A beleaguered indigenous population came to the attention of the world in 1997 by threatening mass suicide in a last-ditch attempt to protect their ancestral lands (overlying possible oil deposits) from invasion by outsiders. The U'wa (formerly known as the Tunebo) - a Chibchan-speaking group living on the eastern slopes of the Andes in NE Colombia - are documented in Ann Osborn's pioneering study, here published in English for the first time. She introduces us to the U'wa on their own terms, enabling us to understand them from their own perspective, to place them squarely within the unique ecological setting that is a fundamental part of their being and to appreciate what might motivate them to contemplate such drastic action in the face of an external threat. The life-sustaining annual round of ceremonies described here were undertaken not only for themselves but also on behalf of outsiders: 'If we did not chant, the world would wear out ... it would come down ... we chant for the Whites as well, so that they can continue living in their world...' The contrast between this philosophy and that of our oil-hungry world provides timely cause for reflection.

Fun Buttons is different! Humor in button subjects and design is featured in the nearly 400 color photographs, text and captions. From all over the world, over three centuries, this gathering of buttons is both delightful and informative. Organized by materials and themes, these funny buttons include children's subjects, animals, fairie, fruit, vehicles and sports designs which can't help but amuse and fascinate collectors, dealers and those who sew. The list of button clubs and organizations is a wonderful reference in itself. "The book...illuminates the myriad of subjects that the designers have used over the years to tickle the public's fancy. Seeing them pictured here has tickled mine! I dare you to read this book and not crack a smile or chuckle to yourself. I couldn't do it." (from the foreword by Tom Wolfe)

This well-organized guide is recommended by the Button Society as a book that every button collector and dealer should own. The standard book in the field, it gives information to identify the age, material, and desirability of any button that may be found. It covers buttons of every imaginable type, price range and age. Its convenient size make it a perfect field guide, an easy reference for forays into antique stores, flea markets, and yard sales. The price guide is newly updated to reflect the current market.

Have you ever heard of someone who died in the midst of great poverty, only to be discovered to have been very, very wealthy? Some of us live our Christian lives just like this-looking like spiritual paupers, while all the time we have a spiritual bank account that reveals that we are rich. As you study this letter to the Ephesians, make note of all that you, as a Christian, have in your heavenly bank account: adoption, acceptance, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, inheritance, the seal of the Holy Spirit, life, grace, and citizenship-every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places

It seems false teaching was threatening the doctrinal purity of the church of Colosse. From Greek philosophy to Jewish legalism to Oriental mysticism, the enemy was attempting to infiltrate and twist the pure and true doctrine of Christianity. Paul's letter to the Colossians was written in response to this disturbing news. His aim was to warn the church and point them back to the truth. He had but one major answer to all of the erroneous teaching-Christ is supreme-therefore faith in Christ is sufficient. If we could but grasp the enormity of this truth, it could change our lives forever

It is supposed to be just another normal day for Addie Gunther, but a woman holding a dying baby on the side of the road changes everything. Her desire to help overrides the fear of her past being discovered and she finds herself plunged into an unstoppable cascade of events which turn her life inside-out as soon as she enters the hospital. The college student had tried to carry on with a normal life since she left the streets, but her past becomes tangled with the present when a well-meaning doctor takes it upon himself to fix her problems. As she is pushed to realize just how broken she still is, she also finds that not all is hopeless. Over the space of 48 hours, the story unravels, introducing more and more people whose own troubled pasts intertwine with Addie's. Time becomes critical and lives hang in the balance as Addie and the doctor scramble to protect the innocent. Will Addie and the doctor be able to work as a team to bring the pieces of her life together, or will she shut him out and try to start her life again where no one knows her?

Could you be joyful if you found yourself in prison? Most of us would have to say no ... but Paul could easily say yes ... you see, he had learned the secret of being content in any and every situation-even in prison and even in chains. How would you like to learn this secret? How would you like to have joy in the midst of your "prison"? Well Paul says you can and will show you the way in his letter to the Philippian church. So let us arise, drop our chains, and find our joy

How important is this letter to us today? As important as it ever was Who hasn't struggled with the notion that they must work for their salvation? How many churches in our day put forth a message that you must do "certain things" in order to know that you are truly saved? Whether you are encouraged by a church, by your own weakness, or by the devil himself to work for your salvation, it is time that you know it is a lie and not the true gospel message. Martin Luther was a troubled and tormented soul who never thought he could do enough to please God. But he found rest for his soul from the teachings of this letter-and you can too