4 comments about God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation.

1. At a time of crisis in marriages and in family relationships, this refreshing and thought provoking book is one of very few that examines and tackles what the Bible has to say about marriage, family and other related subjects. There are ethical discussions on reproductive health and rights, and a discussion on the role of women in society. It may change your views on birth control and reproduction as Dr. Köstenberger addresses "how to think GOD'S way." It honestly discusses Jesus' teachings on homosexuality, the gift of singleness, celibacy, parenting, and divorce and remarriage. The ideas are not only for married men and women, but for all of us! They offer practical advice on the issue of purity, even for those who consider themselves anything but pure!
   At a time of crisis in relationships, this Scripture based book shares examples of restoration of God's ideals for marriage and family, reminding men and women to take proper care of their relationships to ensure themselves the happiness they yearn for in marriage. It was helpful as Dr. Köstenberger addressed gender roles, men submitting to Christ, and the husband's authority over women with the husband being the ultimate authority over family. It presents the woman's role, discussing the Proverbs 31 wife, giving everyday advice on how to be a "suitable helper," presenting children, and providing her husband with companionship. He spends a chapter on sex and communication that I found helpful because he spoke from both the perspective of the wife and the husband, and addresses key issues for each.
   There is a fascinating chapter devoted to biblical teachings about child rearing, obedience, proper discipline, and introducing children to a personal relationship with "God in Christ." While the child's responsibility toward their own parents changes after they have established a new family, Köstenberger emphasizes that children are mandated to honor parents, and that rebellion against parents is tantamount to disrespect toward God himself, putting it "on the same level as treason and idol worship."
   I highly recommend this book. It is practical and down-to-earth, inspiring us to persevere in marriage as a sacred covenant entered into before God. Dr. Köstenberger writes on how to have a great marriage by keeping God at the center of our relationships, and to bear and raise children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. He addressed spiritual warfare and proper use of spiritual weapons.
   His examples were great for supporting a case to defend marriage as well as a case against homosexual unions. I found the insight on divorce to be helpful. The end of the book contains a helpful personal and group study guide.
   I would recommend this book to Christian as well as non-Christian couples. "Marriage and family are good gifts from a great God." I have already applied some principles of this in my life, and it DOES make a difference.



2. I had one of these authors for two classes in seminary and he was always informative and provoking. This book is an exhaustive, for the average person, biblical treatment of the subjects of marriage and family. Anyone who works with families and children should have this book, and will use it time and time again. I have worked it into parenting classes, and while it may be a little on the thick side for a new Christian it lends itself nicely to borrowing ideas and material to give a more shallow curriculum some meat. Get a few copies to give away during counseling and classes.



3. This is a helpful book for people wanting a biblical overview of marriage and family. It is vital for Christians to know what God says about the family in this day and age. Instead of the author sharing his view alone, he presents multiple scholarly thoughts and presents clear explanations of biblical passages, not just his own thoughts on the subject. The book is written at a higher educational level but is not difficult reading. I am used to reading theology books and this book follows that typical style and presentation, but simpler. It would be deemed conservative by social standards and is clear on the teachings of the Bible.



4. This is one of the best books that I have read concerning God's intent for the marriage relationship. It covers the difficult issues of divorce, abortion, homosexuality, and others that many are afraid to address. The authors return the reader to Adam and Eve and Old Testament principles, progressing to Jesus' teachings and New Testament principles on each issue. A special section concerning spiritual warfare is provided depicting not only the "what" but the "how to" of spiritual warfare. I recommend this to anyone who desires a thorough understanding of God's desire for the marriage and family relationship.

5 comments about What Happened to Anna K.: A Novel.

