Be who God made you to be. Adapted for teens and students from Brennan Manning’s best-seller Abba’s Child, this book will help you see how God’s grace sets us free to be who we really are. No more games, no acts, no masks. Discover your identity in Christ and be set free.

Accompanying CD-ROM has same title as book.

"Dear Lord, I pray that all limitations, weaknesses, defects, pain, hurt, mistakes, embarrassment, and imperfection in my personal and public life, relationships and circumstances be eliminated." This book is for any woman who has ever prayed this prayer or for the one who has even thought it. Joan Webb, a self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist, knows how hard it is for determined and caring women to step into the relief of imperfection. And yet, this is exactly what God wants for us. The Relief of Imperfection encourages the reader to believe the truth about God, others, herself, and her reality, thus eventually releasing her from the pursuit of perfection to relax in the relief of imperfection. Webb provides real-life stories, including how Jesus lived in the midst of imperfect surroundings, to show that it is okay with God to cease trying to appear perfect and have all the right answers all the time. Readers will find permission to stop pretending and start enjoying authentic, intimate relationships with others, with themselves, and with God.

Teenage girls and soccer moms. Housewives and corporate executives. Young professionals and those who are retired. No matter their professions or responsibilities, women of all ages and all walks of life often struggle with an all-consuming issue-self-image. We as Americans are continually obsessed with the grass-is-greener, anything-else-is-better-than-what -we-have philosophy. And that is never truer for women than when it comes to our bodies and our self-images. The media and the world around us tell us that we should be perfect in every way. But this kind of scrutiny and obsession with perfection leaves women feeling unloved, unattractive, frustrated, and even depressed. In The Real Me, contemporary Christian singer and songwriter Natalie Grant is on a mission to especially help young women deal with this struggle and to find acceptance in how God created them. And this struggle is something that Natalie understands fully-she gives the reader an inside look at her own struggle with image issues that led her on the path to bulimia. In acknowledging her pain and sharing her struggle, she offers practical help and hope to women of all ages.

A great quotation can provoke thought, brighten a day, even change a life—and here are more than 6,000 great quotes from the wide world of Christianity. This brand-new compilation of quotations both ancient and modern features nearly 500 categorized topics both biblical and contemporary—from Abiding through Zeal—with cross references and subject and author indexes. Featuring quotations from the early church fathers through the 21st century’s best writers, The Complete Guide to Christian Quotations is ideal for speakers, writers, and book lovers—who can find great leads on worthy volumes.

"Overcoming Abuse God's Way tells the beautiful story of redemption--how God's faithful love pursued the heart of a broken woman caught up in the grip of abuse, and how He tenderly set her free and raised her up to a new life. For every woman who is longing for love and acceptance in all the wrong places , this story will give you hope and practical resources to live in freedom and love as God's beloved daughter." Angela Thomas Best-Selling Author and Speaker "Janet Marie Napper offers the reader a compelling and heartrending account of a life--her life--impacted by abuse and the long, difficult, and painful journey toward hope and healing in its aftermath. Written for a general audience, the book calls us to see the despair, the denial, the desire to escape, and the eventual determination that is required to change the stranglehold of the past and to chart a new direction. Survivors and those who walk alongside them will find her story a powerful lens through which to see the cruelty of childhood abuse as well as its long term consequences." Nancy Nason-Clark, professor at the University of New Brunswick, Canada; author of numerous books and articles, including Beyond Abuse in the Christian Home and Refuge from Abuse: Healing and Hope for Abused Christian Women. After reading this book, I would like other teenagers to read it. It shows us how not to make wrong decisions in boys so we don't make mistakes and get hurt. This book shows you what to look for and not get tricked into being abused by boys and men... Desi Raine Age 13

We are all traveling on a journey through this life. It seems that at times, we will face some difficult situations and circumstances that leave us wounded and sometimes disillusioned. We tell ourselves we just need to get over it and get on with life, but in all honesty, how well are we really doing this? Joe shares his own story of how normal aspects of temperament play a role in how we experience these wounds, along with how he has experienced substantial healing from various aspects of his own brokenness. He both ponders and presents his belief that the healing of our brokenness has been minimized and overlooked by large segments of the contemporary church. A thread of his own experience of grace is interwoven throughout the book. He presents some “whole person” ideas of how we can all move toward a path of greater healing and a truer version of ourselves. Joe invites you on a journey with him to more fully explore this possibility. Here’s an opportunity to walk through a door of hope to see if a deeper level of healing is available to you and those you care for.

