Search results for ""jewish lights publishing""

Ten Amazing People shows kids that spiritual people can have an exciting impact on the world around them. Ten Amazing People uses vibrant pictures, fascinating profiles, and a wealth of intriguing information to bring to life the passion and actions of some of the past century's greatest leaders. Through thought, deed, and determined spiritual lives, these amazing people changed our world for the better. Coming from different backgrounds and faiths, representing different cultures and countries from around the globe, all of them had one thing in common: the belief that they had the power to make a difference by helping other people. This important and inspiring book is for children, parents, teachers, and librarians who care about what these ten amazing people cared about—peace among nations, protecting the environment, helping the poor and disadvantaged, racial equality, and making the world a better place. Ideal for character education. • Black Elk • Dorothy Day • Malcolm X • Mahatma Gandhi • Martin Luther King, Jr. • Janusz Korczak • Mother Teresa of Calcutta • Albert Schweitzer • Thich Nhat Hanh • Desmond Tutu

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Faith is the secret foundation of many lives-including, as this book reveals, the lives of many people we admire and look to for inspiration. In this moving book, soul-searching conversations unearth the importance of spirituality and personal faith for more than forty artists and innovators who have made a real difference in our world through their work. Seeing the ways that these lives have been strongly-even miraculously-affected by faith will serve as an inspiration to discover the spirit of God at work in your own life and work. Joanna Laufer's writing has appeared in numerous literary journals. She is a freelance editor, and an interviewer who specializes in the fields of religion and literature. Kenneth S. Lewis is a documentary film and television director of programs that focus on music and religion. He has received the CableAce award for his work

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Children from around the world show us God in ways that we may have forgotten! "When I looked out my window at the changing seasons, I didn't really see anything at all. My eyes were focused on my work and all the tasks I had to do each day.... Then one morning...racing to get to work, I caught a glimpse of the fiery red leaves of a Japanese maple tree in late autumn. For a moment I stopped in my tracks. It was a wake-up call. 'There is a world out there,' I thought, 'and a world beyond that world. And you,' I said to myself, 'are missing both. If this is what it means to be an adult, you need to find a way to see the world more like a child.'" from the introduction What does God do? How do we let God in? If you met God, what would you say? Here are the "theological" answers of young spiritual thinkers from around the world, representing more than twenty different religious traditions. In sharing how they see God, they'll help you to see God in new ways. In a poetic language of images all their own, these children re-awaken us to the mysteries and wonders of the universe, and lead us to our own understanding of the spiritual.

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The Gospels have been used to justify self-focused, self-absorbed and self-referential attitudes, and are often read as moralistic codes that do little more than produce guilt and fear in those who use them as compilations of behaviour. Yet break free from the rigidity of many translations and you find testament to a new way of living focused on friendship, emotional intimacy and respect of all beings. In his fresh and life-giving translation of the Gospels, beginning with the Book of Matthew, best-selling author and spiritual innovator Thomas Moore strips the Gospels of their theological agendas and reclaims them as a radically new way of imagining human life. He blends scholarship and pastoral guidance to highlight the Gospels' teachings on earthly, rather than otherworldly, living in which community, compassion, inclusiveness, prayer and healing are key elements. He draws deeply from Greek philosophy, literature and spirituality to craft an accurate and challenging yet accessible translation that, free of religious moralism and dogmatism, is beautifully imaginative and inspirational. His accompanying commentary cracks open words and concepts presented in the Gospels to reveal new meanings that are profoundly spiritual and non-exclusive. He explains hidden references to ancient Greek gods and goddesses and shows surprisingly how the Gospels teachings are similar to teachings of other traditions, such as Taoism and Buddhism. Rich in both soul and spirit, this extraordinary translation and commentary is for people of all spiritual and philosophical backgrounds who want to nourish their spiritual lives with expansive inspiration rather than narrow and negative interpretations.

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This is a prayer book for every day of the year for people who don't usually think about using a prayer book. Drawing on a wide variety of resources - lives of saints and sages from every age, psalms, guides for personal reflection and suggestions for practice - Rev. Larry J. Peacock offers helpful guidance for anyone hungry for a richer prayer life. Each day's reading has four parts: · Remember a notable person of faith or a significant event · Read a psalm or another scripture passage · Ponder that day's scripture or person of faith · Practise a variety of different ways to pray, including prayer through play, music and physical movement This new edition features the addition of ancient and modern sages from inside and outside the Christian tradition as well as updated resources for deepening your spiritual life throughout the year.