1. I haven't read Anna Karenina and I decided not to so I can review this book with an open mind. I would rather point out the freshness of the author's style. It is very fluid, vivid, and intriguing. I like the way she paints the scenes. The background and the characters jump out of the page but she manages it without boring the reader with too much detail. She is able to weave in the flavor of the Russian Jewish people without overwhelming. The story is centered on Anna K., a "spinster" at the age of 37, by her family's standards but still a gorgeous woman who attracts more than enough attention from men. The story itself is compelling because it touches points that many people have grappled with. It deals with the insatiable desire of every human being of wanting more than what we have, as in the case of Anna K., who had every material need she could possibly want but whose spirit is doused by the boredom of her marriage. Who hasn't wondered how life would have been if you had been with someone else? For an intelligent yet dreamy woman like her, the longing for her match led her to adultery. As with any bad decision come bad consequences and the story progresses with how she handled her life that is spiraling out of control and how her actions are affecting the lives of those around her. The story also touches on other sensitive issues like the insecurity of an aging woman, the pain of the jilted lover, and longing for a love that will never come into fruition.
   
   There are only two things that I've been wondering about: Why did Ms. Reyn refer to her as Anna K., and why she felt the need to include an exposition on the Russian soul. It was a bit jarring to read that part because I felt a sudden disengagement from the story and I landed in front of a narrator. I just think with Ms. Reyn's talent, she could have used more subtle ways to show the complexities of the Russian soul through her story-telling.
   
   I loved this book and recommend it highly. I'm looking forward to her future novels.



2. I thought that this was an interesting take on Anna Karina. It was a fast read for a modernized classic. I thought that it would be better than it was, but I was confused and wanted more than it actually was.



3. I had great hopes for this new interpretation of a story that could only be told once, and once only by one of the greatest writers. I thought that perhaps like the Darcy quick reads, and maybe even like Becoming Jane, What Happened to Anna K would be a pleasant, unexpected and worthwhile read. I did not expect almost plagiarism. At least the Austen remakes have no pretentions of providing the reader any real guidance into the mind of a character, they are just summer balcony reads to leave a pleasant impression, with little intellectual substance. From character development, to the choice of adjectives, this book shows little (if any) independent thought, and instead retells a story that could only be told in Tolstoy's voice. I wish that the author had chosen a different direction and maybe made the plot her own in some way. Instead, this book seems to try to explain what really happened to this more complicated of characters.
   
   This is a nice read if you are too lazy to read the real thing and want the basic story line of Anna Karenina. If you have read the original and at least tried to understand the book's purpose, you will finish this book only out of anger, just so that you could write a review or converse with those who have not taken the time to learn from Leo Tolstoy's own words.
   
   Overall, I am truly disappointed that a russian immigrant, has disected and made Anna's story so primitive. I want to hear more from the author, and I will continue reading because on a personal level, I heard some of my own experiences in this book. Perhaps, Anna Karenina is an untouchable work for me, but I really was angered by the simplicity of this version of the story.



4. Years ago Stanislaw Lem pointed out the impossibility of simply keeping up with all things published. "Imaginary Magnitude" and "A Perfect Vacuum" demonstrated a reasonable response to the flood of publishing: introductions to and reviews of imaginary books. Another response might be that shown by Irina Reyn: remake / remodel existing themes. While the artistic worth of "Anna Karenina" in comparison with "Anna K." may be a presumptuous one, the idea of revisiting, reusing, restating and reinterpreting existing material is not. Long a practice in the visual and sonic arts -- and here I point to techniques more profound than the now endemic rap/pop/dub "remix" -- Reyn does nothing revolutionary, radical or even mildly innovative with the principle. Instead, it's simply the technique of contemporization: using a new setting which in this case happens to be completely reliant on assuming some cultural parallels that don't really exist anymore. And as such, the work turns away from what could be a profound and worthwhile idea, instead settling for little more than the slightest Imprimatura of validity.



5. I was so anticipating my journey with Anna K through New York. I approached this piece knowing not to compare it to Tolstoy and it still came up short. I just wasn't lead to care about Anna and the other characters. I wanted to, but these scenarios were happening all over town, with too little emotion.

5 comments about Team-Building Activities for Every Group.

