of GodResources for Women

prayermethods of struggle

ways to manage

legacywhat we

can pass on

creativityspiritual growth using creativity

My Quiet spacesa communitycreated just

for you!

The PurposeThis catalog was created with

the spiritual needs of women in

mind. Whether you’re interested

in spiritual growth, struggles,

relationships, the legacy you

pass on, aging, or creativity —

we have collected resources

and ideas for you. Welcome to a

journey we can explore together.

what’s insidePrayer 4 - 9 various methods of prayer

relationshiPs 10 - 13 God in our relationships

aging 14 - 17 growth & purpose with age

legacy 18 - 19 spiritual gifts we pass along

creativity 20 - 21 nurturing your creativity

struggle 22 - 27 support through struggle

Devotion to goD 28 - 29 daily practices of devotion

alive now Magazine 30 blending prayers, scripture, poetry, photography, & art

how to orDer 31living Prayer center 31 join in or ask for prayerUpper Room Books Staff

Introducing a new website just for women!

Do you aspire to find some quiet moments to spend with God?

Would you like to interact with other women of all ages who also want to grow closer to God?

Whether you want a more focused prayer life, a way to explore your spiritual journey through creative expression, an opportunity to connect online with other women, or a way to connect with women who are close to you, MyQuietSpaces.org can help.

Each month the website provides you with a theme and suggestions for exploring that theme through:

• Prayer • Online interaction • Creative expression • Small groups

Drop in, say hello, and participate where you feel most comfortable. Discover the rich and diverse opportunities available through an online community of women who are seeking to grow closer to God and one another.

MyQuietSpaces.org

Introducing a new website just for women!

Do you aspire to find some quiet moments to spend with God?

Would you like to interact with other women of all ages who also want to grow closer to God?

Whether you want a more focused prayer life, a way to explore your spiritual journey through creative expression, an opportunity to connect online with other women, or a way to connect with women who are close to you, MyQuietSpaces.org can help.

Each month the website provides you with a theme and suggestions for exploring that theme through:

• Prayer • Online interaction • Creative expression • Small groups

Drop in, say hello, and participate where you feel most comfortable. Discover the rich and diverse opportunities available through an online community of women who are seeking to grow closer to God and one another.

MyQuietSpaces.org

Prayer Interludes for Women Patricia wilson Life is constantly full and busy. Despite the chaos of juggling multiple roles, deadlines, and commitments, the intimate relationship with God you’ve yearned for is well within your grasp. Patricia Wilson asks you to find a few minutes to calm your mind and listen to God. Even a few stray minutes can become a blessed opportunity for a focused encounter with God. Each prayer interlude featured in this book has 5 parts:

CaLminG a passage from the Psalms to calm the mind

CEntErinG a practice to focus on God

PrayinG a prayer for a particular situation or occasion

ListEninG a Gospel passage with the words of Jesus

rEturninG a practice to anchor the prayer experience

I never thought a lot about personal prayer until I met June. Before that, I thought prayer was something you did in church, before bed, or before a meal. I believed prayer should be formal and suspected that prayers written by someone else were more acceptable than my own hesitant whisperings. Then June came into my life. A minister’s wife, she had a big, bold laugh that matched her big, bold personality. She loved her Savior and spoke of that love at every opportunity. She prayed anytime, anywhere, often out loud and always as if she were talking to a dear friend. If she saw a bush in bloom, she thanked God for its beauty. If she saw a child crying, she prayed for healing. If she was running late, she asked for the gift of time. June taught me that prayer can be a daily, continuous, ongoing conversation that forms the framework of my life. My prayer life today is so much deeper because of June’s wonderful example. — Patricia Wilson

Who influenced

your prayer life?

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Praying in the Messiness of Life7 Ways to Renew Your Relationship with God linDa DoutyHow can you squeeze more time for prayer into an already busy life? Linda Douty suggests fresh ideas for weaving prayer into your life as it is, messiness and all. Perfect for individuals or small groups; includes reflection questions and a group guide for a 5-week study, 9-week study, or a private retreat.

PaPerback $11.99 978-0-8358-1041-8

ebook $7.99 978-0-8358-1155-2

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Scrambled StartsFamily Prayers for Morning, Bedtime, and Everything In-Between Jenny youngManDo you long to teach your children to pray? Learn from a mother of four who understands chaotic family schedules and children’s short attention spans. See how her family managed to make prayer a natural part of their daily lives. This handy book for all ages includes mealtime blessings, bedtime prayers, morning devotions, scriptures, and prayers for all occasions.

