Religion and beliefs Books

Book SynopsisMalony identifies the eight central paradoxes that all religious leaders must confront, showing how when viewed as either/or choices they can tear a ministry apart and how embracing the truth of both assertions can enable religious leaders to deal successfully with seeming conflicts in their roles.Trade Review"Individuals who are in religious leadership positions will immediately recognize the dilemmas or paradoxes described in this book. The good news is that Malony offers sound practical advice on how to deal with them. This book is accurately descriptive and helpfully prescriptive." (Douglas Lewis, Wesley Theological Seminary) "Malony suggests ways to turn destructive conflict into creative tension. A helpful guide for every religious leader struggling to make sense out of the colliding interests that buffet many congregations and other not-for-profit institutions." (William E. Hull, Samford University) "Dr. Malony presents a helpful analysis using insights from psychology, theology, management theory, conflict resolution, practical experience, love of Church, and an ironic spirit. Anyone reading this study will no longer see conflict as an interruption of the Church mission, but an opportunity to be in ministry." (Mark Trotter, First United Methodist Church, San Diego, California)Table of ContentsForeword by Max de Pree. The Persistent Paradox of Religious Leadership. PARADOXES IN THE LEADER'S ROLE. Person and Position: Being True to Oneself and to Congregational Expectations. Prophet, Priest, and King: Playing Three Roles at Once Without Confounding Them. PARADOXES OF PERSPECTIVE. Inclusivity and Exclusivity: Appreciating Both Uniqueness and Universality in Faith Convictions. Timely and Timeless: Applying the Bible's Eternal Truths to Present Circumstances. PARADOXES BUILT. For-Profit and Not-for-Profit: Balancing the Books While Serving a Larger Purpose. Person and Organization: Running an Efficient Organization in Which People Feel Deeply Recognized. PARADOXES OF CONGREGATIONAL MISSION. Product and Process: Valuing Ends and Means Equally. Mission and Maintenance: Moving the Congregation Toward Achieving Its Goals While Fostering Goodwill and Group Cohesion. Conclusion: Leading Others to Double Vision.

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Book SynopsisMany local and community non-profits now shoulder an increasing share of society's mandate to care for those in need. This work is a collection of advice from both researchers and service providers offering leaders the practical guidance they need for the rapidly evolving future.Trade Review"With government at all levels initiating collaborations with religious organizations, there could hardly be a more timely or useful book for board members and volunteers of faith-based social service providers. This important volume highlights the challenges such providers face and offers specific, useful advice for meeting those challenges while remaining true to the provider's religious mission." (Sheila Suess Kennedy, assistant professor, law and public policy, Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis) "While this book deals primarily with Christian organizations, the principles used by faith-based organizations are essentially the same. Anyone involved with the management or leadership of a Muslim nonprofit organization should read this book." (Shariq A. Siddiqui, director, community development and fundraising, Islamic Society of North America)Table of ContentsIntroduction, The Meaning of Faith-Based Human Services (Edward Queen). PREPARING FOR SERVICE. 1. Religion and the Emerging Context of Service Delivery (Edward Queen). 2. Congregations and Social Ministry-Preparation and Development (Carl Dudley). 3. Congregations and Communities Working Together (John Kretzmann). CAPACITY BUILDING. 4 .Building and Sustaining Lay Leadership: Boards and Mission (James B. Lemler). 5. Funding the Dream (Sara Ann Robertson). 6. Stakeholder Analysis as a Tool for Faith-Based Organizations (Mary Tschirhart & Eric Knueve). 7. Developing Financial Accountability and Controls (John Zietlow). 8. Volunteerism and Organized Religion (Ram A. Cnaan & Gaynor I. Yancey). 9. Finding Help and Advice at the School Next Door: Working with Academic Institutions (Art Farnsley). 10. Money with (Some) Strings (Stephen Monsma). 11. Working with Foundations (Edward Queen). BEYOND BASIC NEEDS. 12. Community-Based Economic Development (Eric Clay & Elliott Wright). 13. The Role of Local Congregations in Facilitating the Delivery of Health Care Services (Sandra Burgener). 14. Religion in the `Hood: Faith-based Initiatives with High Risk Youth (Harold Dean Trulear).

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Book SynopsisIn this powerful book, Carol Ochs shows us how to develop a personal theology by examining our life stories, learning to recognize God at work in them, and bringing them into conversation with Torah. Using timeless biblical texts as lenses to see the present, she helps us understand who we are and who God is for us by exploring the tightly interwoven basic elements of our lives--our love, suffering, work, bodies, prayer, community, and experiences of death. Through the process of seeing our experiences in relation to Biblical stories, we begin to recognize our lives as part of the ongoing story of the Jewish people--as Torah. This insight allows us to see these experiences as meaningful, not accidental, and opens us to recognizing God''s power in and through all that happens to us. Rather than a collection of random events, our lives are part of the Jewish people''s ongoing adventure. Armed with our personally shaped theology, we can face this adventure of living in the vanguard ofTrade Review"A most intriguing book! What is it? A work of theology? Personal reflection and childhood memories? Biblical commentary? Psychotherapeutic exploration of the unconscious, epic stories of love and loss, a self-help guide, poetry of the soul, a book of healing? Suddenly the mind penetrates to the core of this work and grasps its inner meaning: it is all of the above and more. This is a poignantly beautiful work of theological understanding." (Blu Greenberg, author of On Women and Judaism and How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household) "A moving and inspiring book that should be read by anyone wishing to have a richer, deeper life. Ochs's approach to Jewish theology will be helpful to people of all faiths and to those in search of faith." (Professor Susannah Heschel, author of Abraham Geiger and the Jewish Jesus) "Through her powerful stories, piercing intellect, and challenging commentary, [Ochs] enables each of us to discover God's presence in all that happens to us." (Rabbi Norman J. Cohen, provost, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion) "With uncommon wisdom, Carol Ochs blends the discipline of theology with the art of story-telling to help us achieve the kind of self-awareness that can only enrich our lives." (Neil Gillman, professor of Jewish philosophy, The Jewish Theological Seminary) "Show[s] us how to find ancient hints?a curved leaf here, a splash of water there?that help us shape a path that is ours alone, yet God's as well." (Rabbi Arthur Waskow, director of the Shalom Center and author of Godwrestling? Round 2 and Down-to-Earth Judaism) "Anyone seeking to sanctify his or her life, in all of its detail, will be enriched and enlightened by this book." (Jacob J. Staub, vice president for academic affairs, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College)Table of ContentsForeword by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner. Searching for Meaning. Forming Our Story. Committing to Love. Enduring Suffering. Undertaking Our Work. Claiming Our Bodies. Engaging in Prayer. Living in Community. Confronting Death. Encountering God. Epilogue. References.

