Pause, Ponder, Appreciate
588070
I firmly believe that the publishing world must always adapt, evolve, and break new ground.  This book does just that.  Yes, it is Walt Whitmans Song of Myself, unaltered and unabridged.  However, Allen Crawford blended art and text to create something entirely new, all while still honoring the original poem.  Each page progresses the poem and integrates it with art.  At times, the text is virtually unreadable because it twists and turns, but it always serves a purpose, it always works in tandem with the illustration.

This book is like a riddle in that you must reposition it in order to read every page, you must study the illustration on each page to decipher its relevance to the text; in short, you must pause and ponder.  Thats not a bad thing.

If you only want a copy of Song of Myself, this book probably isn't for you.  Like I said, it is at times virtually unreadable.  Rest assured you can find thousands of versions of the original poem in bookstores, online, or in any English textbook beginning at the seventh grade level.

But, if you appreciate Song of Myself and want to see it in a new light, this book will delight.  If you desire to see something a little different from the publishing industry, this is a superb example.  If you love art, text, and any combination of the two, this book is for you.

Or maybe you just want to see an item that exemplifies blood, sweat, and tears, and you want to reward the creators hard work by saying, You did something unique, honorable, and interesting.  I want to support your efforts by purchasing the book.

Whatever the case may be, if you fall into any of the previous categories, I truly think youll enjoy this book.
1517653
This book will make you stop and think about where you are putting your priorities--here for a very short time or for eternity.
3269242
Set aside some quiet time - and read this book. It is instructive, provides guidance for some introspection and contains a few surprises that are worth discovering about others and yourself.
3151995
For me this was not a book to read and start on the next one. It is a book to take the time to savor every word. Read a while, contemplate a while then continue reading.
3787464
The words and ideas are beautifully presented, reminding me to breathe deeply and focus on their meanings.  I have enjoyed this book over weeks, set it aside for a time, and find it's words thoughtful and comforting when I pick it up again.  It has also served as a small reminder of goodness when needed.
751573
This is a beautifully written book that is as restorative as a mini-retreat. You don't have to be Catholic to get a lot out of it. It's nice to be reminded of what's really important. These are meditations to help you make random moments meaningful, like when you are washing dishes or just waiting at a red light. I like that the reflections are arranged by headings like Work, Water, Do Not Worry and that they're not only thoughtful but often humorous.
3307905
This lovely little book is a meditation for reading, feeling, and being, to be remembered, re-read, and appreciated especially in time of transition or stress. Its message of the availability of love, both to give and to receive, is inspiring and comforting.
1424979
In our search for God, He Who is in our midst, we are so distracted by noise even if it be white noise. Honking horns, telephones ringing, people demanding our attention for this or that...all in a day. We search for some quiet time - a chance to be alone and simply relax. A rare commodity in our times but find it for it is critical to balance in the human condition.

Amazingly, we have all manner of devices designed to save time yet, we seem to have less and less time. I take time to meditate, center down and focus. I am fortunate to have a home chapel which was an extra bedroom in my apartment. Nothing in there is distracting. Discovering this Chant  Russian Spirit CD was a rare find. I am quite selective about the things I purchase and this was no exception. Once I heard it on a website I was reading, I had to find out where to get it. I did and have it now playing in the background as I write this review. I cannot recommend it too strongly. It is like nothing I have heard before including traditional Gregorian Chant. It is not like that at all.

