Winner of a third-place award in the backlist beauty category from the Catholic Media Association. Catholic author and self-described “recovering worrier” Gary Zimak combines practical spirituality, daily scripture readings, and simple action steps to help you kick the worry habit as part of your Lenten renewal. He shows you how to let go of the anxiety-producing areas of life in order to find the lasting peace that comes from trusting God. During the season of Lent, Catholics and other Christians frequently give up something they enjoy as a measure of penance or self-discipline—and often fall back into old habits at the first “Alleluia!” In Give Up Worry for Lent!, Zimak offers fellow worriers practical, scripture-centered advice on how to relinquish the need to control the uncontrollable—not just for Lent but for good—and how to find peace in Christ. From Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, Zimak guides you to ponder a scripture passage and to apply it to your own life by following four simple steps: read reflect respond pray As you continue to meditate on scripture and practice the simple action steps at the end of each reflection, you will find it easier to replace old worries with new messages of hope and to change your life forever.

Wrap your arms around the "Good News" for Lent.

Gary Zimak writes that anxiety can be a blessing. If you are wondering what he means by this, then this is the book for you. In times of confusion, despair, doubt, fear, persecution, sickness, and troubles consider what the Word of God says. Zimak bring

An introduction to Lenten prayer as a path to spiritual renewal. Lent can be wonderful time of spiritual renewal, however for many, Lent and Lenten prayer is often thought of as an "ordeal." What can often be overlooked amid Lenten observances, such as fasting, abstinence, or the common tradition of giving something up, is the opportunity Lent presents, through Lenten prayer and preparation, to deepen our commitment to a way of life rooted in our baptism. Praying Lent: Renewing Our Lives on the Lenten Journey reminds the reader that if we focus too much on what we give up we may miss the message of what God wants to give us during this grace-filled time. Created in partnership with Creighton University's popular Online Ministries, Praying Lent provides readers with a rich, full, and transformative Lenten prayer experience, one in which hearts, minds, and lives are truly renewed as Lent takes on a far deeper and more meaningful purpose.

When Jesus asked us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, and visit the imprisoned, he didn’t mean it literally, right? Kerry Weber, a modern, young, single woman in New York City sets out to see if she can practice the Corporal Works of Mercy in an authentic, personal, meaningful manner while maintaining a full, robust, regular life. Weber, a lay Catholic, explores the Works of Mercy in the real world, with a gut-level honesty and transparency that people of urban, country, and suburban locales alike can relate to. Mercy in the City is for anyone who is struggling to live in a meaningful, merciful way amid the pressures of “real life.” For those who feel they are already overscheduled and too busy, for those who assume that they are not “religious enough” to practice the Works of Mercy, for those who worry that they are alone in their efforts to live an authentic life, Mercy in the City proves that by living as people for others, we learn to connect as people of faith.

Every day is a new opportunity to say yes to life-- and no to worry. After years of panic attacks, digestive problems, heart palpitations, and sleepless nights, author Gary Zimak discovered that a personal relationship with Jesus keeps his worrying under control and fills him with peace. And he believes that what works for him can work for you, too. Whether you're facing financial hardships, health issues, personal insecurities, or the million and one little things that keep you up at night, God wants you to know that he has a plan for your happiness and peace. He can see you through anything-- even your anxiety! When we listen to God's voice in the Bible, speak to him in prayer, and spend time in his presence, our lives change in powerful ways. These daily reflections will help you do just that. It's time to stop worrying and start living!

Sometimes a pause is good for the soul. It gives us the chance to regroup, reflect, and refocus on God. In Pauses for Lent, Trevor Hudson offers a beautifully minimalist book in which he focuses on one word for each day of Lent. You are invited to pause, focus on the word, read a scripture and a brief meditation related to the word, and then offer a prayer. Pausing in this way will help you carve out time for God and refresh your spirit even in the midst of a busy life. You may find yourself sensing God's presence in a new way and discovering that God wants to meet you in the midst of your life as it is, muddles and all.