4 comments about The Gift of Peace: Guideposts on the Road to Serenity.

1. This is a handsomely done book that contains more than 500 sayings about living a happier, more peaceful, and less conflicted life. Mr. Stein wrote this from his own experience. He says in the introduction that he had pretty much made a hash of his personal life, was using alcohol and some medicines in unhelpful ways, and eating too much also as a form of self-medication. Many of us recognize those life situations and behaviors. Some friends of his mentioned that he might try a couple of different 12-step programs. Mr. Stein says they helped him change his life.
   
   The sayings in this book are based on what he learned and heard in those programs. He states right up front that they are not all original with him, but they are all things he believes and is glad to share. This is a book you could rush through in a couple of hours and you would be cheating yourself. These are not witty aphorisms or principles that are implemented like a recipe. Each one is a sentence or two that you can take some time to ponder and think about throughout a day. You might want to take weeks thinking through this book. Some sayings might not mean anything at first, but they stick in your mind and then a specific situation you experience will provide a flash of insight.
   
   Heaven knows we tend to get lost trying to run everything ourselves and holding ourselves responsible for things we have no control over and then not facing up to things we can make choices about. Mr. Stein's thoughts help illuminate how to be at peace by focusing on what matters, what you can actually do today, and letting a whole bunch of stuff go that really doesn't matter.
   
   The book can make a very nice gift for anyone you know who is open to spending time thinking about things. As I said, the book is very nice to look at and hold.
   
   Enjoy.



2. I loved this book. When mys siter went into the hospital I gave it to her, and it gave her some much inspiration.
   Thank you Ben Stein.
   Patti



3. Some of the sayings are good, but a lot of them were disappointing. Still, I'm going to pass it along to one of my friends who is in need of help and hopefully enough of it will be helpful to her to be worthwhile. It is a quick read, as the type is large, but I would have liked it to have more "meat" in it and not just be a book with a collection of sayings.



4. I really like this book. Just received it today, flipping through I found much I can relate to. Now, I will go back and give each one thought. Thank you Ben Stein!

1 comments about Oraciones / Prayers: Una Comunion Con Nuestro Creador / A Communion With Our Creator.

1. Muy bien... gracias!
   
   It's the English prayer book that I use all the time, but in Spanish. If you read Spanish, this is the Cat's pajamas.

5 comments about Wear More Cashmere: 151 Luxurious Ways to Pamper Your Inner Princess.

1. The best thing you could do for yourself is don't subject yourself to reading this adolescent book. If buying just a small thing from Tiffany's and using the shopping bag as a planter gives you a thrill, then this is for you. Not me! Sorry.



2. The older I get the more I try to infuse more elegance into my life...for me that used to be things like making the bed EVERY morning and not eating off paper plates...until I read this book. I have adopted one of the mantras that "Gin" discusses...What Would Jackie (meaning Jackie O) Do? It's amazing how much better life becomes when you pick up around the house right away because really, would Jackie leave old newspapers lying around? NEVER!! And neither will you after reading this book! The book is very much an eye-opener for those of us who need someone to point out what we could do much better with only a little extra effort.



3. This book was cute to look at, but completely useless. Seriously, who would do half of these silly ideas the author spouted? Dressing in your finest for dinner at home? Wearing a fancy silk robe? Using velvet curtains in the doorway, instead of on the window? Come on. By the tenth idea, I was bored to tears and regretting buying this book. Goodwill, here it comes!



4. I've read it and reread it half a dozen times. My niece wanted to borrow it, so I gave her my copy, and here I am back, buying another copy. What's so good about it? Jennifer Sander has dozens and dozens of little tips that will make you feel good about yourself. As your spirits lift, you'll find that you have more energy to take on your day, and for that matter, more energy to take on your life. I just love this book.



5. Using a Tiffany bag as a planter isn't my style, but nothing wrong if it is your style, could be cute.
   Mixing perfume with baby oil to make a bath oil is a decent idea, but not great either--baby oil is usually scented mineral oil, you'd be better off mixing it with, perhaps, a cosmetic grade grapeseed oil. There are plenty of unscented cosmetic grade oils available at natural markets and they aren't expensive.
   A lot of things would make me just feel silly, like wearing a cape or dressing in an evening gown to lounge on my couch. Some women do look fabulously chic in a tuxedo, sadly I'm not one of them. Only one thing stands out as downright bad advice, though-constantly apologizing for things which you are not at fault is psychologically damaging. I know it worked in her favor for one situation but it isn't healthy to do that all the time. While she says she's a bargain-hunter, many of her recommendations still require a fair amount of disposable income. Such as the Tiffany bag planters, you still have to have enough to buy a small item in order to get the bag. These days especially, $35 for soap is out of the question (but yes I realize this book was long before the current economic crisis). But even things like second-hand couture is way out of budget for most people who have to do their shopping at Target.
   Some things are good. Decoupage tray, lavender on your pillows, Marlene Dietrich-inspired white blouse/black trouser go-to outfit? All good suggestions but nothing original. Avoiding gossip? The world would be a better place. One drink at the bar in a posh hotel? Sure, why not?
   
