In the bestselling tradition of Inside of a Dog and Marley & Me, a smart, illuminating, and entertaining read on why the dog-human relationship is unique--and possibly even "spiritual." Dr. Andrew Root's search for the canine soul began the day his eight-year-old son led the family in a moving Christian ritual at the burial service for Kirby, their beloved black lab. In the coming weeks, Root found himself wondering: What was this thing we'd experienced with this animal? Why did the loss hurt so poignantly? Why did his son's act seem so right in its sacramental feel? In The Grace of Dogs, Root draws on biology, history, theology, cognitive ethology (the study of animal minds), and paleontology to trace how in our mutual evolution, humans and dogs have so often helped each other to become more fully ourselves. Root explores questions like: Do dogs have souls? Is it accurate to say that dogs "love" us? What do psychology and physiology say about why we react to dogs in the way that we do? The Grace of Dogs paints a vivid picture of how, beyond sentimentality, the dog-human connection can legitimately be described as "spiritual"--as existing not for the sake of gain, but for the unselfish desire to be with and for the other, and to remind us that we are persons worthy of love and able to share love. In this book for any parent whose kids have asked if they'll see Fido in Heaven, or who has looked their beloved dog in the face and wondered what's going on in there, Dr. Root delivers an illuminating and heartfelt read that will change how we understand man's best friend.

Welcome to the enchanted world of the Church Dog, a heartwarming tale about a puppy sent from Heaven to teach people about the true nature of God's unconditional love. With supernatural eyes that let "K'noot" see people the way Jesus does, the Church Dog's mission is to help God's children understand their unique identity as precious and special. God loves us no matter what! And what better Messenger than 'Man's Best Friend'?In a series of playful and endearing Church Dog Adventures, each story uses biblical foundations to teach moral lessons about real life issues that children face. The books are perfect for igniting conversations around subjects like bullying, grief, forgiveness, fear, and fighting temptation. Equally important is stressing the power of being kind, compassionate giving, standing up for one another and having self-esteem.The Church Dog series invites children of all ages to look at themselves and others through the eyes of a loving Father, as royal Princes and Princesses of a Heavenly King. Come along on the journey and find yourself on the pages of these relatable books, which are sure to become favorites your children will want to read again and again.

Julie Castaneda is first and foremost a wife, mother and self-proclaimed graduate from The School Of Hard Knocks. She is an award winning entrepreneur, an inspirational public speaker and an influential leader in the pet care industry. Julie offers a unique style in story telling, making her personal experiences in life and love relatable to audiences of all ages. "If unconditional love is the lesson we are here to learn, then dogs are our greatest teachers." -Julie Castaneda

Artist Stephen Huneck shares the story of his long illness and near-death experience which inspired him to build a chapel for dogs and their owners near his home in Vermont, and presents photographs of the chapel, as well as woodcut prints that celebrate the loving qualities of dogs.

Your Story Matters presents a dynamic and spiritually formative process for understanding and redeeming the past in order to live well in the present and into the future. Leslie Leyland Fields has used and taught this practical and inspiring writing process for decades, helping people from all walks of life to access memory and sift through the truth of their stories. This is not just a book for writers. Each one of us has a story, and understanding God's work in our stories is a vital part of our faith. Through the spiritual practice of writing, we can "remember" his acts among us, "declare his glory among the nations," and pass on to others what we have witnessed of God in this life: the mysterious, the tragic, the miraculous, the ordinary. With a companion video curriculum from RightNow Media, this is a "why not" book as opposed to a "how to" book. Leslie asks each of us an important question: "Why not learn to tell your story, in the context of the grander story of God?"

And so we arrive at the purpose of this book: to awaken a generally torpid and negligent modern evangelical church out of its doctrinal stupor. In particular, it is designed to reassert the clear gospel-"the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Rom 1:16)-and contrast it against several of its present day corruptions. As one insightful pastor comments upon Philippians 3:2, "Any attempt to please God by one's own efforts and draw attention away from Christ's accomplished redemption is the worst kind of wickedness." This book seeks to counter such wickedness. As in Paul's era, modern day believers must be warned against "dogs" and "evildoers" who still seek to distort the gospel by adding human achievement to God's work in salvation.

Ted Haggard presents a successful and tested model for a small group ministry here that can be implemented by a church of any size. By enabling members to embrace and capitalize on their own unique abilities, the diverse groups create an environment where people meet mentors that can disciple and guide them. This need-and interest based approach redefines the model for powerful church growth.