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Blessing Same-Sex Unions: The Perils of Queer Romance and the Confusions of Christian Marriage
by Mark D. JordanAt most church weddings, the person presiding over the ritual is not a priest or a pastor, but the wedding planner, followed by the photographer, the florist, and the caterer. And in this day and age, more wedding theology is supplied by "Modern Bride" magazine or reality television than by any of the Christian treatises on holy matrimony. Indeed, church weddings have strayed long and far from distinctly Christian aspirations. The costumes and gestures might still be right, but the intentions are hardly religious. Why then, asks noted gay commentator Mark D. Jordan, are so many churches vehemently opposed to blessing same-sex unions? In this incisive work, Jordan shows how carefully selected ideals of Christian marriage have come to dominate recent debates over same-sex unions. Opponents of gay marriage, he reveals, too often confuse simplified ideals of matrimony with historical facts. They suppose, for instance, that there has been a stable Christian tradition of marriage across millennia, when in reality Christians have quarreled among themselves for centuries about even the most basic elements of marital theology, authorizing experiments like polygamy and divorce. Jordan also argues that no matter what the courts do, Christian churches will have to decide for themselves whether to bless same-sex unions. No civil compromise can settle the religious questions surrounding gay marriage. And queer Christians, he contends, will have to discover for themselves what they "really" want out of marriage. If they are not just after legal recognition as a couple or a place at the social table, do they really seek the blessing of God? Or just the garish melodrama of a white wedding? Posing trenchant questions such as these, "Blessing Same-Sex Unions" will be a must-read for both sides of the debate over gay marriage in America today.
Blessing The Bridge: What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying and Beyond
by Rita M. Reynolds"This is a valuable book for those of us who feel a spiritual bond with the animals in our lives. However, this gentle, thoughtful volume is more than just a spiritual guide. It's also a practical guide to helping an animal to die with peace and dignity. Rita Reynolds gives the reader a lot to think about with her comforting beliefs about the animal afterlife."
Blessing the Next Generation: Creating a Lasting Family Legacy with the Help of a Loving God
by Marilyn Hickey Sarah BowlingThe mother and daughter team of Marilyn Hickey and Sarah Bowling explain the significance of generational curses and blessings and how readers have the power to have an impact on the spiritual heritage they hand to their children.
Blessings
by Julia CameronThrough her writings and workshops, Julia Cameron has inspired millions to pursue their dreams. In the tradition of Heart Steps, Blessings reveals the keys she uses to reconnect herself with the source of her creative spirit. Focusing on gratitude and recognizing the power to change one's surrounding world by changing one's thinking, Cameron explains how she surrenders to the deeper flow of life rather than willfully forcing artificial solutions. By acknowledging the beauty, harmony, and synergy of life, readers learn through Cameron's inspiring prose how to cherish the gifts they have been given and use them to their fullest. Those who read and follow Cameron's advice and prayers and listen to Tim Wheater's healing music in the audiobook will realize how to achieve harmony in their lives and embrace the notion that they are part of a larger whole that holds them in a benevolent and protective view. With Blessings, readers will understand the secrets of a life that is rich, beautiful, intricate, and valuable.
Blessings & Rituals for the Journey of Life
by Susan LanghauserCongregations celebrate various rites and rituals as a way of commemorating the significant life events and experiences of their members. By blessing something or someone, God’s presence is invoked and the sacred is invited into the mundane, the holy into the ordinary. This book offers pastors and other church leaders a collection of ready-made, easily adaptable blessings and rituals for a variety of occasions. The book is divided into four major chapters: Children, Adults, Everyday Life, and Pastoral Care. It includes blessings and rituals for such occasions as: welcome into a home or neighborhood, receiving a first Bible, graduation from high school, receiving a driver’s license, blessing the backpacks and lunch-boxes for a new school year, and pet funerals. Pastoral care rituals include such occasions as grief, lost love, anger, and declining health. Key Benefits: • Provides readers with a source of blessings and rituals for key moments in congregational members’ lives and meaningful ways to celebrate and support their life experiences and transitions • Shows readers how the intentional use of blessings and rituals within the congregation helps reveal to the community God’s presence in every phase of life
Blessings (Sommerfeld Trilogy #3)
by Kim Vogel SawyerFor as long as she can remember, Trina Muller has had a special affinity with animals. When the local vet, Dr. Groening, recognizes Trina's passion and abilities, he assures her that she can take over his practice when she becomes a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. But that's a career of which her parents heartily disapprove. Can God be so cruel as to give Trina the gift of healing without also giving her the avenue to use it? Graham Ortmann loves Trina, but when he finds out about her plans to attend college, he's outraged. How can he marry someone who is determined to step outside the dictates of the Old Order Mennonite fellowship? When a young man with a D.VM. in hand approaches Dr. Groening about purchasing his practice, Trina's dreams seem to be crumbling right in front of her. Is this a sign from God that she isn't meant to be a vet after all?
