Adults who long for approval from family members will discover the roots of family acceptance, overcome rejection from the past, and learn to pass the blessing on in their own families. This interactive workbook helps men and women understand and apply the five principles of the blessing--a life-changing acceptance that heals and brings inner peace.

This book provides a multifaceted, multilayered examination of the processes and challenges language teachers face in constructing their professional identities in multilingual contexts such as Hong Kong. It focuses on how professional and personal identities are enacted as individuals cross geographic, educational, and socio-cultural boundaries to become English language teachers in Hong Kong. It explores the construction of language teachers' professional identities from multiple perspectives in multiple settings, including pre-service and in-service teachers from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Western countries. Understanding the difficulties and challenges these language teachers face in their identity and professional development is of relevance to teachers and teacher educators, as well as those interested in becoming language teachers in multilingual contexts.

Children of every age long for the gift of The Blessing-the unconditional love and approval that comes from a healthy relationship with their parents. This life-changing gift for Christian parents and their children, essential for instilling a deep sense of self-worth and unshakable emotional well-being, contains five essential elements: meaningful touch a spoken message attaching high value picturing a special future an active commitment Offering solid, practical advice and a fresh perspective on making this gift a bigger part of our families, The Blessing powerfully communicates these biblically based elements as necessary to prepare children for positive future relationships, including their relationship with a loving God. New to this updated edition are giving The Blessing to others in your circle of influence, practical application tools and stories of how this is lived out, insight and help for those who didn't receive The Blessing, and how to create a lifestyle of blessing others.

This book provides a multifaceted, multilayered examination of the processes and challenges language teachers face in constructing their professional identities in multilingual contexts such as Hong Kong. It focuses on how professional and personal identities are enacted as individuals cross geographic, educational, and socio-cultural boundaries to become English language teachers in Hong Kong. It explores the construction of language teachers’ professional identities from multiple perspectives in multiple settings, including pre-service and in-service teachers from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Western countries. Understanding the difficulties and challenges these language teachers face in their identity and professional development is of relevance to teachers and teacher educators, as well as those interested in becoming language teachers in multilingual contexts.

Discover a simple yet profound plan for a marriage of depth, warmth, and excitement! Guide your marriage for a lifetime by learning how to make your spouse feel truly honored, keep courtship alive, rebuild trust, and become best friends with your family. Love is more than a feeling. It is a choice. And while that sounds less than romantic, nobody gets married and ever plans on getting a divorce-but every marriage is headed for both happy and hard times. According to family counselor and bestselling author Gary Smalley, good marriages are no accident. And deciding to love-in the practical ways outlined here-can result in relationships that are tougher than those tough times. Using stories from couples he has counseled, spiritual lessons, and emotional word pictures, Smalley teaches biblical principles and practical techniques for building, re-building, and nurturing relationships. This classic guide, perfect for gifting, is ideal for newly engaged couples, newlyweds, and veteran married couples alike. You will learn how to: Learn the art of meaningful conversation Energize your mate in 60 seconds Find the surprising key to satisfying sex Discover the surprising secret of a close-knit family Tap into the unfailing power source behind a great marriage In this timeless bestseller, Smalley and Trent explain how to take advantage of the unique strengths of women and men to forge stronger marriages that will withstand the greatest tests. Love is a Decision is also available in Spanish, El amore s una decision.

Equips Christian counselors and therapists to confidently use mindfulness techniques with their clients in a way that is both practical and biblical. Accessing mindfulness is a therapeutic touchstone for a range of emotional issues, from mild distress to the treatment of trauma, but the term mindfulness has often left Christians wary. Stripped of Christlike spirituality, it sounds self-focused at best, and at worst like a fusion with modern pop-religions of the day. But the quality of mindfulness-of being fully present, aware of ourselves and our situation so that we can better respond to the chaos around us-is a profoundly biblical concept. And it can be used effectively by Christian counselors and healing practitioners. In A Counselor's Guide to Christian Mindfulness, Regina Chow Trammel (a clinical social worker) and John Trent (a marriage and family therapist) team up to offer training in mindfulness skills used in evidence-based practices, such as dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. These therapies have been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of many mental health issues, blending elements of neuroscience, social science, and religious training. This book is the ideal resource to equip those in the helping professions to faithfully use mindfulness interventions both professionally and personally and includes: A historical and theoretical overview of Christian mindfulness and how it contrasts with other mindfulness-based practices. A practical guide for how to use mindfulness skills in counseling and therapeutic practice. A section addressing specific challenges or situations that your clients face. Dialogue scripts and contemplation exercises to adapt for your own work. The practice of Christian mindfulness can be effective in helping clients manage their intrusive and stressful thoughts, emotions, relationships, and challenges. This book fills a gap for Christian counselors and therapists who are eager for a resource that teaches mindfulness skills from a Christian and biblical perspective.

