Books

Heroism and the Christian Life: Reclaiming Excellence

Average customer rating:

This book will burn a hole in your brain
Excellent Project, Awaiting Completion

Heroism and the Christian Life: Reclaiming Excellence
Brian S. Hook , and Russell R. Reno
Manufacturer: Westminster John Knox Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0664258123

Customer Reviews:

This book will burn a hole in your brain.......2001-09-02

Classical literature isn't what it used to be. But then again, neither am I. There was a time when all good Southerners were expected to understand and conform to classical standards of heroism. Of course, that was largely impossible. Just speaking for myself, I had little opportunity to slay my enemies on the field of battle, and little inclination to do so. Given the great gap between expectation and ability, it's little wonder that so many Southerners turn from Homer to Marcus Aurelius, with his rather sad embracing of death so opposite to Achilles' tendency to embrace the death of others.

The great irony of the Christian version of heroism described by Hook and Reno in Heroism and the Christian Life is that it is both more accessible and more demanding than classical heroism. According to Hook and Reno, we are called to identify with and participate in a form of heroism much grander than individual glory. But that participation is not so easy or obvious as you might at first think. Hook and Reno use an impressive spectrum of Western literature to point out our shifting ability and inability as a culture to get our minds around this participation. Homer, Socrates, Vergil, Jesus, Paul, Spenser, Milton, Bonhoeffer, Camus, and even a few semi-obscure martyr wannabes: You're in for a treat.

Be warned. This is a challenging work, both intellectually and personally. Take this important statement about half-way through the book: "Jesus is like Socrates. Both are absorptive in their singularity." You'll have to read the book to understand why this insight is brilliant and worth the effort. But you can immediately see why it IS effort. Who but a pair of classical scholars would talk like that? But by all means, buy and read this book, especially if you appreciate works of great scope, vigor, and humanity. I mean this in the best possible way: This book will burn a hole in your brain.

Excellent Project, Awaiting Completion.......2001-01-17

Heroism and the Christian Life is an in-depth sampling of the literature of heroism in its classical, Christian, and modern forms. From the figure of Achilles in the Iliad to the twentieth-century "antiheroism" of Camus and Bonhoeffer, this literary tour is intended to "tune the ear" to the various possibilities, both literary and actual, for heroes and heroism. These include Achilles, the hero who surpasses conventional standards of heroic achievement and reward; Socrates, who challenges the imagination even while defying imitation; Saint Anthony, who achieves greatness even while reflecting the greatness of another; and others in the Western literary tradition. Although written from a Christian perspective, the book is much broader in scope than the title might indicate. Drawing from without as well as from within the Christian tradition, the authors survey and compare the various concepts of heroism as they are presented in a broad spectrum of Western literature.

Hook and Reno succeed in parsing the ancient and modern language of heroism for an audience largely unaccustomed to the very idea of the heroic. This reviewer was indeed "bitten by the ambition to reclaim excellence." The book's primary drawback is its lack of a conclusion. After such a close and expert reading of the texts, one would expect Hook and Reno to conclude with a coherent and compelling vision for heroism in the postmodern age. While the analysis of texts both ancient and modern successfully sensitizes the reader to the possibilities of heroic character and enactment, the final chapter left this reviewer wondering how the authors intend for heroism to be worked out in an antiheroic society. Although the final chapter correctly diagnoses Western society's objections to the concept of the heroic, the authors fall short of providing the expected prescription.

Book Description

Sheri Rose Shepherd was overweight, depressed, and emotionally distraught from an eating disorder. In this blueprint for spiritual, emotional, and physical health, she doesn't merely promote a comprehensive diet regimen to help women drop the pounds; she motivates women to grow in the Lord, cultivate spiritual gifts, eat nutritionally, and "deactivate emotional landmines."

