I'm not saying this is a horrible book.

In fact, I'm not saying that at all. What I am saying is that it is definitely not the kind of book that I take pleasure in or would typically read of my own free will.

I am well aware that there are individuals out there who can and ought to gain something from reading this. However, for me, it simply wasn't to my taste.

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to books. Some people might love the style, the subject matter, or the way the story is told in this particular book. But for me, it didn't click.

Maybe it was the writing style that didn't appeal to me, or perhaps the plot didn't hold my interest. Whatever the reason, it just wasn't the right fit for my reading preferences.

That doesn't mean it's a bad book. It just means that it wasn't the book for me. And that's okay. There are so many other wonderful books out there waiting for me to discover.

Cloud & Townsend are perhaps most widely recognized for their numerous co-authored books under the name "Boundaries". However, this less-known book offers a very powerful and highly practical perspective on how all individuals experience spiritual growth.

It is extremely comprehensive, yet remarkably easy to read. While not everyone will find every chapter equally beneficial, I would contend that there is something within this book for everyone. I was especially drawn to the chapters concerning God's grace, the growth in forgiveness, and the pain of guilt.

Since Cloud and Townsend are both practicing psychologists, the work is filled with impactful stories of real people, which is one of its most valuable aspects. Additionally, there are useful, practical questions at the end of each chapter, specifically designed for those who are seeking personal growth and for those who are in a position to guide others in their growth.

I would highly recommend this book for those in ministry, counseling, or mentoring roles.

This is the third book of Dr. Cloud and Townsend that I have completed.

Each book, including this one, has provided me with a new perspective on the areas where I can grow and heal. It's truly amazing how their work has the power to open up new possibilities for personal development.

I am really looking forward to reading more of their books, such as The Mom Factor and Safe People. I firmly believe that all of these books are essential tools in my pursuit of a degree in biblical counseling and psychology.

Not only do they offer valuable insights and knowledge, but they are also extremely helpful in my own journey of healing and growth. I can't wait to see what else I will learn from their future works.

A dry read but he is absolutely right - God does use other people around us to help us grow.

It's often overlooked that those we interact with on a daily basis can have a profound impact on our personal development. They may offer advice, support, or even challenge us in ways that push us to become better versions of ourselves.

Also, his take on the reasons for grief is refreshing. Grief is not always just about loss; it can also be a catalyst for growth and self-discovery. When we experience grief, we are forced to confront our emotions and face the reality of our situation. This can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

Overall, while the read may have been dry, the message is one that is worth considering. We should be more aware of the role that others play in our lives and be open to the lessons that grief can teach us.

The Basics in Spiritual Growth

I had the opportunity to listen to the abridged version of this book from my local library. Regrettably, this meant that I didn't get the full experience of all the examples present in the complete book. However, I still found it to be quite foundational. If you have a good knowledge of the Bible, then this book serves as a useful review of how we should anticipate going through trials and tribulations as we are refined. Just as a good parent disciplines their children when necessary to help them understand what is right and wrong and how they should conduct themselves, the same principle applies to how God disciplines us as adults. We may not enjoy going through these difficult times, but we undoubtedly benefit and grow from the experience. Nevertheless, if you are already highly knowledgeable and well-versed in these concepts, then you might not gain anything truly new from this book.

I recently had the opportunity to read through "How People Grow" as part of a leadership class.

This book is quite lengthy and extremely dense, yet I firmly believe that every single part of it is essential. The authors, drawing on their profound expertise in both Christian theology and psychology, do an outstanding job of exploring the topics at hand from both these perspectives.

The book commences with a comprehensive overview of theological concepts such as sin and each member of the Trinity. It then delves into more general themes like the significance of community, the importance of discipline, the role of suffering and the necessity of grief, and the concept of spiritual poverty (being poor in spirit).

I cannot stress enough how much I gained from reading this book. I am certain that I will be revisiting it in the future.

Given its density, I highly recommend allocating sufficient time for reading it. I read it over the span of a month, yet still felt that I didn't have as much time as I would have liked to thoroughly ponder over some of its contents.

This book was recommended to me by a family friend.

He has a strong Christian belief system and values, and he is someone I really look up to.

I usually have a dislike for self-help books. I find them to be obvious and dense.

