice guy. He challenges men to capture the danger and risks that come from a deeper relationship with God. The author backs up these ideas with solid scriptural teaching and the simple fact that the truthes expressed in these pages strike a nerve at the very center of your heart. This book is a must read if you are a man and especially if you have had the feeling that there is something missing with the our current Christian culture's attitude toward true masculinity. 5 stars (Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul) - At age 64, I have read many books, novels, autobiographies, et. al., but I have never read a book written in TRUTH and LOVE like this book is. EVERY man should read it, and then, should re-read it with his wife...and maybe even his daughters and sons....this is the most dead-on, God-filled book, save the Holy Bible, I have ever read!!!!!!! John Elredge should get a Pulitzer Prize for this book. It is his heart, his soul, his Lord! If there were 10 stars, I'd go a 10!!!!!! Blessings! Ken Skeen 5 stars (Wild at Heart-A Must Read for every Baby Boomer Guy) - At the urging od 3 guy friends I ordered Wild at Heart and I must say I could not put it downn. I'm a 52 year old "successful" Baby Boomer" who couldn't figure out why I was unsettled with my life. John Elderedge's Wild at Heart explains what we who grew up in the 50's and 60's missed out on-a sense of true masculinity conferred by our fathers. Prior to the 60's dads and sons were at "murde... Nelson Books :: Religion & Spirituality :: Christian Living :: Spirituality - General :: Religious life :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Masculini :: Wild at Heart- Discovering the Secret of a Man-s Soul
5 stars (A Non-Christian Nation) - Christian Smith and Melinda Denton have produced a wonderful analysis of the religious condition of teenagers (ages 13-17) in the USA. They collected survey data on 3290 teenagers and then followed up with more extended interviews of 267 of those surveyed. The initial survey gave an over all picture of the religious character of these teenagers including their affiliations, participation, beliefs and experiences. The interviews provided an in-depth exposure of what these teens really believe. As it turns out, the seeming wide-spread acceptance of religious life by teens (only 16% were "not religious") is largely to a vague, self-defined religion which the authors defined as: Moralistic Therapeutic Deism. The teens believed in a generally disinterested divine power who supervised a system to provide personal peace and prosperity for nice people, or perhaps to help them them be nice. They adhered to a religion that is helpful, but not entirely necessary. While there were those who could be described as believers in Christianity as defined by the Bible, and also those who denied any religion, the clear majority favored MTD. The book is a "must read" for any who would like to better understand the status of the spiritual interests of youths. It also is valuable for all who would generally understand American culture. While the authors make no such claim, it is likely that the youths' view of religion is likely the common view of our age. At the least, it surely will be the increasingly dominant religion as these youths enter adult life. For parents and youth workers who are interested in true spiritual life for their children, it shows the arena in which their own youths reside. It should stimulate good thinking and discussion of how properly to intervene in what turns out to be a huge spiritual void in the lives of professing spiritual/religious youths. This is an excellent book. 5 stars (The Best Resource Available T... Oxford University Press :: Spirituality :: Adolescents :: United States :: Teenagers :: Spiritual life :: Sociology of Religion :: Sociology :: Social Science :: Religious life :: Children's Stud :: Soul Searching- The Religious And Spiritual Lives Of American Teenagers
5 stars (Just what you are looking for...) - This book handles all the issues about sexual purity for every young man. Great. 3 stars (It makes me mad how this book portrayes the girls like they are victims.) - Are they victims? One of the girls says, "I was so wanting to wait for my wedding night, but I also wanted to make him happy, so I let it go too far." So its all his fault? He was wrong for pressuring her but she is wrong for letting it happen. She said he herself. "...but I also wanted to make him happy." Forget about his happiness. She said she wanted to wait for her wedding night. So she should have. So stop acting like its all the guys fault. Another girl stated that she really like this guy and he tried some things that made her uncomfortable. She said she asked him to stop but he persisted. "Finally he just wore me down and I eventually gave in. He had weakend my defenses." What! Ok, again. Guys should stop pressuring these girls like this. But it makes me mad that she settled for that. Oh woe is her. For goodness sake stand up and tell the guy no, and if he tries anything again. He's out of here. Another girl said she hated making her boyfriend feel bad and having the blame pushed back on her. So she gave in. So here is another victim. How come these girl couldn't stand up and say that she is not going to do it no