The evergreen wreath symbolizes eternal life and includes four candles—typically three purple and one pink, with a white candle in the middle that symbolizes the purity of Christ. Various traditions assign different topics to each candle, and the candles are usually given names to remind us of the good news of Christ's birthTo celebrate this season, TGC's editorial team put together 25 devotional readings that use the Advent wreath as a guide to focus hearts and minds on Christ during the month of December. Structured around traditional Advent themes—hope, peace, joy, love, and faith—these reflections will encourage your heart in this season of celebrating Christ's first coming, and longing for his second.

    The text's major theme "Changes, Choices, and Constraints" explores: Contemporary "changes "in families and their structure Impacts on the "choices "that are available to family members ""Constraints ""that often limit our choices Through this approach, students are better able to understand what the research and statistics mean "for themselves"! Marriages and Families balances theoretical and empirical discussions with practical examples and applications. It highlights important contemporary changes in society and the family. This text is written from a sociological perspective and incorporates material from other disciplines: history, economics, social work, psychology, law, biology, medicine, family studies, women's studies, and anthropology. "More about the themes: " "Changes"Examines how recent profound structural and attitudinal changes affect family forms, interpersonal relationships, and raising children. It reaches beyond the traditional discussions to explore racial-ethnic families, single-parent families and gay families as well as the recent scholarship by and about men, fathers, and grandfathers. Contemporary American marriages and families vary greatly in structure, dynamics, and cultural heritage. Thus, discussions of gender roles, social class, race, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation are integrated throughout this book. To further strengthen students understanding of the growing diversity among today's families, the author included a series of boxes that focus on families from many cultures. "Choices"On the individual level, family members have many more choices today than ever before. People feel freer to postpone marriage, to cohabit, or to raise children as single parents. As a result, household forms vary greatly, ranging from commuter marriages to those in which several generations live together under the same roof. "Constraints"Although family members choices are more varied today, we also face greater macro- level constraints. Our options are increasingly limited, for example, by government policies. Economic changes often shape family life and not vice versa. Political and legal institutions also have a major impact on most families in tax laws, welfare reform, and even in defining what a family is. Because laws, public policies, and religious groups affect our everyday lives, the author has framed many discussions of individual choices within the larger picture of the institutional constraints that limit our choices.To learn more about the new edition, click here to visit the showcase site.

    Drawn from those talks, this new work from the archives of the Nouwen estate reveals the deep turmoil and sometimes turbulent inner life of a man who has become an icon of compassion and vulnerablity for Christians and non-Christians alike. Here he writes eloquently about calling and purpose, fear and hope and explains why, with so many choices available to the 21st century seeker including atheism and secularism, the greatest reward for those looking for fulfullment is to choose belief in God. Along the way he offers warm, insightful, practical spiritual practices to help keep readers navigate the narrow, sometimes arduous, but ultimately fulfilling road of conviction and faith.

    Yes. It’s worth it. But do you ever feel as if your life is “all homeschool—all the time?” Do you ever wonder where the girl your husband married went? This book is for every mom who has collapsed into bed at the end of the day, looked into the eyes of her husband and promised “tomorrow” she’d have time for him. Trouble is, tomorrow finds her more exhausted than the day before. If you have ever felt caught between the demands of nurturing your children and meeting the needs of your husband, you’re not alone. Read and discover how even a busy homeschool mom can make time to nurture her marriage. It’s not as hard as you think—and more important than you may realize.

    

    "But take heart, I have overcome the world."If life hasn't turned out the way you planned, you're not alone. Cancer comes. Loved ones die. Spouses leave. Dreams slip through our fingers. Anxiety and depression steal precious seasons. But what if you knew you weren't alone in your pain, and sorrow isn't in the end of the story?In this 100-day devotional, the (in)courage community comes alongside you when your heart is grieving, your faith is shaking, or it's just one of those mundane hard days. In these vulnerable stories, you won't find tidy bows or trite quick fixes, but you will find arrows pointing you straight to Jesus. Each day includes a key Scripture, a heartening devotion, and a prayer to remind you that God is near and hope is possible.Let this book be like a trusted friend, wrapping your heart with comfort and assurance that you are seen. Together we can find ourselves and God again in one another's stories. Together we can take heart!

    The hope is that through using this book you might discover the ancient rhythms that were whispered into you when God breathed you into being.

    She and her handsome husband, Garrett, are the epitome of success: an immaculate house of their dreams, a beautiful and talented 17-year-old daughter, flourishing careers, and nearly twenty years of perfectly wedded bliss. Just as they are making plans for their vow renewal celebration, a call in the middle of the night interrupts their picture-perfect lives. Now Sylvia has to deal with the reality of Garrett’s dead mistress, a love child she never knew about, and the fact that the man she’s been married to for the past twenty years may not be the man she knows at all.Unlike her sister Sylvia, when it comes to love, Janelle Hudson can take it or leave it. Her on again, off again, noncommittal, stress-free friendship with Jarvis Baldwin is fine with her. But her life becomes complicated when she is faced with choosing between a sure thing with a good man or what feels right with the wrong one.Bestselling author LaJill Hunt is back with Midlife Crisis, an emotion-packed story of love, betrayal, and family loyalty. When lies are unveiled and secrets are revealed, can love be strong enough to forgive, even when you can’t forget? An abbreviated version of this novel entitled Jaded was previously published.

