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Review
"...Some readers will think that the positions espoused by Dr. Wagner are too radical. However, we are living in radical times..." -- Dr. Jack Deere, President, Evangelical Foundation Ministries, Amarillo, Texas

"...This book is a worthy summary of what God has been teaching many of us since seminary..." -- Dr. Charles Kraft, Professor of Anthropology and Intercultural Communication, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California

Product Description
Dr. C. Peter Wagner, a former 30-year professor with Fuller Theological Seminary, unveils seven key "Power" principles that in many cases are not being taught in our major seminaries and Bible schools across the United States. In learning these seven principles, you will open a new door to the power of God flowing through your ministry and church.

"What is 'effectiveness' in a family?" asks author Steven R. Covey. He promptly answers with four words: "a beautiful family culture." Building this culture is the primary theme of Covey's parenting guide, a manual based on concepts introduced in his blockbuster, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Covey, a New-Age business guru and leadership authority, has consulted with the world's top corporate and political leaders, but closer to home he is the father of nine children. Here, Covey reinterprets each of his now famous "habits" (Habit 1: Be Proactive, Habit 4: Think Win-Win, Habit 6: Synergize) to apply to parenting and family-life issues. Covey suggests writing a family mission statement, implementing special family times and "one-on-ones," holding regular family meetings, and making the commitment to move from "me" to "we" as techniques to improve family effectiveness. Covey is a brilliant storyteller. By weaving the voices and anecdotes of his wife and children with his own inspirational and informative stories, exercises, and parables, he has created a book with something for all parents interested in enhancing the strength and beauty of their own families. --Ericka Lutz

From Publishers Weekly
With visionary flare, Pink argues that business and everyday life will soon be dominated by right-brain thinkers. He identifies the roots and implications of transitioning from a society dominated by left-brain thinkers into something entirely different—although at times, he seems to be exhorting rather than observing the trend. As a narrator, Pink delivers in a well executed manner, with occasional hints of enthusiasm. He maintains a steady voice that is well suited for a business-oriented text, and his crisp pronunciation and consistent pace keeps listeners engaged and at ease. Updated with new material. A Riverhead paperback (reviewed online). (Feb.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

From Booklist
"Abundance, Asia, and automation." Try saying that phrase five times quickly, because if you don't take these words into serious consideration, there is a good chance that sooner or later your career will suffer because of one of those forces. Pink, best-selling author of Free Agent Nation (2001) and also former chief speechwriter for former vice-president Al Gore, has crafted a profound read packed with an abundance of references to books, seminars, Web sites, and such to guide your adjustment to expanding your right brain if you plan to survive and prosper in the Western world. According to Pink, the keys to success are in developing and cultivating six senses: design, story, symphony, empathy, play, and meaning. Pink compares this upcoming "Conceptual Age" to past periods of intense change, such as the Industrial Revolution and the Renaissance, as a way of emphasizing its importance. Ed Dwyer

From Publishers Weekly
The popular Christian song of the title gets fleshed out via personal anecdote and scriptural quotation in this slim character study of Jesus by the author of The Ragamuffin Gospel. Manning, who first experienced transcendence when he was a young Marine, didn't like "chanting psalms in Latin with pantywaist eighteen-year-old postulates" during his seven days of seminary school. But on a last-minute trip around the Stations of the Cross, he says, he heard "a word that is my real name in the mind of God, a name spoken with indescribable tenderness and written on the white stone (Revelation 2:17)." He still left the seminary, but the faith Manning came to feel was a passionate, righteous one. Jesus, Manning says, "sets us free from fear of the Father and dislike of ourselves," shows us how to have "sovereign respect for people's dignity" and "brought a nonviolent revolution." Satan, on the other hand, "seduces us into dwelling on our past sins and stirs the pot of self-hatred." The song lyrics sprinkled without may have inspired this book, but its raison d'etre is Manning's vociferous and motivating cry to his fellow Christians to acknowledge the miracle that is the risen Jesus, to let themselves be loved by him and to let him "run wild in their lives."
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Within every person has been placed a desire to be different, distinctive... To Be An Original. Deep down inside, everyone wants to be above average. No one really wants to 'just get by'... and John Mason believes that regardless of where you are in life, or how much you have or have not accomplished, God has a unique gift and calling just for YOU. Divided into 52 "nuggets" of truth, An Enemy Called Average is a source of godly wisdom, scriptural motivation and practical principles. The words of this book will stir up the gifts inside of you. If you're looking for answers to the questions YOU RE asking, then this book is for you. If you re tired of having to dig through pages of illusions, smoke screens, and mirrors to get to the bottom line...then you ve found what you ve been looking for. Think about it... When wisdom reigns, it pours. Fear and worry are interest paid in advance on something you may never own. Remember that faith to move mountains always carries a pick. People are born originals, but most die copies. Ideas go away, but direction stays. Your problem is your promotion. Being a servant won t make you famous just rich. Give An Enemy Called Average one year, just one nugget a week, and your life will never be the same.

