For Wisdom is Better than Rubies
938568
Excellent book. Chapter 16 by James E. Cates with his Ladder of Business Intelligence is worth the price of this book alone. Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates ...
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. Proverbs 8:1-3a,11
2076864
First up, this is not a book about religion, it is a book about wisdom. Second, Scott has done something 2 dozen theologians couldn't, made the Book of Proverbs interesting.

I was a pastor for 10 years and used this book to mentor a group of men, it was an excellent learning experience. These are principles about money, relationships, business and life.

Here is one of the most profound lessons; Solomon is the wisest man who ever lives, one key to his wealth.

Scott offers a simple technique to improve your own thinking; read one chapter of the Book of Proverbs every day; so on day 1 read chapter 1, day 2 read chapter 2, etc.; then the next month start over on chapter 1 of Proverbs, etc.

Scott was told to do this for 2 years with the promise that at the end he would have more wisdom about life than he ever learned from school, and his life would be much richer in all aspects. Try it, you can begin today, then one by one consider the rest of the tools he shares in this excellent book.
2695396
As other reviwers have pointed out, it's somewhat senseless to go into the merits of the NIV translation versus the King James or or other, more recent translations.  It just so happens that the NIV Translation is one of the most used Bibles for study and therefore, having a Once-A-Day version along with  your&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-NIV-Rainbow-Study-Bible-New-International-Version/dp/093365717X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The NIV Rainbow Study Bible (New International Version)</a>&nbsp;in print or on disk as  with&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Rainbow-Study-Bible-for-Windows-95-KJV-NIV/dp/0933657978/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Rainbow Study Bible for Windows 95, KJV / NIV</a>&nbsp;(which uses both KJV and NIV) is a terrific addition to anyone's Theocratic study collection.  The purpose of this Bible is for the reader to be able to start on ANY DAY with a brief set of themed readings grouped together by concept.  The main advantage of this method versus simply starting at the beginning of the Bible and reading a few pages a day is to prevent the reader from getting bogged down in those books of the Bible that are either obscure to the reader or which conatin long lists of laws about who is clean and unclean and for how long and why as in Leviticus.  For people used to Once-Day Bibles arranged by Calander dates and themed towards those days, this might be a new approach that takes a little getting used to.  You can certainly start on January 1st but the readings are numbered so one can begin on any day.

 Instead, this Once-A-Day Bible is arranged so that you have a daily selection from both the hebrew Scriptures (Old testament), the Greek Scriptures (New testamant), Proverbs and/or Pslams (excellent lesssons for daily life) as well as a small comentary that relfects back on what you have read.  One can easily read 7 days worth at the end of the week in one dedicated sitting without giving up too much time but the Once-A-Day approach really is the most appropriate in length and by topic.  If you have ever made the committment to try to read the Bible in its entirety in one year and failed, this Once-A-Day version could be just what you need to accomplish that goal.  I like to keep my Rainbow Study Bible, mentioned above, with my during my daily readings because I can use it to direct me to related topics or to find readings that further illuminate the day's selections.  If you're not familiar with the Rainbow Study Series, click on the link I included and read the product description and reviews.  These two Bibles together give you an excellent resource for daily reflection and study.

Pros and Cons - well, it has to be said that the type font in this Bible is rather small so if you need reading glasses, have them on hand.  I didn't find this a distraction but others who haven't had their presscriptions updated in years might want to do so and readers just starting to hit middle age and the minor near-sightedness which accompanies it might wish to look at some of the drugstore magnification lenses.  On the Pro side, since the readings have been grouped together for you into daily sections, it's preferable to the days when I used a pre-printed study guide that had me paging through my Bible to find each days selections.  With this Once A-Day, you simply sit down and read your pre-selected daily portion.  I'm finding this aspect very useful.

Finally, I would suggest that if you have somebody in your family who has been wanting to accomplish the goal of reading their Bible in its entirety over the course of one year, this would make an excellent gift for them.  I belong to a group that donates books to Prison Chaplains and I am putting this on the recommended list to the all the members so they might consider donating a few around the holidays.  I can imagine receiving this Bible in this specific format would be a blessing to anyone in that circumstance.
3022921
A Wisdom pearl based on Neville's individual experience. worth reading. Some sections require repetitive reading so as to grasp better Neville's Message. I highly recommend it.
1910067
Written by best-selling author Elizabeth George, God's Wisdom for Little Girls has a lofty goal: To help children understand Proverbs 31 and how it applies to their life today. Each page of this book (charmingly illustrated by Judy Luenebrink) deals with one character trait; through pictures and rhyming text, it shows little girls how that trait might apply to their life. The last page of the book breaks down some of the bigger words used in the book (like "diligent" and "gracious"), saying what they mean, and where moms can find the corresponding text in the Bible. God's Wisdom for Little Girls says that "God's little girl is:" priceless, kind, eager, helpful, cheerful, busy, hearty (giving it our all), diligent, caring, prepared, creative, prayerful, artistic, confident, gracious, careful, thoughtful, and cherished.

