Customer Reviews:
For anyone who loves dogs, humans, life or God -- or wishes they did.......2007-09-06
Fr. Bill Miller is the kind of priest I wish every church could have. And when you read him, you feel he is the kind of friend whose acquaintance you are so glad to have made you want to keep him on speed-dial for the rest of your natural days.
I happen to love dogs, but this book of Bill's is hardly one of those shopping mall specials of the too-cute-for-words, well-intended but theologically suspect book of essays espousing "salvation through dog slobber" one sees so often. What the reader finds is a flesh and blood adult male (though that term is dangerously close to a tautology) who honestly wrestles with faith, doubt, love, betrayal, self-discovery, self-sacrifice, life, death and even cheese. And that's just when he is writing about dogs -- okay, dogs, and the people who love dogs, and some that don't...do you see what I mean? Bill writes normally the way most clergy wish they could preach on their best days, (and the way most people in the pews wish they did too) and yet he somehow never comes off as "preachy". Not even once. How does he do that? Beats the heck out of me, yet it makes this book an easy read though inarguably substantive all the same.
I'd like to say that I could recommend this book without reservation, but as an Episcopal priest myself, I am obliged to find exceptions to nearly everything. Thus, this book may not be for everyone. In fact, it ought to come with a warning label, alerting buyers to potentially embarassing social situations. When I was reading, "The Gospel According To Sam" inflight, the people in the rows around me became annoyed (or perhaps jealous) by the frequent, sudden if uncontrollable outbursts of laughter it caused. At the opposite end of the spectrum was the mortification suffered by my 16 year old daughter when seeing her fifty-something father with tears streaming down his face -- in public, no less -- when trying to retell the moving story (Chapter 9, "Eating Squirrel") of Bill's growing up in hard-scrabble Texas with a father who had no understanding much less appreciation of the boy Bill was nor the man he would become.
So, in all honesty, I cannot recommend this book to everyone. If you need a "how to" book on house-training puppies, this isn't it. Nor is it some canine-version of Christian apologetics*, its appealing photo of Sam on the cover notwithstanding.
But apart from those two exceptions, I would say just about everyone else will enjoy this book, will learn from it, and will (when finished reading it) eagerly await Fr. Bill's next efforts. And when you buy one for yourself, you may discover, as I did, you have to buy a second and third copy -- for my friends to read -- and return (eventually).
But they can't have my copy. Every so often, I feel the need for a good laugh...or a good cry...or the insight of a good friend. In the pages of, "The Gospel According To Sam," I know any one or all three may await.
________________________________________________
* "...explaining the Doctrine of the Trinity so well that even an English Setter can understand it!"
If you know dogs are a way to God..........2007-04-25
...this is the book for you. Funny, earthy, wise, gripping, sad. If you love dogs and know they have souls, this is your book.
If you love piety and think churches are holy places, you will find other books better suited to your taste.
This is for those who search for God, and those who love and learn from, and also grieve for, pets loved and lost.
The Gosel According to sam:.......2007-02-14
A wonderful story and I laughed and cried as I read this. Bill Miller puts his heart and soul into sharing his experiences about Sam with us.
Great book -- with one exception ..........2006-09-22
Wonderful story telling and I highly recomend it for all dog lovers. The next to last chapter doesn't seem to fit the rest of the book. The encounter with young girls detracts from the story line in my opinion.
Excellent!.......2005-12-14
The Gospel According to Sam is a wonderful collection of true stories of one man's journey, his dog Sam and their sometimes impetuous adventures. Each story will warm your heart and make you laugh out loud.
I loved it so much, I am giving several copies this holiday season to a variety of people (Episcopal, Catholic, Jewish and a couple that doesn't go to chuch). The Gospel According to Sam is a book that anyone can enjoy and appreciate!
Book Description
Make a spiritual journey through this beautiful collection of blessings, prayers and meditations about the creatures, wild and tame, that inhabit our world. These moving contributions about all types of animals--playful dogs and beloved cats, giant whales and powerful elephants, tiny insects and delicate birds--are drawn from many faith traditions, including Native American, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist.
A special section also provides animal blessing ceremonies you can use to memorialize the loss of a companion animal, offer prayers for an animal suffering illness or injury or simply recognize the spiritual connection we create when we fully appreciate another member of God's creation.
