Priceless Treasure tells the story of the strong faith of the family matriarch and her powerful influence on the spiritual life of her family. She lives in a beautiful rural area overlooking the sea and majestic mountain peaks. Her exquisite cuisine is an attractive magnet which she deftly manages to use as a metaphor for spiritual fulfillment. Her adorable and precocious grandchildren love her dearly and together with their friends and parents form a lively cast of characters.

In July 1872 three Sisters of St Joseph and one lay woman arrived at The Vale, a village near Bathurst, New South Wales. They had come from Adelaide in response to an invitation from the Catholic bishop of Bathurst to establish a foundation of the newly founded Congregation in his diocese--the first Josephite foundation in New South Wales. Sister Teresa McDonald was the leader or Superior of the founding community. Born in Scotland in 1838, she had come to Australia with her parents finally settling in Adelaide. A friend of both Father Julian Tenison Woods and Mother Mary MacKillop, she joined the Sisters of St Joseph in 1867. This book explores her early life and her time as a Sister of St Joseph in Adelaide where she served as the first Provincial of the Congregation in South Australia. It also gives particular attention to Teresa's short years at The Vale, her struggle with ill health and her death in January 1876.

Be encouraged by author Deborah Starczewski as she shares inspiring stories to show you how to see through the valley of darkness and treasure every single moment of your time with God.

"Precious Gift, Priceless Treasure," is a book for parents of special children. It deals with the challenges these parents have to face. The author candidly shares her trials and the wisdom gained from the laughter and the tears. She does not discount the value of early intervention. However there are instances when even the most religious and judicious management does not bring the desired results. Furthermore, there are still places where handicapped children are shunned and discriminated against. With these thoughts in mind, she emphasizes the importance of spirituality and the need for an intimate relationship with God. Using appropriate Bible verses at the end of each chapter, she encourages the reader to reflect on the story and the Word of God. Her strong faith in God helped her accept the reality that her only daughter is different. She has learned to let go of society's norms and focus instead on man's real goal-HEAVEN! The book tries to minister to parents who are lost, helpless, and hopeless. Many of them feel like failures when their special child is unable to lead a "normal life." With their incessant quest for normalcy, they fall into the trap of neglecting their other children, themselves, or turning their ire on God. Instead of clinging to God and imploring Him for necessary graces needed to cope, they erroneously depart from His presence. There is danger in this mindset, for turning away from Him who gave us the gift of LIFE will only lead to hopelessness and desperation. The book conveys a distinctive meaning to the words, "gift," and "treasure," as perceived by the author. "HOPE AMIDST HOPELESSNESS" is the slogan for this book.

A choral worship cantata composed by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Are you looking to build meaningful relationships that will support you in achieving your dreams? Look no further than "A True Friend, A Priceless Treasure: Building Lasting Connections That Support Your Dreams." This book is a comprehensive guide to cultivating and maintaining genuine friendships that will enrich your life and help you achieve your goals. The book delves into the many benefits of having a strong support system, highlighting the power of friendship in helping us overcome life's challenges and reach new heights. It provides actionable strategies for building lasting connections that will support you through thick and thin and ultimately lead you to a happier, more fulfilling life. Through personal anecdotes, relatable examples, and expert advice, "A True Friend, A Priceless Treasure" explores the qualities that define true friendship, including trust, honesty, and mutual respect. It also provides tips for maintaining healthy boundaries, resolving conflicts, and overcoming obstacles that may arise in even the strongest of friendships. With its practical insights and warm, encouraging tone, "A True Friend, A Priceless Treasure" is a must-read for anyone looking to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships. Whether you're looking to strengthen existing friendships or forge new connections, this book offers a roadmap for building the kind of support system that will help you achieve your dreams.