This is nothing like most 'how to' books on the subject. This is a hands-on, I've been there, done that approach and it doesn't work book from a couple who faced infidelity and the desire for divorce. Only they chose the more difficult path. They chose the path of commitment, forgiveness and the hard work of rebuilding what they'd lost. (Carolyn R. Scheidies Author's Choice Book Review 20050401)

"This book is wisdom born of tragic, but genuine, experience. Because Anderson nearly ruined her marriage due to infidelity, she truly knows the misery a fling can cause. Her honesty, vulnerability, and repentance provide marital lessons guaranteed to strengthen couples who are susceptible to the lure of an affair. Anderson now married more than 25 years, uses situations from her parents' marriage, her own marriage, and the marriages of couples she and her husband counsel in their ministry as examples of good and bad habits of marital life. She focuses on post marital dating, listening, encouraging, confessing, and satisfying. At the end of each chapter are questions and projects that will help couples grow closer. This book has many anecdotes, Bible verses, and interviews that make it contemporary, realistic, and reader friendly." (DEH Church Libraries 20050301)

"Avoiding the Greener Grass Syndrome is an absolute gem of a book. Nancy's honesty is refreshing and makes the reader trust Nancy's advise that comes after she shares her own story of infidelity. Her words are filled with the sort of wisdom that one learns only through making a tragic mistake, but the book is also filled with words of hope for every couple out there. Laced with humor, practical tips, and spiritual insight, Avoiding the Greener Grass Syndrome is a must read and re-read for every pastor, counselor, and couple who are ready to understand fully what God can and will do to not only save a marriage, but grow it into a thing of beauty." (Carmen Leal Amazon.com 20050101)

"Nancy C. Anderson writes about a confusing time in her life with such vulnerability, she draws the reader in. She shows how being out of the will of God brought her nothing but heartache, and then takes us through her journey from chaos to the cure. Her practical tips and spiritual insights inspire her readers to work on their own relationships. Recommended reading whether struggling in your marriage or you want to make a good thing better." (Donna J. Shepherd Amazon.com 20050201)

"Nancy has an incredible story to tell and she tell it with her heart on her sleeve. Many times throughout this book she is so transparent and candid about her journey from infidelity to incredibly blessed matrimony, her heart is practically hovering over the pavement. This book has inspired, educated, enlightened, amused, moved, and blessed me tremendously, and my marriage will be more of a horticultural masterpiece because of it." (Jason A. Ogle Amazon.com 20050501)

"Avoiding the Greener Grass Syndrome is by turns honest, humorous, moving, insightful, and practical. Nancy Anderson does a masterful job at both telling her story without going into sordid details and remaining vulnerable enough to inspire and encourage struggling couples. I highly recommend this book!" (Dena Dyer Amazon.com 20051201)

"Perhaps the most helpful thing about this practical book is the list of things to think about at the close of each chapter along with a list of things to do. All marriages need constant evaluation and action to infuse energy and avoid boredom. These lists are easily the greatest benefits of the book. Forged these in the crucible of the author's personal experience, these lists provide practical help for fellow strugglers." (Jim Brown Biblical Ministries Worldwide )

"Nancy Anderson's book 'Avoiding the Greener Grass Syndrome: How to Grow Affair-proof Hedges Around Your Marriage' is absolutely wonderful. With courage, Anderson tells of the journey that sent her on a wayward path to infidelity that nearly ended her marriage. More than a book on infidelity, Anderson describes how to plant, water, trim, and keep the rodents out by planting hedges around one's marriage. She explains the importance of communication and offers tips on that subject. Spending time with your spouse is crucial, so Anderson includes ideas for dating. She educates on differences in personalities, interests, and needs, and then ends with ways to keep each other satisfied. I want to tell couples that if they water their own marriages, they can grow a beautiful, healthy, green relationship in their own backyard." (Cindy O'Holloran Christian Activities )

