"This is a very substantive book that encompasses the various aspects of advance care planning, both prior to and after a diagnosis of a life-limiting disease. The realistic case studies help readers understand the complexities of decision-making by the individual and the family."--Doody's Medical Reviews

While advance directives hold a great deal of promise for ensuring self-determination and quality of life near its end, the majority of Americans face life-threatening illness without having completed effective advance care planning.. This volume recounts the history of advance directives, chronicling the evolution of an approach that initially focused on completing forms, to one that now emphasizes more comprehensive strategies for facilitating conversations about end-of-life care and planning for dying and death. It provides helpful strategies for initiating and guiding discussions among providers, patients, and their loved ones, easing the burdens of uncertainty, and improving the efficacy of surrogate decision making near the end of life.

Scholars and practitioners from a variety of disciplines provide a well-rounded view of the history and challenges of advance directives. Authors include palliative care physicians, nurses, social workers, grief counselors, educators, lawyers, psychologists, sociologists, and medical ethicists. The book shares successful strategies on how effective advance care planning can provide smoother transitions at the end of life and ensure better quality of living before death. It incorporates effective multidisciplinary, relationship-based models of advance care planning along with multidisciplinary perspectives to help caregiving professionals initiate conversations and disseminate relevant information to patients and their loved ones and advocates. Case studies illustrate the importance of, challenges with, and prospects for advance directives and advance care planning. The book addresses common barriers to advance care planning and offers ways to overcome them, as well as detailing public health, legal, and comprehensive community planning approaches to change how our current American society deals with dying, death, and end-of-life care. Key Features:

Introduces a multidisciplinary, pragmatic approach to advance care planning Addresses strategies to reform advance care planning Presents case studies illustrating the importance, benefits, and challenges of advance directives Features successful initiatives in advance care planning and new directions that shift community practice related to dying, death, and end-of-life care. Includes the contributions of physicians, grief counselors, medical ethicists, social workers, psychologists, medical ethicists, lawyers, nurses, educators, and others

This book examines mid-Victorian discourse on the expansion of the British Empire’s role in the Middle East. It investigates how British political leaders, journalists and the general public responded to events in the Ottoman Empire, which many, if not most, people in Britain came to see as trudging towards inevitable chaos and destruction. Although this ‘Eastern Question’ on a post-Ottoman future was ostensibly a matter of international politics and sometimes conflict, this study argues that the ideas underpinning it were conceived, shaped, and enforced according to domestic British attitudes. In this way, this book presents the Eastern Question as as much a British question as one related in any way to the Ottoman Empire. Particularly in the crucial decade of the 1870s, debates in Victorian society on the Eastern Question served as proxies for other pressing issues of the day, including electoral reform, changing religious attitudes, public education, and the costs of maintaining Britain’s empire. This book offers new perspectives on the Eastern Question’s relationship to these trends in Victorian society, culture, and politics, highlighting its significance in understanding Britain’s imperial programme more widely in the second half of the nineteenth century.

The Calliphoridae are a widespread family of insects of great medical, veterinary and forensic importance. They encompass, among others, the familiar greenbottle and bluebottle filth flies.
The book presents a taxonomic revision of the blowflies of Fennoscandia and Denmark. Keys and diagnoses, descriptions, summaries of distribution and biology are given for all taxa. Male and female genitalia are illustrated in great detail. The nomenclature is revised and numerous new specific and generic synonymies are established. Full references to the primary literature are given. A new subfamily classification of the world Calliphoridae is proposed on the basis of cladistic principles. The definition and higher classification of the family and related groups are discussed.

The connective topological modular forms spectrum, $tmf$, is in a sense initial among elliptic spectra, and as such is an important link between the homotopy groups of spheres and modular forms. A primary goal of this volume is to give a complete account, with full proofs, of the homotopy of $tmf$ and several $tmf$-module spectra by means of the classical Adams spectral sequence, thus verifying, correcting, and extending existing approaches. In the process, folklore results are made precise and generalized. Anderson and Brown-Comenetz duality, and the corresponding dualities in homotopy groups, are carefully proved. The volume also includes an account of the homotopy groups of spheres through degree 44, with complete proofs, except that the Adams conjecture is used without proof. Also presented are modern stable proofs of classical results which are hard to extract from the literature. Tools used in this book include a multiplicative spectral sequence generalizing a construction of Davis and Mahowald, and computer software which computes the cohomology of modules over the Steenrod algebra and products therein. Techniques from commutative algebra are used to make the calculation precise and finite. The $H$-infinity ring structure of the sphere and of $tmf$ are used to determine many differentials and relations.

