Reviews (14)

Feast for the Soul...and your business
Dr Cloud serves up a delish and varied plate in his most recent offering toward healthy living. This book is highly readable, yet worthy of slow savoring as opposed to a quick snack.
Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Relity
For those in business, ministry, and anyone with a relationship, this book is a must read. The principles that are learned will change your life, I just thought I knew what integrity was, now I see the areas I need to improve in my life so that my relationships will be so much better. An excellent book!

Generalized overview with little new insight
I agree completely with the Becksted review (I also noted that it was helpful, but I meant it would have been helpful had I read it before I bought the CD).
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Subjects:  1. Applied Ethics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Life - Inspirational    4. Character    5. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    6. Integrity    7. Leadership    8. Personal Growth - Success    9. Personal Guidance    10. Self-Help    11. Business & Economics / Management    12. Christian Interest    13. Christian life & practice    14. Religion / Christian Life   

Editorial Review

In order to call themselves good Christians, many people have drawn overly flexible boundaries (unwilling to say no, always accommodating others' needs) or overly rigid boundaries (to the point of being righteous and judgmental). Psychologists and inspirational speakers Cloud and Townsend show readers how to set reasonable boundaries in order to follow the true path of Christianity. This book has become immensely popular, most likely because it makes personal boundaries easier to define and is filled with spiritual purpose. Some cautions: the format can be overly self-helpish for such a complex discussion and the authors at one point imply that judicious spankings may be an acceptable form of setting boundaries with children. However, many Christians will probably find themselves grateful for this biblical context of boundaries. Read more

Reviews (134)

Boundaries
Miniature edition.Not until you get to the book size at the bottom of the page is there any indication that this IS NOT the complete Boundaries book.Yes, I'm angry--I didn't get what I ordered!!

Total Farce
When I ordered this book I was led to believe it was based on the science of mental health. What I found was that it was a book on Christian values, Bible verses, and virtual preaching. Instead of sound psychological protocol I was given Bible classes. I am not anti-Christian, or anti-religion, but I don't expect to buy a book on psychology only to find it is about two men's religious values. I returned this book.

Fantastic!
My husband and I read this book and it really cleared up a lot of issues for us! We still refer back to it sometimes!
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Subjects:  1. Affirmations    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Interpersonal Relationships    3. Inspirational    4. Inspirational - Gifts    5. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    6. Self-Help    7. Christian life & practice   

Reviews (20)

help without the psychobabble
Dr. Cloud does a thoughtful and credible job of weaving his Christian beliefs in with his psychological insights to create a useful and practical self-help book. By following his advice, readers can grow deeper relationships, a stronger faith, and greater confidence in their ability to solve problems and deal with the difficulties of life.
Image Bearers
What does it mean to be made in the image of God? People sometimes say that it means we have free will, or we have emotions and intellect, or we have a spirit. In Changes that Heal, Cloud describes part of his own theory of what it means to bear the image of God on this planet. He describes four major areas that are involved in bearing God's image: 1. Bonding to others 2. Separating from others 3. Sorting out good and bad in ourselves and others 4. Becoming an adult. For each of these four areas, he points out the picture we have in scripture of God's nature as He operates in the specific area, then describes how this aspect of man was broken in the fall, and suggests ways to move toward healing. The book is especially helpful when it describes case studies from Dr. Cloud's practice and shows which symptoms, or life problems, may result from failure to grow up in each of the areas.
An Outstanding Book
Dr. Henry Cloud in his introduction, explains that he did not set out to write this book.Rather it was an extension of his ministry and the encouragement of many who benefited from the ministry and wished that he would expand its scope.
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Subjects:  1. Christian life    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Emotional maturity    5. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    6. Psychology    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Religious aspects    10. Christian Interest    11. Christian rites & ceremonies    12. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (7)

Excellent advice
I have been using the book and the video series for a small group I lead for my Sunday School class. The advice is right on, scriptually based, and easy to read. This is a real winner.

A Few Gems
I'm a big fan of Dr. Cloud's books, but I don't think this one is as good as his others. I don't have a moral problem with Christians observing principles that bring success, as long as those principles are biblical; Cloud is soundly grounded in scripture, even if his applications are occasionally a bit unconventional. His observations of the 9 things you must do to succeed are not entirely without interest, but I found myself skimming after about half way through. This book seems more like a quickly-written secular "how to succeed in life" book than like the profound guides to biblical personal growth I've come to expect from this author.

