Editorial Review

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Reviews (69)

A Reflection to Touch Your Heart!
Nouwen's meditation on the Gospel parable and Rembrant's painted depiction of the Return of the Prodigal Son is amazing.Touching the heart with his honest and transparent identification with each of the three figures central to the story.
One of the Top 5 Spiritual Books I've Ever Read
I'd give it 6 stars if I could. I left the Catholic Church right after high school, and returned after being away 25 years, The Gospel reading the Sunday I returned was the Prodigal Son !
Love Beyond All Reason ... Reconciliation
THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON by Henri J.M. Nouwen, is a reader's journey into his own soul. When Nouwen is moved by Rembrandt's "The Return of the Prodigal", heexplores the Luke 15:11-32parable as it relates to his own spiritual journey. He searches the depths ofthe father, the elder son,the younger son, and the role of forgiveness, compassion and unconditional love.
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Subjects:  1. 1606-1669    2. 1606-1669.    3. Catholic Church    4. Christianity - Discipleship    5. Inspirational - Catholic    6. Religion    7. Religion - Classic Works    8. Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn    9. Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn,    10. Return of the prodigal son    11. Spiritual life    12. Subjects & Themes - Religious    13. Christian religious experience    14. Nouwen, Henri J. M    15. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    16. Religion / Discipleship   

Reviews (40)

Good, but drags your mind through the gutter
While containing helpful strategies and ideas, unfortunately the writers drag your mind through the gutter as they graphically discuss accounts of sexual discovery. One teenager I disciple recently told me this book actually caused him to stumble more, since it put new ideas in his mind! Parents and youth leaders should carefully screen this book because it can do more do more harm than good for certain teens.
We're All In This Together... Be The Change, Make The Difference, Influence The World...
This book is more than a self-help guide, a "for dummies", a book for better living, but a book towards better life, through God. It doesn't sugar coat or beat around the bush, it gives practical advice on what it means to be a man, and how our daughters, or lady friends, our girlfriends, should be treated. What is purity? How do you define purity, the world today, constantly changing and defining human behaviour, what line do you draw as a standard? This book lets you discover what it means to be a man and how to act purely through God. I strongly recommend it to any young man. It will change your life.
Good intentions but misguided...
A good friend of mine gave me this book in order to destroy my inner demons, namely, lust. I was a willing candidate, being part of the church circle, bible studies, and accountability groups; I wanted to eliminate this evil within me before I was sentenced... to hell! This book offered many examples of how to train your mind away from thinking about sex, all of which fail miserably. Luckily, I have come to my senses at least partially on life, lust, and sex, the human condition, and the futility of fighting with human nature. This book is concerned with abstention, not understanding, and understanding is what you really need. Let me give you an even better strategy, and know that these sparse lines offer you more aid than this entire book:
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Subjects:  1. Chastity    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Men's Issues    5. Christianity - Theology - Ethics    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Religion - Christian Life    8. Religious aspects    9. Religious life    10. Sex    11. Sexual Instruction    12. Social Issues - Dating and Sex    13. Young men    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Situations / Dating & Sex   

Reviews (7)

P&W fake book
This is definately a great collection of worship songs in one coil bound book

good book
I need a code and note for guitar.
Awesome Worship Tool
Our Praise Team/Band could not live without it.Can't wait for a new edition with more of the recent songs of the last two years. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music    2. Music/Songbooks    3. Musical Instruments - General    4. Religious - Christian    5. Songbooks - General    6. Music / Songbooks   

Reviews (5)

Book Sparks a Necessary Discussion in Reader's Head
Earl Creps, a very proficient speaker who specializes in challenging ministry leaders to question how cultural mores are shaping the church today, has produced a tome that encapsulates this discussion and brings it down to the individual level.The reader is left to posit, "What is my part to play in this unfolding clash between generations and worldviews?"I have seen leaders fidget as Creps poses questions, presents well-documented research, and allows the awkward silence for self-discovery.In Off-Road Disciplines, Creps makes me fidget, but I sensed it was Another who was using the issues he raises to make me rethink how we "do church" and how much our generational biases affect the outcome.The chapter on Witness forces me to differentiate between the "sought" (placing the onus of seeking on God and not on humans) and the popular term today, "seeker."His chapter on Harmony could breach the strained/stalled talks between pastors of at least three generations.