1. Get Theater Games for the Classroom. It is a great community building system. It is not just about theater, read my review for that book, but again, DO NOT GET THIS BOOK!



2. I use this book all the time at church with my youth group and with the adult leaders. I have found great mixers in the front of the book to help people get to know one another and in the back of the book the chapter called Open Up has good activities to get people to share about themselves more easily. The middle is filled with tons of team-building activities and it is easy to find something that fits my needs, from a short table game challenge for our weekly dinner to more involved teamwork tasks for our weekend retreats. I also find useful activities for leadership meetings to build community among the adult leaders of the youth group as well. This is the most user friendly and comprehensive team-building book I have found!



3. I'm a peer facilitator, and this is definitely the best group activity book that I've used. I've always gotten the best response from the activities in this book...they seem to be the most fun for the kids to do, while still teaching important lessons. The book is also very easy to read and understand.
   
   My fellow Peer facilitators and I have about 25 different activity books to choose from, and this is always the one that we each try to grab every week before anyone else gets to it!



4. I've bought this book SEVERAL times and it keeps disappearing!...so be sure you HOLD onto your copy! I've used these activities for workshops, trainings, conferences, meetings...with all sorts of groups....adults and teens, leadership and prevention and alumni....etc. Great resource!



5. I enjoyed this book and it gave me lots of neat ideas to implement in trainings that I provide for child care providers.

5 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pleasing Your Woman (Complete Idiot's Guide to).

1. Lots of books like this are only about sex, but everyone knows there is a lot more to making your partner happy and keeping your relationship fresh. Unlike Sigmund Freud, Eve Salinger knows what women want -- in bed and out of it. Any man who reads this book will get very, very lucky. (And so will his woman!)



2. THE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO PLEASING YOUR WOMAN is just what the title says. As with other Idiot's Guides, the book has entertaining illustrations and very helpful ideas in every category of interpersonal relationships. Even if you have been successful in pleasing your woman, you will learn a lot of tips that will make your skills better and delight your mate. Every relationship will benefit from this! And what a terrific Wedding Gift for any man taking the steps to the altar.



3. As soon as I started the book, I found it very useful right away... there are many things that we as guys take for granted about what to do to with your couple, but it is good to know that sometimes we hit the right target and that sometimes we could make so many errors or make errors worst. If you realize that your woman still with you, even if you have sometimes screwed up, that means that she really loves you. So, by getting this book you might be able to understand your woman better, and finally find what she wants from you (not from her whole life, that is impossible). You could find many sex guides, or how to make her this or that.. but believe that is useless to know if you can not take your woman (by her own decision, and without pushing) to those amazing places and attitudes toward you. Try reading the index of this book trough amazon's preview, and you will get convinced as I did, believe me!!!
   
   Especial Note: Do not get to excited though, do not buy "Pleasing your man" if you think SHE will read it, he he, I did it and that was not a brite idea (is something that should be decided individually); buy yourself "Pleasing your woman" and she will end looking for anything available to make you happy and pay you back your attentions.



4. I love these "Complete Idiot" guides. Where else can you get so many people to publicly admit that they are complete idiots? I guess it's like the steps for alcoholism recovery, the first step is admitting it. Then, however, you have to take action, and that's where this book comes in. Many guys will benefit from the instructions, illustrations and suggestions in this book. My significant other bought one, and I noticed a significant increase in his attention to my needs and his ability to fulfill them. Then, after he bought Five Minutes to Orgasm Every Time You Make Love: Female Orgasm Made Simple as a present for me, I nearly flipped. What a man! He is no longer a "complete idiot," but has graduated to becoming a "perfect lover."



5. I was all ready to read about some new sexual techniques I could use. Boy, was I ever surprised:
   
   Chapter 1: Doing the dishes;
   
   Chapter 2: Washing the laundry
   
   Chapter 3: Picking up after yourself
   
   Suprisingly enough, it worked!

5 comments about Lunch Boxes and Snacks: Over 120 healthy recipes from delicious sandwiches and salads to hot soups and sweet treats.