Contributors include:
* Basho
* ElizabethBarrettBrowning
* Feng Chih
* James Dickey
* Meister Eckhart
* St. Francis of Assisi
* Joy Harjo
* Stanley Hauerwas
* Jane Hirshfield
* Galway Kinnell
* D. H. Lawrence
* John Muir
* Rumi
* Albert Schweitzer
* Rabindranath Tagore
* Evelyn Underhill
* Walt Whitman
* and many more
Customer Reviews:
Prayers for Animals.......2007-09-29
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I found the perfect poem for a friend who had to euthanize her best friend, a yellow lab. The selections are diverse, and seem to have been compiled by someone who understands the loss of an animal friend
Quite nice, but..........2007-05-08
There's an even MORE in-depth book entitled, "Blessing of the Animals" by Diana L. Guerrero (Sterling Publishing). Guerrero's book contains more than quotes -- it also has great ideas for activities to celebrate animals, such as birthdays, new pets, loss of a pet, religious ceremonies, and a lot more. You may want to check it out as well.
Truly a treasure.......2006-11-10
As a collector of poems, quotes, and tributes to beloved pets, I plan to keep this beautiful volume close at hand for browsing, comfort and inspiration. The author has done a wonderful job of compiling literature from many faiths and representing all animal species. As I am anticipating having to say goodbye to a much beloved dog, I found the passages suitable for memorials very meaningful and uplifting.
Full of Spirit and Wisdom.......2006-07-25
I wanted a book I could use to lead prayers for my dog, dogs that I volunteer with at the shelter, and the animal world at large. This book fits the bill perfectly. Poems, prayers, and blessings from many different faiths (buddhism, native american, protestant, jewish, many differnet ones. Deep and meaningful prose from a variety of authors. Beautiful!
Product Description
Experience The Power Of God In Prayer ~ A guide to praying for animals with sample prayers and blessing services for numerous situations, which can be personally customized. Accounts of answered prayers, Bible readings, and Scriptural truths on receiving answers to prayer. Heartwarming anecdotes and fascinating Bible stories. Delightful photos to make you smile. A reference book for life!
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful and Comforting prayers for our pets........2007-10-08
This book was so comforting to our family during the time our Boston Terrier ran away from home into the woods. We said the prayer for Return of a Lost Pet day and night. On the 11th day she was found about one and half miles from home,cold,wet and hungry. I don't think she would have lasted another day ,because it started to snow. By the grace of God she was protected by angels. She had no major injuries,only very sore paws. Two days later she's back to herself. A great book to read!!!!
Prayers and Protection for our Pets ! What a Great Book !.......2007-04-27
This book was a great inspiration for me.Remembering to keep my pets covered in prayer and protection. Wonderful ideas and thought provoking ! Always a reminder that the Lord wants our pets included in our prayers and they are important to Him.. Thanks for reminding me ! Wonderful Reading ! Highly Recommended !
Handy prayers to use daily.......2006-03-10
I use the sample prayers in Animal Prayer Guide daily for my two cats, Sylvester and Rocky. What a great book! The sample prayers are so handy to have, and the whole book is so encouraging. I really like the Blessing of the Animals Service, too. It explains how God wants all His creatures healthy and well, and is an essential daily tool for your animal companions.
A Memorial Service Readily Available.......2005-12-08
I read Niki Behrikis Shanahan's book, Animal Prayer Guide, and used the Memorial Service in it. Having this Memorial Service readily available was especially helpful, as I was at a loss for words or Scriptures to use during this traumatic time. I love the prayers for saying grace, for sick pets, the Blessing of the Animals Service, and all the other prayers that have been prepared and ready for you to customize. She also has interesting stories and photos throughout the book. I'm glad I have this book on hand for any situation that may come my way as a pet parent.
Helpful and heartwarming............2005-06-30
Psalms 36:6 assures us that God loves man and animals alike. It is on this scripture that Ms. Shanahan builds the framework of Animal Prayer Guide. Using scriptures as her guide, along with heartwarming stories and photos, the author takes us step by step through daily life with our animal companions. Animals share our world. They breathe the same air we breathe. Animals suffer and die as humans do, and are resurrected into
Heaven as we are. It stands to reason then that the same prayers spoken for humans should be prayed for animals.
The author makes her case for animals beautifully through God's Word. She also shares stories of miracle healings and angelic protection related to animals. For the readers' convenience, model prayers are offered for a variety of needs including:
praying over our pets' food and water;
praying for healing, protection, and emergencies;
annointing with oil;
a pet memorial service.
