Three of Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan's notable essays: If You Were G-d, Immortality and the Soul, and A World of Love.

    Love another man and give him all of me again. In fact, I was still dealing with the broken heart my ex-fiancé left me with. Time doesn’t heal all wounds… hardly any if you asked me. What time did do though, was give me a chance to find myself. I thought I was madly in love when really, I just loved the idea of it. I still do. I’m a hopeful romantic and loved knowing that one day I'd be a man’s everything, get married and start a family of our own. It was on my list of things to do before I was called home. With the abrupt death of my Aunt, the realization of time stopping for no one hit me. I didn’t have time to sulk in my sorrows anymore. And, Rashad wouldn’t let me. He wanted me… baggage and all. To fulfill every need that had gone unmet with what’s his name. He wanted me… smart mouth and all. Insecurities and all… Because his heart had been broken too. So, we connected even though I wasn’t ready for us too. Sometimes, men were just extra baggage, and Lord knows I didn’t need that but was Rashad worth it? Could he and I possibly seal our shattered hearts together and master loving again? I was ready to take that risk and find out.

    Yet as we start to become more poised, more present, fully receptive of all this moment has to offer, we start to experience it vividly and listening to it can draw us ever--deeper into the mysteries of now.Always skillful and good humored, Ajahn Sumedho's teachings defy boundaries. Anyone--from laypeople looking to deepen their grasp of the Buddha's message, to lifetime Buddhist monastics--will appreciate the author's sparkling insights into to such key Buddhist themes as awareness, consciousness, identity, relief from suffering, and mindfulness of the body. The Sound of Silence represents the best of Ajahn Sumedho's masterful work to help us all see each life with a new and sustaining clarity.

    Strib takes a good look at who the Buddha was, meditation, karma, and more. With good humor and without sentimentalism (plus a sprinkling of hilarious cartoons), he explains these down-to-earth insights in everyday language. Showing how Buddhism boldly approaches life’s problems head on, unflinching and alert—like a soldier in a forward listening post in the dark of night—Strib emphasizes the Buddhist call to moral action for the good of oneself and others.

    Some choose to respond to the most urgent needs, while others seek a more balanced and intentional approach. But what determines these priorities? Where should a busy pastor look for wisdom in making decisions?In the Pastor’s Ministry, pastor and author Brian Croft looks to the Scriptures to determine the top ten priorities for a faithful pastoral ministry. These biblically rooted responsibilities help pastors determine how to spend their time and with greater discernment respond to the demands of the church. Each of these priorities is rooted in a direct command of God’s Word, including: Guarding the TruthPreaching and Teaching the WordPraying for the FlockSetting an ExampleVisiting the SickComforting the GrievingCaring for WidowsConfronting SinEncouraging the Faint-HeartedIdentifying and Training Other LeadersTo be successful and faithful in pastoral ministry, every pastor needs to understand these core callings and make them part of his regular practice.  These ten responsibilities guide how a pastor schedules his time, helping him to lay the foundation for a biblically faithful ministry in his church.

    The isolation is all but unbearable until a mysterious tenant moves into the house at the bottom of the hill. James Dunford has come from America but he won’t say why. He spends his days fixing up the old cottage and walking the beach with a stray dog that showed up on his doorstep.As the weeks pass, Tara tries to get to know James, but he resists her at every turn. And it's not until a local villager recognizes him from the news that she realizes his visit might be about more than just a vacation. On the night of a big storm, Tara finally confronts James about why he is there. But how can she expect him to be honest when she, too, is hiding her own dark secret?Set against the backdrop of the Hunger Strikes in Northern Ireland, Sunsets Never Wait is a story about love, loss, and the risks of hanging on to the past. No matter how much the world has let you down, there’s always a possibility for second chances.