From the cowardice that

dares not face new truth,

From the laziness that is

contented with half-truth,

From the arrogance that

thinks it knows all truth,

good lord, deliver me.

amen.

sample prayerfor the spirit of truth

thank you, lord, for this good day.

help us now to sleep, we pray.

and in our rest, please grant us strength

to serve you well in work and play.

samplebedtime Prayer

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A Bead and a PrayerA Beginner’s Guide to Protestant Prayer Beads kristen e. vincent Do you ever struggle with prayer? maybe your mind wanders, you wonder if God even hears your prayers, or you just don’t know what to pray.

a Bead and a Prayer introduces Protestant prayer beads as a tool for connecting with God. this 4-week Bible study is designed for people with no experience in using prayer beads. you will discover answers to such questions as:

• Why usE PrayEr BEaDs? • is it rEaLLy okay for ProtEstants to usE BEaDs in PrayEr?• What Do thE BEaDs mEan?• hoW Do i usE PrayEr BEaDs?includes instructions for making your own prayer beads, offers a variety of prayers, and shows how to use beads to listen to God. a great hands-on way to help you focus while praying! BEaDs arE not inCLuDED. aLso avaiLaBLE: another Bead, another Prayer

Before I began ninth grade, my family moved to Texas. I was the new kid in my youth group, and so was Elizabeth, the college-aged intern. Perhaps because we were both newcomers, she and I bonded quickly.With Elizabeth by our side, we youth group girls navigated the throes of high school life and explored what it meant to be Christian. Elizabeth was there for us every step of the way. By the time her internship ended, we had developed deep bonds with her, one another, and God.

Only now, as I continue to work toward understanding prayer, I see what Elizabeth did for me over 30 years ago. She guided, pushed, and encouraged me. She listened to me, dried my tears, laughed at my stories, and celebrated with me. Mostly, she modeled God’s love for me, helping me recognize God’s image within me and God’s presence around me. —Kristen Vincent

Who influenced

your prayer life?

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Birthed in PrayerPregnancy as a Spiritual Journey kiM barker, linDa De Meillon, anD leigh harrisonPregnancy is a spiritually exciting and challenging time. This hopeful, grace-filled companion is designed to be used during the 9 months of pregnancy. Through lively storytelling and thoughtful questions, the authors invite mothers-to-be to explore the emotional and physical changes of pregnancy as part of a lifelong movement toward faith and wholeness.

PaPerback $7.99 978-0-8358-9941-3

ebook $5.99 978-0-8358-1273-3

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Christ Beside Me, Christ Within MeCeltic Blessings beth a. richarDsonDo you wonder where God is present in your day? Learn to live in the “now” and experience the sacredness of every moment with this beautiful collection of Celtic blessings from Beth Richardson. Her short, simple prayers, combined with rich stories about her grandfather, will lead you to notice God’s presence in every moment.

PaPerback $9.99 978-0-8358-1523-9

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of the coffee

bless this cup, smooth and warm,held in cold hands, in cold hands.bless this drink, dark and strong,

sipped slowly in the quiet, in the quiet.

bless this day and all who wake.give them comfort, strength,

and plenty,strength and plenty.

amen.

sample blessing

birth is both an ending and a beginning as we embark on a new journey with our newborn baby. we give birth, and we are birthed into a new role as mothers:• releasing our babies from our wombs

• birthing & being birthed• invitation to prayer: write a letter of blessing and encouragement to your baby.

sampleweekly reading

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Finding Your Voice in the PsalmsAn Invitation to Honest Prayer elizabeth J. canhaM have you ever railed in anger about some situation in your life and wondered if something terrible might happen because you dared express your rage to God?

or after some trauma, have you experienced the horrible sense of God’s absence? if you’ve had these or other feelings and wondered what to do with them, the Psalms provide a good way for you to pray about any situation.

Discover the beauty and power of the Psalms, and learn how to pray about every situation in your life. as you explore seven themes in the Psalms, Canham guides you to write your own psalms that express your feelings to God. Perfect for individuals or small groups; includes worship suggestions and a group guide for a 7-week study.

During the years I lived and worked in a Benedictine monastery, we

chanted numerous psalms each day. At times I struggled to sing the

intricate chants we practiced each week in choir, but rarely did I leave

the chapel without a word or phrase that accompanied me throughout

the day. I discovered at the monastery that worship beginning in

silence and punctuated by many pauses allows time for deeper

connection with the One to whom we pray. —Elizabeth J. Canham

Who influenced

your prayer life?

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o god, the sky is dark today, and i am feeling darkness inside as well.i don’t know what to do next. you know

the struggles in my life right now.i have decisions to make,

and i am unsure which one is right.i have decisions to make,

and i’m feeling scared and anxious.come beside me, lord.

i need assurance of your presence.i need to know the sun will shine again.

i need your comfort and direction.be present to me, o god, as i face my

struggles. shine light on this dark path.amen.

sample prayer for when i need light

Prayers for Life’s Ordinary and Extraordinary MomentscoMPileD anD eDiteD by Mary lou reDDingSometimes our prayers flow easily, but at other times, the words just won’t come, no matter how hard we try. This collection of honest and heartfelt prayers for all sorts of occasions gives you words to pray in those times when you can’t find words of your own.