Unlike anything in its genre
Of the dozens of books I've read pertaining to emerging church/postmodern ministry/missional leadership, "Off-Road Disciplines" is the one that makes real-life application in my ministry context.It's not another hollow theoretical treatement on ministry philosophy, nor should it be mistaken for another "how-to" book on character development through spiritual disciplines.This book gave me real, thoughtful direction in formulating a plan for teaching/doing ministry in this ever-changing culture.
A book for "traditional" pastors who are interested in the emerging church
One of the things I have found frustrating with books on or from the emerging church, is that you can only implement the ideas if you are a church planter starting from scratch. I appreciate Earl's book because any pastor, in any church can take his research and suggestions and implement them.
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Subjects:  1. Christian leadership    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Pastoral Ministry    4. Leadership    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Christian spirituality    8. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (20)

A book to read and purchase for your best friends
This book uses a conversational style to convey deep truths about relationships.Although it's not wordy or high-brow, it makes solid points and is a book I immediately purchased for a number of my closest friends, even before I'd finished it.Highly recommended.

Not as profound as I had expected...
I'll start by saying that I'm a fan of John Ortberg.I've heard him speak on several occasions, and I think that he has a lot of good stuff to say.I've read articles that he's written, and they have deeply impacted me.
Stating the Obvious
Not worthy of the author of "If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat".I've been very happy with "If you want to walk on water..."; this is just "OK".It states the obvious- that people all have quirks, faults, etc. and that we all tend to gloss over our own faults and be too judgemental when it comes to others.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Interpersonal Relationships    4. Fellowship    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Religious aspects    8. Christian Interest    9. Christian life & practice    10. Religion / Christian Life   

Editorial Review

Houston televangelist Joel Osteen is well qualified to write this book, having used the seven principles he shares to achieve his own "rags-to-riches" story. At the heart of Osteen’s message is that achieving a successful, prosperous life of fulfillment can only occur when we stop worrying about the past or future to make the most of each present moment by using our God-given strengths and talents to achieve our goals. The key to doing so are the seven steps Osteen outlines: Enlarge Your Vision, Develop a Healthy Self-Image, Discover the Power of Your Thoughts and Words, Let go of the Past, Find Strength Through Adversity, Live to Give, and Choose to Be Happy. Mixing biblical teachings with his own personal experiences, Osteen explains each of these seven steps in an encouraging, optimistic manner that makes them accessible to anyone interested in principles of personal growth. Although written with a Christian slant, the seven steps Osteen shares will have value to anyone wanting to know more about practical steps of self-betterment, regardless of their denomination.--Read more

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Reviews (362)

Don't dismiss its simplicity
I am a lifelong Christian and have read and studied the Word from many angles and sources over the years.
7 Steps to a new you
This is a great book and you can learn so much from it. Mr. Osteen talks about being focused on the future and not staying and dwelling in the past. You can't look ahead if you continue to look behind you.
Great Book
Great book, really down to earth things you can do to improve your outlook on life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    2. Audiobooks    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Character & Values    5. Christianity - Pastoral Ministry    6. Inspirational - General    7. Religion    8. Religious aspects    9. Self-actualization (Psychology)    10. Success    11. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (10)

Pass it on!!
Within these pages you will truly find words of love and encouragement from your God and King. God sees us with such loving and forgiving eyes and He desires for us to see ourselves through His eyes.May each Princess find herself through this wonderful little book.
Awesome...definitely a blessing
This book has been a huge encouragement to me in times of trials.I would definitely recommend it.It would also be a great gift.

I Shared This Book before reading it
I read a few of the letters and then shared it with my aunt, who loved it.I so recommend this to every woman - I have hundreds and hundreds of books, and I think this is one I will buy for all my friends.There is only one "drawback" - it is so beautiful, so lovely that I don't want to underline or highlight the book.This makes a gorgeous gift! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian women    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Women's Issues    3. Devotional    4. English    5. Inspirational - General    6. Prayer-books and devotions    7. Religion    8. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    9. CHRISTIAN LIVING / PRACTICAL LIFE / WOMEN    10. Religion / Inspirational   

Reviews (52)

WOW!
I've always had questions about heaven... where is it?What is it?I've wondered if it were possibly another dimension.I had heard snippets of ideas about heaven but nothing concrete.This book has stirred up so much excitement within me... I never dreamed heaven might be the way Kevin Alcorn describes it.I have recommended this book to everyone I know.Since I read it a couple of weeks ago, I don't think I've had a single conversation that hasn't ended up discussing heaven... the place and the book.This book has given me new hope and determination to do whatever it takes to carry on in my Christian walk and to encourage others to come with me.

