Reveals the secrets to welcoming people into one's life who will be positive influences on values and character, and how those with negative influence have also helped through prompting strength and resilience.

This fascinating look at the sacred Hindu month of Kartik (October–November) as it is celebrated in the city of Benares in North India highlights Kartik-related practices, stories, songs, and experiences particular to women. During Kartik, Hindu women living in and around Benares meet daily to enact a form of ritual worship, or puja, in which they raise the playful Hindu deity Krishna from childhood to adulthood throughout the month, ultimately marrying him to the plant-goddess Tulsi (Basil). Tracy Pintchman explores how women who perform Kartik puja understand and celebrate both Kartik and Krishna in ways that are linked to the desires, hopes, fears, and social realities characteristic of many Hindu women living in the rather conservative social milieu of this region.

Flowing from Jesus's parable of the banquest feast, this practical and challenging call to a more inclusive church shows why disabled people--the mentally retarded, the physically impaired, and others--must be part of congregational life, along with how, where, and what to do. Essential for parents, teachers, and the disabled themselves.

Heidi Fleming’s career has spanned many professions related to health and health care. She has been involved with church hospitality within the local church as well as on the regional level. She loves Jesus and loves people. Her top three spiritual gifts are faith, service, and helps. When all is said and done, she wants to do enough and say enough to make the world a little better than when she arrived.

A book that explains the spirituality and meaning in today's B'nai mitzvah. This book describes the origin of the ceremony, explains the Shabbat morning service, and offers suggestions of ways to incorporate non-Jewish family members into the celebration.