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The Garden and the Fire: Heaven and Hell in Islamic Culture
by Nerina RustomjiIslamic conceptions of heaven and hell began in the seventh century as an early doctrinal innovation, but by the twelfth century, these notions had evolved into a highly formalized ideal of perfection. In tracking this transformation, Nerina Rustomji reveals the distinct material culture and aesthetic vocabulary Muslims developed to understand heaven and hell and identifies the communities and strategies of defense that took shape around the promise of a future world.Ideas of the afterworld profoundly influenced daily behaviors in Islamic society and gave rise to a code of ethics that encouraged abstinence from sumptuous objects, such as silver vessels and silk, so they could be appreciated later in heaven. Rustomji conducts a meticulous study of texts and images and carefully connects the landscape and social dynamics of the afterworld with earthly models and expectations. Male servants and female companions become otherworldly objects in the afterlife, and stories of rewards and punishment helped preachers promote religious reform. By employing material culture as a method of historical inquiry, Rustomji points to the reflections, discussions, and constructions that actively influenced Muslims' picture of the afterworld, culminating in a distinct religious aesthetic.
The Garden and the Fire: Heaven and Hell in Islamic Culture
by Nerina RustomjiIslamic conceptions of heaven and hell began in the seventh century as an early doctrinal innovation, but by the twelfth century, these notions had evolved into a highly formalized ideal of perfection. In tracking this transformation, Nerina Rustomji reveals the distinct material culture and aesthetic vocabulary Muslims developed to understand heaven and hell and identifies the communities and strategies of defense that took shape around the promise of a future world.
The Garden at the Edge of Beyond (The Beyond Trilogy #1)
by Michael PhillipsA journey into a realm beyond imagination gives one man a glimpse into his own spirituality through messages of faith, hope, and love. A man lies down for a normal night of sleep and inexplicably awakens to find himself in a surreal garden bursting with fantastic aromas and colors.A succession of “tour guides’ come and go, helping him to interpret the landscape’s fragrant messages, each one a clue on the journey to discover his true self, and, ultimately, the Creator of the Country Beyond.“One night, a 48-year-old man undergoes a truly odd experience. He awakens in a strange world, where he is able to discuss theology with such entities as a Scotsman and an Englishman, meant to be the well-known Christian theologians George MacDonald and C.S. Lewis . . . Phillips brings off this unexpected premise surprisingly well . . . a wonderful starting point for some great debate.” —Library Journal
Garden Blessings: Prose, Poems and Prayers Celebrating the Love of Gardening
by June CotnerGarden Blessings is an eloquent tribute to the wonders of the garden, a place where our souls are nourished and memories grown. June Cotner is a legend in the world of gift books with her inspirational books that have sold nearly one million copies. Her books comprise a balance of about 20 percent classic and famous writers and 80 percent lesser-known, award-winning writers, which results in discovering many selections not found anywhere else. Ranging from childhood memories of planting and harvesting to celebrations of the changing seasons to contemplation on the joyful art of gardening, Garden Blessings is a moving collection of poems, prayers, and reflections that remind us of what really matters--making and sharing memories. Our gardens grow us and this collection of readings takes us down a path of pleasure. The overriding intention of Garden Blessings is to provide a heartwarming, spiritually-focused collection of uplifting prayers, prose, and poems that share a common joy and appreciation for the love of gardening and the many blessings that gardens bring to our lives. June Cotner, a #1 inspirational author, has gathered a bounty of garden blessings here, offering gems of wisdom that remind the reader and gardener in all of us just how much we learn from our gardens.