If you are searching for a great CD for centering down and relaxing or one for meditation, here it is.
2204018
Thoughtful.
Inspired.
Although some may feel this book is best read after "Conversations with God" by the same author, I found it to be refreshingly succinct in leading the reader through a 5-Principle process of self-discovery and self-determination without that prerequisite.
 This book is very tiny but powerful; it poses vital questions for the individual who wishes to know their "destiny" and for those already practicing "Light-bringers" and healers who desire to Help Others.
You cannot rush through this book; it is a constant stop and think journey and well worth it.
1566291
Out Of Sorts is a tonic for anyone who is feeling conflicted about church and religion, or all tangled up about their own faith and what faith even means. By sharing her own experiences and thoughts, Sarah gently invites anyone in this liminal space to take a deep breath. This book is an invitation to peace in the midst of a process that can be so acutely painful, so filled with doubt and fear and regret. The exuberant, graceful prose makes it a pleasure to savor, and the cold-pressed, hard-won, hope-filled wisdom has the power to challenge and change your thinking.
498015
In today's world of smartphones and phubbing, few things are more important than taking the time to be mindful...and this book is a great opportunity to do just that. Starting with her epiphany at Glastonbury Abbey, the author has us take a closer examination of ourselves, and of what is truly importantand unimportant. This is a book to be savored and considered thoughtfully, not rushed through with iPhone in hand.
1106013
Thoughtful contemplations of everyday experiences to which a reader can relate. The kind of book to have on hand for a quick moment of reflection, to get you thinking about your own experiences.
1457173
This was a good read that I found mentally refreshing, we all need that kicker sometimes, especially the need for us to take the time out to think
4266570
I know that ponderous has negative connotations but as I finished the first chapter my thought was that this is something that you need to slow down and think about or ponder; which means to consider carefully - to think about something carefully over a period of time (Encarta). I went back and read the subtitle which is 31 Meditations On the Incarnation and it fits. I must confess that I have been a fan of Joel Beeke's works for a long time, it is intellectually stimulating and heart warming, meditative and spiritual and thoroughly grounded in the Scripture. The subject of the book; the eternal God born of a woman and becoming a man.
1Tim 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh. Glimpses and flashes of this mystery are here for us to see.

I received this Kindle book for free from Reformation Heritage Books via Cross Focused Reviews for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own, I really do think that Joel Beeke has a heart for the LORD. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
1491085
I'm so deeply grateful for Bonnie ~ she knows well the One who quietens us by His love. And she wants nothing more than for us to live, Beloved.

Whispers of Rest is like a long drink of cold water for a dry and thirsty soul. Pause and see ~ Come as you are ~ Say Yes ~ Appreciate ~ and Breathe in God's immeasurable love.

Rest is waiting ...
3084638
This ia a book to be read slowly and mulled over.  Thw words are simple yet profound.  I find reading one or two pages a day to be more than sufficient.
567371
TZiPi, My friend. And now  for this time, however long it may last  my guide.

When I bought your book a few years ago I brought it home and read a few pages. Then a few more. I liked it. But it did not call to me. So, I read a few more passages. And then, with intention to read more, I put it down and did not pick it up again.

Until the beginning of February. Now, with this the last day of February, it is a good time to tell you thank you. I purchased a book with 365 days of meditations/reflections. I didn't like it. And until I could get to Barnes and Noble to pick up another, I picked your book up again. I have to wonder how it made it through a move (where I down sized) and happened to find its way to my living room when so much that I did save ended up in boxes. I don't question it. I know why.

Your book reads differently to me now. It speaks to me in ways that lift my wings and energize my heart. I can hear your voice in the passages after which I hear mine repeating. Grasping, considering, understanding, welcoming, responding, being grateful.

Thank you, my friend. In this busy time your voice reaches me in your words. Here are a few from those chapters Ive read. Much is still waiting for me. I relish it.

Page 152: Who am I in this moment?

Page 137: To believe and act on the truth that the body is my holy friend, the Indwelling Presence of the Divine.

Page 132:  To have the patience with myself and others when I am thrown a curveball and my knees are not as loose as I would like and I trip on my own expectations.

Page 133: remember, I am fluid, not a stone.

Page 68: The Great Ari who taught that there is not one moment in time like another.

Page 14:

I believe there are no accidents.

That is my job: To figure out how to uncover my heart and let me in.

The piece for me to remember is to include myself in the category of who I care for.

Treating myself as if I were my own lover, friend, neighbor, child, spouse is one way of creating a balance in my life and not leaving me out of getting attention-love that I need. I whine less, too.

A life-giving book. Thank you, Rev. TZiPi