Average customer rating:
- Great way to start a conversation about Christianity
- GOD, brilliant Lord, yours is a household name.
- praiseworthy!
- For a casual fan, a good read
- Enjoyable devotional if a little flat in spots.
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Praise Habit: Finding God In Sunsets And Sushi
David A. Crowder
Manufacturer: Navpress Publishing Group
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ASIN: 1576836703 |
Book Description
David Crowder redefines your perspective of a God beyond imagination and helps you develop a habit of praising Him by reflecting on targeted psalms from The Message//Remix.
Customer Reviews:
Great way to start a conversation about Christianity.......2007-05-29
If you are a youth or young adult and you are looking for a light book to pass on to a non Christian (or wavering Christian) friend, this is it. It's also a good book for any Christian who likes a good read. The writing style is unique and often humorous. It reads like journal entries so don't expect perfect grammer (complete sentences). I only say this because the only one star rating mentions this. If you check his profile, you will notice many of his reviews are negative though so I don't know how trustworthy a reviewer he is for the under 30 crowd. I, however, work with youth group at church, lead the young adults ministry, am an adolescent counselor, and am actually under 30. Therefore, I think I have a pretty good grip on what this age group likes. I have many friends who have read this book (ages 16-27) and not one of them has disliked it. I think that says a lot. It makes you think, and gives you the opportunity to discuss your faith with others in an open and honest way. Isn't that all that really matters in the end?
GOD, brilliant Lord, yours is a household name........2007-04-27
"Let the knowledge of His transcendence bring us back to life. Let it flow like blood to sleeping limbs, and feel them tingle as they awake in awe. Shake life back into your legs and let them carry you running with wind and thunder. Shake life back into your chest and let your heart beat in pounding reverence. Let praise come face to the ground, trembling with life an awareness that we are found by a holy God."
- pg. 70, on Psalm 29
This book for me was absolutely breathtaking. In it, Crowder uses the ancient practice of "Lectio Divina", which he later explains. This method consists of reading Scripture not to try and pull things out of it, but rather slowly reading through a passage of Scripture, chewing it up, and just being quiet and meditating on what you just heard. Breathe it in slowly, absorb the perfume of God's Word, let it settle in on you. Then, after some time, when settled, write your own response.
Crowder examines 21 different Psalms from the Old Testament (starting w/ Ps. 1 and ending w/ Ps. 150) in Lectio Divina style. In each of these very short chapters, he starts by writing the Psalm for the reader. All Psalms are taken from Eugene Peterson's "The Message Remix". This was for me reading these 21 Psalms in a new light than ever before. And the view was breathtaking. (I'm buying a Psalm book in "The Message" now, because I was so taken aback.)
After the Psalm, the reader will find Crowder's own "lectio divina" on that Psalm. Crowder is an extremely unique writer and an amazing communicator. I have included a quote from his Psalm 29 "lectio divina" at the top of the post. Crowder will start off talking about something in his life that seems totally unrelated to the Psalm itself; meeting Richard Simmons, taking up photography, his childhood desire for a nickname, going to the bathroom, his own short term memory, the childhood bully, all kinds of stuff. But by within the next few pages he's turned it around into something grand, something magnificent, a breathtaking view of the Psalm. He discusses individual and corporate worship, the name of Yahweh, the transcendence of our God, His amazing love, his vast creativity, hope in the midst of despair, God's glory, and on and on.
In the beginning of the book, Crowder discusses that his purpose is to help the reader understand the "praise habit". How, just like a little kid finding a toy who can't help but hold it up triumphantly and show the world his new prise, praise for our God should flow forth uninterrupted from our lives. How we find God in the pew at church, in the Bible at home, and in a chicken sandwich at Arby's. God is here among His people.
In this book you will laugh out loud at Crowder's humor, raise your eyebrows at his unexplainable (self-admitted) quirkiness, and wonder at his truly amazing ability to communicate the God of the universe to the human soul.
Does a nun have to decide what to wear in the morning? No, she just puts on her habit... day in, and day out. And so should we, our Praise Habit, until it becomes "habit"ual.