PaPerback $11.99 978-0-8358-1089-0

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Heart WhispersBenedictine Wisdom for Today elizabeth J. canhaMAccessible insights from Benedictine spirituality help us explore the need for faithful living in today’s world. By listening with “the ear of the heart,” the sixth-century monk Benedict gained a fresh perspective on Christian spirituality as he lived by three simple vows: stability, obedience, and conversion. Leader’s Guide also available.

PaPerback $11.99 978-0-8358-0892-7

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Prayer is work.we are beloved children of a loving creator who, through christ, invites us

into ever deepening intimacy, an intimacy we sometimes

welcome but often fear. the work of prayer consists of ceasing from chatter and

learning to listen, relinquishing our supposed control of the situation, and letting god be

god. this is hard work.

sample excerpt

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Room at My Table

For a season in my life, I was in a funk. Things I used to enjoy—things that made me laugh—no longer filled my heart with joy. Sensing my struggles, a friend named Jo prayed specifically for God to open my heart. As I affirmed her prayer, I sensed a release in my spirit.

Years later, I accepted an invitation to lunch at another friend’s new apartment. When I arrived, her warm welcome turned serious: “When you came in, did you smell smoke?” “Yes,” I admitted. “This is the first time I’ve used this fireplace. Something’s not right,” she remarked. Though not mechanically inclined, I knew enough to ask, “Did you open the flue?” “Yes, I moved the lever,” she said, pointing toward the bottom of the chimney. But smoke began to thicken in the room.

After my friend called maintenance, she realized, in fact, the flue wasn’t open. She pulled the lever again, and the smoke lifted. I only remembered Jo’s prayer and its effect as I was driving home from her apartment. I too had experienced a clearing of my spirit through Jo’s words. I pondered the gift of a friend praying for me and felt gratitude. —Evelyn Bence

Who has been

the face of God

to you?

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Preparing Heart and Home for Christian Hospitality evelyn bencea delightful collection of 52 devotions reflecting on gatherings at the author’s table that have brought together friends, family, and strangers. the anecdotal meditations welcome you into Bence’s kitchen and dining room. you see her planning a gathering, choosing recipes, thinking about how to make guests feel at ease.

for seasoned hosts, Bence provides encouragement and camaraderie. for novices, she offers gentle instruction laced with humor, realistic expectations, and recipes to try.

Come along, she gracefully urges—make room at your table for others to share a meal or even a cup of coffee and dessert. Whether your table is humble or grand, you can reach out and enjoy offering hospitality to those around you.

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Loving the World with GodFourth Day Living rebecca Dwight bruFFHave you ever had a mountaintop spiritual experience and then had trouble returning to the reality of your daily life? After such a time of spiritual growth, you need practical, hands-on ways to continue your daily walk with Christ and love the world with God. Each chapter includes reflection exercises and suggestions for prayer. Incorporates Walk to Emmaus language.

PaPerback $7.99 978-0-8358-1335-8

ebook $7.99 978-0-8358-1337-2

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Talk That Matters30 Days to Better Relationships susan lee linD anD ben caMPbell JohnsonImprove your relationships in just 30 days! The authors explain 30 principles that help you learn the art of clear, effective communication. Included are basic principles that make meaningful talk possible, insights that make communication more effective, ways to recognize differences in people, and information on how to work through larger issues that call for clear speech.

Reflectecclesiastes 11:1

Ponderwhen have you

experienced a grace-filled relationship? where and

how do you experience the body of christ at work

in the world?

PrayPray about

vulnerability and your ability to be open to it.

sample exercises

the eighth principle requires you to

take a risk. trust and risk can be

thought of as two sides of the same

coin. on one side, if you trust some-

one, you are likely to take a risk

with him or her. on the flip side, if

you have taken a risk, it is probably

because you trust that person. the

two are intertwined. without trust

you cannot be totally honest with

someone, and without risk you may

appear aloof or guarded.

sample excerptlearn to trust People

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My mother is now 76, and her mind has become a vehicle for reflection. Her stories of her own mother become more vivid each year. On Sundays, in particular, when my mother is awestruck by the rush and irreverence of the 21st century, she tells stories of a different time.

“Mother would load us all into the station wagon on Sunday evenings, and we’d go down to the county home and visit the old folks who had no one.” She pauses to remember the rooms of the lonely, sick, and despondent. “She was so thoughtful in that way.” By thoughtful, my mother means Christlike. She glances at the Bible on the couch near us. “She taught us what it meant to do for the ‘least of these.’ ”

This sabbath gesture planted a seed within my mother, and she ensured that I was brought up in the same faith—the kind where others can see God’s love in and through me. My grandmother’s simple act of taking five smiling children to a lonely place all those years ago yielded much fruit. Both my mother and I learned from her faithful example. Each day, we are invited to the same opportunity: How will others see God in us today? —J. Dana Trent

The Unlikely Story of How a Christian Minister Married a Hindu Monk J. Dana trenta Christian minister and a hindu monk fall in love and get married. how does this interfaith relationship work?

saffron Cross is the intriguing memoir of the relationship between Dana, a Baptist minister, and fred, a devout hindu and former monk. the two meet on eharmony and begin a fascinating, sometimes daunting but ultimately inspiring journey of interfaith relationship and marriage.

