The long-awaited book from best-selling spiritual guide Joyce Rupp, creatively leads readers to explore how the image of the door can guide them in a process of discovering their true self. Joyce Rupp brings new life to the ageless spiritual image of the door, weaving insights from East and West with the wisdom of contemporary spiritual writers, poets, and novelists in a practical format that is just right for contemporary readers. Structured as a daily prayer guide for everyday use over six weeks, each day offers a thematic reflection, a guided meditation, an original prayer, a thoughtful question, and a related scripture quote. A built-in guide for small groups makes this the perfect resource for groups of all kinds as well as individuals.

Of all the losses we may be asked to bear, the murder of one’s child must be the most terrible. These poems evoke that keenly, seeking justice but transcending judgment as they grieve loss, celebrate love, and find healing.

The short fiction of Karine Khodikyan can be described as intellectual fiction for women. These short stories with a “mystical touch” tell stories about women – young and old, happy and sad; even when the protagonist is not a woman, the story will immerse you into the life of a woman, revealing her role in anything and everything. This book was published with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Armenia under the “Armenian Literature in Translation” Program.

Hospitality is one of the best ways to live out the two greatest commandments: loving God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself. But often we get caught up in perfecting our homes and conversations before we open our doors. Over 7 sessions, look to Jesus as your model for hospitality. Discover how He lived a life full of interruptions, yet always welcomed people and invited them to follow Him. Learn to replace cultural expectations with biblical hospitality to create a legacy of invitation and reflect Jesus through simple acts of service. Features: Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups Personal study segments with homework to complete between 7 weeks of group sessions Interactive teaching videos, approximately 25-30 minutes per session, available on DVD and via digital download The Bible study book Thirty-three free study resources, including the books the author used in preparation for this study Promotional tools, including a sample chapter, poster, bulletin insert, PowerPoint slide, and more Benefits: Replace cultural expectations with biblical hospitality to create a legacy of invitation. Discover daily rhythms of kindness, generosity, and presence at home and on the go. Learn to view welcome as worship, and reflect Jesus through simple acts of service. Become a woman of influence through hidden hospitality. Create spaces of welcome in your heart, home, and beyond.

"A wondrous, sparkling fusion of wisdom and insight." - Patricia Santhuff What do the wonderful myths of ancient Greece, the beautiful stories in the Bible and Qur'an, and all the sacred stories from traditions around the world, have in common? They open our hearts to wonder, mystery, passion, and joy. I know, on the outside these stories seem very different, confusing, conflicting, and often violent and divisive. But when read symbolically and internally, they are all telling the same story. They show us the path of spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Sometimes the story is called "Returning to the Promised Land." Sometimes it's called "Seeking the Holy Grail." Sometimes it's called "Persephone's Return to Olympus." But whatever it's called, the inner meaning and purpose is always the same. The stories are all a call to awaken, to live passionately and consciously, and to enter the door that leads to enlightenment and communion with the divine. The door is always open. The light is always ready to receive us. But we have to learn how to tread the path! Fortunately, that's what all the sacred stories are really about. THE DOOR IS OPEN uncovers the 7 Universal Steps that are found within the symbols and allegories of all great mythology and scripture. Each chapter ends with a series of practical and enjoyable spiritual exercises and activities. You can do this work on your own, or together with a group. It could be a church or synagogue group, a book club, a classroom, or any group of friends who want to get together and expand their spiritual horizons.

On a blind date in Greenwich Village set up by Allen Ginsberg, Joyce Johnson (then Joyce Glassman) met Jack Kerouac in January 1957, nine months before he became famous overnight with the publication of On the Road. She was an adventurous, independent-minded twenty-one-year-old; Kerouac was already running on empty at thirty-five. This unique book, containing the many letters the two of them wrote to each other, reveals a surprisingly tender side of Kerouac. It also shares the vivid and unusual perspective of what it meant to be young, Beat, and a woman in the Cold War fifties. Reflecting on those tumultuous years, Johnson seamlessly interweaves letters and commentary, bringing to life her love affair with one of American letters' most fascinating and enigmatic figures.

Beaver sneezes and snorts all the time. His nose is red and he has a fever. Beaver knows that something is wrong--he's worried he may have a contagious disease. When his friend comes to help him, he doesn't open the door. He doesn't want to accidentally get anyone sick. For little readers ages 5 years and up.