Giving as a part of all of who you are
593964
Bruce's book "The Giving Zone" is a real masterpiece of good feelings, easy to follow instructions for every chapter, and vital information. He has been able to touch every level of who we are as human beings. It opened my eyes to what giving is. It is more than money to a charity or time helping people. I realize now it is a part of who I am as a human being. Now I am going about applying the Giving Zone in all areas of my life.

I learned so much and will be able to use this book to make changes in my life that can mean the real difference between just living my life and loving living my life! Thank you Bruce for giving us these wonderful processes!

Laura Johnson
500441
This book had a deep impact on me, mentally as well as emotionally. I recognized my cynicism and self-absorption and felt compelled to re-evaluate priorities and change direction. It was helpful that the author emphasized connecting with others, seeing the oneness we share rather than what separates us. It brought back the sense that there's no such thing as "others", that all life is one and everything reflects who I am. She also presented a strong case for the transformative power of giving without expectation of return, along with other ideas that I am still processing.
1069954
I bought this book for my children to read to their children and pass it on through generations.  It gives great inspiration to the meaning of giving and serving like Jesus did.  We seem to give so much in the way of material things, yet a helping hand, a thoughtful gesture or giving of our time and money to those in need is what sacrificial giving is all about.  I want my grandchildren to be aware of those around them who need a warm coat, food, a ride to town or just a warm greeting and a door held for them.  We read it out loud with all the families present before opening our presents.  We all wanted to know what was in the Sparkle box this year and I'm sure they will want to fill their Sparkle boxes all year long.
1571006
Our family celebrates the holidays by donating to favorite causes, but I've always wondered whether my dollars were being used appropriately.  Many of us take part in the United Way, whose catalog shows each charity's administrative costs, an indicator of how much of our gift actually goes to those in need.  However, MacAskill's book goes far beyond a simple percentage to provide us a method for evaluating charitable foundations' effectiveness, identify those focused on the most serious needs and whose interventions are uniquely powerful and unduplicated by other groups.  In a world where we are bombarded by many "worthy causes" seeking our support, we owe it to ourselves to contribute our resources where they will do the most good - to groups who are saving the most lives and meeting unmet needs by helping people develop themselves and their communities.  You'll probably be disappointed to find that your cherished causes don't appear in the short list (mine didn't), but consider the methodology, and you'll develop a stronger understanding of how to maximize the impact of your giving.
3160799
Loved it.  Its amazing on what we can accomplish when we learn to accept and include everyone.  This is a good example on how a few can make a difference in the lives of so many.
4346457
Share your love, and show everyone a little bit of Christ! You may be the only kind touch a person receives, and it could be something that opens doors to a different perspective on life. Jesus is an example we should all follow, and this book shows simple ways of performing tasks that will brighten the day of strangers, who will be curious as to why you're doing it. Break the ice with a bottle of water, a smile and a bit of happiness. Let Jesus' light shine!
4397563
I invite you to not just read but devour this book, take on the lessons and principles Mal shares and look for how each one can specifically enhance your life to be taken to the next level. As human beings, we are all inherently magnificent - although too many of us forget this fact all too often. Enjoy Mal's gift to champion your magnificence and decide now to give up your right to invalidate yourself or suffer any longer by thinking that all the good things that the world has to offer are for other people but not you. Step into your personal power, love yourself and others, contribute your gifts to the world, decide what it will be and live your life purpose and know that anything you can dream, you can achieve if you have the courage to do so.
Dr. Joe Rubino, Founder, CenterForPersonalReinvention.com
3547693
This is one of my favorite books.  I felt so empowered and alive while reading it.  The main theme is that we are here to be all of who we are; and that actually 'all of who we are' consists of many, many different parts.
Some parts are more dominant(Primary Selves) and some parts less so (Disowned Selves).  Our challenge is to own more of the disowned selves and to achieve more balance inside of ourselves.
Hal and Sidra Stone don't have a judgemental bone in their body.  They are very accepting and optimistic and don't teach with a heavy hand.
Absolutely on top of my list!
477372
If you would like to get back in touch with that wonderful feeling of giving to others who need help, The Gift is my prescription for you. Too many people feel like they cannot give very much unless they are rich like Bill Gates, talented like a singing star, or as famous as a princess.  But we can all share our love, our understanding, a kind word, a prayer, and whatever we have.  With God's help, that's often enough.