    In 1997, the Indian journalist Mayank Chhaya was authorized by the Dalai Lama to write about his life and times. The only authorized biographer who is not a Buddhist, Chhaya conducted more than a dozen personal interviews with the Dalai Lama in McLeod Ganj in India's Himalayan north, home to Tibet's government-in-exile. In Dalai Lama: Man, Monk, Mystic he presents an in-depth, insightful portrait of a figure of perennial interest to people all over the world. Chhaya writes about Tibet and the Buddhist tradition from which the Dalai Lama emerged, helping readers understand the context that shaped his beliefs, politics, and ideals. Adding depth and nuance to his portrait, Chhaya depicts the Dalai Lama in the light of his life in exile and the various roles he has had to assume for his followers. He sheds light on the highly complex conflict between China and Tibet, and offers insights into the growing discontent among young Tibetans who are frustrated with the nonviolent approach to Chinese occupation that the Dalai Lama advocates. A balanced, informative view of the Dalai Lama and his work, this biography is both a compelling profile of a remarkable spiritual leader and his mission, and an engaging look at how the current unrest in his country will affect its future.

    Unable to cope, she handed her baby over to foster care. A part of Teagan always felt abandoned, and yet she never let herself believe she was unworthy of love. Yet her childhood and all the unanswered questions she has stored up, still haunt her. Then bear shifter Cal walks into her life—OK, so maybe he doesn’t walk into her life. Cal saves her from drowning in a flooded creek and gives her the kiss of life. One of many, many, kisses if Cal has his way. Cal senses her need to find answers. All he hopes is when Teagan finds them, she doesn’t think history will repeat itself. He is now, and will always be, her forever bear. Storm Bear Curvy girl Chrysi hikes into the mountains with her fiancé. In no time at all, she realizes he is not the man for her, as his façade slips. What she did not expect, apart from a whiny man in place of the charming guy she fell in love with, is an attempted kidnapping. Her hopes and dreams are soon left shattered, and with a snow storm moving in, her engagement might not be the only thing that is dead. Running from her would be kidnappers, she stumbles across Nevis. But can this man be trusted, or is he a part of the conspiracy too? Nevis has escaped into the mountains to think about his future. His father wants him to get a proper job—What that really means is, his father wants Nevis to work for him in the business he built from scratch. That is never going to happen. What Nevis does not expect, is to find his mate wandering lost, as a deadly storm moves in. The only problem? She is wearing another man’s ring on her finger. Nevis soon realizes everything is not as it seems, and not only does he have to save her from the storm, but he also must save her from the men who want to harm her. Silverback Dragon He knows she’s here, somewhere close by, so why can’t he find her? Can fate really be so cruel? Harlan can sense his mate. He has sensed her for months, and yet he can’t find her. Is he too old? Are his senses failing? Maybe it’s his imagination. Maybe it’s time to leave Bear Creek, and all his hopes behind. Fiona has hidden away for centuries. Only when she met the people of Bear Creek and learned to trust them, did she dare reveal her other side. Only here has she acknowledged she is a dragon shifter. That’s what love does to a person, it allows them to be themselves. It allows them to trust, to believe. But something is stirring out there. Something that calls to her heart and her soul. She knows it’s time to reveal her true self. Whatever the cost. And, from experience, Fiona knows the cost only too well. Just when it looks as if she is going to get her own happy ever after, fate has one more hand to play. Two girls are handed to social services by their stepmother. It’s not unusual, Fiona has seen it many times before—Five hundred and thirty-one—to be exact. But these two girls are special. Very special, and Fiona will sacrifice everything to give them the home they need. Will her mate feel the same way? Or will she have to make the ultimate sacrifice? P.I. Bear Bear shifter, Lia Rivers, is on the run. Falsely accused of theft, she arrives in Bear Creek with plans to disappear into the mountains for a few weeks. Instead, she takes a job at the local newspaper.

    Jesus saw these commandments not as onerous burdens, but as guideposts to help us experience a good and beautiful life. These ten ancient "words" were given to us by a loving God who longed to set safe boundaries, create order out of chaos, help communities live peacefully, and protect us--often from ourselves.In this book of Scripture and inspiration, bestselling author Adam Hamilton brings modern eyes to the most important set of ethics in history. He considers the commandments in their historical context, considering the meaning of each commandment in Hebrew, unpacking how Jesus reinterpreted them, and showing how every thou-shalt-not was intended to point to a life-giving "thou shalt." He also explores how the latest research in science and psychology illuminates these commandments, rightly understood, as a way of ordering one's life beautifully in the present day. In a culture marked by workaholism, materialism, and social media-driven envy, God has given us a time-tested path that leads to gratitude, confidence, and peace.A landmark work from one of our most trusted biblical thinkers, Words of Life is an inspiring, thought-provoking read for anyone seeking to live a meaningful and joyful life.