   The book is a fluffy little piece that might cheer you up, and it doesn't pretend to be anything else. So it isn't great, but fun enough. And cheaper than a Tiffany keychain.

3 comments about How We Behave at the Feast: Reflections on Living in an Age of Plenty.

1. Mr. Currie shows us through humor and inspirational passages, how to accept, behave and share the bounties we all have. Want verses need, give rather than take, and a general outlook of thankfulness are topics on which all humans need to reflect. This book makes us step back, look at ourselves and, perhaps, live a more comassionate life. Good Work Mr. Currie!



2. to laugh with my cousin. I shared some of the special picnics with Dwight and his sister in Iowa many years ago. I never pass up a chance to chat with this special cousin, although we are now on separate coasts. I loved the book and wasn't surprised. Dwight brings this humor and insight to simple chats on the front porch. He brought me great memories and a smile in writing just a short paragraph in a card when I lost my father. I hope he continues to write and entertain us. Cousin Linda



3. Life's Lesson: God did not create us in a day stamped "priority mail", so where do we get the idea we should always be first? First in line, first one to start nudging forward when the light turns yellow, first to have the newest fad. Wake up, settle down and read a book. Dwight Currie has found a way for you to relax, think about your priorities and enjoy the life you were given. His anecdotes of wisdom through knowledge, a midwest upbringing, and just "common sense" will delight you into becoming the courteous, nice person God intended you to be. After reading this book the only "first" I knew I deserved was being his "first" cousin and getting the benefit of being one the the "first" ones who got to read his book.

2 comments about THE THREE SPIRITS: Applications of Huna to Health, Prosperity, and Personal Growth.

1. I have often been intrigued by the power of the mind. In particular, I notice the "coincidences" in life, my ability to make connections with people, and my inner conversations. This book gives a foundation to all of these and has given me a much better understanding about the workings of my mind and how the three selves control those workings. I have begun to apply some of the exercises in the book and find that I am doing a much better job of letting the middle and lower selves handle their tasks. It is obvious the author is an educator because the material is clearly presented to the reader, examples and exercises are given, and then the expected results are described. I found the discussions of Thought Field Therapy and Emotional Freedom Techniques to be enlightening. I strongly recommend this book.



2. Reading the "Three Spirits" is an exciting and pleasing experience that takes one's mind to unlimited paths of knowledge and change. The book explains in simple language the amazing ancient Huna principles behind the effective and goal oriented exercises and practices presented through its chapters. I found here answers for my long time questions and deep reaffirmation for my strong belief that in life anything can be achieved if one knows how our three selves function and develops the emotional (lower self), mental (middle self), and spiritual (higher self) skills that it takes. That is what this book is all about.
   
   Dr. Serrano did study and research for 15 years for this book and brings to it all his knowledge as a scientist and university professor. It is an extraordinary book that can change anyone's life. I certainly recommend it as one of the best books I have ever read on the subject.

No comments about The Great Eight: How to Be Happy (Even When You Have Every Reason to be Miserable).

5 comments about Sound Health, Sound Wealth.

1. This book and also the cd in the back of the book by Luanne Oakes have been a huge gift in my life.
   
   I literally started downloading information from Source while listening to the cd . The guidance coming through to me now is Clear and Divinely Inspired. I can feel myself opening through blockages that have been in my way for years.
   
   Thank you for sharing yourself and work with the world. We are ready and grateful to receive it.
   Sanandra Black
   Creator of Sea Chi Organics skin and haircare products



2. One of THE BEST books I've read on sound and energetic healing.... and I have a HUGE library of integrative healing books! I enjoy the CD often... especially in the evening.



3. This is a good read and more. The text sets the stage and atmosphere for understanding and give the tools to change for the better. The CD enclosed is beyond wonderful. I have used this both for humans and animals to calm and center them. I often work with TNR of feral cats, wild creatures, whether getting them ready for surgery or calming them post-op, the tones and natural sounds calm them into 'Buddha cats.' Luanne has done a fine job. I use this resource almost daily.



