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Unworthy: A Novel
by Antonio Monda John Cullen"With storytelling finesse, Antonio Monda has written a compact and forceful book that might be a morbid erotic tale out of Boccaccio, exposing the tormented lust of the clergy."--Philip RothA Catholic priest struggles with memories of an illicit romance in 1970s New York in this powerfully intimate novel of faith and doubt, guilt and love.New York in the late 70s: fiscal crisis, rising crime, the great blackout of '77--the city seemed to be on an irreversible decline that was battering its very soul. And, to put it mildly, sin was everywhere. Against this backdrop we meet Abram Singer, a Catholic priest with an unusual name and a very dark secret. Born to an absentee Jewish father and a devout Irish mother, Abram always felt like an outsider, someone standing between two worlds. Raised Catholic, he found himself drawn to the meaningful structure of the seminary and became a Manhattan parish priest. Guided by a genuine faith in God, Abram's sincerest wish is to do His work. But Abram is not without his human failings, primary of which is lust. Despite his vow of chastity, he is irresistibly attracted to women and has a long-standing relationship with a young woman named Lisa, whom he loves passionately. Their romance, Abram feels, bears the hallmarks of all of his gravest weaknesses--doubt, hypocrisy, and an inability to renounce his own sin. These misgivings threaten to overwhelm him when a stranger calls Abram at the parish threatening to expose his liaison, forcing him to decide whether the risks of continuing with Lisa have become simply too great. Told entirely in Abram's straightforward, self-aware voice, Unworthy is both a riveting, morally complex narrative about the nature of faith, loyalty, and identity, and a gritty period piece about a man trying to make his way in one of America's greatest cities.
Unwrap Me: A Stark Ever After Novella (Stark Series #19)
by J. KennerNew York Times bestselling author J. Kenner continues her beloved Stark series with a sensual Stark Ever After novella for Nikki and Damien Stark as they turn up the heat in their holiday celebrations. For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Sylvia Day, Meredith Wild and Jodi Ellen Malpas. Damien Stark is my greatest Christmas wish come true. Immensely powerful and devastatingly sexy, he can undo me with the slightest touch, and with just one glance, he can see straight into my soul. We both have dark secrets, twisted pieces of our pasts that only the other one understands. Though our fierce love and passion keeps me alive, sometimes I wonder what would've happened if Damien and I hadn't met in exactly the way we did. How would my life have been different? Would another man have laid claim to my body and my heart? Or were Damien and I destined to be together no matter the cost? Find out how it all began for Damien and Nikki in J. Kenner's hot and addictive bestselling Stark series: Release Me, Claim Me, Complete Me, Take Me, Have Me, Play My Game and Seduce Me.Return to the smoking hot Stark world with the Stark International trilogy: Say My Name, On My Knees and Under My Skin is the explosively emotional story of Jackson Steele and Sylvia Brooks.Don't miss J. Kenner's sizzling Most Wanted series of three enigmatic and powerful men, and the striking women who can bring them to their knees: Wanted, Heated and Ignited.
Unwrapping Christmas
by Lori CopelandIt’s that time of year again, and with excitement and high expectations, Rose has planned the perfect Christmas for her family and friends. But when she feels them drifting away during a time that should celebrate togetherness, Rose is forced to slow down in the most unexpected way. In this whimsical, uplifting story, she discovers the true meaning of giving.