Customer Reviews:

Transforming.......2006-11-04

I took my mother to her very first Christian workshop in 10-98 to hear Sheri Rose Shepherd Speak and she was truly inspirational. We bought both her books that day, and took lots of notes. My mother, now deceased, truly felt a blessing during the day's event and I'll always remember the bond that grew closer because of that day.

I still have Sheri's books on my bookshelf, not just to remember the day my mum and I grew closer, but to remember the wise words Sheri shared in her words and her speech.

She talks about how God uses storms to get our attention, and how it's important to learn the lessons God intended for us to learn, how to forgive yourself--not just others, how to deal with your emotions, and how food effects our lives in both the positive and the negative. And finally, she talks about how we are gifts to the world around us. A very inspirational book.

Great Info, Bad Sound Quality.......2001-03-29

Like many people, I've suffered with an eating disorder. As a Christian, I knew it was time to stop turning to fashion magazines for advice and start turning to God. I was intrigued to find a health plan based on the Bible, and thought I'd give it a try. Shepherd's health philosophy is logical and well-researched. These tapes are sensitive, renewing, motivating, and applicable to life. In addition to food and eating disorders, Shepherd discusses emotion, anger management, marriage, and following your calling.

As a result of these tapes, I've stopped dieting for human approval, and started living healthfully to honor God's temple, my body. I would definitely reccommend Fit For Excellence to any Christian woman who has suffers from an eating disorder or food obsession.

Although hearing Shepherd's voice gave the book a personal touch unatainable in paperback, the sound quality left something to be desired. Poor editing made the book choppy and disjointed at times, which took away from the message. However, if you are able to get over this unfortunate flaw, you will thoroughly enjoy hearing Fit For Excellence, and gain the wisdom and knowledge that you may be missing in mainstream "diet" books.

Incredibly helpful. Nothing like it on the market!.......1998-06-24

Sheri knows what it's like to battle with an eating disorder and obesity. She is not only gorgeous on the outside, but her heart shines through with every page. This book is very powerful. It's perfect for the woman who is struggling with issues in her life, whether it be relational, physical, or emotional.

Average customer rating:

This updated version is challenging and growth producing
Overwhelming
Very good woman's book
Loved it!
Great Starter for Bible Studies

Becoming a Woman of Excellence
Cynthia Heald
Manufacturer: Navpress Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Becoming A Woman Of Freedom (Becoming a Woman)
Becoming A Woman Of Grace A Bible Study
Becoming A Woman Of Purpose (Becoming a Woman)
Becoming A Woman Of Prayer (Becoming a Woman)
Becoming A Woman Of Faith

ASIN: 0891090665

Book Description

These eleven Bible lessons by Cynthia Heald will help you understand what excellence means in such areas as: Surrender, Obedience, Discipline, Discretion, Wisdom Purity, and A Gentle and Quiet Spirit

Customer Reviews:

This updated version is challenging and growth producing.......2006-11-27

I had worked through this study with the original edition published in the '80s and am now using this edition to lead a ladies Bible study. This version of the study has been updated. I highly recommend this book for group use. Overall it is good both for ladies new to the faith as well as for mature believers. Some of the questions that involve comparing multiple passages are a little daunting for some, but on the whole, all who are seeking truth and growth will be rewarded here.

The study consists of eleven lessons organized into four sections. The first four lessons look at the goal of excellence. The next two lessons make up the section examining the cost of excellence. The third section examines the development of godly excellence in our lives with five lessons including the titles, "Excellence: Molded by Discipline" and "Excellence: Perfected by Purity." The final section is one lesson looking at the life of the Proverbs 31 woman.

Overwhelming.......2006-09-09

This book was overwhelming and disorganized - what I mean was that there lacked a unifying theme; a little legalistic. The indicative should come before the imperative.

Very good woman's book.......2005-08-14

This book helped shape who I am in Christ. Got me through some of the toughest days of my life. A great book to study in a woman's small group.

