Earthen Vessels

The Fathers of the Church, deeply-rooted in the Scriptures, have left us a rich treasure as inheritance, not only of texts, but also of manners, forms and gestures of prayer. Today, western Christianity in a special way, needs to rediscover the intimate union which must exist in prayer just as in any aspect of Christian life between theory and practice, between contemplation and practical exercise. One learns how to pray by praying, and the whole of our being is called to participate in this work: the mind, the heart, but also the body, the gaze, the senses. Fr. Gabriel Bunge, a hermit with great spiritual discernment and profound knowledge of the Fathers of the desert, presents with masterly coherence this important unity between what one believes and what one expresses in the practice of prayer: a fascinating rediscovery of the valuable treasure contained in the teachings of the Church Fathers on the practice of personal prayer.

"In Earthen Vessels, Daniel Aleshire, executive director of the Association for Theological Schools, makes the case for the future of theological education in a personal and conversational essay. Rather than using a historical or analytic approach, Aleshire uses what he terms appreciative inquiry to identify the strengths of theological education and how they can support future work in the field. By describing this work and its far-reaching benefits, he aims to inform school board members, donors, administrators, and faculty who may be seeking to understand the bigger picture of their institutions. Aleshire organizes the book into three parts. The first makes the case for theological schools by describing the work they were intended to do and the contributions they make. The second focuses on the nature of their work - teaching, learning, and research. Finally the third describes the partners who make this work possible. Aleshire notes that much of the future of these schools will be framed by changes in these partners - administration, the church, and the higher education community - and the ways that schools change in response"--Amazon.com.

People today are searching and searching....They cry out, "What is MY PURPOSE in life?" The truth is God created you so He would have someone He could use to bring forth His kingdom here on Earth. As you read Earthen Vessels, get ready to take in the reality that you were put here for a purpose. Believe God has plans for you. Are you willing to be a vessel that can be used for good and greater purposes than yourself? God desires that His kingdom be established right where you are now! As you embrace the kingdom of God, you will find your life reflecting significance, purpose and the supernatural as you go about daily life! Earthen Vessels reveals elements of the multifaceted kingdom of God and will stir you to the fullness of kingdom living which is much bigger and more rewarding than you can imagine! Jan Bieniosek is a speech pathologist by trade and has worked in the field of education for 22 years. However, her passion is teaching God's Word to small groups to bring them closer to the Lord with a greater understanding of His Kingdom. She has taught on numerous subjects. Besides teaching, Jan is an intercessor who has been involved in the same prayer group for fourteen years. She has also been involved in the mentoring program at her church which disciples young women.

He was only fourteen in 1950, but he had to take on manhood early. The depression that the rest of America had clambered out of a decade earlier still hung on in rural Oklahoma. A lot of people had solved that problem, in a way, by taking to the road west, lured by the golden promise of a better land; but those who were too poor or too proud or too stubborn to leave held on. Those who were poor, proud, and stubborn, like his family, managed to build a life out of corn bread, poke greens, labor and hope. It made them a special breed. But Jody didn't know that.Jody had to grow up in a hurry. His maturation fell into the hands of some damaged human vessels, who had to show him the difference between what's legal and what's right, between adulthood and manhood, between appetite and love, between respectability and integrity.