"Falling Night is startlingly real as it recalls the dangerously shifting sands of tribal alliances, western political agendas, and brutality that have characterised Africa's recent wars. Yet Clarke dares to suggest that inside the worst that the world has to offer, love wins." Dr. Nik Ripken, author of The Insanity of God Alan Swales is no hero and no saint. Bored by a successful, yet dull life in Britain with his girlfriend, Mandy, he decides to become an aid worker in Africa to experience adventure and acquire anecdotes to impress his mates. Plunged into a civil war waged by vicious warlords and their child soldiers, Alan has to make unexpected choices about the direction of his life as well as his relationship with Mandy. As the situation deteriorates, he hears rumours of a hidden genocide, which leads him on a dangerous quest for evidence in the face of almost insurmountable obstacles.
Are you a busy parent? Do you find it difficult to have intentional conversations with your teenager? 52 Conversations to Have With Your Teen will provide you with one purposeful question to ask your teen each week in order to foster positive conversations on a regular basis. Each question is followed up with a short commentary and a Bible verse that ties into the theme of the week. This book will provide you with thought-provoking questions that will allow your teenager to share his or her thoughts with you consistently on a variety of topics. It will also challenge you, as the parent, to think about these questions for yourself and be prepared to share your thoughts. One of the best ways to instill authentic faith into kids is for parents to talk about God and faith with their kids regularly. 52 Conversations to Have With Your Teen will enhance your relationship with your teen and your relationship with Jesus.Endorsements52 Conversations to Have With Your Teen is an excellent and practical resource for parents to connect with their teens but, more importantly, to connect their teens with God right where they live.Brian Fox, PastorLoami Baptist ChurchLoami, Illinois52 Conversations to Have With Your Teen contains some VERY thought-provoking questions that I have personally used to start some very cool discussions with my own sons! How often have you lamented the fact that our time and influence on young people is SO short? 52 Conversations to Have With Your Teen is a great tool that we as parents and youth leaders can use to make the most of the fleeting moments we have with our precious young people!Koko Korver, Youth PastorPalmetto Baptist ChurchPowdersville, South Carolina
Cassia, a young slave, has never known freedom. She has spent her life serving Mistress Helena, whose brutality has been increasing. With her son, Master Marius, away so much overseeing their shipping business, Helena has no one to tame her fury. But the streets of Ancient Rome aren't safe for Cassia either. Christians are being found and taken to be executed by orders of Emperor Trajan and Pliny the Younger. When Cassia's own mother, Livia, is taken to jail, Cassia is sure that all is lost.When Master Marius returns home, he finds his household in chaos and people he cares about taken away from him. As a leader in his community, how can Marius share the Good News that he has found for himself and make a difference in the lives of the people he loves? And can he ever bring his mother the peace that she longs for?In a time when Christianity is against the law, freedom is something that few can claim. But perhaps freedom is more easily obtained than any of them realize.
I'm living the dream in my fancy-pants world, and I've got the Instagram feed to prove it.Who am I kidding? I'm literally holding it together with one more cup of coffee, yesterday's dry shampoo, and a prayer. So I finally said enough. Enough of me. I'm bidding farewell to chasing emptiness and exchanging it for more of Jesus.If we agree with Paul in Acts 20:24 that our lives are worth nothing unless we use them for finishing the work of telling others the Good News - where are we in our quest to get busy for Jesus? In our world of hashtags, hair color, and having it all together, chances are we aren't accomplishing much.Enough of Me is an 8-week Bible study for women focused on what God's Word has to say about the tug-of-war between our flesh and our mission. The study explores the barriers that stand between where we are today and where God wants to use us to finish His work.Do you have a nagging in your heart for more purpose? Are you right smack dab in the middle of a tug-of-war between your flesh and your mission?Often we want to live out the purpose and mission God has for us, but we're too distracted, exhausted, and empty. Maybe it's time to say enough to the excuses, anxiety, and interruptions that get in our way.Could it be we're so busy chasing emptiness and playing the people-pleasing game, that we can't find time to live on mission?It's time to take a deep breath and do some inventory. Let's dig in and see what God's Word has to say about this tug-of-war between our flesh and our mission. Let's figure out ways to quit chasing emptiness and take bold steps of obedience. Let's discover how we can glorify God and steer people to Jesus in our cubicles, at our dinner tables, in our mom-groups, and with people we encounter every day.What would happen if we said Enough of Me . . . more Jesus.
