What if you were born with difficulty hearing? Ten-year-old Paula knows she is different, and worries that she might not be able to hear the teacher at her new country school. What if her classmates tease her? Grandpa reminds Paula that God makes people different for His own reasons, but Paula still wishes she could hear like the other students. When Paula meets George, who has lost a leg, she begins to realize that others hurt, too. This story demonstrates that God creates us all uniquely, and that He has a special plan for each and every one of us.
Choose to be a GRANDparent, living with eternity in mind. In There’s a Reason They Call It Grandparenting, Michelle Howe illuminates opportunities for you to impact your family by supporting your adult children and playing an intentional role in your grandchildren’s lives. She encourages you to create special memories with your grandkids and play a meaningful part in their lives. Each of the 30 chapters concludes with 3 GRAND IDEAS for you to consider trying.
This retelling of the Christmas story, through poetry and biblical references, inspires thoughtful meditation and joyful singing. Several poems can be sung to the tune of well-known Christmas carols and other songs. Reflections on the reason for Jesus’ birth remind us that we can still have hope for our broken world. The opening theme is the birth of Jesus, a miraculous display of God’s love for us celebrated at Christmas. However, Christmas is only the beginning. What follows His birth is even more astounding and life-transforming. The first part of the book resounds with joy and celebration at this phenomenal love-gift sent to us by a holy and loving God seeking to reconnect with his lost sheep. The celebration is not just because of His birth, but because He was born to die for mankind’s redemption from sin’s bondage. What is more praiseworthy is His resurrection, the foundation of the Christian faith. Because Jesus is alive, His power and light will always outshine the darkness. This is clearly a reason for singing. With the life of Jesus as our example, the remaining poems cover various aspects of Christian living: forgiveness, righteousness, justice, compassion for our neighbor and resisting temptation. Some poems cover controversial issues like the sanctity of life and the sanctity of marriage. They remind us that we are in a spiritual battle and must daily make choices between good and evil. We are exhorted to love God and obey His precepts in order to flourish. Loving and caring for each other are some of the daily choices we must make. Without that, our human society sinks into chaos. While the explosion of evil around us is frightening, we also struggle with our own personal weaknesses and failures and need reminders that Jesus will meet us in those struggles. Several of the poems are prayers from a burdened heart wrestling with the enticement of sin and the need to receive or grant forgiveness. Some are the expressions of grief and pain in moments of despair so common to mankind. Other poems are songs of praise and thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness in delivering from trials of various kinds. The book ends with poems of victory in anticipation of Jesus’ triumphant return to fulfill His promise to abolish sin and suffering. It is a time of rejoicing for those who love Him, but a time of fear and trembling for those who do not. The goal of this book is to point people to the God who sees all and who does not desire anyone to perish. His mercy is extended to all who would receive it. The biblical references that follow the poems will challenge the reader to a deeper dive into the very words of God to glean strength, wisdom and courage for daily living. These poems are meant to serve as a springboard to that end, and there is something here for everyone and for every season.
