WARNING! This is a propaganda book. I realize the word propaganda is not a word that is politically correct today. But in its original usage, it was a word coined by Pope Urban VIII. He formed the College of Propaganda in the 17th century in order to spread the Christian faith. In this sense, I AM striving for propaganda. Much of what I write in this book is meant to cause you to embrace prayer as a friend as well as a vital tool of your faith. Prayer is not boring; it is an adventure. I begin with the confession that there is probably nothing else in my spiritual life or disciplines I have struggled with more than prayer. I have read thousands of books on the subject (yes, an exaggeration), and I have been reluctant to add yet another literary work to the chaos of differing opinions, theological studies, and sure-fire methodologies that will guarantee a successful prayer life. Right! And yet, as I pondered the direction of this volume, it dawned on me that my personal journey has had little to do with theology or methodology. It hasn't even had much to do with verbiage. But it had and has everything to do with my honestly and openness before God and with what's happening in my heart at the time I'm praying. And it has everything to do with the words of Jesus--"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Our Lord wants us to pray. Always and about everything. During times of joy as well as sorrow. He wants us to talk to Him...not about Him. I've asked myself the question often lately--"Do I pray out of thoughtfulness or habit? What can I do to get my heart involved as well as my mouth?" I continue to struggle. May these writings help you in your struggle. May you enjoy your journey through the school of groaning in the days and months to come. God bless you.

It is a pure pleasure for me to be writing again. Fourteen years of being involved in teaching and school administration have claimed most of my hours and focus. My desire to write turned into thoughts of “someday...” or “next year I’m gonna...”. With departure from the business of the classroom, I once again have the freedom to commit myself to putting pen to paper (or I should say, “fingers to keyboard”). William Faulkner wrote, “It is the writer’s privilege to help man endure by lifting his heart.” That is my desire, and I appreciate your allowing me to be a small part of the “heart-lifting” process in your life. Since my last project, I have had several requests to write a sequel, a second prayer devotional. A discussion with my late father ended with a commitment to do so. It is with pleasure that I honor that commitment. Much of what I write is never seen by anyone but the Lord and me, but written words can live on as long as there are readers to see them. Michael Straczynski called it “immortality by proxy.”

Edward Tulane, a cold-hearted and proud toy rabbit, loves only himself until he is separated from the little girl who adores him and travels across the country, acquiring new owners and listening to their hopes, dreams, and histories. Jr Lib Guild. Teacher's Guide available. Reprint.

What does it mean for Christians in Africa to receive the gift and invitaƯtion of reconciliation in the midst of the stubborn realities of war, poverty, and violence? Here, Emmanuel Katongole outlines a theological vision of reconciliation as God's journey with creation--both gift and mission. He then explores the ecclesiological dimension of reconciliation and provides different porƯtraits on why and how the church matters for reconciliation in Africa. Finally, he draws on stories of peace activists in Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda to illuminate the spiritual and practical disciplines that sustain those who labor for reconciliation. -- Provided by publisher.

The Newberry Medalist brings humor and heart to this story of a Civil War–era boy struggling to do right in the face of history’s cruelest evils. Twelve-year-old Charlie is down on his luck: His sharecropper father just died, and Cap’n Buck—the most fearsome man in Possum Moan, South Carolina—has come to collect a debt. Fearing for his life, Charlie strikes a deal with Cap’n Buck and agrees to track down some folks accused of stealing from the cap’n and his boss. It’s not too bad of a bargain for Charlie . . . until he comes face-to-face with the fugitives and discovers their true identities. Torn between his guilty conscience and his survival instinct, Charlie needs to figure out his next move—and soon. It’s only a matter of time before Cap’n Buck catches on. Praise for The Journey of Little Charlie A National Book Award Finalist “This is a compelling and ugly story for middle-grade readers told with genuine care. Little Charlie is a product of his Southern upbringing, yet in Curtis’s skillful hands he learns the world is not as he’d thought . . . Christopher Paul Curtis does it again.” —Historical Novel Society “A characteristically lively and complex addition to the historical fiction of the era from Curtis.” —Kirkus Reviews

"My Schools and Schoolmasters; Or, The Story of My Education" by Hugh Miller Hugh Miller was a self-taught Scottish geologist and writer, folklorist, and evangelical Christian. In this book, he gives readers a concise autobiography of his early life and the teachers that helped shape him into the man he would later become. He recounts his most pivotal childhood experiences with an objective and thoughtful voice that has made this book a fascinating read for readers to this day.