Yes, the cloud is drifting slowly across the sky. My life is like that cloud, slowly drifting away. There's nothing I can do about it; as the Bible says, man is appointed once to die. Someday, I will cast no shadow, and the cloud will have slowly gone beyond the horizon. Yes, the cloud is slowly disappearing. The Bible tells us that our days are like a cloud that crosses the sky and slowly disappears. Today, I am going back to the place of my youth where the cloud first appeared. A certain amount of nervous anticipation began to funnel through my brain as the turnoff to my past approached. A beautiful multicolored leaf with its beautiful hues of green, gold, and red blew across my windshield. I do not need any more reminders that Father Time is slowly ticking away.

"In spite of the Mancers' beliefs, in spite of the efforts of her kindly teacher Foss, and in spite of her portrait mysteriously appearing in the gallery of great Shang Soceresses, Eliza knows one thing for sure: she can't do magic. The evil Xia Soceress is gaining power, and Eliza is the last hope for the world of Di Shang. But how can she possibly succeed with no powers of her own? Will the Mancers help? Or will Eliza and her friends Charlie and Nell really face their world's greatest evil alone?"--Page 4 of cover

Argues for the discourse of truth-both 'factual' and 'rational'-as an essential and defining feature of political enterprise.

The first book in the Chapel Springs Romance series by bestselling author Denise Hunter! “A tender story of faith cast adrift and lives brought together by currents that can only be God-sent. Barefoot Summer is a satisfying tale of hope, healing, and a love that’s meant to be. Sail away with Denise Hunter’s well-drawn characters on a journey that is at once romantic and compelling.” —Lisa Wingate, national bestselling author of Before We Were Yours Madison’s heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything. In the years since her twin brother’s drowning, Madison McKinley has struggled to put it behind her. Despite the support of her close-knit family and her gratifying job as a veterinarian in their riverside town, the loss still haunts her. To find closure, Madison sets out to fulfill her brother’s dream of winning the town’s annual regatta. But first she has to learn to sail, and fast. Beckett O’Reilly knows Madison is out of his league, but someone neglected to tell his heart. Now she needs his help—and he’ll give it, because he owes her far more than she’ll ever know. Madison will do anything—even work with the infamous Beckett O’Reilly—to reach her goal. And as much as she’d like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying. As summer wanes, her feelings for him grow and a fledgling faith takes root in her heart. But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their new love. Can their romance survive summer’s challenges? And will achieving her brother’s dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks? “Hold-your-breath romance, heartache, and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s more than a good read. It’s a delight.” —Lisa T. Bergren, bestselling, award-winning author