Good heaven book
This is the most compelling read I have picked up in a long time. It revitalized me for the work to be done on earth. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in Heaven, and Randy Alsorn gives his reader vivid ideas about what we have to look forward to! I think this can acutally be a wonderful evangelical tool, because he so thoroughly answers the question many seekers ask: "Why should I choose Chrisitianity?"
Forget the clouds, harps, and halos!
This is no "Far Side" or "Alien Encounters" view of Heaven and the afterlife.If you've grown up with the view most Americans have of Heaven, this book, drawing from hundreds of Biblical scriptures, will radically change how you view Heaven!You'll find yourself getting hopeful and excited... for the first time, realizing that this time on Earth is just the introduction to a long and exciting adventure that awaits believers in Heaven.
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Subjects:  1. Christian Life    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - Theology - Eschatology    4. Christianity - Theology - General    5. Heaven    6. Religion    7. Religion - Theology   

Subjects:  1. Christian fiction    2. Christmas stories    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. Fiction - Religious    6. General    7. Popular American Fiction    8. Religious - General    9. Religious - Historical    10. Fiction / General   

Reviews (64)

Seek your own truth from the experience of others
I bought this book because I began a spiritual awakening of my own about a year ago. I firmly believe in the power of story as a way for us to relate our own experience to that of others--from that we learn, we cope, we identify, we grow. Regardless of where our journey takes us, there are vital milestones we can share with each other. That is what Kidd's book is to me.
Empowering
When will we learn to let God out of the box of our narrowmindedness as Sue has done so beautifully in her story?

Not what I expected...
A bit cheesey... I felt like I was reading a fluffed up self-help book! If you are a fan of The Da Vinci Code looking for more information on the lost sacred feminine, this book will be of little help.I bought it because I thought it would be an interesting way to absorb some facts, but I found it to be a simplistic, repetetive, overly-idealized account of a woman's "rebirth".I couldn't even finish it!
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Feminism    5. Feminists    6. Kidd, Sue Monk    7. Personal Memoirs    8. Religion    9. Religious aspects    10. Spiritual biography    11. Spirituality - General    12. United States    13. Women    14. Religion / Spirituality   

Reviews (9)

Lead Like Jesus by Blanchard
The author defines leadership as influence in a positive or negative direction. Given this definition, Jesus was the greatest
Excellent
If you want to get a clear prespective on how to relate and treat others and desire personal growth this is the book.

Uses spiritual lessons to seek integrity and commitment in a leadership role
If author Ken Blanchard's name rings a bell, it's because he authored the famous ONE MINUTE MANAGER, which became a big hit in business circles and taught everyone the basics about leadership principles. He's back with a new focus, LEAD LIKE JESUS: LESSONS FROM THE GREATEST LEADERSHIP ROLE MODEL OF ALL TIME, and here uses spiritual lessons to seek integrity and commitment in a leadership role. From business to personal life, Blanchard and Hodges focus on four key areas and how they can lend to exceptional leadership, presenting another powerhouse of detail for any who would be exceptional whether at work or at home.
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Subjects:  1. Biblical teaching    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Christianity - Discipleship    5. Christianity - Theology - Christology    6. Christology    7. Leadership    8. Religion    9. Religion - Christian Life    10. Religious aspects    11. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (7)

Outstanding Commentary
As a Christian with slight Dispensational leanings, I found this commentary very helpful.This commentary is written by a collection of Dallas Theological Seminary professors. The writings are concise and plain, yet they cover a wealth of information.They delve into the difficult topics of today, such as authorship of the Pentateuch and literal versus allegorical prophetic interpretation.Each book's commentary begins with a study of the authorship, date, audience, theme and purpose.Then an outline of the book is given.Many charts are added to help give deeper understanding, and are not too difficult for the layperson nor too minimal for the theologian to benefit from.The format of the writing gives a summary title for a passage and then discusses it, rather than going verse-by-verse or splitting up the context.For a small-volume commentary set, this is a superb contribution.I am very glad to have added it to my library, and plan to continue using it throughout my studies.

Excellent resource for bible college educated
I purchased the electronic version of this book (saves space and money). It does not have the depth of a single bible bookcommentary and hence why my Life and Let of Paul II professor rejected me using this commentary as a credible source on my Romans exegetical paper.
Incredible comentary!
This book is incredible! Having to have used it my self, i can honistly say that the information in here is very informative. It goes through all of the major aspects of each verse and chapter, and even throws in some of the smaller points that are very usful for study.
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    2. Reference    3. Religion    4. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Reviews (175)

The Mark of the Lion
This series is by far the best I have ever read. Every time I re-read them they bring me to tears- they are that good. The first two in the series are the best but they are all wonderful. Read them, you won't be disappointed!!!!

