Bücher veröffentlicht von Zondervan

Pastors Worship Team Leaders Vocalists & Instrumentalists Sound PeopleDo You Want Your Worship Team to . . .* get the most out of rehearsal time?* craft a professional sound, even with just a few instruments?* cultivate the 10 most important skills vocalists need for contemporary music?* teach new songs to the congregation--painlessly?* create and use dynamic presentation skills?Expert advice is here for all the above and a whole lot more. The Praise and Worship Team Instant Tune-Up is the next best thing to having a seasoned professional director coach your team personally through all the ins and outs of worship ministry!This timely resource addresses the whole array of concerns that can hang up a worship team and takes you beyond them to the next level. Whether you're building a team from the ground up or need to fine-tune a given area, The Praise and Worship Team Instant Tune-Up gives you spot-on insights and troubleshooting tips that will help you excel in your mission of leading others in worship through music.You'll love how this easy-to-read book makes everything so understandable. You don't have to take a music theory class in order to get a fast handle on chord substitutions, key changes, and arranging techniques that will give your sound a personal, creative edge. You'll also find out about . . .Copyright issues--what you need to knowSeamless segues and transitionsPreparing for and running efficient rehearsalsPositioning your worship team on the platformConducting solid sound checksBest practices for visual aids Communicating with team members via secret signalsDeveloping a clean vocal soundQuick tips for every aspect of worship leading. . . and lots, lots more!

For most of us, dreams of family harmony and cooperation often give way to the reality of squabbling and fighting between siblings. In Keep the Siblings, Lose the Rivalry, Dr. Todd Cartmell explodes the myth that parents must sit passively by while sibling conflict runs rampant. Based on solid biblical principles and sibling research, Cartmell provides a ten-step plan that will help you enrich your family soil, plant the seeds of sibling relational skills, and provide an environment that will encourage respectful sibling relationships. Cartmell includes fifteen "e;ready-to-use"e; Family Time Discussion Guides and creates powerful object lessons using common household objects such as stinky socks, post-it notes, tennis balls, and tasty treats. With role-plays, Scripture references, and interactive discussion questions, each Family Time Discussion Guide will bring you closer together as a family and improve your children's skills at handling sibling conflict in a respectful way. Practical, down-to-earth, and leavened with Cartmell's dry humor, Keep the Siblings, Lose the Rivalry will equip you to handle the most difficult sibling challenges.

Is your spiritual life more like a fast-food run than an intimate dinner for two?Whether it's the busy mother's wish to be Wonder Woman-minus the metal bra-or battles with an exploding hot water heater, or fighting the "e;Resolutionary War"e; of New Year's Day, Mary Pierce understands the dilemmas of being a woman in today's 24/7 world. From disorganized misery to extreme organizational mania (she used to refer to her children by their household chores: Cat Box Boy, Dishwasher Girl, and Garbage Can Baby), Pierce deals with our fumbling attempts to grow closer to God, encouraging us as she invites us to laugh, cry, love, embrace life, and pray!In her humorous, conversational style, Pierce laughs at her mistakes and her prayers that seem more like advertising jingles (Lord, I need a break today, and Can you hear me now, Lord?). In Confessions of a Prayer Wimp, you'll come to understand that faith is less about what you are or do or say, and more about who God is-someone who loves you no matter what you do.

What you need to know to control the emotion of anger and find healing for damaged relationships.Anger is something everyone struggles with--whether it's our own emotion threatening to explode out of control or the anger of others that makes us feel intimidated and afraid. But when we understand where anger comes from, how it shows or doesn't show, then we can do something about it. Either it will control us or we will control it, because Anger Is a Choice.Best-selling authors Tim LaHaye and Bob Phillips tell us what we need to know to control the emotion of anger. They not only examine it from beginning (its origins) to end (its effects), they also help us evaluate our own "e;Irritability Quotient"e; through the Anger Inventory and other exercises throughout the book. In learning how to handle conflicts and anger, we are enabled to heal damaged relationships and help others deal with their anger as well. We can make our lives more peaceful, rewarding, and meaningful by putting anger in its proper place and under our own control.Topics include:* Meet the angry family* Anger and body language* Anger and your health* Anger and your temperament* Is it ever right to be angry?* Anger and forgiveness* Anger in the Bible