Unwrapping Transcultural Romantic Love Relationships: Sense of Coherence and Identity Development in Cultural Perspectives (SpringerBriefs in Psychology)
by Claude-Hélène MayerThis research study explores the interlinkages of three major themes, namely transcultural romantic love relationships (TRLRs), sense of coherence (SOC), and identity development (ID) in individuals who are presently involved in romantic love relationships (RLR) with partners from different cultural or ethnic backgrounds. The study uses a qualitative research design within the hermeneutical interpretative research paradigm, aiming to understand the interlinkages of TRLR, SOC, and ID. Based on purposive and snowball sampling techniques, the study includes 22 participants (12 female and 10 male) between 23 and 68 years of age, from 14 different (self-defined) cultural backgrounds. At the time of the interview, participants had been in TRLRs for at least 6 months to a maximum of 26 years. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed through content analysis. Qualitative quality criteria and ethical considerations were applied. The findings show that TRLRs are firmly based on relationship qualities, strong feelings, common actions, spirituality, and future orientation. Further, the findings present clear interlinkages between TRLR and SOC, contributing positively to meaningfulness, manageability, and comprehensibility. Finally, TRLRs support SOC on intrapersonal, cultural, and interpersonal levels. In addition, they influence the development of identity awareness, actions, feelings, and sexual SOC. Conclusions, limitations, and recommendations for theory and practice are provided.
Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional
by Asheritah CiuciuHow to focus on Christ during AdventMost Christians agree that Christmas is all about Jesus, yet most of us spend little time preparing our hearts to celebrate Him. Why is this? Partly because we don&’t know how.In Unwrapping the Names of Jesus, Asheritah Ciuciu leads readers through the four weeks of Advent (Hope, Preparation, Joy, and Love). Each week:Begins with an interactive family devotional that equips readers to celebrate Advent together Offers five daily reflections that focus on that week's name of JesusIncludes suggestions for fun-filled family activities or service projects This devotional can be used by readers in their own personal worship times or as a tool to engage in family worship during the busy holiday season. Either way, participants will gain a greater sense of awe and wonder at who Jesus is.By focusing on the person and character of Jesus throughout the Advent season, readers will prepare their hearts so that when they admire the live nativity, sit in the candlelight service, or wake up on Christian morning, they can join the faithful who sing from the bottom of their hearts, "O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"
Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional
by Asheritah CiuciuHow to focus on Christ during AdventMost Christians agree that Christmas is all about Jesus, yet most of us spend little time preparing our hearts to celebrate Him. Why is this? Partly because we don&’t know how.In Unwrapping the Names of Jesus, Asheritah Ciuciu leads readers through the four weeks of Advent (Hope, Preparation, Joy, and Love). Each week:Begins with an interactive family devotional that equips readers to celebrate Advent together Offers five daily reflections that focus on that week's name of JesusIncludes suggestions for fun-filled family activities or service projects This devotional can be used by readers in their own personal worship times or as a tool to engage in family worship during the busy holiday season. Either way, participants will gain a greater sense of awe and wonder at who Jesus is.By focusing on the person and character of Jesus throughout the Advent season, readers will prepare their hearts so that when they admire the live nativity, sit in the candlelight service, or wake up on Christian morning, they can join the faithful who sing from the bottom of their hearts, "O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"
Unwritten
by Harlan HobsonThere are many angels, but there is only one Raphael. He dreamed of doing something great. Then he received an assignment that was top secret. To him that meant unimportant. Little did he know how wrong he was. As an angel, prior to his new assignment, his contact with humans was limited. Nevertheless, he thought he knew them. As his story unfolds, he soon discovers that he did not know them at all. UnWritten tells the story of this novice angel and the discoveries he makes about humans, existence, and the Commander. UnWritten reads like a series of short stories seamlessly sewn together in order to convey some of life's most important lessons. Every story and encounter takes the reader on a journey to his or her own heart. The exploration of the painful places of life will bring hope to those who have suffered loss, encouragement to those seeking meaning, and faith to those who are drowning in an ocean of doubt and fear. UnWritten leaves the reader wanting to live a life of purpose. It will inspire many to forgive and let go of painful obstacles of the past in order to reach for the shining promise of tomorrow. In the end, it provides a challenge for us all to live each day without regret and to leave no part of our lives UnWritten.