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Book SynopsisThis volume incorporates a series of meditations illustrating different aspects of organizational behaviour. It provides an insight for the reader who seeks a moral perspective on corporate life.Trade Review"Jerry Harvey has the uncanny ability of observing the ordinary yetseeing the extraordinary. His insights are both provocative anduseful, no common combination. Reading this book, you will learn tosee the world through another lens." (W. Warner Burke) "Here are real organizational worlds both terrifying and hilarious,where people say and do things that they don't do anywhere else,and feel things that they don't feel anywhere else, and fortunatelyJerry Harvey is there, too, to record it, reflect on it, and helpus learn from it. Bless him!" (Peter Vaill, professor and holder ofthe Distinguished Chair in Management Education, University of St.Thomas, Minnesota) "A decade ago, Jerry Harvey's Abilene Paradox indelibly entered thelexicon as a metaphor for unproductive group behavior. Now, he'sidentified an equally damaging-and paradoxical-pattern ofindividual self-destruction. And, once again, he offers the sameinvaluable prescription: Tell the truth to everyone?especiallyyourself. Ah, if only this time we will listen." (James O'Toole,author, Leadership A to Z)Table of ContentsAcknowledgements. The Author. Introduction: It's Not My Dog. Some Thoughts About Organizational Back Stabbing or How Come EveryTime I Get Stabbed in the Back My Fingerprints are on theKnife? The Spin Doctors: An Invitation to Meditate on the OrganizationalDynamics of the Last Supper and Why Judas was not theTraitor. On the Ethics of Standing for Something or Sitting on OurDuffs. Learning to Not*Teach. Prayers of Communication and Organizational Learning. This Is a Football: Leadership and the Anaclitic DepressionBlues. What If I Really Believe This Stuff? Musing About the Elephant in the Parlor or "Who the Hell Is ElliotJaques?" On Tooting Your Own Horn or Social Intervention as the Process ofReleasing Flatus in the Confines of Religious Institutions. Ode to Waco: When Bizarre Organizational Behavior Is Concerned, GodWorks in Strange and Mysterious Ways. When We Buy a Pig: The Tragedy of the No-Nonsesne Manager. Afterword: In Memory of Suzanne. Notes. References.

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Book SynopsisWritten by Elizabeth Tisdell, co-author of "Women as Learners" (ISBN: 0787909203), this book considers the connection between spirituality and culture and how it relates to developing culturally relevant approaches to adult and higher education.Trade Review"This should prove to be a groundbreaking volume. Every adult educator will benefit from engaging in the conversation." (PAACE Journal of Lifelong Learning, Summer 2004) "...this book makes an important contribution to a new and growing body of knowledge." (Journal of College Student Development, December 2003) "A Professor of Adult Education describes How Spirituality Can Be a Valuable Teaching Tool" (By Dana Sobyra in The Chronicle of Higher Education) "The work is an easy read, not overly laden with references but enough to give it authority." (TCRecord.org, 10/8/03)Table of ContentsPreface Part I: Breaking the Silence: Spirituality and Culture in Adult Meaning-Making and Education 1 1. Introduction: Culture, Spirituality, and Adult Learning 3 2. Breaking the Silence: Defining Spirituality in a Culturally Relevant Educational Context 25 3. Spirituality, Religion, and Culture in Lived Experience: Overlaps and Separations 45 4. Between the Cultural and the Universal: Themes and Variations of Spiritual Experience 67 Part II: Claiming a Sacred Face: Identity and Spiritual Development 89 5. The Great Spiral: Spiritual Development as a Process of Moving Forward and Spiraling Back 93 6. Gender, Culture, and Spiritual Identity in Midlife Integration 117 7. The Role of Spiritual Experience in Developing a Positive Cultural Identity 139 8. Searching for Wholeness: Crossing Culture, White Identity, and Spiritual Development 163 Part III: Spirituality in a Culturally Relevant and Transformative Teaching Practice 183 9. Approaching Transformative Teaching Grounded in Spirituality and Cultural Relevance 187 10. A Theory-in-Progress of a Spiritually Grounded, Culturally Relevant Pedagogy: Philosophical Underpinnings and New Directions 203 11. Stories from the Field: Spirituality and Culture in Adult Higher Education Classrooms 219 12. The Possibilities and Challenges of Spiritually Grounded, Culturally Relevant Teaching 235 Epilogue: Final Reflections 259 Appendix: Research Methodology 263 References 271 Index 285

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Book SynopsisPresents a collection of short stories, poetry, and essays from renowned contributors such as Naomi Wolf, US Senator Joseph Lieberman, William Safire, and Marge Piercy. This work reflects the diversity of thought, opinion, and sensibility of known Jewish thinkers and writers.