"Anderson's book offers strategies for communicating, dating, and building hedges to protect your relationship as critical elements to preserving a marriage. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, Avoiding the Greener Grass Syndrome is an excellent guide for preventing adultery and preserving marriage." (Claudette Robertson Book Review )
Product Description
From a woman who strayed to the other side of the marital fence -and returned to find forgiveness and restoration - comes this practical book about predicting and preventing an extra-martial affair. Based on the principle that the grass is aways greener when its watered, this book focuses on howto grow a beautiful marriage in your own backyard by establishing six protective "hedges" around it.

Product Description
Winning the Battle in your Mind. There's a War Going On And Your Mind Is The Battlefield. If you're one of millions who suffer from worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger or condemnation, you are experiencing an attack in your mind. Overcoming negative thoughts that come against your mind brings freedom and peace. Find out how to recognize damaging thought patterns and stop them from influencing your life. In this powerful book, best-selling author and conference host, Joyce Meyer, guides you through an honest self-appraisal by sharing the trials, tragedies and ultimate victories of her own marriage, family and ministry- including the truth she learned about what she was thinking and feeling every step of the way. You'll gain insight into how Joyce won the battle in her own mind- and how you can as well. You'll also discover how to: -Find peace and stop brain-storm of mental activity. -See the truth by thinking correctly. -Use spiritual weapons effectively. -Overcome the 10 wilderness mentalities that hold you in harmful circumstances. Don't surrender to misery another day. Find out today what you can do to ensure your victory in the Battlefield of the Mind!

About the Author
JOYCE MEYER has been teaching the Word of God since 1976 and in full-time ministry since 1980. Previously an associate pastor at Life Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri, she developed, coordinated, and taught a weekly meeting known as "Life In The Word." After more than five years, the Lord brought it to a conclusion, directing her to establish her own ministry and call it "Life In The Word, Inc."

Now, her Life In The Word radio and television broadcasts are seen and heard by millions across the United States and throughout the world. Joyce's teaching tapes are enjoyed internationally, and she travels extensively conducting Life In The Word conferences.

Joyce and her husband, Dave, the business administrator at Life In The Word, have been married for over 35 years. They reside in St. Louis, Missouri, and are the parents of four children. All four children are married and, along with their spouses, work with Dave and Joyce in the ministry.

Believing the call on her life is to establish believers in God's Word, Joyce says, "Jesus died to set the captives free, and far too many Christians have little or no victory in their daily lives." Finding herself in the same situation many years ago and having found freedom to live in victory through applying God's Word, Joyce goes equipped to set captives free and to exchange ashes for beauty. She believes that every person who walks in victory leads many others into victory. Her life is transparent, and her teachings are practical and can be applied in everyday life.

Joyce has taught on emotional healing and related subjects in meetings all over the country, helping multiplied thousands. She has recorded more than 230 different audio-cassette albums and over 75 videos. She has also authored 49 books to help the body of Christ on various topics.

Product Description
Written in Zig Ziglar's trademark style, Better Than Good isn't just about success now, excellence tomorrow, or even motivation for next month, but about making a lasting impact-an impact that goes beyond financial gains and creative partnerships. This book offers practical and spiritual vision for what life can be when we allow the power of purpose and passion to permeate our souls.

