Once again, Joe Stowell has brought the gospel to life! This book came along at a point in my life when I really needed to be reminded of the importance of developing that intimate connection with God. I needed to be reminded that God has not moved, it is we humans who have drifted off of the path that God has designed us for. I appreciate the conversational and heartfelt tenor of this book. A must read for anyone who is looking to recapture the orignal passion of the Christian faith, or for those who are struggling to discover the central issue of the faith... that being finding our home with God and no where else!

This book is a wonderful synopsis of the true meaning of a relationship with the living God supported, not just by the author's experience, but based on scripture. Few seek after this type of intimacy and it is sad because few find it as a result and this is stated through out the book. It is a wonderful book of encouragement for those that know or want to know the loving God that we have and how much He has invested so that we can have a relationship with Him. All we need to do is "draw near to Him and He will draw near to us". A simple but profoundly true statement

I acquired this book many years ago and have re-read it several times since. It is one of the most respected history books concerning the Old West because it relies on contemporary newspaper and similar accounts. It turns up in the bibliography of just about every worthwhile Western history book, and deservedly so.

Some years ago, as a professor of Criminal Justice, I was asked to teach a course about the History of the Policing Profession and while scrambling for research, this was in the days before Internet etc., I discovered Great Gunfighters of the Kansas Cowtowns. I was very pleased with the content and the measureable factual accounts or as factual as they can be within this era. Actual newspaper articles and descriptions written at the time of the event are included in the book along with the exploits of lesser known lawmen/gunfighters of that era. Ben Thompson, Long Hair Jim Courtright, Dave Mather, Billy Brooks, Chris Madden, Squirrel Annie, Bear River Tom Smith are amoung lesser lights highlighted along with Wild Bill, Wyatt Earp and others. The newspaper accounts are quite factual, plus they revealed an evolution of the culture of the era. Great Gunfighters is not a novel, but is a display of the activities of several individuals who by one means or another contributed to both the allure and order of the cowtowns and other western sites.

Books on spiritual direction are usually addressed to the spiritual director, aspiring or practicing, but there are at least four reasons why a good book on spiritual direction like this one would be helpful to the spiritual directee.

First, the book clarifies the ends, or more accurately, the end, singular, of spiritual direction. Many are perplexed, asking what is the point of the whole process, and a gifted spiritual director like Houdek might well provide a sound answer. He carefully expresses this purpose in terms of the transcendent dimension of all human experience: "Spiritual direction is concerned about a person's life in all its dimensions and at every moment because God can reveal mystery at all times and in all experiences" (p. 8). He says more than that, of course, and it's worth the reader's time to go over the exposition.

Second, the book elaborates on the means of spiritual direction, in this case, at modest length but in depth. By reflecting upon tested principles, but more importantly, accounts of actual applications, as well as reports of their beneficial effects in the lives of other directees, the directee grows in an awareness and understanding of the process in oneself and in others and so begins to value the experience of spiritual direction more deeply. Just as significant is that the directee derives the criteria for assessing the quality of spiritual direction, thereby empowering the directee in the process of their own guidance. All in all, this knowledge of spiritual direction not only enriches but also empowers the directee in the subtle, intricate, potentially precarious process of spiritual discernment, in which the ultimate responsibility devolves upon the directee.

Some of the most helpful discussions for me pertain to the author's limited attempt to classify directees into types, so I became aware of the profoundly varied yet distinctively individual quality of the spiritual life. Also important was his discussion of the gifts--theological and psychological awareness, spiritual experience, interpersonal skills--ideally suited for spiritual directors.

Third, the book is itself a helpful source of doctrine on spirituality.

It is apparent from the very beginning that Houdek assumes the traditional model of the spiritual life as a progression in stages, so that the influence of St. John of the Cross is present throughout yet refined--the author's tone is modern, flexible, without the slightest trace of doctrinairism. The author's distinction between "vagueness" and "obscurity," which traces to the Mystical Doctor, is especially valuable.

In what sense does the author disclose a Jesuit perspective, as noted in the title? His focus is on discernment, both as a central topic and a governing paradigm, so that discernment even marks the writing style of the book--reflective, attuned, open to truth, wise.