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Book SynopsisMichael Lerner collects the greatest Jewish writing of the 1990s in this first volume of a new series. It features pieces on Jewish culture, identity, and spirituality.Trade ReviewIn this collection of Jewish writing dating from 1994 to 2000, Lerner, the editor of Tikkun magazine, highlights his idea of the politics of meaning and the Jewish religious themes of healing and reconciliation. A wide range of authors (writing fiction, poetry, and essays) discusses questions of Jewish identity, religion, culture, the Holocaust, and Israel. Feminism, gay studies, and environmental concerns are important aspects of the selections. Many well-know authors are included, among them Adrienne Rich, Philip Roth, Yehuda Amichai, Aharon Appelfeld, and Norman Podhoretz. Zalman Schacter Shalomi presents an open and honest attempt to rethink Jewish religious thought, Marge Piercy and Jacqueline Osherow's poems bring new elements to Jewish thinking, and Morris Dickstein describes the changing themes and ideas of writers in the United States. The result is an interesting and diverse anthology. Recommended for Jewish studies collections. (Gene Shaw, NYPL, Library Journal, August 2001) Whenever my old friend, the curmudgeonly book lover, came across an anthology with a title like "Best Plays" or "Best-Loved Poems," he'd always mutter, "Best? Best? Who says so?" Who, indeed? Why, editors of anthologies claiming "bestness," of course. The editor of "Best Contemporary Jewish Writing" is Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor of Tikkun magazine and himself included in Utne Reader's list of America's "100 Most Important Visionaries." Continuing his quest for the best, Lerner concludes his collection with a list of "The One Hundred Best Contemporary Jewish Books." So many judgment calls about what's best may well stimulate debate. Still, why quibble? As Lerner explains, this is simply his opinion of what is most significant. Lerner is a man with a mission, and the mission concerns Jewish spiritual renewal. If large numbers of American Jews in the early and middle decades of the 20th century were breaking loose from their traditional moorings, the last few decades have witnessed, if not quite a return to origins, then certainly a renewed interest among Jews in their religious and cultural heritage. And, indeed, the sheer diversity of voices in this collection, the passion, intelligence and sense of commitment that can be heard are ample evidence of this renewal. Many kinds of writing have been included: memoirs, essays, literary criticism, fiction and poetry. Sen. Joseph Lieberman describes the origins of his commitment to public life. Moroccan-born Ruth Knafo Setton reflects on her personal experiences as a "Sephardic Jewess" (from the title of her piece). In "Gay and Orthodox," Rabbi Steve Greenberg discusses the dilemmas he has faced trying to reconcile his sexuality with scriptural injunctions against lying with men. Questions of Jewish identity, such as finding the right path between assimilation and distinctness, are addressed in a variety of forms, including an engaging poem by Kenneth Koch and a thoughtful essay by David Biale. Several pieces by feminists, such as theologian Rachel Adler and novelist Anita Diamant, offer provocative and illuminating interpretations of biblical stories (although Susan Schnur's diatribe against sexism in the Book of Esther is simply obtuse). On the current literary front, Morris Dickstein surveys contemporary Jewish writers, while Norman Podhoretz has some incisive things to say about Philip Roth and Saul Bellow. Perhaps the most fascinating material in this book deals with human responsibility toward the natural world. "My commitment to the life of the planet is stronger than my commitment to any philosophy or creed," declares Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, founder of the Jewish Renewal Movement. "If you have felt commanded by the Divine Imperative to protect Earth from planetary destruction, then you have undergone the first stage of a Gaean initiation." Citing Evan Eisenberg's book "The Ecology of Eden" (one of the 100 best on Lerner's list), Arthur Waskow offers an account of the Hebrew religion as a response of humble, freedom-loving Western Semites--shepherds, hunter-gatherers and hill farmers--to the far more regimented, hierarchical world of the Babylonian empire, where a revolution in agricultural technology had created wealth, order and stability, but at the cost of a drastic change in man's relationship to the Earth, to women and to his fellow man. Two later sections, "Living in the Shadows of the Holocaust" and "Israel in Conflict," are marked by a certain tendentiousness. Although Lerner makes some concession to representing those pushing for the peace process and those who consider it sadly unrealistic, the overall thrust is to lend plausibility to the doves. A triad of essays discussing the Holocaust--by Jonathan Rosen, Zymunt Bauman and Tikkun's associate editor Peter Gabel--makes some interesting points about everything from the film "Schindler's List" to the Nazi mentality. Read in sequence, they function as a kind of three-pronged critique of Jews who (as they see it) use the Holocaust as an "excuse" to justify Israeli hard-line policies. Jews concerned for their safety and survival having thus been discredited as victims of mass hysteria, the stage is set for Israeli revisionist historian Benny Morris' critique of previous Israeli historians for their tendency to minimize Israel's role in getting Palestinian Arabs to flee their homes during the Israeli War of Independence. Then, for anyone still concerned about the dangers of anti-Semitism--anyone who's been following the venomous goings-on at the soi-disant "anti-racism" (viz. anti-Zionism) U.N. conference in Durban--Jerome Slater notes (rightly, but perhaps no longer all that relevantly) that Palestinian Arabs were not innately anti-Jewish and only became that way after their land was occupied by Israel. (To this, one might say: Nor were Germans overwhelmingly anti-Semitic until they were humiliated at Versailles! To recognize a "root cause" does not necessarily, by itself, enable one to undo the effects.) A grimmer and (sadly, one fears) more realistic view is provided in Daniel Pipes' essay "Land for What?" Still, there is an optimism, excitement and animation about Lerner's collection that is hard to resist. This volume is the first in a series that is planned to come out each year. It is clearly an auspicious beginning. (By Merle Rubin, LA Times, September 17, 2001)Table of ContentsIntroduction: Jewish Writing and Healing the World xiii The Many Identities of a Jew To Jewishness 3 The Melting Pot and Beyond: Jews and the Politics of American Identity 8 Poems: Reversion and What Kind of Times Are These 15 Justify My Love 17 Ten Ways to Recognize a Sephardic 'Jew-ess' 29 Redemption on East Tremont: The kindness of Christians and a seder's matzah helps the daughter of Mendel Beilis fix the old fears 36 News About Jews 40 Gay and Orthodox 42 Slipping the Punch 55 The Night Game 70 From The Roots of a Public Life 73 From And What Is My Lifespan? 79 Stories: Grandmother Eve, Consecrating the Ordinary, Blessing, and The Reward 80 The Legacy: A Parable About History and Bobe-mayses, Barszcz, and Borscht and the Future of the Jewish Past 86 Reclaiming the Spirit in Judaism Nishmat 95 Starting on My Spiritual Path 97 On Renewing God 103 Eternity Utters a Day 113 A Kabbalah for the Environmental Age 115 Is God in Trees? 127 The Emergence of Eco-Judaism 134 A Theology of Illness and Healing 145 Death and What's Next 150 Eros and the Ninth of Av 152 From The Book of Jewish Values 155 Poems: Yom Kippur Sonnet and Science Psalm 162 Rereading Sacred Texts of Our Tradition From And Peace and Justice Shall Kiss 169 From Imagining the Birth of a Nation 186 From The Red Tent 193 From The Bible and You, the Bible and You and Other Midrashim 199 Aaron's God--and Ours: A Yom Kippur Reflection 200 Our (Meaning Women's) Book-of-Esther Problem 205 Living in the Shadows of the Holocaust Cattle Car Complex 213 Force Fields 221 The Sanctuary 228 The Trivialization of Tragedy 230 Hereditary Victimhood: The Holocaust's Life as a Ghost 241 The Meaning of the Holocaust: Social Alienation and the Infliction of Human Suffering 252 Israel in Conflict The New Historiography: Israel Confronts Its Past 265 Land for What? 281 Occupation and Antisemitism 284 A Novelist's Optimism: Reclaiming the Jewish Tradition 297 From Booking Passage 300 Poems: From In My Life, On My Life; Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Why Jerusalem?; and The Jewish Time Bomb 323 Hovering at a Low Altitude 326 The Pleasure of Jewish Culture Making Judaism Cool 331 Old Man 339 Poems: When You Come to Sleep with Me, Come Like My Father and Hebrew 342 Esther and Yochanan 346 The Twenty-seventh Man 352 Against Logic 367 The Healing Power of Jewish Stories 371 The Complex Fate of the Jewish American Writer 375 Bellow at 85, Roth at 67 392 Jewish Writing and the Spiritual Journey: A Speculative Journey 409 The One Hundred Best Contemporary Jewish Books 417 The Editor 423 The Contributors 425 Credits 431

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Book SynopsisIn these difficult times, many readers are turning to spirituality for comfort and inspiration. This outstanding collection of Jewish stories fills that need for mysticism and spirituality, drawing on a beautiful view of life filled with the potential for bliss, joy, and ecstasy.Table of ContentsS'micha as a Maggid. Acknowledgments. Note to the Reader. Introduction. Mystic Joy. Mystical and Joyful Hasidism. The Relationship Between Mysticism and Joy. Tracing Joy to Its Source. Joy in His Place. Joy Above and Below. Loving Joy and Hating Sadness. God Is with Us. Joy and Judaism. About the Tales. The Tales. Rabbi YisraelBaal Shem Tov. The Baal Shem Tov's Parable of the Fiddler. The Baal Shem Tov Dances with the Spiritual Torah. Heikel the Water Carrier. The Parable of the Sweeper. His Disciples Dance on the New Moon. With Joy and with Sadness. The Joy of Jewishness. Inheriting a Treasure. A Jew Lives Here! A Real Jew. The Bach's Partner in Heaven. Even the Least Devotion Is Precious. The Joy of Sabbaths and Holidays. The Parable of the King's Letter. The Two Thrones. Sabbath like the Chernovitzer. Hasidic Snowmen. A Hasid Persecuted for His Joy. Simhat Torah Joy on Yom Kippur. Rejoicing at Your Brother's Simha. The Baal Shem Tov About Joy on Tu BeShvat. The Dance of Tu BeShvat. How Joy and Love Can Conquer Hate. Rebbe David of Dinov Celebrates Purim. A Prison Seder. Dancing with Your Archenemy. Portraits in the Ecstasy of Joy. Rebbe Levi Yitzhak of Berditchev. The Stained Tallis. Rebbe Shlomo of Zevill. Ecstasy from Te.llin. The Rebbe's Holy Dancing. Rabbi Yaakov Filmer. It's Good! Rabbi Yaakov Arye of Radzimin. Thou Shalt Not Steal. An Unforgettable Dance. The Hidden Light. Flashes of Godliness. The Effect of Viewing a Holy Face. The Holy Clock. How to Be Joyful. The Baal Shem Tov Learns Love of God from a Shepherd. Rebbe Zusya Never Af.icted. Rebbe Zusya About Joy and Anger. Dancing into Gehinnom. The Shirt of a Happy Man. Somersaulting for the Holy Flock of Lambs. Somersaulting for the Glory of God. Dancing into Jerusalem. Dancing in Ecstasy. Watching the Grandfather Dance. The Revelation in Dancing. The Dance of Parting. The Dance of Holy Friendship. Dancing with God. Lost in a World of Delight. Forgetfulness. No One Noticed. Ravished. Living with the Times. Eating in Ecstasy. Rabbi Yaakov Koppel Dances Before the Table. A Holy Meal in a Sukkah in Tiberias. Happiness Even While Suffering. The Old Man Coughing. Poverty and Bliss. The Rebbe of Azarov's White Beard. The World of Pure Joy. Revived by a Song. Joy and Ecstasy Remove Suffering. From My Naked Flesh I Would See God! Reb Arele's Sukkot. Joy Saves from Death. Only Joy, for There Is No Bad, No Trouble, No Sadness, No Death. An Ecstatic Passing. Joy Until the Final Moment of Life. The Joy of Humor. The Joy of a Wedding. Telling Jokes for the Sake of God. The Secret of Dying. The Dancing Bear. The Power of Joy. Progress and Priorities. More Important Than Ecstasy. In the Subway. The Joy of a Holy Brother. Notes. Glossary. The Author.

