The Beach Boys are one of rock's most enduring and enigmatic groups, and while the band has been the subject of numerous biographies and other in-depth studies, there has been no focused evaluation of the religious and spiritual themes in their work. Spiritual and theological themes are present in much of their work, and when this realization is coupled with Brian Wilson's mission "to spread the gospel of love through records," and his sense of music as spiritual--of thinking "pop music is going to be spiritual . . . that's the direction I want to go"--this is a striking way to explore the band's music. In God Only Knows, the contributors attempt to come to grips with just a small amount of this band's massive output--by circling around its theological virtues. Each section of the book is a loose investigation of the guiding topics of faith, hope, and love. Each essay is a free exploration of theological and spiritual themes from the contributor's own perspectives.

As the Biblical David lies on his death-bed he looks back on his own, crowded life and tells all.

Length: 2 acts.

Meet the ordinary but unqualified proof that you can accomplish whatever you want to accomplish in life, no matter how impossible it might seem. God planted that passion in your heart and will use it to make your life extraordinary. Against the odds. This is a riveting true story that dares you to dream. Joe Camp showed his film to every studio in Hollywood and couldn’t get a distributor. Nobody wanted Benji. Nobody. Zero. The following summer Variety reported that the movie was the #3 box office gross of all movies for the year. In spite of all the folks who were so quick to say: You can’t do that! That’s impossible! Give up! Quit. Sit down. Shut up. Go away. If it could be done somebody would have done it already. God’s hand at work. Up close and personal. And what a story this book is as Joe Camp learns how every devastation that he believed to be surely the end of life as he knew it had to happen exactly as God orchestrated it or there never would’ve been a Benji. Or six Benji films. And there never would’ve been a bestselling book changing the lives of horses all across the planet. Or a second love of his life after his Carolyn was called home. God Only Knows is a true story that reads like a spellbinding novel, emotionally involving and packed with suspense while totally shredding our resistance to fully trusting God with our every devastation so that we might see our adversities for what they are: God molding us, strengthening us, teaching us how to get past the multitude of obstacles that any worthwhile dream will throw at us. “My fondest hope is that this book might inspire you to mount a white horse and charge off after things worthwhile, to reach for heights heretofore perceived as unreachable, to adventure into uncharted waters with passion, honesty and God by your side . . . and leave this world a better place for your effort.” --Joe Camp

With equal parts wit and wisdom, New York Times bestselling author Donald Miller invites you to reconnect with your faith. Miller shares what he's learned firsthand--that our relationship with God is designed to teach us about redemption, grace, healing, and so much more. Searching for God Knows What weaves together timeless stories and fresh perspectives on the Bible to capture one man's journey to discover an authentic faith that's worth believing. Along the way, Miller poses his own questions about faith, religion, and community, asking: What if the motive behind our theology was relational? What if our value exists because God takes pleasure in us? What if the gospel of Jesus is an invitation to know God? Maybe you're a Christian wondering what faith you signed up for. Or maybe you don't believe anything and are daring someone to show you a genuine example of genuine faith. Somewhere beyond the self-help formulas, fancy marketing, and easy promises, there is a life-changing experience with God waiting for you--it just takes a little bit of searching. Praise for Searching for God Knows What: "Like a shaken snow globe, Donald Miller's newest collection of essays creates a swirl of ideas about the Christian life that eventually crystallize into a lovely landscape...[He] is one of the evangelical book market's most creative writers." --Christianity Today "If you have felt that Jesus is someone you respect and admire--but Christianity is something that repels you--Searching for God Knows What will give you hope that you still can follow Jesus and be part of a church without the trappings of organized religion." --Dan Kimball, author of The Emerging Church and Pastor of Vintage Faith Church, Santa Cruz, CA "For fans of Blue Like Jazz, I doubt you will be disappointed. Donald Miller writes with the wit and vulnerability that you expect. He perfectly illustrates important themes in a genuine and humorous manner...For those who would be reading Miller for the first time, this would be a great start." --Relevant

Sonya Watkins is attending services at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, where she has been a member since childhood, when she first sees a tall, handsome man she believes might be her Mr. Right. He introduces himself as Jake and asks her for a ride home. Sonya is thrilled. Although she’s twenty-eight, Sonya has never been on a date before. Like so many Christian singles, she chooses to pay attention only to the man’s appearance before falling head over heels. When Sonya learns that Jake lied about his name, she is worried but chooses to ignore that red flag and numerous others for the chance to be with him. They begin dating and then rush into marriage, as she seeks to make things right with God. But Sonya soon discovers that her dream man may turn out to be Mr. Wrong after all. She supports him through every layoff, financial dilemma, and get-rich-quick scheme; even so, he grows abusive and violent toward her. Can Sonya find a way out and escape the heartache she has fallen into? God Only Knows shows that God’s love for his children will always supersede the mistakes we make in life. No matter how deep a hole we put ourselves into, God’s arms are long enough to pulls us out.

Author Kennedy Oliver and her husband, Austin, were two high school teachers from a small town just trying to work hard and raise their daughters to be good people. In 2005, the family was thrilled to be moving into a beautiful, newly built home. In 2006, Kennedy experienced unexplained exhaustion and significant health issues. The family had no idea the medical nightmare they would face for the next six years. Kennedy consulted with multiple doctors, underwent an extraordinary amount of surgeries, and experienced unspeakable pain with her chronic condition. And then in 2011, Austin became deathly ill and required emergency surgery to save his life. In God Only Knows, Kennedy tells her familys story. Because of their faith in God, constant prayer, and their incredible support network they were able to navigate through this extremely difficult journey. This memoir shares a powerful message of love, perseverance, and how an unyielding faith in the Lord helped this family survive.