The realignment of the Chinese social order that took place over the course of the Sung dynasty set the pattern for Chinese society throughout most of the later imperial era. This study examines that realignment from the perspective of specific Sung families, using data on two groups of Sung elites--the grand councilors who led the bureaucracy and locally prominent gentlemen in Wu-chou (in modern Chekiang). By analyzing kinship relationships, Beverly Bossler demonstrates the importance of family relations to the establishment and perpetuation of social status locally and in the capital. She shows how social position was measured and acted upon, how status shaped personal relationships (and vice versa), and how both status and personal relationships conditioned—and were conditioned by—political success. Finally, in a contribution to the ongoing discussion of localism in the Sung, Bossler details the varied networks that connected the local elite to the capital and elsewhere.

Dedicated to all those who are seeking to deepen their understanding of the power and importance of relationships in our lives. This book delves into the teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher Mengzi, exploring the concepts of benevolence and propriety and how they shape our relationships with others. Through this journey, you will learn how these principles can guide you in cultivating meaningful and fulfilling relationships, both with those closest to you and with the world around you. This book offers a fresh perspective on the timeless wisdom of Mengzi, and provides practical insights for living a life that is rich in love, respect, and meaningful connections. So, whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of relationships, or simply seeking to live a more fulfilling life, this book is for you. May it inspire you to embrace the power of relationships and lead you on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A candid, inspiring guide to finding lasting love and sustaining a healthy relationship by getting real about your goals—based on the viral, multi-million-view sermon series about dating, marriage, and sex “No matter where you are and no matter what stage of life you are in, Relationship Goals will be a game changer.”—Levi Lusko NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY COSMOPOLITAN You scroll through photo after photo of happy couples and think, I want a relationship like that! The thing is, those intimate relationships are a mirage—the closer you get to them, the more you realize they aren’t real at all. So what does a real relationship look like? And how do you get there? In Relationship Goals, Pastor Michael Todd digs deep to give you good news and real-life ideas for making the most of your most important relationships. Take a look at • what it means to choose intentional dating over recreational dating • how to move on from mistakes you’ve made in the past • why love gets stronger after marriage • what the Bible has to say about sex (hot take: it’s more sizzling than you think) • why the best friendships have God at the center Whether you are married, single, or it’s complicated, aiming for the right targets will make all the difference in finding true satisfaction. As it turns out, God’s got the best relationship goals of all for your life. Why settle for less?

Chronicles the lives of several generations of a close-knit Choctaw family as they are forced from their traditional homeland in nineteenth-century Mississippi and endure unspeakable sorrows during their journey before settling in southeastern Oklahoma.

A frank, practical, and uplifting guide for anyone living in the shadow of a powerful mate. Former NBA wife and marriage and family therapy intern Angela Wilder knows all about living with a powerful mate. Through her own experiences and those of her many clients and even many friends, she has come to recognize the signs of what she calls Powerful Mate Syndrome: - a belief that a partner's work, interests, and personality should come before one's own - a lack of self-worth, identity, and joyful self-expression - a loss of financial and decision-making power - a fear of questioning, challenging, or disagreeing with one's "powerful mate" for fear of losing what is good (or even not so good) about the relationship In this warm, supportive, and refreshingly tell-it-like-it-is book, Angela Wilder helps readers understand how they got to this destructive power imbalance in their relationship (hint: it's NOT all the other person's fault!), and she charts a simple, step-by-step path to a healthier sense of self, and a more balanced, healthy, and fulfilling relationship. Complete with insightful and revealing quizzes, checklists, and exercises, and generously offering personal and professional anecdotes to help explain Powerful Mate Syndrome ("the other PMS"), this one-of-a-kind guide will introduce you to your "Reality Godmother" - and offer hope, and concrete solutions, for anyone who lives in the reflected glory of a powerful mate.

What role do nationalism and popular protest play in China's foreign relations? Chinese authorities permitted anti-American demonstrations in 1999 but repressed them in 2001 during two crises in U.S.-China relations. Anti-Japanese protests were tolerated in 1985, 2005, and 2012 but banned in 1990 and 1996. Protests over Taiwan, the issue of greatest concern to Chinese nationalists, have never been allowed. To explain this variation, Powerful Patriots identifies the diplomatic as well as domestic factors that drive protest management in authoritarian states. Because nationalist protests are costly to repress and may turn against the government, allowing protests demonstrates resolve and makes compromise more costly in diplomatic relations. Repressing protests, by contrast, sends a credible signal of reassurance, facilitating diplomatic flexibility. Powerful Patriots traces China's management of dozens of nationalist protests and their consequences between 1985 and 2012.