While the exodus dates back thousands of years, religious organizations continue to operate in the shadows of the pyramids--the symbol of empire--that the Israelites once toiled to build. The reason is understandable, given that pyramids are remarkably stable structures. Pyramids lend an orderliness to organizational relationships in our churches and synagogues. However, Kathleen McShane and Elan Babchuck argue that such leadership models reflect syncretic cultural traditions more than our theological convictions. These patterns elevate the structure of the pyramid above the people. They reward the consolidation of power at the top at the expense of the freedom of those below. They constrain creativity and elevate efficiency at the cost of human dignity. In Picking Up the Pieces, McShane and Babchuck argue that these leadership models are not the way of the gospel. Therefore, today's religious leaders need a more generous model. They need a leadership model where power is shared rather than hoarded, and where every person can stretch toward the fullness of their God-given gifts, regardless of where they land on an organizational chart. Through an innovative exploration of Moses's biblical narrative, the authors suggest that Moses's leadership failures were because he, too, was shaped by empire. The authors notice Moses's stumbles and corrections and the ways he picks up the pieces of broken leadership templates to guide his people toward their liberation. Picking Up the Pieces also offers stories of contemporary innovators and boundary-stretchers who grapple with failed experiments of religious leadership. This book offers a provocation to religious leaders to exercise institutional power more generously. The book will speak to leaders who are ready to shift from organizational patterns that demand over-functioning and instead share power so that power multiplies. It will help leaders help their people fully engage in the life-giving promise that awaits them.

Earth-shattering events can and do happen in any and all facets of ones life. A relationship ends, a loved one dies, we may lose a job, our health, hopefully not all our marbles Picking up the Pieces is the story of a compound loss that becomes a second chance. From heartbreak can come healing; from defeat, recovery and discovery. Ultimately, this is a story of a woman coming into her own power and purpose. Her journey is shared through a unique and mystical viewpoint, as a healer with intuitive gifts. In the blink of an eye, an old way of life can vanish forever. And yet a new and possibly greater world is forming just out of viewthough some assembly may be required. Other Books by Leah Light We Are Becoming: Souls Evolving, AuthorHouse 2007; and Contributing Author of 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2, Self-Improvement Online, 2006.

The book documents the history, experiences and hardships of an intrepid aircraft engineer in salvaging damaged aircraft in the wilderness of Northern Canada. It describes the difficult and hazardous situations demanding ingenuity, resourcefulness and a lot of difficult hard work. Within the book covers are the stories of the retrievals, temporary repairs and rescues of aircraft from Artic, Tundra, remote areas of Western Canada, lake bottoms, glaciers and trees. It shows the nature of the nothern people, their willingness to provide and unreservedly to help in order to finish the job successfully. Denny's over 50 years experience in the aviation field demonstrates a lesser known side of aviation that is from the engineers' and accident investigators' perspective. This book is the first of its' kind and once started, compels the reader to continue to the last page.

About the Book This book is about a young Marine who went through the entire battle of IWO JIMA just 43 days before his 19th birthday. Now less than two months from his 80th birthday, he is putting his memories on paper where it belongs. His memory is alive and well, his eyewitness accounts are extremely vivid and accurate. This former Marine is the author of his own book, Picking up the Pieces. You will find this book to be heart-breaking in its entirety, accurate and true. You?ll find this book often times will give you the urge to cry. In writing this book, don?t be surprised to see faded tear drops here and there, that?s okay because it will make you appreciate this book more. I also hope that you will find the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the honesty of Lincoln, and the bravery of Geronimo in the determination and victory of this Marine. The Author P.S. In my old age, I try not to remember my battle experiences too often, but when I do, you know what? I cry too.

Perseverance, endurance, dedication and revelation while learning to love again. A real life story about an addict receiving God at the altar. An altar experience you won't forget.

Picking Up the Pieces: When Faith and Culture Collide by Rev. Dr. Alva F. Hohl Jr. Alva Hohl offers engaging reflections on Christian life and faith. Born of years of experience as a Pastor and Teacher in the United Church of Christ, individuals and church groups will be enriched by engaging Rev. Hohl’s thoughtful and well written essays. The discussion/reflection questions he provides will help readers connect Hohl’s reflections with their own experiences. This is a wonderful church adult education resource. -Dr. John M. Bracke, Professor Emeritus, Eden Theological Seminary Picking Up the Pieces: When Faith and Culture Collide is an educational resource for the church. It is filled with theological reflections on life situations and issues calling the reader to be engaged. Questions at the end of each essay help the reader focus on the particular essence or message. However, Picking Up the Pieces: When Faith and Culture Collide is not only a resource for the church; it can be used for private devotions or meditation or with a study group. The essays come from a series of reflections the author wrote for his church newsletter. Some readers have found comfort in the essays, some had their consciences pierced, and some were moved to consider new behavior. The essays are meant to help the reader reflect and see life and faith differently.

This third installment of stories about the life of poet beginning with the "Last black poet and continuing to Broken Vessel and Picking up the Pieces" this timeless journey takes you on roller-coaster ride in life of one man, you will travel with him through the high and lows of his life. You will experience the emotional high of the joyful time and travel with into the depths of despair of his dark time. Come travel with me in the continues story of the Last Black Poet.

Book 1 Reuben James -- James Wilsons paternal father, Reuben James, has passed away, and he returns to his home town to pay his last respects and say goodbye. While there he discovers a diary that reveals who his real mother and father are and other startling facts. Book 2 Big Iron -- Texas Red botched the robbery job in Portal, Arizona and killed his younger brother. Now Darrin Liggett is tracking him and his gang down to bring them to justice. All the way to the town of Agua Fria he rode with the big iron on his hip. Book 3 School Bus Lovers -- Randy Wilcox has started having marital problems and has just started a new job as a school bus driver. While there he is given other duties and advanced training making him an invaluable employee. During this period he has fallen in love with and has numerous affairs with his new protegee. Book 4 I never Picked Cotton -- When he was just a baby, too little for a cotton sack, Alan played in the dirt while the others worked til they couldnt straighten up their backs. He made himself a promise, when he was big enough to run, that he would never stay a single day in that oklahoma sun. From then on it was fast cars and whiskey, long haired girls and fun. Alan had everything that money could bring and he took it all with a gun. Book 5 Long Black Veil -- Ten years ago on a cold dark night, there was someone killed beneath the town hall light. There were few at the scene but they all agreed the slayer who ran looked a lot like me. Now ten years later the new sheriff wants the murder reopened and investigated.

Hope McBride has an amazing life. She is pretty, confident, and loves her job as a respiratory therapist at the hospital. But Hope has the unthinkable occur as she is attacked leaving work. As she tries to go back to her life, shoving the devastation aside as if it didn't happen, she is hit with an even bigger surprise. As the unexpected continues to occur she is drawn to the sexy security guard; but can she get through the turmoil without losing him and herself?