What I Like: The concept; Proverbs 31, while an important passage to all women, isn't always easy for grown-ups to understand. But the author does a fine job breaking down each concept and applying it to modern life. (Moms may learn something, too!) These virtues are things we should try to instill in our daughters from an early age, and God's Wisdom for Little Girls really help mothers do that. The illustrations vary in color intensity (some are vivid, some are pastel) and are quite detailed. They depict little girls playing, working, and loving.

What I Dislike: These aren't dislikes so much as cautions. I think it's important for mothers to tell their daughters they may not be able to live up to all these virtues - especially at first. It's also important to stress that we can only be a Proverbs 31 woman (or girl) if we lean on the Lord. Initially, I also questioned some of the named virtues; for example, "artistic." I couldn't recall a Bible passage that said Godly women should be artistic. But when I checked the last page of the book and saw how the author defined artistic ("a skillful expert"), my objection disappeared. Some parents may also object that God's Wisdom for Little Girls is sexist; it doesn't depict little girls romping around with cars and tools; they are mostly shown doing traditionally feminine things. There is certainly room for romping in every girl's life, but romping isn't one of the virtues mentioned in Proverbs 31. (There is a little girl shown digging in the garden, however.) Yet, overall God's Wisdom for Little Girls takes a pretty difficult subject and makes it approachable for preschoolers.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 5 - 8

Kristina, Editor at "Christian Children's Book Review"
4044542
The authors are not feel good, "I'm OK, you're OK" kind of writers. You can tell right away that this book was not written by a blonde cheerleader with a bubbly personality. The authors have a lot of wisdom though. Their idea of encouragement is mostly about understanding, not judging, and speaking truth.

Another reviewer (who assigned the book 4 stars) mentioned the topic of openness. Here is a quote about that from p. 45 (italics and capitalization added):

"Though we must expose ourselves before God and confess our sinfulness to Him, total openness with people is a mistake generally motivated by a desire to have others accept us as we are. *We are to depend only on God for the acceptance we need.* Total openness as a BASIC APPROACH to relationships will produce selfish preoccupation with one's own happiness, and division and tension in relationships. We must find another answer to the problem of surface community."

I don't fully agree with the sentence in italics because we need some degree of acceptance from people. It seems like mere religious theory to say that all we need is God, especially when the same God put us into families and communities. I do agree, however, that total openness should not be our basic approach to relationships.

Naturally, writers will sometimes overemphasize some points in order to make sure they get their point across.

The reason why I give this 4 stars instead of 5 is because I feel that our encouragement is missing something if we mainly seek to communicate truth and acceptance in an objective, perhaps even closed manner. We also need empathy (as in an "I've been there!" whenever possible), contagious hope and joy, and a sense of humor. With such elements largely missing from this book, I cannot give it my full endorsement. This book makes encouragement seem too academic and "truth"-based. The truth can often seem very depressing, even if the full truth of the gospel is indeed good news.

The assumption behind this book is that people will actually be willing to listen to our advice and encouragement. In my experience, they often haven't been willing to hear me unless I am enthusiastic and positive-minded, not only in my words but also in my emotions. If that is your primary need, this may not be the book for you.

These psychologists have people coming to them continually for advice and answers. This may explain the disconnect with many of us ordinary people.
163933
I love reading ancient texts of martial arts, warriors, and the like because I find in their articulately crafted words such great wisdom about life in general. When it all comes down to it life is about that balance and realizing that everything comes full circle. Reading this book I was reminded that we must not focus all efforts into only one thing and to clear the mind of anything that could cause confusion. The illustrations were excellent to help shape the story. Perhaps things can be said best by text from the latter part of the book.
In emptiness exists Good but no evil
Wisdom is existence
Principle is existence
The Way is existence
The mind is emptiness
4150405
This is gem of a book, filled with little nuggets that would aid you in living a happy life. You can learn from your own mistakes, or you can learn from others. Live a full life, live a happy life.

When you read this and implement the 100 nuggets of wisdom, you will be glad that you did.

The book you don't read, won't help.

Here's to be better you and a happier you!
1742140
There is much to glean from the books of  Andrew Murray. This one teaches about the blood of Jesus, the power of the blood of the lamb. They just don't preach about some things of God's word like they use to. I wanted to know more about this as it applies to our walk. I find  this powerful little book full of wisdom of the ages.we have no Idea what power there is in the blood of the lamb of God! This book will help a believer to see the meaning of applying the blood to our faith.
4867014
This little book is charming and full of simple success wisdom.  The book is over a hundred years old.  I just recently discoved this book and feel lucky to have found it.