matter how much he tries? And if he tries it again. She out of there. I'm sick of this blame being pushed on guys. I know we try. But these girls make it seem like that if we do try they are not powerful enough to resist. Is that true ladies? If it is, no wonder the guys are persistent. I have seen some very strong girls in my time and maybe somebody should teach these girls to be also. I remember a time when I was kissing this girl, which was her idea by the way, but when I tried to see if could have sex with her. She became furious. She grab my hand, pointed her hand in my face and said. "If I EVER did that again... WaterBrook Press :: Juvenile Nonfiction & Social Situations & Dating & Sex :: Young men :: Social Situations - Dating and Sex :: Sexual Instruction :: Sex :: Religious life :: Religi :: Every Young Man-s Battle - Strategies for Victory in the Real World of Sexual Temptation (The Every
5 stars (Bad Girls of the Bible: And What We Can Learn from Them ) - This is a must for every woman with or without a past. It allows one to look deep within and see the woman that was or is and the hope of a new life with and in Christ Jesus. It has wonderful insights into your relationships with others and more importantly with our husbands. How often we are quick to blame them when it just might be our problem and not their fault. I found this book spiritual, insightful and humorous. I encourage every woman to give it a look see. 5 stars (Bad Girls of the Bible) - My Sunday School Class is using it as their Bible Study, and think it is well done. Better so far for younger women, but I have read ahead and it will get better for the older woman. 1 stars (Misogynistic, Narrow minded, Simplistic ) - I read more than 30 pages of this book only because my book group chose it. The author begins by saying that her husband (an Old Testament scholar) read (imply vetted) and corrected it for her. Help me! She believes herself too ignorant and dependent to even write her own book. She takes a very narrow view of biblical stories, reinforcing male dominated interpretations. This is "born-again" drivel. I, for one, think of Eve as the first heroic scientist. I hope she grabbed that fruit, relished the knowledge (even if it was unflattering knowledge) it brought her, and later reflected that while it was hard won, what she had learned was worth it. (If I am unknowingly naked, please let me find out!) Life is more difficult when we do not live in ignorance and denial - but, oh, how rich, thought provoking, and exciting it is when we embrace unflattering truths about ourselves, others and the world we live in. The author appears to caution us against taking risks, thinking for ourselves, asking for what we want and challenging authority. If you are over the age of 20, you know enough about the complexities of life to find this book one-dimensional. ... WaterBrook Press :: Religion & Christian Life :: Women in the Bible :: Spirituality - Women's :: Religious life :: Religion - Biblical Studies :: Religion :: Christian women :: Biograp :: Bad Girls of the Bible and What We Can Learn from Them
3 stars (A critique of the Art of Happiness) - Happiness is not a goal that can be achieved through seeking. No search has ever realized happiness because the very activity of seeking confirms unhappiness. Therefore, whatever your state in the moment, it must be transcended in present happiness. If you find yourself seeking then you are not presently happy are you? This whole notion about the pursuit of happiness is completely false. You must give up the search and then you realize that you are already happy. So the Dalai Lama is recommending the traditional error of seeking and whatever else he recommends as useful practical advice is tainted by this initial premise. Funnily enough, when asked if he is happy, he says yes, so if he is happy, what need is there to seek? A better teaching would be to point out that everyone is already seeking; for money, power, sex, good food, whatever, and finding that the search is never satisfied. The point is not to channel that activity and search for spiritual satisfaction. The point is to understand that seeking is suffering. I say, "You cannot become happy. You can only be happy!" 1 stars (Did Not Recieve) - I never recieved the book. I had ordered two from Abebooks, one was no longer available after it was charged to my account, and the other one was also charged to my account but never arrived. I will not order books from Amazon again. 5 stars (Make peace with your emotions) - I enjoyed this book immensely and learned a great deal from it. The Dalai Lama's perspective on emotions and mindfulness is enlightening and full of wisdom. In the same purchase I bought another book I was referred to that is endorsed by The Dalai Lama called "The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book." It's really great for learning specifically about EQ and increasing your own. ... Riverhead Hardcover :: Religion & General :: Religious life :: Religious aspects :: Religious Life (Buddhism) :: Religion :: Psychology :: Personal Growth - Happiness :: Happiness :: Doctri :: The Art of Happiness- A Handbook for Living