This open access book bridges common tools in medical imaging and neuroscience with the numerical solution of brain modelling PDEs. The connection between these areas is established through the use of two existing tools, FreeSurfer and FEniCS, and one novel tool, the SVM-Tk, developed for this book. The reader will learn the basics of magnetic resonance imaging and quickly proceed to generating their first FEniCS brain meshes from T1-weighted images. The book's presentation concludes with the reader solving a simplified PDE model of gadobutrol diffusion in the brain that incorporates diffusion tensor images, of various resolution, and complex, multi-domain, variable-resolution FEniCS meshes with detailed markings of anatomical brain regions. After completing this book, the reader will have a solid foundation for performing patient-specific finite element simulations of biomechanical models of the human brain.

This open access volume presents a novel computational framework for understanding how collections of excitable cells work. The key approach in the text is to model excitable tissue by representing the individual cells constituting the tissue. This is in stark contrast to the common approach where homogenization is used to develop models where the cells are not explicitly present. The approach allows for very detailed analysis of small collections of excitable cells, but computational challenges limit the applicability in the presence of large collections of cells.

Since its introduction by Friedhelm Waldhausen in the 1970s, the algebraic K-theory of spaces has been recognized as the main tool for studying parametrized phenomena in the theory of manifolds. However, a full proof of the equivalence relating the two areas has not appeared until now. This book presents such a proof, essentially completing Waldhausen's program from more than thirty years ago.

The main result is a stable parametrized h-cobordism theorem, derived from a homotopy equivalence between a space of PL h-cobordisms on a space X and the classifying space of a category of simple maps of spaces having X as deformation retract. The smooth and topological results then follow by smoothing and triangulation theory.

The proof has two main parts. The essence of the first part is a "desingularization," improving arbitrary finite simplicial sets to polyhedra. The second part compares polyhedra with PL manifolds by a thickening procedure. Many of the techniques and results developed should be useful in other connections.

David Rogne's "Sermons for Special Days "presents a wonderful opportunity for pastors and congregations to connect faith to their everyday lives. The unique aspect of Rogne's collection of sermons is that they are not confined to the pulpit, for each sermon can be used in a small group setting or in private devotionals. Rogne's reliance upon history, literature, and scripture will enlighten any student of the word, and each sermon will encourage congregations to embrace a dig-deep approach toward God's truth.
Some of the sermons for special days included in this book are:
Charles Wesley -- Heritage Sunday (Psalm 100)
Something New -- Maundy Thursday (John 13:34)
Does God Have a Word for You -- Bible Sunday (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
Say It with Music -- Music/Choir Recognition (Ephesians 5:17-20)
Communion by the Sea -- World Communion Sunday (John 6:5-15, 25-35)
When the Good Times Roll -- Thanksgiving Day (Deuteronomy 8:11-18)
Are You Ready for Christmas? -- Christmas Eve (Titus 2:11-15)
While Rogne has designed his sermons to be delivered on special days -- New Year's Day, Mission Sunday, and Father's Day, to name a few -- the power of each sermon extends well beyond those events as Rogne reminds us that in order to live a life well lived, we must constantly examine the life we are living.
David G. Rogneserved as senior minister at a number of United Methodist congregations in southern California for 39 years. A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, Rogne received his M.Div. degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and his D.Min. degree from the Claremont School of Theology, where his doctoral project involved first-person preaching. Rogne currently writes, lectures, and preaches on special occasions and is a resident of South Carolina. He is also the author of"All About the Kingdom," "Telling It Like It Was," "Let Me Tell You..."(CSS), and also a collaborator on"Sermons on the Gospel Readings, Series I, Cycle B."

