It's Frank Peretti's brilliant novel writing skills...condensed! It's a super-cool family of archeologists--minus a mother--who investigate phenomena in the spirit of Indiana Jones, only with a Christian perspective. A nice alternative to the gore and junk in the Indiana Jones movies.

This one will freak you out. A disease that makes anyone super-strong and loony as Michael Jackson (maybe even worse). This is one of the toughest battles the Coopers have had to fight before...can they survive The Deadly Curse of Toco-Rey?

The book is cool, but loads of creepy stuff. There's a lot action too. Definitely lives up to the Cooper Kids genre that Peretti has going.

Parental Warning: Almost Indiana Jones stuff here. Skeletons are everywhere, deadly, raving diseased people, Hostile Natives (of COURSE they'd have hostile natives!) and nasty "carvies". Pretty intense, but pretty cool.

The author of this series is Frank Peretti. Of all the books that he has published, this is one of my favorites. This story is about three Christians named Dr. Cooper and his two kids, Jay and Lila. They go on an archeological dig in Central America in the tomb of an ancient warrior king with strange guards called Mucay-Tochetin, that wander around the land that surrounds the tomb. There are also flying slugs whose skin has slime on it that is as deadly as acid! Will they all fall under the curse, or will the caravies get them? Although this book has no illustrations, Frank may as well have done them himself with his awesome writing. The suspense will kill you as you turn the pages wondering if all of the Coopers will come out of each adventure alive! I liked this book as a Christian because Dr. Cooper shows strong faith in God. He turns to Him in his most weak moments and receives strength in one way or another. I strongly suggest reading this awesome book. It will make you perspirate with fear! I have read the book many times and this is worthy of a Newbery award. May the curse stay away from you!

DR.Cooper and his 2 children are looking for an anchent kingdom they run into many problems along the way even close to death.Will theyre trust in god save them?Youll have to read it tofind out!

This is the first book I've actually taken the time to read since the birth of my second child. Why? Well, I've picked up others, but in trying to find time in my hectic schedule, they just didn't seem worth the effort. The Courier, however, grabbed me from the get-go, and I felt I *had* to make time to find out what happened to the characters. I enjoyed immensely the intrigue and adventure of the book, and learned a great deal about Armenia at the same time. Great read. I'm looking forward to James Christian's next book.

This is foremost a touching love story nurtured within a fast paced and enthralling adventure story, drawn around very engaging and recognizable characters. It is complemented by an insider's knowledge of what it is to live and work within the Foreign Service. Set principally in Armenia, it packs a well-defined and eminently readable rendering of the country and its population, together with the scars and strengths arisen from its history and religion. As a bonus, when covering the activities of certain of its characters, the author provides erudite and detailed descriptions, as for example in dealing with numismatics and with airplane flying techniques. All in all, this is a book hard to put down once begun.

This is foremost a touching love story nurtured within a fast paced and enthralling adventure story, drawn around very engaging and recognizable characters. It is complemented by an insider's knowledge of what it is to live and work within the Foreign Service. Set principally in Armenia, it packs a well-defined and eminently readable rendering of the country and its population, together with the scars and strengths arisen from its history and religion. As a bonus, when covering the activities of certain of its characters, the author provides erudite and detailed descriptions, as for example in dealing with numismatics and with airplane flying techniques. All in all, this is a book hard to put down once begun.

What a beautiful story. It is very moving. I highly recommend it.