    The broken and stressed relationships that result from these feelings can overwhelm us. But now there's help. Well-known teacher and speaker Chip Ingram teams up with psychologist and author Dr. Becca Johnson in this encouraging and practical book, showing how many emotions lead to anger, and many emotions follow from it. Their message is clear: as we deal with our anger, we deal with the primary cause for all emotions that destroy. Ingram and Johnson help readers identify whether they are spewers, leakers, or stuffers. Readers also learn the difference between good and bad anger, how to gain control of their anger, and how to direct it toward constructive ends. The authors cover solid biblical principles as well as the psychological aspects of our emotions, showing readers how they can actually be a constructive tool used by God to transform lives and relationships. Counselors, pastors, and individual Christians will find this book a no-nonsense tool for handling destructive emotions in a healthy way.

     As Theo lies unconscious, Lydia begins to pick up the pieces, but not every part of the puzzle fits together as neatly as it did before. And when Lydia begins to move on, what happens when Theo wakes up and realises she didn’t wait for him? Theo and Lydia have a history together, but do they still have a future? Or has too much happened to be able to forgive and forget? An emotional and absorbing story, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes and Amanda Prowse

    It is a book written to take care of everyday prayer needs of a modern-day Christian. In this book, you'll find: Prayers for the Gift of Virtues Prayers for Family and Similar Kinds of Relationships Prayers for Different Activities and Events Prayers for Important Moments in Time Prayers against Various Forms of Sin Prayers for Righteousness and Salvation Prayers for Others in Difficult Situations and much more... SCROLL to the top of the page and select the BUY button for instant download Download your copy today!

    These themes - as well as topics like forgiveness, kindness, and gratitude - partner well with lessons from the Bible. Christians who loved this show will be encouraged and inspired to follow this "season" of daily devotions, reminiscing about their favorite Gilmore Girls scenes and perhaps seeing them from a whole new perspective. When life makes you say, "Oy with the poodles already!" grab your mug of coffee and settle in for a conversation that will warm your heart and feed your soul.

    Based on the "Wall Street Journal" bestseller "You're Already Amazing," this interactive workbook helps women embrace who they are and become who they're created to be.

    Each individual book is available to borrow for FREE in the Kindle Unlimited program. “I never saw this story going the way it did. Brooke slapped my face and kept on writing, I sat there reading with my mouth hanging open. I still can't believe the things that happen in this book. I was blown away.” - Jen with Just One More Page “This book will keep you drawn in wanting more and things happen that you would never suspect.” -Kizzy with Reading Past my Bedtime “Be prepared for laughs, pain, secrets, twists and more that will capture your hear until the very end....”- Tonya The Book Obsessed Mamma “It was an unpredictable ride full of twists and turns does it no justice!”- Stephenee with Nerd Girl Reviews “If you like twists and turns in your reads, this book will be right up your alley! I am still shocked at some of the revelations in this book! I did not see some of the thing that came to light, coming. Trust me, not everything is at it seems. I can’t praise how much I loved the ending of this trilogy!” Tonya with Eye Candy Bookstore “It isn't often I give 5 stars, but I had to. I loved Becca and Tyler, as well as Jamie and Nathan. The twist in this last book came out of nowhere and left me stunned.”- LaG What do you do when your predictable life goes spiraling out of control? When your supposed childhood friend commits the most brutal betrayal, completely gutting you, destroying the life you thought you were meant to have? You make dangerous, careless decisions with your best friend, completely molding yourself into someone you’re not. I thought clubs, alcohol, and promiscuity would numb my pain, sculpt me into the person I should be; strong, confident, alive… I was wrong. So now I’m forced to go back home, where the only opportunity to throw my life back on track is located. I never wanted my parent’s wealth or notability, but I’m afraid if I don’t take the flight from Florida to Grand Rapids, I’m going to drown. But instead of drowning in my own insecurities, I’m being consumed by my boss, Tyler Conklin. His secrets are devouring me, along with his mystery and charming grin. He wants me, his advancements are clear; but so are his exertions to keep me his biggest secret of all. I’m not sure if I can tolerate being his covert lover, especially when he has so many secrets of his own.

    You may know the Roloffs from the television show Little People, Big World, their Behind the Scenes podcast, or following their growing family online.The Roloffs are passionate about encouraging healthy, life-giving relationships. They share relationship advice from a place of humility as they continually learn what it means to love one another creatively, intentionally, and faithfully, while pursuing a godly marriage. Focusing on dating and marriage through the lens of faith and creativity, Creative Love provides insights on the following topics:Communicating in ways that grow your love Adventuring together in every seasonPreventing and resolving conflict in creative waysMaking traditions and commemorating meaningful moments Giving unique gifts that say, "I see you"Establishing values and dreaming togetherPursing God's design for love and marriageAnd more!Whether you are beginning a new dating relationship, are recently engaged, or have been married for decades, Creative Love is inspiring for any stage of a romantic relationship. This book:Shares the Roloffs' honest struggles, best relationship practices, and steps to making an unbreakable bondProvides a "Get Creative" challenge in each chapter to help you put the ideas into actionFeatures a beautiful, romantic design and stunning photography, including some never-seen-before photos from the Roloffs' personal collectionIncludes conversation starters and idea lists for going on dates, giving gifts, and celebrating special momentsHas a presentation page to make gift-giving easyIs a perfect gift for yourself--or your boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse--for Valentine's Day, engagement parties, weddings, or anniversariesJoin the Roloffs as they share real-life stories that invite you into meaningful conversations, love-strengthening practices, and creative ways to live the love story you'd want read back to you one day!