David Rogne combines over fifty years of personal scholarship and reflection in "All About the Kingdom," a collection of Cycle A sermons for the last third of the Season of Pentecost, with a predominant message on the ever-present reality of the kingdom of God. Rogne's refreshing commitment to the authority of scripture creates relevant reflections on the teachings of Jesus that can be used by anyone who wants to better understand the calling of Christ.
"It is not enough to simply hear the word. The truth for us is discovered when we act on what we have heard. The deepest knowing comes through doing. Apprentices learn from watching and listening to the journeyman, but the learners accomplish something only when they put what they have learned into practice." It is this careful blending of faith and action, Rogne teaches, that is the essence of the kingdom, and when Christian believers allow their lives to experience transformation through the message of Jesus, God's kingdom grows. In this series of nine sermons (Proper 26 through Christ the King), "All About the Kingdom "is certain to present challenging messages on love, discipleship, and thanksgiving that will enlighten believers with a bold reminder that the time to engage in the kingdom is now.
David G. Rogneserved as senior minister at several of the larger United Methodist congregations in southern California for 39 years. A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, Rogne received his M.Div. degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and his D.Min. degree from the Claremont School of Theology, where his doctoral project involved first-person preaching. Rogne currently writes, lectures, and preaches on special occasions, and is a resident of South Carolina. He is also the author of "Telling It Like It Was" and "Let Me Tell You..."(CSS) and also a collaborator on "Sermons on the Gospel Readings, Series I, Cycle B."

Increasingly, people are describing themselves as "spiritual but not religious." While religious affiliation is decreasing, spirituality is on the rise. This book describes differences between the Twelve Step Spiritual Program and the organized religion of Christianity from the viewpoint of a Christian lay-person. Though the Twelve Step Spiritual Program and organized Christianity have different approaches, different experiences and different outcomes, Christianity and the Twelve-Step Program could come together, and agree that the best way to worship God is living a life in harmony with spiritual principles, such as honesty and love; living in gratitude; and sharing our resources with people who struggle with poverty, dysfunction, and powerlessness. Working together, organized religion and Twelve-Step Programs can send a strong message that there is help for people struggling with addictions, addictive activities and other life challenges.

Self-Esteem - Respecting and Valuing Ourselves Healthy, authentic self-esteem positively affects our emotional, mental, and physical health. We respect and value ourselves, feel competent, think clearly, manage our emotions and behaviors; and create a life that is creative and purposeful. Low self-esteem is not our fault, but it is our struggle. We are more vulnerable to addictions, emotional distress and dysfunctional behaviors that are harmful to ourselves and others. Recovery from low self-esteem is possible Self-Esteem - Respecting and Valuing Ourselves offers a practical self-esteem recovery and empowering process that has been life-changing for many people. We can move beyond low self-esteem feelings, and truly believe that we are lovable and capable and one of God's miracles

Both anger and guilt can be experienced as enemies or friends. While anger is abusive when it is expressed aggressively, it is a legitimate and appropriate response to emotional, mental, physical, or sexual abuse. Healthy anger is also a stage in the grieving process. The guilt that we generate by our irrational thinking is life diminishing. In contrast, healthy guilt prompts us to change dysfunctional behaviors and make amends when our actions have hurt others.
Life skills presented in this practical, easy-to-read book include:
-Anger and guilt alert us to areas in our life that need changing.
-Anger and guilt strategies can transform our lives and enhance our relationships.
By growing in awareness, we can discard the belief that anger and guilt are enemies that sabotage our life. Rather, we can appreciate these emotions as supportive friends who provide us with valuable information to help us navigate more effectively through life.

Has God called you to something that seems frightening or insurmountable? It is definitely the right choice to obey Him and then hang on for the ride The ride for the Rogne family during their first term overseas included many miracles for which they give all praise to God. Meet the village chief who made "man arrows" to kill Dave. Learn of the demon who controlled a village deep in the jungle, Dave's killer hike getting there to help preach the Gospel, and the 26 who became Christians Read of the emaciated tribal man who saw Jesus as he was dying. Hear the testimony of a former cannibal. Marvel at two medical miracles. This book will strengthen your faith in the Lord and challenge you to follow Him - even to the ends of the earth. Dave Rogne served six years in Papua New Guinea. He enjoys spear fishing, racing motocross, playing guitar and worshipping our great God, and discussing the creation/evolution issue. But he is very passionate about teaching the Word of God, discipling his family and others, praying for the Jewish people, and sharing the Gospel wherever he goes.

