"Rob Severson allowed me to laugh with and at myself more than any other human being, but always with a little life lesson to be gained." -Dean E. Johnson, Former Minnesota State Senator "Rob has a genius for expressing profound truths in simple ways, and there is much wisdom to be gained from the reading of this book." - Dick Amundson, CEO of Tentmakers "I really admire the way Rob has transposed his life experiences into something of value to others." - Mike Conley, Chairman and CEO of Conley Family Foundation Connecting Peace, Purpose & Prosperityis a practical and faith-based approach to finding success in life by addressing the issues of control, faith, and keeping the doors open to opportunity. Written with candor and humor directly addressing the author's daughters and granddaughters, this is also for anyone making their career start, or for those who are embarking on life-changing turns toward a better future. Rob Severson has run a successful financial consulting business for over 18 years. When not working or volunteering, Rob enjoys traveling with his family, playing golf, making new connections, and trying on new hats. He lives with his wife Judy in Deephaven, Minnesota. www.robseverson.com

In "Conflict, Peace, and Prosperity in the Name of God," Murat Iyigun explores how longer-term developments influenced the spread of monotheistic religions and how these trends affected other societies and religions. He explores with the statistical methods of economics the way religions shaped the development of societies and framed the conflicts between and within them. Specifically, he asks why and how political power and organized religion became so swiftly and successfully intertwined, and then examines the role of religion in conflict historically, as well as the sociopolitical, demographic, and economic effects of religiously motivated conflicts." Conflict, Peace, and Prosperity in the Name of God "breaks exciting new ground in our understanding of religion and societies, and the conflicts between them."

When was the last time you wondered, Is this it? Is this all life has to offer? We're always working hard to get ahead. And we're often buying more things to fit in and feel successful. But no matter what we achieve or how much we accumulate, we still feel unfulfilled. But why? Deep down, we know that there is even more to life. We can feel the enormity of what it would mean if this mystery was solved. The fulfillment. The peace. Life's Purpose connects the ill-defined dots of life. It describes how we are connected to GOD, regardless of religion, and how to use this Spiritual connection every day to continually direct and create the emotional and material life we dream of. You will learn the answer was given to the author, Kathleen Carozza, in the most unique, and some might say, unbelievable way ... GOD had a conversation with her. This, and other conversations, led her on a journey of understanding:1) There is a purposeful design to life.2) Understanding and applying the knowledge behind the design is the key to fulfilling your life's desires.3) The desire to know more and be more is all you need to begin this journey.This book chronicles Carozza's conversations and her profound insights of foundational Spiritual Concepts. You will realize you're not alone in this journey. Complementing the conversation chronicles are practical tips and awareness techniques to help you to find your purpose.By actively implementing Carozza's suggestions, you'll be empowered to control your direction, and to design a life that helps you find and fulfill your purpose.

Is democratic governance good for economic prosperity? Does it accelerate progress towards social welfare and human development? Does it generate a peace-dividend and reduce conflict at home? Within the international community, democracy and governance are widely advocated as intrinsically desirable goals. Nevertheless, alternative schools of thought dispute their consequences and the most effective strategy for achieving critical developmental objectives. This book argues that both liberal democracy and state capacity need to be strengthened to ensure effective development, within the constraints posed by structural conditions. Liberal democracy allows citizens to express their demands, hold public officials to account and rid themselves of ineffective leaders. Yet rising public demands that cannot be met by the state generate disillusionment with incumbent officeholders, the regime, or ultimately the promise of liberal democracy ideals. Thus governance capacity also plays a vital role in advancing human security, enabling states to respond effectively to citizen's demands.

Purpose. It's a simple word, but why can it seem so impossible to find? In this book, I will share my journey to finding my purpose with you. I'll show you how I went from a life filled with low self-esteem, obesity, failed relationships, drug addiction, and alcoholism-all things that eventually led me to an attempted suicide and ultimately prison-to finding my purpose and passion in life. The key? Finding deliverance in Jesus. Completely submitting my life to Christ enabled me to be blessed beyond belief, from finding joy and peace with my four children and two amazing granddaughters to sharing my story with others.Today, I'm living my best life and want to share my experience, strength and hope for others who think they have no purpose. I hope you will follow me on this journey and it will help you to discover your own purpose. Together, let's discover it, live it and share it with passion!