Lasso Them With LaughterThe way to your listeners' hearts is through their funny bones. Want to grab their attention? Do it with humor. Need to drive home a point they'll remember? Nothing does it better than a rib-tickling anecdote-like the ones in this book. 1002 Humorous Illustrations for Public Speaking is jam-packed with one-liners, jokes, humorous stories, and pithy proverbs for just about any subject or circumstance under the sun. Pick your topic. Appearances, Communication, Opportunity, Prayer, Self-Image, Sports . . . these and plenty more come to you conveniently alphabetized, numbered, and indexed for instant referencing. There's even a space for you to log what you use, so fresh nuttiness doesn't become old chestnuts.Tested by preachers and public speakers, this ensemble of humor is just the ticket to get your audience laughing-and listening.

Modern culture would have you believe that everyone has a soul mate; that romance is the most important part of a successful marriage; that marriage does not mean 'til death do us part, but merely for as long as my needs are being met; and that when serious differences arise, divorce is the best solution.According to the Bible, all of these modern-day assumptions miss what marriage is all about. In this six-session video-based Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately), Timothy Keller, along with Kathy, his wife of forty years, draws a profound portrait of marriage from the pages of Scripture that neither idealizes nor rejects the institution but points us back to the relationship between God and man. The result is a vision for marriage that is refreshingly frank and unsentimental, yet hopeful and beautiful.This study is for anyone from singles to couples considering marriage to those who have been married recently or for a long time.Sessions include:Service: Marriage Isn't about YouCovenant: Created to Make PromisesRoles: Loving through Mutual SubmissionSingleness: Strengthening the Spiritual FamilySex: The Act of Covenant RenewalHope: Seeing the Great HorizonDesigned for use with The Meaning of Marriage Video Study (sold separately).

The Reality Check series makes just one assumption: that you're serious enough about your spiritual journey to investigate Christianity with an open mind. This isn't about joining anyone's religious club-it's about being real with yourself and with the others in your group. Since no one has all the answers, there's plenty of room for discussion. After all, if there is any truth to the Bible's stories about Jesus, then one thing he'd welcome are questions and opinions that come from honest, earnest hearts.If there is a God and he's good, then why doesn't he do something about the evil and suffering in this world? Where was he when the Twin Towers fell? Where is he in the midst of your own tragedy? Questions like these are hardly academic-they're the gut-wrenching cry of a world consumed with unendurable pain and ugliness. Something about this life is so terribly broken that only God can fix it. So why doesn't he-or has he . . . is he . . . and will he?When Tragedy Strikes includes these sessions: Where Is God When Tragedy Strikes? Is God to Blame? How Should You Respond to Evil? Is War the Solution? What Has God Done About Evil? Will Evil Win in the Long Run?For the Group LeaderReality Check is for spiritual seekers of every persuasion. Uncompromisingly Christian in its perspective, it steers wide of pat answers and aims at honesty. This innovative and thought-provoking series will challenge you and those in your group to connect heart to heart as together you explore the interface between Jesus, the Bible, and the realities of this world in which we live.

The Reality Check series makes just one assumption: that you're serious enough about your spiritual journey to investigate Christianity with an open mind. This isn't about joining anyone's religious club-it's about being real with yourself and with the others in your group. Since no one has all the answers, there's plenty of room for discussion. After all, if there is any truth to the Bible's stories about Jesus, then one thing he'd welcome are questions and opinions that come from honest, earnest hearts.Whatever your opinion is of Jesus, you can't deny his impact. Men left their careers to follow him. Prostitutes and extortionists reformed their ways. Grief-stricken women regained lost loved ones. One religious leader sought his wisdom while others sought to kill him. Taking a compelling look at six very different encounters with Jesus and their impact on real, flesh-and-blood people, Sudden Impact helps you consider how you might respond if Jesus entered your own world and turned it upside down. Sudden Impact includes these sessions: The Professor The Roof Smashers The Corpse Soldiers and Criminals The Prostitute The Blue-Collar Man and the IRS AgentFor the Group LeaderReality Check is for spiritual seekers of every persuasion. Uncompromisingly Christian in its perspective, it steers wide of pat answers and aims at honesty. This innovative and thought-provoking series will challenge you and those in your group to connect heart to heart as together you explore the interface between Jesus, the Bible, and the realities of this world in which we live.