Loved it!.......2005-02-26

I really enjoyed the questions and lessons in this book. I learned a lot about who I am in Christ and about what God thinks of me. I would definitely recommend this book for any Christian woman, but especially a new believer. I'm thinking about using it in a Christian mom's group and am looking forward to the Spirit led discussion that will come from it.Buy it!! It's so inexpensive too...what do you have to lose?

Great Starter for Bible Studies.......2002-06-14

As a senior in high school, I led a sophomore girls Bible study. We went through this workbook and had a great time. The issues brought up in the book really hit home for alot of us. We had great discussions and were brought closer to God and to each other. I highly recommend it for women of all ages.

Average customer rating:

Living a Life of Excellence
Joel Osteen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1593495501

Product Description

2 disc set

Succeed at Work Without Sidetracking Your Faith: 7 Lessons of Career Excellence for Women

Average customer rating:

A blueprint for a Christian woman to follow
A Very Helpful Read!

Succeed at Work Without Sidetracking Your Faith: 7 Lessons of Career Excellence for Women
Amy C. Baker
Manufacturer: New Hope
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Motivation & Self-Improvement | Business Life | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Workplace | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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The Spirit of the Disciplines - Reissue: Understanding How God Changes Lives

ASIN: 1563099632

Book Description

Christian working women-whether married or single-desire career excellence and success, just as any woman would. But because of her faith, a Christian woman will have some different values and guidelines in play as she negotiates a path in the career world.

This book is a compilation of practical lessons and career management advice from a Christian woman who has lived it and coached it at Dell, one of the most successful companies in the history of capitalism. This book is a combination of personal and humorous stories, practical lessons, and biblical wisdom. The reader will be encouraged by the lessons' applicability to any job in any industry, the biblical foundation for workday reality, and the focus on not just the "tips and tricks" but on the heart of work as well. The seven lessons are:

1. Organizational politics exist in every company.
2. There's always a customer.
3. Career planning is our job, even if it's not on our job description.
4. We are not defined by the title on our business card.
5. Mentoring can be magical, but not manufactured.
6. There's no such thing as too much integrity.
7. Our work impacts the kingdom.

Customer Reviews:

A blueprint for a Christian woman to follow.......2006-09-22

Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (09/06)

Author Amy C. Baker gets to the heart of the matter for working Christian women - how to integrate faith into everyday work. Ms. Baker has taken 20 years of professional experience in human relations, communications and not for profit and turned it into an easy to follow blueprint for Christian women to follow. Often using her own work experience as an executive for Dell, a hugely successful company, she shows the reader that a person does not have to compromise their values or excellence to succeed in business. Every chapter is full of solid career advice, values and some very humorous examples of successful people who use these principles. Baker ends each chapter with things to think about and evaluate in our own lives.

The 7 lessons of Career Excellence include:

· Career Planning is your job - even if it's not in your job description. People need to take responsibility for their own careers and not leave it up to the Human Resources Department. You are the only person who really knows your skills and successes.
· Organizational politics exist in every company. Stories of political maneuvering go back to the Bible and will always exist. It is up to us to work with the highest ethics and Christian values when confronted with office politics.
· There's always a customer. Who are your customers? Do you have a good relationship with them? Would they describe you as ethical and honest?
· You are not defined by the title on your business card. So many people get caught up in the ego world of job titles and we are so much more than just a job title.
· Mentoring can be magical, but not manufactured. It is important to choose mentors who represent the values that you hold close to you.
· There's no such thing as too much integrity. Integrity covers much more than just work decisions, it is based on what and how we say it, gossip or inappropriate talk, and even our appearance.
· Your work impacts the Kingdom of God. Every person in the workforce impacts the Kingdom of God, from the frontline fast food associate to the President of a company.

Baker uses successful stories from women throughout the book beginning with the foreward by Supermodel Kim Alexis. Here is a high profile woman who stands by her Christian values in the tough fashion world. Other examples include many high profile women who face tough decisions in the workplace everyday and choose the Christian way. They prove that you can be highly successful and not be swayed away from your beliefs.

