- Table View
- List View
Beautiful Light: Religious Meaning in Film
by Roy M. AnkerThough "religious" films usually don't get much respect in Hollywood, religion still regularly finds its way into the movies. In Beautiful Light Roy Anker seeks out the often unnoticed connections between film and religion and shows how even films that aren't overtly religious or Christian in their content can be filled with deep religious insights and spiritual meaning. Closely examining nine critically acclaimed films, including Magnolia, The Apostle, American Gigolo, and M. Night Shyamalan's Wide Awake, Anker analyzes the ways in which these movies explore what it means to be human—and what it means, as human beings, to wrestle with a sometimes unwieldy divine presence. Addressing questions of doubt and belief, despair and elation, hatred and love, Anker's work sheds "beautiful light" on some of Hollywood's most profound and memorable films.
Beautiful Light: Religious Meaning in Film
by Roy M. AnkerThough "religious" films usually don't get much respect in Hollywood, religion still regularly finds its way into the movies. In Beautiful Light Roy Anker seeks out the often unnoticed connections between film and religion and shows how even films that aren't overtly religious or Christian in their content can be filled with deep religious insights and spiritual meaning. Closely examining nine critically acclaimed films, including Magnolia, The Apostle, American Gigolo, and M. Night Shyamalan's Wide Awake, Anker analyzes the ways in which these movies explore what it means to be human—and what it means, as human beings, to wrestle with a sometimes unwieldy divine presence. Addressing questions of doubt and belief, despair and elation, hatred and love, Anker's work sheds "beautiful light" on some of Hollywood's most profound and memorable films.
Beautiful Me
by Stasi EldredgeGod loves who you are!In this 90-day devotional for young women, Stasi Eldredge takes excerpts from her book Free to Be Me and combines them with prayers, scriptures, and positive declarations. Day by day, she turns you back to the truth that God sees you as beautiful beyond measure--and he delights in dreaming big dreams with you for your life!
The Beautiful Mrs Seidenman: With an introduction by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (W&N Essentials)
by Andrzej Szczypiorski'Magnificent. Complex, wise, unsentimental and very moving' Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie'Dense, lyrical and deeply unsettling' New York Times'A fine balance between poetic tenderness and an unflinching account of the brutal realities of the day' Guardian'Extraordinarily original' Los Angeles Times'The prose is stunning, thanks to a masterful translation by Klara Glowczewska, and the characters are so fully fleshed that they seem to step off the page' NPR'Grips the reader with the power of a high-class thriller' Frankfurter Rundschau 'All at once she thought that a life is only that which has passed. There is no life other than memory' In the Nazi-occupied Warsaw of 1943, Irma Seidenman, a young Jewish widow, possesses two attributes that can spell the difference between life and death: blue eyes and blond hair. Paired with false papers, she passes as the wife of a Polish officer, until one day an informer spots her on the street.At times a dark lament, at others a sly and sardonic thriller, The Beautiful Mrs. Seidenman is the story of the thirty-six hours that follow Irma's arrest and the events that lead to her dramatic rescue.
The Beautiful Mystery (Chief Inspector Gamache #8)
by Louise PennyAfter the renowned choir director at a secluded monastery hidden deep in the wilderness of Quebec is murdered, the lock on the monastery's massive wooden door is drawn back to admit Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir of the Surete du Quebec.
Beautiful Nate: A Memoir of a Family's Love, a Life Lost, and Heaven's Promises
by Dennis MansfieldHOPE and COMPASSION for FAMILIES Beautiful Nate offers valuable insights into what went wrong in a dedicated Christian family and how things might have gone differently—giving parents direction for raising their own children in a troubled world. Exploring the differences between fear-based parenting, child-centered parenting, and healthy intentional parenting, author Dennis Mansfield shares hard-earned wisdom and powerful ideas on what children need. Whether you’re in the midst of parenting small children or have experienced the heartbreak of a child gone astray, you’ll find guidance and hope for your journey in this poignant, real-life story. *** Even when you follow all the rules, LIFE CAN GO VERY WRONG. . . Dennis Mansfield and his wife Susan planned for and expected every parent’s dream but instead lived every parent’s nightmare. This haunting memoir tells the story of a father who diligently followed all the parenting rules that he learned from conservative Christian “experts”; yet life with his son Nate went terribly wrong when the young man died at twenty-seven of drug-related causes. It wasn’t that the principles Dennis followed were faulty; it was that the promised guarantee turned out to be void. The author, a national leader in the pro-family movement of the 1990s, reveals what did and did not work in raising a child within the evangelical framework. But rather than losing his faith and abandoning the God he’d trusted, Dennis eventually found new joy and purpose—with a more compassionate and realistic view of the roles parents play and the rules they follow. As you read this sobering yet refreshing account, you will find direction for your own parenting style and encouragement after life’s disappointments. midst of parenting small children or have experienced the heartbreak of a child gone astray, you’ll find guidance and hope for your journey in this poignant, real-life story.