How can a woman love God as she should and keep the rest of her life in its proper place?More Than These: A Woman's Love for God addresses this question that every woman who desires to walk with God must face. Innumerable responsibilities fill her life and seek to take control of her time, energy, and focus.In spite of her best intentions, these worthy concerns can slip into a place of prominence in her heart-a place only God deserves. These people and situations that capture her love can quickly become idols when priorities go unchecked.More Than These: A Woman's Love for God addresses the issue of a woman's love for God. Each chapter considers a different aspect of a woman's life that can become an idol-family, friends, possessions, fears, accomplishments, etc.More Than These: A Woman's Love for God clearly presents biblical truths and personal illustrations to teach why a woman must surrender these areas to the Lord for Him to remain her ultimate love.Women are searching for the secret to balancing their lives. More Than These: A Woman's Love for God declares that loving God supremely is the answer.
Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the first Christmas miracle. But miracles are still happening today and can happen in any time, space, or realm, as six authors explore in this Christmas anthology. "Captain's Conundrum" by Jake Tyson - After receiving superpowers, John Hudson has been hired by the U.S. government to serve as Captain Condor to a team of superheroes. But Hudson's years as a soldier in Afghanistan still haunt him as he wonders if God even exists. As Christmas draws near, Hudson wrestles with his past in order to determine how to best move forward with his life. "Clockwork Magi" by Daniel Peyton - In a thrilling steampunk retelling of the journey of the Magi, four magi and their young apprentice seek to follow a star that is unlike any they have seen. But with Herod's army following them through space, they soon find themselves on a mission to save the Child-King, Who will one day save the world. "The Amnesty Rule" by Lauren Smyth - When an English journalist is embedded in an Allied military unit during World War 2, he shares their experiences while also hiding his own. But as events begin to unfold, he must choose which side he is on and whom he will save-before it's too late. "Rescue: A Christmas Story" by Allen Steadham - An auto accident in a small Texas town brings two strangers with very different lives together on Christmas Eve. Will they survive the experience? "The Opposite of Luck" by Eric Landfried - Teddy is a hard luck case who wants to get a special Christmas gift for his young son, but everything seems to be working against him. What will it take for Teddy to finally catch a break? "A Tick in Time" by Parker J. Cole - When Elizabeth and Zeke crash into a man on their way home from church, they never imagined the journey he would send them on. Rogue time travelers have prevented the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, and these two "nobodies" must help. Can Elizabeth and Zeke restore history and prevent a worse disaster from happening?
Rusty and his friends want to get Pastor Jenkins the best birthday gift money can buy. There's only one problem. They don't have any money.They decide to make a lemonade stand to raise money, but building a stand, making the lemonade, and selling it is harder than they expected. The kids discover three things: It takes a lot of work to build a successful business, dogs and lemonade stands do not mix, and lemonade isn't spelled "lemonaid."Through teamwork they manage to raise some money, but will it be enough to get the perfect gift for Pastor Jenkins?
After a successful mission for the Home Team, the government is ready to create a Home Team 2 to help thwart human and drug trafficking from the infamous Lee family in China. But finding recruits who can handle the assignment is not so easy. And the measures that the Lees will take to protect their investments puts everyone on the team at risk. When Washington State Patrol Trooper Ellen "Ell" Evander is reassigned to spend time with the Home Team, motivation to find her kidnapped niece clouds her judgment and spurs her on a mission that may end her career. Determined to move on after the assignment is over, will Ell continue on her own or finally find her place on the team? Army Ranger Alex Anthem soon finds himself side by side with the attractive state patrol trooper. Alex has his own personal reasons for joining in the fight against the human traffickers, but is he willing to risk everything to see the mission completed? As the pressure mounts, Ell and Alex both have decisions to make that could change the courses of their lives forever.