Houdek's discussion of discernment is so discerning itself that I feel compelled to quote: "Although helpful techniques or methods in spiritual discernment do exist neither ultimately guarantees real success. To explain or expect success we must look toward other realities...First, God's unqualified and unconditional love guarantees divine revelation to each of us. God's Spirit works within each person to validate and perhaps even guarantee that the person can and will arrive at a competent understanding and interpretation of individual personal experience. Second, the predispositions of the persons are far more important and influential than any technique or method for spiritual discernment...The central disposition for discernment is trustful surrender--trust in the love, the promises, the fidelity, and the providential care of God--to the initiatives and actions of God" (p. 116).

Fourth, the book brings up fresh perspectives on old issues or introduces new issues in spiritual direction, matters that may be of greater significance to the directee than the director. Some of these issues include problems arising from transference, gender dynamics, or the supervision of spiritual directors.

One weakness of the book is the relative absence of discussion on many aspects of modern clinical psychology, but this knowledge does not lie within the expertise of the author. However, he recognizes its value as well as its necessity in some cases, so that he gives short advice on identifying the need for counseling and on working successfully together with the counselor.

I highly recommend this book as a wealth of experience and wisdom brought to bear on an important area of the Catholic experience--spiritual direction.

Introduction (What is spiritual direction?) Chapter 1 -- The Directee and the Process of Spiritual Growth (Patterns of spiritual growth and development: Direction for beginners, Being Purified by God, Direction for directees who are moving toward God, Direction of directees who have been purified by God; Growth patterns: awakening to spiritual realities, personal appropriation, commitment to the gifts of God, discerning the voice of God; Emotional fervor, dry prayer, and spiritual awakening; final period of purification) Chapter 2 -- Some Particular Types of Directees and Their Needs (Five types of directees: Beginners, Religious converts, Those having a dry and arid prayer life, Contemplative, Those having a roller-coaster experience of prayer and faith; Issues for Beginners: Fear, Anger, Depression, Sexuality, Authority) Chapter 3 -- Prayer and Spiritual Discernment (The mystery of prayer; difficulties in prayer; personal prayer; spiritual discernment; signs of a "good-spirited" directee; religious movements in the director; strategies for spiritual discernment) Chapter 4 -- The Director and the Process of Direction (Community recognition; Gifts needed for direction: Theological and psychological awareness [a balance of Scripture, the Christian ascetical and spiritual traditions, and recent advances in the human sciences including psychology], spiritual experience [personal experience of the Spirit and personal supervision], interpersonal skills [hospitality], self-appropriation [personal competency, goodness, and vision]; The process of spiritual direction [recognizing the work of God]; The director's genuineness, caring, and understanding; Criteria for evaluating spiritual direction [altruism, hope, emotional expression, trust in God, the awareness of mystery]; Issues of transference in spiritual direction; Gender differences in spiritual direction; Supervision for spiritual directors)

The story of Joseph is well known. What is not well understood is how God was directing Joseph in every circumstance of his life. The way Alistair presents the story of Joseph, will let you see in your own life how God is also in control of ALL of your life's circumstances too.

You will see your life and your future from a more relax perspective once you realize and understand that God is in control making the decisions that are best suited for you. I truly recommend this book for anyone interested in finding God's providence in his/her life.

To be honest, when our assistant pastor announced that our study group was going to use this book, I didn't think that the book had much to offer me. I was VERY wrong! Alistair Begg does a wonderful job of telling the story of Joseph, Jacob's favorite son. (Anyone thinking that today's families are all mixed up should see how Jacob's family beats anything we hear about in our day.) Many of us have been through hard times, but I doubt any of us have experienced the hardships that Joseph dealt with. Every chapter is full of lessons for our lives, no matter what problems we are struggling with. Begg's writing is clear and easy to read, yet very convicting. Highly recommended!

