This fresh, inspiring call to community and connection from an entrepreneur and leader is perfect for anyone feeling alone and ready to set off on a journey to true belonging.Many of us feel more alone than ever despite living in the most connected society in human history. We need to belong in the same way that we need oxygen-our physical bodies require it. We perform better and have greater successes as individuals when we are connected to the collective.Join author Natalie Franke as she shares her story of longing for connection in the chaos and lessons learned on her journey to true belonging. Together we'll uncover how to: *Kick scroll-induced jealousy to the curb and transform the way that social media makes you feel about yourself and others *Overcome loneliness by finding your people and cultivating true community in your personal and professional world *Strike the balance between camaraderie and competition so that you can live a deeply fulfilled and joyful lifeHuman beings are not highlight reels-we're done fanning the flames of comparison, drowning in our insecurities, and being pitted against one another. We're saying no to the endless rat race of getting ahead and goodbye to the narratives that leave us feeling left out and alone.We are destined for something better. We're made for so much more. Because knit into the fabric of our DNA, we were Built to Belong.

From Christian Piatt: "When I was a teenager, my youth minister threw a bible at my head for asking questions." Too often, for various reasons, people don't have the opportunity to ask the hard questions they have about faith, religion, salvation and the bible. And when questions are left unanswered in communities of faith, people either seek answers elsewhere or lose interest all together. The purpose of the series is to collect the most compelling and challenging questions from various theological areas and pose them to a panel of "experts" who are challenged with responding in two hundred words or less in plain English. This volume addresses challenging or controversial questions about scripture collected from people on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and other social networking media. Respondents include theology professors, clergy, lay leaders, liberals, conservatives and voices representing a spectrum of views. The idea behind the books is not so much to provide definitive answers as it is to stimulate thought, reflection and discussion. By offering multiple perspectives, readers have the opportunity to arrive at their own questions. Better, they come to understand that questioning faith is not taboo, but rather that it can be at the foundation of a strong and growing faith. The directive given to each respondent guided them to be concise and to speak in plan language, but also not to rely exclusively on "the Bible says it" justifications, or to wax abstract or overly intellectual. Instead, they write from personal experience as much as possible, and provide real-life contexts that will allow the average seeker or churchgoer to apply such ideas to their daily lives.

While every decade and locale has its unique concerns, human nature remains stubbornly consistent. That's why life in Mayberry is as relevant today as it was in the 50's. Its classic humor gently reminds us of our own follies and provides insight on how to overcome them. In the course of four episodes taken from public domain episodes of the Andy Giffith Show ("The Big House," "Darlings Are Coming," "Mountain Wedding," and "Rafe Hollister Sings"), this volume explores the Christian character traits of humility, self-control, patience, and forbearance. Study notes are equally suitable for young and old, first-timers as well as seasoned students of the Bible. Laugh and learn from the gang in this delightful approach to building character. You'll be glad you did

The fall of Lucifer set up the battle of all ages: the war of Satan against God Almighty. In the middle of this historic struggle is you! Satan, the great fallen archangel, desires nothing more than to win the loyalty, the hearts, and the minds of the entire human race- especially Christians.

How did Christianity come to have such an extraordinary influence upon Europe? Beginning with the transmission of Jesus - teaching throughout the Roman world, Gillian Evans shows how Christianity transformed not only the thinking but also the structures of society, in a Christendom that was, until relatively modern times, essentially a "European" phenomenon. She traces Christianity's influence across the centuries, from its earliest days, through the East/West schism, the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, to its development in the scientific age of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and its place in the modern world. The History of Christian Europe will appeal to scholars of religion and history who are seeking a fuller understanding of how Christianity helped shape and define Europe and, consequently, the wider world.

How can a single mother provide her son with the strength and wisdom most boys receive from their fathers? How will her son learn to be a good man without a healthy male influence around? In today's world, many women--single mothers, grandmothers, even military wives--are left with the responsibility of raising children on their own. Being a single parent comes with many challenges, but for women one of the most difficult is to raise sons to be strong men and good fathers without a healthy male role model in the home. In Single Moms Raising Sons, Dana Serrano Chisholm speaks from her own experience as a single mother of two boys and inspires other single moms to partner with God--the Father of the fatherless. She teaches them to find strength and wisdom as they allow Christ to be their partner in very real ways--helping them raise their children. From financial concerns to passing on macho, Single Moms Raising Sons supplies honest insight, unifying encouragement, and practical applications to guide mothers as they raise their boys to be the solid, Christian men they want them to be.