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Book SynopsisParker J. Palmer--who for forty years has written and spoken about subjects ranging from contemplation to community, the inner life to public life, education to social change--is known as one of the nation's most thoughtful voices, calling us all to ways of being in the world that honor the human heart and promote a humane society.Table of ContentsPreface (Diana Chapman Walsh). Gratitudes. A Journey of Questions: The Life and Work of Parker J. Palmer. “THIS LIVE ENCOUNTER”. Chapter One: Now I Become Myself. Notions of Presence (Chip Wood). Learning by Heart: An Ode to My Vocation as a Teacher (Marianne Novak Houston). Insights on the Inner Life of Healers (Henry Emmons, M.D.). Late Openings? (David J. Maitland). What Sound Does the Soul Make? (Mary Rose O’Reilley). Chapter Two: Be Not Afraid. Thinking Ourselves Home: The Cultivation of Wisdom (Dawna Markova). Because of My Not Knowing (Mark Nepo). The Courage to Learn (Thomas F. Beech). Learning from the Workplace: Professional Life as an Opportunity for Personal Growth (Jane Tompkins). The True Professional (Margaret J. Wheatley). MOVING THE HEART TO THE CENTER. Chapter Three: Learning in Community. Crossing the Great Divides: The Power of Radio to Connect People Across Boundaries (Jean Feraca). Integrating Life and Thought: As Teacher, Student, Colleague, Friend (Bardwell Smith). Wholeness in Science and Personal Life (Ian G. Barbour). Living the Night into Day: A Response to Dark Times (Joel Elkes, M.D.). Soul and Role, Politicians and Politics (W. Douglas Tanner Jr.). Chapter Four: Opening Space for the Inner Life. “How Can I Keep from Singing?”: Seeking the Wisdom of Sound (Shirley H. Showalter). The Threads We Follow (Marcy Jackson and Rick Jackson). The Lehrergarten: A Vision for Teacher Education (Sally Z. Hare). The Inner and Outer Life in Medicine: Honoring Values, Relationships, and the Human Element in Physicians’ Lives (Paul Batalden, M.D. and David C. Leach, M.D.). A Journey of the Heart: Seeking the Questions Worth Living (Douglas Orr). TRUE SELF UNLEASHED. Chapter Five: Leading from Within. Turning Toward a New Leadership (Jay Casbon). On Philanthropy and the Inner Life (Michael Lerner). It Also Takes Courage to Lead (Russ S. Moxley). If We Pay Attention (L. J. Rittenhouse). Inspiring Communities of Caring and Conscience (David Dodson). Chapter Six: Rescuing the Sacred. Take This to Heart (Zalman M. Schachter-Shalomi). How Then Shall We Live? Suffering and Wonder in the New Commons (Sharon Daloz Parks). On Beyond Revenge: Leadership for Peace (Diana Chapman Walsh). A World Shaped by Choice (Peter M. Senge). Parker J. Palmer Resources and Bibliography. The Editor. The Contributors. Credits.

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Book SynopsisWe are all wired for God, but our needs, inclinations, and personalities are all different. Using the metaphor of 'spiritual DNA,' this book helps you assess your own inborn qualities and find a spiritual path that can support your quest for a richer, fuller, more integrated life.Trade Review“God is hardwired into the human brain,” write Norton and Southern, consultants for faith-based nonprofit organizations, who believe each person has a distinctive spiritual DNA complete with a “code” that can be cracked in part by determining a person’s values, purpose and vision. By answering a series of questions that the authors pose throughout the book, readers can identify their “soul type,” one of four dominant ways in which they best express their spirituality: heart-centered, through gratitude and joyfulness; soul-centered, through contemplative practices and mysticism; mind-centered, through awareness and intellectual pursuit; and strength-centered, through commitment and service. The outcome is a life map that incorporates what readers have learned as they worked through the book and a strategy for practicing spirituality by developing their soul types. What sets this manual apart from the recent abundance of “life mapping” books—other than its emphasis on spirituality—is its refreshing simplicity and practicality. The authors guide readers through the process of determin ing their values, purpose and vision, and wisely reduce each soul type to its essence, offering a clear and full description in few words. People put off by complex and time-consuming life-mapping strategies are likely to find this one less daunting and more helpful. And though the authors don’t specifically address this, an awareness of the four soul types might benefit people of faith—and their leaders—in understanding each other’s approach to spirituality. (Mar. 26) (Publishers Weekly, February 23, 2004)Table of ContentsPreface. Acknowledgments. Introduction: Cracking Your Soul’s Code. PART I: Wired for God. Discovering Your Spiritual DNA. 1. The Inescapable Conclusion: You’re Wired for God! 2. Who Are You? Discovering Your Spiritual Identity. 3. What’s Important to You? Identifying Your Core Values. 4. Why Are You Here? Finding Your Unique Life’s Purpose. 5. Where Do You Want to Go in Your Life? Creating Your Vision for the Future. PART II: Understanding Your Soul Type. Assessments and Practices. 6. Heart-Centered Spirituality: The Practice of Gratitude. 7. Soul-Centered Spirituality: The Practice of Contemplation. 8. Mind-Centered Spirituality: The Practice of Awareness. 9. Strength-Centered Spirituality: The Practice of Commitment. PART III: I Know Where I’m Going. Your Life Map. 10. Constructing Your Life Map. Epilogue: Follow Your Bliss! Resources. Bibliography. The Authors. Index.

