A story following the adventures of two children through the cities and sites of pre-war Syria. Illustrated by a Syrian oil painter, the book showcases a different side of the country. Like many places facing war and conflict, Syria has a long and rich heritage, and has been home to several civilizations. Laila and Ahmed's journey brings this history to the forefront in all of its beauty and complexity
Beauty is Found in the Ordinary The world is shouting at us to be more. Strive. Achieve. Overachieve. Never stop pushing. As a family practice doctor, wife, and mother, Mikala Albertson appeared to be living a "perfect" life, but really her whole world was falling apart. Married seven years to an alcohol and drug addict while raising two young children and finishing residency, Mikala eventually reached a breaking point. And surrendered. In sifting through the shattered pieces of her life, she realized she had been chasing something that doesn't exist. Perfect is pretend. And what she desperately needed to embrace was ordinary. A good, hard, messy, gritty, lovely, ordinary life. In Ordinary on Purpose, Mikala shares her heartfelt journey in a raw and revealing way as she invites you to lay down your own endless chase for perfection and embrace this beautiful, messy life exactly as it is with our perfect, loving God right by your side. What would it look like to stop pretending to be "perfect" and be ordinary? Instead of always feeling overwhelmed and alone, you might discover the beauty of a good, hard life grounded in the radiant hope of God's unending love. Life happens in the ordinary, after all.
Vivianne Knebel was born illegitimate in 1943 in the epicenter of Nazi power, Berlin, Germany. Her free-spirited and strong-willed mother, Marija, fought to keep her alive among falling bombs and Soviet attacks. After the end of World War II, with much of Berlin razed to the ground, Vivianne came to know poverty and constant hunger. As a teenager, she immigrated to Canada, but in her new homeland, times became so desperate that she had to beg for money to eat. After dropping out of school to find work, Vivianne became the victim of sexual harassment. Spiraling into depression, she attempted to take her life, but was miraculously saved by a six-year-old child. Falling in love with a fellow German immigrant, Wiland, proved a pivotal turning point for Vivianne. He saw a wellspring of potential in her and believed that she could become more than she had ever imagined. They married and moved to the United States. In the land where so many immigrant dreams are built, Wiland encouraged Vivianne to pursue endeavors that would test her mettle, including piloting a plane, running a marathon, and taking on a key role in supporting his business enterprise. Vivianne's journey of personal growth later gave her the courage to battle cancer and embrace a spiritual life.
A new and groundbreaking historical narrative, Grand Illusion: Phantasmagoria in Nineteenth-Century Opera explores how technical innovations in Paris transformed the grand opera into a transcendent, dream-like audio-visual spectacle.
Since I was very young, I have seen and experienced difficult times in my life but always managed to deal with them as there usually was no other choice. At the age of six, I hit rock bottom and learned that there really was a God and he became my best friend, which helped me throughout my life to never give up or to feel alone. I considered it a privilege to be called on to perform a certain, sometimes even arduous job, both in my private life, my employment, or in any of my appointed positions; finding out that accomplishing positive results, after giving it your best effort, is the greatest form of satisfaction. It also taught me that if I wanted something bad enough, I could find a way to achieve it. I am sorry if I have offended anyone along my way throughout the years of my lifebut it has perpetually been my aspiration to treat others as I would like to be treated myself.
In Resisting Occupation, international scholars discuss the radical denial of human flourishing caused by the occupation of mind, body, spirit, and land. They explore how religious perspectives can be, and often are, constructed by occupiers to justify their actions, perpetuate exploitation, and domesticate indigenous landholders. In the name of Christianization and civilization, which has proven to be a global phenomenon beyond time and space, a consistent domestication process is established. The colonized are taught to want, to yearn for, and to embrace their occupation, seeing themselves through the eyes of their colonizers. Writing from different spots around the globe, the scholars of this book demonstrate how occupation, a synonym for empire, is manifested within their social context and reveal unity in their struggle for liberation. Recognizing that where there is oppression, there is resistance, the contributors turn to religion. While questioning the logic, rationale, theology, and epistemology of the empire’s religion, they nonetheless seek the liberative response of resistance – at times using the very religion of the occupiers.
Storms will come into our life. Jesus said so in His Word. "In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 6:33). Perhaps your storm in life is a current or past job loss, loss of a loved one, financial loss or loss of a reputation. None of us are immune. We do however, have a choice how we respond. We can emerge from the rubble embittered, broken and in bondage or we can elect to let Christ build something beautiful for His Kingdom's work. No one can make that choice for us. We must be passionately prepared when the storms come. Our trust must be placed in the one true Creator who can lead, comfort, teach and conform us into his image. With daily prayers and our obedience to His Word and teachings, it is possible to build a spiritual fortress around a home that will safeguard it from spiritual destruction. However, we must be willing to change from the inside- out. Sharon Haynes resides in Jackson, Tennessee. She and her husband, Jimmy, are the proud parents of 16-year old triplets. Sharon holds a Master's degree in counseling and has been a practicing therapist, volunteer counselor and has served on several community boards throughout the last ten years. She is currently employed with Augustine School in Jackson. She is an active member of her church. She has served as a choir member and in various capacities involving the children's ministry and as a Bible study leader.
