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Wednesday, June 1, 2016

What's in a brain?

My parents would be proud to see how much I know about the human brain after reading my last book. Honestly it feels like I have spent weeks with specialists helping me to understand how my brain functions, or as some have commented, doesn't work. I am referring to the book by Daniel G. Amen, M.D. entitled "Change Your Brain Change Your Life"
http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781101904640?width=125&alt=no_cover_b4b.gif To see the authors impressive credentials for writing such a book simply click here.
Besides his many credentials and years of experience, Dr. Amen has been instrumental in brain imaging technology. What has been revealed has opened the doors of research and treatment for many studies and has brought healing to those once thought beyond modern science. Dr. Amen shares techniques and facts that can help us to understand our own brains as well as others and offers help and encouragement to us as we face things such as depression, hyper activity, anxiety, fear, and so many other things.
Dr. Amen not only shares actual pictures of healthy brain scans and compares them to troubled brain scans, he also reveals the treatments used in his clinics. Here's a little secret, diet and changing the way we think are vital. Dr. Amen discusses, "4 circles of your life". They are biological, psychological, social, and spiritual. Although I wouldn't go as far as to say this is a Christian book, it is a great resource for those who do counseling, know or have someone with a brain disorder of some sort  and those who are intrigued by the complexities of God's design in the human brain. You will come to understand the chemicals and the concepts of brain development as you move through the pages. But even more importantly are the real life progression and practical ways of dealing with whatever ails you. In chapter 16 Dr. Amen reveals 7 types of ADD, 7 types of ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION, 6 types of ADDICTS and 5 types of OVER EATERS. i think this just about touches all of us in one way or another and as he progresses through the understanding of these different types of illnesses he also provides a chart that tells what diet changes need to be made as well as deficiencies of certain vitamins and chemicals. Although Dr. Amen has forgotten more than I will ever know about the brain this book is truly remarkable. The information is informative, helpful, revealing and encouraging to know we have practical hope and the ability to do something about it in many cases. I recommend this book to everyone who would like to understand the brain and desire to see it functioning in a healthy productive way. I received my copy from my friends at Blogging for Books for review, but you should pick up a copy for your own personal library, you'll be glad you did. till next time.
P.M.

I Don't Get You

Well I just got done reviewing a great resource by author Sherry Graf. She wrote a book entitled "I don't get you, a guide to healthy conversations. I know you might be thinking "oh great another book on communication", but I assure you this is anything but typical or common place. I will admit I was a bit skeptical as well until I read the first part of this little booklet. I was instantly hooked on the originality of its content. There are so many books on sexual purity but I have been looking for a book on emotional purity that would help singles as well as couples. I deal with marriage issues all the time and believe it or not they are not always at my own home, ha ha. Seriously though as a pastor I am often contacted with couples who have been facing purity issues in their marriage. Everything from infidelity, pornography and almost always some element of emotional purity. I believe this little book does a great job of driving the point that emotional purity is where it starts. Sherry brings up examples and illustrations including her own experiences of connecting emotionally with people to soon or going deeper than they should if they intend to remain friends. This book primarily is designed, in my opinion, for singles and couples, but does have specific references for speaking to our everyday friends of the same sex as well. Sherry does include some resources for those struggling in homosexuality and dealing with that specifically. These books come as singles or 10 packs and are great resources for small group studies, one on one mentoring and include thought and discussion questions to help work through the implication and application of knowing where to set boundaries. Rather you seek to deal with the opposite sex in an emotionally pure way or trying to grow your marriage this is the tool for your relationship and communication toolbox. Although I received my complimentary copy from my friends at Tyndale House Publishers for review, I have already gone on line to order several copies to hand out and use in ministry and I would encourage you to get yours as well.
Till next time.
P.M.