1. Lunch Boxes and Snacks: Over 120 healthy recipes from delicious sandwhiches and salads to hot soups and sweet treats is a great guide for the end of boredom at school and at work. Everything here is packable, nutritious and wonderfully good-tasting.
   
   The book includes information on how to keep food safe after it leaves your refrigerator and how to involve kids in the selection and process.
   
   But, be advised that it is great for adults also. We get bored with everyday same-old same-old, too!
   
   I purchased this book on a whim while food-shopping at a mega-market. I flipped through it over coffee and went right back to the aisles for some immediate meal transformations.
   
   I don't regret purchasing it!



2. This book is filled with lunches suitable for adults. Some are too intricate for children.



3. I am not the most creative person when it comes to packed lunches, but this book makes it easy! Many ingredients are easily found, and likely to be in your fridge or pantry already. Many you can make with leftover foods such as cooked chicken, or the 2 tablespoons of corn left over from dinner. Most are items my daughter will readily eat without complaint. For health reasons, we decided to stop eating cafeteria food and started packing our own. I ran out of ideas rather quickly and knew we had to break away from PB&J, so I ordered this book. What's great it that it's "adult friendly" too. No smiley face sandwiches or mac and cheese here...just healthy food made easy. Our kiddo is now the envy of the lunch room!



4. This book is filled with some creative ides. However, This book is not for my picky eaters!! Hopefully someday we'll be able to get the picky-eaters to be open to new foods. Also some recipes was just not practical. Over all I am glad to have this book for future use.



5. I bought this book based on some reviews that I have read. I found it to be okay. It gave me a few new ideas for lunches. A lot of the recipes call for mayo, ketchup or chicken. Overall, I think the recipes are fairly simple and kid friendly.

5 comments about Tao Cycle Therapy: Natural Happiness via Self Directed Cure for Chronic Anxiety & Depression [Updated 2008 3nd Edition].

1. This book does an excellent job of laying out the fundamental roots of human emotional and relational issues and does it in such a way as to entice you to challenge your ego defenses. It also does an exception job of making a potentially complicated subject very accessible and clear to the reader, partially by weaving in quick and warm little Taoist, "Fable-like" asides referencing some of her Grandfather's influence on her as a child in Japan. Mostly though the book is pretty, in-your-face type direct and inarguable challenges to you defense mechanisms, which is actually seductively endearing.



2. You've all pretty much covered it. She's direct, she doesn't hold back. She covers the basics of all this emotional psychology stuff in the most straight forward way. When you see it dropped in your lap so fundamentally, you can't help but get it. I was actually quite surprized by how easy this stuff is to understand once you break it down to that level, the level of your impulses. The best way I can describe it is by comparing it to how simple, basic conditioning theory was to understand once you got it down to those root levels. I really liked it a lot and I would definitely recommend it. I think it's a good basic manual for human emotions to have on hand even if you're not having issues. -kelly



3. Taoists are very often though of as being notoriously practical. The comparison is about how Taoists believe that if humans would just accept the fact that they are part of nature and behave more like a part of it, then "their lives will flow more effortlessly, as everything else in nature seems to". I love this Taoist, Asian, Nature type stuff to begin with, but then when you mix it in, and back it up, with basic psychological and neurological methodologies, it only makes it that much more practical and convincing. At some point she says, "Have you ever seen a stressed-out taoist monk?" That's funny to visualize, but I kinda get the point.



4. I liked this book very much and highly recommend it. It's not exactly Harvard Psychology Professor stature, but its message is delivered perfectly, with clarity and presence. It's accessible enough for an average person to use and implement. I'm not in love with her interpretations of Taoism, but her assessment of Psychological functions are dead on in my opinion. Samantha Tobin, ACSW



5. I intended this to be a nice quick read to kill some time on the train. It sounded interesting so I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised to have received something much more useful than that. It's one of those things where you sit there bobbing your head while your reading it, acknowledging how much sense it all makes. Then moments later you find yourself shaking you head from side to side thinking yourself a bit silly for not having realized some of these things sooner. It was genuinely thought provoking and user-friendly.

