From Death To Life

"Selection form for the prayers, readings, other texts, and ritual actions to be used in the funeral Mass" (4 p., folded) bound in.

A poetic portrait of faith, futility, and the joy of this mortal life. In this astoundingly unique book, bestselling author N.D. Wilson reminds each of us that to truly live we must recognize that we are dying. Every second we create more of our past—more decisions, more breathing, more love and more loathing, all of it slides by into the gone as we race to grab at more moments, at more memories made and already fading. We are all authors, creators of our own pasts, of the books that will be our lives. We stare at the future or obsess about the present, but only the past has been set in stone, and we are the ones setting it. When we race across the wet concrete of time without purpose, without goals, without laughter and love and sacrifice, then we fail in our mortal moment. We race toward our inevitable ends without artistry and without beauty. All of us must pause and breathe. See the past, see your life as the fruit of providence and thousands of personal narratives. What led to you? You did not choose where to set your feet in time. You choose where to set them next. Then, we must see the future, not just to stare into the fog of distant years but to see the crystal choices as they race toward us in this sharp foreground we call the present. We stand in the now. God says create. Live. Choose. Shape the past. Etch your life in stone, and what you make will be forever.

Fame, wealth, power and fleeting pleasures are transient and have no eternal value. Doing the will of God is enduring and is what really count forever. We are all presently on a journey through life that will end in death. But we can make it a journey from death to life abundant by living it with Yahweh God and in Him. Jesus Christ, the only perfect man, has made this possible in reconciling us to God by dying in our place and cleansing us. This makes it possible for God to dwell in us by His Spirit to help us to overcome sin and live life pleasing to Him. Jesus always does the things that are pleasing to the Father (Jn 8: 29). He loves the Father and does exactly what the Father has commanded him (Jn 14: 31). Jesus’ secret is not to seek to do his own will but the will of God (Jn 5: 30). God wants us to be like Jesus and be conformed to his likeness (Rom 8: 29) and to live with God’s self-giving love. This is a way of life or mentality that “does nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility counts others more important than ourselves” (Phil 2: 3) through God’s enabling. It is in this way that there will be real peace and righteousness. This is what this book is about. We are on probation on earth to point others to God by our words and our life.

The shocking new memoir from Death--this long-awaited autobiography finally reveals the inner story of one of the most troubling, and troubled, figures in history At last, the mysterious, feared, and misunderstood being known only as “Death” talks frankly and unforgettably about his infinitely awful existence, chronicling his abusive childhood, his near-fatal addiction to Life, his excruciating time in rehab, and the ultimate triumph of his true nature. For the first time, Death reveals his affairs with the living, his maltreatment at the hands of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the ungodly truth behind the infamous “Jesus Incident,” and the loneliness of being the End of All Things. Intense, unpredictable, and instantly engaging, Death: A Life is not only a story of triumph against all odds, but also a tender, moving tale of unconditional love in a universe that, despite its profound flaws, gave Death the fiery determination to carve out a successful existence on his own terms.

Our culture trains us to prepare for almost everything but death. Fear and denial are common human responses to the subject, What awaits us beyond this life? It is a journey into the unknown, or a glorious, spiritual pilgrimage to eagerly anticipate? In Death and the Life After, Billy Graham answers these questions and more, addressing such complex modern day issues as euthanasia, suicide, and living wills. Dr. Graham objectively and compassionately: Shares biblical secrets to finding peace and vicotry in the midst of suffering Presents real life testimonies of courageous men and women facing death Answers questions about the process of dying Teaches practical, loving ways to comfort those facing death Gives practial advice on preparing a will and planning a funeral Find peace, assurance, triumph, and even humor in a subject which is important to everyone.

When the diagnosis of terminal cancer was given to Patty Gries in September of 1993, a four and a half year journey was begun that brought to vivid consciousness the precious nature of life, the sadness of death, the totality of grief, the wonder of healing, and the overriding power of faith. Throughout the ordeal, Ron Gries wrote as he was so strongly affected by the experience. In these pages he shares this most personal writing. Book jacket.

A year-long journey by the renowned psychiatrist and his writer wife after her terminal diagnosis, as they reflect on how to love and live without regret. Internationally acclaimed psychiatrist and author Irvin Yalom devoted his career to counseling those suffering from anxiety and grief. But never had he faced the need to counsel himself until his wife, esteemed feminist author Marilyn Yalom, was diagnosed with cancer. In A Matter of Death and Life, Marilyn and Irv share how they took on profound new struggles: Marilyn to die a good death, Irv to live on without her. In alternating accounts of their last months together and Irv's first months alone, they offer us a rare window into facing mortality and coping with the loss of one's beloved. The Yaloms had numerous blessings—a loving family, a Palo Alto home under a magnificent valley oak, a large circle of friends, avid readers around the world, and a long, fulfilling marriage—but they faced death as we all do. With the wisdom of those who have thought deeply, and the familiar warmth of teenage sweethearts who've grown up together, they investigate universal questions of intimacy, love, and grief. Informed by two lifetimes of experience, A Matter of Death and Life is an openhearted offering to anyone seeking support, solace, and a meaningful life.