Unyielding Future
by Brian O'GradyThere are forces at play. Forces that can prevent massacres...or cause them. Stop murderers in their tracks...or inspire them. Save the world...or destroy it.A doctor and his family are about to discover these forces. They are going to play a role in a future that needs changing but seems unyielding. And they are going to learn more about our world than they ever imagined – or ever wished to know.A propulsive novel both enormous in scope and intensely personal in its stakes, THE UNYIELDING FUTURE is the most ambitious and audacious tale yet from one of our most inventive storytellers.
Up Pops the Devil
by Lacha M ScottNewlywed Serena Jackson has finally married the man of her dreams. Life is great, broken relationships are on the mend, and serving in ministry is better than ever before. Serena believes that even greater things are on the horizon for her, until her life makes a detour down an unexpected road. Her dream of having the perfect life with what God has blessed her with soon becomes a blur.Everything Serena holds dear to her heart is being snatched away from her. Silenced by her pain and betrayed by the love of her life, Serena's own life-altering decisions will rock her family to the core. She questions whether the God she's served most of her life is really for her. Was everything she worked for all in vain?
Up Pops the Devil: A Novel
by Angela BensonTwo hard years in prison have changed Wilford "Preacher" Winters for the better. He did his time, now he's going to "do the right thing." But the women in his life have other ideas.Tanya, the sleek and sexy mother of his two kids, is much too comfortable with her pearls-and-Porsche lifestyle, and she'll do whatever it takes to maintain it...His sister, Loretta, kept "the business" running smoothly while Preacher was inside, and she can't believe he'd trade Easy Street bling for a nickel-and-dime dead-end job...His one-time girlfriend Serena, now married to his main man Barnard, is hiding a secret—and if past sins come to light, they'll ruin several lives and a very new, very precious friendship between Preacher and Barnard's beautiful-inside-and-out sister, Natalie.With his world about to explode all around him, Preacher's going to need every ounce of his new-found faith to remain strong. Because it takes a lot to become a new man, sometimes even a miracle.
Up Toward the Light
by Granger SmithThrough a simple conversation between a boy and a tree, country-music star Granger Smith shares an incredibly powerful and deeply moving story filled with life lessons on loss, grief, and the strength gained in finding the light and the will to move forward with joy and purpose.In this wonder-filled and inspiring story of surprising loss but found strength, a boy encounters a red oak who shares forest wisdom about the rich soil and the nourishing sun, pointing the boy toward a simple truth about moving on: we must grow toward the light. With breathtaking artwork from Laura Watkins, this picture bookis for ages 4 to 8;is a message of hope and strength that is passed through generations;shares the value of pain, grief, and reaching out of the darkness toward the light; andis perfect for fans of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse; The Velveteen Rabbit; The Invisible String or other beloved stories that teach life lessons through simple but profound moments.As you settle into the soothing nature of Granger's storytelling, let this meaningful interaction between a boy and a tree guide you toward the purpose and goodness of life.
Up and Down: Victories and Struggles in the Course of Life
by Bubba WatsonHe was a small-town boy who burst onto the international golf scene with a dramatic hook shot from deep in the woods to win the Masters— before the game he loved almost killed him. Opening up about the toll that chasing and achieving his dream of being a champion golfer took on his mental health, Bubba Watson shares his powerful story of the breaking point that gave him clarity. Bubba Watson is known as the big-hitting left-handed golfer who plays with the pink driver—the small-town kid who grew up as a child golf prodigy before going on to win two Masters Tournaments, competing in the Olympics, and rising to be the number two golfer in the world. But every dream comes with a price. Feeling that he was never good enough, Bubba began to let the constant criticism from fans and commentators haunt his thoughts. Success in the game he loved was killing him.In Up and Down, Bubba opens up about his debilitating anxiety attacks, the death of his father and namesake, adopting his children, and how reaching a breaking point professionally and personally drew him closer to his family and God. Golf is what Bubba Watson does, but it is not who he is. Through his story, you&’ll learn how Bubba: Overcame his anxiety and feelings of inadequacy Found his true identity not in the standards of the world, but in the God who already knows he is enough Learned to trust God with his gifts, family, and biggest dreams Became the husband, father, friend, and mentor he was called to be Life, like golf, is filled with ups and downs. Up and Down is the inspiring story of an imperfect man striving to become the best person he can be—wherever the course may take him.
