An instant national bestseller and "a beautiful story of what love can do to conquer the impossible" (Jann Arden). On the day my daughter was kidnapped by outlaws in Somalia, my life split into two parts: Before and After. This is the story of both parts, and of how I fought to bring my daughter home. On August 23, 2008, Amanda Lindhout, Lorinda Stewart’s daughter, is kidnapped outside of Mogadishu in Somalia. The kidnappers’ demand is simple: pay $2.5 million or Amanda will be killed. For the next 460 days, Lorinda does everything in her power—and beyond—to get her daughter back alive. This brave, small-town mother with no experience in hostage negotiations is called upon by the RCMP to be the lead communicator with Adam, the Somali who identifies himself as the English-speaking negotiator for Amanda's kidnappers. In a secret “war room” in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Lorinda joins forces with federal officers and begins to answer calls from Adam, establishing a fragile rapport of trust with the man who holds her daughter’s fate in his hands. She learns how to demand POLs—proofs of life—from Amanda’s hostage takers and even how to react to “bad calls”—when she is forced to listen to her daughter’s desperate cries for help, fearing she is being abused and tortured. What’s supposed to be a short negotiation stretches on, and weeks become months. Lorinda finds herself increasingly on her own as negotiations break down. But she never gives up hope, even as the conversations become more traumatic. Faced with the terrible possibility of her daughter’s death, she decides to take control, bringing in private hostage negotiators and fundraising ransom money from donors. But will it be enough? This is the true story of one woman’s heroic perseverance in the face of despair, and of the hope and healing to be found beyond trauma. It is also, in the end, a tribute to the extraordinary power of a mother’s love.

What are we one day closer to? Everything that will happen in the future. Christians, and particularly students of Biblical prophecy, understand that everybody is one day closer to the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. With the downward direction of our country and current disturbing world events and trends, the probability of moving closer to the second coming is increasing. That is not to say the date is known. Only the Father knows the date. One Day Closer cites biblical quotes, history, and political events, showing how and why the downward direction occurred and world events are unfolding as they are. It also includes end-event prophecy details.

How do you find God in the midst of pain, suffering, and despair? Who should you turn to for assistance when you're at your lowest point? No matter what kind of life you've led, or what kinds of sins you've committed, where is the one place you can find eternal salvation? The answers to these questions and many more are found inside the covers of One Day Closer to God. View the fascinating, little-known world of penitentiary life behind the eyes of a veteran inmate who has endured over 25 years behind the wall. Hear the grim details and personal anecdotes of the daily violence, profanity, lewd behavior, disrespect, hostility, and hatred found in our nation's lock-ups. Finally, find out how only Jesus Christ can give you true fulfillment, satisfaction, and joy in this life and the next.

“What my soul sees cannot be conceived by any thought nor expressed in words. I see nothing, and I see it all. The more infinite Good is seen in the darkness, the more certain it is and the more it exceeds all things else.” -Saint Angela of Foligno, Book of visions and instructions I have an incredible story to tell, and as my finger crosses the soft surface of my third scroll, I realize why this story must be told. It occurs during extraordinary times between two worlds that have grown complacent about God. Perhaps that’s why Azrael and I were positioned to meet, as God has a sense of humor and an exquisite sense of irony. A rebellion brewing on heaven and earth, made worse by doubt about whether we even need each other.As both realms wrestle with the ‘yes, no, and maybe’s,’ the four horsemen saddle up. Stay with me here because redemption is always worth it, especially when it comes to the salvation of two profoundly broken beings, one who has been transformed into the bringer of death and the collector of souls. A being who has hidden from his disfigurement and refuses to look any “further in fear of what he might see. And then there’s me, a middle-aged breast cancer survivor who, until I met him, could barely find the will to live outside of work, much less find the courage to look at myself in the mirror. Despite all that baggage, Azrael and I find each other twice. Within our bond, we find the courage to believe in one another and look beyond outward appearances to the souls beneath. Our unlikely friendship and later love will give hope and proof to both heaven & earth that we need each other to flourish, even if those opposed to our message seek to devastate everything we hold dear. Our journey will nearly destroy us but will lead us to a place where our battle for the partnership between angels and mankind will outweigh our struggles, allowing us to find a cause much more significant than our own lives. Along the way, we find like minds and souls that will join us on our quest.” Excerpt From One Day Closer to Death Jen Rinaldi https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewBook?id=0 This material may be protected by copyright.

Highlighting this collection is an ingenious new episode in the saga of Jimmy Blackburn, the eponymous serial killer of Denton's third novel. "Blackburn Bakes Cookies" might best be called the icing on the cake that is Blackburn's story, and it is appropriately delectable. Other highlights of this collection include: "The Territory," a "what if?" story revisiting Kansas in the days of the Civil War and imagining, in one small way, how things might have gone a bit differently; "We Love Lydia Love," a science-fictional examination of the ways in which modern obsessions with celebrity and stardom can change us...and the ways in which we'll never change; and "The Calvin Coolidge Home for Dead Comedians," a moving and funny trip to the afterlife, where all great comics go when they die. In assembling these stories, Bradley Denton discovered that all of them are concerned with some aspect of death. It's true. And yet (as they say), in death there is life: these eight tales brim with such vitality and joie de vivre that readers will find themselves enjoying the work of this fantastic storyteller again and again.

The Waves of Life Quotes and Daily Meditations are a collection of quotes by James A. Murphy, strategic coach and speaker."It's my sincere wish that The Waves of Life Quotes and Daily Meditations, will inspire you, assist you in your personal growth, and help you to navigate the oceans of your life..."

In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern business world, a critical challenge has emerged at the crossroads of digital transformation and sustainable development. Businesses grapple with the need to adapt to digitalization while ensuring their practices align with the imperatives of sustainability. The complexities of this intersection demand innovative solutions and profound insights. Enter Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development in Cities and Organizations – a groundbreaking book that unravels the intricacies of this challenge and provides a comprehensive roadmap for organizations navigating the digital age with a commitment to sustainability. Traditional business models are rendered obsolete as the relentless march of digitalization transforms industries. Amidst this upheaval, the imperative to embrace sustainable practices often takes a backseat. Businesses face the daunting task of navigating this dual challenge – staying technologically relevant while safeguarding the environment and societal well-being. The consequences of overlooking this intersection are profound, leading to missed opportunities for growth and contributing to the escalating threats posed by climate change. The need for a cohesive guide that addresses these intertwined challenges has never been more urgent.