On the back cover is a reference to Psalm 64:10; "... Good-hearted people, make praise your habit." There's a brief, three paragraph synopsis of the book, starting out, "Praise is something we are, not something we do." This first of Crowder's books is, on the back cover, recommended by Donald Miller ("Blue Like Jazz", "To Own A Dragon", "Through Painted Desserts") and Brian McLaren (pastor, author of "A New Kind of Christian", voice for the today's emergent church).
I recommend this book as one of the best you'll ever read. I would also encourage you to check out his second book, "Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven, but Nobody Wants to Die, or (The Eschatology of Bluegrass)".
praiseworthy!.......2007-03-09
i bought this book and everybody wants to go to heaven.. at the same time, this is my fave by far. it's one of those books you know you'll read over and over. in fact, i have to re-buy it because i gave it to my pal for her birthday! it's very easy to read, very personal, i like the personal recollections that david included. i would definitely recommend this book.
For a casual fan, a good read.......2007-01-18
David Crowder tackles the topic of praise in a very readable and interesting manner in 'Praise Habit'. THe topic of worship and how verbal, sung praise fits into worship, and whether or not it is a fluffy or necessary part of Christianity is a hot topic, and Crowder makes a strong argument for singing praise to be a part of our lifestyle, that we have to glorify God the way religious wear their habit--it has to be a visible sign of our commitment to Christ.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was that about half of it was just psalms with reflections, and Crowder uses "The Message: Remix" translation, which I can't stand. This is probably just a personal dislike, and the rest of the book is great.
Enjoyable devotional if a little flat in spots........2006-12-15
Praise Habit by David A. Crowder is a nice devotional about finding God in everyday places where we don't normally look for him. Crowder does a terrific job of reminding us why it's so important to praise God in all things. Each chapter starts with a Psalm from The Message Bible. The language is very modern; it can occasionally be off-putting, but for the most part brings new depth to the verses. After the Psalm, Crowder gives the reader a short anecdote, usually humorous, about events in his own life. Where the book stumbles is in the connecting of the Psalms to these stories. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't. I didn't connect with this book the way that I like to with a devotional, but it was still an enjoyable read.
Book Description
Morehouse Publishing is pleased to offer this exclusive edition of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. Ideal as a pew book or gift, this Prayer Book features luxurious imitation leather binding (Vivella) with a soft, matte finish. A textured cross is embossed on the cover, with gold lettering on the spine. The cover is available in red or forest green, colors available only with this Morehouse edition. The Prayer Book is sturdily assembled, with smyth-sewn pages and a spine that won't crack under heavy use. The text is easily readable in 9-point type. A presentation page and certificates for the rites of Baptism, Confirmation, and marriage are included. Red Vivella.
Book Description
A devotional prayer book focusing on one year with the Psalms, the most sensitive and honest words written about daily stress and daily blessings.
Customer Reviews:
Praying with the Psalms.......2005-10-03
If you're familiar with "The Message" by Eugene Peterson, you will enjoy this daily devotional. I love what he says in his introduction, "We are most ourselves when we pray" and "When that deep, deep center of our lives is exposed -- our core humanity, which biblical writers so vigorously designate as "heart" -- we unthinkingly revert to our first language: we pray."
What I like about this book is it is "little", each day's devotiional is only 1 or 2 versus from a Psalm, but Peterson's short insightful paragraph and prayer are clear, consise, helping to expose, through a Psalm, what is in your heart and mind and bringing you back to where you need to be -- In His Presence.
An Excellent Daily Devotional.......1998-11-11
Praying with the Psalms is an excellent way to start the day! Eugene Peterson addresses the major issues of life and our relationship to the everfaithful and loving God through thought-provoking meditations and heartfelt prayers. This is a book I would recommend to anyone who would like to get to know God better but has trouble with the discipline of daily Bible reading. The daily readings don't take long, yet within one year all of the 150 Psalms are covered. Throughout the generations the Psalms have always been considered a place where one is able to clearly see the heart of God. Praying with the Psalms helps us in this endeavor. It is also a good book to give as a gift to a friend or a loved one.
Book Description
Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the "Prince of Preachers," composed and polished The Treasury of David over the span of nearly half his ministry. This incomparable commentary and omnibus on the Psalms has been prized by Christians ever since.