Written with humor and honesty, their story gives a glimpse into the challenges of bringing together two vastly different spiritual paths into one household. a welcome and inspiring story of empathy, love, and understanding.

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Forgiving Your FamilyA Journey to Healing kathleen FischerThe gospel calls us to love others, but we often struggle to do this in our closest relationships. Therapist Kathleen Fischer offers real-life stories, practical strategies to help you move toward forgiveness, and prayer suggestions. Learn how to draw on your faith and rest in God’s peace as you work toward healing in your relationships.

PaPerback $13.99 978-0-8358-9802-7

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Kindred Souls Connecting Through Spiritual Friendship stePhanie ForDAs you make spiritual growth a priority, gradual shifts in perspective occur. You crave deeper friendships that mutually encourage reflection on ideas, obstacles, progress, and realizations. With the story of Ruth and Naomi as a template, Ford describes how to overcome the risk and fear of sharing, and explains how to be a faithful listener. Offers new insights that will empower you to build and nurture soul partnerships that will bear fruit throughout a lifetime.

PaPerback $13.99 978-0-8358-9903-1

another characteristic of spiritual friendship is its nature of calling, even vocation. you sense the spirit’s leading to pursue a particular relationship. the biblical friendships of David and Jonathan, ruth and naomi, and Paul and timothy speak to this understanding.

sample excerpt

sample excerpt

Forgiving requires generosity and hard work. it must be

anchored in convincing answers to the question, why forgive?

your own incentives may include awareness of god’s forgiveness of you, recognition of the harm that refusing to forgive inflicts on you and others, realization

of your love for family members, or concern for how your hardness hinders peace.

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Voices of Aging

A few years ago, an older friend and I had a conversation about changes she

had experienced in her long life. She talked about riding a mule to school,

playing homespun games, and the thrill of receiving oranges in her Christmas

stocking. “Oh, how the world has changed,” she said pensively before adding,

“People say that that change is good. Some is. Some isn’t. It takes wisdom to

know the difference.”

Every week I visit friends in three senior living communities because I want to

learn from mature believers whose long lives have been jam-packed with joy

and laughter, broken hearts and unfulfilled dreams, failure and triumph. Senior

saints have a unique perspective and purpose and can teach us much about

pursuing God in a world of constant change. —Missy Buchanan

What wisdom

can we gain from

older adults in

our lives?

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Adult Children and Aging Parents Talk with God Missy buchananmost families struggle with guilt and stress as they work through the best next steps in the aging journey. Buchanan offers a compassionate look at the concerns of two generations—adult children and their parents—as they deal with the fears and frustrations of aging. through paired conversations with God, she presents each generation’s perspective on common situations like giving up the car keys, finding the best living arrangements, and so on.

Beyond DeathWhat Jesus Revealed about Eternal Life Flora slosson wuellnerWhat awaits us after death? Flora Wuellner brings deep wisdom, gentle guidance, and a lifetime of study, reflection, and experience to shed light on what Jesus revealed about eternal life. Whether you are curious or anxious about the afterlife, you will find hope and comfort in her writing.

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10 Gospel Promises for Later LifeJane Marie thibaultIs there any good news in the Good News for older adults? Facing decline and losses in later life, many adults undergo a spiritual crisis. Examining the Gospels in a spirit of prayer, Jane Thibault addresses the questions of older adults and affirms Jesus’ promise of abundant life for all. Enlarged Print

it feels better to be perceived

as a powerful person than

ineffective or obsolete. the

process of aging can make

us feel that we have little

control over our lives. can you

remember the most recent

situation in which you felt

powerless?

sample excerpt

sample excerpt

Jesus said very little about eternal life. we wish he had

said much more. but the implications of what he did say are profound in power

and significance. we need to look carefully at his words

and stories connecting them with the implications of other words and stories. we need to look at his whole luminous life to begin to see eternal life

through his eyes.

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Elders hold within their hearts a treasury of both practical and spiritual

insights—gifts of wisdom they’re yearning to share. We can receive these

gifts by listening intently to their life stories. Embedded in these stories

are lessons that can teach us how to live lives of love, faith, joy, hope,

generosity, courage, and dedication. Sadly, not all elders are viewed as

being wise, for some have lived seemingly turbulent lives. However, by

encouraging them to share even disappointments and failures, we can

help them see the good in their lives while we learn what does not work,

what decisions not to make, what not to do! Since no two persons are

wise in the same way, each has unique gifts of wisdom to share.