The Best Christian Fiction Yet!
This series, particularly the first book, has been life-changing and is the best written Christian fiction I've ever read! It is terrific historical fiction, and while I think women are Francine Rivers' main audience, even my husband read this series and recommends it to his male friends. The reading is not difficult, but it's a powerful story! Be warned - there is a description of the seige of Jerusalem at the beginning where a few of my friends have stopped reading, but do read on! The story continues to build, until the end where I was telling myself "O my gosh!!" over and over for hours when I finished. (Don't read the end ahead of time!) I also strongly suggest that you avoid reading the introduction for the second book that is in some later versions of the first novel! Enjoy!

Good enough to steal
I teach at a jail; I purchase many books for my students there.If a book is particularly good, someone steals it.The better it is, the faster it gets stolen.This whole set went missing as soon asword got out that it had to do with early Christianity, The Coliseum, soldiers, man-eating lions, etc.Truly it is a great series, and I hope it is still circulating in one of the jail pods.I like the lessons the books teach, plus they're exciting to read.(All of Francine Rivers' Christian-based books are well-done.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Religious - General    4. Religious - Romance/Historical    5. Christianity   

Reviews (8)

Why How to Read the Bible Book by Book is a must for students of the Bible
I believe that How to Read the Bible Book by Book is a must read for students of the Bible because it guides you through the Bible in simple and kind manner. It will make you want to read the Bible in a fresh and new way. I have been studying the Bible formally for over forty years now and I beleive that any book that will help enhance ones study of the Bible is a must read.
Good Biblical Introduction
Dr. Fee's presentation of the biblical material is clear, concise, and up to date.He takes the fruits of biblical scholarship and makes them available to the average lay reader, while not losing sight of what the original authors of the material intended.A strong point of the book is the fact that it situates each of the biblical books and the material they contain within the historical horizon of Israels encounter with God and the World.
Thanks for your labors, Dr. Fee.
This book is very helpful for gaining a good sense of the context and flow and themes of each book. It will help the average Christian, like me, interpret individual texts within the larger text of which the individual texts are part. After reading Dr. Fee's (and Stuart's) book, one will more confidently apprehend individual passages without tearing them out of their contexts--as, alas(!), all too frequently happens. Buy this book and its compainion volume, "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth." The only problem with the two books is the lack of an orthodox position on biblical manhood and womanhood. To clear up that issue, get the book edited by Piper and Grudem, "Biblical Manhood and Womanhood," and get anything by Doug Wilson on men and women and marriage. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Criticism, interpretation, etc    5. Reading    6. Religion    7. Religion - Biblical Studies    8. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    9. Christian Interest    10. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (2)

Good Common-Sense Approach To Adversity
Rabbi Kushner's new book, "Overcoming Life's Disappointments" is a good friend to have if you've got some adversity in your life.He takes Moses, who spent 40 years wandering in the desert with his people and then was forbidden to enter the promised land with them, as his model on how a good person copes with trials.His advice is that life continues to have good things in store for us even after our dreams are shattered, if we don't let ourselves become hardened and embittered but keep our minds and hearts open.This sounds obvious enough, but it's easier said than done.Rabbi Kushner provides many stories from his long career to explain how we can cope.As a self-confessed admirer of Sigmund Freud, he's not big on the mystical or intuitive aspects of religion.He's more of a "duty is its own reward" kind of guy.But he is a preacher of what C.S. Lewis called "the Tao": the basic "way" that most religions have in common.If you are looking for essential answers, Rabbi Kushner is a good place to start.

Rabbi Kushner gives a few pointers in resiliency
One of the hardest things for anyone to learn, no matter where you are in life, or how much money you have, is coping with times when things don't turn out as you expect. Some people never recover, while others seem to sail past a disaster with hardly a break in stride. The trick isn't in what the disaster is, but how they've handled it.
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Subjects:  1. Adaptation, Psychological    2. Bible - Stories - Old Testament    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Inspirational    5. Inspirational - General    6. Jewish Law    7. Judaism - General    8. Life skills    9. Old Testament Commentary    10. Personal Satisfaction    11. Religion    12. Religion / Inspirational   

Reviews (8)

A Master's Masterpiece
A must have systematic theology, I here refer to the unabridged 3 volume work!
Do you know Latin?
Hodge's work is one of the great reformed theologies ever done.For myself, though, I feel like I missed out on much of it because I don't read Latin!There are too many passages that are written in Latin and then expounded in English.If you don't read Latin, I would recommend "Great Doctrines of the Bible," by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, or "Systematic Theology," by Loius Berkhof.

