- Table View
- List View
Impossible People: Christian Courage and the Struggle for the Soul of Civilization
by Os GuinnessECPA 2017 Christian Book Award Finalist The church in the West is at a critical moment. While the gospel is exploding throughout the global south, Western civilization faces militant assaults from aggressive secularism and radical Islam. Will the church resist the seductive shaping power of advanced modernity? More than ever, Christians must resist the negative cultural forces of our day with fortitude and winsomeness. What is needed is followers of Christ who are willing to face reality without flinching and respond with a faithfulness that is unwavering. Os Guinness describes these Christians as "impossible people," those who have "hearts that can melt with compassion, but with faces like flint and backbones of steel who are unmanipulable, unbribable, undeterrable and unclubbable, without ever losing the gentleness, the mercy, the grace and the compassion of our Lord." Few accounts of the challenge of today are more realistic, and few calls to Christian courage are more timely, resolute—and hopeful. Guinness argues that we must engage secularism and atheism in new ways, confronting competing ideas with discernment and fresh articulation of the faith. Christians are called to be impossible people, full of courage and mercy in challenging times.
Impossible Realities: The Science Behind Energy Healing, Telepathy, Reincarnation, Precognition, and Other Black Swan Phenomena
by Maureen CaudillImpossible Realities is one of the first books to examine the science behind psychic and paranormal activity. A former Defense Department expert on artificial intelligence, Maureen Caudill provides evidence for a wide range of paranormal phenomena.Impossible Realities presents a wealth of anecdotal and empirical evidence to prove the existence (and power) of:psychokinesis (most famously spoon bending)remote viewingenergy healingtelepathy, animal telepathyprecognitionsurvival after deathreincarnationCaudill presents the strongest case yet for bringing paranormal phenomena from the margins into the realm of the normal and credible. This is a book both for true believers and skeptics alike.
The Impossible State: Islam, Politics, and Modernity's Moral Predicament
by Wael HallaqWael B. Hallaq boldly argues that the "Islamic state," judged by any standard definition of what the modern state represents, is both impossible and inherently self-contradictory. Comparing the legal, political, moral, and constitutional histories of premodern Islam and Euro-America, he finds the adoption and practice of the modern state to be highly problematic for modern Muslims. He also critiques more expansively modernity's moral predicament, which renders impossible any project resting solely on ethical foundations. The modern state not only suffers from serious legal, political, and constitutional issues, Hallaq argues, but also, by its very nature, fashions a subject inconsistent with what it means to be, or to live as, a Muslim. By Islamic standards, the state's technologies of the self are severely lacking in moral substance, and today's Islamic state, as Hallaq shows, has done little to advance an acceptable form of genuine Shari'a governance. The Islamists' constitutional battles in Egypt and Pakistan, the Islamic legal and political failures of the Iranian Revolution, and similar disappointments underscore this fact. Nevertheless, the state remains the favored template of the Islamists and the ulama (Muslim clergymen). Providing Muslims with a path toward realizing the good life, Hallaq turns to the rich moral resources of Islamic history. Along the way, he proves political and other "crises of Islam" are not unique to the Islamic world nor to the Muslim religion. These crises are integral to the modern condition of both East and West, and by acknowledging these parallels, Muslims can engage more productively with their Western counterparts.
The Impossible State
by Wael B. HallaqWael B. Hallaq boldly argues that the "Islamic state," judged by any standard definition of what the modern state represents, is both an impossible and inherently self-contradictory concept. Comparing the legal, political, moral, and constitutional histories of pre-modern Islam and Euro-America, he finds the adoption and practice of the modern state to be highly problematic for modern Muslims. He then conducts a more expansive critique of modernity's moral predicament, which renders impossible any project resting solely on ethical foundations.The modern state not only suffers from serious legal, political, and constitutional issues, Hallaq argues, but it also, by its very nature, fashions a subject inconsistent with what it means to be, or to live as, a Muslim. By Islamic standards, the state's technologies of the self are severely lacking in moral substance, and the Muslim state, as Hallaq shows, has done little to advance an acceptable form of genuine Shari'a governance. The Islamists' constitutional battles in Egypt and Pakistan, the Islamic legal and political failures of the Iranian Revolution, and similar disappointments underscore this fact. Nevertheless, the state remains the favored template of the Islamists and the ulama (Muslim clergymen). Providing Muslims with a path toward realizing the good life, Hallaq turns to the rich moral resources of Islamic history. Along the way, he proves political and other "crises of Islam" are not unique to the Islamic world nor to the Muslim religion. These crises are integral to the modern condition of both East and West, and recognizing such parallels enables Muslims to engage more productively with their Western counterparts.