I decided to write this review because I love this book very much, I love this author/illustrator's beautiful work and I love this timeless mythological story. People say and rightfully so that this book tells the story of the night of Christ's birth. One of the reasons that I love this book is that it tells this familiar story that actually predates Christ by centuries without ever once using the well-known names of Bethlehem, Mary, Joseph or Jesus. You see, it is told from the perspective of the humble little donkey that carried the Mother who was pregnant with Her Son. A little donkey would know nothing of names, nothing of salvation, nothing of the doings of kings or priests or tax collectors. By telling the tale from this humble perspective no one is excluded from it's sweet and graceful message. I am a Pagan and at Winter Solstice or Yule I celebrate the Goddess's labor and delivery of her beautiful Son/Sun, the light,the sacrificial king who comes to renew the world, as the wheel of the year turns from it's dark half unto it's light half. The message of hope and life that the returning and growing rays of the sun promise to the sleeping earth fills my heart with gladness. I begin to anticipate spring and I renew my faith in the wisdom and love of the Earth's cycle.
The pictures in this book are exceedingly beautiful and tell the tale of the little donkey's dreams as he walks along. He doesn't know that he is carrying the hope of the world on his back, but he feels the magic in his dreams and thinks of a magnificent city glowing with promise, a huge rose glowing with softness and beauty, a fountain that waters the desert and brings the barren world to life with lush plants, and a sailing ship that carries him over the waters on his path. Like all good myths this story is timeless and transcultural. The symbols of one path speak the same language as others. The text is surrounded by lovely blue forget-me-nots on many pages and I think it is a gentle reminder to everyone to remember the inclusive message of the Winter Solstice and of Christmas that sees us all as one, bravely and faithfully facing the darkness together with hope in our spirits and love in our hearts. Ms. Berger uses a wonderful jewel-like blue color in many of the illustrations and it evokes a serene and peaceful feeling that adds to the overall message of the pictures. The Queen of Heaven is draped in the softly glowing folds of a starry sky and her little baby son gives off a gentle glow in her arms. The story is so gentle and humble. I love this book because it tells a story that belongs to the whole world and it doesn't make anyone feel left out.

"The Donkey's Dream" by Barbara Helen Berger is one of the most beautiful tellings of the nativity story that I have ever read. It is a crystal clear, beautifully simple look at the story of Jesus' birth and the journey that led up to it--all as seen through the eyes of the Donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem.

As is usual with Ms. Berger's books, the illustrations are stunning. I am haunted by the forget-me-nots that frame these pages. The story is also told in an original, moving way...one that will not soon be forgotten.

I recommend "The Donkey's Dream" most highly. It would make a wonderful gift (especially at Christmas time) for any Christ-follower.

The Economy of God will give you the answers you seek about your purpose in life from God's perspective based on the Bible. If you are seeking the plan of God for your life, you have found it! Seek no more.

The book touches the highest administration in the whole universe - the administration of the triune God! Not like human administration that is politics-oriented, God's administration is life-oriented, which is to give God's divine life to those who need Him and want Him, through Jesus Christ. Witness Lee used 'economy' of God in stead of 'administration' of God just because the Greek word 'economy' most characterizes God's life-driven administration.

Because of human's falling, the salvation has to be involved in God's administration. The very God had to become a man to die for man. Praise the Lord, His administration did not stop by His death. His resurrection and resurrection power have made this life-driven administration continue and even consummate in the New Jerusalem!

Now God's administration is exercised in the Church: "I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Mat 16:18) God needs His believers to participate in His divine economy on this earth, and to destroy Satan's kingdom and build up God's kingdom, which is the domain of His authority, His administration, and His divine life. "But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you." (Mat 12:28)

I have never read any book like Economy of God that unveils God's heart's desire in such a deep and thorough way. The book is a must for those who have a pure heart to love and seek Christ, and want to participate in God's divine economy today on this earth.

This book does a wonderful job of expressing in simple terms - the heart of God. No other writer have I found who so intimately understands our Lord and presents his view in such a way that we come away encouraged and refreshed.

This book is even better than its title. The authors deliver a series of short essays on topics every woman can relate to, and they do it in styles uniquely their own. On one page, I was laughing; on the next page, crying. This is Anne Lamott you can bring home to your mother.

God is at the center of the lives of both women, and, we discover in these delightful vignettes, that he is also the one in the details. Another kudo to the authors: hardly a fat joke to be found!