Garden Blessings
by June CotnerGarden Blessings is an eloquent tribute to the wonders of the garden, a place where our souls are nourished and memories grown. June Cotner is a legend in the world of gift books with her inspirational books that have sold nearly one million copies. Her books comprise a balance of about 20 percent classic and famous writers and 80 percent lesser-known, award-winning writers, which results in discovering many selections not found anywhere else. Ranging from childhood memories of planting and harvesting to celebrations of the changing seasons to contemplation on the joyful art of gardening, Garden Blessings is a moving collection of poems, prayers, and reflections that remind us of what really matters-making and sharing memories.Our gardens grow us and this collection of readings takes us down a path of pleasure. The overriding intention of Garden Blessings is to provide a heartwarming, spiritually-focused collection of uplifting prayers, prose, and poems that share a common joy and appreciation for the love of gardening and the many blessings that gardens bring to our lives. June Cotner, a #1 inspirational author, has gathered a bounty of garden blessings here, offering gems of wisdom that remind the reader and gardener in all of us just how much we learn from our gardens.
Garden City: Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human.
by John Mark ComerYou’ve heard people say “Who you are matters more than what you do”. Does the Bible really teach that? In Garden City, popular pastor and speaker John Mark Comer gives a fresh take on our calling and our purpose, with a surprisingly counter-culture take. Through his creative and conversational style, Comer takes a good look at Genesis and the story of a man, a woman, and a garden. He unpacks God’s creation and his original intent for how we are meant to spend our time. Here, you’ll find answers to questions like “Does God care where I work?” “What about what I do with my free time or how much rest I get?” “Does he have a clear direction for me?” Practical and theologically rich, Garden City speaks to twenty and thirty-somethings who are figuring out next steps and direction in their lives. Garden City is the Purpose Driven Life for the next generation—the book that helps us answer why we are here and what should we do about it.
The Garden Gate
by Christa J. KindeThe Pomeroys pull together in the aftermath of the storm that shook West Edinton—and Prissie’s faith—to its very foundations. Letting go proves difficult, and holding on takes all of her courage. With the encouragement of a brother who’s in on her secret, Prissie finds her feet. With the help of the bane who’s now a brother, she takes a stand. As spring comes to the orchard, a cryptic remark from Abner hints at West Edinton’s long-kept secret. A beloved aunt returns from overseas. A faded angel takes up residence atop the Pomeroys’ refrigerator. A treasured friend must say goodbye. While ranks of the Faithful rally to defend what’s most precious, Prissie discovers that angels aren’t the only ones who are Sent.
The Garden Girls (FBI: Strange Crimes Unit #3)
by Jessica R. Patch"A perfect storm of thrilling suspense and intricate plot twists that will leave readers breathless!&” --Nancy Mehl, author of the Ryland & St. Clair seriesOn a remote Outer Banks island, a serial killer collects his prized specimens. And to stop him, an FBI agent must confront his own twisted past. FBI agent Tiberius Granger has seen his share of darkness. But a new case sets him on edge. It&’s not just the macabre way both victims—found posed in front of lighthouses—are tattooed with flowers that match their names. There&’s also the unsettling connection to the woman Ty once loved and to the shadowy cult they both risked everything to escape. Bexley Hemmingway&’s sister has gone missing, and she&’ll do anything to find her—including teaming up with Ty. That may prove a mistake, and not just because Ty doesn&’t know he&’s the father of her teenaged son. It seems the killer is taunting Ty, drawing everyone close to him into deeper danger.As the slashing winds and rain of a deadly hurricane approach the coast of North Carolina, the search leads Ty and Bex to an island that hides a grisly secret. But in his quest for the truth, Ty has ignored the fact that this time, he&’s not just the hunter. Every move has been orchestrated by a killer into a perfect storm of terror, and they will need all their skills to survive…More chilling novels from Jessica R. Patch: Her Darkest Secret A Cry in the Dark
Garden of Dreams (Full Circle/circle Of Friends Ser.)
by Leslie GouldThe story of loyal friendship, a passion for gardening and art, a love of family, and deep faith in God, "Garden of Dreams" illustrates that faithful readers can go where He leads.