'A rare and personal glimpse of the sacrificial discipleship that marked John Stott's life so deeply.'Peter Harris What is a life of radical discipleship? At root, it means we let Jesus set the agenda of our lives. We aren't selective. We don't pick and choose what is cosy and stay away from what is costly. He is Lord of all of life. In the last book by a Christian leader who was himself a radical disciple, John Stott opens up what it means at root to be a follower of Jesus. He explores eight aspects of Christian discipleship that we need to pay much closer attention to. The message is simple, classic and personal: Jesus is Lord. He calls. We follow.

You are alive right now for a reason--your purpose predestined for such a time as this. As the world slips deeper into darkness, most Christians feel stuck, powerless to effect change. Yet changing the world--your world--starts with you, right where you are, with a heart full of fire for Jesus. Grounded in biblical teaching and drawing from his own renewal experiences, pastor and revivalist Glen Berteau emboldens you to get fed up with the ineffectual status quo, showing you how to * ignite the supernatural power God has placed in you * be filled up with the Holy Spirit * get fired up for what God can do through you * see beyond your current circumstance * and live a faith without limits You're a Kingdom weapon, energized by God's mighty power and forged to stand strong for what you believe, tear down strongholds, eradicate hatred and bring dead things to life. You are chosen to change the world. "Jesus calls passionate followers. My dear friend Glen Berteau provides a necessary spark for those growing indifferent toward their faith and needing revival."--JOHN BEVERE, bestselling author and minister; cofounder, Messenger International

Well, wouldn't you like to know? A contemporary and slightly wacky book that draws from the ancient, sometimes unusual wisdom of the 12 Minor Prophets. Filled with humor, clever design elements, and recurring gimmicks (such as the Nabal Awards), each chapter will target one human tendency, action or activity that hurts or disappoints God aka "ticks him off." The authors show how He responds to our negative actions and attitudes, and suggest remedies to avoid the consequences. Driven by the themes and characters of the Minor Prophets, the book has a solid Biblical foundation.

Responding to the call of the Second Vatican Council, this introduction to moral theology shows how virtue ethics and a global perspective shape the call to faithful discipleship today.

A happy heart doeth good, like a medicine. Everyone needs to laugh????????????????????????laugh more often, laugh at ourselves, and laugh at the nonsensical circumstances and situations we face every day. So go ahead; let that giggle out and feel the tension leaving you and making you feel better as it goes. Humor strengthens the immune system, enabling the body to fight sickness and disease. Drawing from two lifetimes of joyful ministry, Charles and Frances Hunter have compiled some fabulous jokes, anecdotes, musings, and mind twisters to make your heart merry and speed healing to your body and soul. Join the Hunters in some healthy fun!

Thomas and Tasmin, twin siblings hired to oversee a wedding feast in Cana, worry when the host runs out of wine . . . until a guest tells Tasmin to have the servants fill the pitchers by the gate with water from the cistern. Reluctantly, she obeys and is amazed when rainwater turns into the finest wine ever tasted in Cana.

When Thomas impulsively decides to follow the teacher from Nazareth, he and Tasmin argue--since the twins have been together since the womb, Tasmin can't accept losing her brother to some magician-prophet. Aided by Jude, younger brother to Jesus of Nazareth, she decides to follow the Nazarene's group and do whatever she must to mend the fractured relationship and bring her brother home.

The Bible has inflamed the hearts of poets and martyrs, spawned revolutions and reformations, and influenced cultures and personal lives in sometimes small, sometimes dramatic ways. With a teacher's wit and knowledge, bestsellling author J. Stephen Lang again turns to the Bible and navigates more of its immense treasures in his easily accessible and informative style in "1,001 More Things You Always Wanted to Know About the Bible."

You will discover answers to the questions and curiosities you have always harbored about the Bible and its influence but perhaps felt you should already know. A joy to browse and reference, this fascinating book is sure to satisfy an inquirer's mind and spark further study of the Bible.

Test your knowledge of Bible trivia:

• In a famous folk legend, who found the "true cross" of Christ on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem?
• In 1952, what new Bible translation caused heated opposition?
• Who established Sunday as "The Lord's Day"?
• Who wore girdles in Bible times?
• What favorite children's song did Anna Bartlett Warner write?
• What is the "mercy seat"?

Does conflict still surprise and often overwhelm you? Do you wish you had a better understanding of how to transform life's inevitable conflicts from problems to opportunities? Do you wonder what power has to do with conflict?

