Jewels Shining In Darkness

I believe God's designed intent is first and foremost, one of honor, purpose and fulfillment. My sincere prayer is that women become a virtue whose worth is not lesser in value or equal to, but far greater than the value of a rare jewel or "priceless" ruby. Doris ministers alongside her husband, Clause Payton, founding pastor of Word of Life Ministries, Houston, Texas. 1994 founded the Far Above Rubies Women Ministry-a ministry that impact, change lives and empowers women to strive for excellence the prelude to fulfilled purpose and destiny. Founder of the Pastors' Wives Fellowship "Sharing in the Journey" 2006-First Ladies meet to encourage, connect, network and pray for the ministries and furtherance of the gospel. In her spare time enjoys reading, writing poetry, jewelry making her new found hobby, driving in the country viewing the country scenes especially during springtime. For more information, the author maybe contacted via email: [email protected] or [email protected] and by mail at: Word of Life Ministries Houston 12770 Martin Luther King Blvd. Houston, Texas 77048 Phone: (713) 987-5750

Wicked Queen Malice has cast a spell on Summer's storybook and unleashed all the fairytale baddies into the Secret Kingdom. Ellie, Summer and Jasmine travel to Jewel Cavern, where a huge fire-breathing dragon is running amok - and worst of all, he's got the magic storybook! Can the girls and their dream dragon friends rescue the book and get the last of the fairytale baddies back into it before the wonderful land is ruined for ever?

With their recurrent themes of "waiting" and "traveling on a journey," these 12 imaginative messages are especially appropriate for the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons -- yet their ecumenically oriented expressions of Christian faith, hope, and love also make them relevant for any time of the year. Wuchter's keen eye for the telling detail and his ability to connect scripture with familiar things in our lives make Shining Through the Darkness compelling reading for anyone who wants a deeper appreciation of God's grace and the Gospel of Christ. Michael Wuchter's sermons weave together the ancient texts of the Bible with modern insights. His careful historical research and winsome stories combine for a rich tapestry of gospel proclamation. These sermons stretching from Advent through Epiphany form a sort of mosaic for the beginning of the church year -- each story, each illustration, each wonderful tangent serving as tiles for a larger, clearer view for the one who came among us as the Word Made Flesh. John D. Morris, Pastor Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Dublin, Ohio Michael Wuchter was a master of the English language and an excellent, excellent preacher. Jerry L. Schmalenberger, Former President Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary In this remarkable collection of sermons, Wuchter fully acknowledges a world rampant with violence and injustice that millions experience today. Against this backdrop of pain, he weaves with poetic creativity and sensitivity the acts of waiting, grieving, and hoping within and among personal, familial, and communal relationships. Long, cold winters are made shorter and warmer with these Christ-centered sermons in hand. Daniel F. Martensen, Ecumenical Research Fellow Washington (D.C.) Theological Consortium Former Director, Dept. of Ecumenical Affairs, ELCA Michael D. Wuchter is the author of Uplifting Christ Through Autumn (CSS). He served as the senior pastor of First Lutheran Church in Duluth, Minnesota, as university pastor at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, and as the pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Hamilton Square, New Jersey.

The Queen of Encouragement has brought a dozen amazing friends to inspire and encourage you! Barbara Johnson's heart-touching, laughter-laced story has given hope to millions of readers worldwide. Now she brings together twelve courageous women who have triumphed over challenges and endured heart-rending losses. With Christlike serventhood, they have reached beyond their own anguish to extend a helping hand to others in need, turning their tears of heartache into jewels of blessing. In their awe-inspiring stories, you will meet women who have faced: a husband's brutal murder the death of a young child poverty and bigotry eating disorders an adult child's homosexuality the death of two sons due to AIDS abusive marriages heartbreaking divorce family members' estrangement clinical depression physical disability a husband's struggle with homosexuality Today these women, like Barbara, spread hope and joy wherever they go. To celebrate their ministry of encouragement, each of their stories concludes with Barbara's trademark collection of wit and laughter. Open this book and find a pathway out of sorrow and into the sunlight of a life warmed by love and filled with meaning. Read these stories and learn how to turn misery into ministry.