This is a book that I would highly recommend for Christian women going into or already in the workplace. Amy Baker does a great job integrating Christian principles and overall excellence with the career path. I would like to coin a phrase from her book where she describes successful women from Biblical Stories by saying "You Go Girl!" right back to her.

A Very Helpful Read!.......2006-02-23

It is not easy for a woman in the work world but top that off with being a Christian woman and the ball game gets a whole lot harder.For this woman, she now not only has to compete in a man's world, but she also knows she must play by rules that most of the others in the game don't even know exist. What is she to do?
Author, Amy Baker takes a hard look at this problem in her work, "Succeed At Work Without Sidetracking Your Faith," and has come up with some top-notch faith related answers.
If you are wanting to be a successful working woman and also a woman of faith you could not find a betting help book than this one, nor a better teacher than our author because you know you are learning from one who has been there, experienced what you are experiencing and has come out a winner. You realize that God indeed wants you to succeed and that you will not fall behind or if I may say, be a wimp, because you conduct yourself and your business in God's principals of success. Ms. Baker gives us humorous stories, mixing biblical wisdom in her words to bring us up to speed in our decision making.
If you are a Christian working woman wanting to succeed in the business world and still maintain the integrity of your walk with God this book will indeed encourage you and help you. However, this is not just for the Christian woman, every morsel of advice in this work is written to help and can be used by all women who are mingling in the work world.
Shirley Johnson
Senior Reviewer
MidWest Book Review

Average customer rating:

A Great Find

Eating for Excellence Cookbook
Sheri Rose Shepherd
Manufacturer: Multnomah
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

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Fit for Excellence
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GirlTalk: Hope, Humor and Hot Topics for the Young Heart

Accessories:

Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor

ASIN: 1576734870
Release Date: 1998-01-13

Book Description

Eating For Excellence makes food fun! Sheri Rose shares her original recipes, her off-beat humor, and her motivational skills in this lively cookbook. This book is for any woman who wants to eat well, have fun, and not feel deprived. Sheri Rose is

Customer Reviews:

A Great Find.......2001-04-02

Those of you who have read Sheri Rose Shepherd's Fit For Excellence, will love this follow-up cookbook. Shepherd has created a plan for health and fitness based on information found in the Bible.

Included in her cookbook are a variety of easy, tasty, healthy recipes. In addition, she's summarized the dieting advice that is detailed in Fit For Excellence. In Chapter 3, you can test yourself to see if you are a "Cherub" or a "Princess." According to Shepherd, Princesses operate at optimum level on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, while Cherubs fare better on complex carbohydrates and low-fat foods. Chapter 4 is devoted to food shopping for the best products. She covers shopping for spices, condiments, meats, proteins, sweeteners, nondairy products, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and vitamins.

Book Description

People, not plans or products, are the well-spring of organizational success. Those well-suited to their individual tasks are invariably more positive in their attitudes, more motivated and productive, demonstrate higher levels of creativity and initiative, and make a substantial contribution to your overall objectives. Those not so well-suited contribute less, detract from the performance of others, and consume far more time and effort to manage.

In Hiring Excellence you are introduced to a practical, time-tested process that will greatly enhance your ability to recognize and select excellent people for your team--whether your work environment is corporate or not-for-profit. By dealing with the specifics and implications common to each, Pat MacMillan provides the decision-making tools necessary to help you optimize your organization's effectiveness, even during the leanest economic times.

Focusing primarily on the selection process, Hiring Excellence also explores the areas of recruitment, promoting from within, and legal considerations as they touch on the selection process.

Customer Reviews:

The title and description is deceiving.......2004-07-19

I purchased this book to learn more about the hiring process and how I can apply it to my company. What the description of this book on Amazon failed to detail is that througout the entire book, the author ties Christianity into the hiring process. Citing Biblical principles as they relate to the hiring process is borderline ridiculous.

In an era where most companies respect diversity of their employees and therefore, separate business from religion, most will find this book only suitable for one thing---hiring within a Church. This book was a waste of money for hiring in corporate America.