4 stars (An essential guide to leaving a legacy of love, blessing, and affirmation to your children) - Greg Vaughn had never been close with his dad. So after his dad died and Vaughn was cleaning out the garage, he was surprised at the depth of his grief. "The only thing I had left from my dad was an old tackle box and silence." He continues, "I remember crying out to God, 'This is it? This is all I get? I don't even have my father's signature!' " That garage moment set in motion Vaughn's growing nationwide movement to encourage men to write periodic letters to their children --- and wives and parents --- leaving a legacy of blessing, affirmation, and love. The book essentially explains how to set about writing letters, complete with sample letters, a table of contents listing topics that letters might address over time, and writing tips from a college professor. Vaughn suggests that letters include three elements: praise, hope and vision for the future, and assurance of loving commitment. But it also has an unfolding plot with multiple characters, explaining how Vaughn gathered a dozen men to join him in his initial, tentative venture. They met monthly for four months, agreeing to write and then read to the group letters they'd written --- first to wives, then to children, then to parents, living or dead, and finally a letter on the order of a final testament: "If our friends who've passed away had been able to speak at their own funerals, I wonder what they would've said. Have you ever thought about that? What would you say if you could speak at your own funeral?" You see the men interested in the letter-writing concept but clueless as to what to say or how to start. You see the reactions of wives and children when they receive their first letters, presented, according to Vaughn's schema, in wooden boxes with engraved nameplates. You see glimpses into Vaughn's own blended family. You see the birth of a church-based course called "Letters from Dad." On one le... Integrity Publishers :: Religious life :: Religion - Marriage & Family :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Fathers :: Christianity - Christian Life - Parenting :: Christianity :: Letters From Dad
5 stars (Excellent book, but you must have the fortitude to follow!) - Dr. Dobson is 100% correct in his methods. It IS guidance by the Lord. Showing TOUGH LOVE is the only way to help someone you love. Be it your spouse, a child or a relative. The methods in this book are not tricks. They delve into the psychology of what happens when someone feels "caged" in a relationship. It's based on the well known fact "the harder you try and hold on to someone, the harder they fight to get away." And this book is not just for Marriage issues. Dr. Dobson lists 16 things you need to know when you enter into a relationship that can keep you from blowing it. Had I known then what I know now, I would be upset at myself. I blew 14 of the 16 things and it's no wonder she ran away calling me "clingy" and "soft." I was and Dr. Dobson showed me exactly why. This book is NO GUARANTEE that you will win your spouse or significant other back. But, like anything else, if you don't do something you will more assuredly lose them anyway. Pray hard and read this book if you want to keep them. Learn to give them space. While I may have blown my chances with my ex (and I think I have) at least I am sure I will never repeat the same mistakes again. Single or Married, you need this book! 1 stars (Awful, Awful, Awful) - If your husband or wife just left and you are in the middle of the confusion and despair of that situation DO NOT follow the suggestions in this book! Trust me, go to the Lord in prayer, seeking only Him for your answers, He is absolutely faithful. Don't talk to your neighbors, friends, relatives, counselors or anyone until you talk to Jesus. He is your only hope and this book's advise is definitely not recommended if you want your spouse back!! I would never even sell this book for fear of the distruction it can cause. It belongs in the dumpster, after being shreaded. Also, I gave it 1 star because 0 was not given as an option! 5 stars (Not just for the desp... Multnomah :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHRISTIAN LIVING & RELATIONSHIPS & LOVE & MARRIAGE :: Spouses :: Religious life :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Christian Living :: Love Must Be Tough - New Hope for Families in Crisis
4 stars (Some excellent points) - I don't know that I agree with everything the author has to say, but he makes some excellent points. I think the hardest part is getting the clergy to acquiese to these ideas. I don't know any off hand who could actually pull this off. The ideas however are very pertinent and if the church could do this I think we would all benefit by more men in the pews. 5 stars (A must read for all church leaders) - I must admit, when I first ordered this book I was half expecting to get some shallow criticism of evangelical churches and Christians by someone with a hostile attitude toward both. Much to my pleasure and surprise, what I got was a well written, well researched analysis of the current state of the church and its effectiveness in reaching the men in our culture for Christ. The author has really done his homework. He lays out the facts in a very clear, easy to understand manner. He is painfully honest about where todays Christian churches are in relation to this topic. If you are a fan of the status quo or a male basher, this book probably isn't for you. But if you are a minister or lay worker who want the church to fulfill the great commission in the 21st century, you must read this book and take it very seriously. 4 stars ( Why Men Hate Going to Church ) - I think he's right on target. This is a "must read" for church leaders serious about reaching men. ... Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: Religious life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Church work with men :: Church attendance :: Christianity - Christian Li :: Why Men Hate Going to Church