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Everyone seeks forgiveness at some point in their lives-in families, from friends, in workplaces, in communities or from ourselves. While we all need forgiveness to repair or let go of broken relationships, how to seek forgiveness and conquer the barriers that prevent forgiveness often elude us. Drawing on insights from many fields-communication, psychology, counselling and theology-as well as the authors' original research, the authors provide specific guidance about the personal journey toward forgiveness and offer a variety of tools toward achieving this goal: Ways to understand the relationship between forgiveness, apology and reconciliation, and the conditions that make reconciliation appropriate or inappropriate; The elements of effective apologies; Recent research findings to help readers understand the psychological, relational and spiritual complexities of forgiveness; Real-life examples of people in various stages of forgiveness; How to assist others to forgive in families, friendships, the workplace and communities; Reflection questions to help readers-individuals or groups, personal use or in counselling settings-explore their own relationship with forgiveness.

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Beloved teacher, Rev. Jane E. Vennard, leads an inner exploration of the hopes and fears, joys and frustrations, gifts and limitations that influence teachers of all kinds - teachers like you - every day. Drawing on her own experience as well as stories from many teachers in conventional and unconventional settings, she inspires you to reconnect to your original desire to open minds and hearts to learning. With reflection questions, practices and activities, she helps you reinvigorate your passion for your vocation, your students and your subject, thus recognising how teaching is a sacred art. "Through stories, information and reflection, we [will look] inward, going more deeply into the discovery of who we are, not only as teachers but also as women and men for whom teaching is only a part of life. I believe the deepest calling . is the call to be who we truly are." ¯from Chapter Seven, "Teaching Who We Are"

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Even as the subject of spirituality in the workplace is gaining momentum, surveys show the number of workers satisfied with their jobs is decreasing. The Workplace and Spirituality aims to correct this drop in morale by helping business leaders restore meaning and purpose to the workplace. Each of the twenty contributors in this anthology is a business leader, teacher, speaker, or writer on the topic of workplace spirituality, representing the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and South America. Together, they offer a comprehensive and clear understanding of what it takes, and what it means, to be a "spiritual workplace." Written for business leaders, students of business management, policy-makers, and rising leaders. Includes notes, references, and index. Sample chapters include: . "The S-Word Revisited: New Horizons in Workplace Spirituality" . "Love and Truth: The Golden Rules of Leadership" . "Creating Edgewalker Organizations: Nurturing the Spiritual Leaders of Tomorrow" Dr. Joan Marques, Dr. Satinder Dhiman and Dr. Richard King are co-founders of the Business Renaissance Institute in Pasadena and co-authors of Spirituality in the Workplace.

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A joyful, welcoming book developed out of the author's twenty-year experience of leading women's retreats and groups. It invites women to go out into nature and look for the metaphors that have meaning for them, offering a path for a woman's journey, through nature, to her authentic, spiritual self. Combining creativity, playfulness and spiritual depth, Dr. Chickerneo poses eight life-changing questions that use the image of a clear flowing "wellspring" as a personal symbol of wholeness: Awakening: What in nature do you see as valuable and what does that tell you about yourself? Grounding: What in nature is a metaphor for who you are and who you want to become? Energising: Who were you before your wellspring became unclear? Transforming: How do you feel about transforming the condition of your wellspring? Clearing: What do you need to let go of in order to clear your wellspring? Nurturing: What does your wellspring need to flow again? Belonging: Are you in harmony with a clear wellspring? Balancing: How can you maintain a clear flowing wellspring while giving to others?

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The result of a nationwide survey of experts in leading universities and seminaries, as well as leading representatives of dozens of religious traditions and spiritual persuasions, this authoritative list of seventy-five includes martyrs and mystics, intellectuals and charismatics from East and West. Their lives and wisdom are now easily accessible in this inspiring volume. A celebration of the human spirit, ideal for both seekers and believers, the curious and the passionate, thinkers and doers. Spiritual Innovators profiles seventy-five remarkable people together in one accessible volume. Each profile includes: . Synopsis of innovator's life and the evolution of their spiritual leadership and influence. . Inspiring quotes-words of wisdom indicative of the innovator's life and teachings. . A guide to further examination of their works, ideas, organisations, movements, legacy. . Resources for more in-depth study.

