Zeb is a young mountain boy who is caught alone in a sudden snowstorm. He ends up taking refuge at a cabin his grandfather had helped to build many years before. The old woman living there shelters Zeb, who has a badly swollen ankle, while they are snowbound. To pass the time she offers to tell him the Christmas story. Such is the simple premise of "One Wintry Night," but Ruth Bell Graham tells about much more than the story of the nativity of Jesus.

I find it meaningful that before the story begins we read the first eleven verses of the gospel according to Luke. These are, of course, essentially the same versus that Linus recites in "A Charlie Brown Christmas," which certainly makes it one of the most recognizable Bible verses for young children. It ends with the declaration of the angel of the birth of a savior, and it is ultimately that aspect which Graham is trying to explain. After all, the whole point of the recitation by Linus was to explain to Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about, and this proves to be Graham's goal as well.

Consequently, the old woman in this story begins the tale with the creation of the universe, and she spends more time talking about the story of Adam and Eve than the story of Jesus, which is told from the perspective of a boy named Aaron and his little sister Anna. Zeb is used to underscore the lesson by asking questions that set up each part of the old woman's narrative.

Richard Jesse Watson provides the illustrations, which are beautiful but sort of unnecessary to the story being told (I actually found myself ignoring them the first time through the book simply because I was caught up in the story Graham was telling; but they are some nice illustrations here). The story has in-text citations for scriptural references, including one from the book of Micah, which is usually a good sign. "One Wintry Night" does a nice job of putting the Christmas story in a larger scriptural context, which should certainly be appealing to some parents looking for something along these lines for their children.

This book shows the Bible to be one story...the story of a loving God saving a fallen people. It's a GREAT perspective. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story very well written. I read this to my kids every Christmas, one chapter per night...They're always begging for more! It's wonderful for Christmas, but the story is so much more than just a Christmas story! Highly Recommended!

I was first drawn to One Wintry Night by the illustrations, which are amazing. Realistic pictures give a younger child a lot to look at while you are reading the story. Once I started reading the story I was in awe. Mrs. Graham retells the story of the bible in a simple but captivating way. It is easy to see the paralells that occur in the bible - the way God looked for someone to save His people repeatedly - ending with our saviour. The book intertwines the importance of not only the birth of Christ, but his crucifiction and resurrection. Mrs. Graham also writes wonderful cliffhangers from one chapter to the next which had my five year old begging to read more. This is definitely a book I will read over and over again and will recommend to my friends (or buy it for them!) This is a great way to help introduce a young child to God's character, the bible, and christianity.

A family friend gave me this book for Christmas in 1998. At first I was reading it as a novel. I could relate to the early part of the book, because I had been through all that myself in previous years. However, it wasn't until the middle of the book when my life and the author's life became very similar. At the time, I was believing God for a husband. I had also decided to do courtship God's way and not have sex until marriage. At the point in the book where Monique reached the point of being sick of doing things her way and decided to do it God's way, I began to cry profusely. Her story only fed my faith that God would deliver in my life in a big way. You see, when you stand in faith - nothing wavering, not compromising - God honors your faith and delivers exceedingly abundantly more than you could ask or think. He did for the author of this book - Monique, and in 1999, He did for me. I'm now married to a wonderful man of God who fit what I asked God for to a tee! And we had a holy, God-honoring courtship with no sex until our wedding night. And guess what, God will do it for you too, once you sell out to His Will (His Word) and His Way (as described in His Word)!!! Wanna feed your faith for a Godly husband? Read this book!!!! Then, live a life that honors God, and He will not let you be put to shame but will manifest just the type of man you are dreaming about. I dare you to try it! God will come through for you, too!

I read this book in 10 hrs,it was a answer to my preyers,such a inspiration

This is a book for the 90's and for every Christian woman. It tells of the struggles, the defeats, and the successes when trying to lead a Christian life. The conversations with God are so real and uplifting that I read them repeatedly.