—Jane Marie Thibault

7 Gateways to Spiritual Growth Jane Marie thibault anD richarD l. MorganDo you dread growing old?

the last third of life, from age 60 on up, doesn’t have to be feared. When viewed from a Christian perspective, this season of life can be meaningful, endurable, and even joyful.

the authors suggest approaching the Last third as a pilgrimage—a journey full of purpose, ripe with opportunities for spiritual growth. thibault and morgan, ages 65 and 82, dig deeply into the realities of their lives and give you 7 ways to open yourself to God and the abundant life God wants for you. the book includes reflection questions and can be used by individuals or groups for a 7-week study.

Pilgrimage into the Last Third of Life

What wisdom

can we gain from

older adults in

our lives?

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Not AloneEncouragement for Caregivers nell noonanCaregivers have a front-row seat to suffering. Helping someone through disease, pain, frailty, and death exacts a tremendous toll. Noonan describes the caregiving experience as a spiritual pilgrimage and invites us to look for God’s embrace along the way. These honest and authentic daily devotions offer encouragement through another day of profound frustration, wonder, empathy, and devotion.

harDback $9.99 978-0-8358-9982-6

Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out BodySpiritual Encouragement for Older Adults Missy buchananFrailty, dependence, and constant pain can lead to a spiritual hopelessness in this increasingly “gray” society. Buchanan fosters empathy for and expresses the deepest concerns of the frail elderly without tap-dancing around the tough issues. Forty-two short, comforting devotionals offer much-needed spiritual encouragement. Supporting scriptures from the New Testament and Psalms are included with each meditation. Enlarged Print

each day i look forward to the familiar sound. keys

clinking against metal boxes, announcing that the mail

has arrived. Perhaps there will be a colorful card or a

crayon drawing for my wall. Most likely though, there

will only be slick-paper ads and coupons i will never use. no-name mail addressed to “occupant.”. . . lord, i want to live my life as more than an “occupant.” i want to live

so that others might see who you are. when my life

seems insignificant, remind me that i still have value.

sample excerpt

sample excerpt

the first of seven beatitudes or blessings in the opening

verses of revelation reminds us that god’s story blesses.

blessed is the one who reads, the one who hears, and the one who keeps the words of the scriptures. i add

my own benediction today: blessed is the one who finds hope in the word even when brokenhearted, depressed,

oppressed, or blind.

Wild Things

My mother, my first female role model, immediately comes to mind. She passed on many gifts to me. One was what all women need: the emotional strength, courage, and stamina to survive the inevitable pressures our culture places on us. Another was the understanding that love is the most important human trait. It includes compassion, kindness, and occasionally fierceness on behalf of the folks we live among.

A third gift my mother gave me was an appreciation of beauty in large and small things. She helped me understand that I have a responsibility to see, create, and preserve beautiful things. Mama also left me with the gift of memory and a sense of wonder at the stories of people and their precious lives that, without us, would be remembered only by God.

I hope that through Wild Things I can pass on to readers my mother’s legacy. —Roberta Bondi

What qualities do you admire in women, and what do you hope to pass on to others?

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Poems of Grief and Love, Loss and Gratitude roberta c. bonDithrough this book of poetry and reflections, roberta Bondi offers a gift to all who have lost a loved one. she expresses her muddled feelings over the death of her mother—shock, love, pain, anger, guilt, emptiness, confusion, exhaustion. Bondi’s honesty and authentic spirituality provide comfort and help to those going through the grieving process. Wild things will also be a valuable resource for pastors, counselors, chaplains, hospice workers, and family and friends of those dealing with loss.

My story, My song Mother-Daughter

Reflections on Life

and Faith

Missy Buchanan

You will be inspired and uplifted by this memoir of Lucimarian Roberts, a woman who has faced the best and worst of times with faith, dignity, and grace.

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kindLe $4.99 978-0-8358-1108-8

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growing compassionate kids helping Kids see

Beyond Their Backyard

Jan Johnson

illustrates practical, everyday ways for parents to help children develop empathy and seek justice in the world.

PaPeRback $13.99 978-0-8358-0932-0

Passing It On

I admire women who have taken time to discover and nurture the gifts God has given them so they can contribute to a more beautiful, whole, and hopeful world. I admire teachers and mothers, bakers and writers, executives and healers who embrace their giftedness and delight in sharing their gifts with the world.

I hope I can pass on hope and a deep desire for integration of body, mind, and soul in service to God. I also want to encourage others to open their eyes and hearts to see people as simultaneously broken and beautiful, stumbling and dancing as they move closer to one another and to God. —Kara Lassen Oliver

What qualities do you admire in women, and what do you hope to pass on to others?

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How to Nurture Your Children’s Faith Season by Season kara lassen oliverkara oliver offers practical ideas to help Christian parents nurture children in their faith. recognizing that families are pressed for time, oliver provides simple, doable suggestions for weekly family gatherings. her ideas can be easily incorporated into your schedule—just 4 weeks at a time during 4 times of the year: advent, Lent, summer, and back-to-school.