Note Latin is deleted not translated
Note that the long latin quotations in the original book have simply been deleted, not translated. Still worthwhile even if many sections go over the head of the average reader--many other sections are accessible and made me exclaim "he is the Reformed C. S. Lewis". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - General    2. Reference    3. Religion    4. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    5. Reference works    6. Religion & Beliefs   

Editorial Review

C.S. Lewis joined the human race when his wife, Joy Gresham, died of cancer. Lewis, the Oxford don whose Christian apologetics make it seem like he's got an answer for everything, experienced crushing doubt for the first time after his wife's tragic death. Read more

Reviews (108)

Comfort In Grief
I read this a month after my own wife's death. I found Lewis's sharing of his grief to be comforting.I found his honesty to be refreshing. You do not needto be a Christian or religious to benefit from this book. I also enjoyed the afterword by Walsh. It helped to put Lewis's book into the context of his life.
Beautiful thoughts from a beautiful mind.
This is the second C.S. Lewis book I've read and I'm starting to get a better feel for his writing style. He is a very thoughtful man. He likens his wife's passing to that of a blacksmith putting the finishing touches on a beautiful sword he just made. Perfection at last. Now it can be weilded by God as he sees fit. Oddly enough, I've always wanted to think of myself in this same way. A bright, beautiful and well balanced sword that God can make use of when I'm finally with him. But I must first undergo some forging and tempering called "life". I'm not sure where I picked up on this idea. It's interesting to see that other people think in this exact same way.
"A tender heart, a steel-edged mind"
In A Grief Observed, the heart of C.S. Lewis has been peeled away, revealing its tender, fragile core--the tender fragile core of a man who fully loved a woman.
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Subjects:  1. Bereavement    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Family Relationships    4. Christianity - Literature    5. Consolation    6. Davidman, Joy    7. Death, Grief, Bereavement    8. General    9. Religion    10. Religion - Classic Works    11. Religious aspects    12. Christian Interest    13. Lewis, C. S    14. Religion / Christian Life    15. Religion / General    16. Religion: general   

Editorial Review

Popular speaker and bestselling author Beth Moore writes that one of the purposes of Read more

Reviews (24)

AWESOME & POWERFUL "watching your soul-USInG THE SWORD of the SPIRIT"
The Scriptures tell us to keep watch over our souls, but most of us women are so used to caretaking for others, even in our prayers that we forget to even pray over ourselves! (to pray HIS WORD daily for others check out "ALPHABET PRAYERS the Power of Praying Scripture into the Hearts You Love").
Praying God's Word
This is an excellent source for a prayer group. Our church has been using it and we are learning alot from the way it was written. It is a wonderful book and I would recomment it to a group or a single reader. CB

Praying God's Word:Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds
This book may become a Christian classic. The subject matter is drawn from two of Beth Moore's Bible studies, Breaking Free and Living Free, which would be advantageous but not necessary to complete before beginning Praying God's Word.
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Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Christianity    3. Devotional use    4. Prayer    5. Prayerbooks - General    6. Religion    7. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    8. Spiritual warfare    9. Spirituality - General   

Reviews (5)

Excellent Guide to Enriching Communication
I am still working through the book but it has been an excellent guide to improving communication skills at all levels.

Deep Wisdom Practically Explained and Applied
"Love Talk" is a very practical book that is also very deep. What a rare combination. Far too often we find deep books that are vague and impractical or how-to manuals that are shallow and unbiblical. "Love Talk," as the authors accurately label it, is "a deep yet simple plan full of new insights that will revolutionize communication in love relationships."
College student
I got this book because it was required for a class taught by Les & Leslie Parrott at Seattle Pacific University.The class and book are awesome!I'm not married, but I still learned a lot of practical tips for communicating with my future wife (hopefully) and even my friends and family!
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Subjects:  1. Christian Life    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Marriage    5. Interpersonal communication    6. Love    7. Love & Romance    8. Man-woman relationships    9. Marriage    10. Religion    11. Religion - Marriage & Family    12. Religious aspects    13. Social Institutions    14. Christian Interest    15. Marriage & relationships    16. Popular psychology    17. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (17)

The Art of Listening
After reading several of Joyce Meyers books.This one was very interesting.I love to work wi