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Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations
By Robert Schnase. 2007
People are searching for a church shaped and sustained by Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission and…
Service, and Extravagant Generosity. These fundamental practices are critical to the success of congregations. Their presence and strength demonstrate congregational health, vitality, and fruitfulness. By repeating and improving these practices, churches fulfill their mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Robert Schnase astutely weaves theological insight, practical advice, and exemplary stories into an inspiring book for pastors and laity alike. --L. Gregory Jones, Dean and Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School Robert Schnase's words are thoughtful, provocative, and challenging. Any congregation will find encouragement and insight to deepen faithfulness and multiply fruitfulness. --Lovett H. Weems, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary Stimulating. Challenging. Uniquely helpful. Bishop Schnase gives us powerful language, rich examples, and practical suggestions for fulfilling the mission God gives us. --Janice Riggle Huie, Bishop of the Texas Conference of The United Methodist ChurchLiving the Mystical Life Today
By Jim Rosemergy. 2015
LIVING THE MYSTICAL LIFE TODAY is a call to people who yearn to live consciously, to live ordinary lives made…
extraordinary because they are aware of the presence of God in which they live and move and have their being. Imagine facing the challenges of life by following six practical steps rooted in the mystical tradition. LIVING THE MYSTICAL LIFE TODAY can be read in a few hours, but it is a companion for a lifetime.Radiant Truths
By Jeff Sharlet. 2014
Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, wife and political partner of John Quincy Adams, became one of the most widely known women…
in America when her husband assumed office as sixth president in 1825. Shrewd, intellectual, and articulate, she was close to the center of American power over many decades, and extensive archives reveal her as an unparalleled observer of the politics, personalities, and issues of her day. Louisa left behind a trove of journals, essays, letters, and other writings, yet no biographer has mined these riches until now. Margery Heffron brings Louisa out of the shadows at last to offer the first full and nuanced portrait of an extraordinary first lady. The book begins with Louisa's early life in London and Nantes, France, then details her excruciatingly awkward courtship and engagement to John Quincy, her famous diplomatic success in tsarist Russia, her life as a mother, years abroad as the wife of a distinguished diplomat, and finally the Washington, D.C., era when, as a legendary hostess, she made no small contribution to her husband's successful bid for the White House. Louisa's sharp insights as a tireless recorder provide a fresh view of early American democratic society, presidential politics and elections, and indeed every important political and social issue of her time.The Inner Life of Krishnamurti
By Aryel Sanat. 1999
Aryel Sanat's meticulously researched and cogently argued exploration of Krishnamurti's inner life and experiences explodes a number of popular myths…
about Krishnamurti, particularly that he denied the existence of the Theosophical Masters and disdained the esoteric side of the spiritual path. Rather, Sanat persuasively demonstrates, Krishnamurti had a rich and intense esoteric life. Moreover, the truths of the Ancient Wisdom, as revealed through the Masters, were a reality to Krishnamurti every day of his life, from his boyhood until his death.The real story of Krishnamurti's inner life is shown to have critical implications for our understanding of Krishnamurti's life and ideas and for our views of Theosophy, Buddhism, the teachings of Gurdjieff---indeed, the entirety of contemporary spiritual thought.The Way of a Pilgrim
By Helen Bacovcin, Walter J. Ciszek. 1978
This enduring work of Russian spirituality has charmed countless people with its tale of a nineteenth-century peasant's quest for the…
secret of prayer. Readers follow this anonymous pilgrim as he treks over the Steppes in search of the answer to the one compelling question: How does one pray constantly? Through his journeys, and under the tutelage of a spiritual father, he becomes gradually more open to the promptings of God, and sees joy and plenty wherever he goes. Ultimately, he discovers the different meanings and methods of prayer as he travels to his ultimate destination, Jerusalem.The Way of a Pilgrim is a humble story ripe for renewed appreciation today. The recent changes in Russia have revealed the great religious traditions of that land, and this work, freshly translated for modern times, is among the finest examples of those centuries-old traditions.Finding God in a Bag of Groceries: Sharing Food, Discovering Grace
By Laura Willis. 2013