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When I grant myself the freedom to observe life honestly, my creativity thrives. This observation begins by taking note of the world around me, engaging with how I feel in my body, and defining what emotions I am experiencing. I keep a small journal with me so I can jot down any new observations or ideas. My creativity is also strengthened by friends who share my creative nature, and I make time to connect with kindred spirits on a regular basis for inspiration.

Ultimately, the work of creativity occurs in my time alone. I light a candle, make a cup of tea, pray, and write. Though I have found many ways to nurture my own creativity, the act of writing nurtures me most of all. —Jane Herring

Interacting with Scripture Through Creative Writing Jane herringDo you want to find a more creative way to relate to the Bible?

Jane herring struggled with the contradictions, puzzling stories, and difficult sayings in scripture—until she discovered the power of interacting with them.

herring guides you to talk back to those scripture passages you don’t understand. ask questions, explore your life, plead, praise, and ponder. she provides simple, practical tools for beginning and experienced writers. this 6-week study includes a Leader’s Guide. a perfect resource for individuals, small groups, and retreats.

One Day I Wrote Back

How do you

nurture your own

creativity?

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Contemplative by DesignCreating Quiet Spaces for Retreats, Workshops, Churches, and Personal Settings gerrie l. griMsley anD Jane J. youngIn our fast-paced world, it is often difficult to find quiet spaces for rest and reflection. This book outlines 15 unique quiet spaces with instructions for setup, background information, and materials necessary to create each space. Included are guided meditations that act as a link between the physical setting and the spiritual makeover that could occur at each space.

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we receive directions every day. traffic signals, voice mail, and a myriad of other electronic devices

give us instructions to direct our actions. instructions surround us; most of the time

they are clear and easy to understand. however, listening to god’s leading in our lives challenges us.

recognizing nudgings from the spirit is as hard, if not harder, than finding that

elusive presence in centering.

Meditation on Both Sides of the CameraA Spiritual Journey in Photograghy valerie k. isenhowerPhotography provides a way to still the heart and soul so we can sense God’s presence. Award-winning photographer Valerie Isenhower explores photography and meditation on images as a spiritual practice. Field-tested in workshops and e-learning sessions, this e-book offers a Christian perspective on the photography process from preparation to processing and meditating with images. Includes color photographs and links to online resources.

ebook $9.99 978-0-8358-1178-1

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the quiet spaces described in these pages are places intentionally designed to invite sabbath rest and to encourage reflection on, and quiet awareness of, the spirit of god. Many of the spaces incorporate a visual focus, and all contain a simple written meditation guide based on the premise that we are immersed in the sacred and can become more sensitive to that reality.

sample excerpt

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The Soulmaking Room

I grew up surrounded by bold women—four courageous sisters and a mother

who would try almost anything—and I was attracted to strong women as

mentors. It took a long time to realize what a gift it is to be raised without fear

at my back. And yet struggles—often deep, wrenching, and long-term—are a

part of our lives. My struggles open me to my limitations, vulnerable places, and

deep need for God’s companionship—not as a judge but as a presence of hope,

redemption, and love in my broken places. Struggle releases us from judgment

and brings us into community. We learn that we need each other and we need

God—not above us, omniscient and all-powerful, but around us like a cloak of

warmth and grace. —Dee Dee Risher

How have

struggles brought

you closer to God?

What women have

supported you in

times of struggle?

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Dee Dee rishera personal journey that shows how life’s most painful times can shape us into our best, most authentic selves.

Dee Dee risher weaves experiences from her life with the biblical story of the prophet Elisha and the shunammite woman. risher is captivated by this spiritually attuned, generous, hospitable, honest, and bold woman. the woman from shunem extends radical hospitality to the prophet, expecting no reward. But when disaster strikes, she does not hesitate to hold Elisha accountable.

hidden in the story, risher believes, are the questions that lead to a more authentic life. her book encourages each of us to find a holy room in which we are in community with others and where we can shape our souls into their unique dimensions. We each need a space for this work —a soulmaking room.

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sample excerptgod must have slumber

parties because some of the things

god orchestrates in the bible’s

stories make me believe that god

knows a thing or two about how

essential girlfriends are to any

kind of holy enterprise, whether

it’s praying, griping, imbibing, or

birthing prophets and saviors.

this brings me comfort because it

means i’m not weird for imagining

that some of my most sincere

experiences of god are channeled

through my gal pals.

Reluctant PilgrimA Moody, Somewhat Self-Indulgent Introvert’s Search for Spiritual Community enuMa okoroAre you thirsty for God but not so sure about church? Enuma Okoro is a tea-sipping, seminary-educated young woman with a passion for God, close girlfriends, gorgeous shoes, and desire for a godly man with great hair. A fascinating story of longing, loss, and promise—and of God’s presence through it all.