Excellent writing.......2001-10-05

I have read and reread this book several times and I can not count how many times I have gone to it as a reference source. The writing is easy to understand and so informative, even for the beginning business owner. I especially appreciate the life examples Mr. MacMillan includes in the book.

The right people are out there; This will help you find them.......1999-12-22

People, not plans or products, are the well-spring of organizational success. Those well-suited to their individual tasks are invariably more positive in their attitudes, more motivated and productive, demonstrate higher levels of creativity and initiative, and make a substantial contributions to your overall objectives. Those not so well-suited contribute less, detract from the performance of others, and consume far more time and effort to manage.

Focusing primarily on the selection process, Hiring Excellence also explores the areas of recruitment, promoting from within, and legal considerations as they touch on the selection process.

Living Above the Level of Mediocrity: A Commitment to Excellence
Average customer rating:

Exceptional, strong Christian book and motivational guide

Go For Excellence!

Vintage Swindoll!

Excellent book by Swindoll

An eye opener

Living Above the Level of Mediocrity: A Commitment to Excellence
Charles R. Swindoll
Manufacturer: Word Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Personal Transformation | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Christian Living | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Swindoll, Charles | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0849905648

Book Description

In one of Charles Swindoll's most popular books ever, he tackles the problem of mediocrity. With his trademark stories and practical insight, he boldly confronts the issues of self-discipline, laziness, and our tendency to accept less than what we deserve, drawing clear lines between the pursuit of excellence and the pursuit of success in the eyes of the world.

Customer Reviews:

Exceptional, strong Christian book and motivational guide.......2004-03-04

A gift from my grandmother, this book has been a regular source of strength to me in tough times, and it has encouraged me toward excellence. Among its greatest assets are its ability to inspire courage through adversity and to reinforce srong values, even when those values seem to make one unpopular. Including many relevant and inspiring stories from the Bible and from life in general, this book has a permananent place on my top bookshelf.

Go For Excellence!.......2003-12-22

Mediocrity equals boredom and frustration. Living above it is Christian, it is the abundant way of living Jesus taught. In this book based on the Scriptures, Chuck Swindoll shows you how to apply principles that result in living purposefully and joyfully.

Like similar writers, he starts by explaining it all occurs in one's mind. When one's thoughts are right, proper actions follow. Being conscious of the invisible, eternal Kingdom of God is the awareness that changes one's perception from things seen to those unseen.

He writes about resisting traditionalism, greed, and discouragement. His advice is practical and doable. This is a hands-on book designed to set you apart from those who are satisfied with the status quo. It is a challenge to rise above the fray to a higher level of existence, one based on God's Word.

Vintage Swindoll!.......2003-05-12

Living Above the Level of Mediocrity is yet another fantastic title by Charles Swindoll. The gist of this book is the need for us to live above the level of just doing enough to get by.

Among the many principles Swindoll covers are:

1. Encouragements for standing tall.
2. Problems with the world's system.
3. Be willing to minister to others out of the limelight.
4. Soaring takes effort and requires eliminating negativity.
5. Following Christ will cost us relationships, possessions, and personal goals/desires.
6. Characteristics of people who positively impact others.
7. Defining vision, determination, and dreaming.
8. Observations about conformity to other people's standards.

Read it and be encouraged to soar like an eagle!

Excellent book by Swindoll.......2002-04-28

This is my third Swindoll book. And my favorite. In this excellent book, Swindoll shows that you can step above mediocrity, you can do better and most of all, it's God's desire for you to have all that you want. All you have to do is go for it.I also recommend Business Buy the Bible as a excellent succcess book based on scriptures and biblical principles.I look forward to more books by Swindoll. Easy read and inspiring.

An eye opener.......2001-05-16

Swindoll is certainly one of the most articulate and intelligent preachers of the times. This book is certainly an eye-opener of what God has intended for his children.

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