Richard Paul Evans does a remarkable job of showing how hungry the world is for love and appreciation in The Gift.  There's emotional starvation all around us among those who have the riches of the world and covet those riches.

The book's main weakness is that the story isn't explicitly tied into Biblical Christian lessons except in the dust jacket's front flap and an opening quote from James 1:17, such as the ways we can pray for others to be healed and lay hands to assist that healing when we have faith enough.  In fact, the book is suggests that healing is something that is physically harmful . . . contrary to Biblical evidence to the contrary.  But if you enjoy the kind of amorphous spirituality that many authors like Mitch Albom favor, The Gift is a wonderful gift to readers.

Some will undoubtedly see parallels to A Christmas Carol in that the book involves considerable consideration of past, current, and future life for the book's narrator and there's a fragile child involved who will remind some of Tiny Tim.  If that was the intent, I thought that the plot was developed in such a way that it made for interesting and unexpected twists and turns while employing a formula that we all know so well.  The only weaknesses in the plot that some may be concerned about are that complications are unraveled a bit too easily, but that seems appropriate for a book about miracles.

I also enjoyed learning a little more about Tourette's syndrome.  Like many, my perceptions seem to have been based on misperceptions.  As the brother of a lupus survivor, I also was pleased to see a little awareness created for that discouraging disease.

May God bless you with His gifts!
1403406
This is an awesome book to read to students during Thanskgiving and Christmas time to remind them to be thankful for what they have and to not always expect things in return. Its a great book to read year round to simply remind people that to be appreciative and to apprciate the people who always give and never receive.
I gave this book as a gift to someone who always gives until she has very little left for herself, and she still finds room to give her reserve.
1139051
This book has given me so much insight about myself, both strengths and weaknesses. It has also allowed me the capacity to love and accept others as they are. The Author is unbelievably humble and nurturing with her gift to help us tap into just who we are as individuals!
4332621
"We as marketers and community managers need to go beyond the internal needs of our companies and fulfill the needs of the individual consumer." Merlin U Ward

Brands, lets talk. We get that youve discovered social networks and want to use them as a marketing channel. We get that you're learning how community can benefit you. What we wish you would get, is that if you want us to help you out, it starts with what you give to us. In his book You Get What You Give, Merlin gets this.

Youre talking to people. Real people. Do you know who they are? Do you know who has looked? Who has spoken? Who has shared? Who is buying? Notice those questions include who, not just how many. As Merlin points out, Social media is a relationship game, not a numbers game.

Merlin is spot on in this book with relevant case studies to back up his strategies along the way. If you're not sure how to treat your community members as real people or want ideas how how to take your strategy further with personalized engagement, read You Get What You Give.
4446037
This collection of essays and stories has reminded me that we are all here with gifts to offer. It has launched me on my own exploration of ways to lend my voice, in small or large ways, to the loving transformation of the world. While the contributing authors are all accomplished, there is an invitation to "let my light shine" and trust where and how it may serve myself and others. A worthwhile and inspiring read.
1307097
When you feel down, the real pick-me-up is to help someone else. This book makes the case that you can do this every day by writing a note of thanks in your own pen and sending it to someone who is not expecting such a nice gesture. Its a rush to feel such goodness for the giver and the receiver. I never thought of it until now, but I was glad to be reminded that the human personal connection is so powerful to all of us.
522131
Great Book about people who gave their all to change our consciousness.
842264
This film is about being accepted for who you are as an individual.  It points out that even though we all have struggles there are people out there willing to care, to take the time to be around us, and to get to know us and become friends.  These friends become our family even for a short time.  This movie isn't about being gay or straight it's about being.

The music is wonderful especially since it comes from young adults and children.
3864669
The book is very well-written and brings the knowledge of the Self to all who are open to receive it.