God's Creative Gift is an in-depth study for the creative Christian. It is intended for both professional and lay artists, for the casual crafter and hobbyist, and for those in both sacred and secular settings. It is for those who see things where others do not and for those whose imaginations cannot be confined by religious dogma and tradition. It is for musicians, singers, painters, sculptors, dancers, dramatists, writers, poets, carvers, weavers, film editors, photographers, filmmakers, architects, designers--anyone who finds inspiration in creativity. Focusing on the creative spirit within, it is designed to help you draw your inspiration from a Deeper Source. It is deeply rooted in Scripture--for the creative Christian must enter into the Word of God on a regular basis in order to know the choreographer of her steps, the crafter of her designs, the author and perfecter of her faith, and the sculptor of her creative heart, soul, mind, and body. And to know Him intimately.

Let the Fire Burn Nurturing the Creative Spirit of Children is an animated and poetic journey into the creative fire of children, and how to fan its flames. Every child is born with the fullest of creative potential, but due to social conditioning they lose touch with it, and consequently, with their power to create a life of meaning and purpose. Children are here to help us birth a new world, one that is full of joy and imagination. And we as adults have an important role to play in this. In this fun and inspiring Children's Book for Adults, learn the many colorful and engaging ways you can support children to feel and express their creative spirit. Gain a better appreciation for how they are our wise teachers, inviting our own inner child and creative fire to come out and play.

How do children experience and understand God? How can adults help children grow their life of faith? Throughout more than a decade of field research, children's spirituality experts Catherine Stonehouse and Scottie May listened to children talk about their relationships with God, observed children and their parents in learning and worship settings, and interviewed adults about their childhood faith experiences. This accessibly written book weaves together their findings to offer a glimpse of the spiritual responsiveness and potential of children. Through case studies, it provides insight into children's perceptions of God and how they process their faith. In addition, the book suggests how parents, teachers, and ministry leaders can more effectively relate to and work with children and pre-adolescents to nurture their faith, offering a helpful picture of adults and children on the spiritual journey together.

"If, like some, you regret that Montessori too rarely in her writings appreciated the humanity of teachers-their creativity, their curiosity, their doubts-this book stands as the perfect complement."-Jola-Montessori.com Evocative and unique, The Tao of Montessori offers a quiet balance to the noisy demands of teaching and parenting through a special blend of encouraging verse. Award-winning Montessori teacher Catherine McTamaney revisits the eighty-one verses of Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching and relates them to the life and work of teachers, parents, and children. Originally meant to remind rather than direct and to show the way toward natural harmony in the world around and within us, Lao-tzu's verses find a new meaning through McTamaney's skillful mixture of spirituality and education. Take a moment to read a single stanza, then put it aside and muse upon its meaning. By revisiting one verse each day, you can relate its images to your life as a teacher, parent, or child. Whether you are familiar with the writings of Lao-tzu or are simply ready to explore a refreshingly contemplative perspective on children and teachers, The Tao of Montessori is a profound work of intellectual stimulation.

"To me, the inner life is peace. It is that place you can go to get through the tough things.... I don't always have it, but I know it is there." -- 24 year-old intervieweeChildren are born with an innate knowing of the spirit within. The intent of this book is to help us understand this powerful force and nurture it. No matter what our beliefs, moms and dads everywhere desire to give their children opportunities to forge their own connections with the spirit. And despite any negative influences in our own upbringing, we are determined to give our children the best. In Nurturing Your Child's Inner Life, veteran educator and mother of three, Mary Ellen Maunz brings to life the concepts of Dr. Maria Montessori. Italy's first woman physician and founder of the Montessori Method of education, she was thrice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, based on her profound understanding that the child is our great hope for a peaceful world. Maunz explores how to help children become more peaceful as they encounter the spirit within. Learn how your child can:* Flourish through each stage of development, even before birth* Navigate through the challenges of the teen years * Feel at home in the universe * Express harmony, good will and virtue* Understand the Golden Rule as taught in 14 spiritual traditionsA brilliant, heart-warming and inspiring book. Mary Ellen's personal stories and years of experience make this both credible and easy to read and implement in daily life. This work is profound, tender and so necessary in this day and age when our children are bombarded with negative influences, media overload and the challenges of modern society. Nancy McNabb, M.S., Parent and educator The spiritual development of the child is not usually seen as a major factor in his development. Mary Ellen Maunz corrects this oversight by showing us how to nurture the child's spirituality at its source. Her breakthrough ideas leave us marveling at the unlimited inner potential of the child-and of ourselves-to lovingly embrace the divine. Karen P. Campbell, Ph.D. Transformative learning