    After a fight with her aunt, and a frustrating conversation with her daughter’s father, she sets up an autumn display at her dream home with beautiful thrift store finds.Jordon is mourning the loss of his parents. Weird things, like someone decorating his parents’ porch with his mother’s donated decorations, make grieving harder. Still, the oddness is the distraction, and call to faith, he needs.My True Love Gave to MeCassidy loves her life. She has a job in a vintage store, a cute Seattle bungalow, and a dog who adores her. But being single is getting old. She receives a Christmas party invitation, and an excuse to find a plus-one. Someone from her singles group...?Sean's favorite thing about his delivery job is the pretty woman at the vintage store. But from what he’s overheard, she has plenty of prospects already. Would she be interested in adding him to her dance card?The Wonder of ChristmasCheyenne heads north for Christmas, with no idea that a storm will strand her in the small town of Misty Cove. But when she bumps—literally—into handsome Grady, and learns about a family in need, she realizes God sent her there for a bigger reason than meeting a handsome man. But with the way her pulse kicks up in Grady’s presence, maybe God has a dual purpose in mind.Mountain LaurelWhen tragedy strikes, Laurel is left alone to raise her son. She wonders if the Lord she’s trusted all her life will help her as she raises her feisty boy.Jon, who has loved her for as long as she can remember, is good with her son and steadies her through each crisis that comes along. He’s a close friend, but will she ever be able to love again?Cephalopod CupidWhen Lacey’s boyfriend breaks up with her it opens the opportunity to join a research vessel for six-months.Then she meets an autistic boy who shares her love of Gabriel the giant Pacific octopus. And Anders, his dad.Lacey considers staying. It might be crazy to give up her dream for a man she barely knows. It might seem crazier still to stay so she can protect her beloved cephalopod from himself.But sometimes love means letting go.To Hear the Angels SingDevlin enjoys her role as temporary guardian of her niece while her sister goes through drug rehab, but it isn’t easy. If she works dinner shifts, her job at a Seattle restaurant brings in enough. So, when her niece is invited to evening rehearsals for a church show, the free childcare is hard to pass up. But when they learn Devlin knows how to sew, she’s enlisted as costume designer. How will she find time?One of Jonah’s favorite parts of his job as church worship leader is directing the music for the kids’ Christmas musical. Between his job and writing his own music, he barely has time for a social life. But there’s something about the costumer for the show this year that gets him thinking. Could there be more to life than music?The Heart of ChristmasWhen Wynn sees police lights at Misty Cove’s one-and-only bar, she goes inside to investigate, just in time to see her ex-boyfriend punch the star of her favorite TV show in the face. What is Ryland Sage doing in their tiny Pacific Coast town? Since Wynn is the only medical help for miles around, she has to stitch his face—and maybe his heart—while protecting her own heart from the worldly charmer.Prairie RoseFor years, Rose has lived alone with her dog. Mitch, a handsome, unmarried neighbor, brings her a bright red geranium and insists on helping with chores. But who should appear but the scoundrel husband who deserted her years ago. Later, a pre-teen runaway adds his troubles to hers, so Rose decides to recapture the peace and serenity of Christmas.