Spurgeon's own commentary on every verse of the Psalms is extremely insightful, and by itself it would have been rich enough for posterity. But there's much more in The Treasury of David. You'll find a wealth of illuminating extracts and quotes from hundreds of commentators—contemporaries of Spurgeon as well as the great Puritan expositors of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Preachers and teachers will appreciate the homiletical hints on almost every verse, concise sermon outlines, and provocative seed thoughts. Useful bibliographies and an index of authors offer more practical help.
Whether you're teaching on the Psalms, studying them for personal devotions, or simply intrigued by the writings of Spurgeon, you'll enjoy this splendid classic.
Customer Reviews:
Is review needed?.......2006-07-20
While Spurgeon's magnum opus is neither technical nor devotional it can meet either of those needs. It is inconceivable that anyone would have an interest in the Psalms and not have these volumes on the shelves.
Great work..........2006-04-29
This is a great commentary series on the Psalms and has the same feel as Spurgeon's sermons. Great resource for any teacher and pastor to prepare in study for the Psalms. Very detailed, which I can't say the same for other commentaries done during this same time period.
The price once again shows how many people have lost interest in both commentaries and our past church saints.
If you are going to be going through the Psalms in your own study or teaching you should definitely have this at your disposal.
A Real Treasure.......2005-09-19
This writing has really opened the book of Psalms. The teaching of Spurgeon is just beyond words.
Most Helpful Compendium.......2005-04-07
During my years as a pastor and professor Treasury of David has been invaluable. Like most of Spurgeon's writings it is a collection of all the available and pertinent research on any given text. Furthermore, it helps in crafting application steps for the congergation. This one is so good that a fellow professor in Brussels used it for his daily devotional guide.
One of the most important works I've ever read........2005-02-25
I had these three volumes on my shelf for years. I referred to them as reference volumes. They are quite helpful for this, but I found them to be far more valuable when my wife and I began reading through these treasures devotionally.
We were in a particularly down time of our lives. Providentially, I picked up volume one, and we began reading this commentary aloud together. I cannot tell you how much God has comforted and grown us as a result of this devotional practice.
I recommend the Treasury of David, not merely as a commentary for use as a reference volume, but as one of the most beautiful devotionals ever penned. Take your time. Read meditatively, and be refreshed.
And, may I add, read the unabridged version. I have looked at the modern abridgment versions of this masterpiece, and I have been disappointed.
Customer Reviews:
This should be the Prayer Book, IMHO........2003-04-15
This is the book that won me to Anglican Catholicism...and the book my parish worships with. The beauty of the language throughout, along with the solid collection of services, prayers, and othersuch, provides the user with a wonderous worship resource. I don't know when this book will be available again for purchase, but if you are Anglo-Catholic, and you are looking for an excellent devotional resource...pick this one up!
-j
A Great Book for Lovers of Traditional Language & Liturgy.......2003-01-21
For those of us who aren't super happy with the "modern" language portion of the 1979 BCP, this book will make you glad! The services that aren't available in traditional language in the 79 BCP comprise most of that book's content. This book corrects that oversight and more. ALL the services of the 79 BCP are included in this book plus several others, mostly leaning to the Anglo-Catholic side of things. Since I tend to lean that way that's a very good thing as far as I'm concerned! The Psalter is from the 1928 BCP. All in all it's an improved version of the 1979 BCP. Highly recommend it.
WOW! If only this was THE Book of Common Prayer!.......2001-10-23
This book is excellent. It is attractively presented, and masterfully done. The entire 1979 book (except for the ordination of bishops) is offered in traditional English in a thoughtful and careful translation. This is not simply a case of changing "you's" to "thee's and thou's." Also included is a nice selection of other devotional material, and ancient liturgical rites of Western Christianity. This volume is really the "best of both worlds" as it takes into account the excellent liturgical scholarship found in the 1979 American BCP, and the beautiful and rythmic English of the 1928 book. In addition to the 1928 Eucharistic Prayer, this book also includes Eucharistic Prayer II, and Eucharistic Prayers A,B, and D, all in "Rite I" English. In addition, a traditional English translation of the Gregorian Canon, and the Canon of the 1549 prayer book are included. ... With the wealth of material in The Anglican Service Book, you can be as "high" or "low" as you like, and still use classical English!