If your pantry was empty, your children hungry, your electricity cut off for nonpayment, and you saw no prospect of…
support, what would you do? For a decade in a rural Tennessee community, you went to a shabby building behind a church and found Laura Willis. Running a program to help the needy, Laura discovered a world of people she never knew: the lonely and unemployed, chronically poor families, and middle-class folks surprised to be struggling in a great recession. And to each, she offered a bag of groceries, a compassionate ear, and a heart of love. Taking a tiny food pantry and watching it grow to feed hundreds, Laura learned about her own hunger for God and began to discern her own spiritual directions, learning how her calling card--a bag of groceries--could be a gift to others and to herself of abundance and grace.The Vinedresser's Notebook: Spiritual Lessons in Pruning, Waiting, Harvesting & Abundance
By Paul Soupisett, Judith Sutera. 2014
Scripture is filled with images and stories of grapevines and vine tending. Yet few modern people have any idea of…
what that entails and the deep levels of symbolism that were intended in the Bible and comprehended by an agrarian people. Written by a vinedresser, theologian, psychologist, and nun, this illustrated gift book centers on a visual meditation combined with short reflections about the spiritual life, extending the spiritual metaphor of the vineyard, the vinedresser, and Jesus' teachings. In some ways it is akin to the adult picture books in the vein of such classics as Hope for the Flowers. The words are simple and few, the pictures clear and evocative, as much a part of the meditation as the words. The Vinedresser's Notebook can be used as 40-day devotional, in a group setting, or as an inspirational book.Deeper Than Words: Living The Apostles' Creed
By David Steindl. 2010
Spiritual teacher and bridge-builder Brother David Steindl-Rast translates the Apostles' Creed for today, uncovering the deeper universal truths that can…
be an inspiration to all people. In Deeper than Words: Living the Apostles' Creed, Brother David reexamines the words with which the early followers of Jesus summarized their faith. Reading line-by-line with an open perspective, he reveals the often overlooked message of trust, compassion, peace, love, and awareness contained in this widely known but rarely examined statement. Deeper than Words moves beyond ritual and exclusivity and instead finds a deeper faith based in real human experience and the sense of limitless belonging that is shared by all people who seek to understand themselves and the world. The words of the Apostles' Creed are Christian, but its heart is a universal and timeless guide to fullness of life. From this transformation perspective, developed over a lifetime of contemplation, Brother David presents a powerful call to renewal through reconnection with the spiritual and a reawakening to shared sacred truths.From the Trade Paperback edition.Reconstruye tu vida (Reposition Yourself)
By T. D. Jakes. 2008
En su œltimo libro, Reconstruye tu vida, el exitoso autor T.D. Jakes brinda consejos que ayudar n a los lectores…
a ajustarse a los muchos cambios que la vida trae. ƒste es un llamado a despertar y hacerte cargo de tu vida ÁAhora! Este libro no s--lo aborda las zonas donde la pasividad o incluso las decisiones torpes han ahogado la creatividad del lector, sino que tambiŽn instruye sobre la manera de controlar los cambios y sacarle el m ximo de provecho a la vida. ValiŽndose del conocimiento adquirido en m s de treinta a-os de ejercer la consejer'a y de trabajar tanto con personas ordinarias como con destacadas personalidades, Jakes abarca la creatividad econ--mica, relacional y espiritual y muestra c--mo el adaptarse a momentos de transici--n en la vida es el camino para una existencia llena de satisfacci--n en todas sus etapas. Reconstruye tu vida ofrece planes concretos para aquellos que aspiran a un futuro m s productivo. Jakes acepta la inevitabilidad del cambio, te ense-a c--mo esperarlo y asumirlo en lugar de temerle. Mezclando conocimientos religiosos y seculares, comparte una combinaci--n singular de f--rmulas pr cticas y pragm ticas pareja a la sabidur'a de la Escritura por la que Žl se destaca. Este libro es sin duda una restauraci--n para el alma. Te capacita para tener Žxito y te ofrece los instrumentos necesarios para alcanzar las ilimitadas posibilidades que resultan de hacer peque-os ajustes en tus ideas y planes. Jakes cree que no hay nada m s importante que la pr--xima decisi--n que vayas a tomar. Antes de hacer otra elecci--n, ÁŽsta es una lectura obligada!The Lost Teachings of Lama Govinda
By Lama Surya Das, Richard Power. 2007
The Lost Teachings of Lama Govinda offers a precious glimpse into the consciousness of an extraordinary scholar and mystic, shedding…