"e;How do I relate to a God who is invisible when I'm never quite sure he's there?"e;--Philip YanceyLife with God doesn't always work like we thought. High expectations slam against the reality of personal weaknesses and unwelcome surprises. And the God who we've been told longs for our company may seem remote, emotionally unavailable. Is God playing games? What can we count on him for? This relationship with a God we can't see, hear, or touch--how does it really work?The Reaching for the Invisible God Study Guide gives you a path in your personal quest for answers. Dovetailing with Philip Yancey's book Reaching for the Invisible God, the twelve sessions are your opportunity to journey toward insights that affirm and dignify your most pressing questions--even the ones you may have found it hard to ask. Get ready to experience the challenges and rewards of relating to God as he is, not as you've thought he is. Yancey shifts your focus from questions to the One who offers himself in answer: the God who invites you to reach for him--and find.Includes:* Bible readings * Discussion questions* Personal reflections and applications* Tips for group leaders* Summary excerpts from Reaching for the Invisible God

The Reality Check series makes just one assumption: that you're serious enough about your spiritual journey to investigate Christianity with an open mind. This isn't about joining anyone's religious club-it's about being real with yourself and with the others in your group. Since no one has all the answers, there's plenty of room for discussion. After all, if there is any truth to the Bible's stories about Jesus, then one thing he'd welcome are questions and opinions that come from honest, earnest hearts.Have you stopped to consider just how broken this planet really is? Look around you. Poverty, racism, intolerance, materialism, oppression of women . . . it doesn't take long to see plenty that needs fixing. Hot Issues explores six current social evils that affect us all one way or another. They'll come as no surprise-until you explore Jesus' radical responses to the same issues in his time. Hot Issues includes these sessions: The Poverty Line Crossing the Racial Divide Handling Hypocrisy The Treatment of Women Materialism and the Moral Yuppie Religious Intolerance For the Group LeaderReality Check is for spiritual seekers of every persuasion. Uncompromisingly Christian in its perspective, it steers wide of pat answers and aims at honesty. This innovative and thought-provoking series will challenge you and those in your group to connect heart to heart as together you explore the interface between Jesus, the Bible, and the realities of this world in which we live.

The Reality Check series makes just one assumption: that you're serious enough about your spiritual journey to investigate Christianity with an open mind. This isn't about joining anyone's religious club-it's about being real with yourself and with the others in your group. Since no one has all the answers, there's plenty of room for discussion. After all, if there is any truth to the Bible's stories about Jesus, then one thing he'd welcome are questions and opinions that come from honest, earnest hearts.Whether you're leading a corporation, a sports team, your family, or simply your own pursuits, issues such as mission, character, vision casting, and team building are critical to your success. Wouldn't it be great to take lessons from a master leader? Here's your opportunity. Nobody in history has surpassed Jesus of Nazareth in either methods or results. Find out his leadership secrets. They're guaranteed to make you a better leader.Leadership Jesus Style includes these sessions: Upside-Down Leadership What's Your Mission? Casting a Vision The Master Strategist Building a Team When Others FailFor the Group LeaderReality Check is for spiritual seekers of every persuasion. Uncompromisingly Christian in its perspective, it steers wide of pat answers and aims at honesty. This innovative and thought-provoking series will challenge you and those in your group to connect heart to heart as together you explore the interface between Jesus, the Bible, and the realities of this world in which we live.