4. This is a book for those who are searching for answers. Sound Health Sound Wealth is packed full of higher wisdom with a quantum leap into future changes we can all live with. I have bought several copies and given them to friends. Thank you to the author, Dr. Luanne Oakes.



5. It's not often I get a chance to read a book for pleasure these days however I was sent a book a few months ago which I have only just picked up at the beginning of the month.
   
   The book is entitled "Sound health, Sound wealth; The biology of hope and manifestation" by Dr. Luanne Oakes, PH.D. this was written for the personal development blog www.stevenaitchison.co.uk/blog
   
   Frequency treatment CD
   
   The book comes with a frequency treatment CD which I have pretty much played every day since I received the book. I would say the CD alone is worth the price of the book. I play it in the car, every day, on the way to meeting my clients. I have found it keeps me centered and focused on my job. I also play it when I am picking my boys up from the scouts. My eldest son has asked me to play it on the way to school as it helps him to relax, which is a huge accolade, as he is currently listening to the `Nickelback' and `Guns and Roses'CD all the time and doesn't like any of my CDs.
   
   The book
   
   The book resonated with me from the introduction as Luanne speaks about the power of changing your thoughts to change your life, which is of course the title of my blog. So I was grabbed straight away as I firmly believe in the power of thoughts to change your life.
   
   The book itself is split up into eight chapters, each with a principle:
   
   Chapter 1: The principle of resonance
   Chapter 2: The principle of future memories
   Chapter 3: The principle of Your Magical Diving Experiment
   Chapter 4: The principle of Energetic Boundaries; The power of `No'
   Chapter 5: The principle of transforming time
   Chapter 6: The principle of Sound and Light, Part One; The biology of hope
   Chapter 7: The principle of Sound and Light, Part Two; How to enhance your life force
   Chapter 8: The principle of True wealth; Sound wealth is true wealth.
   
   I don't want to go through all the principle above. Instead I have chosen the two that resonated with me the most and the ones which I could use in my daily life.
   
   The principle of future memories
   
   Luanne has introduced a new phrase `Quantum Hologram' which, as I understand it, is your own personal belief on the being, or the force which is helping you in your life. She takes great care not to bring religion into the book but it is clear that she is speaking to people form all beliefs and faiths and the Quantum Hologram is your belief in what controls the world around you including synchronicity. The Quantum Hologram sounds like something from Star Trek (The Next generation) but it is a good way to visualise the life force which helps us in life.
   
   Your thoughts are part of that life force and ultimately you are controlling the life force which in turn helps you to create the life you want.
   
   Luanne describes a system using `Feeling based faith' to create your future memories and is quite powerful. It is a way of connecting your feelings and mind to the Quantum Hologram to get what you most desire in life. The analogy she uses for this is `like sending an e-mail'. Luanne advises keeping a feeling based journal, describing the different feelings you have experienced throughout the day. By writing these down you are releasing the energy of them from yourself out into the open, which leaves you feeling lighter, more energetic and less burdened in order to send your own wishes out into the universe. Or
   
   Although I didn't use a journal for the feeling based writing I tried it for a few days in my head and it does help. It's like putting a label on your feelings and then releasing them out into the open, quite powerful.
   
   Luanne litters this chapter with stories about science and personal experiences which I found very interesting.
   
   The principle of true wealth
   
   I am deeply interested in prosperity and wealth and am forever clearing my thoughts and actions for the attainment of wealth and prosperity. Every day I am coming to an understanding of true wealth and what it really means and the more I understand the more I am receiving.
   
   That's what this chapter is all about. Luanne tells a story of a homeless person by the name of Simon who taught her about true wealth through the friendship they struck up over the years.
   
   I am slowly beginning to realise about wealth being an inner game and this book and this chapter reinforced this for me.
   
   Luanne advises that there are certain principles to true wealth which are:
   
   * Being in the present moment
   * Being in divine flow
   * Frequent experience of Compassion, Reverence, Love Peace and Joy
   * The ability to forgive
   * Giving without attachment
   * Certainty that we are all one
   * Certainty in a power greater than yourself
   * Certainty that there are enough resources for all of us
   * The ability to accurately assess your own and others strengths and weaknesses
   * The ability to be grateful for something
   * The ability to reduce the intensity for negative thoughts.
   
   Belief is also an important part of attracting wealth into your life. If you believe you can't make money or don't deserve it you will never receive it.
   
   
   Conclusion
   
   I found the book a great read and I particularly liked the stories in the book. Although it said it is a scientific look at health and wealth there is not much science in the book that explains manifestation. I also found that Luanne was using new phrases to describe old concepts but you will recognise these straight away as trying to bring the old concepts into the minds of a newer generation.
   
