When Peter Baldwin Panagore died on the side of a mountain, his life was forever changed. Decades later, the intense spiritual journey continues, with a story that combines the thrills of a wilderness adventure with the awe-inspiring elements of a paranormal novel. In March of 1980, college senior Peter Panagore went ice climbing on the world-famous Lower Weeping Wall, along the Ice Fields Parkway in Alberta, Canada. His climbing partner was an experienced ice climber, but Panagore was a novice. On their descent, they became trapped on the side of the mountain. As the sun set, he was overcome by exhaustion and hypothermia. He died on the side of that mountain. And in those minutes on the other side, he experienced hell, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Heaven was beautiful. Panagore's death experience changed his life and resulted in an intense spiritual journey that has continued for decades. It impelled him to pursue a master's degree at Yale Divinity School, focusing on systematic theology and Christian mysticism. His educational background coupled with 30 years of meditative practice and 20 years of professional work with the dying and grieving has given him unique insight, language, and perspective on heaven, God, death, life, love, beauty, and hope. I have told my story to audiences large and small for a decade now.... My story touches people's hearts; every time I tell it the audience is gripped and silent.... This book is about hope. It is meant to give real hope to the dying, hope to the fearful, hope to the hopeless, hope to the grieving.--from the book

Born in 1928 in the small coastal town of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, Genevieve "Sister" Peterkin grew up with World War II bombing practice in her front yard, deep-sea fishing expeditions, and youthful rambles through the lowcountry. She shared her bedroom with a famous ghost and an impatient older sister. But most of all she listened. She absorbed the tales of her talented mother and her beloved friend, listened to the stories of the region's older residents, some of them former slaves, who were her friends, neighbors, and teachers. In this new edition she once again shares with readers her insider's knowledge of the lowcountry plantations, gardens, and beaches that today draw so many visitors. Beneath the humor, hauntings, and treasures of local history, she tells another, deeper story—one that deals with the struggle for racial equality in the South, with the sometimes painful adventures of marriage and parenthood, and with inner struggles for faith and acceptance. This edition includes a new foreword by coastal writer and researcher Lee G. Brockington and a new afterword by coauthor and lowcountry novelist William P. Baldwin.

Seventeen years ago, Sepha Stephanos fled the Ethiopian Revolution for a new start in the United States. Now he finds himself running a failing grocery store in a poor African-American section of Washington, D.C., his only companions two fellow African immigrants who share his bitter nostalgia and longing for his home continent. Years ago and worlds away Sepha could never have imagined a life of such isolation. As his environment begins to change, hope comes in the form of a friendship with new neighbors Judith and Naomi, a white woman and her biracial daughter. But when a series of racial incidents disturbs the community, Sepha may lose everything all over again. Watch a QuickTime interview with Dinaw Mengestu about this book.

"What is heaven like?" A young boy and his sister, missing their recently departed grandfather, ponder heaven. In a quest for understanding, the boy sets off to ask everyone he encounters all about it--his teachers, the ice cream truck driver, the dentist, his family--and each person offers a different yet insightful response. For any child who is coming to terms with the loss of a loved one, or even those young ones who are simply curious, What Is Heaven Like? poignantly addresses the questions kids ask most often. The final page offers suggestions for parents and Christian educators. "There are many rooms in my Father's house. If this were not true, I would have told you." John 14:2

"Heaven is a Beautiful Place" was created to help families find peace in knowing that those we've lost are now watching us from Heaven and even after our loved ones have earned their angel wings, we often see them in the clouds of white and in the stars at night. Told in sweet rhymes and through colorful illustrations, "Heaven is a Beautiful Place" offers a peek into the clouds to see what a special place Heaven truly is. After reading "Heaven is a Beautiful Place"... "My Giggy is in Heaven. I like to lay in the grass and watch the fluffy white clouds. If I squeeze my eyes real tight, I bet I can see her!" Kiera Age 6 "I bet my GPops is loving Heaven. He always loved to eat ice cream and in Heaven, he can eat all he wants!" Barrett Age 5

Ten-year-old Jake struggles to understand his grandma's death. But as he spends two weeks at his grandfather's home, he is able to receive answers to his questions about Heaven. As Jake and Grandpa fish, watch the stars, and take long walks, Grandpa shares what the Bible says about the reality and beauty of Heaven. As Jake learns the truth about Heaven, he begins to better understand and accept his grandmother's death. As readers uncover the truths in the dialogue between Grandpa and Jake, they will better appreciate the home that awaits all who place their faith in Christ.

Join a boy and his mother, as they talk about losing their loved one. In this comforting children's book, a boy is feeling sad about losing his grandfather. Through a loving, compassionate and patient conversation, his mother gently answers all of his questions. She explains that even though we don't see our loved ones anymore, they still live on. They continue to surround us with their love through our memories we have of them and through the signs we see from them through our eyes and in our hearts. How Far is Heaven is a heartwarming story about recognizing the signs from our loved ones in the beauty of the world around us.