Worship in the beauty of Holiness.......2001-09-03
Our Vestry was so impressed with the accuracy and beauty of the language that we purchased enough for the whole parish. God's work through this book in the Church of the Holy Communion, Charleston, SC has transformed our worship service from beautiful to heavenly. A "must have" for those who wish to ascend to the altar and step into the divine liturgy of His Kingdom. Surrounded by angels, archangels, and all the heavenly hosts, we enact the worship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and this prayer book is a worthy aide for the journey.
Traditionalists rejoice!.......2000-03-02
This volume picks up where the 1979 Book of Common Prayer leaves off. It provides high-quality traditional-language texts for items offered only in quasi-English newspeak in the BCP. Editing is scrupulous, and the book itself is handsomely laid out and printed. Among the goodies in an appendix are the Roman Canon in Miles Coverdale's translation, the 1549 BCP canon, and a form of blessing with water from the holy well at Walsingham. Already in use in many Anglo-catholic parishes, and a boon to lay folk also.
Amazon.com
Of the scores of gift editions of the Book of Psalms, one of the strangest and most beautiful is The Psalms of David, with illuminations by James S. Freemantle. An Englishman born in India in 1859, Freemantle traveled widely in the Middle East during his years in the British Army before marrying a woman named Clara in 1906. Around the time they were married, Freemantle began work on this painstakingly rendered book as a gift for her. Nearly every page is filled with illustrations of magnificent Indian and Middle Eastern flora and fauna (including poinsettias, mimosas, canna lilies, kingfishers, storks, and pheasants) and of Brahmin temples and Christian and Jewish holy sites--even a gigantic iceberg. Almost 30 years after he began, Freemantle finished the book. In the foreword to this new edition (first published in 1982), Freemantle's son Stephen writes that his father was "not a religious man." Regardless of the precise nature of Freemantle's beliefs, his exuberant illuminations testify to his great love of his wife, of the world, and of the Psalms. --Michael Joseph Gross
Book Description
The Psalms of David
James S. Freemantle
Foreword by Stephen Freemantle
Back in print, The Psalms of David is a unique, beautifully illustrated edition of the revered religious work, also known as the Book of Psalms.
The lifework of a little known genius, this facsimile edition of a magnificent hand-painted illumination of the Psalms of David is a stunning tribute to love and spiritual devotion.
Born in India, James Freemantle traveled through the Middle East during his years in the British Army. Shortly after his second marriage, he began this hand-lettered, illustrated volume for his beloved bride, Clara. For the next thirty years, he periodically worked to transfer the psalms into a book that would physically match the lyrical beauty of the poetry.
Throughout the book one finds the brilliantly colored blooms of India: the jacaranda, the flame-of-the-forest, huge yellow laburnums, brilliant poinsettias, and highly scented mimosa. The pages are alive with kingfishers and larks, drummers and hoppie butterflies, storks and pheasants. There are pictures of the lake near Freemantle's home, the nearby Brahmin temple, and the view from the train as he went up to school in the hills. Scenes from his travels in the army, Middle Eastern harbors and villages, and copies of illustrations from Victorian travel books reveal his draftsman's training in the accuracy of every detail.
A labor of love, a work of art, a volume to treasure, this illuminated edition of the King James version of the Psalms of David is the perfect gift for all seasons.
Customer Reviews:
Inspiring.......2007-09-09
What a beautiful way to read the Psalms. The artwork is a work of love & creativity. This book is an uplifting treasure and a perfect gift to buy for others.
A beautifully illustrated collection.......2007-08-27
This book provides a beautiful series of illuminations, printed on heavy paper, for each of the Psalms. The pictures are gorgeous, and they provide insights and thoughtful reflections on the words. The book would make a wonderful gift, as well as a companion to a daily prayer routine.
Fantastic Gift for Bible Readers.......2007-06-03
When set to music, the wonderful words of the book of Psalms come alive. In like manner, the illustrations in this volume enhance the meaning and spirit of David's poetry. This book is the combination of fantastic artwork interwoven between the timeless scripture of the Psalms. As a gift, this book will bless the recipient. It is priced much higher in other stores and gift catalogues. Buy it here!
