Just Say The Word

"Over the years, I've heard some wonderful sermons," writes G. Robert Jacks. "I've also heard some duds. Some have been so extemporaneous they sounded as if the preacher hadn't prepared anything. Some have been such wondrously crafted literary pieces they sounded as if the preacher wanted to sound wondrously crafted and literary. Some have sounded as though the preacher were giving a lecture or reading a term paper. That's because the preacher had written a lecture or term paper. And some have captured the attention and the imagination and set the spark to ignite faith in the hearer. That's because they were written to be listened to, and to appeal to the sense-world of the hearers." Drawing on nearly thirty years of experience in critiquing sermon delivery, Jacks here offers a practical, hands-on approach to writing sermons that consider listeners first. Jacks gives samples and examples of writing that effectively captures and holds an audience's attention, and he offers practical tips and suggestions intended to help each of us find a preaching style and voice of our own. He also shows how to translate the jargon of theological textbooks into everyday language, suggests methods for rewriting sermons to avoid some of the pomposity of sermonic proclamation, and demonstrates ways to retell biblical narratives in fresh and imaginative ways. Just Say the Word! Writing for the Ear is a valuable resource that will help pastors and lay leaders communicate as effectively as possible the faith that is ours to share.

When her boyfriend is naively sucked into the Mob, a young woman spends years trying to reconcile her days as a school teacher against her nights as a mob mistress. Eventually, the distraught young woman flees the familiarity of the east coast with her young daughter to begin a new life in Seattle. Though tortured by leaving her lover behind, she is now free of the Mafioso's hold. After peaceful years in the Pacific Northwest, her life takes another dangerous turn: a recent fling turns up dead, and the woman's fingerprints are found on the handgun that killed him.When a million-dollar bail is mysteriously posted and a hot-shot defense lawyer arrives from San Francisco, her friends want answers - so does the FBI. Delving into the investigation head first, authorities hit a wall when they find no record of the petite office manager's history before her arrival 20 years ago.Is this seemingly innocent woman what she appears to be or has she been framed? Who is watching out for her and what forces have shaken her destiny? Could this single mom really be a killer?

Many good people, in good faith, while sympathising with the ethical and ecclesiastical situation of lesbian and gay Christians, still regard homosexuality as unnatural. Other good people, in just as good faith, defend homosexuality on grounds of personal plight and involuntary sexual orientation – with private misgivings that this defence may also be applied to paedophilia. This little book provides not only a useful argument for a more merciful reading of Scripture than that usually employed to condemn same-sex relationships, but also a philosophical analysis of the nature of ‘nature’. Finding that all, and only, those relationships which are harmonious can be considered natural, the author invites us to only say the Word, that we may all be healed. A former Franciscan friar, Dr Alan McManus wrote his doctoral thesis, Alchemy at the Chalkface: Pirsig, Pedagogy and the Metaphysics of Quality, at the University of Glasgow. Holding degrees in Church History/ Practical Theology and Religious Studies, he has taught EFL at home and abroad, Spanish & Italian to adults and Religious, Moral & Philosophical Studies in comprehensive schools in Scotland. He has published articles on political philosophy and WW1 remembrance in the online journal Citizenship, Social and Economics Education. He is a member of Affirmation Scotland.

Jim Foley loves his parents, his brother, his sister, Dickens and God; later, he loves Kate -- enough to make her his wife and to shape his life around her -- and later still, he loves his children, Jack and Hannah. Only Say the Word tells Jim's story, and the story of the people and places in his life, as he moves from childhood to marriage and fatherhood, from early days spent in County Clare to early adulthood in America, and back to Clare once more. Deeply personal and written in his lyrical, lilting prose, Niall Williams's fourth novel is about unspoken emotions, undying devotion and blind faith -- but, ultimately, about the redeeming, enduring nature of love.

God wants you to walk confidently in your new identity in Christ, serving Him with joy and energy in your various roles. This study gives you a close-up view of these different roles and equips you with the sound biblical insights you need to fulfill them. (6 sessions)

Presents Jim's story, from early days spent in County Clare to early adulthood in America, and back to Clare again. Tracing his journey from child, to husband to father, from happy-ever-after to death-do-us-part, from beginnings to endings, this work tells of the people and places in Jim's life, his hopes, fears and fantasies, and more.

Daniel Kleinberger, Professor of Law, William Mitchell College of Law Very interesting – style is “steam of consciousness” with forays into Scriptures setting the course for the stream. Chris Wright, President Minnesota Timberwolves, Member of the Downtown Council, Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce Tom I have read a number of chapters but not all of it, and really have no substantive changes or comments.... as a man of God you are a wonderful ambassador. Reverend Lonnie L. Branch “I ‘m Just Say’n” by the Reverend Thomas H. Vanleer, is inspired of God! His experiences in life has been tempered by the Spirit of God in guiding him in ministry as well as writing...May God continue to bless him! George Blackwell, Director of Community Affairs (retired) Qwest Communications The author of I’m just say’n has clearly captured the essence of what’s good, bad, and in some cases what’s evil in our society. By using biblical scriptures, Mr. Vanleer uses clear references to articulate the differences and in some instances the similarities of each chapter. I found the book to be very engaging, very informative, and very thought-provoking. I highly recommend this book for future reading.

Modern-Day Psalms: Praise Songs and Love Messages presents an inspiring collection of poems and heartfelt messages from author Richard. Vincent. Rose. Be prepared to read and feel living words that penetrate your deepest emotions, reaching into your heart and soul. The words leap from the pages, bringing hope, joy, encouragement, comfort, and inspiration into every area of your life! From President to Pastor, Mayor to Minister, the writing of Richard. Vincent. Rose. has touched the hearts of the most powerful and the most humble individuals on earth. Men and women from all walks of life have been touched in a remarkable way by his ability to reach the depths of human emotion through his writing. Now, for the first time, all of his previous works are gathered in one collection, along with his new, inspired writings, designed to impact a whole new audience of hearts, minds, and souls. Airborne All the faces look the same As I hurriedly board the plane I wonder, as we get ready to split the clouds above I can't help but think, "Is anyone else so much in love?" The feeling in my stomach As we lift off the ground Still not as thrilling As this love that I've found ...