"Canonized in 1999, Champagnat was an early member and priest of the Society of Mary and founder of its Little Brothers (the Institute of the Marist Brothers). Author Sammon is the Vicar General of the Marist Brothers and he presents in an easy-to-read manner the difficult times and life of St. Marcellin Champagnat. Born during the Revolution in France, he lived only fifty-one years. In the seminary, he was part of a group "made up of seminarians who were a familiar sight in the taverns of the town." Sammon writes for the modern temperment that needs to know the warts along with the shining myth. The heresy of Jansenism, a moral theology for the elect, influenced Marcellin's study for awhile. He began teaching and "by February 1822 the Institute was made up of ten brothers." There is the miracle in the snow, a serious illness from which he recovers, persistent financial problems for the schools, and an environment of increasing bitter anti-religious sentiment during the revolution in France. Simplicity and humility were Champagnat's outstanding virtues. This is the tale of a man growing past his problems to sainthood. Sammon writes with that same simplicity and humility, and with a fine erudition that moves comfortably from prayer to revolution, from submissiveness to the cry for social justice. Illuminating."

Sean Sammon's short biography of St. Marcellin Champagnat is definitely worth reading for anyone who is interested in the life of the Catholic Church and the people they call "Saints".

Sammon is able to describe, in a very uncomplicated way, the historical, sociological and theological background of this man who was born the same year as the French Revolution. Marcellin Champagnat started his life with little education, and through hard work, eventually studied and became a priest and founder of an international Congregation of Roman Catholic teaching Brothers, the Marist Brothers of the Schools.

The book details the life of this very down to earth man. Champagnat was a priest who sometimes defied the stereotypes of priesthood of his day, even to the point of actually building the houses his Brothers would live in. He had an undying love for young people and strove to do all that he could for them, and to lead them to know and love God. The book describes the difficulties St. Marcellin had along the way, and how he overcame them all with determination, prayer, and hard work.

Sammon's treatment of him goes beyond what many biographies present. He not only describes his life and mission, but delves into the psychological motivations that moved him. What emerges is a clear and informative life of a saint who is a very real person, not just a plaster image of what a saint should be! I highly recommend this book.

Just to read the title of "How Can You Mend a Broken Spleen?: Home Remedies for an Ailing World" says it all! I purchased the book through Amazon.com and received it just before a 22 hour trip by car to Ft.Myers Beach, FL. I'm usually bored out of my mind with car trips, but the minute I opened the book and began to read it, I couldn't put it down. Since my husband was the chauffeur, I just HAD to read several stories to him and he enjoyed it too. The Author should definitely receive 5 GOLD STARS for this book.

I am a lover of books, and this one tops them all. Mr. Walker has an unparalleled ability to present important thoughts about daily life in a very humorous and poignant way -- all at the same time. He writes about real life in a way that anyone can relate to and get in touch with their own experiences. Don't miss this one!

This is a masterpiece, a must for all Jesuits and those interested in the religious history of the West, esp. of the Late Middle Ages. Fr. Conwell, a man of immense erudition, weaved such an interesting tapestry based on the 1539 text of The First Sketch of the Institute of the Society of Jesus or Cum ex plurium, using the first three Latin words of a papal document. You get an in-depth understanding of the times and spirit of the first Jesuits through the analysis of the the key-words of the text. There are many gems in the copious footnotes also. E.g., "...According to the accepted system, the clergy prayed, the nobles protected, and the people provided, but down the ages the peasant experience has often been that the clergy preyed, the nobles preyed, and the people prayed and paid..." (p.444) Against the background of so much corruption and immorality in the Church, you get inspired by the author's unravelling of the inner core of the lives and dedication of so many people, Francis, Dominic and the first Jesuits... who responded so totally to the Impelling Spirit. That's a beautiful and apt title. The Spirit is very tangible throughout the book.

Father Joseph Conwell, SJ's work will remain as a classic in the history of Jesuit spirituality for many years to come. This book is the culmination of almost fifteen years of serious scholarship and writing. His hard work shines through very clearly.