Imposter
by Davis BunnMatt Kelly's knack for concealing his identity is his greatest asset as a federal agent. But when an assignment gets personal, discovering who he really is may prove to be the toughest mission of all.
The Imposter Bride: A Novel
by Nancy RichlerThe Imposter Bride by Nancy Richler is an unforgettable novel about a mysterious mail-order bride in the wake of WWII, whose sudden decision ripples through time to deeply impact the daughter she never knewIn the wake of World War II, a young, enigmatic woman named Lily arrives in Montreal on her own, expecting to be married to a man she's never met. But, upon seeing her at the train station, Sol Kramer turns her down. Out of pity, his brother Nathan decides to marry her instead, and pity turns into a deep—and doomed—love. It is immediately clear that Lily is not who she claims to be. Her attempt to live out her life as Lily Azerov shatters when she disappears, leaving a new husband and a baby daughter with only a diary, a large uncut diamond – and a need to find the truth Who is Lily and what happened to the young woman whose identity she stole? Why has she left and where did she go? It's up to the daughter Lily abandoned to find the answers to these questions, as she searches for the mother she may never find or truly know.
Impostor: Gain Confidence, Eradicate Shame, and Become Who God Made You to Be
by Rita A SchulteThe courage to be yourself Are you tired of pretending? Of spending so much time and energy trying to live up to the expectations of others? Of being afraid to show people the real you? Do you sometimes feel like an impostor in your own life? So many women today are living the &“try hard&” life. Trying to be perfect. Trying to maintain control. Trying to be what others want them to be. In her counseling practice Rita Schulte meets women in this place almost daily. In Impostor she combines medical research with moving stories from her own life and practice to help you uncover the lies, distortions, and other contributing factors that set up the imposter self. You will learn: · How five core needs drive our behavior · Why we pretend · Why we fear being known · How to give up the &“try hard&” life once and for all Most importantly you&’ll discover what it takes to distinguish the impostor&’s identity from the one that is intrinsically yours in Christ. Healing will come as you remove the mask and begin the journey of self-discovery.
Impressions of Paul
by Paul MobleyThis book studies Paul's life from birth as Saul of Tarsus, with a little known about his parents, how he became a tent maker, later his advanced schooling at the feet of Gamaliel, and as an adult his persecution of Christians. His life changed dramatically on the road to Damascus when Christ appeared to him. Then, fully convinced he become a Christian and worked with the same vigor and energy becoming one of the well known apostles, and writing much of the New Testament. Now he was the enemy and suffered for it. His study reveals life at the time, and his in particular as a Christian.
Imprisoned with ISIS: Faith in the Face of Evil
by Petr JasekAs a child, Petr Jasek (Peter Yash-eck) watched Soviet tanks roll through the streets of his village in Czechoslovakia, taking the country by force and subjecting it to decades of Communist oppression. Petr grew up in the underground church and benefitted from financial help and Bibles smuggled in to his family. As an adult living in the free Czech Republic, Petr chose to begin serving persecuted Christians—especially in Islamist hotspots in Africa and the Middle East. In 2015, he was arrested in Sudan, convicted as an enemy of the state, and sentenced to life in prison, where he was forced to share a group cell with ISIS terrorists. The true story of what God did in and through Petr has already inspired tens of thousands around the world. Now, for the first time, Petr tells the whole story.
Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches
by Kate ScelsaA witchy, atmospheric lesbian contemporary romance set in Salem—from the acclaimed author of Fans of the Impossible Life. Perfect for fans of Nina LaCour and Becky Albertalli.Seventeen-year-old Eleanor is the last person in Salem to believe in witchcraft—or think that her life could be transformed by mysterious forces. After losing her best friend and first love, Chloe, Eleanor has spent the past year in a haze, vowing to stay away from anything resembling romance.But when a handwritten guide to tarot arrives in the mail at the witchy souvenir store where Eleanor works, it seems to bring with it the message that magic is about to enter her life. Cynical Eleanor is quick to dismiss this promise, until real-life witch Pix shows up with an unusual invitation. Inspired by the magic and mystery of the tarot, Eleanor decides to open herself up to Pix and her coven of witches, and even to the possibility of a new romance.But Eleanor’s complicated history continues to haunt her. She will have to reckon with the old ghosts that threaten to destroy everything, even her chance at new love.Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches is a romantic coming-of-age about learning to make peace with the past in order to accept the beauty of the present.