   I enjoyed the book and particularly the CD and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the `law of attraction', `Manifestation' and becoming healthy and wealthy.
   
   
   
   
   

5 comments about Life As a Daymaker: How to Change the World by Simply Making Someone's Day.

1. Imagine how good you would feel knowing that you did something to make someone's day. This book is filled with simple ideas for doing just that. It is easy to read and is definitely heartwarming. The chapters are short and easy/quick to read anywhere. Bottom line: This is a very enjoyable book. I highly recommend it. In fact, I'm going to purchase two more copies right now to share with special people in my life.



2. David Wagner is an idealist that believes we can change the world by making one day at a time. He shares personal Daymaking stories about his sister who passed away when she was 13, his wife, daughters, and his path to becoming a hairstylist and eventual CEO. He also shares the stories of others, inspirational quotes, and practical tips on how you can be a Daymaker.
   
   Wagner shows how a little kindness goes a long way, and what can happen when you focus on your wild ideas and follow your dreams. He then explains that to make another's day, you must first make your own day--and outlines ways to simplify your life, de-stress, and nurture yourself. The subsequent chapters detail how to make the day of your mate, your child, your whole family, a friend, a stranger, and an entire company!
   
   For example, when making a stranger's day, it's important to remember that you don't know the whole story. Wagner writes: "We don't know what challenges face the people we meet each day. Is the bald woman in the movie theater a skinhead, or is she battling cancer? Is the beautiful woman with the storybook marriage dealing with her husband's adultery, while battling bulimia, as Princess Diana turned out to be? Is the woman on the airplane with the crying infant going home to her own mother's funeral? Is the man in the speeding red car weaving in and out of traffic on his way to the hospital with his toddler who swallowed cleaning fluid? These are just a few reminders that situations are not always as they appear."
   
   There are many simple, yet practical ways to be a Daymaker. Write a poem about your child when he or she is born. Leave love notes for your spouse, or make them a creation from your heart. Be a Daymaker to a teenager by complimenting them on anything positive that you can. Take a co-worker out to lunch on their birthday, learn their children's names, and bring them a small treat of coffee or tea. Foster an environment of service and Daymaking in your office and corporation; it's infectious, and will spill over to your employees and your clients.
   
   This is my favorite story in the book: "In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less than they do now, a 10-year-old boy entered a coffee shop and sat down at a table. When the waitress put a glass of water in front of him he asked, 'How much is an ice cream sundae?'
   
   'Fifty cents', replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. 'Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?' he inquired. By now, other people were waiting for tables and the waitress was growing impatient. 'Thirty-five cents', she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. 'I'll have the plain ice cream', he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice dream, paid the cashier and left.
   
   When the waitress came back to wipe down the table, she began to cry. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickles and five pennies. You see, he couldn't afford the sundae, because he needed to have enough left over to give her a tip."
   
   I highly recommend this book to those seeking to make an impact on their immediate environment and the world--as well as those looking for a great inspirational gift that would make the day of another.



3. This book has really helpful advice such as " smile at strangers" or " remember birthdays". This was hardly anything new or novel, or anything that Miss Manners hasn't been teaching for years.I got this book at the library and I am soooo glad I didn't waste my money on it. The retail price was $17.00. It possibly could be a value of $5.00 The pages are filled with a lot of space. I'm sure he's a nice guy, but I really don't think it's anything we haven't heard before. It could be summed up with " be nice to others". I am actually surprised it got such good reviews by people before me!



4. As a manager in a large and busy Optometric practice, I constantly look for ideas to motivate our staff. I bought a copy for all 16 employees and we spent two office meetings discussing ways to Make Our Patient's day. WOW! We have become keenly aware of the need to be "in tune" to each and every person who walks through our doors...DAILY!! Thank you to David Wagner, our new HERO. Sue Linton, Puyallup WA.



5. I received this book as a gift and was very disappointed in the lack of substance. I agree with a previous post that the book really is all about being nice to others. Hardly a new message!
   
   There are much better books out there with real substance. Save your money folks.

2 comments about Be Happy: Remember to Live, Love, Laugh and Learn (Gift of Inspiration, 12).

1. If you are considering this book, do yourself a favor: Google for your quotes; you'll get a lot more for your unspent money. In part, the Acknowledgements section states: "Some...may be imperfectly worded or attributed." What is the point of a quotation book that (1) doesn't get the quote correct, and (2) doesn't get the author correct? This is a QUOTE book, not an opinion book or a paraphrase book, so one might think that the correct quote and author would matter, but I guess not. If Danny Boy couldn't verify a quote or source, could he have used a replacement quote ... like one of the tens of thousands that I can get for free from several dozen websites? This guy has found a short road to publication, and it's paved with laziness, carelessness, and lack of responsibility. His publishers should also be held responsible, but, hey, why should we let a little thing like accuracy stand in the way of greed.



