Navigating Your Perfect Storm

On the night he was betrayed, Jesus stood on the threshold of the greatest personal crisis any human being would ever face. John's account of that night not only records for us the events of that evening, but also offers a remarkable profile of One who not only is mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared for the cosmic storm raging, but who uses his last supper with his disciples as a seminar to equip them for the inevitable life crises they will face as his followers. Crises afflict the lives of nearly every believer, so Navigating Your Perfect Storm looks at five anchors and two admonitions Jesus put in his disciples' grasp to pull them through life—like kedge anchors once deployed on sailing ships on windless days. While the anchors offered to the disciples are significant, Jesus also admonishes his disciples, first by framing the crises of life with an eternal perspective—the reality of an unseen eternal kingdom—that will provide peace when the material world is in upheaval. Second, Jesus warns that those who follow him should not be so foolish or proud as to think they are exempt from the storms. Navigating Your Perfect Storm is not a series of sermons or a how-to self-help book, but a set of reflections, insights, and illustrations for those who seek to follow Jesus today in a turbulent world.

The church is heading into a “perfect storm” of cultural forces. Will you sink beneath the waves, or ride the winds of the Spirit? An array of cultural forces is coming together to present the church with unprecedented challenge and unequaled opportunity. Such “category 5" realities as postmodernism, postChristendom attacks on belief in God, and the threat of global warming have coalesced to make a “perfect storm” that will leave people uncertain of their place in the world, and all they have previously believed in. Like the disciples when Jesus calmed the storm, the church can cower and cry out for relief. Or, when everything is spinning and whirling in the wind, the church can go out to meet the storm, embrace the gale, . . . and pass out kites. From the Circuit Rider review: "Like other books Sweet has written and compiled, The Church of the Perfect Storm is thought-provoking and compelling. The material flows in such a way that allows readers to grasp the gravity of the situation. However, as with most futuristic material, there is also a sense in which readers may want to know: 'Okay, now what? Where do we need to steer this ship? Are mainline and evangelical churches so off-course as to fail to weather the rising tides that are here and soon coming?' Readers of this volume may enjoy the description of a post-Christendom world, but they may also want to know more about the prescription for the days ahead. (Click here to read the entire review.)

No matter your parents’ age or stage of life, this comprehensive guide walks you step-by-step through developing a flexible, proactive plan that will allow you to make the most informed decisions for your parents’ well-being—and your own. Millions of Americans are in an active caregiver role or will be in one in the future, yet few have a solid plan for the inevitable challenges of aging. Whether your parents are in their 60s or their 90s, and whether they have years of health ahead of them or already need more support, Successfully Navigating Your Parents’ Senior Years provides the framework and information you need to prepare for and handle with confidence the changes to come. The responsibility of caring for an aging loved one is often daunting—and when trouble hits, the sudden barrage of questions you face can be overwhelming. Have your parents executed their Advance Directives? Do you know what to look for in a senior community (and how to ensure a spot is available when you need it)? If your parents want to stay in their home, what can you do to ensure their safety? Certified aging life care specialist and CEO of Senior Living Strategies Star Bradbury draws on her 25 years of experience in senior living to bring you an up-to-date, comprehensive guide to navigating the tricky waters ahead—starting with putting a plan in place now that maximizes your parents’ independence while providing them with the support they need. Successfully Navigating Your Parents’ Senior Years covers: How to bring up sensitive topics with your aging parents Steps you can take to keep your parents safely independent in their own homes for longer Red flags that indicate your parents may need more help Senior living options and the key questions to ask in choosing any kind of retirement community Alternative living arrangements to consider for aging parents, such as senior roommates, cohousing, and/or niche retirement communities How to get help paying for your parents’ medical care (you have more options than you think!) Legal and financial documents to have on hand in case of a sudden medical emergency Insider tips, helpful checklists, and more Don’t wait for a crisis to begin planning for the future. Successfully Navigating Your Parents’ Senior Years is an indispensable blueprint that will give you the tools and knowledge you need to advocate for your parents when they need you most.

"There is nothing imaginary about Junger's book; it is all terrifyingly, awesomely real." —Los Angeles Times It was the storm of the century, boasting waves over one hundred feet high—a tempest created by so rare a combination of factors that meteorologists deemed it "the perfect storm." In a book that has become a classic, Sebastian Junger explores the history of the fishing industry, the science of storms, and the candid accounts of the people whose lives the storm touched. The Perfect Storm is a real-life thriller that makes us feel like we've been caught, helpless, in the grip of a force of nature beyond our understanding or control. Winner of the American Library Association's 1998 Alex Award.