The book is concerned with an early Jesuit document known as "Cum Ex Plurium" which was prepared for Pope Paul III in 1539. The document was the the precursor to the "Formula of the Institute," which is the official governing document of the Society of Jesus. The book concerns itself with this early rough draft in a meticulously crafted style by following the meaning of each word or set of terms in their historical context and within the evolution of St. Ignatius' personal history. From the first word to the last, Father Conwell has clearly laid out the evolution of the ideas surrounding the creation of the Jesuits. He also has also drawn inspiration from this document and tries to make the founder's intentions come alive for the reader. Father Conwell peppers this work with sage advice about the discernment of spirits, which is so central to Ignatian spirituality. He points out St. Ignatius' own experience of discernment from reading the movements, making the decision, finding confirmation, readiness for action, movements for further discernment, and taking action (356-358). He also offers little tid-bits of advice for religious and anyone interested in following a spiritual path. These nuggets of insight are well worth the read. The Epilogue is one of the finest writings of hope as well as a challenge for the future of the Jesuits.

"Impelling Spirit" is a must read for anyone interested in the evolution of the spirituality and governance of the Jesuits. It will stand as a classic bench mark for future generations due to its careful scholarship. It looks like a daunting task to read at 400+ pages, but it is well worth the effort. This book would also be one that would prove helpful to anyone interested in more deeply exploring their own religious vocation. I high also highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to find the Spirit that impels him or her. "Agite, igitur: Get moving! Follow the Spirit wherever the Spirit leads you" (421).

This is a business book that's readable, useful and funny!
What a nice change. Joe Keefe offers you ways to bring some humor and life to your business meetings --and get better results to boot. I started using some of Joe's improv exercises to start our weekly meeting. The president of the organization complimented me for bringing energy and excitement to the meetings. (In truth, it wasn't me it was the improvs!) I love Joe's rule: Listen, agree, add and accept. We do some of the games at home as well. The kids love performing and it is helping them to exercise their imaginations and think quickly on their feet. This is a great book to help you think about the importance of having humor in all aspects of your life and it offers sound advice on how to get it.

I received this book as a gift and was immediately surprised at how useful it was in meetings and other informal settings.
I thought it was a gimmick until I tried some of the tehniques used in improvisation - boy was I surprised!
Very useful indeed, thanks Mr. Keefe.

With Inspired by Miracles, Dan Joseph has written a critically important book in troubled times. With a style that is at once simple yet thought-provoking, and a tone of genuine warmth and wisdom, Dan guides the reader through coherent, useful exercises that won't make you cringe, but rather can enable a clear psychometric analysis of events to rise to the surface. I personally found his approach to be very helpful, and his suggestions feasible, understandable, and uncomplicated. While focusing in on miracles, relationships, and inner guidance, Dan offers his refreshing take on A Course in Miracles, which I appreciated - he doesn't get bogged down with semantics, but sticks to the overriding principles. I strongly recommend Inspired by Miracles. Though nonfiction, you won't want to put this book down. Enjoy!

Inspired By Miracles by technology trainer and business communications consultant Dan Joseph is a book of "spiritual psychotherapy" inspired by the principles of "A Course in Miracles" and focuses on three primary themes: miracles, relationships, and inner guidance. A gentle, encouraging, and reader friendly self-help book about opening oneself to the wondrous mysteries of life and learning to see so-called ordinary things in a new light that reveals the grandeur in the everyday, Inspired By Miracles is uplifting, rewarding, strongly recommended for spirituality enhancement, self-improvement oriented, and strongly recommended for personal improvement reading lists and reference collections.

This may be the greatest Catholic spiritual guide for lay people ever written. First published in 1609, its message is still entirely fresh and apropos today, and this popular abridgement which only deletes some extra language and multiple examples, renders it more powerful still. This great Doctor of the Church walks the beginner through several important decisions which lead to choosing the devout life. He then explains all the purifications we must go through and the rejection of mortal and venial sin. Finally he shows us how we are to fulfill our religious obligations and how we are to conduct ourselves in the world as devout Catholics. Covers prayer, how to meditate, Confession, frequent Communion, recreation, dancing, dress, poverty (both actual and spiritual), chastity, obedience, humility, slander, rash judgement, good and evil friendships, etc. Includes special instructions for husbands and wives on marriage. Great Catholic wisdom and one of the Church's best-loved spiritual classics!

This book by St Francis De Sales is very readable and inspiring for anyone wanting to be a lover of God. Written in the 1600's it is as relevant today as then. Aimed not at Religious or Priests but at Lay men and women it explains how to build your faith and prayer life. The abridgement enables today's reader to clearly follow the teachings of this French Bishop. Excellent reading.