Many Christians have an easier time being saved by grace than they do living in grace every day. But grace is at the center of the life God calls us to--and reflects the heart of the One who calls.These studies in Grace will help you make the connection between grace as a remote biblical concept and grace as a lifestyle--a reality you experience day in, day out. Through an unfolding study of Psalm 23, you'll learn how God--our Good Shepherd--is for you, how he longs to walk with you through temptation, sorrow, and even deep regret. You'll discover God's desire to make his joy your joy. Throughout, you'll learn how enduring, powerful, and life-affirming God's work in your life can be-and rediscover why it's called amazing grace.Leader's guide included!Grace group sessions are:Living in GraceGrace for RegretsSustaining GraceDelighting in GraceA Legacy of GraceGrace ForeverGrace to Share

The Reality Check series makes just one assumption: that you're serious enough about your spiritual journey to investigate Christianity with an open mind. This isn't about joining anyone's religious club-it's about being real with yourself and with the others in your group. Since no one has all the answers, there's plenty of room for discussion. After all, if there is any truth to the Bible's stories about Jesus, then one thing he'd welcome are questions and opinions that come from honest, earnest hearts.Miracles? Rising from the dead? God Incarnate? Some people say such claims about Jesus are myths and lies. Yet through the years countless others, beginning with Jesus' closest friends, have staked their lives on the accuracy of those claims. Fortunately, faith is not a leap in the dark. In Clear Evidence, you'll weigh the arguments for and against the Jesus of the Bible. How convincing is the case for either side? The verdict is yours.Clear Evidence includes these sessions: Credible Sources A Brush with Greatness Reason, Faith, and . . . Miracles? The Finish Line Final Proof Skeptics TurnFor the Group LeaderReality Check is for spiritual seekers of every persuasion. Uncompromisingly Christian in its perspective, it steers wide of pat answers and aims at honesty. This innovative and thought-provoking series will challenge you and those in your group to connect heart to heart as together you explore the interface between Jesus, the Bible, and the realities of this world in which we live.

"e;Sadly, studies show that there are few differences in the attitudes and actions between people who claim to be Christians and those who don't choose that label. But everything we read in the Bible says we should be transformed; we should be different than the rest of the world.What would it look like if you lived the life God desires for you? How would your life be different if you abandoned your typical routine and refused to settle for anything less than the best God has in store for you?In Thrive, you'll find 20 life-impacting studies that will draw you into the Bible and help you understand who you are and who God wants to help you become. You'll discover what the Bible says about how God made you, what kind of life he has planned for you, and how you can survive the tough times of your life. Even if you struggle to keep your faith alive at times, God wants to help you thrive. The reality is, God loves us just the way we are-but he also loves us too much to leave us that way."e;

Learn to Pray with the Master If you could ask the first disciples, ';What was the Savior's secret to living in alignment with the Father's will and with power to face life's challenges,' they would have answered with one word, ';Prayer!' As we learn to talk with the Father, we grow strong in faith and obedience. The Lord's Prayer is much more than a collection of words to be recited from memory. It is a Jesus-given springboard to launch us into the refreshing waters of God's wisdom and strength. When we learn to pray with Jesus, we become like him. Will you dare to echo the plea of the first disciples, ';Teach us to pray'?

A series of Bible study guides following the format and content of the NIV Application Commentaries Series. Each study looks at the original meaning, bridging contexts, and contemporary significance of the text, and offers small group participants a better understanding and relevant application of the biblical material to their daily lives.

Stand Strong in Life's Furnaces How do you respond when the bottom drops out? What happens to your character quotient when things don't go the way you planned? How do you react when the temperature is rising, you are under attack, and God seems far away? Daniel discovered that the furnace experiences of life refine and define us. Spiritual integrity rarely grows when everything goes our way. Instead, God uses things like a furnace, a lion's den, a mad king, and exile in a foreign country to forge character in a soul. If you long to meet God in the challenging times and come through the fire stronger and more faithful, Daniel is ready to show the way.

Extend the Compassion and Grace of Jesus Jesus came to serve, sacrifice, and die. His humble lifestyle flies in the face of the conventional wisdom of a society that is fixated on getting more and scraping our way to the top. Not only did the Savior model a life of extraordinary service, he called his followers to join him in this mission. In 2 Corinthians we find a pathway to Jesus-like living. Paul calls us to align our hearts and lives with the way of the Savior and offer authentic love, amazing grace, extravagant generosity, and humble service. As we do this, we are shaped into the image of the One who served so hard he ended up on a cross.

