Life Is Better With You In It

Whether its parental, platonic, or passionate, we all experience love at some point in our lives―as well as all the ups and downs that go along with it, from blissful to agonizing. In all of its myriad forms, love has been one of the greatest inspirations for poetry for as long as there have been poets, because its abundance, or lack thereof, profoundly impacts our lives in ways that are otherwise difficult to articulate. This collection of thoughtful and heartfelt poems speaks with a simple elegance, resonating with sincerity that is hard to deny, giving words to thoughts and feelings we might struggle to find on our own, and perhaps more importantly, offering comfort and assurance that, for better or worse, we are not alone. “Our thoughts, feelings, wants, needs, and fears are valid and worth sharing. All too often, we hide our thoughts and feelings from others and take on a burden that can sadly be too much for some to bear ... I want people to know that they are worthy of love, and that they need to convey their thoughts and feelings when they are struggling, so they do not have to go through those struggles alone.” ~ Rodney James Dick

We don't have to hit rock bottom to need God. No matter how good'or bad'life might seem, God still calls us to follow Him. This book ponders seven reasons life is better with God'when things are bad, God can make them better; when things are good, God makes them better still.

Take long walks. Watch the sunset. Shoes are optional. The beautiful four-color book of inspirational photos, Bible verses, quotations, and short writings invites you to escape the buzz of the everyday and into the tranquility that the beach offers. Each section of this book will cover a “beach rule” and encouraging thoughts on how you can incorporate that mind-set or behavior into your daily life. Much of Jesus’ ministry happened along the seashore, where He told His followers about the peace and rest His Father offered them and modeled the best way to live. In the same way, this book transports you to a favorite beach locale and helps you apply rules for beach living to everyday life—rules to slow down, to notice the beauty in the little things, and to incorporate rest into even the most stressful times. Full of serene images, inspiring quotations, and restful Bible verses, this book will be a natural addition to your coffee table or desk, as well as a lovely gift for that beach-loving friend. For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord. —Habakkuk 2:14 NLT

Why is this happening to me? is a question being asked by millions of people who have lost their livelihoods in today's economic recession. In Better for Life you will find answers to this question as you explore the trials of several biblical characters and the purposes for those trials. Within these pages you will not only discover the purpose of your trial, but you will also learn what you can do about it. You can't change your situation, but you can change yourself. God's plan is not merely to get you out of your trials, but to transform you while you are in them. Take a journey to discover the reasons for your hardships, and learn how you can use these circumstances to your advantage. Remember: God is not so concerned with making life better for you; He is interested in making you better for life. So, if you are tired of struggling under the burden of your circumstances, then it is time to become better for life!

We go through life asking questions; wondering how we got where we are, why is this happening to me, is this all there is and can I really improve my life? Sometimes we need help finding the answers. With humor and honesty, Christie Bakeman takes us through different areas of life, sharing her personal stories and processes to help you wake up to the possibilities. You deserve to be happy. Beginning from a place of acceptance, you are guided through exercises to assist you on your journey to improve your daily existence and create the life you desire.

After giving a sixty-day better life challenge to my church, I was encouraged by many members to write a book about it. At first, I had no intention to do so, but God later encouraged me that it needed to be done. Once I started writing, God began to flow through me, and I finished the book in just three days. I believe that this is my best book yet and has the potential to totally change the lives of people for the better. Pastor William Bennett

Always a Song is a collection of stories from singer and songwriter Ellen Harper—folk matriarch and mother to the Grammy-winning musician Ben Harper. Harper shares vivid memories of growing up in Los Angeles through the 1960s among famous and small-town musicians, raising Ben, and the historic Folk Music Center. This beautifully written memoir includes stories of Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Joan Baez, The New Lost City Ramblers, Doc Watson, and many more. • Harper takes readers on an intimate journey through the folk music revival. • The book spans a transformational time in music, history, and American culture. • Covers historical events from the love-ins, women's rights protests, and the assassination of John F. Kennedy to the popularization of the sitar and the ukulele. • Includes full-color photo insert. "Growing up, an endless stream of musicians and artists came from across the country to my family's music store. Bess Lomax Hawes, Joan Baez, Sonny Terry, and Brownie McGee—all the singers, organizers, guitar and banjo pickers and players, songwriters, painters, dancers, their husbands, wives, and children—we were all in it together. And we believed singing could change the world."—Ellen Harper Music lovers and history buffs will enjoy this rare invitation into a world of stories and song that inspired folk music today. • A must-read for lovers of music, history, and those nostalgic for the acoustic echo of the original folk music that influenced a generation • Harper's parents opened the legendary Folk Music Center in Claremont, California, as well as the revered folk music venue The Golden Ring. • A perfect book for people who are obsessed with folk music, all things 1960s, learning about musical movements, or California history • Great for those who loved Small Town Talk: Bob Dylan, The Band, Van Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Friends in the Wild Years of Woodstock by Barney Hoskyns; and Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon—and the Journey of a Generation by Sheila Weller.