new light on Govinda's legendary role as both a pioneer and a prophet. Born in Germany, Lama Govinda was one of the first Westerners to introduce Tibetan Buddhism as an initiate in the tradition. His famed works, The Way of the White Clouds and Foundations of Tibetan Buddhism, live on as some of the best in the field.In this collection of essays and dialogues, Govinda delivers insights that are both timely and timeless. Ranging in issues and themes, including transpersonal psychology, drugs and meditation, Christianity, Theravada and Zen Buddhism, and the I Ching, editor Richard Power brings together Lama Govinda's rarest material-some never before published, some long out of circulation.Power starts off with a compelling and comprehensive introduction to Govinda's life and work, dividing this section into three parts. These include 1) a biography of Lama Govinda, 2) a perspective on his role in bringing Dharma to the West and his legacy for the 21st Century, and 3) an exploration of the major themes and insights in four of his masterpieces: The Way of the White Cloud, Fundamentals of Tibetan Mysticism, Psycho-Cosmic Symbolism of the Stupa and Creative Meditation and Multi-Dimensional Consciousness.Every chapter of the book is one of Govinda's essays, each standing alone on its own strengths while also fitting together with the others to form a multi-dimensional look at practical Buddha Dharma in relation to Western psychology, mystical Christianity, Chinese Taoist philosophy, and scientific explorations in consciousness. Both beginners of Tibetan Buddhism and those interested in expanding their knowledge of the basic tenets of the tradition will find great value in this book.More Notes from the Universe: Life, Dreams and Happiness
By Mike Dooley. 2008
Sometimes life is like reading a book. Days, weeks, even years just repeat themselves. . . until you turn the…
page. The Universe returns in this second volume of Notes from the Universe, overflowing with even more valuable reminders of the absolute power you have over your life. Whether opened at random or read from front to back, the powerful affirmations penned by author Mike Dooley will have you once again thinking positively, feeling confident, and walking the path to personal fulfillment. It's never been easier, with the inspiration and empowerment of the Universe's eternal love opening all the doors. The secret to manifesting change was unlocked in the first book of the Notes from the Universe trilogy, and the lessons continue here, drawing you ever closer to the life you always dreamed you would live.Beyond Religion
By Ph.D. David N. Elkins. 1998
Is it possible to be spiritual without being religious?This book is aimed at the millions who find that traditional religion…
fails to meet their spiritual needs. Authentic, soul-nurturing spirituality, Elkins shows, can be found in unlikely places, well outside church or temple walls---a therapist's office, a mountain park, an art studio---even your own bedroom.For un-churched Americans hungry for spiritual sustenance, Elkins offers validation of eight nontraditional paths, including counseling and psychotherapy; friendship and community; creative expression; and sacred sexuality.Readers searching for an alternative spirituality that is right for them will find exercises to help them discover a personal path to the sacred and a wealth of innovative practices to make nonreligious spiritual practice a part of daily life.How to Be a Christian: Reflections and Essays
By C. S. Lewis. 2018
From the revered teacher and bestselling author of such classic Christian works as Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters comes…
a collection that gathers the best of C S Lewis s practical advice on how to embody a Christian life The most famous adherent and defender of Christianity in the twentieth century C S Lewis has long influenced our perceptions and understanding of the faith More than fifty years after his death Lewis s arguments remain extraordinarily persuasive because they originate from his deep insights into the Christian life itself Only an intellectual of such profound faith could form such cogent and compelling reasons for its truth How to Be a Christian brings together the best of Lewis s insights on Christian practice and its expression in our daily lives Cultivated from his many essays articles and letters as well as his classic works this illuminating and thought-provoking collection provides practical wisdom and direction Christians can use to nurture their faith and become more devout disciples of Christ By provoking readers to more carefully ponder their faith How to Be a Christian can help readers forge a deeper understanding of their personal beliefs and what is means to be a Christian and strengthen their profound relationship with GodEncountering Truth
By Pope Francis, Antonio Spadaro, Federico Lombardi. 2015
Experience the morning homilies of Pope Francis and witness how he continues to change the life of the Catholic Church.…