Here's a message that will bring hope, healing, and restoration to thousands of beleaguered relationships. With his trademark warm and inviting communication style, Smalley blends sound scriptural theory with workable applications for marriages and families.

Based on biblical elements, "The Blessing" isn't just another parenting tip or formulait's a powerful, yet simple, biblical concept that will strengthen all your relationships. Perfect for parents with children of any age. Easily give your kids the affirmation and relationship that your kids need and desire in 30 easy, affordable, and practical ways.

So You Want My Handicapped Parking Place chronicles the complicated, and often humorous experiences of one man's journey through life in a wheelchair. Having contracted polio as a baby and being the last of a pastor's six children, Mario Ferrante struggled to carve out his identity as a young man and grow up to enter the professional world, start a family, and pursue the American dream like everyone else. Despite society's continual questioning and the seemingly insurmountable challenges thrown at him, Ferrante takes the world head-on persevering to earn two master's degrees, one in Business Administration and another in vocal performance. He has gone on to enjoy much success: becoming a CEO, working as a director of a Fortune Five Hundred company, traveling to Europe and the Caribbean, serving his community as a music pastor, all in addition to being happily married for almost thirty years and raising two kids. Ferrante's stories, organized by chapters with titles like "Curiosity," "Mishaps," "Vegetables," and "Naysayers," demonstrate a unique perspective to the physical and social challenges of people living with disabilities. His tenacious pursuit of a "normal" life will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately offers inspiration for how to overcome all kinds of obstacles.

At one time or another, every Christian goes through a period which is referred to as a "desert experience"-a time when they feel forsaken by God, in doubt about what God would have them do, a period of darkness of the soul. Many, during those times, feel they are alone in this experience, but this thought-provoking book shows readers that they are not alone-that in fact, many well-known Christians have been there also. Featuring personal testimonies from each contributor, "The Desert Experience" offers readers encouragement and valuable lessons from those who have made it through the "desert"-lessons of hope, humility, goodwill, and the sovereignty of God -all lessons necessary for the maturing of a Christian.

In Pictures Your Heart Remembers, family expert Dr. John Trent shows how "pictures" of the good and bad things in our lives not only find their way into our hearts but also affect how we view ourselves, how we treat others, and even how we relate to God.  These pictures, writes Trent, "affect the way we think, the way we feel, and the way we perceive the world."


use the "pictures" of your life
to deepen your love for God and others.


In this most personal book, Trent draws on pictures from his own painful past to show how acts of kindness or cruelty-a parent's smile or a teacher's ridicule-are all wrapped up in memories that carry the power to bless or curse us.  Drawing on pictures full of promise in God's Word, Trent shows that we have a choice in how we react to the negative events we've experienced in the past. We also have a choice every day to leave positive pictures in the lives of those we meet...just as Jesus did.

Over a million homes have been deeply impacted by Dr. Trent's powerful message of the blessing.  This book, previously released as Choosing to Live the Blessing, speaks to the people who may not have seen consistent love, acceptance, or warmth in their past and gives them hope and help in reframing those negative events into lifelong positives.  

Filled with genuine warmth and vulnerability, Pictures Your Heart Remembers will touch readers' hearts and challenge them to leave pictures of blessing today.

As a parent, you know that your kids will face trials and struggles after they leave the nest. But you can begin to prepare your children today---while they are still young--by building solid and lasting family relationships that will see them through those tough times. You can instill in them a confidence that even in the longest, darkest night, the porch light is always lit..showing the way to the one place where love is given freely, not earned or demanded.

"If you've ever doubted your ability to be a vessel of grace and healing in the life of someone who's hurting, you need to read "A Place Called Blessing." It is the story of a wounded soul named Josh, but chances are there is a Josh living next door to you or even sitting near you in the pew at church."--Jim Daly, president, Focus on the Family

His whole life has been a story of hurt and rejection. Is one family's love enough to turn it all around?

Josh lost his parents in a drunk-driving accident and lost track of his two brothers after a tragic fire. By age eighteen, he is an angry young man who only wants a job, an apartment, and to be left alone. Instead, he meets Mike and Anna, an unusual son-and-mother team who draw him into their lives. For the first time, Josh receives unconditional love and something every human being craves, the gift of "the blessing." But tragedy strikes again, and a shocking secret is revealed. Can Josh hang on to what he's learned about blessings, curses, and family?

The life-changing message of the relational classic, "The Blessing"--now in compelling story form. Complete with a reader's guide to help you identify and apply the five elements of the biblical blessing to your own life and relationships.