The Garden of God: Toward a Human Ecology
by Pope Benedict XVIIn this collection of his writings, Pope Benedict XVI speak to the important relationships between the environment, Catholic social teaching, and theology. During his papacy, Pope Benedict XVI repeatedly drew attention to the environment. He spoke of preserving it, such as his address concerning the Amazon rainforest and his letter regarding the Arctic, and of distributing its vital resources—such as water—more equitably. Benedict led by example when the Vatican became the first carbon-neutral country in the world. This book collects Benedict&’s many audiences, addresses, letters, and homilies on a wide range of topics dealing with the world about us. The major themes and connections he explores include creation and the natural world; the environment, science, and technology; and hunger, poverty, and the earth&’s resources. In these pages, Benedict insists that if we truly desire peace, we must consciously nurture all of creation. He speaks in favor of alternative energy while speaking out against the spread of nuclear weapons and threats to biodiversity. He urges sustainable development, equitable distribution of food and water, and an end to hunger. In summation, Benedict argues that our love of God should cause us to protect the environment, and that in turn, our heightened appreciation of the natural world will draw us closer to God.
Garden of Madness
by Tracy L. HigleyThe untold story of King Nebuchadnezzar's daughterFor seven years the Babylonian princess Tiamat has waited for the mad king Nebuchadnezzar to return to his family and to his kingdom. Driven from his throne to live as a beast, he prowls his luxurious Hanging Gardens, secreted away from the world.Since her treaty marriage at a young age, Tia has lived an opulent yet oppressive life in the palace. But her husband has since died and she relishes her newfound independence. When a nobleman is found murdered in the palace, Tia must discover who is responsible for the macabre death, even if her own freedom is threatened.As the queen plans to wed Tia to yet another prince, the powerful mage Shadir plots to expose the family's secret and set his own man on the throne. Tia enlists the help of a reluctant Jewish captive, her late husband's brother Pedaiah, who challenges her notions of the gods even as he opens her heart to both truth and love.In a time when few gave their hearts to Yahweh, Tia must decide if she is willing to risk everything--her possessions, her gods, and her very life--for the Israelites' one God. Madness, sorcery, and sinister plots mingle like an alchemist's deadly potion as Tia chooses whether to risk all to save the kingdom--and her family."The biblical story of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar's seven years as a madman, found in the Old Testament Book of Daniel, deepens and broadens thanks to veteran author Higley's historical research and vivid imagination . . . Readers will find much to enjoy here: fine writing, suspense, mystery, faith, love, and a new look at an old story." --Publishers Weekly"Higley gives readers a dose of biblical history set in King Nebuchadnezzar's palatial gardens and a character like no other in Tiamat, devoted daughter of a king gone mad. The author's insights into a woman's inner strength as she searches for the one true God will leave readers rejoicing."--Romantic Times TOP PICK "Her story will appeal not just to readers of historical fiction but also to those with an interest in biblical history." --Booklist
The Garden of Martyrs
by Michael C. WhiteA Catholic parish is torn apart when two of its members are accused of murder The year 1806 is not a good time to be Catholic in Boston. When a man is brutally killed on the Boston Post Road, two unsuspecting Irishmen are charged with the crime. For five months they rot in prison, denied a lawyer until just two days before the hearing. It is a mockery of justice—a one-day trial that results in a unanimous verdict: The Irishmen will be hanged, dissected, and dismembered. Comforting them falls to Father Cheverus, a French émigré struggling to adapt to life in the New World. It is his duty to help the condemned find peace, but any overture he makes to the prisoners will be met with an anti-Catholic backlash that could destroy his fledgling congregation. As he walks a fraught path, the priest must decide: Is his obligation to his flock, or to God?
The Garden of My Imaan
by Farhana ZiaIt's hard enough to fit in without also having to decide whether to fast for Ramadan or wear the hijab.Aliya already struggles with trying to fit in, feeling confident enough to talk to the cute boy or brave enough to stand up to mean kids—the fact that she's Muslim is just another part of her life. But then Marwa, a Moroccan girl who shares Aliya's faith if not her culture, moves to town. Marwa's quiet confidence leads Aliya to wonder even more about who she is, what she believes, and where she fits in. In a series of letters to Allah she writes for a Sunday school project, Aliya explores her dreams and fears, hoping that with hard work and faith, something beautiful will grow in the garden of imaan—the small quiet place inside where belief unfolds, one petal at a time.This award-winning novel from author and educator Farhana Zia captures the social and identity struggles of middle school with a fresh, new voice.