Fraidy Brady is excited. His favorite night of the year has arrived-Halloween! But as soon as Fraidy Brady runs into Henri Housecat and his gang on the way to school, he knows it's going to be a bad day. First, Henri squashes his lunch. Then he is chosen as the special helper for the class. And he and his friends make fun of everything Brady does! How's a little cat supposed to stand up to such a bully?But when Henri finds himself in trouble, will the bully finally get what he deserves, or will Brady find a way to save the day?
Kase and his friends are on the hunt for treasure, and they hope they can find it when they travel through the pages of the Bible. Along the way, Kase and his friends find more clues that will change their lives and show them where the true treasure lies. Journey along as they seek a treasure that is more valuable than anything they could ever imagine.
"The pages turn themselves."Charles Scribner IIIJesse Walker is a twelve-year-old boy who is just trying to adjust to his new life in Eufala, Alabama, with his father and little sister after the death of his mother. But when Jesse finds a mysterious note from his mother in his backpack one morning, he suddenly finds himself questioning everything he has ever known. What is the Land of Miriam, and what does it have to do with him? And why is he being followed?Princess Eonia has been kidnapped by the Gors, who want to find the Key to the Book of Good and Evil. But with evil intentions on their minds, the Gors are ready to get rid of anyone who gets in their way-especially the king and queen of the Land of Miriam.When Jesse goes to bed one Friday night, he suddenly finds himself heading off on an adventure to a land where Darkness and Light are at war, alicorns exist, and dragons are something to be feared. But how can he, a simple boy, be of help?With the help of the Thwackers, some good dragons, and a kavat, Jesse is racing against the clock to save the princess and make sure that Darkness does not win in the end.
Life has not been easy for Marta and her daughter, Jannah. On the brink of losing her home and suffering from a broken heart, Marta has lost all hope. James has never gotten over the fact that he wasn't able to be a father to his own daughter. When he became Marta's next-door neighbor years later, he was overjoyed to finally be the father he always wanted to be and has worked on building a relationship with Marta and Jannah ever since. Will he ever have the heart to connect Marta with the biological mother she has never known?Donna had known placing her daughter for adoption was something she never should have done. And she knows James now has the relationship with their daughter she has always wanted. But what will her other children say if they find out? And what will Marta say to her? Does she even have a right to make amends? Four broken hearts entwine, and they can be healed only by the hand of God. Will secrets be brought to light before it's too late? And through it all, will they realize God says forgiveness is Mine to Share?
Is forgiveness real? Or is it just a feel-good statement that pastors preach from their pulpits to appeal to the masses? For Bruce Major, forgiveness seemed farfetched-both for him and from him. After a less-than-idyllic childhood, Bruce decided that he didn't need to ask forgiveness from a God Who was too busy for him. As Bruce's life continued to spiral-from smoking and doing drugs at a young age to a rocky marriage that shattered his idea of a picture-perfect family-Bruce led a life that left him empty and alone. But despite all this, God continued to pursue Bruce and to show him that forgiveness IS real and that lives can be changed for the good. In this book, Bruce shares his own journey to forgiveness in order to offer hope for other wayward souls.