The Beautiful Necessity: Essays on Architecture
by Joan Shelley Rubin Claude Bragdon A Joan SaabA noted American architect of the early twentieth century discusses universal principles behind the harmonious forms and proportions of ancient and modern buildings. Seven essays by Claude Bragdon offer a master class in the architectural union of art, beauty, and science. His observations and analyses encompass a tremendous variety of buildings, from Gothic cathedrals to Giotto's Campanile to the Taj Mahal, and his examples extend far beyond architecture to the natural symmetry found in the feathers of a peacock's tail, snowflakes, plants, and the human face."Art in all its manifestations is an expression of the cosmic life," notes the author, "and its symbols constitute a language by means of which this life is published and represented. Art is at all times subject to the 'Beautiful Necessity' of proclaiming the 'world order'." Bragdon's theories are illuminated by his graceful black-and-white line drawings, which portray the essentials of line and proportion as expressed in many well-known buildings and paintings.
Beautiful Now
by Stasi EldredgeDo you sometimes look at your circumstances or the disappointments you've had in life and wonder if your dreams will ever be realized? This gentle devotional takes you deep into the truth that you are whole and beautiful in God's eyes. Drawing from the insights she shares in Becoming Myself, Stasi Eldredge offers reflections, Scriptures, and prayers celebrating how God delights in seeing you become who you truly are.
A Beautiful Offering
by Angela ThomasFor many years Angela Thomas thought of the Beatitudes as a list of "Gotta Be's," as in: Gotta be meek. Gotta be merciful. And when she compared her life to the standard they set, she always felt that she came up short. But through God's great mercy, she has come to see this passage instead as a roster of "When You Are's." When you are meek, there is a spiritual inheritance. When you are merciful, you will be shown mercy. This shift in thinking has led Thomas to understand that God does not require perfection, but rather our gracious obedience. In His eyes, our lives-complete with mistakes, blemishes, and imperfections-are A Beautiful Offering.
Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus
by John EldredgeJesus is the most vague, misrepresented figure in the history of the world. Is it possible to know and trust someone so ethereal and lofty? What is he really like? BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW offers a look into the humanity of Jesus, dismantling all the religious nonsense and helping us understand who this man really was - on a personal level. Focusing on his compelling personality, bestselling author John Eldredge shows us the real Jesus - playful, wild, and often scandalous.
Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus
by John EldredgeAn exciting look at the real Jesus - wild, playful and provocative - from bestselling author John Eldredge.Jesus is the most vague, misrepresented figure in the history of the world. Is it possible to know and trust someone so ethereal and lofty? What is he really like? BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW offers a look into the humanity of Jesus, dismantling all the religious nonsense and helping us understand who this man really was - on a personal level. Focusing on his compelling personality, bestselling author John Eldredge shows us the real Jesus - playful, wild, and often scandalous. (P)2011 Hachette
Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus
by John EldredgeReading the Gospels without knowing the personality of Jesus is like watching television with the sound turned off. The result is a dry, two dimensional person doing strange, undecipherable things.In BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW, John Eldredge removes the religious varnish to help readers discover stunning new insights into the humanity of Jesus. He was accused of breaking the law, keeping bad company, heavy drinking. Of being the devil himself. He was so compelling and dangerous they had to kill him. But others loved him passionately. He had a sense of humor. His generosity was scandalous. His anger made enemies tremble. He'd say the most outrageous things. He was definitely not the Jesus of the stained glass. In the author's winsome, narrative approach, he breaks Jesus out of the typical stereotypes, just as he set masculinity free in his book, Wild at Heart. By uncovering the real Jesus, readers are welcomed into the rich emotional life of Christ. All of the remarkable qualities of Jesus burst like fireworks with color and brilliance because of his humanity. Eldredge goes on to show readers how they can experience this Jesus in their lives every day. This book will quicken readers' worship, and deepen their intimacy with Jesus.