Up at the College
by Michele Andrea BowenUP AT THE COLLEGE is the second novel in a three-part series about the lives of contemporary African American church folk who live in Durham, North Carolina. Yvonne Fountain Copeland's world turns upside down when her husband of fifteen years decides to leave her because their marriage was getting boring. Yvonne returns to her hometown of Durham, North Carolina, to try and pick up the pieces of her life.Coach Curtis Parker seems to have it all: money, a successful coaching career at Evangeline T. Marshall University, plus he's great-looking, single and childless. Yvonne and Curtis are both spinning around in circles trying to attain happiness without God's help and what began as a series of "why me's" evolves into an extraordinary journey consisting of victory, faith, joy and love.
Up from Conservatism
by Michael LindFor nearly a decade, Michael Lind worked closely as a writer and editor with the intellectual leaders of American conservatism. Slowly, he came to believe that the many prominent intellectuals he worked with were not the leaders of the conservative movement but the followers and apologists for an increasingly divisive and reactionary political strategy orchestrated by the Republican party. Lind's disillusionment led to a very public break with his former colleagues on the right, as he attacked the Reverend Pat Robertson for using anti-Semitic sources in his writings. In Up From Conservatism, this former rising star of the right reveals what he believes to be the disturbing truth about the hidden economic agenda of the conservative elite. The Republican capture of the U. S. Congress in 1994 did not represent the conversion of the American public to conservative ideology. Rather, it marked the success of the thirty-year-old "southern strategy" begun by Barry Goldwater and Richard Nixon. From the Civil War to the civil rights revolution, the southern elite combined a low-wage, low-tax strategy for economic development with a politics of demagogy based on race-baiting and Bible-thumping. Now, Lind maintains, the economic elite that controls the Republican party is following a similar strategy on a national scale, using their power to shift the tax burden from the rich to the middle class while redistributing wealth upward. To divert attention from their favoritism toward the rich, conservatives play up the "culture war," channeling popular anger about falling real wages and living standards away from Wall Street and focusing it instead on the black poor and nonwhite immigrants. The United States, Lind concludes, could use a genuine "one-nation" conservatism that seeks to promote the interests of the middle class and the poor as well as the rich. But today's elitist conservatism poses a clear and present danger to the American middle class and the American republic.
Up from the Ashes: A Syrian Christian Doctor's Story of Sacrifice, Endurance And Hope
by Samara Levy Dr. AIn one of the most brutal wars of the twenty-first century, millions of Syrians fled for a safer life elsewhere. Dr A was one of the few medical doctors that stayed. This is the story of a penniless boy, raised in poor family, whose only hope of pursuing his life's dream of becoming a doctor, was to study hard, be the top grade student at his school, to win a scholarship to study free at medical school.Driven by his Christian faith, Dr A risked his own safety, and that of his family, to care for innocent lives caught in the epicentre of a war zone through the most aggressive years of the Syrian war. As his world exploded and collapsed around him, he lost his home and hospital, while his friends, colleagues, relatives and neighbours were either kidnapped or killed, or fled from the country. Yet he remained uncompromising in his commitment to serve his people, through these near-apocalyptic events. After years of service as a doctor, when his turn came for military conscription, Dr A was forced to make one of his toughest decisions yet. To avoid being conscripted, he opted for nearly four years of isolation to evade being found, and was unable to use his skills and experience as a doctor to help those in need. It was there, at his most vulnerable, that Dr A was humbled to a deeper faith rooted in the love and service of Jesus. In spite of his withdrawal from obvious society, he managed to continue supporting his people working through a small and trusted team. Rejoining society after these life-changing years, he emerged with renewed commitment to rebuild the broken world and community he was part of, both challenging and inspiring those around him to pick up the pieces of their lives.Up From the Ashes is a gripping story of sacrifice and endurance - fuelled by prayer and bound by hope.