5 comments about Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship With God.

1. I found this book to be very helpful. I struggle to hear the Lord and after I was loaned a copy of this book from a friend, I opted to buy one for myself.
   
   I definatly urge anyone to purchase it if they are having the same problems.



2. Dallas Willard gives plenty of examples from real people's lives of how God communicates with us on a daily basis. highly recommended... a must read for any serious christian



3. Dallas Willard writes, "If our gospel does not free the individual up for a unique life of spiritual adventure in living with God daily, we simply have not entered fully into the good news that Jesus brought." And "When Christ's abiding presence becomes our guide, then guidance becomes an almost unconscious response to the gentle moving of His Holy Spirit within us." Developing a unique and genuine relationship with God is the premise of Hearing God. It moves us past the rituals and into personal communion with the Christ that desires to express Himself through each of us, moment by moment. Highly recommended.Christian Meditation and Relaxation Four Cd Set



4. I'm using this book in my Men's Group. It's superb - excellent teaching and solidly Biblically based. Our discussion has been deep. The guys are really enjoying the book, and are learning how to "Develop a Conversational Relationship with God".



5. This is the most thoughtful and thorough treatment available of the idea of how God communicates with and guides humans. Willard writes from a distinctly Christian, and Bible-based perspective.

5 comments about Safe Baby Handling Tips.

1. A co-worker brought this book into work one day and we all had a good laugh. I ordered it shortly after reading it. Everybody I have showed it to has laughed hard and really enjoy it. Several people asked where I got it and plan to order their own copies.



2. I gave this gift at a baby shower and it was big hit...everyone passed it around and was laughing at it and wanted to know where I got it.



3. OMG--this book is sooooo funny! My niece recently had a baby, my sister purchased it for her, and I recently visited them & was able to read it. I laughed so hard; I was crying & my ribs hurt!! :)



4. Brilliantly written with a sense of humor that goes beyond the normal chuckle! Purchased both books by the author as a gift for a pregnant friend. Can't wait to hear the erupted laughter from everyone that comes in contact with these books!!



5. your friends will think you are serious until they read this. the "chicken leg" illustration is the best...

5 comments about How Can I Forgive You?: The Courage to Forgive, the Freedom Not To.

1. Forgiveness is not always as easy as some would like to think. For those who have been victims of a deep hurt, this book provides insight and a way forward without platitudes and simple panaceas. Through personal experience, I've learned that forgiveness is a process, and that responses to injury are more varied than simply "forgive" and "not forgive." Spring proposes that there are four possible responses, two of which are healthy, and two of which are not. She describes each response in great detail, its benefits and harms, and gives both victims and offenders a road map toward Genuine Forgiveness.



2. This book is very helpful to anyone who has been hurt deeply in a relationship. The book is not just about affairs. It is helpful for both the offending party and the victim. Well - written and easy to follow with advice that is easy to put into practice.



3. This book hit the nail on the head with how I really felt in my situation. I only wish my therapist and my husband would read this book. It spells out exactly what a person needs to hear and feel in order to genuinely forgive and reconcile.
   
   This book clears up many of the common misconceptions about forgiveness and is very validating. It's a good resource for both the hurt party, and the offender.
   
   There are four ways to responding to a hurtful offense.
   
   Cheap Forgiveness -which is often granted too quickly, issues are swept under the rug, usually this is done when the hurt party fears rejection and just wants to keep the peace. Issues are not resolved, healing doesn't occur, trust is not rebuilt and resentment builds.
   
   Refusing to Forgive- Refusing to forgive, no matter what the offender does to try and earn forgiveness. Refusing to forgive breeds bitterness and cuts you off from resolving the situation.
   
