- Table View
- List View
South of Everything: A Novel
by Audrey Taylor GonzalezForeWord Reviews&’ IndieFab Book of the Year &“Editor&’s Choice Award&” Independent Publisher Awards Bronze &“Best Regional Fiction South&” Winner of International Book Awards in &“Religious Fiction&” Category Set in 1940s Germantown, Tennessee, South of Everything is a magical coming of age story about the daughter of a plantation-owning family, who, despite her privileged background, finds more in common with &“the help&” than her own family. She develops a special kinship with her parents&’ servant Old Thomas, who introduces her to the mysterious Lolololo Tree––a magical, mystical tree with healing powers that she discovers is wiser than any teacher or parent or priest. Her connection with the Lolololo Tree opens her eyes to the religious and racial prejudice of her surroundings and readers will root for her to fight against injustice and follow her heart to meet her fate.
Southeast Asian Muslims in the Era of Globalization
by Ken Miichi Omar FaroukThis volume investigates the appropriate position of Islam and opposing perceptions of Muslims in Southeast Asia. The contributors examine how Southeast Asian Muslims respond to globalization in their particular regional, national and local settings, and suggest global solutions for key local issues.
Sparks of Majesty: A Treasury of Inspirational Stories of Exalted Acts & Noble Deeds
by Genendal Krohn63 true vignettes, in 12 categories, of inspiration. The book is a collection from a frum (traditional Orthodox) author. A glossary and index are included. Areas of focus are Sparks of: Sensitivity, Nobility, Chinuch, Prayer, Kiddush HaShem, Self-Control, Hashgachah Pratis, Commitment, Repentance, Integrity, Torah, and Insight. An extensive glossary and index are included.
Speak Like A Pro: 10 Commandments of Public Speaking
by Comfort Ocran Albert OcranLearn more about good habits of public speaking that will inspire, entertain and educate your listeners
Speaking Well: Essential Skills for Speakers, Leaders, and Preachers
by Adam HamiltonThe thought of speaking in publicstrikes fear in the hearts of many. But we are often called upon tospeak, teach, preach, or make presentations in our work and personallives. In Speaking Well, Adam Hamilton offers nineteen powerful tips and tactics that lead to excellent speaking in any setting. "One of today’s masters instructs us in the art of public speaking. I wish I’d had this book twenty years ago!" —Cal Turner, retired CEO of Dollar General "A great and fun book for all who speak in public . . ." —Jerre Stead, Chairman and CEO of IHS Inc."Adam teaches us how to use the gift of words effectively and in ways that elevate and inspire those who hear them. " —Irvine O. Hockaday Jr., retired President and CEO of Hallmark Cards (1985–2001) "This little book will improve your preparation, content, delivery, and impact." —Patricia Farris, Senior Minister, First United Methodist Church, Santa Monica, CA "Want to be a better speaker? Readthis book! It will remind you of things you know but have forgotten andwill give you new practices to follow." —O. Wesley Allen Jr., Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX "An unbelievably helpful pocket resource . . ." —Frank Thomas, Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, IN "If you want to become a better public speaker, take lessons from a master." —Mike Bonem, speaker, consultant, and author of Leading from the Second Chair
Speaking with Nature: Awakening to the Deep Wisdom of the Earth
by Sandra Ingerman Llyn RobertsConnecting with nature and nature beings to help heal us and the Earth • Provides experiential practices to communicate with nature and access the creative power of the Earth • Shares transformative wisdom teachings from conversations with nature beings, such as Snowy Owl, Snake, Blackberry, Mushroom, and Glacial Silt, exploring the role of each in bringing balance to the planet Nature and the Earth are conscious. They speak to us through our dreams, intuition, and deep longings. By opening our minds, hearts, and senses we can consciously awaken to the magic of the wild, the rhythms of nature, and the profound feminine wisdom of the Earth. We can connect with nature spirits who have deep compassion and love for us, offering their guidance and support as we each make our journey through life. Renowned shamanic teachers Sandra Ingerman and Llyn Roberts explain how anyone can access the spirit of nature whether through animals, plants, trees, or insects, or through other nature beings such as Mist or Sand. They share transformative wisdom teachings from their own conversations with nature spirits, such as Snowy Owl, Snake, Blackberry, Mushroom, and Glacial Silt, revealing powerful lessons about the feminine qualities of nature and about the reader’s role in the healing of the Earth. They provide a wealth of experiential practices that allow each of us to connect with the creative power of nature. Full of rich imagery, these approaches can be used in a backyard, in the wilderness, in a city park, or even purely through imagination, allowing anyone to communicate with and seek guidance from nature beings no matter where you live. By communing and musing with nature, we learn how to speak to the spirit that lives in all things, bringing balance to us and the planet. By tapping into the feminine wisdom of the Earth, we evoke a deep sense of belonging with the natural world and cultivate our inner landscape, planting the seeds for harmony and a natural state of joy.