Most of us grieve over the loss of a pet as much or sometimes more than the loss of a human friend because animals love as God loves, unconditionally. The Animal Prayer Guide offers hope and comfort to all readers who love and care about their pets. This quote from St. Francis of Assisi sums up this book perfectly: "If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men."
This book is highly recommended for people who love and care about their animal companions.
Book Description
"Ask the animals" Job says, "and they will teach you; the birds of the air and they will tell you . . . who among you does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?"
From the humpback whale, who offers a glimpse into God's mystery, to the elephant, who models God's fiercely protective love and compassion, to the blackbird, who opens our eyes to the song of joy that sings through the cosmos, the animal kingdom is a treasure trove of images of our Creator.
In this beautifully illustrated collection of essays, readers will find surprising connections and much food for thought. Ask the Animals is a wonderful resource for private devotion or group study.
Amazon.com
Sometimes it's easy to find the right gift for that difficult aunt: if she's devoted to her cat or dog, ship her a copy of Animal Blessings. The latest in a line of inspirational books from dog lover June Cotner (she also wrote and edited Graces, Bedside Prayers, and Get Well Wishes), this one, like the others, is slim, compact, and filled with entries that melt into the mind as easily as M&M's in the mouth. The writers range from the great (Whitman and Keats, Eckhart and Dostoyevsky) to children and Anonymous. So too do the entries vary widely. Rarely extending beyond half a page, they move from the humorous ("Say something idiotic and nobody but a dog politely wags his tail") to the sublime (Eckhart's "If I spent enough time with the tiniest creature ... I would never have to prepare a sermon. So full of God is every creature") to the silly ("scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job"). Given that there are more than 100 million cat and dog owners in the United States alone, this book should fill a niche in many of their lives. And where else can you find Doris Day next to Elizabeth Barrett Browning? --Doug Thorpe
Book Description
Our pets. They are our loyal companions and our faithful friends, a constant source of joy and inspiration. In this endearing anthology of prayers and poems, June Cotner has handpicked choice writings by some of the world's most notable animal lovers to celebrate the playful, the poignant, and the profound ways these wonderful creatures touch our daily lives.
Selections include Emily Dickinson's astute observations of her cat, Roger Caras' thoughts about the love a dog brings to a home, and a cat's rules for running a house. Readers will be delighted by Anne Porter's poem exalting a spring symphony of peepers and Rumi in praise of birds in flight. The section "Partings" includes Annie Dougherty's lovely poem "Time to Say Good-bye" and Lord Byron's epitaph to his dog. "Reflections" includes the words of St. Francis, Jane Goodall, and Chief Seattle, reminding us that we are all interconnected beings, and James Herriot and Walt Whitman honoring the humble dignity of all creatures.
Animal Blessings makes a wonderful gift for all animal lovers. This delightful volume is a charming companion that reminds us to be grateful for everything our pets and all the other animals of the world bring to our lives.
Customer Reviews:
Animal blessings is a blessing.......2005-08-02
For anyone who has ever loved an animal, this is a heartwarming little book. No need to read it just once - pick it up anytime.
Pass it on!.......2003-04-17
I was given a copy of this book after we lost our dog. I like it so much that I now get a copy for every friend who welcomes a new pet into their home or someone who loses a pet. Sometimes I cry and sometimes I laugh when I pick it up to read. I find myself going back to it every now and then and always find a page or two that brings a smile to my heart.
Great Gift for Animal Lovers.......2002-03-27
I have given this book a number of times. To friends who have lost their pets, to friends who have recently acquired new pets and have gotten the same reaction - Thank you so very much! I can't go through it without a dry eye or a smile.
A PET IS MORE THAN A FRIEND~ THEY ARE FAMILY!.......2001-05-11
AS A DEVOTED PET OWNER, MY BELOVED DOG "LEXIE" IS ONE OF THE FAMILY,BUT ALSO MY FAITHFUL, DEVOTED FRIEND AS WELL. I ENJOYED THIS BOOK VERY MUCH AND SO WILL ANYONE WHO READS IT. EVERY PET OWNER HAS A SPECIAL PLACE IN THEIR HEART FOR THEIR OWN PET,AND THIS BOOK WILL CAPTURE YOURS AS WELL. IT'S GOOD READING FOR YOUR SOUL!
outstanding!.......2000-12-13
This is a great book for so many reasons! I bought this as a gift for someone and thought about keeping it for myself. It has wonderful little poems throughout. There is a whole section on the death of a pet as well containing poems, eulogies, and songs. A great book for anyone who has a special pet:)
Customer Reviews:
Prayers From The Ark/The Creatures' Choir.......2004-10-01
This book is funny and heart breaking. It captures something in nature that most of us never take the time to notice. Do creatures comune with God? Why not? Who are we humans to think that only we can speak to our Maker. Even if you are not an "animal lover" this book has something for you.