Visit www.TheBlessing.com for more information and an opportunity to join The Blessing Challenge, one million people choosing to change the life of one child--their child

This creative story from John Trent and Gary Smalley helps children understand different personality types and celebrate others' strengths. Follow the four best friends--a lion, an otter, a golden retriever, and a beaver--as they search for the golden keys to the Treasure Tree. On their adventure, they discover that their different character traits are some of the most precious treasures they have. Based on the bestselling book, The Two Sides of Love: The Secret to Valuing Differences, this illustrated chapter book offers a unique, fun way for parents and children, ages 4 to 8, to discover their own personality strengths a six-chapter adventure story that demonstrates the basic characteristics of the four animal personalities classic, colorful illustrations and a durable hardcover case a personality test checklist to enable children to identify their own special character traits a note to parents to guide them in talking with their children about differences and in strengthening their family's relationships With this valuable tool, your kids will better understand and respect both themselves and others and your family relationships will grow with more kindness, understanding, and patience. This innovative storybook is perfect for any gift-giving holiday but is an especially meaningful gift for children who are struggling to make friends or who are welcoming a new sibling.

We all know of families or marriages in crisis. When those suffering in such situations turn to us for help, where do we turn? "The Quick-Reference Guide to Marriage and Family Counseling" provides the answers. It is an A-Z guide for assisting people-helpers--pastors, professional counselors, youth workers, and everyday believers--to easily access a full array of information to aid them in (formal and informal) counseling situations. Issues addressed by Clinton and Trent include affairs and adultery, communication in marriage, parenting, sibling rivalry, and many more. Each of the forty topics covered follows a helpful eight-part outline and identifies: 1) typical symptoms and patterns, 2) definitions and key thoughts, 3) questions to ask, 4) directions for the conversation, 5) action steps, 6) biblical insights, 7) prayer starters, and 8) recommended resources.
About the series
The Quick-Reference Guides are A-Z guides that assist people-helpers--pastors, professional counselors, youth workers, and everyday believers--to easily access a full array of information to aid them in (formal and informal) counseling situations. Each of the forty topics covered follows a helpful eight-part outline and identifies: 1) typical symptoms and patterns, 2) definitions and key thoughts, 3) questions to ask, 4) directions for the conversation, 5) action steps, 6) biblical insights, 7) prayer starters, and 8) recommended resources.

Las estadisticas indican que si sus padres estan divorciados, es mas probable que usted llegue a divorciarse en comparacion con alguien que viene de una familia "intacta." John Trent, autor y tambien hijo de divorciados, ha enfrentado los mismos temores y se ha hecho las mismas preguntas que usted probablemente ha enfrentado, y en este libro ofrece explicaciones del porque los hijos adultos de un divorcio tienden a repetir los errores de sus padres. El presenta ademas un plan para confrontar esos temores, hacer cambios razonables y realistas y obtener la ayuda que necesita.

Dad, build a lasting bridge to your son s heart. This critical period when he s between eight and twelve years of age is the time to build an unbreakable bond with your son. But how do you forge a strong and resilient relationship that can withstand those potentially turbulent teenage years lying just up ahead? Dad s Everything Book for Sons is a practical, hands-on manual for dads who have the will but aren t quite sure of the way to give their sons the legacy of a father s love. John Trent and Greg Johnson know exactly what you re up against, and they help you rise to the challenge with dozens of ideas to implement in the next five years. This book is brimming with insights and absolutely jam-packed with creative and doable approaches. Here s just a sampler of the topics and the help you ll find inside: . Defusing communication killers . Addressing The Big Four: body changes, girls, sex, and honoring women . Holding a manhood ceremony . Raising secure sons . Fighting the world s influence . Giving him unforgettable moments, gifts, lessons, and mentors Tomorrow is coming, so start putting the ideas in this book to work today. Your son will forever treasure the gifts of your time, your heart, and your faith. And you ll always be glad you gave."

No other man will influence your little girl like you, Dad. The relationship you build with her will shape the very course of her life. And these precious years between ages eight and twelve are the time to forge bonds of care and nurturance that will weather your daughter s potentially stormy teenage years and give her the enduring legacy of a father s love. But how do you build that kind of close-knit relationship? I wanted to provide a can t-miss, practical, put into action today bucketful of ideas that any dad could pour into his daughter s life, writes family relationships expert John Trent. Here is the result. Dad s Everything Book for Daughters is filled with ideas on how to connect with your daughter during . Father/Daughter Talks . School Days . Holidays and Special Days . Everyday Life . Vacations and Summertime Fun You ll also find an entire section containing twenty-one prayers you can pray for your daughter. So dig into this book today. The closeness you ll build with your daughter will be the greatest gift you ll ever give her."