Speech Communication: A Redemptive Introduction
by Donald H. AlbanSpeech Communication helps Christian college student develop a Biblical understanding of communication and challenges them to apply it to their intended occupations in a way that makes a redemptive difference in the world. It introduces Christian students to public speaking as a mode through which they can engage people in a way that advances what God values.
Spellcraft for a Magical Year: Rituals and Enchantments for Prosperity, Power, and Fortune
by Sarah BartlettDraw upon beneficial universal energy at any time in the year to maximize your spell success! Using planetary, solar, and other natural influences, as well as the ancient power of pagan holidays, goddess energy, and traditional festive dates, Spellcraft for a Magical Year gives a month-by-month guide to spells, rituals, and enchantments.This comprehensive almanac by the renowned Sarah Bartlett includes important celebrations. Discover which spells work best on Sabbats, Halloween or All Soul's Day; as well as days devoted to deities from world spiritual traditions such as Greek Demeter, Hindu Durga, or Persian god, Baal. Spellcraft for a Magical Year reveals specially designed spells and rituals for all major dates to benefit you and your loved ones. Follow step-by-step instructions for performing the rituals, using talismans or amulets, and casting spells around New and Full Moons, solstices, and equinoxes. There is also a unique guide to bewitchments according to the apparent path of the sun through the sky to boost fertility, love, creativity, prosperity and well-being.This eclectic spell book also uses invocations, blessings, talismans and amulets drawn from a wide range of traditional magic practice from around the world, including medieval grimoires, ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian magical tablets, Greco-Roman Magic texts, all completely updated for the modern-day witch. By working with the cycles of nature, you can stay in tune with the rhythms of the universe to help manifest your dreams.
Spent Matches: Igniting the Signal Fire for the Spiritually Dissatisfied (Refraction)
by Roy MoranSpent Matches explores the possibility that a few small paradigm shifts within the church might make the difference between extinction and effectiveness. In fact, taking a clue from the automobile industry, the church might be able to not only halt the rapid decay in attendance but also become an effective tool in achieving Jesus' final command. For instance, the Hybrid car has become the answer to Detroit's environmental and oil crisis issues. Finding the synergy between two technologies, gas and electric has created a new day for the auto industry. Likewise, Spent Matchesexplores how the church can find synergy between two seemingly competing thoughts: an invitation to come and a command to go. The Hybrid metaphor brings energy to the church's mission and an explanation to the age-old argument of Missional versus Attractional methods. Features include: Innovative ideas for growing the church Methods to reach those who may never have attended church Scripture passages that touch on the subject of church growth
Spinoza's Critique of Religion and Its Heirs
by Idit Dobbs-WeinsteinSpinoza's heritage has been occluded by his incorporation into the single, western, philosophical canon formed and enforced by theologico-political condemnation, and his heritage is further occluded by controversies whose secular garb shields their religious origins. By situating Spinoza's thought in a materialist Aristotelian tradition, this book sheds new light on those who inherit Spinoza's thought and its consequences materially and historically rather than metaphysically. By focusing on Marx, Benjamin, and Adorno, Idit Dobbs-Weinstein explores the manner in which Spinoza's radical critique of religion shapes materialist critiques of the philosophy of history. Dobbs-Weinstein argues that two radically opposed notions of temporality and history are at stake for these thinkers, an onto-theological future-oriented one and a political one oriented to the past for the sake of the present or, more precisely, for the sake of actively resisting the persistent barbarism at the heart of culture.
Spinoza's Critique of Religion and Its Heirs: Marx, Benjamin, Adorno
by Idit Dobbs-WeinsteinBy focusing on Marx, Benjamin, and Adorno, Idit Dobbs-Weinstein explores the manner in which Spinoza's radical critique of religion shapes materialist critiques of the philosophy of history.