Up to Jerusalem: Devotions for Lent and Easter (NPH Classics)
by John A BraunPowerful daily devotions for Lent and Easter.Walk with Jesus on his earthly mission to earn salvation for us all! These 55 inspirational devotions tie together the four gospels in the Bible and lead you through Jesus’ journey to his suffering, death, and final triumph in Jerusalem. The devotions take only 10 minutes out of your day—great for busy schedules and lives. In Up to Jerusalem, you’ll be able to trace Jesus’ steps to the cross and meditate on his love for you in Lent or anytime of the year!
Up to You: It's Your Life, Choose Wisely
by Andy StanleyYou Can Have the Life You Want. You're on the brink of life! Sure, you've had one for a while now, but the teen years are the prime time to define the rest of your life. But how, realistically, can you secure a regretless future in the face of so many major, life-changing decisions? Now, by asking just one simple question, you'll make the best decision every time. And a bright future--one with no lumps in your throat, sinking sensations in your chest, or weight on your shoulders--will be yours! From dating dilemmas to career aspirations, you can confidently chart a successful course in every area of your life. But no one else will do it for you. It's entirely up to you.Yesterday You made a choice. Today It's no big deal. Tomorrow You're wondering, What was I thinking?! Now, by asking just one simple question, you can avoid regret before it defines your life. This powerful question will enable you to navigate your way to the life you've always wanted. Many consider this the best question ever. You are about to find out why! It's your life. And life is full of choices. What kind of choices will you make? It's up to you! Story Behind the Book: After continually making decisions that were short-sighted and hasty, Andy Stanley sought counsel. In Ephesians 5:15 he read, "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise." It was there that Andy discovered what he considers to be the best question ever, and it is presented here in this book for teen readers. The goal is for the younger generation to grasp the power of this question, and as they face major (and minor) life decisions, they will make them with confidence. As they move forward making sound decisions every time, they'll guarantee themselves a future with no regrets!
Upanishads (Volume #1)
by Joseph Campbell Swami NikhilanandaTHIS BOOK is a translation of four Upanishads: Katha, Iśa, Kena, and Mundaka. Written originally in melodious and inspiring Sanskrit verse, they set forth the reality of Brahman, the unsubstantiality of the phenomenal universe, and the ultimate oneness of the jiva, or indi¬vidual soul, and Brahman, or the Supreme Soul. They also teach the unity of existence, the non-duality of the Godhead, and the harmony of religions.
Upended: How Following Jesus Remakes Your Words and World
by Jedd Medefind Erik LokkesmoeConnect... Influence… Love… In a way that overturns the world's assumptions. Upended invites the follower of Jesus to become an apprentice to Jesus, particularly in the choices that shape our lives most: how we communicate and connect. Join this exhilarating exploration of the often overlooked, often oversimplified character of Jesus and His unparalleled way of communicating. Study, echo, and embrace the ways of the Master. Your life will inevitably be upended. Not always how you’d imagined, but certainly for the better. Much better.
Upheld in the Battle: Living in Heroic Faith (Morgan James Faith Ser.)
by Linda Jo Reed&“An honestly portrayed revelation of how God moves, speaks, and gently guides us through the valleys and deserts of our lives.&” —Jan Cline, author of A Heart Out of Hiding What does it take to live in heroic faith? Dependence on God&’s power to lift us, preserve us, go before us, defend us, guard us, teach us. In short, bowing before Him in all aspects of our lives is how we live in heroic faith. The American Dream was never God&’s goal for us. Knowing Him and His glory and becoming like Him is at the forefront of the plans God has for us. This is our great discovery when we give up our hopes and dreams for Him to fashion a new life for us. We struggle with this, but His rewards for us are limitless. In Upheld in the Battle, Linda Jo Reed shares her own difficult path, and how she found comfort in God through her tribulations.