Great Book
This is a great Christian book about improving your life.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Character & Values    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Interpersonal Relationships    5. Conduct of life    6. Interpersonal relations    7. Personal Growth - General    8. Religion    9. Religion - Christian Life    10. Religious aspects    11. Success    12. Christian Living/Practical Life/Personal Growth    13. Religion / Amish    14. Religion / Christian Life    15. Religion/Christianity - Amish    16. Religious Orientation/Christian    17. Self-Help/Personal Growth - General    18. Theometrics/Evangelical   

Reviews (10)

Great for new Christians
This is probably the best book for new Christians there is (besides the Bible).It an easy read and makes so much sense. Everybody need a copy of this book.

Literally, my most favorite book...
In a very easy read, each chapter reviews a different crazy Christian teaching such as "I just need to give it to the Lord...". It explains how each of our our crazy Christian thinking ways keep us stuck in our problems. The most awesome parts are the very clear explanations of how to address the issues in life that we try to apply these crazy ways to.
Some Good Information
This book gave me some good information, I would recommend it to others for sure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Inspirational - General    4. Personal Growth - General    5. Psychology / Lay Counseling    6. Religion    7. Spiritual life    8. Christian Interest    9. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (10)

This Book Will Change Your Life!
For so long I've mostly heard about how important a father is in a child's development.I've never heard anyone else speak about how profound the mother's role is in the child's devlopment like this book does.I feel like I've gone to the eye doctor and have been given new glasses to see more clearly with.I think this book is core reading for anybody who wants to understand why they are the way they are.Like the back cover of the book says, "She shaped you in ways that would surprise you both."

Life Changing
This book has been so very helpful in figuring out both my past and present relationship with my mother.In addition, it has helped in dealing with her and other mothers in my life.It also helps me to be the best mother I can be to my young children.It is a must read for anyone that struggles with the "mothers" in their life.

Non-Christians BEWARE
This book is SO full of Christian reference and biblical mumbo-jumbo that it is worthless to anyone who is not Christian. The preview pages available to view are EXTREMELY misleading as to the content of the majority of the book. If you are not a Christian, save your money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family Relationships    6. Family/Marriage    7. Mother and child    8. Parent and adult child    9. Parenting - Motherhood    10. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    11. Religious aspects    12. Christian Interest    13. Parenthood    14. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (3)

Rescue your love life
An outstanding book and work book, hitting all the key areas where marrages struggle. I use it for Pre-marrage and marrage counseling.
A Honest Book on how to rebuild our marriages.
The author writes with great style and easy to read. A great step towards rebuilding your marriage and building each other up as God's workmanship.

marriage
Great authors and topics.Once again these authors have the mark on their teaching.We like their style and content. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Marriage    3. Communication in marriage    4. Couples    5. Marriage    6. Married people    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Religion - Marriage & Family    10. Christian Living/Relationships/Love & Marriage    11. Family & Relationships/Marriage    12. Love    13. Man-woman relationships    14. Religion / Amish    15. Religion / Marriage & Family    16. Religious Orientation/Christian    17. Topical/Family   

Reviews (4)

Best "Boundaries" Follow-Up So Far!
Many people would think by now the authors had gotten all the mileage possible from the "Boundaries" theme.After writing a best-selling book by the same title and a number of follow-ups, surely there is nothing left to cover.Cloud and Townsend here however, hit another home run by providing precious insights on how to have difficult conversations with the people around us, confronting others with the truth in Christian love.I won't go into detail with all the many positive aspects of this title -- I just realize as a pastor who has dealt with difficult people situations for over 25 years, this book is a God-send.I wish I had read it years ago.
I've been looking for this book all my life.
I've noticed that when I am around people I see often who seem to be unreasonable, aggressive, abusive, or selfish, I often withdraw emotionally.If confronting the person feels costly or risky, I sometimes stuff down my feelings or become confused about how to continue ifI'm not sure the person is as committed to wanting a good relationship as I am.
Speaking the truth in love
This book is a wonderful supplement to Boundaries!For those who are involved in learning how to set and live by boundaries, Boundaries Face to Face gives practical ways of handling inevitable challenges to your newly established boundaries.As always Drs. Cloud and Townsend explain their points from a Biblical perspective and they help their readers grow by challenging us to focus our attention upon the importance of the relationships we share with Christ and others.Since relationships are so vital to the Christian life, particularly in regards to spiritual growth, this book gives exemplary examples of how to mix grace with truth in our conservations so that we can speak the truth in love even in the midst of difficult conversations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Interpersonal Relationships    4. Conflict Resolution    5. Conflict management    6. Conversation    7. Interpersonal Relations    8. Interpersonal conflict    9. Religion    10. Religion - Christian Life    11. Religious aspects    12. CHRISTIAN LIVING PRACTICAL LIFE PSYCHOLOGY    13. Christian life & practice    14. Religion / Christian Life   