Beautiful People Don't Just Happen: How God Redeems Regret, Hurt, and Fear in the Making of Better Humans
by Scott SaulsFind the freedom from regret, hurt, and fear that God wants for you while discovering joy, relief, and hope as you become the beautiful human he created you to be.We all carry regret, hurt, and fear. These are burdens that weigh us down and make us feel trapped.In twenty-five years of pastoral ministry, Scott Sauls has come alongside countless individuals and communities through weary seasons and circumstances. From his own seasons of regret, hurt, and fear--including battles with anxiety and depression--he knows what it's like to be unfinished and on the mend under Jesus' merciful, mighty healing hand.Beautiful People Don't Just Happen reads like a field guide that can help you: Find hope in how God is drawn toward you, not appalled by you, in your sin and sorrow.Practice emotional health with joy, gratitude, and lament.Quiet shaming, wearying thoughts with God's divine counter-voice.Discover how the defining feeling of faith is not strength but dependent weakness.Learn what the Bible calls "the secret of being content" in every circumstance.Dare to embrace the contentment, hope, and fullness God wants for you--offered to all who will receive it.
The Beautiful Possible: A Novel
by Amy Gottlieb“Deeply felt and evocative. . . . Alive with characters and unafraid to examine ambiguous emotional complexities, this a moving debut.” —Meg Wolitzer, New York Times bestselling author of The Interestings and BelzharSpanning seventy years and several continents, this epic, enthralling novel tells the braided love story of three unforgettable characters. In 1946, Walter Westhaus, a German Jew who spent the war years at Tagore’s ashram in India, arrives at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City, where he meets Sol Kerem, a promising rabbinical student. A brilliant nonbeliever, Walter is the perfect foil for Sol’s spiritual questions—and their extraordinary connection is too wonderful not to share with Sol’s free-spirited fiancée Rosalie. Soon Walter and Rosalie are exchanging notes, sketches, and secrets, and begin a transcendent love affair. Months later they shatter their impossible bond, retreating to opposite sides of the country—Walter to pursue an academic career in Berkeley and Rosalie and Sol to lead a congregation in suburban New York. A chance meeting years later reconnects Walter, Sol, and Rosalie—catching three hearts and minds in a complex web of desire, heartbreak, and redemption“I’ve never read anything quite like this lyrical and infinitely wise novel. . . . If books could shimmer, this one would.” —Elizabeth Berg, author of The Dream Lover“[A] meditation on faith and religion, on love and faithfulness, on feminism, on the times in which the characters lived, and on the meaning of life . . . a truly satisfying novel.” —San Francisco Book Review“An ambitious study of faith, doubt, and desire both erotic and spiritual.” —Kirkus Reviews
The Beautiful Pretender
by Melanie DickersonAfter inheriting his title from his brother, the margrave has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise? The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble born ladies who meet the king's approval to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character. Avelina has only two instructions: keep her true identity a secret and make sure the margrave doesn't select her as his bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea. Despite Avelina's best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can't deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse--far deadlier--consequences
Beautiful Resistance: The Joy of Conviction in a Culture of Compromise
by Jon TysonIn a time of compromise and disillusionment, God is calling his people to a movement of beautiful resistance. We live in a time when our culture is becoming increasingly shallow, coarse, and empty. Radical shifts in the areas of sexuality, ethics, technology, secular ideologies, and religion have caused the once-familiar landscape of a generation ago to be virtually unrecognizable. Yet rather than shine as a beacon of light, the church often is silent or accommodating. This isn&’t a new phenomenon. During World War II, pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was deeply troubled by the compromise in the German church. Their capitulation to the Nazi party brought shame and dishonor to the gospel. In response, he helped create an underground movement of churches that trained disciples and ultimately sought to renew the church and culture of the day. In our compromised church, we need new underground movements of discipleship and resistance. Widely respected New York pastor Jon Tyson unveils a revived vision for faithful discipleship—one that dares to renew culture, restore credibility, and replace compromise with conviction. For all who have felt this conflict in the soul between who we are and who God calls us to be, Beautiful Resistance is a bold invitation to reclaim what&’s been lost—regardless of the cost.Praise for Beautiful Resistance&“Beautiful Resistance is one of the most compelling and defiant books I&’ve read in a long time. I love Jon&’s radical, no-messing vision of the church as a prophetic community. This is a wake-up call for us all from the heart of a man who lives his message, loves his city, and serves his Lord with a passion and intelligence destined to become less rare.&”—Pete Greig, founder of the 24-7 Prayer movement
The Beautiful Soul of John Woolman, Apostle of Abolition
by Thomas P. SlaughterA biography of the famous eighteenth-century Quaker whose abolitionist fervor and spiritual practice made him a model for generations of AmericansJohn Woolman (1720–72) was perhaps the most significant American of his age, though he was not a famous politician, general, or man of letters, and never held public office. A humble Quaker tailor in New Jersey, he became a prophetic voice for the entire Anglo-American world when he denounced the evils of slavery in Quaker meetings, then in essays and his Journal, first published in 1774. In this illuminating new biography, Thomas P. Slaughter goes behind those famous texts to locate the sources of Woolman's political and spiritual power. Slaughter's penetrating work shows how this plainspoken mystic transformed himself into a prophetic, unforgettable figure. Devoting himself to extremes of self-purification—dressing only in white, refusing to ride horses or in horse-drawn carriages—Woolman might briefly puzzle people; but his preaching against slavery, rum, tea, silver, forced labor, war taxes, and rampant consumerism was infused with a benign confidence that ordinary people could achieve spiritual perfection, and this goodness gave his message persuasive power and enduring influence. Placing Woolman in the full context of his times, Slaughter paints the portrait of a hero—and not just for the Quakers, social reformers, labor organizers, socialists, and peace advocates who have long admired him. He was an extraordinary original, an American for the ages.
Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God
by Sheila WalshDo you ever question God's ability to catch you when you fall?Do shame, fear, and brokenness keep you from fully trusting God?Do you secretly believe your dreams are unreachable? Do you secretly believe your dreams are unreachable? You are not alone.This is a book about trust. How we fight it. How we learn to do it. How it transforms us. Life is not safe. That reality slips over us as we grow. Our response to the Father in that reality allows us either to swing higher and higher with the trust of a child . . . or fearfully shrink back from the swing set altogether. As we weigh that choice, God whispers: Trust me.In a remarkably transparent account, author and speaker Sheila Walsh opens wide her lifelong battle with trust and the moment-by-moment choices she made to follow where God led. Sheila has lived a life ruled by the "hidden places" of insecurity and brokenness and knows the overwhelming beauty of a life wholly handed over to Christ.As you encounter her struggles and triumphs, you also meet ten of the Bible's transformed--Tabitha, David, Paul, and others--who teach us that in spite of overwhelming circumstances, just one trusting encounter with Christ sets beautiful things in motion. It can resurrect dreams, instill purpose, and ignite hope.
The Beautiful Thread (Hawk and the Dove #8)
by Penelope WilcockWilliam de Bulmer, no longer a monk, but still a most capable administrator, returns to St Alcuins to help the new cellarer manage the challenges of a big society wedding. But this event, fraught with difficult relationships, coincides with their regular Bishop's Visitation. William tries to conceal his presence from Bishop Eric, who wants to bring him to justice for the felony of breaking his monastic vows and the grave sin of attempting suicide. Astute and zealous, the bishop sets out to hunt William down. Meanwhile the arrival of Brother Conradus's mother brings problems of a completely different nature. . . As the story unfolds, a beautiful thread of loving-kindness weaves quietly through the contrasting colours of human frailty, religious zeal, and social pretension.
Beautiful Uncertainty
by Mandy HaleTo seek, pursue, and fall in love with Jesus with radical abandon. Single Woman Mandy Hale shares with readers what can happen in their lives by praying this powerful prayer. She has shown women how important it is to be secure in singleness by being smart, strong, and independent. In this all new book, she will prompt readers to never settle and not miss out on the beauty that can be found in times of "waiting." The Single Woman Says: "Whether you're idling in stubborn sinfulness or walking in seeming never-ending singleness or living with any sort of waiting: Waiting for love, waiting for babies, waiting for marriage, waiting for a cure, or a miracle, or a sign, or for GOD . . . I hope my journey will make the wait a little easier and the uncertainty a little bit more beautiful." Starting with relationships, but going beyond into areas like career, friendships, and life, Mandy will guide readers through what you can achieve if you look beyond your current circumstances, never settle for less than what God has for you, and find beauty in the waiting.