Blessings Beyond the Binary: Transparent and the Queer Jewish Family
by Kathryn Lofton Josh Lambert Jarrod Tanny Shaul Magid Jodi Eichler-Levine Martin Shuster Sarah Bunin Benor Ranen Omer-Sherman Jennifer Glaser Shari Rabin Marilyn Reizbaum Warren Hoffman Joshua Falek Kerstin SteitzTransparent made history as the first television show to feature a transgender character in the main role, as the first streaming series to win the Golden Globe for Best Television Series, and as, in the words of journalist Debra Nussbaum Cohen, “the Jewiest show ever.” No television show in history has depicted the lives of American Jews with as much attention to Jewish rituals, quirks, or culture. And no series has portrayed issues of gender and sexuality alongside Judaism with such nuance and depth, making Transparent a landmark series in the history of television. Blessings beyond the Binary brings together leading scholars to analyze and offer commentary on what scholar Josh Lambert calls “the most important work of Jewish culture of the century so far.” The book explores the show’s depiction of Jewish life, religion, and history, as well as Transparent’s scandals and criticisms and how it fits into and diverges from today’s transgender and queer politics. The first book to focus on Transparent, Blessings beyond the Binary offers a rich analysis of the groundbreaking series and its connections to contemporary queer, trans, and Jewish life.
Blessings From the Father
by Michelle LarksMariah Green has a successful career as an advocate for battered women, but she still feels incomplete. She was raised by her maternal grandmother, Rosemary, in a Chicago housing project. Her mother, Cassandra, is addicted to drugs and has only been a fleeting presence in her life. Even more painful to Mariah is the fact that she has never known the love of a father. She's never even set eyes on him. To Mariah's surprise, she receives a call from a law firm in Hammond, Indiana. A lawyer informs her that her biological father has died, and she is the sole heir to his sizeable estate. Mariah is ready to leave Chicago behind and embark on a new lifestyle in Indiana, but she's devastated when her beloved Granny declines to join her.Things aren't always what they seem to be. Rosemary knows a little bit more about Mariah's paternal side of the family than she has let on. Join Mariah as she embarks on a spiritual journey to learn about her father and begins the healing process of understanding and forgiving her mother.
Blessings From the Other Side: Wisdom and Comfort from the Afterlife for this Life
by Sylvia Browne Lindsay HarrisonGet back into the spirit of appreciating your life. Share in Sylvia Browne’s extraordinary lessons of wisdom and comfort from The Other Side....<P> Keeping life in perspective is difficult for everyone. For many, holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries become overwhelming events; not to mention job changes, family crises, and personal issues. We become preoccupied with things we cannot change and lose sight of what really matters.<P> Now renowned psychic and #1 New York Times bestselling author Sylvia Browne helps us celebrate and appreciate life by reminding us of the countless blessings we received before coming into this world. With chapters on forgiveness, past lives, contacting The Other Side, and discovering life’s purpose, Sylvia Browne tells uplifting stories of people she has helped to find their way. Sylvia Browne believes that, if we can remember why we are here and what we are supposed to be doing here, our lives will ultimately become happier, healthier, and more spiritually fulfilling.
Blessings for a Mother's Day
by Ruth Bell GrahamThis Mother's Day honor the women of your congregation with a warm and encouraging book for mother's of all ages. It is the perfect gift to honor them for their Godly work, as well as inspire them to cherish each season in the lives of their children. Blessings for a Mother's Day reminds every mother of the special joy God gives to her through her children. Ruth Bell Graham's personal reflections over the years reveal that although life is not always easy for a mother, it is always meaningful.
