His biological dad was an alcoholic. His stepfather deserted him. His foster father accused Jim of trying to kill him. All were out of Jim's life by the time he turned 13.Isn’t it odd—and reminiscent of the hand of God—that the director of the leading organization on family turned out to be a guy whose own background as a kid and son were pretty messed up? Or could it be that successful parenting is discovered not in the perfect, peaceful household but in the midst of battles and messy situations, where God must constantly be called to the scene?That is the mystery unraveled in this book. Using his own expertise, humor, and inexhaustible wealth of stories, Jim will show you that God can make you a good dad, a great dad, in spite of the way you’ve grown up and in spite of the mistakes you’ve made. Maybe even because of them.It’s not about becoming a perfect father. It’s about trying to become a better father, each and every day. It's about building relationships with your children through love, grace, patience, and fun—and helping them grow into the men and women they’re meant to be.

    This is the heartwarming story of how two very different women with two very different paths were brought together for one very special purpose.Oncology nurse Tricia Seaman and her family were hoping to adopt a son. They were months into the grueling process when she met Trish Somers, a terminally ill cancer patient. Trish was a single mother and her eight-year-old son Wesley was her entire world. As the young mother poured out her fears and emotions, it became clear that this was unlike any other nurse-patient relationship Tricia had in her career. When they learned that the cancer had spread and Trish only had a short time to live, she looked at Tricia, a complete stranger three weeks ago, and asked if she could raise Wesley when she passed away. God Gave Me You tells the true story of how these two incredible mothers met, the immediate bond they formed, and the ups and downs of joining families as Trish’s earthly life ebbed away. This heartwarming tale inspires readers to find the courage to trust in faith and never give up. The miracle of these two families coming together demonstrates that family isn’t always blood; often, it’s made up of the people God gives you if you have a willing heart. God Gave Me You is a story you can turn to again and again when you’re looking for hope, inspiration, and a reason to believe in miracles.

    When children have a listening companion who hears, acknowledges, and encourages their early experiences with God, it creates a spiritual footprint that shapes their lives. How can we increase our capacity to engage children in spiritual conversations? In this book Lacy Finn Borgo draws on her own experience of practicing spiritual direction with children. She offers an overview of childhood spiritual formation and introduces key skills for engaging conversation--posture, power, and patterns--from a Christ-centered perspective. "When we are fully present and open to another, we will be changed," Borgo writes. "Indeed, as you listen to God with a child, the child will lead you into a fuller experience of God's love and acceptance." In this book you'll find:Sample interactive dialogues with childrenIdeas for engaging children with play, art, and movementPrayers to use togetherWhether you are a parent or grandparent, pastor or spiritual director, you will find this to be a friendly guide into deeper ways of listening.

    This study will not only fuel our worship of Jesus, but help the reader foster steadfast love anchored in biblical truth now and all year long. Readers will more fully understand the anticipation and waiting that the Old Testament world endured, the light and life Jesus came to bring us, and the eternal promise that Jesus is yet ushering us into.This beautiful resource will also include advent activities to help kids, students, and adults celebrate the Christmas season together. This Christmas season, set your focus on the anticipation and joy that only Christ can bring in this study of Advent.Features:Leader helps for group discussion4 weeks of personal study to be completed between the 5 group sessionsBeautiful 4-color interior to enhance the reader's experienceSpecific Advent activities for kids, students, and adults Benefits:Allow a deeper understanding of Advent to fuel your worship of Christ.Understand deeper theological truths of Christmas.Learn more about Jesus and how His coming brings us hope, light, wisdom, and gospel unity.

    Written by Yvette Fernandez and illustrated by Nicole Lim, Princess Lea narrates how Lea went from a six-year-old who landed a part in a local production of The King and I to an internationally renowned performer who has starred as Kim in Miss Saigon, Eponine and Fantine in Les Miserables, and Mei-Li in Flower Drum Song; won honors from the US’ Tony Awards and the UK’s Laurence Olivier Awards; and sung for six Philippine presidents, three American presidents, and the Queen of England. To encourage aspiring young entertainers to reach for their dreams, Princess Lea also lets readers in on common terms in the performing industry and imparts the lessons Lea has learned throughout her journey to becoming a singing superstar.

    Finnegan (Dick Van Dyke) is no ordinary toymaker. His providential meeting with Maggie, a resentful girl who doesn't believe in the magic of Christmas, is the beginning of a series of miracles that will change her heart forever.