About the Author
Zig Ziglar is an internationally known author and speaker whose client list includes thousands of businesses, Fortune 500 companies,U.S. government agencies, churches, schools and nonprofit associations. Many of his 25 books have been bestsellers, including See You at the Top, Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World and Secrets of Closing the Sale. Ziglar is also chairman of Ziglar, Inc., which helps people more fully utilize their physical, mental and spiritual resources. He and his wife,“the Redhead,” live in Texas.
--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Despite impressive triumphs over the years, leading companies like General Motors, Xerox, and Levi Strauss have also stumbled badly at times. In Big Brands, Big Trouble, Jack Trout points out their biggest missteps as well as the critical lessons that can be learned from them. In his typically no-nonsense manner, Trout--a "positioning" expert who has written numerous bestselling books on the topic and served as a consultant to several of these firms--lays out the myriad errors that caused them and other giants to lose ground in the fight for success. Helpful specifics abound, such as in the chapter on Crest, in which Trout notes how the toothpaste's one-time dominance slipped away when consumer concern over cavities gave way to worries about discoloration, bad breath, and gum disease (which other brands more effectively set themselves up to attack). The lessons Trout takes from this are threefold: even winning positions must occasionally evolve; knowledge of how leadership was initially attained must always be maintained; and competitors must never be given an angle to exploit. Likewise, the section on Burger King discusses how turnover at the top, inconsistent advertising messages, and a loss of focus on how to assault the industry leader resulted in a stagnation that has perpetually mired the chain as a fast-food also-ran. "It's a fact of life that the easiest idea to overlook is the obvious one," Trout notes in this chapter. Since most ideas are apparent only in retrospect, however, his insights should prove invaluable to readers who might easily make similar mistakes. --Howard Rothman --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From Publishers Weekly
Trout (Differentiate or Die) does the obvious in his latest book, rehashing the demise of well-known failures such as Xerox and Miller Brewing, and his redundant preaching of unoriginal strategies may irritate. But readers will find salvation in his straightforward, engaging prose and the constant hammering home of lessons (GM failed because it lost touch with the market, and AT&T tanked when it lost its focus). The book's first part is an excellent reminder of what managers should and should not do with a brand, making this a primer for the uninitiated.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Amazon.com Review
The first sentence of Larry Bird's candid post-player memoir begins blandly enough: "On August 18, 1992, I announced my retirement from the Boston Celtics." It's the one that follows--"It was one of the happiest days of my life"--that sets the tone for the book. Most stars have to be pulled off center stage, but as Bird Watching makes clear, the former Celtic legend who returned home to eventually coach the Indiana Pacers is certainly a rare bird. He's not afraid to ruffle feathers. And he's not afraid to tell his truth.

Perhaps the most striking revelations concern his heart. On top of the back pain that plagued him through much of his career, from time to time Bird experienced the feeling--and disorienting flush--of an irregular heartbeat, which he kept hidden from the Celtics. Even now, in the stress-filled world of coaching, Bird has almost passed out on the bench a couple of times--but he remains a fierce competitor. "I'm not going to be stupid about this heart condition, but I'm not going to live my whole life in fear of this thing either. If it goes, it goes."

Bird Watchingspends virtually no time with Bird the player; he's not one for looking back. He's more interested in explaining his evolution and thinking as a coach, examining the current state of the NBA, and picking apart the Pacer's disastrous 1999 playoff loss to the Knicks. He does, however, reminisce about his amazing connection to Magic Johnson, comparing it to the bond between Ali and Frazier. "I knew it was going to be like that forever after I played him in college for the national championship," Bird writes. "I never came up against anyone, other than Magic, who could challenge me mentally. Magic always took me to the limit." From Bird, it's hard to imagine a more heartfelt compliment. --Jeff Silverman --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Publishers Weekly
Fans expecting the literary highlight reel of the NBA legend's championship years with the Boston Celtics may be initially put off by this loosely organized collection of opinions and reminiscences. They should stick with it, however, because ultimately the book is an endearingly honest self-portrait of a humble man who has made the most of his opportunities. Celtic fans will be titillated by the frank reports of just how Larry Legend wound up leaving Boston. Being a give-it-to-me-straight kind of guy, he was disgusted with the disingenuous ways of the Celtic front office, where he briefly worked after his playing days. Bird, now the head coach of the Indiana Pacers, also explains, quite briskly, how his relationship with fellow Celtic Kevin McHale went sour: as their careers wound down, McHale and another teammate went behind Bird's back to reporters with complaints that his play had become selfish. But Bird's refusal to pull punches doesn't hit only his adversaries: he admits that he was lucky that his good friend Rick Robey was traded away from the Celtics, because the good times they had together got in the way of Bird's career. He also writes that not he, but Jerry Sloan of the Utah Jazz should have been named Coach of the Year in 1998. The Hick from French Lick solidifies his reputation as a straight-talker unimpressed with his own legend. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.