A Garden of Prayer: A Family Treasury
by Jenna Bassin and Jane LahrAn exquisitely illustrated collection of more than 100 beautiful prayers drawn from centuries of Christian faith across the globe. Chosen for their poetry as well as their enduring power to inspire, the prayers collected in this volume reflect the historical and cultural breadth of the Christian tradition. The selection includes prayers from four continents and many centuries—composed in the flower of youth and the fullness of maturity, uttered in sorrow, thanksgiving, doubt, and transcendence. A Garden of Prayer brings together the words of Saints, including Thomas Aquinas and Francis of Assisi, as well as authors ranging from Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Merton and from John Donne to Robert Louis Stevenson. It also features powerful, anonymous prayers from the Christian communities of Ghana, Ireland, and elsewhere. The prayers are arranged in five sections that correspond to the changing seasons—spring, summer, fall, winter, and returns to the transcendent spring. The beauty of the prayers is enhanced by illustrations throughout the book, including full-color illuminations that begin each section.
The Garden of Ruth
by Eva Etzioni-HalevyA historical novel imagines the riveting story behind the Book of Ruth. Sitting beneath a tree in ancient Bethlehem, Osnath, niece of the prophet Samuel, examines a dusty scrap of parchment she found hidden in her relative's scroll room. Scrawled on the decaying page is an intriguing message addressed to Ruth the Moabite great-grandmother of David, the future king of Israel. Compelled to discover the truth about Ruth's life, Osnath begins searching for the identity of Ruth's nameless lover and the secret that is cloaked behind his anonymity. But as she digs deeper into the past, she finds her inquiries blocked by David's brother Eliab. What is the long-buried truth he fears will come to light? And what is the threat that Ruth's story poses to his family's vast inheritance? Eva Etzioni-Halevy's novel deftly interweaves history and fiction to create a compelling exploration of a prominent biblical figure. Told through the voices of both Osnath and Ruth herself, The Garden of Ruth transports readers into the ancient world and offers a dramatic and thought-provoking new perspective on a well-known tale.
The Garden of Ruth
by Etzioni-Halevy EvaA historical novel imagines the riveting story behind the Book of Ruth Sitting beneath a tree in ancient Bethlehem, Osnath, niece of the prophet Samuel, examines a dusty scrap of parchment she found hidden in her relative's scroll room. Scrawled on the decaying page is an intriguing message addressed to Ruth the Moabite-great-grandmother of David, the future king of Israel. Compelled to discover the truth about Ruth's life, Osnath begins searching for the identity of Ruth's nameless lover and the secret that is cloaked behind his anonymity. But as she digs deeper into the past, she finds her inquiries blocked by David's brother Eliab. What is the long-buried truth he fears will come to light? And what is the threat that Ruth's story poses to his family's vast inheritance? Eva Etzioni-Halevy's novel deftly interweaves history and fiction to create a compelling exploration of a prominent biblical figure. Told through the voices of both Osnath and Ruth herself, The Garden of Ruth transports readers into the ancient world-and offers a dramatic and thought-provoking new perspective on a well-known tale.
The Garden of Truth: Knowledge, Love, and Action
by Seyyed Hossein NasrThe headlines are filled with the politics of Islam, but there is another side to the world's fastest-growing religion. Sufism is the poetry and mysticism of Islam. This mystical movement from the early ninth century rejects worship motivated by the desire for heavenly reward or the fear of punishment, insisting rather on the love of God as the only valid form of adoration. Sufism has made significant contributions to Islamic civilization in music and philosophy, dance and literature. The Sufi poet Rumi is the bestselling poet in America. But in recent centuries Sufism has been a target for some extremist Islamic movements as well as many modernists. The Garden of Truth presents the beliefs and vision of the mystical heart of Islam, along with a history of Sufi saints and schools of thought. In a world threatened by religious wars, depleting natural resources, a crumbling ecosystem, and alienation and isolation, what has happened to our humanity? Who are we and what are we doing here? The Sufi path offers a journey toward truth, to a knowledge that transcends our mundane concerns, selfish desires, and fears. In Sufism we find a wisdom that brings peace and a relationship with God that nurtures the best in us and in others. Noted scholar Seyyed Hossein Nasr helps you learn the secret wisdom tradition of Islam and enter what the ancient mystics call the "garden of truth." Here, liberate your mind, experience peace, discover your purpose, fall in love with the Divine, and find your true, best self.