Blessings in Disguise (Good Girlz #2)
by ReShonda Tate BillingsleyThe second book in an exciting and inspiring new series from national bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley They share a precious gift. . . . Joining Rachel Jackson's church youth group has been a lifesaver for Camille, Alexis, Jasmine, and Angel. The fabulous four share everything from juicy gossip to mentoring school kids. But their loyalty is put to the test when two of the girls get caught up in problems of their own -- and may drag their girlfriends down with them. Will they forget who their friends are? Wealthy Alexis seems to have the perfect life -- but no one can see her fear as her parents head for divorce. Meanwhile, Jasmine is tired of being the glue that holds her mother and siblings together, and she escapes by moving in with her father. Both girls are tempted to do something drastic to get the attention they crave, and both need to hear Rachel's hard-won advice on why stealing will only get them more trouble. But when it comes to winning back Camille and Angel's trust, Alexis and Jasmine will have to find the answers in their own hearts.
Blessings in India Bundle, Faith of Ashish, Hope of Shridula & Love of Divena - eBook [ePub]
by Kay Marshall StromThis bundle contains The Faith of Ashish, The Hope of Shridula, and The Love of Divena. The Faith of Ashish Virat and Latha named their son Ashish, for he is the light and glory of their world. Yet a simple drink of water from the wrong cup changes them forever. Virat, Latha, and Ashish are Untouchables in 1905 India, members of a caste who must never contaminate the world of the other, higher, castes. When Ashish is in desperate need of a doctor, Virat risks everything to save his son and ventures into the dangerous realm of the high caste. There, the strength of a father's love, the power of a young British nurse, and the faith of a child change the lives around them. The Hope of Shridula India: 1946. For forty-eight years, Ashish and his family toiled as slaves in the fields of the high-caste Lal family, and all because of one small debt. At fifty-four, Ashish was old and worn out. Every day was a struggle to survive for his family including his only daughter. His wife had named the girl Shridula (Blessings). "Perhaps the name will bring you more fortune than it brought me," Ashish told his daughter. His words proved to be prophetic in ways he could never have imagined. And when the flames of revolt brought independence to India, they seared change into the family of Ashish. The Love of Divena India 1990. Shridula, old and stooped at fifty-nine, makes her painful way to pay homage to the elephant god Ganesh, lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. "Why are we Hindus instead of Christians?" her seventeen-year-old granddaughter Divena asked. "Because we are Indian," said Shridula. So begins a spiritual journey for Divena as she struggles against an entire culture to proclaim a faith close to her heart while rocking the world of two families.
Blessings of Happiness: 101 Words of Sunshine
by Caroline BrownloweUplifting collection of quotes reflecting the diverse forms and explanations of happiness. Though brief, they are excellent to use as affirmations, or as the basis of meditations or discussions. They express the ideas of a wide range of individuals from biblical times to the present including: Thackeray, Bertrand Russell, Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Marcus Aurelius, Anne Frank, Henry Ward Beecher, John Milton, Helen Keller, Charles Dickens, Ben Franklin, Martin Luther, Richard Wagner, George Sand, Lincoln and the not to be forgotten, Anonymous.
Blessings of a Father
by Randy BrownThe author was awakened every morning by his father speaking a prophetic word of blessing over him. He is persuaded that this had a profound impact on his life and led him to greatness. It is his belief that that it is fundamental to a young person's self-esteem and potential for success that he or she receives several pronouncements of blessing. Learning from biblical examples, readers will be enlightened as they learn to change the lives of their children through prayer and specific blessings.
Blessings of the Blood: A Book of Menstrual Lore and Rituals for Women
by Celu AmberstonLore and rituals designed to empower women, and to give them knowledge of the true meaning of menstruation.
Blessings of the Burden: Reflections and Lessons in Helping the Homeless
by Alan R. BurtIn Blessings of the Burden Alan R. Burt shares his heart for people who are homeless. Full of personal stories drawn from almost two decades of firsthand experience working with the homeless, this book is a passionate plea for greater community involvement in confronting the pressing social problem of homelessness.Unfolding in five parts, Blessings of the Burden includes Burt's own journey from apathy to advocacy, a moving interview with a formerly homeless man who is now the director of an organization that fights homelessness in Cape Cod, Burt's analysis of the fourteen main reasons why homelessness is such a massive problem in America, and an example of how one community developed an innovative and cost-effective approach to helping the homeless among them. Powerful and compelling, Blessings of the Burden will inspire readers to get involved with the homeless and to become advocates for their needs, believing that they can make a difference in their communities.