Features

• Audiobook

Subjects:  1. Applied Ethics    2. Audio - Nonfiction (Unabridged)    3. Audiobooks    4. Business & Economics    5. Business Life - Inspirational    6. Business/Economics    7. Character    8. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    9. Executive Management    10. Integrity    11. Leadership    12. Management - General    13. Personal Growth - Success    14. Unabridged Audio - Business/Professional    15. Business & Economics / Management   

Reviews (10)

This book began my healing from abuse
I was in an emotionally abusive relationship but didn't know it.And as a man, it made it harder for me because men aren't very likely to be seen as victims of abuse.So I was confused, disoriented to the max, and didn't have a clue about who to turn to or what to do.And even though I am a devout Christian, just my belief in God was not enough by itself to show me what I could not see in front of me.I also believe that God designed us so that we need to be in relationship with each other, helping each other and that He does a bulk of His work through others.
Life changing!
I was saddened to see a few negative reviews of this book. One or two were so negative it was obvious the reviewers still hadn't found any help or healing.I for one found this book to be a lifesaver during a crisis in my life.I had been dealing (not well) with feelings of hopelessness and great personal dissapointments and even considering divorce when I discovered this book. Yes, it is a Christian book - and personal faith in God is the cornerstone of what is presented here.But truth is truth, and I can attest only to the fact that the truth presented here changed my life and gave me hope when I had none.It also explained so much of what I was experiencing and gave me logical steps to follow to become healthy.I am very grateful to both of these authors and now own several of their books.I cannot recommend this book enough.

God Help Us
This was only ordered at my mother's request.I think there are more appropriate ways to deal with stress in your life than to put everything in the hands of God.Consider the problems people with mental disorders deal with and then try to see how they will get any better by making no effort other than to assume some faceless deity will fix everything for them.I believe helping these people, my mother included, begins when they can understand things are not out of their control and that while they may never be "cured" they certainly have more control over their seemingly out of control lives than people like the author of this trash would have them believe.I am even more infuriated that her physician suggested this book to her.Believe what you will but I don't see how this garbage is of any help to anyone other than the author's bank account. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Christian Life    3. Religion    4. Religion - Christian Life    5. Inspirational    6. Christian Living/Practical Life/General    7. Christianity    8. Hope    9. Religion / Christian Life    10. Religious Orientation/Christian    11. Religious aspects    12. Suffering    13. Theometrics/Evangelical    14. Trust in God   

Reviews (29)

Good Relationship Guidence
. . . from some people who know what they're talking about. I could have used this when I was in Junior High. I have been through a series of broken relationships during the past few years, mostly because I am by nature a trusting person, and ignore warning signes until the vehicle (i.e. relationship) is fixing to dive off a cliff. Since moving to "Yahoo City" almost two years ago, God's given me lots of trials to help me wise up. Now I am learning to get to know people before I get too attatched to them. I am still reading this book, but have already gotten a lot out of it. Straightforward, sensible, balenced advice. I highly reccomend.

if you werent taught, this book will teach you
I read this book a while ago, and I think I liked it so much I read it too fast :) But I see on here that there are some not so good reviews. I thought this book was fantastic! If you are familiar with Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, you are familiar with their biblicaly backed up work. In this book, they explore what makes an unsafe person, how we attract unsafe people, and how to find safe people. Another "problem to solution" book of theirs. They give a solution after breaking down the problem. After reading this book, I realized that some of the realationships in my life were unsafe and why. This book gave me courage to let go of these unsafe relationships or challenge them. To some people, determining safe people comes easy, but it doesnt always come easy to me. I may have an internal inkling that something isnt right, but I dont know why or how to solve it. This book is helpful in that regard.

Discernment versus Judgement
Discernment is objective, it alerts us that some people, places, and situations are legitimate unsafe conditions to have in our lives. Discernment is having a clear head to choose to say no and be available for safe and healthy realities. And you are able to wish them well so they one day may find the way. Then you let go and forget about it. It is in the past.
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Subjects:  1. Christian life    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - Christian Life    4. Family/Marriage    5. General    6. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    7. Interpersonal relations    8. Religious aspects    9. Self-Help   

Reviews (5)

You will find your famly in the book!
There is little doubt that most people will recognize their own families in this book since no family is perfect and most are truly dysfunctional to some degree. This book has a good spiritual approach to looking at family life.
Secrets of Your Family Tree
Secrets of Your Family Tree was worth every dime and more.A person could not possibly put a price on the invaluable information that this book provides its readers.Some especially good points in the book are:"Time does NOT 'heal all wounds' when it comes to family issues;If we have only experienced a family that keeps everything secret, that is how we will naturally conduct our own family."My favorite chapters are the first three since they go through the roots of dsyfunctional families and provide an in-your-face look at how they operate under different circumstances.Included are "questions for reflection" throughout the book and a helpful appendix of resources on "Where ACDFs Can Find Help."Lastly, one thing to keep in mind is that this book is Christian-based, and every page has abiblical reference. I highly recommend it for anyone who has a strong and serious desire to educate themselves and start or greatly influence the healing process.

