Some of the most wondrous and extraordinary things are all around us, yet we often miss seeing them. Some are so small they can easily be overlooked if we aren't paying attention. Some are large, yet we still miss seeing them. Circumstances in life sometimes seem one sided, yet there are often two sides to be seen if one might stop and ponder them. New ways of seeing and thinking about surroundings and circumstances in life is what Ordinary Wonders is all about. It is about noticing the wonders in the most ordinary of days or the most ordinary of things. It's about the many wonders there for ones enjoyment and sometimes to teach a lesson. Ordinary Wonders is about God's many gifts as seen and experienced by the author herself.
The Deceitful Onion Bulb. A Blessing to Smuggle. The Conjuror of Rain. In this collection of stories as whimsical as their titles, award-winning author Olesia Nikolaeva poignantly recounts life for Christian believers in Soviet and post-Soviet Russia. In a manner reminiscent of the bestselling Everyday Saints these tales reveal a common theme - the subtle, sometimes imperceptible movement of Divine Providence at work in the lives of saints and sinners alike. Her writings bring us to what the ancient Celts called "thin places" where the boundaries of heaven and earth meet and the sacred and the secular can no longer be distinguished.
The Deceitful Onion Bulb. A Blessing to Smuggle. The Conjuror of Rain. In this collection of stories as whimsical as their titles, award-winning author Olesia Nikolaeva poignantly recounts life for Christian believers in Soviet and post-Soviet Russia. In a manner reminiscent of the bestselling Everyday Saints these tales reveal a common theme - the subtle, sometimes imperceptible movement of Divine Providence at work in the lives of saints and sinners alike. Her writings bring us to what the ancient Celts called "thin places" where the boundaries of heaven and earth meet and the sacred and the secular can no longer be distinguished.
The God of Love is bound by a mortal’s curse. A baker’s daughter learns the value of illusion. A pet detective receives unexpected help to solve a supernatural crime. A plant magician attracts the wrong person when she grows the tallest rosebush in the country. These stories and more are included in Ordinary Wonders, a fantasy short story collection of reprints and new works by Sandra Ulbrich Almazan. These eleven stories include seven stories with unique settings and the four short stories from Young Seasons, tales of the four heroines from Almazan’s fantasy Season Avatars series. Put a little magic into an ordinary day with these stories!
An extraordinary literary debut about a Nigerian boy's secret intersex identity and his desire to live as a girl. Oto leaves for boarding school with one plan: excel and escape his cruel home. Falling in love with his roommate was certainly not on the agenda, but fear and shame force him to hide his love and true self. Back home, weighed down by the expectations of their wealthy and powerful family, the love of Oto's twin sister wavers and, as their world begins to crumble around them, Oto must make drastic choices that will alter the family's lives for ever. Richly imagined with art, proverbs and folk tales, this moving and modern novel follows Oto through life at home and at boarding school in Nigeria, through the heartbreak of living as a boy despite their profound belief they are a girl, and through a hunger for freedom that only a new life in the United States can offer. An Ordinary Wonder is a powerful coming-of-age story that explores complex desires as well as challenges of family, identity, gender, and culture, and what it means to feel whole.
Find Wonder in the Ordinary is not only the story of one person's journey back to their inner child, but it also is a guide for the reader do the same. As children, we view the world quite differently. With a sense of wonder. As we grow older, this is somewhat pushed out of us. Occasionally we all have moments where something reminds us of being a child, but they are usually fleeting moments. This book helps regain that focus. Through natural wonders and mysteries of the Universe, you are reminded how to find the fascination within ordinary things...and beyond. As the writer states, this book is "more like a drinking buddy", a companion that will definitely change how you see the world. In other words, it is a kid's book for adults.
Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth explores how Christian spirituality and practice must adapt to prepare for life on a climate-altered planet. Refugia (reh-FU-jee-ah) is a biological term describing places of shelter where life endures in times of crisis, such as a volcanic eruption, fire, or stressed climate. Ideally, these refugia endure, expand, and connect so that new life emerges. Debra Rienstra applies this concept to human culture and faith, asking, In this era of ecological devastation, how can Christians become people of refugia? How can we find and nurture these refugia, not only in the biomes of the earth, but in our human cultural systems and in our spiritual lives? How can we apply all our love and creativity to this task as never before? Rienstra recounts her own process of reeducation--beginning not as a scientist or an outdoors enthusiast but by examining the wisdom of theologians and philosophers, farmers and nature writers, scientists and activists, and especially people on the margins. By weaving nature writing, personal narrative, and theological reflection, Rienstra grapples honestly with her own fears and longings and points toward a way forward--a way to transform Christian spirituality and practice, become a healer on a damaged earth, and inspire others to do the same. Refugia Faith speaks to people securely within the faith as well as to those on the edge, providing a suitable entry for those who sense that this era of upheaval requires a transformed faith but who don't quite know where to begin.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Millions of people have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face—who shows us that kindness brings us together no matter how far apart we are. Read the book that inspired the Choose Kind movement, a major motion picture, and the critically acclaimed graphic novel White Bird. And don't miss R.J. Palacio's highly anticipated new novel, Pony, available now! I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse. August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. Beginning from Auggie’s point of view and expanding to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others, the perspectives converge to form a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” —indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.
Fresh and never-before published talks on the crux of Buddhist practice and how to uncover wonder in your daily life from legendary Zen teacher and bestselling author Charlotte Joko Beck. "As you embrace the suffering of life, the wonder shows up at the same time. They go together."--Charlotte Joko Beck In this collection of never-before published teachings by Charlotte Joko Beck, one of the most influential Western-born Zen teachers, she explores our “core beliefs”—the hidden, negative convictions we hold about ourselves that direct our thoughts and behavior and prevent us from experiencing life as it is. Wryly humorous and relatable, Beck uses powerfully clear language to show how our lives present us with daily opportunities to move from thinking to experiencing, from compulsivity to confidence, and from anguish to peace. Whether you are a Zen practitioner or a reader interested in exploring these teachings for the first time, Ordinary Wonder offers the depth and breadth of Beck’s remarkable experience in an accessible guide to practice amidst the struggles of daily life.
In the hustle of our fast-paced lives, "The Hidden Wonders of the Everyday" invites readers to pause, breathe, and explore the enchanting tapestry woven into the fabric of ordinary moments. Through a harmonious blend of personal anecdotes, scientific insights, and engaging exercises, this book serves as a roadmap to unlocking the extraordinary in the seemingly mundane. Championing the art of slowing down, the author shares a personal journey towards mindfulness, providing practical tips for readers to integrate this transformative practice into their daily lives. The exploration extends to the profound influence of our senses, encouraging readers to tune into the symphony of sights, sounds, touch, taste, and smell that surrounds us. Each chapter unfolds a new dimension of appreciation, from delving into the marvel of sight, celebrating the symphony of sounds in a bustling world, to discovering the tactile richness of daily life. Nature's hidden wonders and the unique marvels of urban life are unraveled, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things. "Hidden Wonders" extends an invitation to savor taste experiences, explore the often-overlooked world of scents, and find joy in the simplicity of daily pleasures. The intricacies of human connections are explored, and the delicate balance of ecosystems is metaphorically depicted through the spider's web, reinforcing the interconnectedness of life. The book culminates with a call to action, urging readers to continue their journey of discovery. It suggests ways to share newfound appreciation with others and inspires the formation of a community that sees the extraordinary in the ordinary. With an eloquent and evocative writing style, "The Hidden Wonders of the Everyday" is not just a book; it's an immersive experience. The author's storytelling prowess brings to life the ordinary objects and experiences we often overlook, offering a fresh and engaging perspective on mindfulness and gratitude. Enhanced with stunning visuals, interactive elements, and thoughtful organization, this book is poised to resonate with individuals seeking connection, meaning, and joy in a world dominated by technology and stress. As readers turn the pages, they'll discover that the ordinary is a canvas waiting to be painted with the hues of wonder, and the journey of unlocking hidden wonders is an enriching expedition into the heart of life's extraordinary tapestry.