Improv Leadership: How to Lead Well in Every Moment
by Stan Endicott David MillerThere's no script for effective leadership. But you don't need one.Anyone who's learned the basics of an instrument can follow a chord chart or play from sheet music, but only musicians who have carefully developed their talent can improvise. Instead of being limited to the notes on the page, great improvisers draw on the theory and techniques they've learned in the past to create something original in the present.The same is true of great leaders. Anyone can read a few books and apply the lessons, but only the best leaders can bring out the best in any person, in any situation. These improvisational leaders understand the key principles of connecting, coaching, and communicating and use these ideas to build strong teams.In Improv Leadership, Stan L. Endicott and David A. Miller share five leadership competencies:Story Mining--uncovering a person's story and letting it shape the way you lead themPrecision Praising--crafting praise to inspire, motivate, and even course-correct your teamMetaphor Cementing--using concrete illustrations to "cement" an idea in someone's mindLobbing Forward--challenging people to look beyond today to what might be in the futureGoing North--using indirect influence to redirect a person's perspectiveIMPROV leaders apply these five competencies to initiate powerful conversations, create memorable moments, and craft personal coaching strategies that help people grow. Improv Leadership cultivates teams of people who love their work (and each other), who perform at a high level, and who stop the disruptive carousel of staff turnover.Stan L. Endicott and David A. Miller have worked together to identify the overarching competencies of effective leadership and develop concrete tools to help every reader become a leader who understands how to grow teams one moment and one relationship at a time. The five competencies of IMPROV Leadership are not rigid sequential steps, nor do they apply only to specific industries or fields. Instead, this book will meet the felt need for leadership growth with "evergreen" principles that can be successfully introduced into any situation.You can't predict every challenge you'll face. There's no playbook that covers every decision. But with practice in Improv Leadership you can lead well in every situation.
Improving Educational Gender Equality in Religious Societies: Human Rights And Modernization Pre-arab Spring
by Sumaia A. Al-KohlaniIn this book, Al-Kohlani examines fifty-five Muslim and non-Muslim countries from 1960 to 2010 in response to “religious theory” that associates certain religions with gender inequality and “modernization theory” which downplays the role of religion on gender inequity and associates gender inequality with socioeconomic factors. The author explores both schools of thought and posits that, on average, Muslim countries have lower educational equality in comparison to non-Muslim countries with less religious constitution. An interdisciplinary study drawn from the fields of world politics, public policy in education, and political religion, this book responds not only to debates within academia, but also to larger debates in society about the role of religion in the state, the specific challenges of the relationship of Islam and the public policies, and the relationship between constitution and gender equality.
Improving Psychiatric Care for Older People
by Claire HiltonThis book is open access under a CC BY 4. 0 license. This book tells the story of Barbara Robb and her pressure group, Aid for the Elderly in Government Institutions (AEGIS). In 1965, Barbara visited 73-year-old Amy Gibbs in a dilapidated and overcrowded National Health Service psychiatric hospital back-ward. She was so appalled by the low standards that she set out to make improvements. Barbara's book Sans Everything: A case to answer was publicly discredited by a complacent and self-righteous Ministry of Health. However, inspired by her work, staff in other hospitals 'whistle-blew' about events they witnessed, which corroborated her allegations. Barbara influenced government policy, to improve psychiatric care and health service complaints procedures, and to establish a hospitals' inspectorate and ombudsman. The book will appeal to campaigners, health and social care staff and others working with older people, and those with an interest in policy development in England, the 1960s, women's history and the history of psychiatry and nursing.
Improving Your Performance
by Mark T. BarclayAs you read this book you will be able to see a little of both sides of the sheepfold. Prayerfully this will help you to work and flow together in the same mind and spirit. Enjoy the book, and please allow the Holy Spirit to engrave His truths upon your heart.
Improving Your Serve: The Art of Unselfish Living
by Charles R. SwindollIn this classic volume, Charles Swindoll uniquely shows the important aspects of authentic servant-hood, such as: What it takes to serve unselfishly; why a servant has such a powerful influence; and what challenges and rewards a servant can expect. He offers clear guidelines on developing a servant's heart and challenges you to realize the rich rewards promised in a life of authentic Christian servant-hood. As a Contemporary Classic, this edition includes a CD of the original message by Swindoll that later developed into this inspiring book.