-"The voices of animals raised to God in song"-.......2002-05-22
PRAYERS FROM THE ARK was written and published first, and the poems are in the form of prayers. THE CREATURES' CHOIR was written quite a few years later and these last poems are more like letters to God, where the animals refer to their daily problems. The author did not write sentimental verse. The poems of the animals seem to radiate with truth.
I was first introduced to PRAYERS FROM THE ARK in 1977 by my sister, Susan who lent me her book. Since that time, I've purchased two copies myself, and have given several as gifts. The original book was written in French by Carmen Bernos De Gasztold, and published in 1947. The famous author, Rumer Godden discovered the work and was so impressed with the poems that she translated them into English.
There are over fifty beautiful poems in this book where each animal speaks to God in his or her own voice revealing their individual traits and personalities.
The Dove--"The Ark waits, Lord; it has endured. Let me carry it a sprig of hope and joy."
The Dog--"No one but You and I understands what faithfulness is."
The Ladybird-- "Thank You for having made me so that no one is afraid of me."
This is a charming book for an adult to read and a wonderful way for a child to learn that every creatures' life has dignity and purpose.
Prayers from the Ark.......2001-04-30
This is a whimsical book - as much for adults as for children - great to read aloud to children - and wonderfully illustrated.
Lovely and gentle.......2000-11-23
I found this in a used book store's remainder bin, and I was so touched that I nearly cried on the bus.
Bernos de Gasztold, who lives in a French abbey, has written some very simple prayers by animals. Rumer Godden is an inpired translator.
PRAYER OF THE (ROOSTER) Do not forget, Lord, it is I who make the sun rise. I am Your servant but, with the dignity of my calling, I need some glitter and ostentation. Noblesse oblige... All the same, I am Your servant, only...do not forget, Lord, I make the sun rise. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE CAT Lord, I am the cat. It is not, exactly, that I have something to ask of You! No -- I ask nothing of anyone -- but, if You have by some chance, in some celestial barn, a little white mouse, or a saucer of milk, I know someone who would relish them. Wouldn't You like someday to put a curse on the whole race of dogs? If so I should say Amen.
THE PRAYER OF THE MOUSE I am so little and grey, dear God, how can You keep me in mind? Always spied upon, always chased. Nobody ever gives me anything, and I nibble meagrely at life. Why do they reproach me with being a mouse? Who made me but You? I only ask to stay hidden. Give me my hunger's pittance safe from the claws of that devil with green eyes. Amen
THE PRAYER OF THE OLD HORSE See, Lord, My coat hangs in tatters, like homespun, old, threadbare. All that I had of zest, all my strength, I have given in hard work and kept nothing back for myself. Now my poor head swings to offer up all the loneliness of my heart. Dear God, stiff on my thickened legs I stand here before You: Your uprofitable servant. Oh! of Your goodness, give me a gentle death. Amen.
God's Other Creatures.......2000-03-17
If they could talk, what would God's "other creatures" say? Read this book and find out. The author's imagined, unspoken expressions of as yet unrecognized intelligence in the animal and insect world will instill new sensitivity in those who previously took these fellow beings all too much for granted. Read this and realize that the earth belongs to them as much as to us. Hear their voices and understand their world. A must for every child - for every adult.
Book Description
A creation devotional for children ages 6-10, which shows detailed, pen and ink illustrations of animals — mammals, insects, birds — paired with a description of each, then an application for the youthful reader.
In exploring God's awesome nature, it is helpful for children to understand God's design for them. For example, just as the monarch butterfly emerges from a cocoon to soar to heights above the clouds, so too can we all rest in the knowledge that God has made each of us special, and He has great love and a plan for us.
Customer Reviews:
I Hope They Are Creating Another One Of These..........2006-11-10
My son requests one of these every night. The way they tie the animals abilities/features to a portion of scripture is very cool. We are almost done with this one and I will definitely be passing it around to my son's friends. I hope there is another edition in the works.
More than a devotional - this is awesome!.......2004-07-17
I just bought this to use with my 5 yr. old. She LOVES animals & nature. This devotional is perfect for her.
