Spiritually there is a great hunger today for contemplative and more satisfying experiences with God. Puritanism might seem to be an unlikely source for this, yet few groups in the history of Christian spirituality have written more extensively or wisely on the subject. Isaac Ambrose (1604-64), a relatively forgotten English Puritan, developed a theological foundation for the spiritual life based upon the Christian's intimate union with Christ, which the Puritans often called "spiritual marriage." Schwanda demonstrates that this vibrant relationship of union and communion with Jesus, inspired by the Holy Spirit, was manifested in a deep contemplative piety of gazing lovingly and gratefully upon God. At the same time, Ambrose did not neglect loving his neighbors. This study reveals how heavenly meditation was one of the significant practices engaged by Ambrose to cultivate spiritual intimacy and enjoyment of God. Further, his experiential reading of Scripture, in particular the Song of Songs, provided him with a language of ravishment and delight in God. This book provides a distinctively Protestant foundation for recovering the contemplative life while recognizing the significant contributions of the Western Catholic tradition.

It's time to take back what the devil has stolen and bring God back into our culture. Phil Robertson, patriarch of A&E's Duck Dynasty and one of the most recognized voices of conservative Christianity in America, believes that little by little, generation by generation, America has allowed the lines of morality, decency, and virtue to be erased. Our values have disappeared as we began to believe lies that have only sown discord and division. But, most importantly, Phil also believes that things can change. Written with captivating storytelling and unflinching honesty, The Theft of America's Soul shows us how to make America a God-honoring nation once more by dropping the ten central lies that rule our day and replacing them with timeless, biblical truths, including: God's people represent his voice in the world True unity comes from a God-centered culture God's standard for all time is the standard of virtue The Theft of America's Soul is a prophetic wake-up call for anyone who wants to see our nation thrive, challenging us to exchange lies for truths that will bring peace of mind, harmony, and prosperity back to our country--an invitation to experience the life-giving, peace-filling, wholly-transforming love of God. Praise for The Theft of America's Soul: "The moral clarity in this book is so powerful and so refreshing I wish I could give it to everyone I know. Incidentally, the only way something could be this full of truth and wisdom is if its author is a prophet. That he is. Hear him." --Eric Metaxas, author of Bonhoeffer "In The Theft of America's Soul, the Duck Commander has set his sights on something higher, taking aim at the ten lies that have led our culture astray and put our faith, our families, and our freedom at risk. I am grateful for the direct, nonpolitically correct way my friend Phil Robertson lays out the truth. My prayer is that this book finds its way into the hands and hearts of many Americans." --Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council and president of Council for National Policy

María de San José Salazar (1548-1603) took the veil as a Discalced ("barefoot") Carmelite nun in 1571, becoming one of Teresa of Avila's most important collaborators in religious reform and serving as prioress of the Seville and Lisbon convents. Within the parameters of the strict Catholic Reformation in Spain, María fiercely defended women's rights to define their own spiritual experience and to teach, inspire, and lead other women in reforming their church. María wrote this book as a defense of the Discalced practice of setting aside two hours each day for conversation, music, and staging of religious plays. Casting the book in the form of a dialogue, María demonstrates through fictional conversations among a group of nuns during their hours of recreation how women could serve as very effective spiritual teachers for each other. The book includes one of the first biographical portraits of Teresa and Maria's personal account of the troubled founding of the Discalced convent at Seville, as well as her tribulations as an Inquisitional suspect. Rich in allusions to women's affective relationships in the early modern convent, Book for the Hour of Recreation also serves as an example of how a woman might write when relatively free of clerical censorship and expectations. A detailed introduction and notes by Alison Weber provide historical and biographical context for Amanda Powell's fluid translation.

A collection of Brian Skerry's ocean photography, including sharks in the Bahamas, leatherback sea turtles in Trinidad, and right whales in the Auckland Islands.

Bestselling author Bear Grylls is best known for his seven seasons on National Geographic's Man vs. Wild, his current NBC TV series, Running Wild with Bear Grylls, and his adventures climbing ice cliffs, running through forest fires, and parachuting from balloons. In Soul Fuel, Bear shares the backstories behind many of his most daring expeditions and how his faith gave him the purpose and power to carry on. In 365 devotions he explores themes of hope, courage, risk, heaven, and more. Soul Fuel is perfect for: Men and women Self-purchase or a gift for anyone wanting to deepen their faith Fans of Bear's TV series and those who love to read about survival Nature has taught Bear some important lessons, and behind every feat is a story of grit, determination, and strength found in faith. By reading Soul Fuel, you will discover: How to find joy during the most difficult times The importance of hope and taking risks How to create courage despite anxiety and fear Bear wants others to know, "I often don't feel very strong. Life can be a battle. We all feel that from time to time. But any strength I do have seems to come in the quiet moments at the start of my day. It comes when I am on my own, on my knees. It comes from taking time to be still with God. . . . So for me, starting my day like this really helps. It is like food. Like good fuel for the soul."

Presents a guide to rediscovering the soul and achieving divine depth in an age in which materialism and consumerism induce people to develop unhealthy, petty habits.