Spirit Talk: A Book of Days
by Minisa CrumboNever forget, we are sacred beings. We all seek power. We all want happiness. There is no shame or blame in serving our own highest good first and in recognizing that the highest good functions best when it is in healthy and balanced relationship with the Creator. Spirit Talk speaks to us of the first gifts of life and breath bequeathed to us from the Creator. These gifts, life and breath, upon our beautiful Mother Earth and Father Sky-Sun, guide and inform the reader's life and breath through a twelve-month calendar cycle. Keen observation of the calendar and seasonal cycles guides the reader through the highest of creative intelligence cycles--those of the ancient, earth-based Medicine Wheel Teachings. These wisdom cycles inform, anchor, and empower core creative principles of connected love, balance, and harmony. A balanced and harmonious relationship with the Creator serves to put an end to painful perceptions of separation with the self and, most importantly, the Creator. The dedication of time and the making of seasonally focused spirit talks with the Medicine Wheel will inform and foster an environment of shared respect and connection with oneself and with all living things. We no longer sit alone but are alive and active in a living world. The old people say, "It's not whether you will do it, but whether you will remember to do it. " Spirit Talk helps us to remember and to do in a good way.
Spirit of God: Christian Renewal in the Community of Faith (Wheaton Theology Conference Series)
by Jeffrey W. BarbeauEstrelda Y. AlexanderAllan Heaton AndersonJeffrey W. BarbeauOliver D. CrispTimothy GeorgeGregory W. LeeMatthew LeveringDouglas PetersenSandra RichterKevin J. VanhoozerGeoffrey WainwrightMichael WelkerAmos YongBeth Felker Jones
Spirits in Transcultural Skies
by Niels Gutschow Katharina WeilerThe volume investigates the visualization of both ritual and decorative aspects of auspiciousness and protection in the form of celestial characters in art and architecture. In doing so, it covers more than two and a half millennia and a broad geographical area, documenting a practice found in nearly every corner of the world. Its transcultural approach aims at gaining insights into cultural dynamics and consistent networks and defining new historical mindmaps; it examines reciprocal effects and aspects of interwovenness in art and architecture with a view to reconceptualizing their established realms. The collection opens a window on a phenomenon in the history of art and architecture that has never before been considered from this perspective. The book focuses on a transcultural iconography of aerial spirits, goddesses and gods in art history, pursuing a methodologically innovative approach in order to redefine and develop the practice of identification and classification of motifs as a means to understanding meaning, and attempting to challenge the categories defined by academic disciplines.
Spiritual Abuse: Religion at Its Worst (Hope for the Heart)
by June HuntGet practical advice on how to minister to someone whose trust in God has been shattered by spiritual abuse and find out key ways to protect yourself from this subtle manipulation.Spiritual abuse — whether through the twisting of scripture or threatening behavior — inflicts immense emotional pain and blocks spiritual growth. It is one of the most common forms of abuse in the church today and it often goes undetected, masking itself as "truth from a man of God." In this 96-page book, find out how to recognize the signs of spiritual abuse and how to know when leaders, pastors, or even spouses are using the Word of God to manipulate you (and others). Find out biblical truths and practical advice on how to:• Recognize warning signs of spiritual abuse (Includes helpful checklists)•Distinguish between law and grace—(What does God really expect of me?)•Begin to heal from spiritual abuse•Respond to common arguments that fuel spiritual abuse, including:• Shouldn't you honor those in authority?• Is there no law for Christians to live by?• What's the difference between legalism and biblical obedience? Spiritual Abuse Defined—What is Spiritual Abuse? June Hunt starts this minibook with a definitions section where she explains each word associated with spiritual abuse. Easily see how spiritual abuse has been around since the Garden of Eden as June walks you through key verses showing the different ways spiritual leaders abused their power even in the Bible, such as the Pharisees during the time of Jesus. In this section she answers common questions:• What is spiritual abuse? What is legalism? • What are the warning signs of spiritual abuse?• What characterizes spiritually abusive leaders?• How can I recognize the manipulation?This minibook will shed light on the characteristics of spiritual abuse, words used in abusive conversations, methods of manipulation, and examples of what victims may experience when dealing with an abusive leader or group. Find out why it can be easy to get trapped into legalism and how protect yourself from being vulnerable to this type of manipulation again. How Can I Leave a Spiritually Abusive Group? How Can I Heal? Packed with scripture, practical advice, and helpful insight, the last section titled "Steps to Solution" gives you practical advice on how to put an end to spiritual and emotional abuse with:• 3 "tests" to determine a man-made sin from a real sin • 4 ways to respond in a spiritually abusive situation (includes how to set boundaries)• 8 keys to move from a mindset of legalism to grace • Honesty test for those who may be abusive• And much more! Jesus came to set the captives free-yet some in the church today want to keep you bound— bound to man-made laws and shackled to the need for man's approval. Christian counselor, June Hunt, shows you how to move out from under the weight of legalism and guilt into the peace, acceptance, and freedom God wants for you.
