Poetry and short stories written from a spiritual and humorous point of view.

The story of two mothers and a father in love with the same daughter, Samuel Shem's At the Heart of the Universe is an epic novel set deep in rural China against the backdrop of an ancient mountain monastery during the time of the one-child-per-family policy. Inspired by the author's experiences as parent of an adopted child, it describes the drama of adoption and the journey of loss and rebirth that can happen when a daughter brings together her adopted mother and father with her birth mother high on a mountaintop. Set in 1991 in Changsha, capital of Hunan province, as a Chinese woman abandons her one-month-old daughter in a pile of celery in a busy market, and then shifting to Changsha ten years later as the daughter returns with her adopted American parents, the story moves across southern China until, high atop Emei San, one of China's "sacred mountains" with a Buddhist temple, the four are brought together in the wilderness—a perilous and explosive time that unleashes their heartbreak and suffering and, remarkably, transcends it to shared compassion, and new beginnings.

The Heart of the Story will help you see God’s Word in a new and inspiring light. In the Bible’s seemingly disconnected stories, you’ll discover one grand, unfolding epic – God’s story from Genesis onward – and your own life-story contained within it. “To understand the Bible,” says author and pastor Randy Frazee, “you need bifocal lenses, because two perspectives are involved. The Lower Story, our story, is actually many stories of men and women interacting with God in the daily course of life. The Upper Story is God’s story, the tale of his great, overarching purpose that fits all the individual stories together like panels in one unified mural.” In this new edition, Randy dives deeper in the Upper and Lower stories and shows how both perspectives will open your eyes to the richness and relevance of the Bible. Illuminating God’s master-plan from Genesis to our daily lives, The Heart of the Story will encourage you to experience the joy that comes from aligning your stories with God’s.

"When you're in New York" the sculptor Louise Nevelson once said, "you're in perpetual resurrection." She might have said the same thing about St. Peter's Lutheran Church, set in the heart of midtown Manhattan. In the 1970s the church made a radical move, scrapping its neo-gothic building for a sleek modern structure in the shadow of a skyscraper. The transformation was not just architectural. Inside, Nevelson created a shimmering chapel, while over the years artists and designers such as Willem de Kooning, Kiki Smith, and Massimo and Lella Vignelli produced works for the sanctuary. This fusion of modern art, architecture, and design was complemented by an innovative jazz ministry, including funerals for Billy Strayhorn and John Coltrane, and performances by Duke Ellington and other jazz legends. For the first time, this volume examines the astounding cultural output of this single church. Just as importantly, the story of St. Peter's serves as a springboard for wider reflections on the challenges and possibilities which arise when religion and art intersect in the modern city. Working from a wide range of disciplines, including art history, theology, musicology, and cultural studies, a distinguished group of scholars demonstrate that this church at the center of New York City deserves an equally central place in contemporary scholarship.

Embark on a fascinating journey through the heart of Asia with "The Heart of Asia" by Edward Denison Ross and Francis Henry Skrine. Join Ross and Skrine as they traverse the diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich histories of the world's largest continent, offering readers a comprehensive overview of Asia's past, present, and future. Delve into the ancient civilizations and timeless traditions of Asia as Ross and Skrine guide you through the region's storied past. From the majestic splendor of the Great Wall of China to the bustling markets of India, they offer readers a captivating glimpse into the cultural tapestry that defines Asia's identity. Experience the dynamism and diversity of Asia's modern societies as Ross and Skrine explore the region's economic, political, and social landscape. From the skyscrapers of Tokyo to the high-tech hubs of Seoul, they offer readers a nuanced understanding of the forces shaping Asia's emergence as a global powerhouse in the 21st century. Delve into the geopolitical complexities of Asia as Ross and Skrine analyze the region's strategic importance on the world stage. From the ancient Silk Road to the modern-day Belt and Road Initiative, they examine the historical and contemporary factors driving Asia's role in global trade, diplomacy, and security. The overall tone of "The Heart of Asia" is one of awe, wonder, and deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and landscapes that define the world's largest continent. With its blend of historical insight, cultural analysis, and geopolitical commentary, the book offers readers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Asia's past, present, and future. Since its publication, "The Heart of Asia" has been celebrated for its insightful exploration of one of the most complex and dynamic regions in the world. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Ross and Skrine's meticulous research, engaging prose, and profound understanding of Asia's multifaceted identity. Whether you're a seasoned traveler, a student of history, or simply someone with a passion for exploring new cultures, "The Heart of Asia" offers a captivating and illuminating journey through one of the world's most fascinating regions. Join Edward Denison Ross and Francis Henry Skrine on a voyage of discovery and explore the rich tapestry of Asia's past, present, and future. Don't miss your chance to explore the wonders of Asia with "The Heart of Asia" by Edward Denison Ross and Francis Henry Skrine. Let its captivating narratives and insightful analysis inspire you to embark on your own journey of discovery and deepen your understanding of this diverse and dynamic continent. Secure your copy now and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Asia.

This book is a collection of poems. In the poems lines is describing some interesting moments of daily life about relationship between people, about beauty of nature, and about the different important events of social life. These poems are full of feelings, some of them full of love, some with feelings of disappointment about different problems, some of them with big moving and honor to some great people in our society. So many lines of these poems are full of passion for the beauty of nature of different cities and places. In the poems lines like one of Perlas necklace are expressed diversity of feelings, like love, happiness, anger, hope, beauty, all those feelings that are campaigning everyone in daily life. This book is like one bouquet of Poems of the Heart.

Path of the Purified Heart traces the classic Christian spiritual journey toward transformation into the likeness of Christ in a unique, fascinating way. Drawing on the voices of wise elders from the past and present, Dunham illumines the common path all Christians and spiritual seekers may take toward union with God. Through the motifs of the liturgical year and the labyrinth, the author weaves in her own journey on this path during her "year of purification."

With many evocative images in poetry and pictures, Leila captures emotions, reflections and events common to all. There are poems of love, of times and seasons, encouragement for dark times of trial, thoughts on family relationships, memories of times past, celebrations of seasonal changes, celebrations of Easter and Christmas, the love of a warm dog, and spiritual musings. As you look at the beautiful pictures and read Leilas thoughtful words, the author hopes that you will experience a refreshing outlook to brighten your heart and give comfort to your soul.