Blessings of the Heart
by Valerie HansenWriter Brianna Walker had moved to the Arkansas hills for a little peace and quiet. But the stormy night a handsome man, two bedraggled boys and a scruffy dog washed up in her front yard, Bree’s peaceful and quiet life became a thing of the past. Homeless after their cabin floated away in the rain, single dad Mitch Fowler and his two young sons had no choice but to seek shelter at their closest neighbor’s home. And it didn’t take the boys long to find their way into Bree’s warm and caring heart. But could Mitch ever convince Bree to take a chance on a ready-made family and make that fateful storm the answer to everyone’s prayers?
Blessings of the Heart & Samantha's Gift
by Valerie HansenBlessings of the HeartThe Arkansas hills represent peace and quiet for Brianna Walker. Then a stormy night brings Mitch Fowler and his rowdy sons to her doorstep. But if Mitch can convince Bree to take on a ready-made family, the storm might be the answer to everyone’s prayers.Samantha’s GiftRomance is the last thing teacher Rachel Woodward needs. All she wants is to care for the orphaned girl in her class. Still, with handsome guidance counselor Sean Bates stepping in as father figure for little Samantha, Rachel might find love where she least expects it.
Blessings of the Season
by Annie Jones Brenda MintonThe Holiday Husband by Annie JonesAddie McCoy has always dreamed of celebrating Christmas with a family of her own. Her prayers are answered when she meets Nate Browder. But Nate's only in town for the holidays. Can Addie convince him he'll make the perfect husband for Christmas--and all year round?The Christmas Letter by Brenda MintonBeing a single mom during Christmas isn't easy. When a mysterious soldier shows up on Isabella Grant's doorstep, what's a single mom to do? With a little help from her twelve-year-old daughter and a handsome military man, love might be the perfect holiday gift.
Blessings, New Mom: A Year of Prayers and Affirmations for You and Your Baby
by Ellie HunjaA weekly devotional for new moms that provides grace and compassion for the first year of motherhood and beyond Being a new mom and taking care of a newborn is a time filled with blessings, celebrations, and lessons that reveal God&’s truths about life and motherhood. As a devoted mother of three and passionate leader in her church community, Ellie Hunja earnestly shares the joys and challenges of new motherhood and reaffirms that God is always by your side as you find your path in this special season. Filled with weekly scriptures, affirmations, devotions, and prayers, Blessings, New Mom is a beautiful reminder that no matter the moment—precious and delightful or overwhelming and difficult—God will meet you where you are. Blessings, New Mom features: • 52 WEEKS OF SUPPORTIVE AND RELATABLE DEVOTIONS: Reflective prayers and honest devotions will make new moms feel seen and heard. • SCRIPTURE VERSES FULL OF GOD&’S TRUTHS: Carefully selected Bible passages are designed to connect new moms with God for comfort, strength, and encouragement. • QUICK AND INSPIRING AFFIRMATIONS: Affirmations full of God&’s truth are as accessible as they are reaffirming so that new moms can focus on what&’s most important for them and their baby. • PLENTY OF WRITING SPACE FOR PRAYERS FOR BABY: Spacious blank entries allow moms to write special prayers for their baby and remember these precious moments forever. • BEAUTIFUL AND PRACTICAL PACKAGING: Beautifully decorated pages and compact size to easily keep bedside, in the nursery, or in a travel bag to provide calm at a moment&’s notice.
Blest Are We
by Richard N. Fragomeni Maureen Gallagher Jeannine Goggin Michael P. HoranTextbook on Catholicism.
Blest Are We (6th Grade)
by Rcl BenzigerDesigned to teach the Roman Catholic catechism to 6th grade students.
Blest Are We (Faith & Word Edition)
by Richard N. Fragomeni Maureen Gallagher Jeannine Goggin Michael P. HoranA Catholic prayer workbook that includes prayers for almost all occasions and situations.
Blest Are We (Grade #5)
by Richard N. Fragomeni Maureen Gallagher Jeannine Goggin Michael P. HoranHelps Catholic students learn about the liturgy celebrations so they can be better in taking part in meaningful ways.
Blest Are We (Grade #5)
by Richard N. Fragomeni Maureen Gallagher Jeannine Goggin Michael P. HoranThis book includes prayers, singing and gestures for the Catholic community.