Spiritual Assessment in Social Work and Mental Health Practice
by David HodgeSpirituality often plays a critical role in health and wellness, yet few have explored in detail the process through which practitioners can identify and use clients' spiritual strengths to their mutual advantage. To address this gap, this practice-oriented text equips helping professionals with the tools they need to administer spiritual assessments ethically and professionally. David R. Hodge outlines a number of assessment approaches, including an implicit method for evaluating "secular" forms of spirituality. Case examples illustrate the implementation of these strategies in different clinical settings and with groups from diverse racial, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Spiritual Care with Sick Children and Young People: A handbook for chaplains, paediatric health professionals, arts therapists and youth workers
by Paul Nash Sally Nash Kathryn DarbyExploring both principles and best practice of the spiritual care of sick children and young people, this remarkable and inspiring book equips the reader to think critically and creatively about how to provide care in hospitals, hospices and other care contexts for ill and disabled children. Written for staff from any allied health discipline, the authors explore the potential spiritual needs and issues faced by sick children and young people. They provide evidence-based practice principles, and a range of activity-based interactions that empower the child or young person and expand discussion of meaning and identity. The book includes stories and multidisciplinary practice examples, as well as many ideas; practical activities; discussion of work with families, and also of the various tensions and issues that can emerge. Based on evidence-based practice and research carried out by the Chaplaincy Team at Birmingham Children's Hospital, the book will be helpful and inspiring reading for chaplains, nurses, play and youth workers, therapists and anyone else involved in the care of sick children and young people.
Spiritual Counsels of Father De Caussade
by S.J. de CaussadeJean-Pierre de Caussade, of the Society of Jesus in France, was one of the most remarkable spiritual writers in the 18th Century. His works have gone through many editions and have been republished, and translated into several foreign languages. In these Counsels, De Caussade's repeated advice is to welcome the gifts from God that can only be experienced in the present moment. This abandonment to God won't always give us the things we think we want, but it will give us peace.
Spiritual Well-Being of Chinese Older Adults
by Vivian W. Q. LouThere are several unique features of this book on the spiritual well-being of Chinese older adults. First, based on qualitative methodology, a conceptual model of spiritual well-being was proposed. Besides, through a Delphi study, different dimensions of spiritual well-being were identified. Conceptually, such effort is important because there is a general lack of well-articulated models of spiritual well-being for Chinese people. Although Western models can be "transplanted" to Chinese contexts, indigenous concepts are needed. As such, this is a pioneer conceptual contribution. Second, the author developed and validated the Spiritual Scale for Chinese Elders. In view of the lack of related measurement tools in the field, this is a pioneer attempt which is important for social work education, research and practice. Third, a Spiritual Enhancement Group for Chinese Elders was developed and its effectiveness was evaluated. In contrast to ordinary elderly programs, this program was based on solid theoretical grounds. In addition, process evaluation and outcome evaluation were conducted. The intervention program is a beautiful link between theory and practice whereas the evaluation is a good outgrowth of practice. The present project is especially valuable because evidence-based practice is at its infancy in different Chinese communities.
Spirituality of Gratitude: The Unexpected Blessings of Thankfulness
by Joshua Choonmin Kang2015 Readers' Choice Award WinnerDeep-Rooted in Christ
Spiritually Strong: The Ultimate 6-Week Guide to Building Your Body and Soul
by Kristen FeolaSpiritually Strong is a six-week program designed to help you get in better shape spiritually and physically. As Timothy says, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (4:8). This book teaches you how to train yourself in godliness through the implementation of six disciplines—Bible study, prayer, fasting, healthy living, financial stewardship, and serving others. By exercising your spiritual core on a daily basis, you will learn to: Study the Bible and understand what God is saying to you. Pray with power. Incorporate periodic fasting into your life. Honor God with your body through nutritious eating and exercise. Practice good stewardship of the resources God has given you. Serve others in humility as an outward demonstration of God’s love. As you learn to submit to God in each of these areas of your life, you’ll discover the joy that accompanies self-discipline. Your daily steps of obedience will translate into giant strides in your walk with the Lord.