There are 45 creatures discussed in this book. Each devotion starts off talking about a creature and it's habits. Then, that info is used to correlate it to what the Bible says about that particular behavior. The next section asks about that aspect in the child's life. Lastly, a memory verse accompanies each devotion.
Not only are you learning a memory verse, having self reflection, doing character building, and learning what the Bible has to say about various traits and behaviors, you are also getting a lesson in nature and science. Even I am learning things about God's creatures that I didn't know.
This book wins hands down over any other devotional I've looked at. The reading is easily understood by children; it's not too deep for them. I think it's awesome having a book like this that discusses things readily available in our world/environment, and it seems that children can easily relate to the creatures behaviors/traits being discussed. It uses simple, curious traits of God's creatures to grab everyone's attention.
I'm using this along with several readers I have to accent our science lessons, character building, and Bible study in our homeschool curriculum.
I can't rave enough!
This is the 1st devotional my 7 year old son really enjoys.......2003-10-13
I have purchased many devotionals for my son that have not reached him. It is usually like pulling teeth to get him to read the bible or do a devotional. God's Amazing Creatures and Me is the devotional I've been searching for. He looks forward to each session and even begs me to read more than 1 a day with him. It takes an interesting fact about an animal and relates it to the Christian walk. I am amazed how he remembers the point from previous days.
Average customer rating:
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How the Wild Things Pray
William Cleary
Manufacturer: Forest of Peace Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0939516454 |
Customer Reviews:
Animals and prayer.......2001-01-26
This is a book for people who like the lighter side of prayer. On one page is a poem or meditation from the point of view of the animal. On the facing page is a praxis for today with a quotation from a notable person on the bottom. I liked this book because it was very upbeat, promoting faith, and trust. I smiled and nodded a lot. I think it might be good for teenagers on a faith journey, especially ones who love animals.
Average customer rating:
- Fabulous!
- Great book for toddler
- Charming!
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Bless Us All: A Child's Yearbook of Blessings
Manufacturer: Aladdin
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Similar Items:
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Give Me Grace: A Child's Daybook of Prayers
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The Stars Will Still Shine
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In Every Tiny Grain of Sand: A Child's Book of Prayers and Praise
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The Wonderful Happens
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Long Night Moon
ASIN: 0689846371 |
Book Description
Bless the ones
so dear to us
Keep them safe
and near to us
Now available in sturdy board edition, this inspirational book celebrates life's little blessings throughout the year.
Customer Reviews:
Fabulous!.......1999-10-06
We read this nightly with our 2 year old and 3-1/2 year old. They love finding the *right* page each night, and by mid-month they have the blessing memorized and they say it along with us. Then, towards the end of the month, as we grow weary of the same blessing every night, lo and behold it is a new month, and we get to learn a new one! This opens up so many avenues: prayers of thanksgiving, nighttime rituals, the concept of months and seasons. And the pictures offer many things to talk about, some covered in the blessing, and others that simply fit the month. We heartily recommend this book to parents of toddlers!
Great book for toddler.......1999-07-27
My 20 month old LOVES this book. He always digs it out from his others. The pace and length of book works well for short attention span and bright, child-like illustrations work well too. Recurring themes (dogs,cats,trees...) in illustrations make this a good book for 'point to the ...' recognition game.
Charming!.......1998-10-30
BLESS US ALL takes you through the months of the year "blessing" things common to the month, each in four lines of poetry. Rylant's illustrations are as charming as her words, done in folk-art style, bordered with wrapping-paper prints. This book would make a lovely gift for a young child or for an adult who still has some child within. BLESS US ALL is a blessing!
Books:
- The Hard Questions: 100 Essential Questions to Ask Before You Say "I Do"
- The Hedgehog: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet
- The History of Fighting Dogs
- The Intelligence of Dogs: A Guide to the Thoughts, Emotions, and Inner Lives of Our Canine Companions
- The Knee Of Listening: The Divine Ordeal of the Avataric Incarnation of Conscious Light (The Seventeen Companions of the True Dawn Horse, Book 4)
- The Legends of the Jews: Index to Volumes 1 through 6 (Legends of the Jews)
- The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove
- The Maltese Falcon
- The Nature of Animal Healing : The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat
- The Photobook: A History - Volume 2
Books Index
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- The Booklover's Repair Kit: First Aid for Home Libraries
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Penguins, Pain and the Whole Shebang: By God As Told to John Shore
Cathedral Cats
Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith
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And Now I See: A Theology of Transformation