I don't know about other readers, but for some reason or another, modern self-help books I find very disappointing.  They are full of filler and lack a special "zing" to insipire the reader.  It seems like all the classics were written at least 50 years ago.

Well, treat yourself to the little silver book.  The book is cheap and a quick read.  Also, this edition has been slightly updated and includes a great introduction.  All the keys of success are given their own page for easy access to this priceless wisdom.  Enjoy, this is the kind of book you will want to read twice a year.
508622
The thing I like about this book is that it has lots of pithy one-liners that mirrors the style of the book of Proverbs itself. Here are some examples:

By the pursuit of a good name, he can make his years meaningful and add to them something more valuable and lasting than the material.

Before anyone can learn the path of wisdom, he has to admit he doesnt know everything.

Most people see pride for what it is: a futile attempt to compensate for insecurities and self-doubt.

Pride demands honor while bringing dishonor. This makes pride the true position of weakness.

A person can also develop self-control when he becomes mindful instead of emotional. In the moment, in the heat of passion, at the point of gratification, he chooses mindfulness. Mindfulness does not charge ahead without thought or reflection; it stops to think. A small but continued price made each day to weigh the consequences or options fosters a habit of making mindful decisions.

Making peace refers to the establishment of positive relationships with people and is a costly, sometimes painful, enterprise.

An impoverished person is not one who has little, but the one who never thinks she has enough.

A wealthy person is not the one who has much, but the one who sees just how much she really haseven what is bitter tastes sweet.

If we would like to be well-off, then instead of wanting more, all we need do is appreciate what we already have.

When we want what we have, then we are truly wealthy.

Any time you feel badly take notice of your thoughts. If they are obsessive or negative, boil them down to one main thought. Write it down and make a list of positive thoughts and actions to answer and counter your pessimistic cognition.

Giving is an act that refreshes and blesses both the giver and receiver.

You cant change others, but you can change yourself.

What will any of this matter a year from now? Not a bit. In the grand scheme, in light of eternity, many problems simply do not matter.
853906
"The Healing Power of Reiki" has little to do with learning Reiki. Instead, it is more of a collection of anecdotal stories compiled by Reiki practitioner, Raven Keyes.

According to Raven, Reiki is intelligent energy, which automatically goes to where it is needed. That's interesting because I have been doing a lot of study on a scientific look at the healing power of prayer. While I really thought there was little to no scientific proof of healing by prayer, as it turns out, there are numerous real studies on the subject. Just check out books like, "Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine," by Dr. Larry Dossey.

In a related article on prayer and distance healing in the magazine "What Doctors Don't Tell You," Bryan Hubbard and Lynne McTaggart noted, "Among the most rigorously scientific (those with double-blind trials), the average effect size, or size of change among those treated, was 0.4 -- about 10 times better than the effect of either aspirin or propranolol, two drugs considered highly successful in preventing heart attacks."

Keep in mind that a "double-blind trial" is one in which neither the tester or the subject knows if they are actually giving or receiving treatment. In this scenario, it is impossible to have been a placebo or nocebo effect, observer bias, or even plain old deception. As Dr. Dossey points out, as well, prayer very rarely takes places like this in the real world. The results of being 10 times better than aspirin or propranolol were obtained in ways that rarely happen in the real world. Of course, the studies wouldn't be double-blind if they were performed like they were in the real world, either. But how much more effective could prayer be than what these studies are showing?

Another interesting thing is, these scientific studies also show that prayer is answered across denominations and across religions. No single group has a monopoly on prayer. Prayers are also just as effective if you are touching the person being prayed for, just in the same room as the person, or halfway around the world from the person.

What I see valuable in Reiki is that it isn't tied to any specific religion or denomination. It is easily tailored to the needs of the individual requesting it. It can exist in a broad range that goes anywhere from heavily "woo woo," to something the most orthodox could live with.

One of the more interesting aspects of "The Healing Power of Reiki" is how open doctors actually were to Raven Keyes. That she found herself in operating room after operating room, I found to be almost miraculous. I must admit it did raise my opinion of doctors somewhat, and makes me think that possibly there is some hope for humanity.

I also found her work with the New York Giants to be interesting, and her work with victims of the 9/11 attacks to be very touching.

In the end, I did not give the book five stars because Raven continually presents modern medicine as healing and life saving. It's unfortunate that the one person in the book who decided against surgery, radiation and/or chemo died quickly. I totally understand that the decision to go the conventional route is a personal one, and the only one that any insurance is going to pay for. However, there is nothing healing about radiation and/or chemo. If someone survives cancer having gone that route, they do so in spite of these things, not because of them.