Sponsoring Sufism
by Fait MuediniSponsoring Sufism examines why various governments are looking to sponsor Sufi groups within their countries. While these government initiatives are premised on preventing the rise of violent extremism, this book suggests these governments are also advocating Sufism for other reasons. This includes the misconception that by sponsoring Sufism, the government leaders believe this will further help them stay in power, as Sufis are often perceived to be "apolitical," and thus not a threat to the state. Some leaders, recognizing the level of influence that Sufi masters or sheikhs have in society, have looked to increase their ties with Sufi orders in order to further establish their own religious legitimacy. This is important in some cases, where the biggest political challengers to a number of these governments are non-violent Islamist groups, who use the message of Islam, coupled with extensive social programs, when running in elections.
Spreading Buddha's Word in East Asia: The Formation and Transformation of the Chinese Buddhist Canon (The Sheng Yen Series in Chinese Buddhist Studies)
by Lucille Chia Jiang WuA monumental work in the history of religion, the history of the book, the study of politics, and bibliographical research, this volume follows the making of the Chinese Buddhist canon from the fourth century to the digital era. Approaching the subject from a historical perspective, it ties the religious, social, and textual practices of canon formation to the development of East Asian Buddhist culture and enlivens Chinese Buddhist texts for readers interested in the evolution of Chinese writing and the Confucian and Daoist traditions.The collection undertakes extensive readings of major scriptural catalogs from the early manuscript era as well as major printed editions, including the Kaibao Canon, Qisha Canon, Goryeo Canon, and Taisho Canon. Contributors add fascinating depth to such understudied issues as the historical process of compilation, textual manipulation, physical production and management, sponsorship, the dissemination of various editions, cultic activities surrounding the canon, and the canon's reception in different East Asian societies. The Chinese Buddhist canon is one of the most enduring textual traditions in East Asian religion and culture, and through this exhaustive, multifaceted effort, an essential body of work becomes part of a new, versatile narrative of East Asian Buddhism that has far-reaching implications for world history.
Spring Brides: A Year of Weddings Novella Collection (A Year of Weddings Novella)
by Lenora Worth Rachel Hauck Meg MoseleyHappily ever after begins today. The honor of your presence is requested at three spring weddings . . .A March Bride by Rachel HauckSusanna Truitt (Once Upon a Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She&’ll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, Susanna&’s heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God's plan for her.An April Bride by Lenora WorthBride-to-be Stella Carson cannot wait another day to marry soldier Marshall Henderson. But when Marshall returns home to Louisiana, it becomes clear to them both that he is not the man he used to be.With only weeks until the wedding, Stella and Marshall must choose between a marriage built on the past and faith in long-ago love or a very different future than the one Stella imagined.A May Bride by Meg MoseleyEllie Martin, a country girl living in Atlanta, has dreamed of a traditional wedding all her life, but she&’s missing a key ingredient to her plans for the future: a groom. Then Ellie meets Gray Whitby—at a wedding of all places. But when Ellie jeopardizes her own future for the sake of her sister, Gray feels like he'll always be second to Ellie's family. Can Ellie and Gray find their own way together amidst the demands and perceptions of others, or will their romance end before it has truly begun?
Spy of Richmond (Heroines Behind The Lines Ser.)
by Jocelyn GreenWhen living a lie is the right thing to doThe Confederate capital in the height of the Civil War: no place for a Union loyalist. But just the place for a spy. Her father a slaveholder, her suitor a Confederate officer, and she an abolitionist, Sophie Kent must walk a tightrope of deception in her efforts to end slavery. As suspicion in Richmond rises, Sophie&’s espionage becomes more and more dangerous. If her courage will carry her through, what will be lost along the way—her true love, her father, her life?Series note:Spy of Richmond is a work of fiction inspired by first-person accounts of Union loyalists and Confederates living in Richmond during the Civil War. This is the fourth and last book in the series Heroines Behind the Lines: Civil War, which offers an inside look at women&’s contributions during times of war. For more information about the series, visit heroinesbehindthelines.com.