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With ever-increasing pressures building in our lives, we often slip into believing that the world is a burdensome place. As a result, our souls tighten, our hearts become dull and our joy slowly drains away. Yet it doesn't have to be this way. Through penetrating reflections and practical tips for uncovering the blessed wonder in our lives "even in trying circumstances" Jay Marshall shows you how to recapture the goodness, holiness and abundance that saturate our world. The secret lies in opening yourself to divine blessings, which inspires thankfulness and responding by sharing that spirit with others in acts of thanking and blessing. Practices that will change your perspective and your life, include: Expectant Waiting - slowing down to perceive the presence of the Divine within you Sacramental Living - experiencing the Sacred in every situation Walking Cheerfully - cultivating a positive disposition "Answering that of God" in Others-elevating everyday interactions to the realm of spiritual discovery Whatever your spiritual tradition, this thoughtful book will help you rediscover your profound connection to God, to others and to the world.

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For some people, the Bible's perspectives on sex may seem too one-dimensional or antiquated to apply to modern-day life. Others may hold up the Bible as the ultimate moral guideline when it comes to sex and human sexuality. A close reading of the Bible reveals that while its rules and lessons about sex and sexuality may not be applicable to all people at all times, this sacred scripture does offer surprising insight into our modern sexual lives. This intriguing guide demystifies the Bible, synthesising basic historical, theological, literary and linguistic ideas about the Bible's texts with our modern attitudes about sex. Thoughtful new translation and provocative commentary bridge the divide between biblical authority and our present-day views on gender roles, marriage, sexual orientation, virginity, lust and sexual pleasure. Drawing from Hebrew and Christian scripture, it examines the ways that the language of religion and the language of sex intersect. Now you can discover what the Bible says about sex with no previous background in theology or religious history. This SkyLight Illuminations edition offers insightful and engaging commentary that explains the historical context and religious worldviews of those who wrote the Bible as well as the role their perspectives play in current social debates. You will be encouraged to form your own opinion about what the Bible has to say about sex and gain a deeper understanding of your own sexuality.

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The yoga way maintains that spiritual quest is not a matter of choice but a vital necessity for total well-being. This comprehensive guide for spiritual seekers of all faiths and backgrounds presents a roadmap to Self-knowledge the goal of spiritual quest and shows that reconnecting with the centre of your being your true Self is real tangible and attainable. Exploring the route to spiritual fulfilment through the teachings of Yoga and Vedanta Swami Adiswarananda outlines the meaning of spiritual quest the nature of and the preparations necessary for the journey and the milestones you will use to chart your progress. He also draws from the sacred texts of these time-tested traditions to address the vital questions that often trouble spiritual seekers such as: · Which spiritual path should I follow? · How can I attain liberation? · What are the dangers and obstacles on the spiritual path? · How do I control the restless mind? · Why are there many religions and what is the way to interfaith unity?

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HOW DOES GOD LISTEN? encourages children to use all of their senses to explore and develop a personal relationship with God. How does God listen? How do we know God is listening to us? How Do I Know that God is listening? I can't see God. Well there are lots of things we can't see yet we know they are there. Children will find the answers to these questions as they engage their senses while the story unfolds learning how God listens in the wind, waves, clouds, hot chocolate, perfume, our tears and our laughter. The simple yet profound text, accompanied by vibrant colourful photographs, captures the experiences common to children of all faiths and backgrounds as they begin to understand the many ways God listens to us. Filled with wisdom and love HOW DOES GOD LISTEN? delights the senses and expands the ways we think about God and God's presence in our lives. HOW DOES GOD LISTEN? teaches children - and the rest of us - that God is everywhere and that the world is full of wonder. For ages 3-6