    Carnations and Deadly Fixations2. One Daisy and Two Crazy Funerals3. White Lily and a Fatal Chili4. Mistletoe and Deadly Kisses5. Freesia and Lethal Amnesia6. Daffodils and Poisonous PillsCarnations and Deadly FixationsA murdered unpopular business owner. A small town with busybodies and open secrets. Can a new girl in town start a new life before a murder investigation ends it?Tracy Adams had three things going for her in her just-above-average boring life namely:1. A good job2. A good job... that she liked3. A good job that she liked... and that paid VERY wellWhen she lost her job and had to move back to the small town where she grew up, it seemed like her life had lost all purpose. Helping out at her aunt's floundering floral shop seemed like the perfect distraction before she decided what to do next.When her aunt's competition, a nasty and egotistical know-it-all is found dead, the rumor mill in Fern Grove goes into overdrive. With an important piece of evidence linking Tracy to the scene of the crime, she becomes a person of interest in the murder investigation. This leaves her feeling vulnerable and confused.Moving back to Fern Grove was meant to be the start of a new life but this murder mystery is fast ending what has hardly begun. Will she retain her wits and piece together the clues that will lead her to the killer?"Good start to a new series. Enjoyable fun read."One Daisy and Two Crazy FuneralsTwo families mourning. Two mysterious murders. One innocent florist whose floral arrangements are the common denominator at the scene of the crimes.When Tracy's floral store is commissioned to supply the arrangements for two funerals, she's humbled to be entrusted with the responsibility. She reluctantly puts up with the rude behavior of an old lady who manages the affairs of one of the deceased, a well-known philanthropist in Fern Grove.When this old lady dies at the funeral, no one suspects foul play. After all, she was old and frail. However, the subsequent murder of another close member of the family, sets alarm bells ringing.Could both deaths be linked?Tracy is left bewildered and enraged when handsome detective Copeland suggests that her daisy arrangement was the one piece of evidence found at both murder locations. The stakes are further raised when the fortune of the deceased is revealed. It seems almost everyone associated with the dead aristocrat is a person of interest.Is there a killer at large disposing of anyone associated with the deceased? Can peace be restored to one of the oldest families in Fern Grove? Will Tracy ask the right questions to expose the murderer or become the killer's next victim?"I really enjoyed this book! It was a great mystery and love the characters. Lots of twists and never would have guessed the ending!!! Another good book in a very enjoyable series."PLUS 4 MORE!If you want to enjoy a light-hearted read, with an amateur female sleuth and 6 gripping murder mysteries with a touch of romance, then you'll love Tracy Adams and all the friendly and not-so-friendly characters in Fern Grove.No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes!

    

    A new expression of the church has been quietly growing. It's something of an experiment, but over the last ten years the church has been validating its ideas with sustained and growing results. At The Underground, being the church is not focused around a weekly gathering or church programs. It's about empowering individuals to respond to God's call to ministry and mission, especially to the poor and disadvantaged in our midst.While many churches talk about discerning calling and engaging in mission, very few are structured to make this their ministry focus. Underground Church is a new vision for the church rooted in its biblical mission to share the love of God and serve the poor. Sanders explores how to make structural changes, how to think about leadership, how to fund ministries, and how to truly engage people in God's mission. Filled with creative insights, he explains what it means to center the mission of the church around the callings of individuals to outward ministry - whether that involves leading Bible studies in the workplace, feeding the homeless, or working to free women and children from sex trafficking.This book will both tell the inspiring story of a church that is rethinking what church looks like while also outlining and uncovering the principles that transfer for every church and Christian community that hopes for more. It's the true story of a 10-year experiment that unpacks the possibilities of a church structured and streamlined for mission.

    In this inspiring book, Kay Warren teaches women what joy really is, where to find it, and how to choose it in the good times and the bad. With compassion and wisdom, she shows readers--even those who live with the constant companions of discouragement and depression--that true joy is deeper, richer, and more accessible than they might think. Perfect for small groups or individual reading, Choose Joy will empower women who feel like their emotions and well-being are at the mercy of others by helping them understand the life-giving truth that joy is within their grasp--every day.

    The Heart Sutra, one of the best known and most popular of Mahayana Buddhist scriptures, contains the essence of Buddha's teachings on emptiness and the methods to develop the wisdom that understands this ultimate reality. In this explanation of the Sutra, Geshe Kelsang reveals its explicit and implicit meanings, and relates them to the five Mahayana paths that lead to full enlightenment. He also explains how an initial understanding of emptiness can be used in conjunction with the Sutra to overcome both internal and external obstacles to our happiness.