As Genesis chapter twelve opens, the narrative picks up on the story of Abram, the tenth generation of Shem’s progeny. God directed Abram to move to a land that the Lord would show to him. Slowly, faithfully, generation after generation, the Lord directs, guides, and corrects Abram and his descendants through the annals of His redemption, fulfilling His promise of redemption in the birth of Jesus, Who directly descended from Abraham, through Whom all of the nations would be blest. Conceived by God’s Spirit, Jesus was also God’s Son, the Lamb of God sacrificed for the sins of the world, through Whom the creating, redeeming Lord of all creation would bring his wayward people back home to Him where they will praise His glorious Name for all eternity. The book of Genesis is not only the first book of the Bible detailing the beginnings of Creation and life as we know it, but also serves as the over-arching and pervasive sacred reference for the true understanding of the entire Bible as intended by the Author, God, the Spirit of Truth.

This second part of Genesis is the story of God's choosing of the Jews. As you read and study your way through this second part of Genesis, I think you'll be struck, as I was, at what a total mess this chosen family was. And perhaps you'll come to the same conclusion I have: All families are dysfunctional in more ways than we know! Genesis Part 2 is full of hope and a little humor for all of us dysfunctionals.

As hunger for the faith continues to grow, Pope Benedict XVI gives the Catholic Church the food it seeks with 598 questions and answers in the

Many parents are searching for ways to bond as a family while encouraging spiritual growth in their kids. The One Year Classic Family Devotions provides a full year of devotions and activities designed to strengthen family time and deepen spiritual awareness. Each devotion includes a story about children and other family members, fostering personal connection with the content. Lessons come from the child’s perspective at times and from the parents at other times. An activity page is included every seven days as an additional source of ideas for families to use in their time together.