A fantastic tool for counselors, psychologists, clergy!
Have used this for bibliotherapy on several occasions. Starts with Bible references then what patterns can lead to the process of a dysfunctional family.Most useful has been the section of "How to Do It Right When You Learned Wrong." My personal earlier years were thrashed through the involvement with a pastoral dysfunctional family.Appendix B is one of the most powerful sections of the book: "Patterns Predicting Pastoral Infidelity." Reading and understanding the impact of such described behavior allowed me to heal from "sins of the father," which further inspired me in my doctoral studies.Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. General    4. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    5. Self-Help    6. Family & Relationships / Family Relationships    7. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Reviews (6)

Great and helpful source of information
This book has helped me face the fact that I had not been looking to change myself but rather had been focusing on changing my husband. I was spending so much time and energy on him and his issues, I had completely lost sight of mine. I picked up the book to learn how to help my husband by setting boundaries and ended up learning I can only change myself! A great book, I highly recommend it ..

This book saved my marriage and my sanity
Literally it did. I had read dozens of books trying to find a way to salvage my marriage, including several advising doing anythingto please your husband. You know the ones-"no matter what,stay sweet" kind of thing,but building a truly loving marriage isn't that simple. "Boundaries in Marriage" gives advice on how you (man or woman)can be loving but also stand firm- stand firm in the areas that define your freedom as an individual, your self respect and your dignity as a human being. This was the first book on relationships that made total sense to me and that made a truly positive difference in my life. I also recommend "Boundaries" by the same authors.

A horribly harmful book!
By focusing on the separateness of the two individuals in unifying marriage, this book will only encourage the divisions that it seeks to stop. Claiming a form of biblicalness by referring to biblical passages but missing the biblical model of marriage, they write a book that will harm many a Christian marriage. Their thesis is that many of the post marital problems comes because Christian couples naively assume that when two become one they will truly be that: one. No, they say, they remain to be two and the only way to keep the troubles out are to define boundaries of each's individuality from the onset.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Marriage    3. Religion - Marriage & Family    4. Marriage & relationships   

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Christian Life    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - Christian Life - General    5. Leaders    6. Leadership    7. Religion    8. Religious aspects    9. Religious life    10. Business & Economics / Leadership    11. Religion/Leadership    12. Religious Orientation/Christian   

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Inspirational    3. Inspirational - General    4. Inspirational - Gifts    5. Motivational & Inspirational    6. Religion    7. Inspiration/Motivational/General    8. Religion/Inspirational - General    9. Self-Help / Depression    10. Self-Help/Motivational & Inspirational   

Reviews (1)

This is where the healing begins.
I hated this book at first.It was asking me to do the impossible, forgive past hurts.As I worked through the book, my heart began to soften up.This was a very useful tool in my recovery.I cannot say I ever enjoyed the book, but it served it's purpose of helping me sort out my anger and unforgiveness. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family/Marriage    4. General    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Parenting - Motherhood    7. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    8. Psychology   

Features

• Bargain Price

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Marriage    3. Marriage    4. Religion    5. Religion - Christian Life    6. Religion - Marriage & Family    7. Christian Living/Relationships/Love & Marriage    8. Family & Relationships/Marriage    9. Religion / Amish    10. Religion / Marriage & Family    11. Religious Orientation/Christian    12. Topical/Family    13. Bargain   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Inspirational    2. Inspirational - General    3. Inspirational - Gifts    4. Religion    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. Christian Living/Practical Life/Recovery    8. Christian life    9. Christianity    10. Compulsive behavior    11. Problem solving    12. Religious aspects    13. Self-Help / Substance Abuse    14. Self/Help    15. Spiritual healing   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (1)

Oustanding, practical help
Extremely well done.Highly practical.The real life illustrations are practical and helpful.I strongly recommend "9 Things You Simply Must Do." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Conflict Resolution    3. Emotions    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family/Marriage    6. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy   

Features

• Unabridged

Subjects:  1. Audio - Inspiration / Philosophy    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Interpersonal Relationships    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Marriage    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Love & Romance    7. Marriage    8. Religion    9. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy