Although many authors make poor readers of their own material, this audiotape is a definite exception to the rule. In these very personal and transparent vignettes, Keith Miller reveals the struggles and subtle temptations that beset the "successful" Christian author and lecturer. His honest appraisal of his own failings prompts a more thorough soul-searching of our own "dragons". Frequently, while listening to him describe his struggles with insecurities, anxiety, escapism, pride, self-doubt and ordinary family challenges, I recognized the similarities in my reactions to circumstances. These are tapes you will want to savor...and then return to somewhere down your spiritual walk, to check on your progress. By participating in the heart-felt prayers at the end of each story, it kept the tone positive and hopeful.

I've used this little paperback so many times over the years, the pages are falling apart. Rev. Miller's ability to laugh at his own foibles and change his own attitudes are inspirational for those of us who know we are never going to be perfect, but who would like to keep on trying

Dee Miller's book, How Little We Knew was an excellent book for a survivor of clergy sexual misconduct, to read. She was able to be painfully honest with her own feelings in dealing with the sexual abuse from a fellow missionary. In doing so, she gives the reader permission to do likewise, perhaps in the reader's own painful realization that she has been abused. This topic is one, that few dare touch. This author was courageous and painted a real picture of the reality, but yet the further betrayel that can occur after the disclosure. Ms.Miller articulates so clearly, the feelings of helplessness, dispair, but then one that can eventually lead to empowerment. I applaud Dee Miller for having the courage to name the problem, clergy sexual misconduct and to share her pain so that others can learn from it.

Dee Miller did an excellent job in capturing the emotions that a victim of clergy sexual misconduct goes through with this excellent book. In her honesty about the horrific sitiuation that she, herself had to endure at the hands of her perpetrator and then that of the governing church body, was emotional but yet educational. This is a must read for all church leaders, regardless of denomination. It becomes an educational tool when one sees how a situation was so very mishandled, but then can learn from these devastating mistakes. Yet it becomes an even more powerful book of suppport for fellow clergy sexual misconduct victims, when one may very well see written on paper, the emotions he/she may be feeling as well. Ms. Miller is able to articulate on paper, what other survivors may have been experiencing as well regardless of the denomination. A must read for clergy sexual misconduct victim/survivors and for all leaders of any faith communities.

This is a powerful book on healing. I came across this book about 5 years ago when my Christian Counselor told me to read it. I have read it numerous times and have bought many of them to share with others. This book embraces the healing process. No matter what your struggle may be, you can gain victory over it through this book's process. It is an excellent book that can be used individually or with a group in a twelve step program.

This workbook coupled with the hunger for healing book really allows the believer to sort through some very deep personnal dilemmas. The bible is the ultimate "tool box" for life but this is an owners guide to all of those tools. It is a real help!

If you take these principals, and put them to use your life will be changed. This is a must have as you walk out your journey in business, at home, and at church. Praise God for Bishop Miller.

This book will help open your eyes to your destiny. I have never heard it put this way before! A must for Christians and for those in the corporate world. A preacher's & business person's MUST for his library.

A LAND SO REMOTE

Prior to the holidays, I received a great gift, a copy of the beautifully produced three-volume study A Land So Remote, authored by Larry Frank and Skip Miller, and published by Marianne and Michael O'Shaughnessy of Red Crane Books, Publishers, Santa Fe.
Creation of a successful publication of this magnitude can only be accomplished by many who work in concert, in this case scholar, editor, publisher and, of course, those who are willing to share their treasures with anyone wishing to turn the pages in this landmark study. Frank and Miller have devoted a large percentage of their lives carefully studying and painstakingly handling objects-some of religious importance, powerful images that were the subject of daily devotion, while other objects that served a useful function in the lives of hundreds of thousands attempting to make their lives easier. To the Hispanic, Native American, and the Anglo, these objects were an integral part of daily life-whether as an expression of their spirituality, their intense religious devotion-- or to enable them to perform certain physical tasks-- cutting wood or baking bread.
The authors, in concert with photographer Michael O'Shaughnessy, have treated each object sympathetically, whether it be a santo or bulto, or packsaddle or carreta wheels, with the same level of care, even reverence. The real joy is in seeing so many diverse objects fashioned out of wood and other materials in significant numbers. How often have we had the opportunity of examining page after page of images beautifully organized and described. The authors, of course, treat us to a display of work by lesser known santeros, as well as the most celebrated, notably José Rafael Aragon. Volume two devotes pages 288 to 377 to some of the most powerful religious images by Aragon and his followers that the reader will ever experience.
Since 1974, I have been a frequent visitor to New Mexico and have written a few books on the Anglo painters. After reading Miller's and Frank's essays, I said to myself, "I wish I had written these words. Both scholars write with conviction and authority. They also write in a style I have labeled "an easy read." They have organized their material so that it makes sense. You understand why the objects were created, who created them and importantly, how they were created. Happily, these objects, some still in the churches in Ranchos de Taos, Chimayo, Taos, and chapels throughout the Southwest, others in museums and private collections, have been "gathered" and presented to the reader and viewer in a beautiful and effective manner (I was tempted to use the phrase elegant but refrained).
All reviews of the publication praise A Land So Remote for its visual appeal, handsome photographs," fascinating account of the history and culture of Hispanic New Mexico," scholarship, a major contribution to Hispanic studies. One critic even suggested that, before being placed in a glass case [with other rare books], it might serve as a coffee table book. Never! If anything, it will be a banquet table book, and will be the scene of great feasts-visual and literary. But their words, like mine, fail to express the impact this handsome three-volume study will have on you-the participant. This study will, like the objects that it treats, transcends time. Secure your copy. I can assure you that it will never gather dust (although it will go out-of-print).