2 stars (ugh) - like the other books in the series, it is rife with stereotypes. readers of these books would never guess from reading them that christian men and women have any sexual problems aside from piggish man who thinks only of satisfying his animal desires and wants a physicallyperfect specimen and woman who dont really like sex but because they have been attacked and/or didnt get enough attention from their daddies will grit their teeth and get through it to get the attention and romance. I am not demeaning the fact that this is some peoples story BUT dont go calling these books "everyman" and "everywoman". newsflash Shannon: there are women who struggle with real lust. there are women who want sex and thier husbands dont and they struggle to stay pure. there are women who are sick and tired of wondering what the hell is wrong with them because their issues are not just like yours. your problems are but a narrow slice of the christian pie. unfortunately, because Mr Arturburn and the folks he has found to coauthor his series are the only ones out there willing to talk about this stuff...people who fit the stereotypcial mold seem to make up the vast majority of people willing to open their mouths about their relationship difficulties. 5 stars (I would like to clarify something) - I have not read this book yet, but am going to soon. I just want to clarify for those who keep referring to "HIM" and "HE" that wrote the book. This book was written by a woman, not a man. Please pay attention, things like that really bother me. IF you are going to review a book, and be so very critical and mean spirited, at least get the facts right. The author is Shannon Ethridge. Thank you. 1 stars (One Lie After Another) - I've never read a book such as this in my life! It's more than obvious how the author didn't bother to put any original thought into the writing.Most of the book contains recycled myths about men wanting physical fullfillment,women wanting emotional fullfi... WaterBrook Press :: Religion & Christian Life :: Women :: Sex :: Religious life :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Marriage & Family :: Religion :: Love :: Christianity - Theology - Ethi :: Every Woman-s Battle - Discovering God-s Plan for Sexual and Emotional Fulfillment
4 stars (Finally, An Answer) - The book is expansive, deep and yet fairly easy to read. In straightfoward terms the author shares his observations about men and women. He carefully builds his case that God made man and woman to reflect the LORD's own masculinity and feminity. Each has a role to play in shaping and developing the world; when sin entered these roles were corrupted and the Enemy has worked hard to keep us in the dark about what it means to be masculine. John Eldredge takes time to explore the things that motivate men and how many of us avoid being the man God made preferring to pretend to be something we are not. He shows how men were made for God's glory and how they can recover what was lost in the Fall. 5 stars (Not Just a Study Guide...) - The Field Manual is not just one more study guide to grind out some more revenue from a popular book. It is a structured journey deep into the heart that goes far beyond the original book. God will change the man who slowly, humbly, prayerfully works through this book. Profound and challenging for both individual and group study. 5 stars (Christianity Today's online article) - Check out the article at on Eldredge: (...) Yes, he is a radical, but in his defence - so was Jesus. It's been a while since I've read Wild at Heart (WaH), but I recall it being refreshing to my faith, just as Eldredge in person has been refreshing to me. I've had the privilege of listening to him speak a few times. I've read all his books (haven't seen the videos) and I get them confused, but what I've really taken away from the man is his vision of the way church should be, that is a band of brothers. Granted, he doesn't delve into any 'bands of sisters.' Probably only because that would be outside the scope of this book? Anyways, Jesus exemplified intimacy through discipleship with three men and he also kept a group of buddies known as "The Twelve." And from that he left a legacy. I wonder, how is Sunday morning church li... Nelson Impact :: Religion & Bible & Study & General :: Christian Living :: Religious life :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Masculinity :: Christian :: Wild at Heart Field Manual- A Personal Guide to Discover the Secret of Your Masculine Soul