With keen insights, Bolton and Wave write about the realities and emotions of the ordinary woman's life. They weave a delightful mix of anecdotes into biblical applications that women can personally relate to. Bits of humor scattered throughout the book increase the impact of the book's spiritual lessons. I still chuckle about their self-described waistline after having babies: "a line between 2 rolls of flab that sat on top of each other (picture bagel dough with a crease in the middle and you've got the idea)." Written in conversational style, the book has sections relating to the everyday Blue Plate Special of unconditional love; God's menu of soul growth; comparison of contentment with hash browns; and the Child's Plate of character development.

1) You have no sense of humor, 2) You cannot look life in the face and enjoy the wrinkles, 3) You can only tolerate flawless relationships and perfect kids, 4) You live in a museum and ride in a stretch limo.

This Diner serves up a gourmet menu of spicy humor, faces without makeup, angels without wings, all served on a beautifully arranged paper plate. On second thought, DO visit Girlville Diner. Whatever ailed you before this meal will surely be cured by the time you finish it.

I liked a lot of things about this book. It's a short read in that it's a series of statements by folks with 'answers' from God in bold below them. Each statement/answer then is a stand-alone thought that can be read and appreciated for itself. I think that God watches Judge Judy on occasion. One person says, "God, I feel like believing in you is a complete waste of my time." God answers, "I know the feeling." Another statement hit home strongly with me. A man tells God that keeping his pickup truck from starting won't stop him from going out & getting drunk that night. God tells him the truck will start after he's gone back inside to say goodbye to his mother who won't be there when he gets back from the tavern. His Mom dies in his arms, in the house, 2 hours later and the man has not had a drink since.

Unfortunately, for me personally, there are several examples of answers from 'God' that perpetuate the 'fire and brimstone,' "You're going to burn in Hell forever" God that turned me off to Him years ago. Fundamentalist Christians will love them but I tend to take that kind of statement with a grain of salt and look for the loving message that I know underlies it if it's really from God. I highly recommend this book as something to have handy for a quick pick-me-up since you can open it almost anywhere and find a useful inspiration of some kind. Even the ones I disagree with make me think and that's not all bad. It was worth the price to me.

I am an avid reader.Having read many books through the years Christian and Non-Christian.I have been helped and blessed by some,entertained by others,but I found this book to be Inspired.I could give this to my teenaged grandsons,best friends,or my mother and all would be able to enjoy and relate to it. It is refreshing and insightful.It will allow you to chuckle,touch your heart and your soul.Give you peace of mind and spirit. Each home would profit by having this book accessible to family members and friends.Its message is profound and I would recommend it as a wonderful gift .

There are advantages of being a fulltime pastor for forty-three years. Then there are the disadvantages. I try as best I can not to dwell on the disadvantages. But the one that did bother me the most, was not being able to answer the questions of children. Adults seldom ask really hard to answer questions, like, “What is God’s favorite color?” or “Are their toys in heaven?” or “Why is everything that is fun to do a sin?” I remember this one well, “Why did God choose the Jews instead of us?” Forty-three years I have been talking about God, only to learn that I knew very little about Him. This book is The Spirit at work. A Minister who has not read this book is unlearned regardless of their education.

A Review by Eric F. Newell
April 10, 2002

An insightful understanding of interpersonal dynamics, this writing affords an insightful look at relations in the church. Using as a point of reference, the author describes two churches that meet a situation within the church from two opposite positions. Using the Family Systems Theory as a basis for the writing, Richardson tells that the dynamics of relationship, "specifically in the church, are based in cultural, structural communication, decision, and economic systems. These systems are fairly easy to change if necessary. The system most difficult to change is the emotional system." (p.29)