However, this book is by far the best self-help book I have ever read when it comes to growing spiritually, emotionally, and personally.

Although some parts of the book are dense, if you are seeking to deepen your relationship with God, others, and yourself, then this is the perfect book for you.

It does an excellent job of connecting Christian teachings and providing modern-day examples in real-life situations and problems.

I found the authors to be honest and real about false Christian teachings. They are also vulnerable about their own struggles throughout life, which is thought-provoking.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a way to become more connected with God, themselves, and others.

We can't grow unless we are sure that we are both known and loved.

Some people like us because they don't know us. They may have a superficial perception or an initial impression that leads them to like us. However, this kind of liking may not be based on a true understanding of who we really are.

On the other hand, some people know us, and therefore don't like us. They have seen our flaws, our weaknesses, and our true selves. This knowledge may cause them to have a different opinion or to distance themselves from us.

Relationship can't occur unless both knowledge and love are present. True relationship is built on a foundation of knowing and accepting each other for who we are. It requires both the willingness to be known and the ability to love unconditionally. Only when we are both known and loved can we truly grow and develop in our relationships.

As we strive to build meaningful relationships, we must remember the importance of being known and loved. We should be open and honest with others, allowing them to see our true selves. At the same time, we should also learn to love others for who they are, accepting their flaws and weaknesses. By doing so, we can create relationships that are based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.

A VERY PRACTICAL AND HELPFUL BOOKLET THAT GIVES YOU THE FUNDAMENTALS FOR GROWTH THROUGH THE BODY OF THE CHURCH.

The church plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey. It is a place where people can be gracefully yet effectively challenged. Here, we are pushed to grow and develop in our faith.

Moreover, the church is the primary vehicle where we can be mentored while discipling others. It provides a community of believers who can offer guidance, support, and wisdom.

If you want to truly understand the fundamentals of growth through the church, you need to read the whole book for sure. It will open your eyes to the many ways in which the church can help you become the person God wants you to be.

A truly useful book.

It emphasizes that all personal growth is, in essence, spiritual growth.

Growth doesn't happen in isolation. It stems from a combination of experiences, understanding, and the continuous effort to work out our relationship with God.

This process is not one that we undertake alone. We also rely on the support of others.

When we face challenges and difficulties, it is through the experiences we gain that we learn and grow.

Understanding our place in the world and our connection with a higher power helps us to find meaning and purpose in life.

And the support of family, friends, and the community provides us with the encouragement and guidance we need to keep moving forward on our path of growth.

This book offers valuable insights and practical advice on how to embark on this journey of personal and spiritual growth.

Meh.

I have the perception that the audio version was a condensed or summarized rendition of the more extensive book.

However, in essence, it consisted of one part being basic Christian doctrine, which likely provided an introduction to the fundamental tenets and beliefs of the Christian faith.

This was then combined with one part of basic psychological interpretation of the Bible. This aspect might have involved analyzing the text from a psychological perspective, perhaps exploring how the stories and teachings in the Bible could be related to human behavior, emotions, and mental states.

Finally, there was a small part that offered practical advice on dealing with psychological hurdles. This could have been useful for listeners who were looking for guidance on how to overcome challenges in their psychological well-being, perhaps drawing on the wisdom and insights from both the Christian doctrine and the psychological interpretations.

Overall, while the audio version may have been a summary, it still seemed to offer a combination of different elements that could potentially provide value and food for thought to the listeners.

Life changing is an experience that can have a profound impact on a person's life. It can be a positive or negative event that causes a significant shift in one's perspective, values, or goals.

For example, a person may experience a life changing moment when they graduate from college, get a new job, or have a child. These events can bring new opportunities and challenges, and force the person to adapt and grow.

On the other hand, a life changing event could also be a serious illness, the loss of a loved one, or a natural disaster. These experiences can be extremely difficult and may cause a person to question their beliefs and purpose in life.

Regardless of the nature of the event, life changing experiences have the power to transform a person's life. They can force us to face our fears, learn new skills, and become more resilient. They can also lead to a greater sense of self-awareness and a deeper appreciation for the things that truly matter in life.

In conclusion, life changing experiences are an inevitable part of life. While they may be difficult at times, they also offer us the opportunity to grow and become the best version of ourselves. We should embrace these experiences and use them as a catalyst for positive change.