4 stars (So far, so good) - I'm 26 years old and for the past 5 years, I have compromised myself for the sake of being in a relationship. I have decided that I do not want to do this anymore and recently began searching for reading material to help me (along with my Bible of course). Yesterday, when I saw this book, I felt compelled to buy it. I'm on page 43...and so far, so good. I must admit that it's made me blush a few times because the writings are so frank, but I appreciate Mrs. Ethridge's honesty especially since my parents we unable to counsel me in this manner. I would recommend that parents read it along with their children so that they can answer the many questions that will be asked...and of course, the many times that blushing will happen. Happy reading :o) 3 stars (This book was good.) - I read this book and I thought It was a good read. was actually kind of glad that it was so bold because a lot of people sugar coat words when we here them everyday in movies...etc. It was real and it addressed a lot of issues. it helps to only a certain extent though. I like the fact that it highlighted on the fact that sexual integrity is a four componenet collective. It deals with the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects as a whole to be completley pure. It showed that It was not just sexual abstinence but self control, thought control, and God's expectations. I couldn't totally relate to the book only because the guys that I go out with are truely living their lives as disciples of christ and have God on their mind. My mentality is that if this guy at school, or work..etc can't lead me spiritually and help me get to heaven, then he is not someone I will date. which rules out every guy except the ones at church. we double date and do things that glorify god and in the book she kind of pinned every guy as a sex addict or something and there are no christian guys trying to be sexually pure. I know different and that is why I gave it three stars. 5... WaterBrook Press :: Religion & Christian Life :: Young women :: Religious life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Conduct of life :: Christianity - Christian Life - Women' :: Every Young Woman-s Battle - Guarding Your Mind- Heart- and Body in a Sex-Saturated World (The Every
1 stars (Devolves into Christian dogma) - When I read the original "5 languages of love" 3 years ago, it changed the way I related to the important people in my life. I also learned how to ask others to show their love in a way I could understand. So, when I saw that Chapman had written a book for singles, I ordered it immediately. I couldn't be more disappointed. While the original book presented sound and common-sense psychological research and insights, the newer "singles" book has devolved into far-right Christian dogma. While the original book was 'descriptive', telling one how to show love in a way one's mate could understand, the new book is 'prescriptive', demanding that one have "wholesome" relationships according to ultra-conservative Christian sensibility. The section on "loving touch" repeats over and over that sexuality is to be expressed only within the bounds of marriage, a view that won't help the majority of possible readers. Even if you're single, skip this disappointing book and find the original in a used bookstore. 5 stars (It is great!) - This book is great! I learned so much not only about how I like to be loved but also about how others like to be loved. It has changed my perspective on interacting with my friends, family, and future husband. I have received great responses from the people around me that I care about. 4 stars (Great book) - Chapman has done an excellent job at coming down to the fundamentals of the ways people feel loved. The love languages he describes can be in any relationship, not just dating relationships, but the book focuses on these types of relationships. He gives EXCELLENT examples of people he has counseled regarding how to show interest and affection to the one they want to develop a deeper relationship with. The book help demystify and clarify some of the communication gaps that go on in relationships. It is an easy read, and a book that I highly recommend for people look to improve their relationships, platonic ... Northfield Press :: Sociology - General :: Social Groups :: Single people :: Religious life :: Religious aspects :: Religion :: Love & Sex & Marriage :: Love & Romance :: Love :: Christian :: The Five Love Languages for Singles (Chapman- Gary)
5 stars (Read, and Your Ministry Will Never Be the Same) - This book has a reputation of revolutionizing the way its readers view congregational life. Based on his experience as a rabbi and marriage and family therapist, the late Ed Friedman gives the most comprehensive and practical understanding of congregations as emotional systems. Conflicts are explained not from a linear standpoint, i.e. "A causes B," but from a systemic perspective where all participants are contributors. Each part of the system is connected to, or has its own effect upon, every other part. This helps to explain why many "issues" that arise within a congregation cannot be settled on the level of content, but must be viewed as representations of how the persons surrounding the issues are participating in the relational system. "Issues" may seem settled, but if the relational system continues to function the same way, the same or other "issues" will reappear later, because they were merely symptomatic of the emotional dynamics among the people involved. This book begins by explaining the major concepts of family systems theory, and applies them to organizational life, leadership, and the leader's family. It is full of examples, which makes these complex ideas easier to grasp. Few books are as insightful and helpful in equipping church leaders to understand congregations. It is the standard in applying family systems theory to congregations. 