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Discover How Whitmans Spiritual Life and Vision Can Enlighten Your Own Whitmans collected poems and prose are not an object or icon to be gazed upon or revered but a transparency we look through to see ourselves with greater clarity, excitement, and meaning. They wake us up to our potential, to learning about and from ourselves. To experience his writing is to experience ourselves more deeply. from the Preface by Gary David Comstock Walt Whitman was the most innovative and influential poet of the nineteenth century. The self-proclaimed American Bard, Whitman challenged his contemporaries to resist conforming to society and shocked them with his embrace of the sensual. But beneath his manifesto for social revolution lies a vigorous call for spiritual revolution as well. This beautiful sampling of Whitmans most important poetry from Leaves of Grass, and selections from his prose writings, offers a glimpse into the spiritual side of his most radical themeslove for country, love for others, and love of Self. Whitman seeks to tear down the belief that the spiritual resides only in the religious and embraces the idea that nothing is more divine than humankind, nothing greater than the individual soul. Rich with passion, reverence, and wonder, this unique collection offers insight into Whitmans quest for self-discovery, which involved an ongoing mystical experience of the world. Though seemingly personal, his verse speaks to universal harmony and universal love, optimism and joy, and celebrates the outwardly mundane details of life through words electrified with love and spirit.

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Growing up in the late 1800s Black Elk saw that the American Indian way of life was in great danger of disappearing. In his old age he told his life story in great detail to writer John Neihardt allowing the spiritual beliefs ceremonies and religion of the Plains Indians to be preserved and passed on to new generations of Indian people. Black Elk fulfilled his vision of protecting his people as the Great Spirit had told him he was meant to do. Through historically accurate illustrations and photos inspiring age-appropriate activities and Black Elk's own words this colourful biography introduces a remarkable person to children in a way they can understand and enjoy. Includes resources for parents and teachers a list of important words to know and a calendar of important events in the life of Black Elk. Ages 7 upwards

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Inspiration & Information for those who want more from college than just a degree. Who do you want to be? Are you spiritual? Religious? Still figuring it out? Regardless of where you are, college is an intense time of choices, challenge, and growth. Full of opportunities to learn from students from around the country and many different faith traditions, Spirituality 101 is the perfect companion for college students seeking spiritual fulfillment on campus. Including practical, hands-on advice and information from experienced faculty and student affairs professionals, this is your indispensable guide to the choices and possibilities available throughout your college experience, and beyond. Spirituality 101 also offers more than 40 personal student reflections—sometimes funny, sometimes serious, always honest and wise—that will motivate and energize you to explore your own questions and commitments. Your complete guide to navigating a spiritual life on campus: Finding Your Place: Who Do You Want to Be? Reading, Writing, and Religion: Spirituality in the Classroom and Beyond The Club Scene: Membership and Leadership in Campus Organizations Sex, Drugs, and Rock’n’ Roll: Spirituality and Your Social Life Turning Points: Spiritual Awakening or Crisis of Faith? Assumptions, Intolerance, Hate, and a Hope for Something Better Hey, What Does That Mean? Talking with Others about Your Spirituality Significant Others: Family, Friends, and Mentors Taking It Off Campus A Cap, a Gown, and a Commitment to Faith

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Ramakrishna experienced the truth of all religions inspiring seekers of every creed. Now his 'gospel' is made accessible to all readers. Ramakrishna is India's greatest example of God-consciousness and mystical ecstasy in recent history. He became known to the world not merely as a saint but as a divine incarnation and a 'supremely realised self'. His message has inspired millions of devotees for more than a century - and now his teachings are made accessible to many more. Introduces the fascinating world of the Indian Mystic and the universal appeal of his message. Now readers can explore this classic text without any prior knowledge of Hinduism. Selections of his teachings include · How to see God and live in the world · Religious harmony · The dynamics of spiritual awakening · The spiritual power of the Feminine · Prayer and meditation Selections from the original text and insightful yet unobtrusive facing page commentary highlight the most important and inspiration teachings.