"S. Marie delivers an essential Reality Check in this compelling book. She will captivate your heart through her personal stories, cultivate your mind with her poignant words, and compel you to improve your relationships."-Tajuana Butler, Author of Sorority Sisters "All men are dogs. I'll never find a good man. Why am I still single?" So, regardless of the number of failed relationships, who/what was the common denominator in all of these failed relationships? Reality Check takes an in-depth look at some of the reasons contributing to singleness. Nothing is off limits when it comes to S. Marie sharing her personal stories with topics ranging from spirituality to sexual immorality, cheating, lies, loneliness, and even gold digging. Each Reality Checkpoint (chapter) provides insight as to why so many women find themselves still single: You equate love with sex, but what's love got to do with lust?You think of him as a piece of clay you will be able to mold into what you want him to be.Looking for money, mansions, and mo money instead of a man. It will keep it real, keep you interested, and keep you inspired. Reality Check: There's a Reason Why You're Single, and when reality sets in, you'll know the reason why. Also, visit www.singlereasonwhy.com
Carol's gripping story begins 29 years ago when, as a teenager, she asks to have her nose surgically altered. But before plastic surgery can be performed, her world comes crashing down around her when she receives shocking news-she has a rare disease, Wegener's granulomatosis. Though the treatments take their toll on her body, and the disease ironically changes the shape of her nose, Carol refuses to let it destroy her spirit. Meanwhile, her mother's persistent efforts to find information and support for herself led to today's international Vasculitis Foundation. Learn how to make the healthcare system work for you. Find out the value of second opinions and how a positive attitude can save your sanity. See how compassionate relationships are vital to this patient's recovery. Told through the eyes of her mother, Myrna, this moving and personal story, which details their journey from darkness to hope, is not only inspiring but a valuable source of information for anyone touched by a serious chronic illness.
When Finn the mouse is whisked away to Fairyland, adventure is not far behind. The Reason There’s Bubbles continues the story of the little grey mouse who we first met in The Trouble with Bubbles. In this new tale, Finn is brought into a magical world to use his clever mind and creativity to help protect the fairies. Along the way, he meets new friends—a clumsy red-headed squirrel, a mystical insect, and a self-conscious turtle—who will help him find a way to travel to a faraway land and fulfill a new quest. The Reason There’s Bubbles is designed as a read-aloud book for parents to enjoy with their children. The whimsical poetry and engaging characters help children understand that it’s okay to be different, that at times we all feel misunderstood, and that with love and kindness—and a sprinkling of fairy dust—anything is possible.
Every Reason We Shouldn't by Sara Fujimura is a charming multicultural romance perfect for the many fans of Jenny Han and Rainbow Rowell. Warning: Contains family expectations, delightful banter, great romantic tension, skating (all kinds!), Korean pastries, and all the feels. Sixteen-year-old figure skater Olivia Kennedy’s Olympic dreams have ended. She’s bitter, but enjoying life as a regular teenager instead of trying to live up to expectations of being the daughter of Olympians Michael Kennedy and Midori Nakashima...until Jonah Choi starts training at her family's struggling rink. Jonah's driven, talented, going for the Olympics in speed skating, completely annoying... and totally gorgeous. Between teasing Jonah, helping her best friend try out for roller derby, figuring out life as a normal teen and keeping the family business running, Olivia's got her hands full. But will rivalry bring her closer to Jonah, or drive them apart? “This book is like a warm hug filled with all the things I love. I started smiling from page one and couldn’t put it down.” —Courtney Milan At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
This deeply emotional sequel to William Fredrick Cooper’s wildly acclaimed debut novel, Six Days in January, is a powerful, heartfelt tale that will resonate with readers everywhere. In Six Days in January, William Fredrick Cooper shed light on the insecurities and fears of African American men through the experiences of his enigmatic protagonist William McCall. As There’s Always a Reason opens, William has experienced another emotional heartbreak at the hands of a woman. When he loses his job, too, William finds himself battling just to survive. Then he meets Linda Woodson, who begins to restore his faith in all areas of life, illustrating through example that a woman of enormous strength can teach a man the true meaning of love. There’s Always a Reason is an uplifting and emotional journey into the complex workings of the human heart and its ability to triumph over despair.
Drawing on Blessed Pope John Paul II’s letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, authors Leon and Maureen Suprenant begin this essay by sharing their experiences of the Rosary, and how this simple, time-honored prayer shaped their own childhoods and guided them eventually back to the faith of their youth. They focus on the Luminous Mysteries, and how these mysteries give us a beautiful opportunity for meditation on the public ministry of our Lord, which is so pertinent for families today. Wrapping things up, they discuss practical aspects of the Rosary, and show how it can be a powerful tool to unite families and provide an oasis of peace in the hectic days of family life.
