5 stars (Christ-Esteem) - Benner tackles a topic fraught with heated debate from all sides. Secularist would tell us that there is no "sacred call" to self-discovery, it is simply a normal, human need. Some Christians would tell us that there is nothing "sacred" about self-discovery, it is an abnormal part of our fallen self-centered nature. Wisely, Benner traces the history of self-understanding through the writings of giants in the faith like Augustine and Calvin. These two historical theologians, along with many others, understood what we have forgotten. Created in the image of God, as we understand ourselves "Coram Deo" (in the presence of God, from God's perspective), God enlightens us to understand something more of Who He is. In other words, knowledge of God and of self, are intricately interwoven. Rather than a journey of self-esteem or self-discovery, the Bible invites us on a journey of Christ-esteem where we discover who we are in Christ and to Christ. In Christ, we are saints. To Christ we are adult sons and daughters. The journey, taken biblically, brings the focus back to God and others. As Luther taught, when righted with God, we are returned to our natural stance of arms lifted up to God in worship and arms stretched out to others in fellowship and stewardship. Benner first walks his readers through the journey toward knowing God. This foundation begun (for it never ends), he then shows how to mortify (put off) the old false self in the flesh and how to vivify (put on) the new true self in Christ. He rightly calls the process a "transformational" journey. Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," "Martin Luther's Pastoral Counseling," "Biblical Psychology," and the forthcoming "Beyond the Suffering: The Story of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction." 3 stars (good writing, great message. ) - yes, the message of the book is one no christian today can dismiss (even if they think psycho... InterVarsity Press :: Spirituality - General :: Spiritual life :: Self-realization :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Prayer & Spirituality :: Religion :: Inspirational - General :: Chri :: The Gift of Being Yourself- The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery
5 stars (Makes reading a cookbook fun!) - There's a story behind every recipe, and this is hilarious book! My mother frowned upon the title, but couldn't put the book down. I'm buying several for Christmas presents. 5 stars (For All GRITS) - I laughed 'til I cried. It's a must read for all of us GRITS (Girls Raised In The South). I ordered more to give as gifts to all my Southern girlfriends! 3 stars (Funny at times but also a bit trite) - This book was fun to read in that it did a realistic comparison between the habits of bringing food to funerals in the south in that those of us who are from the south have actually eaten many of the foods described in the book. It is really part cookbook and part fun read, however, as much of the book is taken up with the recipes. After reading it, I passed it on to a friend who is from Nashville and who enjoys the southern culture and cooking. Enjoy it for a light read and a few laughs but know that it contains more recipes than anything else. ... Miramax Books :: Cooking & General :: Southern style :: Southern States :: Regional & Ethnic - American - Southern States :: Humor :: General :: Funeral rites and ceremonies :: Form :: Being Dead is No Excuse - The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral
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