Back Roads To Belonging

At one time or another, shifting seasons in family, friendships, employment, and communities will bring each of us face-to-face with the feeling of being on the outside looking in. Because we are made for connection, this will often lead us down one of two roads. Either we will hop on the popular but crowded highway that asks us to do whatever it takes to get noticed, or we'll stand still, paralyzed by the fear that we're not important, loveable, or worth other people's time and attention. But what if there is another way? With an understanding voice that will speak into your own circumstances, Kristen Strong walks beside you along the less traveled but more satisfying third way--the back road way--to belonging: remaining in Christ and relaxing into the unique role God has for you. Along the way, you will learn simple, doable actions that not only will help you feel and know that you belong but will welcome others in as well.

Charitable community living is a tall order, and this is just a short book about small moments in one life. But its 52 stories confirm a compelling truth; that for human hearts in search of connection there are no small nor insignificant moments. The Gift Of Belonging is the first of a “year of weeks” series of Wildbird Books, one experiment in a larger range of experimental steps being taken toward charitable community living, all by a growing flock of new and old friends in one small corner of the world. This book is about the grace that lifts and surrounds all those who know they belong. As such, this book is about each of us wherever we live, starting where we are with who we are, on our own back roads home to fully belonging. “Read your whole book before we ever touched the Dallas dirt. Laughed and cried and loved, loved, loved every page….loved.” ~ J. Semmes, Oxford, Mississippi “I’ve stopped reading with four stories to go; I don’t want the book to end.” ~ L. Harper, Sullivan’s Island, SC “I’ve re-read most of the year of weeks and loved the pieces even more—ranging from “damn good” to BRILLIANT. What a gift you have for writing. A true watering hole! Actually I found the photos as intriguing and beautiful as the written work—glad they’re given prominence. To Eric and Ollie! ~ Rev. Dr. Bert Keller, Charleston, SC

Florida has been called "The State Without A Soul." The people that moved to Florida left their roots at the place they came from. This history of the long ago features people with their roots who were born here, walked the sands of time and will be buried here at the Cedars of Lebanon Cemetery. Their headstones already mark the spot where their roots will remain for eternity. Dessie Smith Prescott, whose picture is in the "Women's Hall of Fame" in Tallahassee said, "If you find yourself on a back road, get off and walk the main road." Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings is also in the Hall of Fame because Dessie helped her to survive long enough to write "The Yearling" and many other Florida books. Some of the history tells of the memories and roots that people brought to this area to build "The State With A Soul." This book is written so that the old stories don't get lost. It links the threads together of the Soul or Spirit of Florida.

Whether chosen and celebrated--like going off to college or welcoming your first baby--or unexpected and anxiety-inducing--like losing a job or grappling with a broken trust--all change brings stress. Kristen Strong knows about change--especially the kind you didn't choose or expect. What she's fought hard to learn over the years is that change is not something to be feared but something to be received as a blessing from a God who, more often than not, works through change, not in spite of it. Strong has learned to see change not as a grievance but as a grace. In this hope-filled book, she shows women how when we follow God's will, we receive blessings of contentment, purpose, and renewed strength. She encourages women to see change not as the end of their story but as the scenery for this part of life's journey. And she offers practical advice for coping with change in every part of life. Anyone who has struggled to adjust to life's transitions will welcome this warm and personal perspective.

When difficult or unwanted change enters our lives, it can cause fear, anxiety, and anger to bubble up from within. We want to quiet that simmering stress, but how do we do that, especially when we know our circumstances aren't going to calm down any time soon? By regularly meeting with God and exchanging our worries and fears for his assurances that he is using our difficult change for us, not against us. Easier said than done? Not if you have Kristen Strong alongside you as your understanding guide. Offering thoughtful, humorous anecdotes and powerful prayers to recite, Strong invites you to think and feel differently about change on the inside so you can live and love differently on the outside. As the tender companion she is, Kristen will show you how not to get over difficult change but rather to get through it. She'll help you acknowledge your change, give your anxieties over to God, and abide well in the days to come--no matter what transitions life brings.

Back Roads of Ireland opens with a brief portrait of the country and then moves on to provide all the practical information required to plan a driving vacation: how to get there, bringing your own vehicle and options for renting, and detailed driving advice. The main section divides into numbered drives, following a logical progression around the country. Each drive features highlights and itinerary spreads for an overview and planning, followed by extensive descriptions of each sight and activity with clear driving instructions between. A language section at the back of the guide lists essential words and phrases, with a particular emphasis on road signs and driving-related vocabulary.

Now available in PDF format. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Back Roads Ireland vacation driving tour guidebook reveals the secret gems and hidden delights that can only be discovered along the Emerald Isle's most scenic routes and back roads. Twenty-five themed drives, each lasting one to five days, introduces travelers to the soul of Ireland--from the golden beaches of Cork and the spectacular Sheep's Head peninsula to the bushy glens of classic Northern Ireland and spellbinding caverns of the lakelands. Along the way, these driving tours of Ireland highlight day-trips and activities such as walks and hikes, bird-watching and beach strolls, islands and lighthouses, and children's attractions. Pass by ancient stone circles and megalithic tombs, Celtic crosses, medieval castles, and stately homes. Practical information, such as road conditions, lengths of drives, and zip codes for GPS devices, accompanies the complete itineraries and pull-out map, as do listings for the best-value hotels, intimate guesthouses, local produce-friendly restaurants, and cozy pubs. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Back Roads Ireland leads travelers to the most authentic and delightful experiences the country has to offer.

Back Roads of Italy opens with a brief portrait of the country and then moves on to provide all the practical information required to plan a driving vacation: how to get there, bringing your own vehicle and options for renting, and detailed driving advice. The main section divides into numbered drives, following a logical progression around each country. Each drive features highlights and itinerary spreads for an overview and planning, followed by extensive descriptions of each sight and activity with clear driving instructions between. A language section at the back of the guide lists essential words and phrases, with a particular emphasis on road signs and road-related vocabulary.