Open Hearts And Open Minds Open Doors

Open Hearts & Open Minds Open Doors—Volume I & II, intends to stimulate creative thought. John K. Fox, Ph.D., explains the source of his opinions and his approach to creativity and life by referencing his experiences. The Open Hearts & Open Minds Open Doors series is best understood if we consider that the North and South Poles of our Earth, and the flow of Electrical Current, share the same essence as described in the Oriental concept of the Yin and the Yang. That theme-central is that the Female and the Male are not Opposite Sexes—they are Essential-Inseparable-Compatibles. Dr. Fox asserts that the essential difference between the Oriental and the Occidental is well illustrated in the depiction of the fat-bellied Buddha. The Buddha was in truth, a thin man. According to Oriental perception, the belly (the umbilical) represents the center of each person. In moments of personal sadness, the Occidental might say, “my heart is breaking.” The Oriental might be more inclined to feel that the human longing for comfort originates in the abdomen. Yet, we Occidentals share the Oriental abdominal perspective when we reference the inner strength found within a person, colloquially, as, “having guts!”

Brief Dramas for Worship provides dramas that are suitable for both contemporary and traditional worship services. They are appropriate for use instead of a sermon, or as the sermon. Included are questions and comments to use in a discussion following the service so that key insights from the biblical drama can be emphasized. The scripts do NOT require memorization. Each drama includes extensive "helps" which identify possible sets, simple costumes, and a detailed worship outline, including hymn and praise song suggestions, original prayers, etc. These production notes provide effective, professional presentation instructions. Permission is granted to reproduce scripts for use in congregational settings. Most of these biblically-based dramas offer a woman's point of view about a scripture story or a scripture message. Some of the "main characters" are biblical people and others are contemporary people. Dramas include: The Bethlehem Child; Margaret, a Grieving Mother Yearns for Her Wayward Son (Hosea 11:1); Bath Sheba and David; Lydia, Pilate's Wife; Martha, Prescription for Peace; Caroline: A Waitress Receives the Living Water; Eli's Wife: A Husband's Tale Brings Hope for Peace; and, Mattie May: A Mountain Woman's Tale of Gracious Plenty.

The Diocesan Commission on Church Art and Architecture for the Archdiocese of Chicago has prepared this set of guidelines to be used with those outlined in Built of Living Stones. They will be useful for all those involved in any building or renovation project of a church or chapel.

If nonprofits influence policy, make policy, are affected by policy, and are subject to policy, then shouldn't every nonprofit manager fully understand the policy world in which they operate? In explicitly tying the policy realm to management skills, Shannon Vaughan and Shelly Arsneault's foundational book sheds new light on how nonprofit managers can better navigate policymaking and regulatory contexts to effectively lead their organizations. Managing Nonprofit Organizations in a Policy World provides a comprehensive overview of the nonprofit sector and the policy environment, with a focus on skills and strategies managers can use to advance the causes of their organizations. Abundant examples and rich case studies explore the complexity of the policy-nonprofit relationship and highlight both management challenges and successes. While coverage of the nuts-and-bolts is in here, what sets this book apart is tying everyday management to the broader view of how nonprofits can thrive within the policy ecosystem.

Emotionally wounded? Homeless? Financial difficulties? There are Open Doors, Open Hearts! This inspirational book tells the story of need in extenuating circumstances. How sometimes you just need a hand up. Of people who opened their homes, hearts, and lives to share and help without compensation. Of a person who received, questioned, and discovered ways to serve those similarly disadvantaged.  Open Doors, Open Hearts is a story of finding personal purpose-the desire to practice hospitality and 'Pay It Forward' from a gratuitous heart. This book inspires readers to recognize their life threads, apply them, and flourish in fulfilling their purpose.