Using the model of a mobile, he speaks of the delicate balance with which it hangs. There will always be times of imbalance in the churches emotional system. "What is important is how these times of imbalance turn out. The out come as to whether they are positive or negative depends upon the action and reaction of the church leadership as well as the lay leadership." (p.30). Differences in these emotional systems are more difficult to address as persons begin to personalize the issues. "The skill for learning how to deal with these systems is the ability to be a good observer. Stepping outside of what we feel is happening and being able to see what is actually taking place."(p.31)

Anxiety can bring unbalance to the system. This is intensified in proportion to sense of threat that persons feel within a given situation. When there is the sense of not having control, the feeling that one does not know what is going on, there is a higher sense of anxiety. As the leadership is able step outside of the subjective to the objective side of the situation, they will be able to bring a sense of calm to people around them. Anxiety spreads from one person to another. It is the place of the leadership to as much as possible minimize levels of anxiety and create the sense that church is a safe place.

Apparent differences in people bring differences in the way that they relate to each other. To this the author tells that individuals have their own comfort zones. Abandonment and Engulfment are two terms used for the opposite ends of the spectrum of these comfort zones. As persons move up and down this continuum toward or away from the other person, there will be acceptance or rejection. Differences in others are met with patterns of reactivity. There is the pressure for sameness. Richardson in one of the four patterns of reactivity identifies this: compliance, rebellion, power struggle and emotional distancing.

In addition to ways that people act and react to situations, because of their own comfort zones, the author also identifies the triangles in relationships that can happen as a result of these differences which are allowed to because threats. "It is difficult for any two persons to maintain a one to one relationship for any period of time." (p.115) When one person has an issue with another, and first person seeks support against the opposing person a triangle is formed. "Generally triangles serve two purposes: (1) absorbing anxiety, and (2) covering the basic differences and conflicts of emotional systems." (p.116). "Whenever one takes a side in the triangle, regardless of how righteous the reason, they become part of the problem."(p.123). It is necessary to notice warning signs which could help to identify these possible triangles; "The best clue is our own sense of confusion. When you find yourself in situations that do not seem to add up, there is an issue that is missing. Another warning sign is when someone talks to you in a negative way about someone else in the church and you have not particular need to know."(p. 119)

Richardson's approach to those things that bring balance and imbalance deal with structure, systems, leadership styles and personal comfort zones. The terms used for the explanations of moving in and out of these different systems seemed to be a bit redundant. The strength of his writing however was his identifying and defining of the personalities involved in the given setting.

A review of Ronald W. Richardson's book,
Creating a Healthier Church: Family Systems Theory, Leadership and Congregational Life.

Richardson does a fabulous job of applying Bowen's theory (family systems theory) to church congregations. He illustrates the differences between two congregations dealing with similar problems. In 1986, Richardson offered courses for clergy based on the Family Systems Theory (FST) after clergy reported how his application of FST was revolutionizing how they dealt and thought about problems within their own congregations. Yet, the most notable change that they reported was "their own role in relation to these problems" (22).

Richardson clearly states that his book is not about the one and only correct way for leaders to lead. Instead, he suggests that his book can be a tool to assist clergy in thinking about their function within their churches and how they relate to others. Leadership is any kind of decision-making position or role and therefore, FST is not just for the top clergy or leaders (20).
The questions Richardson addresses are:
1)What is happening when a church gets into difficulties and the leadership seems to be making things worse rather than helping resolve the problem?
2)How can we explains things going well at one church where leaders are able to avoid the emotional outbursts and turmoil that is common in another church?
3)What in our human nature including our strengths and liabilities, and in the way we organize ourselves in groups make things go well or poorly as we deal with difficult situations?

Richardson addresses these questions and offers the reader the following resources. First, he provides a theory about human behavior that will enable the reader to understand how situations can get out of control in the faith community, resulting in emotional outbursts and turmoil. Second, he offers a practical set of leadership ideas, guidelines and behaviors as a plan to prevent situations from becoming negative and instead turn out positive. Thirdly, he provides guidelines for how to behave in the midst of upsetting and conflictual circumstances. And, lastly, he gives personal steps so that the leader can become more positive and cooperative in assisting healing and developing a healthier faith community (20).