As one who has served adoptive families for a decade, I've had countless parents ask me, "How do I talk to my children about adoption?" Now, after all these years, I finally have a go-to answer: "Read Katie Cruice Smith's Why Did You Choose Me? to them, over and over."Dan Cruver, Co-founder of Together for Adoption, Author of Reclaiming AdoptionMost adoptive and foster children struggle at some point in their life with knowing who they are and where they belong.After searching for adoption storybooks to read to her own adopted children, Katie Cruice Smith decided that there was a need for more books that parents could read to connect with their adopted and fostered children and address these struggles.In Why Did You Choose Me?, Katie Cruice Smith answers that question in a way that young children can understand. Drawing from her own experience as an adoptive mom to three children, Katie uses the questions her own children have asked to help them see there never really was a choice-she knew right away that they were hers.Why Did You Choose Me? lovingly demonstrates the uniqueness that each child brings to a family, and is a valuable resource for adoptive and foster families to have in their home.EndorsementsWhy Did You Choose Me? explores a familiar adoption theme, but is pleasantly unpredictable. The illustrations are sure to put a smile on your child's face, and your own. Though the book is written in rhyme, the verse is not sing-songy and the book has just enough sophistication to be enjoyed by everyone.Dr. Daniel Nehrbass, President of Nightlight Christian AdoptionsWhy Did You Choose Me? is a perfectly simple way to make any adopted child feel like they are exactly where they need to be! When our daughter asks why we chose her to be a part of our family, even though she looks different than us, this book will be invaluable to communicate our love for her.Shannon Patterson, Adoptive mom and President of Bethany Christian Services Board in Greenville, SCAs a foster parent myself, I believe Why Did You Choose Me? is the perfect emotional journey to answering the very sensitive question all foster/adoptive children want to know and would recommend families add it to their library.Robert Whitney, Thornwell Foster Care RecruiterAs any adoptive parent will tell you, our adopted children do ask many times, "Why did you choose me?" Now my clients who adopt have a fun and colorful resource to touch on and answer this all-important question. Katie Cruice Smith and Sarah Strickling Jones have prepared a learning tool adaptable to a child's early years, which allows an adopted child and her parents to connect on different levels with the topic of adoption. Your child will laugh and smile while learning about adoption, love, and acceptance. I will be buying Why Did You Choose Me? for all my adoptive couples!Raymond W. Godwin, Father of two adopted daughters and adoption lawyer in Greenville, SC, Co-author of The Complete Adoption BookWhy Did You Choose Me? is tender, genuine, and refreshing, and it does this adoptive mom's heart and soul some good. Our daughter, from India, is now asking this very same question proposed in the book. This thoughtfully written and charmingly illustrated book is a great reminder to her of how special and unique she is, and it is a great reminder to her mom (me) of the beautiful gift of adoption. Any family, adopting or not, will be blessed by this sweet story.Kelly Parkison, Adoptive mom and author of He Knows Her Name
Middle school is tough. Especially when you tower over all the other girls in your grade. Fiona just wants to fit in when all she ever does is stand out. And when you're a Christian, fighting against peer pressure is a constant battle. All Fiona wants is another Christian friend at her public school. But all the other kids in her seventh grade class just seem to care about fitting in, too. When Fiona meets Mitchell, she finally meets someone else who shares her faith. But how can the tallest girl in class and the shortest boy in class ever be friends? When Fiona is given the opportunity to be on the cheerleading squad, she wonders if this is her opportunity to make friends with some other girls and to finally belong. But when the other girls want to pull some pranks, will Fiona finally give in to peer pressure? How can a teen girl stand strong in her faith in Jesus Christ with the pressures of middle school? Is it worth it to remain godly if you never make any friends? Fiona has a choice to make that will affect her future in middle school and in life.
Cece Burbin thought she knew what love was-people using you to get what they wanted. Until she met Jason Porter. But on what should have been the happiest day of their lives, Cece wakes up on a riverbank cold, alone, and in pain. After realizing she lost her voice, Cece becomes desperate to find a way to communicate with someone that she needs help. Freeing herself, she sets off in search of the only man she has truly loved. But as she struggles to find her way back home, her past quickly begins to creep back. The gang she thought she had left behind was never that far away, and the crimes she has committed are coming back to haunt her. Can God truly love and forgive her for all she has done? Jason is just as frantic to find his missing bride. But when he receives a note saying she left him for another man, his world is shattered. How had he missed her change of heart? Jason struggles to trust God in this heartbreak, battling uncertainty about the future he thought he had. But when he meets a strange woman who claims to be a private investigator, he discovers a clue that could change everything. Unaware that time is running out, the abandoned bridegroom sets off in search of love's lost star.
"Derrick's book, masterfully titled, is more timely today than ever before. Given the Church's wholesale abandonment of discipleship and decreasing appetite for following the life-giving way of our Messiah, Derrick's voice is a refreshing call to reclaim what's been lost and give our lives fully to Him."-Rev. Biz GaineySenior Pastor, Pillar Community Church, Vero Beach, FLThe Jews expected a Messiah to come Who would ride in like a white knight and destroy their enemies. But they never expected a humble Carpenter Who chose a rag-tag bunch to follow Him and lead His Church.In The League of Pardoned Rebels, Derrick West takes a closer look at the league that Jesus created, demonstrating how each one reflects something that is part of all of us. From Matthew's infamous role as a tax collector to Peter's impulsiveness and James' and John's tempers, each apostle demonstrates a sinful nature that we can all relate to.But from this motley crew, Jesus chose twelve men to lead His followers after He returned to Heaven, demonstrating that He can use the basest of sinners to accomplish His purpose.A concise but thorough expose of the original disciples, The League of Pardoned Rebels is a fantastic read for laity who want to better understand the message of the Bible and their place in God's redemptive story. Theological educators and Bible teachers in a variety of settings will also benefit from West's scholarship and application of each disciple's story for contemporary life.