The book is truly awesome! I have recommended the book to my bookclub and my young adult group at church. Thank You Mrs. Anderson

Toyin Olakanpo refreshes the face of poetry with her spiritually based collection of PoemMeditations. In a world where fax, email and modems have replaced human contact, her poems are nourishment to a famished soul. Her poems ground us and redirect our thoughts back to a holy and heavenly place.

I enjoyed Toyin's book of poetry. With titles like "The Power of Sin", she captures the reader where they are. This work is excellent for teen readers also, as my daughter willingly read from cover to cover. Toyin kept her attention.

A very inspirational collection of short poems for the soul based on divine biblical teaching. All the poems in this book offer some insight into different situations in our lives and are backed with encouraging words to uplift the soul. Highly recommended read for all..

This book changed my entire outlook on life - and thus changed my whole life.

Written in Carother's own easy going simple way, this book is a great read even for the most casual browser that will eventually result in changing of the most set thinking patterns.

I loved this book so much that I bought every book that the Rev. Carothers has ever written & every one of them was good.

This book was life changing for me. It presents a whole new paradigm, a new way of viewing the world, and it is true because it is what the Word of God teaches. Literally everything is in God's hands and will work for the good to those that love God. Please read this book!

What a fantastic book! This book changed not only my life but my husbands' as well. Worrying was such a large part of his life, but, since he read "Power in Praise" and really let the words 'sink in', he has been much more at peace. He even used this book to teach his Sunday School class for a while, and, it was obvious that it impacted the classes' life just as it did ours. Thank you, Mr. Carothers, for sharing your life of praise and trust in the Lord. It gave much inspiration to us and our fellow Christian brothers and sisters and made us even more aware to let go and fully trust the Lord. May God bless You! I highly recommend this book to the 'worry-ers' of this world. Read it, apply it, and live in true peace and trust in God. Romans 8:28. :-)

This is one of the best books on success using principles and wisdom from the Bible. If you enjoyed this one also check out "Bible Power for Successful Living: Helping You Solve Everyday Problems" by Norman Vincent Peale with Donald Kauffman. "Healing Wisdom from the Bible: Spiritual Guidance, Inspiration and Comfort for Everyday Life" by James E. Gibson, PhD and also on the another super book on why people hold themselves back from being successful is PERMISSION TO SUCCEED by Noah St. John. Beyond Motivation... Beyond Positive Thinking... Learn How to and Why to Give Yourself Permission to Succeed.

I have read numerous books on "success", but none that have helped me view the Bible as a "success" book. This book goes deeper into the truth of God's word: the truth that is hidden from casual inquiry. "Seek first the Kingdom, and all these things shall be added unto you...." R.G. Briley challenges the common biblical understandings, or better yet misunderstandings, of success. For those wanting a balanced experience of "success" with a greater understanding of purpose, this book is it.

I've bought over 100 of Gaylord's book and passed them out to customers,friends,family & new friends. Everyone I know needs more PERMISSION! Gaylord's book points the reader to GOD as our ultimate permission granter. I am thrilled to be a Pray and Grow Rich "raving fan" and would that all permissionless people would pick one up today.

I have read the book several times and refer back to it often. It truly helps to get me where I belong. I have shared the book with others and they find it as great a help as I do.It is so wonderful to find a prayer book that anyone can benefit from.

I'm the pastor of a postmodern church "experiment" ministering to young adults, young families and teens, and this book would be my number one pick as a beginner's book on prayer. This book covers areas most books on prayer won't touch such as "angry prayer" and is able to communicate in terms which are neither too difficult nor simple. I highly reccommend this book, regardless of your faith background, if you're looking for a book on how to pray, this is it!

This book suggests countless ways to "talk to God", many of which aren't even in words. It is especially helpful for the person who doesn't have a formal religious training and who has been hesitant to have a dialog with the Supreme Being because they don't "know how to do it", or what to say.