Written by the dynamic leaders of church ministry across the country, this series explores life-changing topics from a biblical perspective. New Community guides don't force small groups to choose between Bible study and building community. Just the opposite. Each study delves deeply into Scripture in a way that strengthens relationships. Challenging questions encourage group members to reflect not only on Scripture but also on their own livesindividually and as a part of God's family. And unlike most Bible studies, the New Community series helps study groups convert biblical principles into practical teamworkhelping at the soup kitchen, bringing a meal to someone, writing an encouraging letter, and so on. Filled with prayer, insight, intimacy, and action, each study in this series will help group members line up their lives and relationship more closely with the Bible's model for the church.

You're already establishing a track record with your kid by how you listen, by what you say when you're angry, and by how you treat your spouse. We like to surprise parents who ask us, "e;When do I start talking about sex?"e; The answer is, you've already started.As difficult as talking with your child about sex, peer pressure, and self-image may seem, you can do it-and you must. Your child's future depends on it. Fortunately, you've got plenty of guidance and insight available in A Chicken's Guide to Talking Turkey with Your Kids about Sex.Family psychologist Dr. Kevin Leman and sexuality educator Kathy Flores Bell guide you safely along the sometimes rocky road of pubescence as your child heads toward adolescence. This practical and engaging book covers his or her development not just from the waist down, but also from the neck up, where the important decisions about sex are made. Illustrated with real life scenarios, this book is filled with practical knowledge and biblical wisdom. It is a book of firsts: first bra, first shave, first period, first nocturnal emission, first school dance, first discussion about relating to the opposite sex. A Chicken's Guide takes on the difficult things parents face with their kids today, such as dating relationships, sexual activity and "e;rite of passage"e; attitudes, STDs, molestation, and more. Leman and Bell take you beyond sex education and frank conversations to cultivating a relationship with your child. Get ready to acquire some unanticipated life skills in the process. Moms, discover how to buy that first athletic supporter for your son in Little League. Dads, learn how to navigate the feminine hygiene aisle at the supermarket for your daughter. You'll do more than meet your child's physical needs. You'll create the trust, support, and security he or she needs in your relationship. And in turn, you'll gain a credible voice on such intimate topics as what sexual intercourse is and why to abstain from sex until marriage.With Bell's expert yet simple knowledge of the dynamics of human sexuality and Dr. Leman's winsome, lighthearted approach, you'll gain confidence for those difficult but essential talks. Here are the tools you need to help your kids not only understand their growing bodies, but cope with the temptations and social pressures that go with them.

When Joy Montrose received her commission to paint a mural depicting the healing miracles of Jesus at Good Samaritan Hospital, she never anticipated forming a close friendship with Evan Marshall. But the bond between the talented young artist and the gifted surgeon has grown, even though their lives are worlds apart. Now, with the family estate falling suddenly and unexpectedly into Joy's hands, she finds herself sifting not only through the memorabilia of generations but through her own heart and aspirations. Is it truly love that she feels for Evan? If so, can she at all reconcile it with the wounded healer's lack of faith in God or with her personal need for freedom to pursue her calling as a painter? In this final book in Jane Peart's beloved Brides of Montclair series, the faith and lives of an American dynasty wind to a poignant, present-day culmination as a young woman struggles with choices of love and obedience that will shapes the years to come.

In the final book of the Sweet Seasons series, Candace's time in high school and at The Zone is coming to a closeand what to do next is looming in her mind. Stay close to home and with her boyfriend Kurt, or take a chance and see what the adventure brings?Candace used to be the one to take the easy waybut after three seasons working at a crazy amusement park, challenge seems to be her middle name. Then why does the idea of leaving her hometown to attend college on the other side of the country scare her so much? It doesn't help that her boyfriend, Kurt, and her friend Tamara are both encouraging her to attend the local college and just relax. Or that the more she dreams about her future, the less she sees Kurt being a part of it.Hoping it will lessen her stress, Candace focuses on her job making candied apples at The Zone. But life has other plans: as things with Kurt cool, a strange romantic tension grows between her and her friend Josh that leads to even more confusion. And when Candace is named a finalist for a scholarship to the same faraway school she's been contemplatingone that is also near another Zone locationthe time to decide her future grows too close to ignore.The Spring of Candy Apples:is a YA contemporary novel with a fun, rom-com feelis written by New York Times bestselling author Debbie Viguiefeatures an empowered protagonist looking to take control of her lifeis a coming-of-age story that mixes humor with real-life strugglesis a clean read for young adult fans of any age

