In the process of writing two short collections of light hearted material, (one published and one yet to be published), the author became acutely awarethat he could not continue forward without addressing what he considered to be the most important issues of human existence. All of us have askedourselves the questions, "What is the meaning of life" and "Why am I here"? Some have rejected the idea of an eternal soul, some are undecided, whileothers are largely unconcerned, but the author has chosen to embrace the concept and run with it. He believes there is a single overriding mission forevery individual alive today. The sole purpose of this life is to prepare for the next one, and every person has been given the ability to control hisown destiny. When compared to eternity, our lives are like a single knot in a rope that stretches around the world. From the foundation of the earth, a plan has been in place to allow humanity to share the wonders of eternity with the Creator of all things. Those who follow that plan will berewarded accordingly, while those who prefer to separate themselves from the influence of a Higher Power, will be granted their wish in eternity. Ifthis book convinces one person to follow the plan that leads to redemption, then it will have been well worth the effort.

Today, 1 in 110 children will exhibit signs and receive a diagnosis of autism. Many parents will live in confusion, seeing the early signs but not understanding them. They will experience many varying emotions ranging from denial to panic to desperation. By understanding the early signs and seeing God's hand in the circumstances of dealing with this disability, parents will begin to approach the care of their children with autism from a position of hope. This book chronicles the journey of one mother who has traveled down the path of life with a child with autism. It contains strategies, techniques, and curricular suggestions that proved helpful to her child. In addition, it details a journey of faith and hope that ends in a new way of valuing the lives of our individuals with special needs. May it bring hope and help to others who have entered upon this unique journey.

If you are interested in religion, or in enriching your own religion, or in searching for a religion that suits you, you will enjoy this book. It is the story of the author's religious journey in stories, poems and sermons. Early in life, her father took her brother, the oldest sibling, to one church, and she and her two older sisters went with their mother to another church. But, she recalls that her first significant religious experience happened at home when she was alone.The author's spiritual growth began in this religiously divided family. She found her way, slowly and questioning, to a different religion and to her own theology. The fruits of her journey are, basically, what the book is about - poems and sermons. The poems chronicle the changes that occur in her life through this questioning: the meaning of life, relationships, love, nature, the seasons, and holidays. Writing and delivering sermons involve the head and the heart, knowledge and intuition, sensitivity and frankness. These sermons demonstrate the author's commitment to a religion that fits her science, not a separation between the two. The sermons are about how to live in this world with all of its complexities, while understanding that not only do religions differ widely, but so do individual theologies, convictions, and personalities. The goal of the sermons is to help us all make this world a better place to live by respecting the worth and dignity of every person with justice, equity, and compassion; engaging in an ongoing search for truth and meaning; exercising our conscience and the democratic process; and acknowledging the interdependent web of all existence.

The position of women in Islam remains deeply contentious. While conservative elements both within Islam and among its Western critics continue to claim that Islamic law and values are fundamentally incompatible with modern notions of gender equality, since the 1980s there has been a growing body of scholarship which seeks to make the case for feminism and gender justice within a distinctly Islamic paradigm. In Islamic Feminism, Mulki Al-Sharmani examines the goals, approaches and methodologies which key scholars have adopted in their efforts at crafting an Islamic feminist discourse. Encompassing scholars from both the Islamic world and the Muslim diaspora, ranging from the pioneering scholar activist Amina Wadud to Egypt's Omaima Abou Bakr, the book also looks at how these scholars have translated their work into meaningful political action through groups such as the global Musawah movement and the Egyptian Women and Memory Forum. Crucially, Al-Sharmani also shows that Islamic feminism is a phenomenon which extends far beyond academia. Drawing on the author's own extensive research and interviews with women in Egypt, the UK, Malaysia, Finland and elsewhere, the book explores how ordinary Muslim women in both the West and the Islamic world are increasingly asserting their autonomy and challenging patriarchal interpretations of their religion, as well as exploring the linkages between Islamic feminist scholarship and the realities of these women's lived experiences. In the process, Islamic Feminism not only uncovers new directions for Islamic feminist scholarship, but upends many of our preconceptions about Islam and the role of women within it.

Real life change, real peace, and real love that lift us above the things of the world in the same way that Jesus walked - isn't this how we were meant to walk in life? Do you desire new revelations that expand you further into the mysteries of Christ? The Redeeming Power of Presence is not simply about becoming aware of the Lord's presence but about our learning to become present and available to Him in a way that makes His powerful presence accessible to us. Experience this "narrow way" that Jesus walked before us that loses the old self's life by walking simply in the present moment where the powerful presence of "I Am" reigns. As you read, experience this living water and pathway to more of the mysteries of Christ that believers are just now beginning to awaken to in their walk with Christ.

This book is special, unusual, but not formidable. You can hardly fully read it without the bible; so it is designed to attract Christian world. Because of the long-standing Church controversies about "being under grace," and "not under the law, there are confl icting ideas of what bornagain Christians' obligations to the Lord are supposed to be if you are under grace. This book attempts to clarify this, in details, and should settle the matter for true truth seekers for good. Th is is one of the highlights of the book because this matter touches, not only life, but eternal life too. It points out (not with proud holier- than- thou attitude) areas of life Christians need examine & improve upon, with God's help- but it is not a book of doom and gloom. With every such area attention is drawn to, there are way outs and exhortation of what can be done. - pointing to God, (not the book's author) for the Answers. The author hopes you will not hate the book, but welcome it as Exhortations from a loving sister to her well-beloved fellow Christians, and prays it serves as ladder to Newness of life in the Lord Jesus Christ. The book enhances the loving kindness of God to us; and gently tries to wake the Church up, so we stop incurring God's anger, and start seeking His Favour. Another highlight of this book is the "Call" for united Fasting-Prayers crying out to God, humbly and genuinely for the Holy Spirit- anointing and heaven-sent Revival; to help us truly repent, be forgiven and be renewed. Thus seeking for His compassion, it is certain that our Saviour and Lord will in no wise cast us out.