Shortly after seven in the morning, Pope Francis gives a brief homily in the little Vatican chapel of Saint Martha, in front of an audience that is always different: gardeners, office workers, nuns and priests, as well as a growing group of journalists. It is a set appointment, and in some ways a revolutionary innovation, where a pope speaks to everyone, off the cuff, without any written text, as he would have done as a parish priest. Encountering Truth is a collection of highlights from these homilies from March 2013 to May 2014. Along with summaries by Radio Vaticana (who recorded and transcribed the homilies) and commentary by Father Antonio Spadaro, SJ, these reflections provide moments of inspiration, simplicity, and a glimpse into the papal world very few ever get to experience.Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Literature
By C. S. Lewis. 1998
This entertaining and learned volume contains book reviews, lectures, and hard to find articles from the late C. S. Lewis,…
whose constant aim was to show the twentieth-century reader how to read and understand old books and manuscripts. Highlighting works by Spenser, Dante, Malory, Tasso, and Milton, Lewis provides a refreshing update to medieval and Renaissance criticism, and equips modern readers to understand these works in a new way.Sri Lanka Style
By Dominic Sansoni, Channa Daswatte. 2006
Sri Lanka Style showcases over 30 of the finest traditional and modern dwellings in Sri Lanka, from private homes to…
retreats and resorts, all designed by the island's most creative architects and interior designers including some by the world-renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa that have never been seen before. These houses demonstrate the essentials of the Sri Lankan lifestyle-spaces open to the environment and the natural use of space and decor-and contribute to a palpable sense of peace and discipline. In addition, there are practical design ideas that can be applied to any tropical locale.The Wonder of Children
By Michael Gurian. 2002
With The Wonder of Girls and The Wonder of Boys, bestselling author Michael Gurian presented his groundbreaking views on parenting.…
Now, with the same breadth of vision and depth of commitment, he puts forth a practical design for better nurturing the souls of our sons and daughters. The Wonder of Children offers Michael Gurian's scientifically argued steps toward better care of our children's souls. You'll learn how and why to: Increase bonding and attachment in the family and bring the extended family back into the raising of children. Control a child's media use and expand time spent in the natural world. Guard against damaging brain stressors that can trigger disorders such as depression and substance abuse. Examine the potential toxicity of a child's daily schedule. Increase the time children spend in spiritual process, understanding the mysteries of life, and experiencing joy and a sense of belonging. A passionate and practical guide, The Wonder of Children puts forth a finely wrought argument for greater attention to the spiritual side of childhood.The Lost Teachings of Lama Govinda
By Lama Surya Das, Richard Power. 2007
The Lost Teachings of Lama Govinda offers a precious glimpse into the consciousness of an extraordinary scholar and mystic, shedding…
new light on Govinda's legendary role as both a pioneer and a prophet. Born in Germany, Lama Govinda was one of the first Westerners to introduce Tibetan Buddhism as an initiate in the tradition. His famed works, The Way of the White Clouds and Foundations of Tibetan Buddhism, live on as some of the best in the field. In this collection of essays and dialogues, Govinda delivers insights that are both timely and timeless. Ranging in issues and themes, including transpersonal psychology, drugs and meditation, Christianity, Theravada and Zen Buddhism, and the I Ching, editor Richard Power brings together Lama Govinda's rarest material--some never before published, some long out of circulation.The Golden Thread
By Richard Smoley, Joscelyn Godwin. 2007
The Golden Thread traces the interconnectedness of esoteric wisdom in the Western world, from classical antiquity to contemporary Europe and…
America. Joscelyn Godwin lends personal perspective to an arrangement of text that is historical and wisdom that is timeless, creating a source of inspiration that calls us to action in our everyday spiritual practice. Every chapter, therefore, makes reference to some aspect of contemporary life and issues of immediate concern. Elegantly written and not without irony and humor, readers will appreciate the non-threatening tone of Godwin's writing, which is not meant to preach or convert but rather inform the public on an often baffling field. Educated readers who are curious about the esoteric and mystery traditions and interested in finding surprising, new approaches to subjects that veer away from the trends of current thought will be particularly drawn to this book.Beyond Religion
By David N Elkins. 1998
Let David Elkins, psychologist and former minister, show you how to find authentic, soul-nurturing spirituality outside church or temple walls.…
Discover your personal path to the sacred and explore new ways to bring nonreligious spirituality into your life.