Could his deal be the one to make her stay?Dakota Manning is on the run after years of abuse at the hands of her boyfriend, Bobby. Her desperate flight comes to an abrupt end outside the small town of Snowy Springs. With her car broken and Dakota in Snowy Springs Hospital, she suddenly finds herself in need of employment and a place to stay. Aaron Bakker, the town's hardware store owner and mechanic assistant, offers her a deal-a place to stay and a way to pay for the repairs in exchange for helping him out at his store. The Deal with Dakota is a story of hope, reconciliation, and renewal. It is a reminder that even the biggest mistakes can be forgiven and that a new life can be made from the ashes.
"People drink coffee on the go; you take a moment for tea." Teatime in Ireland pays tribute to the delightful ritual of "taking tea," both formal and informal, and invites you on a tasting tour of Ireland where tea-drinking serves as a symbol of hospitality, friendship, and pleasure. From her first visit in 1984, Margaret Johnson has forged an indelible bond with Ireland and Irish food, and she shares her continued passion in her latest cookbook devoted to the special relationship Irish people have with tea. You'll learn a bit of Irish tea history; be amazed that not even the Easter Rising could keep the ladies of Dublin from their tea and cakes; and discover a treasure trove of recipes for hosting your own special occasion afternoon tea. From homespun recipes like Egg and Tomato Sandwiches and Buttermilk Scones to more ambitious sweets such as Battenberg Cake and Millionaire's Shortbread, Teatime in Ireland provides a delicious culinary and cultural experience. From country castles and Kerry kitchens to casual tearooms and Dublin drawing rooms, this colorful collection offers more than seventy recipes that will take you seamlessly from a morning cuppa to an afternoon tea party. Bain taitneamh as do bhéile . . . Bon appétit! Praise for Teatime in Ireland "Pull up a chair, pour yourself a steaming cup of your favorite tea, and then settle in for a feast for the taste buds as well as the eyes. From custards to creams, cakes to éclairs and dainty sandwiches to tartines, Margaret Johnson's latest cookbook is an encyclopedic, lavishly illustrated journey through the celebrated custom of teatime in Ireland. Learn the fascinating history behind Ireland's iconic beverage, the time-honored repast that complements it, and learn about the shops, hotels, and castles that do it best. Teatime in Ireland is essential reading and a valuable addition to your cookbook collection." -JEFF MEADE, Editor, irishphiladelphia.com "Teatime in Ireland is Margaret Johnson's most glorious book yet. Full of rich history and traditional sayings, every page will make you want to put on a kettle of water to make a rich, soul-satisfying brew. Visit legendary tea spots through her pages or create your own specialties for friends and family. There is absolutely no better way to create a bit of peace and joy in your day." -ROSEANN TULLY, CEO & Founder, Intermezzo Magazine "Margaret Johnson's Teatime in Ireland brings us the best of Irish cooking with a visual presentation of Ireland that creates a longing for home. And this latest volume, like its predecessors, is literate and entertaining, as well as informative and practical." -PETER MCDERMOTT, Arts Editor, Irish Echo Newspaper "With her latest book, Teatime in Ireland, Margaret Johnson proves again to be one of Irish gastronomy's most fervent, accomplished, and artful ambassadors. She presents scores of recipes-and stories-each practically arranged, sourced, and delicious, along with lustrous photos that literally beckon the appetite. For this reader, at least, the book now stands as the definitive guide to the rich culture of Irish tea rooms. Indeed, as the book highlights, what other ritual could inspire its devotees to their cupán tea at Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel on Easter Monday 1916, as the bullets flew in and around them!" -GERRY REGAN, Editorial Director, thewildgeese.irish Social Network
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