The Garden Resonates: A Gospel Emerging Generations Can Believe In
by Chris FolmsbeeWithin the church today there are five generations represented: Traditional, Boomers, Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z. Each generation has value and influences the church community, but research indicates that churches are not engaging Millennials and Generation Z for the purpose of making lasting disciples and that a trend of decline has developed. There will always be a “next generation” to reach. The Garden Resonates will equip church leaders with a framework for sharing the gospel in relevant and compelling ways to the emerging generations. It reframes the gospel narrative and provides leaders with practical help to reverse the trend of decline while weaving a new story of growth and vibrancy.
Garden to Garden: Through the Bible from Eden to Eternal Paradise
by Marian Jordan EllisDiscover God's redemptive plan for humanity as you embark on a journey from garden to garden—from Eden to eternity. The Bible tells a singular and unified story. While it contains sixty-six individual books written over thousands of years, it reveals one unified message—the story of how God redeems humanity from sin and death and makes all things new. Scripture is God-breathed. Opening its pages, we discover who we are, why we are here, what happened to us, our eternal destiny, and how we live and breathe from day to day through God's redeeming love and His unconquerable grace. In Garden to Garden, readers discover how God moved through human history—from the garden of Eden to the promise of eternity—to restore us to His presence. Marian Jordan Ellis, the founder of This Redeemed Life Ministry, walks alongside readers as they journey through the Bible in an entirely fresh and unique way through this collection of short devotional readings that lead the reader through the story arc of God&’s great redemptive plan. Readers will come to understand that although the weeds of sin, shame, and blame grow wild in the human heart, our longing for Eden—our true home—always remains. A holy invitation to know and be known by the Living God, Garden to Garden will enhance your knowledge of God's Word, provide you with a greater understanding of how to flourish in His grace, and reveal how Jesus makes all things new! While echoes of Eden fill the human heart, Garden to Garden points us home, to abide in the glorious and beautiful garden distinguished by the Presence of God.
The Garden Within: Where the War with Your Emotions Ends and Your Most Powerful Life Begins
by Dr. Anita PhillipsNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER | WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLERToo often we&’ve been taught to view our emotions with suspicion, seeing them as something to be suppressed, managed, or mastered. This isn&’t true. Emotions are not your enemy. Internal war is not your destiny. You were created to flourish. In this game-changing book, trauma therapist and mental health expert Dr. Anita Phillips reveals how embracing emotion is the key to living your most powerful life. Just as gardens thrive in good ground, the abundant life you&’ve been seeking can only be grown in the soil of your heart.Blending faith, the latest discoveries in neurobiology, and her own research and work as a licensed therapist, Dr. Anita shows you how to cultivate a state of emotional well-being that can: strengthen your body and reverse the effects of trauma,calm anxiety and renew your mind, andunleash a new level of spiritual power in your life.This book will equip you with the tools you need to nurture a part of yourself that has been misunderstood for too long — your heart — setting you free to live just as the Creator intended. AUTHENTIC. FRUITFUL. POWERFUL
The Gardener's Helpers: A DoveStories Tale (DoveStories #1)
by Joann ClaypooleIn book one of this Christian chapter book series, two doves are charged with keeping Adam and Eve from succumbing to the serpent’s evil influence. When God first created the world, He hung the sun and the moon in the sky, He filled the oceans and carved the mountains—and then, in His first garden, He created the very first flying creatures—Coo and Flutter, two very special doves on a mission of love. In The Gardener’s Helpers, Coo and Flutter are given the important job of guiding and protecting Adam and his mate, Eve. Coo’s wacky ways and selfish desires blind him to the true mission God set out for him. He believes he can easily accomplish this seemingly simple task on his own. But when Flutter, his mate, discovers that Eve is missing, Coo finally takes the lead in a race against time to save her from the evil one. Tragically, they are too late. But God’s gift of forgiveness prepares Coo for the incredible journey that lies ahead. His mission is not over . . . it’s about to begin.