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Insights from a pioneering leader in world religion, on the intersections of the sacred & the secular. "As Christians—indeed as people of faith of any tradition—we are called to tend to the needs of the least among us. Our response to them must be the response of faith. God gives us a new heart to do this work, and every time we gather to do it, God offers a pacemaker jolt to tweak our heart's rhythm. The challenge is this: will our hearts respond with a strengthened beat, in tune with God's own heartbeat, sending more life out into the world?" —from the Introduction Explore our connections—as human beings with each other, as one nation with all other nations, as the human species with the whole of our environment—through the lens of faith. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, examines these connections as she looks at the intersections of faith with the major issues of our day: How does faith speak to poverty, climate change, the economy, health care, and what is the faith response? How can believers from many faith traditions find common ground while honoring the Divine, serving one another, and creating deeper community? How do we best use the resources of faith to connect us to the hearts of our neighbors and to the heart of God?

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A lesson in hope for every child who has worried about what comes next. Now a board book based on Adam & Eve's First Sunset! Adam and Eve were enjoying their first day on Earth when they noticed the sky growing darker, the sun drifting toward the ground. Without the sun's heat and light, the night grew cold and dark. Adam and Eve were frightened. What was God doing? Was God taking away the sun? With the first sunset, Adam and Eve learn how to get through the night and not be afraid of the dark. And when the new day dawns, they bless God for creating the day and the night.

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This engaging introduction to Thich Nhat Hanh will show you how one person can accomplish big things. This colorful book introduces you to the world of Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the most amazing people of the twentieth century—and today. You will be inspired as you learn about Thich Nhat Hanh’s life—from his work to end the war in Vietnam, to his eventual founding of the Plum Village community in France—and his teachings about peace and "mindfulness" in the world. Through enjoyable biography, activities inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh’s values and beliefs, and poems written by the teacher himself, Thich Nhat Hanh: Buddhism in Action will show you how to be braver, more caring, and happier in your own life.

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The complete guide to spirit-filled speech and speaking with spirit "This book is a spiritual guide to using the holy gift of speech. It is a ... how-to ... grounded in a humble way of being, expressing an attitude of gratitude toward the tongue, in the knowledge that speech is a gift from God and we have a choice to use our mouths virtuously, in the most humble and searching sense of that word." —from the Introduction So much of our time is spent in conversation, yet little time is devoted to thinking about the words we choose to use, or the manner in which we speak. Taking the time to make our words count—to make our speech sacred—can lead to positive changes in our lives, and improve our relationships with others. Sacred Speech is a personal, warm-hearted approach to a complex matter—how we can use speech in holy ways. Drawing support from literary and spiritual sources, Rev. Donna Schaper offers compelling advice from her own experience as a clergyperson, teacher, partner, and parent, empowering us to: Acknowledge the Divine in the words we use Use speech to maximize the possibility of love and care Use speech to minimize fear Link, connect, and contact with others through words A clear invitation to improve our communications with others, Sacred Speech is ideal for spiritual and religious leaders, professionals who work in multifaith settings, the politically correct and the not-so politically correct, and anyone who wants to do more than simply "watch what they say."

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The monastic experience demystifiedan essential guide to what its like to spend a week inside a Catholic monastery. A life of quiet, work and prayer, monasticism has been a part of the Christian spiritual tradition for over 1,700 years, and it remains very much alive today. This book offers you a personal encounter with daily life inside the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemani, Kentucky, as you might encounter it on a one-week retreat. Including a detailed guide to the monastic places in North America that receive visitors, as well as a detailed glossary, Making a Heart for God is an excellent introduction for anyone interested in learning about monastic spiritualityand it is also the perfect preparation for your first retreat experience. Whether youre simply curious about whats behind the mystery, or interested in experiencing it firsthand, this is the ideal handbook. Also included are a helpful glossary of terms and a listing of monasteries throughout North America that receive visitors.

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A spiritual guidebook for bringing prayer into our bodies The power of words is nowhere more evident than when we use them to pray, but prayer is also the place where we most often come up against the limitations of words. In this intriguing book of reflections and accompanying photographs, we see how our bodies, in particular our hands, can give meaning to our prayers in a way that words alone cannot. Here are twenty-one simple ways of using our hands to speak to God, presented in word and image. These spiritual practices are from a broad range of religious traditions—from Anglican to Sufi, from Buddhist to Shaker. Some may be familiar, some new; all demonstrate the universal importance people of all faith traditions have given to embodied prayer. They teach us to experience the unique spiritual enrichment that can be found when we pray with our hands.

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