How satisfied are you with your life? Men like you are finding it tougher than ever to be content with what they have. They compare themselves with others and continually come up short. The soul-gnawing result is discouragement and disappointment. Lasting contentment comes only from a transformation of your mind, emotions, and will. It also takes a personal encounter with the God who can make you content. In Being God’s Man by Finding Contentment, you will track this struggle for a new identity through various biblical passages. Like Jacob, you will not be fully settled and content until you lay to rest your past and take up a new identity in Christ. Jacob became a new creature, a man on a mission for the Lord. His struggle was over. He knew why he was here and what he had to do. His life took on purpose and meaning that transcended the striving. Yours can, too. Special Features: ·Practical studies facilitate personal encounters with God and other men ·Questions encourage genuine reflection and help build godly convictions ·“Real Life” case studies show how the truths you discover have worked out in other men’s lives ·“Standing Strong” section gives you the opportunity to form and express your action steps with God and your group

God Delights in You! Imagine a girl on a swing: leaning backward and easily pumping her legs back and forth, closing her eyes while the wind blows through her hair. She is safe, she is secure, she is free and forgiven. Perhaps you find yourself thinking, I want to feel loved and safe and secure. I want to feel free. I want to turn my face toward heaven and experience God’s smile . Did you know that girl can be you? Because God’s love–a love not based upon your performance, but on Christ’s–proclaims the truth that you are His and He is glad He chose you. This freedom in Christ is meant to become a part of you, something you relish every day. It’s like learning how to swing: it can’t ever be unlearned. So climb on…your time to soar has arrived! Who Is that Girl on a Swing? She’s free. She’s safe. She’s secure. She’s forgiven. She’s happy. She’s a child of God. And so are you. With warm understanding, refreshing humor, and striking biblical honesty, Nancy Kennedy reflects on the ways women often keep themselves from enjoying the freedom that’s already theirs. Because not only do you belong to God, He is glad He chose you. Not only does He love you unconditionally, He likes you! And not only does He lavish you with grace, He smiles upon you. Once you learn how to swing, you can’t un-learn it. Once you know true freedom in Christ, you can’t un-know it. It’s yours for good (and it’s a lot fun). So climb on…it’s time to soar! Endorsements “Ahhh. Nancy ’s words let me be my imperfect self and still know that there is no wind strong enough to release me from my Father’s grip.” Karon Phillips Goodman author of Another Fine Mess, Lord! and the Woman’s Guide series “Nancy Kenndy writes with amazing humor, heart, and insight. Girl on a Swing soars!” Heather Kopp author of Roar: A Christian Family Guide to the Chronicles of Narnia Story Behind the Book The Story Behind the Book “Girl on a Swing came from a greeting card image where a young girl is soaring on a swing. She’s free and at peace, with herself and her surroundings. As I studied that image I came to realize that the girl is me–because in Christ I am free and at rest. God smiles on His own, and I am at peace. But my experience as a speaker at women’s retreats has shown me that many women have difficulty believing that for themselves. This book will help them grasp the truth.” –Nancy Kennedy

Back to the Bible Leaders Show Readers How to Cultivate a Thriving Walk with Christ When asked about their relationship with God, many believers say the Christian life "isn't working" or that they want "more than an okay walk." After conducting extensive survey research on what it takes to grow spiritually, Back to the Bible leaders Cole and Ross offer solid evidence for the power of Bible engagement. But more than statistics, Unstuck gives readers a practical and proven way to encounter Scripture daily, connect with God, and revitalize an otherwise listless faith. This book is part of a strategic ministry plan developed by Back to the Bible, which has been on the air for more than 70 years. Through multimedia products and services, the ministry is walking alongside individuals and churches, helping Christ-followers tap into and live out God's Word.