Kind of a general question, but looking for something uplifting, maybe spiritual to read..Really feel like I've had some bad "karma" following me for a while now and it's getting old..Any suggestions to re-energize my spirit??

I'm a big believer in the Law of Attraction. Read the book The Secret, or watch the movie of it...good stuff!

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Support bacteria -- it's the only culture some people have!

If Vegetarians eat Vegetables. Do Humanitarians eat Humans?

'Vegetarian' is an old Native American word for bad hunter.

The Mitford series of books. They're uplifting w/out being smarmy, well written, have compelling characters, realistic contemporary situations, good plots, and there's enough of em to keep you busy reading for awhile. Jan Karon is the author.

I really like books by Karen Kingsbury, though after reading a few, you "know" what's going to happen (kind of like you do when you read Danielle Steele's books). I also like books by Angela Hunt, and some of the Christian Fiction Historical Romance books are really nice, too.

Momziller, I've never read anything by Jan Karon - I'll have to check her out. I love reading books I'm not embarrassed for my 16 year old to pick up afterwards, you know what I mean?

Yup, same here. My kids actually like the Mitford series. Will wonders never cease? ;-)

Attending church on a regular basis always helps the spirit.

There are several books in the series. Be sure to make a list and read from the beginning to the end.

Amazon.com: Don: Books

Start with The Four Agreements and read your way through the series. Every person that has ever read The Four Agreements has said it changed them for the better and made their lives better. Myself included!

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

Oh, one more I forgot - the Amish books by...crud, I can't remember her name right now. Beverly someone? I've read almost everything she's written and I can't think of her name. Maybe someone else knows who I'm talking about.

And for a really great movie I just saw, check out "Saving Sarah Cain", also about the Amish. Really nice family movie.

I am reading a wonderful new book called "Note To Self". I will have to check on the author. The book has only been out about a month. Your library might have it.

Every chapter is written by a different celebrity such as an actress, author - that sort of thing. The person writing talks about life experiences that made them a better person or helped them gain some personal insight about themself. It is not about being a celebrity but rather how they got over some problem or gained knowlege in their life.

I'm on maybe chapter 4 and I am finding it a very good read.

Edited: the author is Andrea J. Buchanan

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Donna

I LOVE "The Four Agreements"!!! I pull that book out every so often and read and think. It is an awesome and insightful book about yourself and the world. It's an easy read, and it makes sense. It makes you look at things a different way. This book has been out a few years, and I'll bet your library has it.

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Donna

Mirah, I think you mean author Beverly Lewis. She has written tons of books. Some of the titles include: The Forbidden; The Parting; The Longing; The Brethren; and many others.

If you like Amish type stories try authors Wanda Brunstetter; and Shelly Shepard Gray.

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Donna

Yep, that's her! I've tried Brunstetter and just didn't really care for her writing style...I can't put my finger on why I don't like her as much. I've also never heard of Shepard. So now I have two new authors to check out at the library. Thanks! I really needed something to read.

This is a really great post, OP!

Another new book that I haven't started:

Oneness with all life : inspirational selections from A new earth / Eckhart Tolle 2009
He wrote: A new earth : awakening to your life's purpose - 2005 (Oprah favorite)

Also:
Happier than God : turn ordinary life into an extraordinary experience /Neale Donald Walsch 2008 He wrote the Conversations with God series.

A life at work : the joy of discovering what you were born to do /Thomas Moore 2008

Count your blessings : the healing power of gratitude and love / John F. Demartini 2006

I would also suggest exercise -- walking --maybe with some music that you like --getting out in the sunshine--- doing something for someone else -- charity work----learn a new craft or hobby. I always feel better when I am learning something new. I do read a lot because books can take you different places.

Hugs,

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Donna

Mirah, this should keep you busy for 2009!!

More Amish fiction authors:

B.J . Hoff
Cindy Woodsmall
Carrie Bender
Evie Yoder Miller

Also: Separate from the world : an Ohio Amish mystery / P.L. Gaus This author has at least 3 other Ohio Amish mystery books. I don't know if you should read them in any order or not.

Plain Truth by Jodi Piccoult has an Amish theme but it has been awhile since I read that book.

Enjoy!

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Donna

Carol Kent books . I find them helpful t energize your belief in God.

www.Carolkent.org

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Live, Love, Laugh

I loved 90 Minutes in Heaven and Heaven is Real by Don Piper.

I absolutely loved 90 Minutes In Heaven too. It is a must reading if someone you love has died. It brought me some comfort.

I didn't know that he had a newer book out. I will look for Heaven Is Real.
Thanks, Fletchersmom. A big hug to you.

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Donna

Don't Forget *The Last Lecture* (may have the title wrong) and *Tuesdays w/Morrie*.
If you like mysteries, there's a ton of the *Cat Who* books by Lillian Jackson Braun.
I also love a series by an author who's name I can't recall at the moment. The main character is Magdalena Portulaca Yoder, of Mennonite/Amish heritage, she runs a B&B in PA. Not particularly well written, but hysterical and good light reads with recipes. Her cousin Freni is a hoot.
MZ

I loved The Last Lecture! Very inspiring and encouraging.

You can watch it here: Dying 47-Year-Old Professor Gives Exuberant ‘Last Lecture’


Also for a spiritual uplift I recommend anything by Joyce Meyer. I really enjoy listening to her when I need a spiritual renewal.

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Paula
Some days are diamonds Some days are stone

http://paulajc.mycoupons.com/

Two other good authors are Lori Wick and Lauraine Snelling. They both do a great job writing.

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Check out my homepage http://julie.mycoupons.com/

I enjoy Stories for the Heart by Alice Gray. I have had this book for over 10 years and I still pick it up and read the stories over and over again.

The book is a collection of 1-2 page stories (similar to Chicken Soup for the Soul book series) that take 5 minutes or less to read.

You guys have me seriously itching to go to the library! & I second Julie - I really like Lori Wick, too!

Read Psalms in the Bible and pray. Prayer is very powerful.

I'm am about half way thru "Note To Self" and it is a really good, thought provoking book. I mentioned this in an earlier post. I really recomend it!

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Donna

Thanks for all your suggestions..I've picked some items up from the library already!!

Tamar Myers - the titles of the books are pretty funny too - I'm reading "Assault & Pepper" fits in well with cooking mysteries.

Yes, Tamar Myers. Her books are hilarious.