Improving Your Serve
by Charles R. SwindollIn this classic volume, Charles Swindoll uniquely shows the important aspects of authentic servanthood, such as: What it takes to serve unselfishly Why a servant has such a powerful influence What challenges and rewards a servant can expect He offers clear guidelines on developing a servant's heart and challenges you to realize the rich rewards promised in a life of authentic Christian servanthood.
Improvisational Islam: Indonesian Youth in a Time of Possibility
by Nur Amali IbrahimImprovisational Islam is about novel and unexpected ways of being Muslim, where religious dispositions are achieved through techniques that have little or no precedent in classical Islamic texts or concepts. Nur Amali Ibrahim foregrounds two distinct autodidactic university student organizations, each trying to envision alternative ways of being Muslim independent from established religious and political authorities. One group draws from methods originating from the business world, like accounting, auditing, and self-help, to promote a puritanical understanding of the religion and spearhead Indonesia’s spiritual rebirth. A second group reads Islamic scriptures alongside the western human sciences. Both groups, he argues, show a great degree of improvisation and creativity in their interpretations of Islam.These experimental forms of religious improvisations and practices have developed in a specific Indonesian political context that has evolved after the deposal of President Suharto’s authoritarian New Order regime in 1998. At the same time, Improvisational Islam suggests that the Indonesian case study brings into sharper relief processes that are happening in ordinary Muslim life everywhere. To be a practitioner of their religion, Muslims draw on and are inspired by not only their holy scriptures, but also the non-traditional ideas and practices that circulate in their society, which importantly include those originating in the West. In the contemporary political discourse where Muslims are often portrayed as uncompromising and adversarial to the West and where bans and walls are deemed necessary to keep them out, this story about flexible and creative Muslims is an important one to tell.
An Impulsive Debutante
by Michelle StylesCarlotta Charlton can't wait for her first season—until her impulsive behavior lands her right in the lap of notorious rake Tristan, Lord Thorngrafton!Tristan is cynically convinced that she's a fortune hunter. But he can't keep away from her. Several heated kisses lead to scandal and, one outraged mama later, they're on their way to Gretna Green.Catching his breath on the carriage ride to the border, Tristan decides it's time that Lottie learned her lesson. If she wants to play with fire, he'll notch up his seduction and set her ablaze!
The Imputation of Adam's Sin
by John MurrayThis classic work by John Murray studies the various interpretations of Romans 5:12-19, examining the syntactical construction, the sin contemplated, the union involved, the nature of the imputation, and the sin imputed. He surveys Pelagian, Roman Catholic, Calvinistic, and classic Protestant interpretations of this passage.
iMuslims: Rewiring the House of Islam
by Gary R. BuntExploring the increasing impact of the Internet on Muslims around the world, this book sheds new light on the nature of contemporary Islamic discourse, identity, and community. The Internet has profoundly shaped how both Muslims and non-Muslims perceive Islam and how Islamic societies and networks are evolving and shifting in the twenty-first century, says Gary Bunt. While Islamic society has deep historical patterns of global exchange, the Internet has transformed how many Muslims practice the duties and rituals of Islam. A place of religious instruction may exist solely in the virtual world, for example, or a community may gather only online. Drawing on more than a decade of online research, Bunt shows how social-networking sites, blogs, and other "cyber-Islamic environments" have exposed Muslims to new influences outside the traditional spheres of Islamic knowledge and authority. Furthermore, the Internet has dramatically influenced forms of Islamic activism and radicalization, including jihad-oriented campaigns by networks such as al-Qaeda. By surveying the broad spectrum of approaches used to present dimensions of Islamic social, spiritual, and political life on the Internet,iMuslimsencourages diverse understandings of online Islam and of Islam generally.