In the second book of the Keystone Stables series, perfect for girls who love horses and horse fiction, foster child Skye must face a new challenge with a friend from her past stays at the ranch Skye now calls home, threatening her new life and the horses she holds dear.Skye Nicholson used to be a lot like her past friend Sooze: loud, angry, and willing to do anything to prove she didn't need anyone. But after coming to Keystone Stables and realizing she is worth being loved, Skye's life has changed. Now she would do anything to stay at the stables and around her beloved horses. But while the girls start training for an upcoming horse show, Sooze decides to sneak off with a hard-to-control Tennessee walking horse named Stormy, and disaster strikessoon, Skye is questioning everything she's started to believe about herself, including her newfound faith.On the Victory Trail:is written by an author who has firsthand experience with horses and foster careexplores the effects of cancer on friends and familyis a contemporary and realistic plot, with an inspirational Christian messagecontains extensive back matter on different horse breeds, how to care for them, and horsemanship, as well as facts, diagrams, and a glossary of horse terms so girls can better know their favorite animal

Mix six teenage girls and one '60s fashion icon (retired, of course) in an old Victorian-era boardinghome. Add boys and dating, a little high-school angst, and throw in a Kate Spade bag or two . . . and you've got The Carter House Girls, Melody Carlson's new chick lit series for young adults!New York DebutThe New Year promises to be lively for the Carter House girls. No sooner does the calendar page turn and the girls are forced to confront a whole load of difficulties. There is constant pressure from Mrs. Carter as the household prepares to participate in the high stakes Spring Fashion Week in New York City. Competition flares from all directions as the girls vie for top billing, premium outfits, and attention from favorite guys. Stresses mount and some personal challenges grow into serious problems. Will the girls survive the big city experience and the even bigger trials that come along with it?

Lucy has come a long way from that tomboy who wouldn't give pink the time of day. She's developed into an authentic tween who has learned that girls make great friends, that teamwork means more than stardom, and that God is real. But she's still Lucy. In the third book of the series, she runs headlong into some new-and some old-problems. Although Lucy has come to love and respect Inez and more than tolerate Mora, with school out for the summer, the three of them have more together time than anybody can stand! That worsens when the "e;monsoon"e; season keeps them cooped up in the house for three solid days without Dad to referee (he's stranded at the radio station).When Dad is stuck at the radio station without his assistant Luke, the new management finds out just how much Dad depends on his assistant and threaten to fire Lucy's father. Lucy is freaked out at the thought of moving.Plus it gives Aunt Karen more ammunition for her fight to have Lucy come and live with her in El Paso. That would be heinous enough, but Lucy just can't leave now, not with the soccer team making tremendous progress and Coach Auggy scheduling three unofficial games with neighboring teams during the summer to get them ready for the real soccer season in the fall.And not with Januarie getting into "e;iffy"e; territory with the new kids her own age that Lucy and her friends have encouraged her to hang out with so she'll leave them alone. Child Protective Services gets involved when Januarie gets in trouble, and Lucy has to be there for her, especially since this could affect her friend J.J. too.When the weather dries up, wild fires break out with a vengeance. A big one threatens Los Suenos. Myteriously, the only thing destroyed is the soccer field. The big developer who has tried to buy the property before swoops in for the kill. Lucy and her team have to convince the town to come together and restore the field, rather than give up and sell it.Meanwhile, Lucy, Mora, Dusty, Veronica, and Inez study Esther. Lucy grows even closer to God through her Book of Lists and her resonance with Esther, even though she was a girly-girl. That helps her not only save the soccer field, get Januarie out of trouble, and get herself an audition with the Olympic Development Program (without Aunt Karen's help), but it enables her to make a huge sacrifice for Dad and agree to live without him for six weeks while he goes to a special technology school for the blind in Alamogordo. That's going to mean having Aunt Karen come to live with her in the fall. But Lucy is the only one who can do this thing in this time and this place. Like Esther, she is willing to make the sacrifice.

