Sometimes life just stinks -- people disappoint, bad things happen, and hardship comes. Who Put the Skunk in the Trunk? is a collection of stories that shows the difference between those who resign and those who rejoice when reality bites. Readers will be encouraged to choose joy, to find hope, and to discover the abundant life Christ offers all who follow Him. Author and humorist Phil Callaway -- once described as "Dave Barry with a message" -- employs his revealing and hilarious style to remind readers that "It's always darkest just before the fridge door opens."
Someone came between Lee and Leslie Strobel, threatening to shipwreck their marriage. No, it wasn't an old flame. It was Jesus Christ. Leslie's decision to become a follower of Jesus brought heated opposition from her skeptical husband. They began to experience conflict over a variety of issues, from finances to child-rearing. But over time, Leslie learned how to survive a spiritual mismatch. Today they're both Christians--and they want you to know that there is hope if you're a Christian married to a nonbeliever. In their intensely personal and practical book, they reveal: Surprising insights into the thinking of non-Christian spouses A dozen steps toward making the most of your mismatched marriage Eight principles for reaching out to your partner with the gospel Advice for raising your children in a spiritually mismatched home How to pray for your spouse--plus a 30-day guide to get you started What to do if you're both Christians but one lags behind spiritually Advice for single Christians to avoid the pain of a mismatch
If a cheerful heart can cure like medicine, this collection is an industrial-strength dose of delight. Nudged from the funny bones of such well-known authors as Patsy Clairmont, Barbara Johnson, Brennan Manning, Luci Swindoll, G. Ron Darbee, Martha Bolton, and Phil Callaway, the forty-plus essays in this hilarious collection provide reasons to smile in practically every situation -- from the delivery room to the last laugh. Virtually no target is beyond the pointed pen of these quick-witted observers who celebrate friendship as they discuss dentures, bear suits, male bonding, Jell-O, and fishing. Accompanied by quick-read quips, it's a relaxing and affirming book that men and women of all ages would find laughable -- in the best sense of the word.
In many ways, the history of domestic humor writing is also a history of domestic life in the twentieth century. For many years, domestic humor was written primarily by females; significant contributions from male writers began as times and family structures changed. It remains timeless because of its basis on the relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children, houses and inhabitants, pets and their owners, chores and their doers, and neighbors. This work is a historical and literary survey of humorists who wrote about home. It begins with a chapter on the social context of and attitudes toward traditional domestic roles and housewives. The following chapters, beginning with the 1920s and continuing through today, cover the different time periods and the foremost American domestic humorists, and the humor written by surrogate parents, grown children about their childhood families, husbands, and Canadian and English writers. Also covered are the differences among various writers toward traditional domestic roles--some, like Erma Bombeck and Judith Viorst, embraced them, while others, like Caryl Kristenson and Marilyn Kentz, resisted them. Common themes, such as the isolation and competitiveness of housework, home as an idealized metaphysical goal and ongoing physical challenge, and the urban, suburban, and rural life, are also explored.
Using her own personal experiences, the author helps couples face fiscal foul-ups and to discover God loves them--even in the middle of financial difficulties.
Compiled with the help of teenagers, Stories for the Extreme Teen's Heart features true stories of teens living committed lives for Christ. These inspiring selections show teens making a difference in their families, schools, and world. Captivating stories with themes specific to teen interests instruct by example, not preaching, while encouraging wise choices and a deeper walk with the Lord. This wonderful resource will intrigue nonbelievers and move believers closer to God as they receive affirmation of His presence.
"I really don’t know John. I really only know of John, by virtue of pastoring in the same province and denomination together. I mention this to say that by reading his book, I finally had the chance to get to know him! In doing so, I felt that I’d met a kindred spirit. Sharing a common Dutch heritage, being former worship ministers, and growing up in a loving, musical home established an easy common ground between us. In picking up a copy of his book, I anticipated sitting down to read an autobiographical account of this life. I was wrong. Instead I sat down to discover stories of friends and family who had shaped his life. It’s a tribute really. What a wonderful way to get to know a person! Instead of making himself the focus of his own writing, he instead shines a spotlight in the direction of the relationships that were most meaningful to him." —Phil Spoelstra Assistant Superintendent, British Columbia and Yukon District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
Lee Strobel was the legal editor for the Chicago Tribune, a Yale graduate, and an atheist when his wife, Leslie, became a Christian early in their marriage. She began going to church; she found new friends; she became a different person. But Lee didn’t believe in any of it. Both Lee and Leslie felt they were losing each other. Despite all the emotional clashes they experienced, God answered Leslie’s prayers in miraculous ways. He gave her peace when she was feeling worried, gave her friends to walk with her, and gave her his Holy Spirit to comfort and guide her. Over time, she learned to live out her faith and be an example of Christ’s love to Lee. Today, they’re both Christians and Lee’s conversion story is now a major motion picture, The Case for Christ. In this personal and practical book, Lee and Leslie share the lessons they’ve learned, including Surprising insights into the thoughts of non-Christian spouses Eight principles for reaching out to your partner with the gospel Advice for raising your children in a spiritually mismatched home How to pray for your spouse, with a 30-day guide to get you started Helpful tips on what to do if you’re both Christians but one lags behind spiritually Advice for single Christians about marriage Twelve steps to making the most of your marriage With these trusted principles and helpful suggestions, Lee and Leslie Strobel share God’s peace, encouragement, and hope for your marriage.