    Join Brother and Sister Bear at the Christmas Eve pageant as they witness the very first Christmas, and make an important discovery about giving and receiving, a valuable lesson at Christmas and year around.  The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving—part of the popular series Living Lights—is perfect for: Early readers ages 4-8 Reading out loud at home or in a classroom Sparking conversations about the joy of giving to others  Developing an attitude of gratitude  The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving: Features the hand-drawn artwork of the Berenstain family Continues in the much-loved footsteps of Stan and Jan Berenstain Is part of one of the bestselling children’s book series ever created, with more than 250 unique books published and nearly 300 million books sold to date    Look for additional inspirational children’s picture books in the Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series.

    It is about God, and about life, and about the thousands of daily ways in which an awareness of God changes and infuses everything. It is about spiritual life, and about all the things that we have called nonspiritual life that might be spiritual after all. It is the snapshots of a young woman making peace with herself and her life, and trying to craft a life that captures the energy and exuberance we long for in the midst of the fear and regret and envy we all carry with us. It is both a voice of challenge and song of comfort, calling us upward to the best possible life, and giving us room to breathe, to rest, to break down and break through. Cold Tangerines offers bright and varied glimpses of hope and redemption, in and among the heartbreak And boredom and broken glass.

    But the best gift of all-the most magical gift of the season-is when we spend Christmas with those we love.Once again, this New York Times-bestselling author and artist has created a special, beautiful book that families will want to share year after year. (And readers will want to look for the Spirit of Christmas image that Nancy Tillman has hidden on every page!)

    You'll see how prayer is your secret weapon. Through stories of parents just like you, Batterson shares five prayer circles that will not only help you pray for your kids, but also pray through your kids.Batterson teaches about how to create prayer lists unique to your family, claim God-inspired promises for your children, turn your family circle into a prayer circle, and discover your child's life themes. And he not only tells you how, he illustrates why.As Batterson says, 'I realize that not everyone inherited a prayer legacy like I did, but you can leave a legacy for generations to come. Your prayers have the power to shape the destiny of your children and your children's children. It's time to start circling.'

    Along the way, she has adventures, including a sleepover at her English friend’s house and a runaway buggy ride.When Ellie’s family moves to a new farm, she must take on even more chores and responsibility for her younger siblings. But attending Sunday night singings with the young people in her community and beginning a courtship with kind, gentle David Eash fill Ellie’s days with contentment.When tragedy strikes her family, Ellie must find a way to go on. Finding comfort in her Amish faith and her community, Ellie blossoms into a young woman who dedicates her future plans to God.Book 1 of the Ellie’s People: An Amish Family Saga series. The nine books of the Ellie’s People series, beloved classics among young and old readers in Amish and Mennonite communities, are now available for today’s reader. Author Mary Christner Borntrager grew up Amish and based her novels on events in her Amish childhood. Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie series will love learning to know spunky Ellie and her friends and family.What’s new in the Ellie’s People series:Pennsylvania Dutch glossary at the end of each bookA sample chapter from the next book in the seriesLanguage and examples updated for today’s readers

    Full of charm and sentiment, it will help mother and daughter establish a comfortable rapport for discussions about building character, friendships, obedience, high ideals, a cheerful spirit, modest dress, a pure heart, and a consecrated life.

    He loves Mexico but wants to explore the world. Amazing things happen to Pedro and his friend Enrico when they decide to leave their home in search of adventure. The Little Cockroach is a delightful bedtime story about determination, travel and adventure.

    He stepped out into the corridor and was instantly engulfed in flames--burns consumed 60 percent of his body, with almost 40 percent of them third-degree. Thirty-plus operations and countless physical therapy sessions later, his recovery has truly been remarkable, and spiritually he and his family are stronger than ever before. Brian and his wife, Mel, tell their captivating story of God's grace and sovereignty.

    They traded the comforts of suburban southern California for the crowded cobblestone streets of the Middle East. They explored remote areas and they befriended nomadic tribes people, courageously bringing a message of hope and freedom to those needing to hear it.But none of those adventures would compare to where God led them next: a journey of visions, revelations, and sorrow. A journey into stage-four cancer, and a journey that beckoned them to walk the shrouded path through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Yet even there they discovered peace, grace, and a new hope for the lost around them.