Gardening Eden: How Creation Care Will Change Your Faith, Your Life, and Our World
by Michael AbbateBefore the snake,the apple,and the Ten Commandments,God created a garden..."Spiritual environmentalism" did not start out as an oxymoron-it was an invitation. Yet today, many believe God's first job description for humankind has been replaced by other "worthier pursuits". Why has this simple instruction become so controversial? How does one sort through all the mixed messages? Is changing our lives to save the world really our responsibility-or even possible?Gardening Eden invites you to consider a new, spiritual perspective to practical environmentalism. The question is not whether our souls find expression and inspiration in our incredible planet, but how best to preserve that fundamental connection. Green living is no longer a fad-simple lifestyle solutions are now available to everyone. Discover creation care as an act of worship and a call to deeper harmony with our Creator, our fellow gardeners, and our living Earth. Gardening Eden is the primer in how this shift will transform not only our world, but your very soul.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Gardening The Soul: Mindful Thoughts and Meditations for Every Day of the Year
by Stanislaus KennedySister Stan, as she is affectionately known, was brought up on a farm in Dingle, County Kerry, one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland. It was there that she learnt to appreciate the earth, its stillness and its energy, its beauty and its bounty.In this hugely powerful and evocative book, Sister Stan looks to the earth that is so precious to our existence for inspiration throughout the year. Reflecting the garden's changing rhythms through the seasons, Gardening the Soul offers us a daily thought to keep us going as we face the challenges of modern life.All our moods are covered here... * in January, when there is silence in the garden, she looks at Solitude in our soul...* in March, with emergence in the garden, she offers Hope...* in August, when there is fullness and abundance everywhere, there is Blessing, and* in October, the time of harvest, there is Harmony Comforting and insightful, Gardening the Soul is an inspirational daybook of lessons gleaned from the wisdom of nature.
Gardens and Ghettos: The Art of Jewish Life in Italy
by Vivian B. MannThis title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1989.This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived</DIV
Gardens in the Desert: How the Adaptive Church Can Lead a Whole New Life
by Michael Adam Beck Kenneth H. Carter Jr.Your church can thrive in this strange new world!Many church people and leaders feel like exiles in their own land. We are facing tremendous challenges. And, just as for those who came before us, the challenges are also opportunities. If we adapt to our new environment, as people and as the body of Christ. Gardens in the Desert offers local and denominational church leaders a practical, inspired, scripture-rooted vision for how we can do this—how we can become God’s church now for God’s intended future. Michael Adam Beck and Ken Carter draw from Jeremiah 29 to provide wise guidance for leaders and churches seeking to adapt and thrive. Jeremiah’s imperatives resonate deeply today, compelling us to experiment, cultivate new relationships, prioritize faith-sharing with people of all ages, interact with others in humility, to “seek the wellbeing of the other,” and to move forward with confidence. The chapters are brief and packed with practical ideas and instruction. The authors include ideas from leaders inside and outside the Church, offering multiple ways for leaders to see and understand what it means to be an adaptive leader and how to shape an adaptive church. The book is rich with lists, diagrams, illustrations, clarifying questions, and frameworks, making the material easy to grasp. It is an excellent resource to share with leadership teams at every level of the local church and in denominational settings. Gardens in the Desert is for laity, leaders, and clergy who have been feeling lost, immobilized, powerless—as exiles—and who are ready to do something new.