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Book SynopsisShows families how the 'blame game' (parents blame the kids and kids blame the parents) doesn't work. This book provides insight for dealing with the root causes of anger.Trade Review"...aims to reduce anger and frustration within families." (Publishers Weekly, February 9, 2004)Table of ContentsPreface and Acknowledgments. Twelve Steps Toward Anger Management for Parents. 1. The Purpose of Anger. Step 1: Learn to identify what is behind the expression of anger, and make that a primary focus. 2. How Anger Is Mismanaged. Step 2: Be aware of the ways you may choose to handle anger poorly, so you can be specific in your efforts to improve. 3. Healthy Ways to Manage Anger. Step 3: When you have a responsible message to communicate, do so in a way that upholds the dignity of the others involved. 4. Breaking Your Cycles of Dependency. Step 4: Have a strong sense of purpose as a parent in order to respond to anger-producing circumstances as an initiator, not a reactor. 5. Dropping Excessive Control. Step 5: Realize that the best way to be in control is to diminish control tactics, speaking instead about choices. 6. The Struggle for Superiority. Step 6: Refuse to lord over your child, but speak instead as one who believes in the equal worth of each family member. 7. Anger as an Ego Trip. Step 7: Let humility be your guide as you demonstrate to your children that selfishness has no place in successful anger management. 8. Dropping Defenses. Step 8: Don’t be threatened by an adversarial response, but be confident in your own response. 9. Establishing Boundaries. Step 9: Respect the fact that each family member is responsible for his or her choices. 10. Myths That Perpetuate Anger. Step 10: Identify the false assumptions that feed your anger, and let truth guide your decisions in discipline. 11. Displaced Anger. Step 11: Identify your own outside stressors that create anger, and choose to address them separately, as opposed to bringing them into parental communication. 12. The Overcomer’s Mind-Set. Step 12: Set aside an attitude of defeat, and recognize that in each situation you can choose to be an overcomer. Appendix. Anger, Teenagers, and Medication. The Authors.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the tools to create a new kind of church and move from merely surviving to thriving. Drawing on an extensive two-year field study of 200 churches from a variety of denominations and geographic regions, Milfred Minatrea--a missiologist, urban strategist and practioner in minister--presents the best practices for re-energizing Christian spirituality in a congregational setting. He provides readers with the tools for assessing their congregation's position on the continuum between maintenance and mission and for determining the actions that will move them toward becoming a missional community. He also outlines key strategies that successful churches have used to become relevant in a postmodern society without losing what is distinctly Christian in their spiritual practices. Milfred Minatrea (Irving, TX) is Director of the Missional Church Center for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.Table of ContentsPreface: A Personal Letter to the Reader. Acknowledgments. Introduction: Sending the Church into the World. PART ONE: The Church in a New and Changing World. 1. From Maintenance to Missional: The Church in a World of Change. 2. Be Church and Be Changed: How Missional Churches Live Their Passion. PART TWO: The Nine Essential Practices of Missional Churches. 3. Missional Practice Number One: Have a High Threshold for Membership. 4. Missional Practice Number Two: Be Real, Not Real Religious. 5. Missional Practice Number Three: Teach to Obey Rather Than to Know. 6. Missional Practice Number Four: Rewrite Worship Every Week. 7. Missional Practice Number Five: Live Apostolically. 8. Missional Practice Number Six: Expect to Change the World. 9. Missional Practice Number Seven: Order Actions According to Purpose. 10. Missional Practice Number Eight: Measure Growth by Capacity to Release, Not Retain. 11. Missional Practice Number Nine: Place Kingdom Concerns First PART THREE: Structures and Strategies for Becoming Missional. 12. They Run Rapids in Rubber Rafts: Church Structures That Can Survive the Rapids of Cultural Change. 13. Seeing Beyond the Horizon: The Nature and Task of Missional Leadership. 14. Moving to Missional: Becoming a New Kind of Church. Appendix: Missional Church Cultural Assessment. Notes. About Leadership Network. The Author.

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Book SynopsisAn original and uplifting view of a world lost, reborn, and rediscovered This is a delightful book that welcomes the reader to a wonderful journey through the Jewish culture of Eastern Europe: the still-vibrant villages and homes, the Yiddish folkways, the toe-tapping Klezmer music, and heart-warming traditional food. Yale Strom documented his journey--organized around fourteen specific visits to authentic villages in Eastern Europe--with a fascinating travelogue that includes inspiring stories, photographs, music that has never been printed, and recipes. He reveals that a culture long feared to be gone forever is still very much alive.Table of ContentsAcknowledgments xi Introduction xiii Glossary xxiii Chapter One Yugoslavia 1 RECIPES Burek Sasirom Spinat (Yugoslavian Spinach and Cheese Pies) 12 Leek,Garlic, and Red Pepper Soup 23 Prebanac (Baked Beans) 35 Yugoslavian Chopped Salad 36 Hurmasice (Pound Cake in Syrup) 37 MUSIC “Maestral Hora and Bulgar” 3 “Waltz from Senta” 9 “Khosn’s March” (Groom’s March) 32 Chapter Two Hungary 39 RECIPES Galuska (Hungarian Dumplings) 47 Letcho (Vegetable Stew) 48 Potato Paprikash 49 Lecso (Peppers and Eggs) 50 Flodni 56 Hungarian Mushroom Soup 72 Hungarian Cucumber Salad 73 MUSIC “Katarina Maladitse” (Young Katrina) 58 “Yismakh Moyshe” (Moses Rejoiced) 70 “Tibi’s Hora” 76 Chapter Three Czechoslovakia 84 RECIPES Sweet Noodle Kugel with Raisins and Almonds 99 Bramborove Knedliky (Potato Dumplings) 100 Kuba (Barley Dish) 102 Latkes (Potato Pancakes) 122 MUSIC “Malke Zhote” 95 “Oberek Palota” 103 “Bulbes/Beblekh” (Potatoes/Beans) 118 Chapter Four Poland 125 RECIPES Kasha with Mushrooms and Onions 130 Kapusta z Jablkamy (Polish Cabbage with Apples) 131 Polish Poppy Seed Cookies 132 Pierogi 134 Zuppa Ogorkowa (Polish Sour Cucumber Soup) 156 Kutia (Poppy Seed and Walnut Spread) 160 Krupnik (Mushroom and Barley Soup) 165 MUSIC “Ropshitser Nign” 145 “Doyne/Freylekhs” 154 “Drohobitsh” 162 Chapter Five Soviet Union: Ukraine 176 RECIPES Galushke (Stuffed Cabbage) 188 Russian-Style Baked Mushrooms in Sour Cream 195 Ukrainian Honey Cake 196 Pokhlyobka (Vegetable Soup) 199 MUSIC “On the Road to Salang” 192 Chapter Six Romania 201 RECIPES Mamaliga 207 Sweet Noodle Kugel with Apples and Walnuts 208 Palave (Pilaf ) 219 Mincare de Vinete cu Usturoi (Eggplant with Garlic) 224 Potato-Cheese Kreplach 225 Gogl-Mogl 227 RomanianVegetable Latkes 233 Passover Macaroons 237 MUSIC “Baveynen Di Kale” (The Lamenting of the Bride) 221 “Bosnian Waltz” 226 Resources 239 The Authors 241

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Book SynopsisYour Spiritual Personality takes the study of personality to its logical and important next step: helping you to make connections between the strengths and weaknesses of your personality and your pursuit of a relationship with God. By being aware of your individual style of approaching prayer, the Bible, devotions, and worship, you can strengthen your faith in ways uniquely tailored to your personality. The book's practical advice, suggestions for each personality type, and inspiring real-life stories will enrich your spiritual life by helping you develop a stronger walk with God.Trade ReviewWhen a book’s introductory chapter poses the question, "Is it possible that there is no one right way to develop one’s spiritual life?" you have to assume the target audience has encountered some spiritual bullies along the way. This book by Littauer, a professional speaker, is a pop-psychology spiritual pep talk for evangelical Christians who need to understand that spirituality can include variety. Drawing from her own feeling that she was, at times "doing it wrong," Littauer has developed a personality test and four "types" for identification, so that Christians can find their fit in spiritual practices. She uses Hippocrates’ four basic chemical types; there’s the "Popular Sanguine," the "Powerful Choleric," the "Perfect Melancholy" and the "Peaceful Phlegmatic." Much like other typologies popular in church circles--Myers-Briggs and the Enneagram--all Littauer’s types feature strengths and weaknesses. She also "types" Jesus, who, not surprisingly, is the perfect balance of all four categories. This book will be helpful for evangelical Christians who feel out of sync with the usual devotional practices being promoted in their churches. It will hold little interest for those Christians who already accept that there are many paths to a deeper relationship with God and need no new typologies to persuade them. (Nov. 12) (Publishers Weekly, October 25, 2004)Table of ContentsForeword by Florence Littauer ix Part One: What Is My Spiritual Personality? 1 1. The Spiritual Life of a “Good” Christian 3 2. The Sonshine Church 15 3. What Is My Spiritual Personality? 23 Part Two: How Does My Spiritual Personality Affect My Spiritual Life? 37 4. View of God 39 5. Worship Experience 51 6. Spiritual Strength 63 7. Growing Closer to God 77 8. The Personality of Jesus 97 9. Spiritual Personality and Spiritual Gifts 111 10. Encouragement and Freedom 129 Appendix A: Personality Testing Instrument 141 Appendix B: Personality Profile Word Definitions 145 Appendix C: An Overview of the Personalities 155 Appendix D: Comparison Chart of Different Personality Systems 161 The Author 163