Mix six teenaged girls and one '60s fashion icon (retired, of course) in an old Victorian-era boarding home. Add boys and dating, a little high-school angst, and throw in a Kate Spade bag or two ... and you've got The Carter House Girls, Melody Carlson's new chick lit series for young adults!In a whirlwind, DJ accepts "e;lonely"e; Taylor's invitation to join her mom's tour in Las Vegas during Christmas break. DJ soon discovers that the unsupervised Taylor is focused on one thing only-partying with a capital "e;P."e; She's invited Eliza, too, and DJ is quickly overwhelmed by the behavior of the wild duo. Desperate, she calls on Casey for help and prays for a miracle to help Taylor before she self-destructs.

Evocative reflections on three facets in our relationship with Jesus.People long for reality in their walk with Christ. To know him better, we must understand the different sides of his complex nature. Popular British author Adrian Plass draws on biblical stories and personal experience-as well as his keen understanding of people's needs-as he explores the Safe Jesus, the Tender Jesus, and the Extreme Jesus. God has told us that he holds us in the palm of his hands, where no one and nothing can harm the most important part of us. But from biblical times to the present day, Christians encounter accidents and disasters. What does it really mean to experience the Safe Jesus? Jesus tells his disciples that they must love one another. Yet time and again we try to find achievement and success through our own efforts and individual gifts, only to end in failure. Instead, we need to know the Tender Jesus who becomes visible when we join with each other in the body of Christ. Jesus only did what he saw his father doing. Each of his actions and encounters were fueled, informed, and instructed by the dynamic, creative, unpredictable Spirit of God. Failing to be obedient in this way is what truly constitutes sin. When we are open to the genuine leading of the Spirit, we will experience the Extreme Jesus. In Jesus - Safe, Tender, Extreme, Adrian Plass is "e;simply a man with a broom, sweeping away the rubbish that prevents others from passing further in and further up, by talking about what Jesus does and doesn't do in my life."e;

For horse-loving young readers comes the first book in the Keystone Stables series, where a tough foster child named Skye learns about love and forgiveness through a beautiful quarter horse named Champ. Thirteen-year-old Skye Nicholson has become an expert at making sure no one will ever hurt her again. After her cold and angry behavior and numerous offenses remove her from more foster home placements than she cares to count, she's headed toward juvenile detention. But then she's given one last chancean opportunity to live at Keystone Stables, a foster home and therapy camp where she meets a beautiful sorrel horse named Champ. As hard as she tries, she can't deny she loves Champbut her refusal to accept her new foster parents and their Christian faith might mean losing Champ forever.A Horse to Love:is written by an author who has firsthand experience with horses and foster careis a contemporary and realistic plot, with an inspirational Christian messagefeatures a character with special needscontains extensive back matter on different horse breeds, how to care for them, and horsemanship, as well as facts, diagrams, and a glossary of horse terms so girls can better know their favorite animal

Mix six teenaged girls and one '60s fashion icon (retired, of course) in an old Victorian-era boarding home. Add guys and dating, a little high-school angst, and throw in a Kate Spade bag or two ... and you've got The Carter House Girls, Melody Carlson's new chick lit series for young adults!Christmas is coming and Mrs. Carter treats the girls to a weekend trip to General Harding's luxurious Vermont ski lodge. Naturally, she has no idea that Taylor has invited some guys to follow them-boys who have a different type of adventure in mind. As usual, Mrs. Carter does not pay close attention to the girls' activities. When a dinner outing and small accident keep her away overnight, DJ, Eliza, Taylor, Kriti, Rhiannon, and Casey are quickly in over their heads. As a party gets completely out of hand, only God's help can get the Carter House girls out of this gigantic mess.

The Carter House girls are just getting to know one another when the subject of boys comes up. Rhiannon's dating Bradford, the most popular jock in school, Eliza's seeing Harry, and even DJ has dated Conner, although now he acts as if he doesn't like her. Boys aren't always easy to understand, but every girl in the house wants a boyfriend-and will do just about anything to get one. So when Taylor decides to put the moves on Bradford, Rhiannon is shocked and hurt. Mistakes are made and feelings battered ... there is forgiveness for some and bitterness for others ... but at the end of the day, the girls learn a valuable lesson about what it means to be a family.