Dean A. Porter, Ph. D.
Director Emeritus, The Snite Museum of Art
Professor of Art History
University of Notre Dame

Published by the vaunted Red Crane Books of Santa Fe, New Mexico, this three volume set on religious art and wooden artifacts of New Mexico is a rare, rich visual and intellectual repast. It would be a treasured gift, one to which collectors and aficionados will return time and again.

Larry Frank is remembered for "The New Kingdom of the Saints" (1997), while Skip Miller is curator and director, Taos Historic Museums.

With 842 stunning color photographs and 848 pages A Land so Remote surely holds the most comprehensive and accessible information on this subject. Many of the photos included are of rare objects gleaned from nine museums and a number of private collections. Carefully selected for the part each plays in this artistic corpus, photos are accompanied by concise essays that enhance knowledge while still piquing an interest to know more.

Volumes I and II beautifully present the growth of religious art during a period of over 125 years. It was a time when in order to undergird their faith Spanish settlers turned to santos, visual representations of saints. Thus was born an art form unique to America which once was of great import in churches, communities and homes.. Santos were, if you will, incarnations of the hopes and dreams of these immigrants.

"Rightly understood," author Frank remarks, "santos are a kind of 'liberation theology' written in the language of wood, plaster, and paint, an understanding of Christianity that empowers the poor to free themselves from unjust socioeconomic and cultural structures in the larger world and within themselves.

Volume III centers on wooden objects, such as tools, furniture, toys, and domestic utensils. These objects testify to the influence of the Spanish on the traditions of the indigenous inhabitants of this region.

Photographer Michael O'Shaughnessy described his task as a "...wonderful, often awesome, experience of having such close contact with material that radiates the love and importance that their makers brought to their creation."

Such is the case with readers as they leaf through the pages of these landmark volumes.

- Gail Cooke

I found this at a somewhat low point in my life, but I read this book expecting great things and I wasn't dissappointed. I only wish it was more available. This book, which details the real-life main character, a semi-famous model/actress' search for that one perfect love is a parallel to the universal search for acceptance and meaning. The story of her incredibly painful life kept me turning each page, reluctant to quit. This woman finally found that perfect love in God, and I must admit it helped me look at God in a new light. When I read what she said He did in her life, I was certain that He could do it in mine- and incredible things have happened since! I also loved her "let's keep it real" honest approach to Christianity. For these reasons, this book was a watershed for me. I think it's great for anyone who likes dramatic true stories. If you don't buy it, at least give it a go at your local library.

A true story that won't let you put the book down. Feelings ran from shock, awe, wonderment, inspiration! If you're looking for love & approval, but can't figure out why and are looking in all the wrong places, this is an absolute must-read book. It changed the inner core of my life's thinking. Where did this young woman find the will to survive and the courage to live? The ending was a breathtaking surprise! The flow of thoughts and ensuing events made this true story even more solid and believable. Though out of print, I still recommend it to many.

If you disreguard the title this is a great reference book for parents of all ages and religious beliefs. I taught "Being An Askable Parent" courses for schools and recommended this book as a good "what should I say when" book. The answers and attitudes presented are healthy and honest for any parent to consider. The author bases her advise on Christian beliefs, but I think any parent of any belief could benefit. This book is far more believable and real than some of the other sexuality reference books written under SIECUS authors

Don't let the "religion" in the description to make you think this is a unrealistic or conservative book for only right wingers! This book is real, concrete, and helpful to everyone. I'm a sexuality educator, parent, and author....this book is a fine example of genuine help for a parent of a child who will grow into an adolescent!

This book made me laugh (I loved the author's "mental notes") and it made me cry (little Christian's teeth marks)! It opened my eyes to realize that God's grace and mercy are gifts worth sharing with all of my friends and acquaintances, and gifts not to be taken for granted. This book shows how God is with us in every rise and every fall in our lives, and how He is beside us even when we don't realize it. Thank you Sheila for a great book! (please note: I read it straight through...I just couldn't put it down!)

My wife recommended that I read this book, stating that she thought every one should. I was hesitant at first, but after laughing and then crying my way through it, I believe she's right. Everyone should. I was deeply touched and reminded again of the importance of all the relationships around me, not just the one's that make me feel good. Of the need to look below the surface to find the true person. Thanks to God for using Eleanor and Sheila to remind me of what is really important in life - others.

What a beautiful book. I hope my thoughts will do it justice. So many times in this life we focus on the outside of Christianity, sharing the gospel, feeding the hungry, comforting the grieving. And while all of these things are important, we can be doing them for Christ as well as the pat on the back that comes along with it. This book helps one to focus on what you do when you're alone, when no one is there to give you a pat on the back. How are you spending your time then? This is the time for you to intimately love and worship Christ. This is the time to develop an intimate relationship with Him. An intimate relationship is never truly developed in public, but in the private quiet moments when sometimes words don't even need to be spoken. This book teaches you how to just sit at the feet of The Lord and take in his wisdom and love him intimately. Praise God for this beautiful work of art. Thankyou Mr. Miller.

This is simply the finest book I have ever read! Miller reminds us that in our relationship with the Lord we do not need more speed, we need more staying power; we do not need more busyness, we need more passion. Thank you, Calvin!

As a former student of Dr. Miller I dove into this book with great anticipation. When I asked him to sign the book his reply was simple: "Could you identify the Gloria in your life?" My answer was yes.

A must read for every young man.

David Shelton
SWBTS Class of '96

Three intresting and enlighting accounts for anyone looking into the Christian faith.
Insight that comes from these stories will strenghten the walk of any who will commit the time to read them.

All are well written move quickly and provided quite an enjoyable experiance.