Richardson has framed the book specifically either for personal study or for group discussions. He has incorporated thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter, in order to guide the readers into an in-depth examination of themselves and their congregations.

Richardson identifies two unspoken theories of human behavior: the individual model and the systems model. In the individual model people have little sense of their interconnectedness, or of how their own behavior affects that of others. In the systems model, there is "a recognition of the connection between people. Where no one lives or acts in isolation, and we are all affected by each other's behaviors" (25).

One key to "functioning in a healthy manner as a church is for the leaders to look at the church as a system rather than as a collection of isolated people"(26). Thinking systemically is very difficult, because we are taught to think linearly, and systemic thinking is more circular. Richardson uses the illustration of delicately balanced mobiles to prove his point. "Any movement by any part of the mobile, toward or away from the center of gravity, affects the balance of the whole mobile. This is most true of the parts closet to the tope of the mobile (the leadership), and only somewhat less true of the parts closer to the bottom" (30).

While each part of the mobile is an individual component, it is still connected to the mobile as a whole. Richardson sees this as a metaphor for the two deep and basic life forces: individuality and togetherness. Although, these forces are at the core of our emotional system, they are not at the opposite ends of the continuum. Instead, they coexist within us, each having it is own level of intensity at different times. The togetherness is the force that drives us to want to be connected to and affiliated with others; whereas, the individual force impels us to become our own person, to become emotionally independent, and to act in ways that make sense to us.
What unbalances systems? Anxiety. Richardson says anxiety is different from panic attacks. Anxiety is threats of the unknown.

Anxiety is an uncomfortable feeling. Anxiety is less tangible and more amorphous than fear. And just like individuals, churches experience different levels of anxiety. Therefore, anxiety, collectively and individually, is a powerful force for the church and leadership to understand and deal with. Therefore, the task for church leaders is to slow down the process before it gets out of hand. Effective leaders help people minimize their levels of anxiety so they can accomplish their goals. Leaders do this by managing their own anxiety by simply bringing their own calmness to the situation.

I highly recommend this book for anyone in a position of leadership, for it is an excellent resource.

In Creating a Healthier Church, Ronald Richardson used the late Dr. Murray Bowen's family systems theory to present a formula for encouraging pastors and congregations to grow in spiritual health. Its application has to be intentional, but the formula is simple to express: Understanding + Re-Patterning = Spiritual Health.
The first key element, Understanding, is a process of education and self-analysis. The question that must be answered is: 'Who am I as a member of the emotional family structure in the church?' The second key element, Re-Patterning, is to respond in a positive way to the question: 'What must I do to re-pattern my interaction and relationships with others in order to promote harmony and well being in the church?' Then, as a result of such Understanding and applied Re-Patterning, the Spiritual Health of the church will flourish.
Richardson used as an inciting incident, a description of two churches who react very differently to the same bleak December flood and cold, which threatens the well being of the imminent Sunday morning worship service. In case #1, the people involved apparently worked well together to cope with the emergency. In case #2, the people reacted poorly. Richardson used the rest of his text to examine the: who, what, where, why, and how, which were illustrated by the very different reactions to the same crisis.
To be a "non-anxious presence" is one factor essential to the 'Understanding' of what it means to be an effective church leader. Re-Patterning, then, becomes possible. Richardson wrote: "The goal of this work is for each leader to improve his or her own level of emotional functioning in relation to each other member of the congregation and particularly in relation to other leaders" (1996:177). The formula, now, can be re-written:
Non-Anxious Presence + Sensitized Emotional Relationships = Spiritual Health.
Creating a Healthier Church is practical, thought provoking, personal, objective, and clear. I found aspects of myself objectively held up in the light of truth, and was challenged accordingly. I found aspects of my church revealed in both the positive and the negative scenarios. I know there is still work to be done in the vineyard, if the harvest is to be bountiful. This book is insightful and timely. I highly recommend it.