PaPerback $14.95 978-1-935205-10-4

ebook $9.99 978-1-935205-15-9

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Prayer, Stress, and Our Inner WoundsFlora slosson wuellnerWe are all wounded in some way. Only as we become aware of our own pain and need for inner healing can we hope to help heal others. This sensitive look at inner wounds reminds us that healing was central to Jesus’ ministry. Prayers and spiritual exercises will help you find your own means for receiving God’s love that will heal physical pain, painful memories, the pain of uncertainty, and the pain of stress.

PaPerback $13.99 978-0-8358-0501-8

what if we don’t know what is hurting us? what if we can’t identify the source of our pain? what if the trauma happened before we could think coherently or it was so painful that we pushed it into

the subconscious self? what if the fear and pain are associated with some

deep, ongoing conflict we cannot name or identify? Does this mean we can’t

experience healing of these hurts because we can’t remember or identify them?

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When I was a new teacher in a public school, I learned one day that a student-athlete of mine had been tragically killed. She’d been a lively 15-year-old, and the loss was painful for everyone.

I called an older Christian friend, barely able to whisper the news.

“I’ll be right over,” she said. I hadn’t asked, yet she didn’t hesitate. And when she arrived, she sat with me, made me a cup of tea, and stayed until I fell asleep.

I’ve never forgotten that. Even 30 years later, I think of how she modeled what other Christian women have done: join me in the struggle. They point me to Jesus, offer scripture or silence, prayers or tea, reminding me that the Prince of Peace is with me always, even in the times when life doesn’t make sense. —Jo Kadlecek

How Passion Saved My Life Jo kaDlecekare you just going through the motions of life?

Life can be hard at times. it may be tempting to give in or give up, to stay busy or looked engaged with the memory and pretense of living.

What does it mean to be truly alive?

Jo kadlecek explores the meaning of passion through the lens of her own life. follow her from a middle-class, almost tedious life, to a life awakened to the gifts around her. Discover the paradoxes of pain and beauty, life and death, work and adventure, love and compassion.

Woman Overboard

How have

struggles brought

you closer to God

and what women

have supported

you in times of

struggle?PaPerback $7.99 978-0-8358-1315-0

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Healing from Divorce28 Days of Prayer Mary lou reDDingWhether you anticipate divorce, are in the midst of the process, or are living life after divorce, this book will help you begin the journey of healing. This 4-week study is to meant to help with some of the journey. Healing from the pain and loss of a failed marriage comes at a different pace for each person, and healing takes as longs as it takes. Each meditation suggests a Bible reading and includes questions or an exercise for reflection.

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Freedom from Worry28 Days of Prayer Patricia wilsonAre you losing sleep at night because of worry? Maybe you’re anxious about relationships, your job, finances, your health, or the state of the world. Leave your worries in God’s hands—focus on the Psalms, devotions, and practical suggestions in this helpful book. This 4-week study will encourage readers who struggle with the sometimes debilitating habit of worry.

series

Depending on whom you ask, it takes 21–28 days to create a habit. the point is to commit for a consecutive number of days. this series follows the same concept. each book is designed to cover a specific topic and help you develop

a daily prayer practice that hopefully continues beyond the 28 days.

the 28 days of prayer

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visit bookstore.uPPerrooM.org for other titles in the 28 days of prayer series

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A Widow’s Prayer

The challenges of being a caregiver for seven years, followed by my husband’s

death and the subsequent grief journey, both battered and blessed my soul.

The struggles forced me to let go of who I thought I was and moved me

toward a stripped-down, more authentic identity. Often I hit the bottom in grief,

exhaustion, and anguish but God was always there—looking at me, catching

me, loving me. The deeper meaning of my pilgrimage, then and now, points

toward God’s grace, mercy, and steadfast love.

Jesus had a support group of women throughout his life. I also benefited from

the steadfast support of women including my grandmother; mother; daughter;

sister; teachers; friends Emily, Nancy, Una, Frances; and others. I thank the

women at The Upper Room who provided me opportunity to share what God

has been doing in my life through my writings. —Nell Noonan

How have

struggles brought

you closer to God

and what women

have supported

you in times of

struggle?

Finding God’s Grace in the Days Ahead nell e. noonanLosing a spouse ranks as one of life’s greatest stresses. adjusting to the new identity of widow while facing many questions and urgent decisions can be overwhelming.

in this book of 60 meditations, nell noonan candidly shares her experiences in the 26 months after her husband’s death. “my writing is not meant to tell you what or how or when to do anything,” noonan says. “the devotions are only meant to hold your hand and feel your pain so that hopefully you will be able to inch slowly, step-by-step, into being more whole.” find peace, wisdom, and hope in your grief and pain through noonan’s heartfelt devotions.