My favorite line of the book was when Raven wrote, "Just as there is no single one of us with the same fingerprint as another on this entire planet, each and every soul is utterly unique. Each of us comes into this world with our own path we must walk, a path that belongs solely to us. We each have our own experiences that we seek to make ourselves whole in whatever areas we are spiritually lacking. Experience is what life is all about, and for this reason and so many others, life is such an incredible gift. When we begin to understand that life is a never-ending experience, a journey, we begin to see that the best thing we can do is to live our lives joyfully."
287670
I encourage, if anyone want to know thy self, really want to know thy self, where you are now, and where you want to go by changing the decision you make in life, I stronglly encourage you to buy this book. I don't want to let the cat out of the bag. See for your self.

PROVERBS: KING SOLOMOM: Knowledge is good, but wisdom is even better. Knowledge can help you pass tests and accomplish tasks, but wisdom will guide you through the most important decisions in life.
Please buy the book and read it and come to your own conclusion.
4171206
When Evagrius Ponticus, asked Macarius for a word of wisdom, Abba Macarius replied; "Do not speak unless you are asked to!"

One verse of wisdom:
The Wisdom of the Desert Fathers focused on the request of a monastic novice pleading to an Elder; "Please give me a word of guidance." The novice asks one verse of the elder's insightful conception of the Good News of the one teacher, The Christ. I see that Benedicta Ward applies the spirit of the desert, intense wisdom.

Extra scoop of Desert wisdom?
"The Wisdom of the Desert Fathers Systematic Sayings from the Anonymous Series of the Apophthegmata Patrum," by the 'blessed' Anglican mother Ward and many other sources including writings by John Cassian, and Evagrius Ponticus may be helpful to the honest Amazon reviewer Peter. A treatise on the quest for holiness by the Desert fathers, is very thoroughly treated in D. Burton Christie's "The Word in the Desert."

Book Rating:
Although I totally agree with the reviewer who stated rightly that; "The primary drawback is the length of the book, clocking in at a mere 47 pages. Not only does it lack just in pages, but some pages contain barely a few sentences! This could be fine as a gift book as it has some nice examples on central Christian themes and the presentation is of a high quality."
Amazon has to add the number of pages within "Product Details". But, neither this lack of information, nor his own positive note on the quality justify his harsh under rating.
4082775
Thankfully, someone with a brain had the patience to read The Purpose-Driven Life.  I guess it moved Bob Price to eloquence, and his respectful response is this collection of thoughts prompted by Rick Warren's mega-seller.  It essentially tells us to avoid joining any church remotely like Warren's stadium church/rock concert cults, because these teach that you shouldn't think for yourself; that you should take Bronze-Age myths literally; and that you should bathe yourself in that lifestyle so there'll be no time in your schedule for reflection or to address the cognitive dissonance that will inevitably arise if you have one neuron left in your skull.

There is some wonderful wisdom here, and Price has plenty of experience in teaching the reader about Bible mythology and the illusion of god.  The main problem with this book is that some of the forty mini-chapters that make up this book are fairly boring.  In each chapter, Price is addressing a topic from the same chapter in Rick Warren's book.  So while these less-engaging chapters are useful in a comparative sense, you may find yourself skimming over a few of these entries.

Price is a treasure, and I heartily recommend this humorous answer to evangelical balderdash.
1094185
Kybalion reminds me of the Chinese IChing.  They are very similar in their teaching of wisdom and cosmic truth, although Kybalion is much easier to understand for modern westernized minds.  I keep it by my side for my constant reference and reflection.
A must read for inquisitive minds!
3180614
A study of the different gemstones, as related to the tribes in the Bible and our growth in the Christian walk It ranges from our initial acceptance of Jesus as Savior and then goes from our being a novice to more mature believer.  There is also a section at the end of each Chapter called " Reflections on the Rock" (Jesus) and a prayer that can be prayed to help take us more into what has been learned; with the help of Holy Spirit.

I liked the book.  I also know that  man y people reading it would not believe the personal stories that were told in the book.  That is totally up to the reader; but I found that even if you don't believe it; there is plenty more to the book to draw from.  Just the information on the the gemstones, their meanings and Hebrew meanings and how they are written of in Revelation was interesting enough.  I give the author applause because I know that when she wrote this book; she had to know that there were going to be people, Christian people, who would hate it and could see no use for it.  The woman has courage and I saw much humility and courage through the whole book.  Something important to be aware of?  She always pointed you right back to Jesus.  Even her ending statement did that:
"Until that time (Heaven)I know my job is to  grow and increase in the knowledge and love of my God.  It is my prayer that you will do the same".

I received this book FREE from Destiny Image Publishing for an honest review.