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Book SynopsisCulture Shift, written for church leaders, ministers, pastors, ministry teams, and lay leaders, leads you through the process of identifying your church's distinctive culture, gives you practical tools to change it from the inside-out, and provides steps to keep your new culture aligned with your church's mission.Table of ContentsAbout Leadership Network. Foreword (Erwin Raphael McManus). Preface. PART ONE: Awakening to Culture. 1. Why Culture Matters. 2. Your Destiny in Seed Form. 3. What You Think Is What You See. PART TWO: Birthing the Culture. 4. Totems: Identifying Your Church’s Culture. 5. How to Shift Your Church’s Culture. 6. Divine Partnership. PART THREE: Growing the Culture at New Hope O’ahu. 7. Identifying New Hope’s Totems. 8. Culture Setters. 9. Plug-and-Play Subculture vs. Authentic Culture. 10. Creating and Re-Creating Culture. PART FOUR: Growing the Culture at Fellowship Bible Church. 11. Identifying Fellowship Bible’s Totems. 12. The Power of a Disciplined Vision. 13. Learning to Spot Opportunity. 14. Courageous Adjustments to Safeguard the Values. PART FIVE: Advancing the Culture. 15. Irresistible Culture. Notes. Appendix One: Involvement and Satisfaction Survey. Appendix Two: Sample Pages from a Life Journal. Bibliography. Acknowledgments. About the Authors. Index.

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Book SynopsisPublished in the early 1950s, C. S. Lewis''s seven Chronicles of Narnia were proclaimed instant children''s classics and have been hailed in The Oxford Companion to Children''s Literature as the most sustained achievement in fantasy for children by a 20th-century author. But how could Lewis (a formidable critic, scholar, and Christian apologist)conjure up the kind of adventures in which generations of children (and adults) take such delight? In this engaging and insightful book, C. S. Lewis expert David C. Downing invites readers to join his vivid exploration of the Chronicles of Narnia, offering a detailed look at the enchanting stories themselves and also focusing on the extraordinary intellect and imagination of the man behind the Wardrobe. Downing presents each Narnia book as its own little wardrobe - each tale an opportunity to discover a visionary world of bustling vitality, sparkling beauty, and spiritual clarity. And Downing''s examination of C. S. LewiTrade Review“…in this volume, C.S.Lewis’ biography is given concisely, yet thoroughly…before you go to the movies this winter to see the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, read this book…” (The Eternal Night, 13th December 2005). “…a masterful work that will appeal to both new and seasoned fans of Narnia, ‘Into the Wardrobe’ offers a journey beyond Narnia’s deceptively simple surface and into its richly textured and unexpected depths.” (www.eden.co.uk, 13th December 2005) “…fluent and mature…” (Church Times, 9th December 2005)Table of ContentsA C. S. Lewis Time Line. Introduction: The Child as Father of the Man. 1. The Life of C. S. Lewis. 2. The Genesis of Narnia. 3. The Spiritual Vision of the Narnia Chronicles. 4. Moral Psychology. 5. Classical and Medieval Elements. 6. What’s in a Narnian Name? 7. Lewis’s Literary Artistry. Appendix: Definitions, Allusions, and Textual Notes. Notes. Bibliography. Acknowledgments. The Author. Index.

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Book SynopsisDenise Roy combines the hard-won wisdom of a parent with the insights of meditation to create a spiritual practice that goes to the heart of everyday life: mothering with mindfulness. Through anecdotes, reflections, and specific practices, this book invites mothers to wake up and embrace their lives, discovering that they are always standing on holy ground.Trade Review"...delightful book...engaging." (Publishers Weekly, November 27, 2006)Table of ContentsIntroduction. Momfulness. Developing a Practice. Presence. Breathing Meditation. I See Me in Your Eyes. Rolling Hippo Meditation. How a Mom Prays. The Alone Hat. Porch Swing. Attention. Plan B. Autopilot. The River. Mouth Yoga. The Ideal vs. the Real. Clearing Clutter. Compassion. Late-for-School Practice. Pier Pressure. Walking the Night Hallways. When Someone Deeply Listens to You. No Good Very Bad Day. Mobilize the Mothering Instinct. Embodiment. Hugging Meditation. Body Blessings. Seven Nights in a Row. Generations of Bodies. Saved by Wonder. Close to Things. The Sacred in All Things. Where Does the Wind Come From? Lobster Tale. Framing the Day. Nurturing Family Spirit. Grace. Family Circle. Community. Sacred Circles. Our Many Mothers. The Holy Family Commutes. Are All the Children In? The Mother Is Standing. What Do Trees Have to Do with Peace? A Final Word. Suggested Readings. Acknowledgments. The Author.

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Book SynopsisIn The Missional Leader, consultants Alan Roxburgh and Fred Romanuk give church and denominational leaders, pastors, and clergy a clear model for leading the change necessary to create and foster a missional church focused outward to spread the message of the Gospel into the surrounding community. The Missional Leader emphasizes principles rather than institutional forms, shows readers how to move away from church as usual, and demonstrates what capacities, environments, and mindsets are required to lead a missional church.Trade Review"The Missional Leader paints a realistic picture ... of what life could look like among churches willing to enter the chaos [of the world] and make lasting change little by little." (Christianity Today, Fall 2006)Table of ContentsAbout Leadership Network ix Foreword xi Introduction xv Part One: The Context and Challenge of Missional Leadership 1 1 Six Critical Issues for Missional Leadership 3 2 Cultivating the Imagination of the Missional Leader 15 3 Change and Transition: Navigating the Challenges 37 4 The Big Picture: Understanding the Context of the Missional Congregation 61 5 The Missional Change Model 79 Part Two: The Missional Leader 109 6 Missional Readiness Factors and the Nature of Leadership 111 7 The Character of a Missional Leader 125 8 Cultivating the People of God for a Missional Future 143 9 Forming a Missional Environment and Culture 165 10 Engaging Context with a Christian Imagination 171 11 Conclusion: Putting Together a Team for Leadership Development 183 Notes 207 Acknowledgments 211 About the Authors 213 Index 215