As part of my study to become a counselor, I was moved to purchase this book. What a blessing. I feel the spirit of God upon me as I continue to learn and understand things that before I didn't. This book will be a reference book that I'll pull from always as I begin my walk with Christ in my ministry. I highly recommend it. This book will be one that christians will pull to read often as they continue to grow in Christ.

First class Biblically based 'manual' relating to all aspects of Spiritual Warfare.

Fully illustrates the authority provided to believers in the Name of Jesus and also covers all aspects of the deliverance ministry.

Practical experience and knowledge is referred to in how demons operate, how to resist their influence and how to cast them out.

A must read on this subject. A subject which can cause confusion and fear if approached incorrectly. Highly recommended.

Charles Kraft does not give in to usual sensationalism found in other books on this controversial topic. He refreshingly speaks to the need for healing in one's life to end unwanted entrenchment by demonic oppression. Akin to the old adage regarding burning the down the barn to get rid of the mice, he asks the question: Why not clean out the trash so that the hungry rats go elsewhere? By analogy Kraft effectively argues that the trash in our lives-whether apparent or not-encourages demonic encroachment in the first place. If not dealt with, the "trashy" condition often results in loss of deliverance.

A powerful book to aid in the ministry of deliverance or just understanding what you might be stepping in, get it.

Esta novela ha hecho que piense en el juicio final y las consecuencias que tendremos que afrontar y ademas de hacerme muchas preguntas y buscar respuestas a lo que puede ser ese juicio final. Ademas que nos deja ver que DIOS es tan maravilloso que da una segunda oportunidad para aquellos que son DEJADOS Atras. Es un libro fascinante y dificil de soltar. Definitivamente es un libro que exige leer los libros subsiguientes.

ESTE NOVELA ES IMPRESIONANTE, ES UNA NOVELA APOCALIPTICA COMO NO LA HAY, TE ATRAPA DESDE EL PRIMER MOMENTO NO PODRAS DEJAR DE LEERLA UNA VEZ QUE EMPIECES (UNA NOVELA DE DESASTRE COMO NO LO HA HABIDO EN LA HISTORIA Y QUE PRONTO SUCEDERA) SUPER RECOMENDADA (Y SUS SECUELAS NO SE QUEDAN ATRAS SON IGUAL DE INCREIBLES) NO DEBES DE PASAR ESTE ESTE LIBRO, EXIGE SER LEIDO

Si alguna ves tuviste dudas de como es eso del ARREBATAMIENTO DE LA IGLESIA aqui te lo narran. Si eres nuevo en Cristo y no te queda claro que pasa o si llevas varios años jugando al "Cristianito Dominguero" este libro te va a sacudir. Aunque es ficción, esta lleno de verdades Biblicas que han de cumplirse, nadie sabe el día ni la hora pero podrías estar viendo un montón de ropa en el lugar donde estaba tu amig que te hablaba de JESUS... No puedes dejar de leerlo, dia y noche, comiendo y en el baño, un excelente inicio a la serie de DEJADOS ATRAS, corre por el siguiente libro: COMANDO TRIBULACION.

I am a slow reader and I usually don't have time to read. I finished this book through a busy schedule in just 3 days because it was too exciting to put down. It is an inspiring, convicting, and truly well written book I plan on reading again!

The teens in my Discipleship class sat intrigued as I read a chapter from Daughter of China. It opened their eyes to a world outside their own. It birthed the desire for one teen to start a group in her public high school to support persecuted Christians through prayer and action. It drew me in from the first paragraph and didn't let me go until the final word. This is a great book. As an author, as a speaker to teens, and as someone who simply loves to read, I had to give a shout out that this is a 5-star book.

This book was very eye-opening and a wonderful read. I was deeply moved by the faith of this young woman. I hope to read more book like it!