Uplifting Prayers to Light Your Way: 200 Invocations For Challenging Times
by Sonia ChoquetteI cannot imagine my life without prayer. It would be like trying to survive without oxygen. Prayer sustains my soul and comforts my anxious mind. And like oxygen, I can’t live without it.– SoniaIn the course of our lives, there are occasions when we’re all asked to grow on a soul level. These transitions can be very challenging, even frightening. We might encounter sudden and unexpected changes, or life may feel overwhelming and unsatisfying in a way we can no longer ignore.During these times, we can use all the divine assistance possible to illuminate our next steps. In this book, New York Times best-selling author and spiritual teacher Sonia Choquette shares uplifting prayers especially designed to be used during these periods of soul growth and challenge. These heartfelt invocations will help you stay connected to your intuitive spirit so that you may receive support from your ever-present, loving Divine Creator and all your unseen spiritual helpers who are here to guide you through difficult times.Each beautiful and intimate prayer will give you the strength and good humor to keep flowing with life – even when it flows in turbulent and confusing ways – and enable you to face whatever the universe may put in your path with renewed courage and confidence, and a deep sense of peace and optimism.
Uplink from the Underground (Left Behind: The Kids #24)
by Tim Lahaye Jerry B. Jenkins Chris FabryA daring plan by the kids at the schoolhouse may cost them everything and put a friend in great danger. Will they continue their bold scheme? In Israel, Judd must try to stop an assassination attempt while Lionel and Sam spread the word about the start of secret meetings. Will the Young Trib Force stay together as the latest judgment takes its toll? Follow the kids in their brave attempts to show others the truth before it's too late.
Upon This Rock: The Popes and their Changing Role
by Collins, PaulThe papacy is the greatest and longest-lasting institution in the history of the West. In Upon This Rock, Paul Collins describes the evolution of the office of the papacy over the past two millennia, from St Peter to Pope John Paul II. Other recent histories of the papacy treat it as a political or social phenomenon. Upon This Rock, on the other hand, examines the links between the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, the interpretations of his teachings by the Apostles, and the changes and developments in the nature and understanding of the papal office under successive bishops of Rome. The role and powers of the holders of the papal office have been redefined many times over the centuries. Paul Collins discusses in detail the attitudes, influences and teachings of each of the Popes and sets them in a historical and cultural context, offering an illuminating account of developments and changes in Catholic teaching, theology and liturgy.
Upon a Midnight Clear
by Gail Gaymer MartinThe Love Inspired "RM" series give today's spiritual female readers what they've been asking for -- contemporary inspirational love stories that reflect their commitment to life, love and faith. Capture this audience with three new titles of this unique blend of faith and romance every month. Their hearts and spirits will soar along with your profits!A widower hires Callie, a live-in nanny, for his daughter after his wife's death. As the child and nanny become closer, the widower and Callie strengthen their relationship with God as they fall in love.
Upon a Midnight Clear and Season of Joy
by Gail Gaymer Martin Virginia CarmichaelA family for ChristmasUpon a Midnight Clear by Gail Gaymer MartinNurse Callie Randolph feels a special connection to troubled child Nattie Hamilton. And after years of heartbreak, Callie is falling in love—with Nattie’s handsome father, David. It all seems perfect—a beautiful little girl who adores her and a kind man who challenges her heart. But does Callie have the strength to test her courage and tell David everything?Yuletide Abduction by Virginia CarmichaelAs the holiday season approaches, Calista Sheffield volunteers at a downtown Denver shelter, never expecting that her own heart will find healing. The mission’s director, handsome Grant Monohan, has devoted his life to helping those in need. But he’s wary of the wealthy CEO. Unless she shares her painful history, he’ll never believe they can have a future together. And that’s the only Christmas gift Calista truly wants.