Considered one of the best books ever written on power used to control others, this book defines emotional and mental control as interpersonal violence which creates trauma in the emotional lives of adults and children. You will be empowered by the topics: The many ways that power is used to control others. Characteristics of controllers and the people they control.Strategies for positive change: Protecting ourselves from emotional abuse. Confronting, rather than enabling controllers%u2019 manipulative, life-diminishing tactics. Re-claiming and designing our life based on personal choices, values, beliefs and goals. Surrendering controlling behaviors if we are controlling others. Restoring relationships damaged by controlling behaviors. We can recover from the emotional devastation of being controlled. Our empowerment journey will result in becoming a healthy person and parent. Being empowered, we can bring the message to others, including the next generation, that we all have certain rights, as set forth by the Declaration of Independence, among them being, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Healing and Living our Spirit offers practical and easy-to-understand guidance for the process of emotional healing, so that we can live in greater harmony with ourselves and others.
A crucial step in our healing involves removing what is harmful: false beliefs, resentments, and ways of thinking that are negative, fear-based, and limited.
Having removed what is sabotaging our lives, we can then create a life with more positive ways of thinking, behaving and relating, which will move us closer to
optimal health on all levels of our being: the mental, emotional, spiritual
and physical.
One Canoe, Many Paddles - Healing and Living our Spirit:
Describes the personal growth journey from different viewpoints.
Offers life skills that will enhance our effectiveness, while reducing stress.
Views many spiritual principles, including those of the Twelve Step Program.
Suggests ways of expressing, celebrating, and living our spirit with gratitude.

Even though the sermon is the centerpiece of Protestant worship, preachers sometimes fail to capture the imagination of their audiences and communicate the spiritual resources that worshipers need. But David Rogne's messages provide the living connection that worshipers are hungering for. Telling It Like It Was introduces readers to an autobiographical preaching style in which the preacher assumes the identity of the featured character. In an introductory chapter, Rogne shares his method of preparation and describes how he overcame obstacles. He then presents twelve monologues highlighting the experiences of both Biblical and more recent personalities. Each presentation is prefaced by a few paragraphs detailing considerations related to that particular individual. Some of the characters you will meet are Pharaoh, Solomon, Herod, John the Baptist, Pontius Pilate, St. Francis of Assisi, and Albert Schweitzer.

This book will be invaluable for preachers and seminarians who are interested in expanding their styles of preaching, as well as for anyone who wants a concise biographical portrait of the people who have shaped our faith.

Filled with wit, insight, and inspiration, this anthology includes sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the Christian year based on Gospel Readings from Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary. The thoughtful and imaginative messages from preachers across the denominational spectrum proclaim the good news in today's language -- helping readers apply the lessons of scripture to their personal situations. Unforgettable in their power and witness, these sermons offer strength, support, and vision to those hoping to enrich their Christ-centered life.
This is an essential resource that's useful for:
- Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts
- Preaching illustrations
- A clearer understanding of scripture passages
- Adult study and discussion groups
- Personal devotions and Bible study on each Sunday's readings
"Those who have lost confidence in the power of preaching should have a look at Robert Noblett's work. His sermons are notably free of theological cant, and each is founded on scripture, appropriately illustrated, and applied to life as only a caring pastor can do so well."
Ernest T. Campbell
Former Senior Minister, The Riverside Church (New York City)
"Paul Flesner's sermons have catchy introductions and telling phrases -- yet they are soundly biblical and clearly express his faith in the gospel message. He is always to the point and is never tiresome with elongated developments of thought. Flesner reaches the hearts of his hearers with references to their daily life and the life of their congregation, together with a bold but personalized address to social issues. Readers are sure to connect with his memorable pictures."
Robert J. Marshall
Former President, Lutheran Church in America

Rogne shows how preachers can assume the identity of featured characters, stressing aspects of their spiritual pilgrimages which are relevant for today's faithful living. Twelve monologues portray the experiences of such fascinating personages as Abraham, Jeremiah, Thomas, Paul, Father Damien, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.