2. Oh GOD!!!!! Why?? WHY?!?!?!?!?! I wish I could just off myself, real easy like. No mess, no clean up, no relatives breaking into my studio apartment only to find my nude clay-like corpse sprawled out on the floor with empty food containers from Wendy's crushed beneath the weight of my, then, bloated mortal coil. What's the point of going on? Really, what IS the point?!?!?! Just as I was lurching through another uninspiring, energy draining, soul crushing day on this God forsaken hell planet, I entered a nearby Jamba Juice to purchase a Fat Burning fruit smoothie, when I looked to my left and found this little treasure trove of revivifying quips and quotes. WOW!!!!!! What a Life saver!!!!! I really DID buy a 12 gauge shotgun that I was going to use to do an instantaneous color scheme change on my studio apartment's ceiling but when I read Leo Buscaglia's quote, namely "Don't be afraid of a little poop"......well, the shear genius of that idea pierced my mind like a diamond bullet, and it got me to realize, "Hey, Life's just a bowl of cherries so don't mind the pits" (pg. 78, 3rd paragraph). I've never turned back. As for my shotgun.........well, let's just say I use it to hunt deer. Better them than me. HA HA HA HA God Bless.

4 comments about Choices That Change Lives: 15 Ways to Find More Purpose, Meaning, and Joy.

1. Through this book Dr. Urban gives sound and relatable advice and backs it up with a compendium of personal accounts that provide for an interesting read. Dr. Urban is a brilliant man who knows exactly what he is talking about. The use of quotes throughout the book is phenomenal and really enhances the meaning. This book is well worth the read.



2. CHOICES THAT CHANGE LIVES is a one sit read. It's that well written and compelling. The author, Hal Urban, a leader in the character education movement, writes about fifteen areas in life where people can make either positive or negative choices. The areas are humility, patience, empathy, giving, forgiveness, thinking, possibilities, renewal, courage, excellence, mission, scripture, prayer, wisdom, and joy. For each subject he writes about the positives which he calls virtues and negatives which he refers to as flaws, and shows ways in which each is integral to life.
   
   I purchased the book as a personal selection to read. It looked interesting. I'd heard of the author but never read any of his books so I figured I'd read it. As I read it, I found it had practical information for me, but I also felt a need to share it. I ended up using some of Urban's ideas with eighth graders and sophomores in high school. I listed each of Urban's categories and left a blank space for students to write what they thought the word meant. We started with humility, and when nearly every student wrote a negative definition such as to humiliate or put a person in his or her place, I knew that Urban's ideas would be challenging and may help them to think differently. The discussions on scripture lead not just to the Bible, but other places where young people's belief systems are developed. Excellence as doing your best as opposed to being the best also went in interesting directions. I only wish I had discovered the book earlier and could have started using it earlier.
   
   While I read the book for personal reasons, I discovered its usefulness in a classroom and religious education setting. I know anyone who reads this book will take something away from it, but my guess is that teachers, youth workers, and parents will not only find the book a good read, but also useful in other areas too.



3. Chapter seven goes to the heart of this book, literally and in terms of theme. In it he discusses possibilities as they are linked to thinking, potential, imagination, and opportunity. In fact after reading it, I had my university class discuss it similar to the way he describes in the book.
   
   Dr. Urban is to be commended for pointing out that the Bible and prayer are foremost in his life. He talks about his spiritual awakening, noting that it goes beyond superficial religion.
   
   What was problematic to me was his attempts at "political correctness." By that I mean vague references to inclusiveness of all religions. Jesus said I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life. No man comes to the Father but through ME. Christianity is NOT "a way." Also troubling were some of his examples of the principles being lived out. Jimmy Carter, for example. The man is a friend to dictators, evil people who KILL and maim and injury other people to retain power.
   
   While I'm pointing out areas of disagreement, Dr. Urban doesn't seem to understand the concept of grace. Christians are not saved by good works. No one gets to heaven on merit. It's what Jesus did, not what we do. The book of Romans explains that.
   
   So in summing it up, I agree with most of the principles taught in this book. Dr. Urban seems to be a true, humble seeker of truth. He's just weak in the areas mentioned.



4. I love this book I highly recommend it. Purchase it for yourself and those young ones in the family. Should be required reading in the school systems.