As I read this book, I kept thinking how wonderful it would have been to have it as a young woman, just starting my life journey. Such insights ~ a great source of wisdom as we get older. I would highly recommend giving this book as a college graduation gift.

Reading Evelyn Bence's book of prayers made me homesick to revitalize my own communication with God. It was as if there was an embedded ellipsis at the end of each page, gently nudging me ... my turn was next. Bravo, Evelyn!

The delightful word pictures of the prayers elicit smiles and tears reminding me that friendships are precious and always to be cherished. The book challenges me to be more open and honest with God as well as with my friends.

This is a small book, almost a pamphlet, so it works very nicely for readings during a quiet retreat. Nouwen reminds us of the importance of solitude for service. The book is composed of a few sermons he gave at Yale and is one of those books where you'll find yourself wanting to excerpt quotes to stick on the wall by your computer. I'll give you one as an example: "It is in this solitude that we discover that being is more important than having, and that we are worth more than the result of our efforts." The book is an affirmation.

This was a very informative and a very simple read. In a nutshell, it defines how important solitude is in terms of how we can't get caught up impressing life judges. Also, "It teaches us", not to become restless of our actions for our only way of aquiring self pride.

Henri also shows people how to be glad by applying the example of jesus to your life. Also, to deal with the challenges which God applies for you, only to make youself stronger.

I find it amazing that he could put all this very enlighting material into this very short read. I recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about life. To various people who want to find the ticket to extreme happiness, this book is for you!

This book spoke deeply to me. As a parent with young children, I have often felt guilty for needing "my space." Nouwen removes my feelings of guilt and selfishness by explaining this need for time alone as being a spiritual need where growth and connection with God are possible. Contains few pages, but a big message.

In this powerful book, Cho unlocks the secret of spiritual transport into God's throne-room. See you there...

Cho should know about the power of prayer. From a miraculous healing in a dirt-floored bungalow to becoming God's man to lead the larget Christian church in the world, Cho has been a man of prayer. At Prayer Mountain, interceeding warriors raise the needs of the body of Christ to the throne 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Cho can be found there, too, seeking God's word for a hungry, needy people (his congregation now numbers more than 800,000). Whatever else history will remember about this man's ministry, he will be called a man of prayer.

I have never been so motivated to pray before in my life! I read this book in two afternoons. It is a very readable account of Pastor Cho's prayer life, and why Korea is experiencing tremendous revival. This book should be read by every Christian who truly wants to know God.

Pastor cho shares deeply about his prayer life and explains why so many of us struggle with problems setbacks and sin. We want success and are too readily contented. His words and examples are powerful, practical but not easy. Yet his books lifts you up from where you are to a deeper clearer stronger desire for God to use you as an intercessor. It's so good I've bought a few for pastors to mull over!

Wangerin's Ragman is one of the most inspiring books I have read in a long time. The imagery can pull you into everyday life or to far away scenes. Ragman can stir your heart.

RAGMAN AND OTHER CRIES OF FAITH is a deeply moving collection of works concerning the Christian faith, written by Walt Wangerin, Jr. about some of his experiences as a pastor in the inner city. The title work, "Ragman" is a story that is often used as a skit/readers theatre throughout the country and is basically an updated tale about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The book includes poems, plays, sermons, and many great stories because as Wangerin writes, stories are what make a pastor. The tales are all personal and most are moving. They examine a deep and living faith that sees the work of God everywhere: from a naked, homebound parishoner who smells like urine to the painful death of a young woman to a crazy woman shooting a gun at no one in the middle of the street. This is a great book for any pastor, for anyone who has done urban missions, or for anyone looking for a book that illustrates the very real ways God is working in our world today. Highly recommended.

The Easter story as related by the man who follows the Ragman is moving and makes an age old story new. Older elementary school children, middle schoolers and adults listened. We all heard the story.Although it seemd familiar, it held our attention. It was an eyewitness thought provoking news account of a very special Ragman.