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Book SynopsisIn Off-Road Disciplines, Earl Creps reveals that the on-road practices of prayer and Bible reading should be bolstered by the other kinds of encounters with God that occur unexpectedlycomplete with the bumps and bruises that happen when you go off-road. Becoming an off-road leader requires the cultivation of certain spiritual disciplines that allow the presence of the Holy Spirit to arrange your interior life. Earl Creps explorestwelve central spiritual disciplinessix personal and six organizationalthat Christian leaders of all ages and denominations need if they are to change themselves and their churches to reach out to the culture around them.Table of ContentsAbout Leadership Network ix Foreword xi Introduction: Off-Road Disciplines xiii Part One: Personal Disciplines 1. Death: The Discipline of Personal Transformation 3 2. Truth: The Discipline of Sacred Realism 15 3. Perspective: The Discipline of POV 27 4. Learning: The Discipline of Reverse Mentoring 41 5. Witness: The Discipline of Spiritual Friendship 55 6. Humility: The Discipline of Decreasing 71 Part Two: Organizational Disciplines 7. Assessment: The Discipline of Missional Efficiency 87 8. Harmony: The Discipline of Blending Differences 99 9. Reflection: The Discipline of Discernment 123 10. Opportunity: The Discipline of Making Room 139 11. Sacrifice: The Discipline of Surrendering 157 Preferences 12. Legacy: The Discipline of Passing the Baton 173 Epilogue: Three Coffee Houses 185 Notes 187 Acknowledgments 203 The Author 205 Index 207

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Book SynopsisIn this accompanying Participant's Guide to The Present Future DVD Collection, best-selling author Reggie McNeal offers a hands-on workbook for church leaders to use throughout the DVD sessions and their own church development. The Participant''s Guide includes the following: A brief introduction to the main issues the DVDs address, to help orient you to the questions and challenges it raises. Conversation Starters, questions designed to spark thinking and insight (as well as conversations with your fellow participants) as you ponder your responses to viewing the DVD sessions. Questions that you may consider between sessions. *The Present Future DVD Collection: Six Tough Questions for the Church by Reggie McNeal contains 1 copy of the Participant's Guide.Table of ContentsPreparing for the Future! Introduction to the DVD Curriculum: What Are You Looking At? New Reality Number One: Generational Cultures and the Collapse of the Church Culture. New Reality Number Two: The Shift from Church Growth to Kingdom Growth. New Reality Number Three: A New Reformation: Releasing God’s People. New Reality Number Four: The Return to Spiritual Formation. New Reality Number Five: The Shift from Planning to Preparation. New Reality Number Six: The Rise of Apostolic Leadership. What’s Next? The Author.

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Book SynopsisWritten by church consultant Will Mancini expert on a new kind of visioning process to help churches develop a stunningly unique model of ministry that leads to redemptive movement. He guides churches away from an internal focus to emphasize participation in their community and surrounding culture. In this important book, Mancini offers an approach for rethinking what it means to lead with clarity as a visionary. Mancini explains that each church has a culture that reflects its particular values, thoughts, attitudes, and actions and shows how church leaders can unlock their church''s individual DNA and unleash their congregation''s one-of-a-kind potential.Trade Review"[Mancini] gives a compelling rationale for the church to move on and accompanies this rationale with instructive support and church-wide challenge. All mission boards and vestries would benefit from the materials contained therein." —The Rev. Jeffrey A. Mackey, The Living Church magazine (Sept. 2008) Mancini (founder, Auxano consulting group) believes that all churches need not be megachurches like Willowcreek (IL) or Saddleback (CA). Here, he avoids a mere discussion of churches worthy of emulation and further crosses denominational lines, having himself worked alongside Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, and others. Mancini eschews the title consultant , preferring instead vision navigator . In short, he helps leaders focus on their own unique cultures and congregational fingerprints. Once churches grasp that they are one of a kind-much like galaxies, fossils, DNA, and sandbanks-they can then, Mancini writes, unleash their full potential. The book, complete with an appendix as well as logos and icons illustrating various churches' visionary thinking, is strengthened by numerous flow charts, diagrams, graphics, and pithy quotes. It has the potential to unseat Rick Warren's The Purpose-Driven Church in popularity. Yet academic libraries may want to pass on this title for its admitted lack of supporting empirical evidence. Public libraries, on the other hand, would be wise to purchase a copy. With a foreword by inspirational giant Max Lucado. —C. Brian Smith, Arlington Heights Memorial Lib., IL (Library Journal, May 1, 2008)Table of ContentsAbout Leadership Network xvii Foreword xix Introduction xxi PART ONE Recasting Vision 1. Unoriginal Sin: Neglecting Uniqueness 5 2. The Fall of Strategic Planning: Obscuring the Essence 17 3. The Iniquity of Church Growth: Caging the Kingdom 27 4. Lost Congregations: How Churches Adapt to the Vision Vacuum 40 PART TWO Clarifying Vision 5. The Good News of Clarity: Why Believe in Vision Today? 51 6. Clarity Pre-Evangelism: Softening Your Heart for Clarity 61 7. The Alpha and Omega of Clarity: The Ultimate Source of Vision 69 8. Hear the Cloud of Witnesses: Learning from Vision Legacies 75 9. Discover Your Kingdom Concept: How to Ascertain Vision 83 10. Take a Closer Look: Navigating Your Discovery Process 99 PART THREE Articulating Vision 11. See with New Eyes: Defining Your Vision Frame 111 12. Carry the Holy Orders: Mission as Missional Mandate 119 13. Feel the Common Heartbeat: Values as Missional Motives 128 14. Show Me the Way: Strategy as Missional Map 136 15. Talk the Walk: Measures as Missional Life Marks 151 16. Frame the Future: Preparing for a Vision Lifestyle 164 17. Speak with New Tongues: Articulating Vision Proper 178 PART FOUR Advancing Vision 18. Wage War Against the Status Quo: From Articulation to Traction 197 19. Meet Long in the Upper Room: The Secret of Attunement 207 20. Transform the Future: Delivering Vision Daily Parting Thoughts 215 21. Resurrect Your Uniqueness: If You Copy Someone Else’s Vision, Who Will Accomplish Yours? 234 Appendix A Logos and Strategy Icon Examples 237 Appendix B Vision Path Examples 243 Notes 247 Bibliography 255 Acknowledgments 259 About the Author 261 Index 263

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Book SynopsisA practical, compassionate step-by-step guide to help women slow down and reconnect with their inner spiritual lives This gentle and practical guide will help women escape their to-do lists so that they can reconnect with the source of life and spirit-the deep river of their inner lives.Trade Review"Seixas offers no quick fix or hollow slogans. Rather, she delivers carefully considered, gently explained, and tested tools for simplifying life via small but meaningful steps." --Boston Globe, October 2006 "Psychotherapist Abby Seixas ... won't tell you how to tick more items off your to-do list or find time for more activities. Instead, she counsels women to pare down their lives by learning to say no, quieting their inner perfectionists, and taking alone time every day. Seixas' program is a practical antidote to our culture's obsession with having--and doing--it all."--Ladies Home Journal Online "If you can wait at a red light without applying makeup or practicing Italian verbs with a CD, this book is not for you. For the rest of us, Seixas has a message: Slow down!" --Brandeis University MagazineTable of ContentsDeep River Exercises and Practices. Acknowledgments. Introduction. Part One: Thirsting for the Deep River Realm. 1. The Disease of A-Thousand-Things-To-Do. 2. The Deep River Within. 3. Getting Started. Part Two: Touching the Deep River: The Practices. 4. Take Time-In. 5. Make Boundaries. 6. Befriend Feelings. 7. Tame Self-Expectations. 8. Practice Presence. 9. Do Something You Love. Part Three: Keeping the Deep River Flowing. 10. Beyond Self-Care. Victory Log. Notes. Selected Reading. The Author. Index.