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Fear NotLearning from Your Cancer JuDy gattis sMithWhy me? Why not me? Where is God? As you come face-to-face with mortality, where do you find the strength and inspiration to live with cancer? Whether you’ve just received a diagnosis or been in remission for years, cancer is a devastating experience. Smith, a cancer survivor, chronicles how to live—not merely cope—through what comes next. This guided personal workbook will help you work through the big questions and find fulfillment and peace of mind.

PaPerback $12.99 978-0-8817-7538-9

Loving an AddictGospel Reflections of Hope and Healing alyssa PhilliPsFear. Anger. Shame. Resentment. Despair. If you love someone with an addiction, you’re probably familiar with these emotions. Alyssa Phillips, the wife of an alcoholic, shares 52 authentic reflections on her journey of coming to peace with loving an addict. Her honest reflections and prayers will provide strength and hope for those struggling to love people with addictions.

sample excerpt

never lose sight of what is

special about you. continuing

to use this image, consider

your whole life. you are so

much more than your cancer.

no one has ever lived your life

before, and no one will live it

again. you are unique. let us

consider the unique oak of

righteousness you are

called to be.

sample excerpta best practice for those

of us with addicted loved

ones comes in immersing

ourselves in scripture,

seeking out and clinging

to specific promises that

resonate in our hearts.

as we repeat them to

ourselves during tough

times, god will give us the

faith and trust to stake

our lives on them.

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My prayer life began with saying and praying the words of others. But eventually I reached an inevitable crossroad: I learned to focus on what God could do in and through me instead of what I could do for God.

My spiritual practices these days center on being present to the Presence. Meditation and contemplation have provided a sense of understanding—the more I listen, the more I sense God speaking to me. I’m able to witness the Spirit planting seeds of awareness in me, assuring me of God’s love and acceptance in spite of my inadequacies, and guiding me to respond to what God is doing in my life.

I spend time each day in silence (the language of God!) where I take a leap of radical faith, trusting that the Spirit can shape and form me from the inside out. I don’t evaluate the experience; I trust it, allowing thoughts to pass by so I can return to God’s breath moving in and out of my lungs. —Linda Douty

365 Meditations to Nurture the Soul linDa Doutyfind spiritual nourishment for every season.

Linda Douty uses the seasons of the year to illustrate natural trends in our spiritual lives. for winter, she writes about themes of rootedness, fallow times, reflection; for spring, awakening, planting, new growth, storms; for summer, bearing fruit, abundance, blossoming, weeding, and pests; for fall, letting go, sifting, harvesting. Douty’s conversational style and ability to bring together the everyday and the holy make this the perfect selection for anyone who wants a devotional book that applies to everyday life.

Rhythms of Growth

What daily

practices allow

you to put God

first in your

devotion?

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The Power of a Focused Heart8 Life Lessons from the Beatitudes Mary lou reDDingSometimes teachings from well-known biblical passages are so obvious and preached so often that we overlook other helpful, not-so-obvious lessons. The Beatitudes are celebrated as being the template for humble Christian living. Dig deeper and you’ll also find practical applications for living a simpler yet more spiritually engaged life, especially in this distraction-heavy and frenzied world.

In the Sanctuary of WomenA Companion for Reflection and Prayer Jan l. richarDsonA devotional book that gathers together six women from scripture and history whose lives invite us to move more deeply into our own: Eve, St. Brigid of Kildare, the desert mothers, Hildegard of Bingen, Harriet Powers, and the woman of the Song of Songs. Each chapter becomes its own sanctuary, gracing and engaging the reader with the reflections, stories, poetry, prayers, and blessings.

blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

— Matthew 5:5you know, i don’t think i’ve

ever said, “gee, i hope my kids grow up to be meek.” there’s a reason for that. the greek word translated “meek” in

this passage also carries the meanings of being humble

and gentle; and our culture does not reward meekness, gentleness, and humility. our national self-image is that

we are rugged individualists, fighters with plenty of grit, destined to be leaders of

the world.

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eve chooses a complicated way. her reaching, her taking, her tasting will stir her from the safety of eden. her act propels her into a future in which choices will not be laid out for

her but where she will have to make decisions each step of the way.this is a story of original hunger. it invites us to trace the lines of our longings and where they have led us.

sample excerpt

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!1 YEAR (6 ISSUES) FOR JUST $17.95

www.alivenow.org

Call 800.972.0433 and ask for offer A6ES01

— Micah 6:8

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how to order4 convenient ways to orDer!

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Discount Policy: When purchasing multiple copies of resources for your church, study group, committee, or other formation group, you may qualify for a quantity discount. Customers must order directly from the publisher, and the discount applies only to items shipped to one address. Videos, CDs, PDFs, prepackaged sets, and items purchased from Amazon.com are excluded from all quantity discounts, promotions, or other special offers.

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SUBSCRIBE TODAY!1 YEAR (6 ISSUES) FOR JUST $17.95

www.alivenow.org

Call 800.972.0433 and ask for offer A6ES01

— Micah 6:8

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