5 stars (A MUST READ for all persons in positions of leadership) - "Generation to Generation" by Edwin Friedman is a groundbreaking book on the dynamics of organizational and religious leadership as seen through the lens of the multi-generational family systems model. In the book, Friedman uses case studies and examples drawn from his own leadership experience and uses them to illustrate how leadership can be understood and transformed by having an awareness of three major systems that directly affect organizational leadership: 1. the personal multi-genera... The Guilford Press :: Psychology & Psychiatry & Counseling :: Religious life :: Religious gatherings :: Religion - Pastoral Care & Counseling :: Religion :: Psychotherapy - Counselin :: Generation to Generation- Family Process in Church and Synagogue
5 stars (Wonderful Resource) - I'd been having difficulty meditating and feel God directed me to this resource. It is most helpful and has been an inspiration to me. I feel it would be a fine tool for women's Bible study groups also or for book review groups. While directed at women, men may also find it insightful. It is written with a light hand but has so much depth. I plan to reread it often. 5 stars (Excellent Book) - I have read this book a few times and have given it to other woman in our church as well. This book is sound and extremely encouraging as most books adress the "Mary" aspect of life only, whereas Joanna address the "Martha" in all of us who are wives, mothers and just woman in general, wanting to know our Lord more intimately, yet we have so much to do. I read both "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" and "A woman after God's own heart" - by Elizabeth George at the same time. What a blessing to have such gifted sisters in Christ who God can use to encourage and challenge us all. Worth reading again and again. 4 stars (I Needed This Book) - This book was really helpful to me in making me realize that I really do need to "slow down" and listen for God's presence more. I could not have read this book at a more perfect time as i was invited to be a part of a prayer group and needed to have encouragment to slow down a little more. Which, as an evangelical liberal is probably the area of growth that i need the most as a daughter of God. My only real critique of the book was that some of the illustrations seemed to be more geared toward middle aged women as I think this sort of book should be geared toward ALL christians. ... WaterBrook Press :: Religion & Christian Life :: Religious life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Inspirational - General :: Christianity - Christian Life - Women's Iss :: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World- Finding Intimacy With God in the Busyness of Life (Revised Ed
5 stars (The great help we all desire and need...) - This is one of the best couple "help" books I have ever read. It is Christian belief-based. A man is commanded to love a woman and a woman is commanded to respect a man by no other than God himself. But even if you don't believe in the Bible this has some great stuff. It points out some undeniable Truths about the nature of men and women. The truths are simple and the principles are easy to follow. You don't have to believe you have been commanded by God to do these things. Just know that if you both do them your marriage will be much more loving...and MUCH easier to understand. 5 stars (Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires, The Respect He Desperately Needs) - Finally, a book that truly hits the issue on the head. Communication in marriage often deteriorates into a vicious cycle. The author clearly defines how it happens, why it happens, and how to change it. After reading his book, I put the principles into practice and noticed an immediate improvement in our relationship. This is the book I would recommend on marriage to couples. 1 stars (TERRIBLE BOOK- AVOID AT ALL COSTS) - This book was terrible. What he talked about could have been done in two pages. The writing was bad, the examples were not only sexist (and I'm a man!) they were not helpful or clear. I expected that his wife would have some impact in the writing of this book. Perhaps she might write a chapter or add a paragraph but no. It was all him repeating the same chapter over and over and over and over again. His Needs Her Needs was much better. I recommend an even better book, A Lasting Promise, wholeheartedly. That book was the best and puts this one to shame. ... Integrity Publishers :: Spouses :: Respect :: Religious life :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Marriage & Family&Singles :: Religion :: Marriage :: Love & Romance :: Love :: Christianity - Ch :: Love - Respect- The Love She Most Desires- The Respect He Desperately Needs