Ten years ago, I was diagnosed as having chronic depression. I was living and walking in darkness and it had consumed my entire being. I was in a relationship that was going no where, being used and emotionally damaged. I had one foot in the world, one foot in the church and no relationship with God. I was at the end of my rope and could not take life any longer. One night, I decided I was going to take my life. I was hurting and the pain was too much to bear. I sat on the floor, crying, thinking about how to end it all. I clearly heard Satan giving me ways to do it, until I opened my mouth and called on the name of the Lord, who interrupted Satan's plan to kill me that night. I asked the Lord to take the hurt and pain away. And He did it, immediately I remember getting up without the weight that had consumed me and I decided from that day forward that I would serve the Lord. My Damascus culminates this life changing experience and journey of letting go of the world and hanging on to God. "At one time you surrendered yourselves entirely as slaves to impurity and wickedness for wicked purposes. In the same way you must now surrender yourselves entirely as slaves of righteousness for holy purposes." - Romans 6:19 To receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your Personal Savior, simply pray: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am sinful and I need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died to pay the penalty for my sin. I want to turn from my sin nature and follow You instead. I invite You to come into my heart and life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The title Liquid Sunshine is a symbolic expression derived from simply taking the trials throughout life (rain) and merely perceiving them as growth from the Lord (sunshine). Understand this is the reason why sunshine and rain, good days and bad ones, have been given to us from God-so we can grow in moderation as plants do, trusting in him. In this story of love, life, and fi nding the will of God, Jayden Rockaway, a charming senior in college, struggles to maintain a healthy relationship with the Lord, while involved with his girlfriend and an unwanted third party. After multiple breakups and much tension between the three of them, the Lord's will for his life is found. Throughout this challenging experience, God paints a beautiful work of art and only by Jayden's willingness was it created. Once he stopped chasing the temporary and meaningless things of this world and pursued the perpetual and everlasting things that God wanted for him, he mentally saw a completed image, what many call the big picture, right before his very eyes. Now, we can all agree that hindsight is a wonderful explosion of revelation; however, to receive a glimpse of a painting before it is fi nished is a gift like none other. Step into this story and share my umbrella, if you will. See how the good and bad weather of a particular season can blend together and create one beautiful day.

Sand between my toes, the salt air wrapping around me like a warm, summer blanket, the crashing of waves, and the meeting of sky and water. The beach is where I see the handiwork of God. As a young child, it was there that I wished that I could walk on the water as Jesus and Peter had in Matthew 14. It was there that I learned of faith, the faith that requires you to not only step out of the boat but also to focus on Jesus and learn to walk toward Him daily. It is not enough to just get out of our comfort zones, but now we need to learn to grow and walk toward Him constantly. The Faith to Walk on Water takes a look at why standing still in our faith is no longer an option, how doubt and fear are overcome by Jesus. He does not watch from a distance, but He is always there holding out His hand for us to take hold. So what are you waiting for? Take that step, and walk on the water

What is the Bible? What are the Scriptures? Is the message of God's word to mankind simply ancient history recorded in a book to be left on a shelf? Or is God's word alive today? Is He talking to you?Lillie has been hearing God's word throughout her life, although there were times when she tried to turn away from His message, risking her salvation. When she returned to God, He gave her a gift, the ministry of epistle writing, which took the form of letters written to friends searching for solace, answers and inspiration.Now Lillie is offering you letters of encouragement, beautifully highlighted with direct Scripture quotations intertwining the word of God with lessons of life, love and choices. May you be blessed with a better understanding of God's word and a deeper appreciation for His very personal love for you.Lillie Mae Jenkins is an ordained evangelist. She is a member of Evening of Prayer Church of God in Christ, where she serves under the esteemed leadership of Pastor William A. and Evangelist Ena M. Prioleau as Sunday School Teacher, Usher, President and Trainer of both Senior and Junior Usher Boards.After surrendering her life to Christ, it was then that God anointed Evangelist Jenkins with a writing epistle ministry. Lillie Mae is known in both New York and South Carolina for the truly inspirational letters she has written to those seeking guidance and encouragement.

Ezekiel 31:7 "Thus it was beautiful in greatness And in the length of it branches, Because its roots reached to abundant waters." Romans 11:13 "For if the first fruit is holy, the lump Is also holy; and if the root is holy, so Are the branches." Ephesians 3:17 "that Christ my dwell in your hearts through Faith; that you, being Rooted and grounded in love." By the Grace of God I have recently, with the passing of my father, been able to realize and understand my roots through the tribe of Aaron. As a result of this blessing I have been inspired by my church and family to write this devotional of Communion Messages. Hopefully, this devotional will be a blessing to anyone that can use it for Communion in Church, or at home. With this blessing I sign my name; Bruce Allyn Cohen

This book informs the readers about the life of a Southeastern Kentuckian and his struggles with 17 years of religious teachings coupled with, once into real world employment, corruption in the government of the United States of America and treasonous acts by members of the executive and legislative branches of the federal government.