In a Boat in the Middle of a Lake: Trusting the God Who Meets Us in Our Storm
by Patrick and SchwenkYour Storm Doesn&’t Have to Sink YouAt some point in our lives, we all find ourselves in a boat in the middle of a lake. We might be there due to a job loss or the death of a loved one. Maybe disability, divorce, or financial insecurity has stranded us. Patrick and Ruth Schwenk found themselves feeling battered after five miscarriages and then surrounded by the waves with Patrick&’s cancer diagnosis at age forty-three. They were alone. Drifting. And that&’s when their transformation began.In this compassionate and powerful book, the Schwenks weave together lessons from their own experience with insightful Bible teaching to remind us that one of the greatest ways God transforms us is through trials. As they unpack why Jesus called the disciples into the middle of a lake when dry ground was so safe and comfortable, they help us understand why the depth of our hurt enables us to experience deep hope;learn to conquer fear to experience the freedom God has for us; anddiscover how God uses chaos, and not just the classroom, to shape and work through us.Today—in your confusion about God&’s intentions, your disappointment over lost dreams, your disillusionment about prayer—God is offering hope. Because Jesus is still Lord over the water. And while he is not moved by the waves, he is moved by you. And this flood might just be a path to abundance. &“A powerful reminder that our current reality is not our final reality, and God is Lord over all chaos and suffering!&”—Candace Cameron Bure, actress and New York Times bestselling author
In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving
by Leigh Anne Tuohy Sean Tuohy Sally JenkinsFor the first time, the remarkable couple depicted in The Blind Side tells their own deeply inspiring story--First came the bestselling book, then the Oscar-nominated movie--the story of Michael Oher and the family who adopted him has become one of the most talked-about true stories of our time. But until now, Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy have never told this astonishing tale in their own way and with their own words. For Leigh Anne and Sean, it all begins with family. Leigh Anne, the daughter of a tough-as-nails U. S. Marshal, decided early on that her mission was to raise children who would become "cheerful givers. " Sean, who grew up poor, believed that one day he could provide a home that would be "a place of miracles. " Together, they raised two remarkable children--Collins and Sean Jr. -- who shared their deep Christian faith and their commitment to making a difference. And then one day Leigh Anne met a homeless African-American boy named Michael and decided that her family could be his. She and her husband taught Michael what this book teaches all of us: Everyone has a blind side, but a loving heart always sees a path toward true charity. Michael Oher's improbable transformation could never have happened if Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy had not opened their hearts to him. In this compelling, funny, and profoundly inspiring book, the Tuohys take us on an extraordinary journey of faith and love--and teach us unforgettable lessons about the power of giving.
In a Killer's Sights (Smoky Mountain Secrets #1)
by Sandra RobbinsIn this inspirational romantic suspense, a former lawman takes his ex-wife under his protection and learns he is the father of her child.When Gwen Harwell witnesses someone dumping a body into a Tennessee river, she knows she’s the killer’s new target. Far from home on a work assignment, she isn’t sure where to turn—especially when her ex-husband shows up. Five years ago, Dean Harwell’s burdens from his police work tore their marriage apart. But now he says he’s changed. He’s working as a rancher; he’s put his problems behind him. And he’s committed to keeping her safe until the killer is caught. With their troubled past, trusting him with her life is hard enough. Can she trust him with the truth about the child he doesn’t know they have?
In a Mother's Arms
by Jillian Hart Victoria BylinFinally a Family by Jillian HartWidow Molly McKaslin won't marry for less than true love. But does handsome town doctor Sam Frost want a wife, or a housekeeper for his daughters? With the help of two little matchmakers, Molly might end up with the family of her dreams.Home Again by Victoria BylinWhen her troublemaking son vandalizes the town church, Cassie O'Rourke comes face-to-face with town sheriff--and former love--Gabe Wyatt. The honorable lawman offers to help tame her wild child, if he can come courting. For the love of her son, dare she entrust her heart to this man once more?
In a Mother's Arms & The Widow's Secret: A 2-in-1 Collection
by Jillian Hart Victoria Bylin Sara MitchellThree touching tales of love, family and faithIn a Mother’s Arms by Jillian Hart and Victoria BylinIn “Finally a Family” by Jillian Hart, widow Molly McKaslin won’t marry for less than true love. But does handsome town doctor Sam Frost want a wife or a housekeeper for his daughters? With the help of two little matchmakers, Molly might end up with the family of her dreams. In “Home Again” by Victoria Bylin, Cassie O’Rourke comes face-to-face with town sheriff—and her former love—Gabe Wyatt when her troublemaking son vandalizes the local church. The honorable lawman offers to help tame her wild child, if he can come courting. For the love of her son, dare she entrust her heart to this man once The Widow’s Secret by Sara MitchellSecret Service agent Micah MacKenzie needs Jocelyn Tremayne’s help to uncover a conspiracy in New York City’s privileged circles. But the more she risks to help him, the more he sees the wrongly judged woman she truly is. Now he’s determined to win her trust, rekindle her belief—and prove his love.