You sit down to pay the bills and realize that the money in your checking account won't cover them. You turn on the national news, and the economic forecast sounds bleak. Now, more than ever, you need to feel God's presence. Facing Financial Struggle provides 4 weeks of daily readings, prayers, and suggestions to support you as you deal with financial trouble and all the emotions it stirs. In this guide, you'll find scriptures, prayers, questions, and ideas appropriate for personal or group s...

Transforming conflict into a positive rather than a negative force is a spiritual pursuit and needs to be grounded in biblical principles: love of God, neighbor, and self. This book is a resource for leaders, ministers, mediators, facilitators, and conflict transformation consultants who want to approach the work in this way. Part 1 explains how we can prepare ourselves for the work of engaging conflict. Part 2 explores how we engage others in conflict transformation, outlining specific proce...

This retirement book focuses on the personal dimensions of the move from full-time work to partial or full retirement. Drawing upon conversations with retired professionals from around the country, it identifies some of the key transitions in the first years of retirement, the unique opportunities for personal growth in this phase of life, and the real challenges we must face. Retired engineer Jack Hansen and spiritual formation leader Jerry Haas explore the transitions, opportunities, and ch...

"Come away with me and rest for a while," Jesus said to his disciples. Sometimes we need a break from our busy lives just to take time to be, but more important, to listen to God. Time Away details the joys, challenges, and benefits of a personal retreat. This book's step-by-step instructions will enable anyone—from first-timer to veteran—to make the most of dedicated time with God. Chapters cover these topics: What Is a Retreat? Why Go on a Retreat? Preparing for a Retreat Creating a Pl...

Understanding Spiritual Gifts Participant's Book is available for small group members. This leader's guide includes a process and resources for an introductory meeting and 6 weekly meetings of either 45 or 90 minutes. The longer format includes group lectio divina (contemplation of and individual response to scripture) in each session.

Understanding Spiritual Gifts Leader's Guide is also available. This 6-week experiential study (7 weeks, including the introductory session) helps individuals and small groups explore spiritual gifts using selected passages from the Bible.

Aging often brings concerns about health, worries about finances, and frustrations about change. The so-called golden years can seem filled with loneliness and pain. How is a person of faith to cope with the challenges and find purpose for the rest of his or her life? Missy Buchanan encourages older adults to maintain open dialogue with God. Through a series of personal poems and reflections, each coupled with a selection from Psalms, Buchanan presents heartfelt talks with God. She addresses ...

Does anger sometimes get the best of you? Are there days when you feel mad at the world? Anger is a common human emotion, yet it often leaves us squirming with discomfort and worrying that we're not spiritual enough. In Anger: Minding Your Passion, you'll find a collection of writings that explore the constructive use of this powerful emotion. Sometimes we have every right to get good and mad. It's what we do with our anger that matters. As you read and ponder thoughts from such noted auth...