Here is a practical guide to understanding and transforming conflict based on biblical and Anabaptist principles. Over 20 noted authors shaped by many experiences and cultures tell of lessons taught by walking conflict's holy ground. Some insights will be familiar, some new -- and some able to trigger new conflict!

Study questions continue the conversation begun in each of 17 chapters and will help highlight the common ground as well as differences readers may have with authors and each other.

Making Peace with Conflict, edited by Carolyn Schrock-Shenk and Lawrence Ressler, is a project of Mennonite Conciliation Service, a program of Mennonite Central Committee U.S.

FIRST WE RECEIVED THE WARNING, NOW AMERICA MUST FACE THE ULTIMATUM...

Eighteen months ago, Buddy Korda warned the nation that an economic disaster was on the horizon. Now families across the country are living out the grim reality of the second depression of the twentieth century. Some say it was just a coincidence. Others say he caused the crisis by frightening investors out of the stock market.

But Korda's warning was not a mere prediction. It was a divine message. And now Buddy has received another message -- this time more than a warning, an ultimatum.

God's call leads the reluctant prophet to Washington, D.C., where his friends -- including Linda Kee, a well-known reporter familiar with the D.C. power structure -- coordinate the effort to bring America face to face with its heritage and its destiny. This historic movement threatens to transform the current political process. And the Washington power brokers will do anything to keep Korda from succeeding.

God wants to use you to make an eternal difference in the lives of your friends. And there s no better time than now. After age nineteen, the chance of your friends coming to Christ drops to 6 percent. That s right: 6 percent. That means if anyone is going to help them discover a real relationship with the God who loves them, it will probably need to be you. If you re like many Christians, you really want to share your faith, but you don t know how. Just the thought might seem scary. You don t have to act weird or become someone you re not. What s so cool is that God wants to use you the way you are---your interests, your personality, your strengths, and even some of your weaknesses. You ll be amazed at how these are the very things the Holy Spirit can use to help you confidently relate to your friends and introduce them to Jesus Christ. Forget about long, boring lectures. The exciting sessions in this book are full of lively discussions, role playing, and all kinds of opportunities to interact with your group. You won t just get to know your group members better, you ll get to know yourself better, too. You ll find out which of the six evangelism styles fits you. You ll learn how to share your faith in a natural, authentic way with other students who need God s love and truth. And you ll discover the unbeatable joy of seeing people you care about become real followers of Christ It s designed to be most effective when used in conjunction with the Becoming a Contagious Christian Youth Edition Leader s Guide as you use the Becoming a Contagious Christian Youth Edition evangelism course curriculum kit."

Richard Rohr is one of the great spiritual writers of our time, and he believes this is the most important book he's ever written

Women have a desperate longing for a stress cure--a revitalized

perspective and re-energized faith. STRESSED-LESS LIVING offers life-changing, heart-renewing, long-lasting remedies that will bring peace, even when things feel out of control.

In a world afflicted by violence, in a society marked by a growing gulf between rich and poor, in a church polarized around issues of power and authority, the example of St. Francis of Assisi remains fresh and relevant, a powerful model of the gospel in action. As award-winning author Michael Crosby points out, the memory of Francis does not simply challenge the violence and materialism of our culture. He embodies a positive, joy-filled example of humanity at its best. His mission to "repair the church" speaks directly to the crises facing the church today. His example of a nonviolent, justice-seeking, creation-centered spirituality speaks to the needs of our world and the deepest hungers of our hearts. Francis of Assisi is indeed a saint for all times.

An invaluable source of guidance for helping leaders to attain high performance with integrity. Transform your workplace with a few simple tools. Told in the parable format of The One Minute Manager , Leadership by the Book draws on the model and messages of Jesus as a source of practical lessons in effective leadership. Recounting the story of a teacher, a minister and a marketplace leader who support one another in their leadership challenges, this extraordinary book offers unexpected and exceptional answers to tough leadership issues such as: How do I best serve our customers by serving our people? How can I unify my personal beliefs and my role as a leader in a way that feels good 'deep down' and still produces the desired results? How can I get customers who enjoy the service, staff who enjoy their work, and still get financial well-being by leading with integrity? The authors offer simple strategies for bringing vision - and values - to the workplace by examining messages and examples from the Bible. Leadership by the Book also provides lessons for the day-to-day life of parents, coaches, entrepreneurs and religious and community leaders everywhere.