Beautiful Union: How God's Vision for Sex Points Us to the Good, Unlocks the True, and (Sort of) Explains Everything
by Joshua Ryan ButlerA powerful call for Christians to understand sex as a window into God's story of redemption, and a validating guide to living with authentic love in a changing culture—from the influential pastor and author of The Skeletons in God&’s Closet.Beautiful isn&’t likely the first word that comes to mind when we think about sex.Our reactions are as varied as our experiences and backgrounds. Perhaps the word brings up past baggage. Perhaps it holds yearning for a dream that has never come true. Maybe we would rather not talk about it. Maybe it&’s all we want to talk about. Around us, our culture is divided by this topic. On one side, &“progressive&” voices seek to dismantle historic Christian teachings to fit current norms. On the other side, &“conservative&” voices can reinforce messages of shame, judgement, and repression.Beautiful Union offers a third way, one that is both true and beautiful. It gives us a provocative, positive look into the deepest Christian understanding of sex . . . and what sex reveals about God, our world, and even ourselves. Through biblical teaching and livable, joyful answers to our tough questions about sexuality, author and pastor Joshua Ryan Butler shows how sex illuminates the structure of creation, the nature of salvation, the abundance of God&’s kingdom, and God&’s heartbeat for the world.Discover afresh the beautiful invitation of our sexuality . . . as God intended it to be.
Beautiful Union Study Guide: A Practical Companion for Deep Reflection, Good Conversation, and Tough Questions You Really Want to Ask (But Haven't Yet)
by Joshua Ryan ButlerA practical, illuminating companion guide to Beautiful Union, Joshua Ryan Butler&’s positive exploration of how God&’s design for sex reveals the good, true, and beautiful in Scripture . . . and all of life.Designed as a companion to that life-changing book, this dynamic study guide is your road map for diving more deeply into the key concepts of Beautiful Union—whether by yourself or with a group.Through seven fast-paced sessions, you&’ll encounter thought-provoking questions, be prompted to reflect on powerful concepts, discover what God&’s design for sex was always meant to reveal, and consider what it all means for living a joyful, faithful life. These sessions include features such as:• Unpack It: questions to illuminate Beautiful Union with space to record your reflections• Use Your Imagination: exercises to creatively help you see God&’s larger invitation for human flourishing• Reflect on It: ways to understand our lives in the expansive story of God that sex points toWith this guide, you&’ll experience a bigger, more beautiful vision of God, the gospel, and the Christian vision for sex.
The Beautiful Way of Life
by Rene FeusiEnter into the presence of a wise Buddhist master through this modern distillation of a spiritual classic.The most enduring and widely read spiritual work to emerge from Buddhism's classical age in India is surely Shantideva's Bodhisattva Way of Life. Among its many fans is the Dalai Lama, who quotes from it frequently. Here much-loved monk and meditator Rene Feusi distills Shantideva's masterpiece verse by verse. Reflecting both the lyricism of the original verses and their wealth of inspiring reflections on the virtues to be cultivated by bodhisattvas, The Beautiful Way of Life is a brilliant condensation of a masterpiece and a lucid entryway into timeless insights. Feusi also provides tips for using the verses in a series of guided contemplations.
The Beautiful Wife: Focused on Christ, Fulfilled in Marriage
by Sandy RalyaThe Beautiful Wife uses these inspiring stories along with biblical principles to guide and encourage any wife looking for God's best in her marriage. The Beautiful Wife answers serious questions women have about their roles as wives. Discussing everything from romance and money to beauty, communication, and sex, Sandy challenges women to open up and share their journeys so that together they can see God's plan for their marriages. "It is my passion to help women discover God's heart for their marriage, just as the other women helped me," writes Sandy. "When women share with each other the details of their journeys with God as wives, it's a beautiful thing indeed."
The Beautiful Wife Mentor's Guide
by Sandy RalyaBeautiful Womanhood is a nonprofit Christian ministry whose mission is to strengthen marriages by equipping marriage mentors, encouraging women in their role as wives, and helping women build loving, godly, and supportive relationships with other wives. Since 2003, women have been coming together through Beautiful Womanhood small groups, where they gain insight from Sandy Ralya's teaching, personal guidance from a marriage mentor, and support from a loving community of women in order to realize God's plan for them. In each small group, a marriage mentor meets with small group members and leads the group through a discussion of the book.The Beautiful Wife Mentor's Guide offers:*instructions on how to implement Beautiful Womanhood small groups*guidance on becoming a confident marriage mentor*hostess tips to simplify hospitality for God's glory*chapter summaries to highlight main discussion topics*discussion icebreakers and cues to keep the conversation focused and lively*directions on how to incorporate free resources found on www.beautifulwomanhood.comBeautiful Womanhood Seminars Churches or community groups are invited to host a seminar or retreat led by author and speaker, Sandy Ralya. Specifically and individually designed to each church's needs, the seminar can train incoming mentors, excite new mentees, offer breakout sessions to discuss specific issues, and encourage the development of small group communities for wives. For more information, visit www.beautifulwomanhood.com.