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Book SynopsisPopular psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman shows parents how to establish boundaries, gain respect, and turn problem behaviors around with their teenager in five days.

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Book SynopsisMore Than a Million Copies Have Been Sold of this Powerful Book for Men, Now Revised for a New GenerationFor forty years, The Measure of a Man has taught hundreds of thousands of men around the world how to live according to God''s direction--faithfully, lovingly, and spiritually. Now revised this classic guide to biblical masculinity is poised to impact a new generation of men.True masculinity is not measured by the strength of a man, but by these twenty biblical guidelines drawn from the Apostle Paul''s letters to his young protégés Timothy and Titus. Inspiring, encouraging, and practical, this book shows men how they can reach God''s standards as fathers, husbands, and mentors to other men. This updated edition includes QR codes that take the reader to online video resources for further study.

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Book SynopsisThe Scriptures tell us that when we pray the will of God, he delights to answer our prayers. But what is God''s will in any given situation? How can we know it? And if we don''t know it, how can we pray it?Linda Evans Shepherd shows readers that God''s will is not a mystery--it''s clearly laid out in his Word through his many promises. Through stories, practical application, examples of prayers, and guided reflection, Shepherd leads readers toward a more powerful prayer life. Arranged by topic for ease of use, this book shows how to pray God''s promises- of his presence- of love- of peace- of joy- of hope- for provision- for health- for breakthroughs- for our relationships- over children and loved onesShepherd includes a chapter on God''s powerful answers to prayer that will inspire readers to search the Scriptures, pray God''s will, and wait expectantly for his promised answers.

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Book SynopsisPacked full of practical, step-by-step instructions and helpful advice from successful women, this illustrated guide helps girls gain confidence and develop life skills.

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Book SynopsisRobert E. Coleman shows readers Christ's strategy for evangelism, pointing out the unchanging, simple, yet profound biblical principles we can follow to emulate Christ to others.

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Book SynopsisWith more than 200,000 copies sold, this popular book on how to get along with others despite conflict has a fresh look.

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Book SynopsisBestselling author of That's My Son now helps moms use their considerable influence to help their teenage sons become good men.

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Book SynopsisFrom electrified pickles to leaf blower TP launchers, put more fun in family devotions with 52 creative and interactive lessons that teach spiritual truths kids will never forget.

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Book SynopsisCouples with great marriages know one simple truth: the best marriages are made up of many everyday decisions that say 'I love you' rather than those that say 'I love me.' When we put the other person first, even in little ways, we find true fulfillment.This book offers wives powerful, practical, hands-on advice to start applying immediately. Maybe you are just entering into marriage and want to start off on the right foot. Maybe you have made some mistakes along the way and are struggling to connect. Or maybe you want your marriage to go from good to great. Wherever you currently are in your relationship, let Lisa Jacobson help you learn how to love your husband well.

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Book SynopsisWith simple, practical ideas based on scriptural truth, bestselling authors offer 100 easy ways to love your son well and understand what he needs to thrive--and to create a lasting, loving relationship.

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Book SynopsisBestselling author and founder of FaithfulMan.com offers biblically based words of affirmation and love to daily encourage and uplift your wife, cultivating a positive relationship to enjoy the marriage God designed for you.

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Book SynopsisWith simple, practical ideas based on scriptural truth, bestselling authors and founders of Club31Women.com and FaithfulMan.com offer 100 easy ways to love your daughter well and understand what she needs to thrive--and create a lasting, loving relationship.

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Book SynopsisOne of the most wonderful things about walking with God is that we can have an intimate and real relationship with him. He wants us to know him so well that we are comfortable talking to him about anything and everything. Yet, there are times when we feel disconnected and insecure. We desire to grow in prayer, but we don''t know where to begin, what to say, or how to listen for his voice.In She Prays, Debbie Lindell invites you on a 31-day journey to experience a confident and conversational relationship with your heavenly Father. She shows you how to replace the pressure to perform in prayer with a faith-filled expectation--trusting that God is delighted with every conversation and every word we whisper to him. Her desire is that your soul will be transformed as your confidence in prayer grows, and that your faith will be strengthened as you see God work through your prayers in ways you never imagined possible.

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Book SynopsisDoes the thought of hosting a dinner send you into spasms of delight or spirals of dismay? Do you love opening your home to others? Or do you dread even the planning it takes to get a group of friends to arrive at the same restaurant at the same time? We each have our own unique hospitality personality. And when you tap into yours, you''ll find a lot more blessing with a lot less stressing.With personal assessments, encouraging stories, and plenty of practical ideas, Morgan Tyree shows you how to identify and embrace your hospitality personality so you can stop worrying and start enjoying yourself and your guests. She helps you understand your hospitality habits, hurdles, and hang-ups, then offers real-life solutions that fit you.

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Book SynopsisWe all desire to feel seen, treasured, and wanted. Most of us head to social media for it, but the truth is this: only God''s love can fully satisfy us, and he has all the answers. Our Father and King wants to help us filter through the lies, confusion, heartbreak, and expectations of the world as we feast on his Word.With Love Letters from the King, Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien encourages you to swipe out of social media and into Scripture. Through 100 biblical devotions, Tarah-Lynn reveals God''s heart for you as you wrestle with issues of identity, intimacy, pain, and perseverance. Each devotion includes- relatable entries sharing the struggles of young women- prayer prompts to continue your conversation with God- Scripture meditations to dig deeper - biblical affirmations to carry into your dayGod is singling you out to write a love letter that will speak to your situation and soothe your soul. Modes of communication have changed

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Book SynopsisMillennials might endure negative labels from older generations--lazy, broken, entitled, lost--but the most damaging labels are the ones we use on ourselves. Words are powerful. Even when they aren''t true, they can begin to shape our perceptions of ourselves and the decisions we make. Yet the only labels that really matter to this, the largest and most diverse generation yet, are the ones with which God originally designated us. What does he call our generation? Sons and daughters.We are called to change the world and make a huge impact for the kingdom, but we can''t do that if we allow ourselves to believe the limiting labels we hear every day. Instead, Arden Bevere calls you to- know what it means to be a son or daughter of God- see how God uses the seemingly negative things in our lives for good- take control of our thoughts and words and replace them with God''s thoughts and words- find freedom from addiction, fear, doubts, regrets, and mo

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Book SynopsisThis concise look at the major events that helped to shape Christianity is a valuable and insightful resource for pastors, teachers, and history buffs.

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Book SynopsisBiblically based daily words of affirmation, love, and encouragement for your son to help you cultivate a close, loving relationship that will endure as he grows.

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Book SynopsisImagine life with unlimited possibility, where fear, misconceptions, and insecurities don''t have the power to rob us of our potential or our dreams. In Set Free to Live Free, Saundra Dalton-Smith shows women how to break free from seven mental ties that hold them back, including striving for perfection, comparing themselves to others, all-or-nothing attitudes, and more. Through case studies and inspirational writing, she encourages women to embrace spontaneity, be transparent, nurture their bodies, and cultivate a balanced life.

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Book SynopsisDo you long for peace in your life and relationships? Discover how to stop rehashing the past and rehearsing the future and experience the freedom of living wholeheartedly in the present moment.

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Book SynopsisThis bestselling illustrated how-to guide helps boys develop life skills and gain confidence during the transformation from boyhood to manhood. Now in a deluxe gift edition.

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