LEADERS TODAY ARE GRAPPLING with complex choices, diverse customers and employees, and unprecedented uncertainty in the economic environment. Business models are becoming obsolete, cost and performance pressures are growing, regulatory requirements are changing, and trust in institutions is declining. Tackling these and other growing demands requires every leader to radically rethink what constitutes effective leadership. Leading in Times of Crisis presents a new approach and concrete steps to compete in this complex, diverse, and uncertain marketplace. Drawing on compelling research and more than twenty interviews with CEOs and top-level executives, former executives and professors David Dotlich, Peter Cairo, and Stephen Rhinesmith highlight the growing urgency to evolve from a traditional, one-dimensional leadership model to what they term "whole leadership." Whole leadership allows leaders to act in three ways that are important now but absolutely essential to their business in the future: RETHINK YOUR BUSINESS CONNECT WITH STAKEHOLDERS LIVE YOUR VALUES In an accessible, no-nonsense style, the authors provide new and experienced leaders with specific action steps for facing difficult choices, engaging diverse customers and employees, and acting in the face of uncertainty to deliver results and move companies forward in a turbulent, demanding, and resource-constrained world. Leading in Times of Crisis will help you become a "whole leader" by aligning your purpose, skills, and decisions with the outcomes your business requires. Read it and find out how every leader has the potential to make a difference in this new world.

Our greatest literary innovator and beloved novelist has reimagined Shakespeare's final, great play of magic and illusion. Entertaining, gripping, emotionally rich and wise, Hag-Seed is an homage to a master, positioned for the fall celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death. "It's got a thunderstorm in it. And revenge. Definitely revenge." Felix is at the top of his game as Artistic Director of the Makeshiweg Theatre Festival. His productions have amazed and confounded. Now he's staging a Tempest like no other: not only will it boost his reputation, it will heal emotional wounds. Or that was the plan. Instead, after an act of unforeseen treachery, Felix is living in exile in a backwoods hovel, haunted by memories of his beloved lost daughter, Miranda. And brewing revenge. After twelve years, revenge finally arrives in the shape of a theatre course at a nearby prison. Here, Felix and his motley crew of inmate actors will put on his Tempest, and snare the traitors who destroyed him. But will it remake Felix as his enemies fall? Margaret Atwood's novel take on Shakespeare's play of enchantment, revenge and second chances leads us on an illusion-ridden journey filled with new surprises and wonders of its own.

What others are saying: "Doug's willingness to be vulnerable, transparent and heart-baring are what make this book so readable and relatable. In addition, his steps for moving forward are practical and backed up by research and relevant stories. Anyone who is imperfect (who isn't?) or has ever been hurt (who hasn't?) will benefit from Doug's story." T. Tarleton "It is rarely easy to be as vulnerable as Doug has been in the telling of his story. The story is poignant and painful, tender, full of hope and redemption." K. Haack "I so appreciated your transparency and openness in the writing of your book. Your consideration of others was very evident in the kind way you approached the examples you used. I found so many helpful ideas that I hope to share with others. I have already thought of several people I want to purchase your book for so I can share with them." M. Hulten "What an incredible book. I am sure it will help many readers. Doug was great at keeping it simple with the use of modest words and hints that can help anyone to improve their life." B. Sebourn "Thanks to Doug for sharing the heart breaking story of his journey through a very difficult time, and how he worked to practice mindfulness and living life with gratitude. It's such an encouragement to hear how trusting in God and learning to control our thought lives can help all of us who struggle with depression." L. Nettles

God made men to be a great many things: sons, brothers, husbands, leaders, protectorsthe list could go on and on. Is it any wonder that the overwhelmed man may experience discouragement, doubt, and despair in these troubled times? With so many roles and so much expected of men, where can they go to find the necessary strength and encouragement to be all God has intended? Strong and Courageous is a framework for evaluating ones personal spiritual journey and ministry in relation to the life of Joshua. Each devotional thought contains a description of the actions taken by Joshua and the Israelites, an application to contemporary life, and questions concerning ones walk with the Lord and disciplemaking ministry. There is also a concluding, related New Testament scripture, as well as the disciples response. In easily-digestible, yet thought-provoking devotions, Les Tripp covers the qualities of discipleship, the role of faith in accomplishing God-given tasks, overcoming obstacles in mens lives and ministry, and more. As you progress through these devotions, be prepared to: Be challenged to grow as a man of God and encourage others to engage in a productive relationship with the Lord. Enjoy insights into Joshuas life as a leader of men. Explore the actions and events of Joshua in terms of your own personal spiritual journey and ministry. Be engaged in the battle for the souls of men.