Beautiful.......2007-01-21
Purchased as a gift for a special friend. Beautiful artwork and wonderfully done book to enjoy.
Great book - NOT Great Condition!.......2007-01-20
I love this book, but, unfortunately, was a bit disappointed in its condition! Though it was supposedly "new", it was obviously worn. All along the jacket, there are worn gray marks, and even the binding is a little bent in. I would return it except for the fact that I would end up having to pay shipping on it twice!
I'm so glad at being able to locate the book, but the price I paid was, in part, a less-than-perfect copy.
Average customer rating:
- Excellent Title on Psalm 23
- It moved my concepts of God toward a relationship with God.
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PSALM 23
David Roper
Manufacturer: Discovery House Publishers
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ASIN: 1572932007 |
Product Description
Psalm 23 is one of the best-loved portions of scripture, and David Roper's inspiring musings on this favorite passage are some of the best devotional and meditative writings ever done on the subject. Looking at the restful image of the shepherd and the sheep from the perspective of our modern day, the author shows us the contented follower in an age of dissatisfaction, the trusting follower in an age of doubt and deceit, the restful follower in an age of activism, and the restored follower in an age of denial.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Title on Psalm 23.......2005-09-30
Reading this gem of a book reminded me of the privilege of being a student in one of Dr. Town's classes a few years ago. His writing style is just like his teaching style.
Among the important points covered in the book include:
1. Sometimes it is best to flee instead of fighting.
2. We have no spiritual direction on our own.
3. Rest in the Lord and He will restore your soul.
4. Character is doing the right thing in the right way.
5. Too often we depend on ourselves instead of the Shepherd to defend us.
6. Most people do not comfort others because we are too busy seeking it for ourselves.
7. There are people in this world who hate us simply because we belong to the Shepherd.
8. God wants you to have your own cup to drink from. The Lord wants to give you more than you can drink.
The Bible uses the analogy of people being like sheep who need a shepherd. Therefore, the book is a fitting and accurate description of what we are like when we try to live life on our own. Read, be encouraged, and remember that there is a Shepherd who loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you and is willing to guide you like the Good Shepherd!
Highly recommended!
It moved my concepts of God toward a relationship with God........1999-08-09
Why am I lonely when surrounded by friends? Why am I restless, when I have so much to do? Why do I feel so sad when I have so much - family, friends, things, activities, and more? This book reminded me that "every desire, every aspiration, every hunger and thirst, every longing of our nature is nothing less than desire for God." David Roper offers a warm, "used-friendly," yet soul-searing glimpse of God as a Shepherd who is the source of our longing - and the answer for it. A simple and personally revealing little book that gave me something to look forward to each morning as I faced another day - and that kept my eyes on God until my head hit the pillow each night. Read it if you're depressed, or just have that small voice inside telling you, "there must be something more."
Book Description
As is true of the entire Bible, the Psalms reflect on our relationship with the Creator and what He has done to save us. Here Martyn Lloyd-Jones takes an in-depth look at two specific Psalms that are sure to cause readers to pause and think about their own lives. In these expository sermons on Psalms 1 and 107, this renowned preacher unveils the secrets of happiness and praise, and once again faithfully brings forth God's Word while speaking directly to the hearts of readers.
Book Description
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me bedside the still waters;
He restoreth my soul.
Today's professionals need reliable models to teach them how to become better leaders. In this remarkable book, leadership experts Blaine McCormick and David Davenport introduce us to a new kind of leader by offering a new image of leadershipâ the leader as shepherd.
Drawing on the wisdom of the timeless Twenty-Third Psalm, King David's psalm, the authors provide professionals with ancient wisdom for grappling with today's leadership challenges. Shepherd Leadership offers a much-needed lens through which to consider our own leadership as well as the leadership of those around us. This important book teaches us important lessons about leadership: we can be vigilant without being adversarial, we can serve without being passive, and we can guide without commanding. Shepherd Leadership offers a visionary new model for transforming leadership practices in both corporate and small business settings. This is whole-person leadership. It's not just a matter of thinking or doing things a certain way. It's a fully integrated lifeâ a matter of head and hand and heart. It's a way of thinking and doing and being.