   Acceptance- This is done when the offending party is no longer around or refuses to show remorse. It's the hurt party's way of healing and moving on and not letting the situation eat them up. Can happen with or without reconciling, usually, acceptance with reconcilliation occurs when the hurt party lives apart from the offender.
   
   Genuine Forgiveness- the most healing, fulfilling form of forgiveness.
   
   It's commonly believed that Genuine Forgiveness is a one-person job. That it's granted unilaterally. Or that forgiveness is unconditional. It's none of these things. Abrahms-Spring talks about how Genuine Forgiveness is a two-party transaction, and requires participation on the part of the offender, as well as the hurt party. Genuine Forgiveness IS conditional, because the offender must earn forgiveness, show remorse, repentance and want to reform. It means the offender must acknowledge the hurt party's pain, show empathy, apologize without making excuses, justifications or throwing in qualifiers ("sorry, but...") and work to earn back trust.
   
   When genuine forgiveness is not earned, all you can offer is a cheap substitute. (Cheap Forgiveness) Genuine Forgiveness occurs when the victim no longer has to hold the wrongdoer accountable for their actions, but the wrongdoer holds himself/herself accountable for their actions.
   
   Forgiving is not an all-or-nothing type of thing. It's a common myth that someone needs to forgive 100% or not at all. Not true. You can forgive 5%, 95% or any number above or below, or in between, depending on your situation.
   
   The writer also teaches you how to forgive yourself.
   
   There are many references to infidelity in this book, but this book is good in helping one to forgive any type of wrongdoing or betrayal.



4. There's considerable thought put into this book. It puts many current and widely acknowledged ideas on their heads with reasoning anyone can understand. If you're struggling with relationship issues, this book is for you.



5. This book is truly one of the most helpful books I have ever read. My husband had an affair with a friend of mine and we are in the midst of much counseling, etc. I need help with the forgiveness part--both for my husband and my friend. The book speaks about forgiveness choices...Cheap Forgiveness, Refusing to Forgive, Acceptance and Genuine Forgiveness. Because my friend will not take responsibility for her part in the affair, I can deal with it by "Accepting" not her behavior, but the fact that it happened and go on with my life without so much anger. My husband and I are working towad Genuine Forgiveness, NOT Cheap Forgiveness which would ultimately get us no where in trusting one another. Dr. Spring gives precise guidelines to work with using knowledge from her clinical work. This is not just a self-help book. It's real help for people who are truly hurting. Thanks so much.

5 comments about The Act of Marriage.

1. Sent this to my daughter as my sisters insist it inspired and dramatically improved their love life.



2. my fiancee and I are reading this as our weding date comes. some chapters we are waiting tell the wedding is done before reading, but a good book.
   LaHaye doesn't know anythign about end times and novel theology should always be "left behind", but this is a good book



3. I was given this book as a present and I didn't start reading it until things were NOT that exciting in the bed between me and my new husband.
   
   Ladies, all you need to read is the chapter "For Women Only" and your sex life will be changed forever!!! Since reading our sex life has gone from "guess I have to do this" to "can we do it again?!?!"
   
   I give it to every newly married couple as a gift. I've given it to 7 girlfriends and all 7 of them have reported that it was the "best gift ever" and thanked me immensely for it.
   
   I recommend it to newly married couples or for those who would like to find more enjoyment in their sex life. God created sex to be enjoyed by both men & women & this book is a great guide to help you enjoy sex to the fullest!



4. Every Married couple or soon to be, should read this book. Wish I would of had it when I first got Married.



5. What really turned me off about this book was when I read the chapter on "Sane Birth Control". I would have skipped that chapter since I have no interest in being a parent. But something prompted me to read it. I found a condemnation of the childfree lifestyle. Apparently, the authors have no familiarity with childfree issues. Nor did they seem to have much understanding and sympathy for those who would like to have children, but are physically unable to do so. The authors also do not acknowledge that women's roles have expanded since the early 20th century. The idea that most married women are or will be stay-at-home moms is not reality. I cannot recommend this book.