What is the spiritual message of each of the Jewish holidays? How do we teach it to our children? Many books tell children about the historical significance and customs of the holidays. Now, through engaging, creative stories about one family's spiritual preparation, Sharing Blessings explores ways to get into the spirit of the holidays all year long. Musleah, mother and journalist, and Klayman, father and rabbi, gently give our children the spiritual message and help adult and child explore it together. For 13 different holidays and festivals, there is a story about David, Ilana, and their mom and dad�a story focusing on the spiritual value embodied in each holiday. Being afraid of the dark, taking a walk in the woods with Grandpa, arguments between David and Ilana, sharing family photos; all become opportunities for learning about how each holiday's meaning is related to our daily life. Each story begins with a brief explanation of the holiday and concludes with a special prayer that child and adult can share to bring the spiritual meaning of the holiday into their own lives. Shabbat Family • Rosh Hashanah Responsibility • Yom Kippur Prayer • Sukkot Peace • Simchat Torah Joyousness • Hanukkah Convictio • Tu B'Shevat Wonder • Purim Gratitude • Pesach Continuity • Yom Ha-shoah Free Will • Yom Ha-atzma'ut Community • Shavuot Education • Tisha B'Av Rebuilding

A tried-and-tested resource for the renewal of the local church. Faced with the unsustainability of many inherited patterns of church, the temptation may be to fall into despondency rather than seeking to regenerate patterns of mission and ministry. This book is the result of a two-year research project aimed at enabling local churches to regain a sense of confidence through exploring God's blessing and how that might be shared with the communities they serve. In Part One, Robin Greenwood explores the meaning of blessing and the power of face-to-face group conversations to transform church congregations. Part Two of the book contains outlines for five guided conversations for change on the theme of blessing. Part Three contains case study material of how this material has been used in different contexts, including for Mission Action Planning (MAP).

Looks at 17 benedictions from the Bible.

Some memories are permanently seared into our childhood brains with a hot iron of adrenaline and fear. For five-year-old Greg, it was the memory of his ma walking back to the house after confronting his stepdad with a splintered, bloodied baseball bat in her hand. Greg Stier was raised in a family of bodybuilding, tobacco-chewing, fist-fighting thugs. He never knew his biological father because his mom had met his dad at a party; she got pregnant, and he left town. Though his mom almost aborted him, in a last-minute twist, Greg’s life was spared for so much more. Unlikely Fighter is the incredible story of how God showed up in Greg’s life—and how he can show up in yours as well. This is a memoir of violence and mayhem—and how God can transform everything.

Presents fifty of the true accounts President Thomas S. Monson has shared over the years.

"Living for Heaven" is a thought-provoking exploration of spirituality and the pursuit of a life aligned with divine principles. Through profound insights and heartfelt reflections, this book delves into the deeper meaning of existence and offers guidance on how to live a purposeful and fulfilling life with heaven as the ultimate destination. Drawing upon spiritual teachings from various traditions, as well as personal anecdotes and experiences, the author invites readers on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. "Living for Heaven" challenges conventional notions of success and fulfillment, encouraging readers to shift their focus from worldly pursuits to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and eternal bliss. At its core, the book emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, and forgiveness in order to live in alignment with divine will and prepare for the eternal life beyond. Through introspection and self-examination, readers are encouraged to identify and overcome obstacles that hinder their spiritual growth, allowing them to experience greater peace, joy, and fulfillment in their lives. "Living for Heaven" also addresses the challenges and trials that individuals may face on their spiritual journey, offering wisdom and guidance on how to navigate adversity with faith and resilience. Whether grappling with doubt, fear, or suffering, readers are reminded of the power of prayer, trust, and surrender in overcoming obstacles and finding strength in times of need. Ultimately, "Living for Heaven" serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those seeking a deeper connection with the divine and a more meaningful existence. It reminds readers that life on earth is but a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of eternity, and that true fulfillment comes from living in alignment with divine purpose and preparing for the everlasting joy of heaven.

Christmas Day 2021 sees the release of a Netflix series, Stories of a Generation with Pope Francis, based on this book. Pope Francis views elders as reservoirs of wisdom and historical memory and believes their insights will offer future generations much-needed understanding and direction. More than 250 people were interviewed and Loyola Press sent a collection of stories to the Vatican. These encompassed universal themes of love, loss, survival, hope, peace in the face of unimaginable tragedy, and above all, faith. Pope Francis received every story, prayed over them, and responded with sensitivity and grace to 31 of the stories and the issues they raise. In his Preface, Pope Francis lays out his reasons for this collection of wisdom stories and the movement he hopes it inspires. He also contributes as a fellow elder, offering a story from his own life at the start of each chapter . And in his own wise and compassionate way, he serves as a spiritual shepherd, commenting on dozens of heartfelt stories.