Customer Reviews:
The heart of leadership that lasts.......2004-06-08
Dr. McCormick helps us get it "right." Servant leadership is all about knowing and living this truth: One leads most effectively when serving.....and one serves best by leading. This is the biblical pattern of leadership and when genuinely lived in one's everyday world it works as long as it is congruent with one's heart. Dr. McCormick also helps us understand that for one to consistently live the pattern of leadership that one must stay very close to the One who is the source of pattern.
Tough love at its best.......2004-02-13
Shepherd leadership is not for wimps. It is for leaders who want to be both strong and servant leaders. Both emphasisze vision, teaching, and service, but only servant leadership notes how leaders most have an edge, meaning they must make tough decisions.
This book has a number of practical suggestions for today's leaders who must both listen and direct. Leaders must add new skills to their arsenal, including being more accessible, genuine, and interactive. Many challenges for leaders are included in the book with practical solutions. It is a great approach using wisdom from a popular psalms with practical applications and stories. It is tough love for today's leaders in these tough times.
A more effective management style.......2003-12-10
Book Review by Robert Tunmire (from Baylor Business Review, Fall '03)
Many leaders, like me, have highly dominant personalities. We may struggle with the "softer side" of managing. Shepherd Leadership: Wisdom for Leaders from Psalm 23 gives us excellent reasoning and examples of how a "softer" - yet truthful and effective - approach can be a more effective management style.
The analogy of the leader as shepherd is a credible one, and presented in a straightforward manner. The authors clearly lay out, guided by Psalm 23, what a shepherd's responsibilities are and how that applies to a leader's responsibilities in the real world of business. Each chapter ends with two items: "Shepherd Thinking," and "Shepherd Doing," assisting with application of the chapter's concepts.
Read the rest of this review at
http://www.baylor.edu/bbr/index.php?id=10399
A Refreshing Model.......2003-11-19
In Shepherd Leadership, McCormick and Davenport present a refreshing model of leadership which takes the person as a whole into account. As someone who is young in my career, I found this book valuable in helping to develop my management style and philosophy. I left business school with strategies, theories, and policy, but very little in the way of leadership practices, which left me treading water when first entering a management role.
One section that stood out for me was the shepherd leader's toolkit. The compass and the frame represent two valuable practices for leaders at any level. The compass reminds you to set clear direction to navigate through the maze of information, reports, meetings, and endless action items that you encounter on a daily basis. The frame sets boundaries and expectations for your organization while still allowing your employees room to creatively explore new approaches.
A fantastic read for anyone who's just been thrown in the deep end of management!
Brevity is the soul of wisdom!!!.......2003-10-29
I understand the aphroism is really "brevity is the soul of wit" - but this small volume demands that the phrase be recast. McCormick and Davenport take the 23rd Psalm apart and suggest some basic principles about leadership that come from the psalm. The book is loaded with examples of each of the styles or main points. But perhaps even more valuable is a series of suggestions to work with the principles established in each chapter.
I found the most interesting issue raised in the book one about Supply Side management. I have been a CEO of an organization for more than a dozen years. McCormick and Davenport suggest that the role of a leader is too often looked at from the demand side of the equation - those inevitable lists. But leaders should also consider the supply side - what excites you about the job? How does one find those niches which make the lists of to dos a bit less demanding. Many leadership jobs seem to be comparable to that of Sisyphus. But with a little attention to the supply side - those inevitable demands become less onerous.
Buy it, read it, use it!
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Recommended Books
- The Commanding Heights: The Battle Between Government and the Marketplace That Is Remaking the Moder
- French Farmhouse Cookbook
- A Time Far Past
- Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture
- Digital Compositing for Film and Video, Second Edition
- Hearing: An Introduction to Psychological and Physiological Acoustics, Fourth Edition, Revised and E
- Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things
- Butterworths Ireland Tax Treaties
- Careercycles : A Guidebook to Success in the Passages and Challenge of Your Work Life
- Canada's Top 100 Employers: 2001
