Stumbling Blocks Or Stepping Stones

Focuses on values and attitudes drawn from the Gospels and the literature of Christian spirituality to discover solutions to psychological problems. Father Benedict offers a series of therapeutic meditations for readers with an interest in spirituality.

Stumbling Blocks and Stepping-Stones is a two-volume publication which vigorously examines Mormonism's long struggle with those it has traditionally deemed as sexually and gender transgressive -- its LGBTI members. It emboldens Latter-day Saints and fellow Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex, believing or disaffected, to dialogue with one another and consider the very real possibility of their full acceptance within the beloved faith community. It makes five enormous contributions: (1)It analyzes the "clobber scriptures" -- those most frequently used to end conversations on the topic -- drawing on a broad spectrum of Jewish, Christian, and academic scholars. The book provides connatural context and reasonable interpretations that broaden the discussion beyond "because God said so."(2)It provides a stimulating overview of scientific research on homosexuality in nature (severely undercutting the "homosexuality isn't natural" argument), what's currently known about the causes/influence on homosexuality, and the history of homophobia that has brought us to our current position. (3)It argues, persuasively, in my opinion, for ways in which the gospel can and does (and the church could and should) include lgbti members in full fellowship. (4)The longest section--part 4--provides a history of interactions between the church and its lgbti members. Because of my love for history, this is my favorite section, even though a lot of it seems like "baby step forward, giant step backwards," especially now. (5)The tone models a combination of compassion, serious scholarship, and firmly founded discipleship that should be elements that govern how the dialogue can and should be conducted.

Well-known author, psychologist ; and priest Fr. Benedict ; Groeschel draws on his own years of personal experiences in ; dealing with people's problems, tragedies and "darkness" as ; he offers help and guidance for any Christian troubled or ; burdened by life. If you are struggling with fear, anxiety, ; grief, loss of loved ones, hurt, anger or anything that ; makes life difficult or the road through it dark, then this ; book was written for you. Fr. Benedict offers practical ; suggestions on how to keep going and even grow with the ; help of God's grace, even when this help seems remote. ; The Christian response to the problem of evil and ; suffering began with the cross of Christ. Our answer is ; inseparable from the cross-from Jesus' own encounter with ; evil and his triumph over it. In this light, Fr. Benedict ; recalls some of our most frequently encountered sorrows and ; griefs: the failure of friends, financial and personal ; insecurity, the failure of some in the Church, our own ; inconsistent behaviors and weaknesses, and the death of ; loved ones. As we examine these painful experiences, he ; shows that we can find solutions in the Gospel and in the ; lives of saints, heroes, and very brave ordinary people. ; "Many guides have been written for people struggling with ; the mystery of evil. But each generation, each age has its ; own dark background in front of which the struggle to keep ; going must be worked out. In every age, men ask 'how am I ; going to go on to arise from darkness?' It is that which my ; book will address." Fr. Benedict Groeschel, ; CFR

Work without Shame, Rest without Guilt Balance. It's what we long for in our lives as we hear shouts of "Work harder!" in one ear, and whispers to "rest more" in the other. What if God's plan for us isn't just one way or the other? Enter the holy hustle. Crystal Stine followed the path to success as she climbed the corporate ladder. Now she explores "hustle" in a new light as a self-employed, work-from-home mom. She invites you to join her in experiencing... renewed peace as you focus on serving, not striving reawakened potential as you ditch comparison and embrace community redefined purpose as you seek the roles God has for you You were created to work with enthusiasm for the right reasons—and you were also made with a need to rest. Discover the place where these two sides meet in a happy, holy hustle.

My goal is to teach people how to develop a good, positive, self-concept. What people say to their self- governs the way they feel and act. In helping them become aware of their thinking and identifying thoughts that are inaccurate, they will choose different actions, which will result in a more positive lifestyle. By focusing on the relationship between self-esteem and happiness, and how these affect success in one’s finances, personal life, and relationships. “Everything that happens in life can be a Stumbling Block or a Stepping Stone. The choice is yours.”

Shari Rusch was a learning-disabled child afflicted with brain damage at birth. Legally blind in one eye and challenged by motor coordination problems, health issues, a speech impediment, ADHD, dyslexia, and family issues, all the tests foretold a mediocre future at best. With the help of educators and a willingness to try, Shari succeeded beyond all expectations, becoming an honor student, a teacher, and a nationally recognized speaker on the topic of at-risk youth and special education students.

Continue a life of meaning beyond retirement In 2002, with his business partner, Adam Zuercher, Tony Hixon launched Hixon Zuercher Capital Management—a fee-only wealth management firm. Tony wanted to help clients ensure that they wouldn’t outlive their money—and possibly even have enough saved to accomplish their bucket-list goals. However, after several years of running a numbers-first business and serving his clients well in their financial lives, a family crisis changed his thinking. Tony’s mother retired from her job as the director of a hospice agency, and she quickly fell into a deep depression as she lost her purpose and fulfillment derived from a lifelong career she had been passionate about. On March 22, 2011, Tony’s mother tragically took her own life. After this life-changing tragedy, Tony made it his goal to help pre-retirees not repeat the mistakes his mom made as she transitioned from her career into retirement. You need a plan for both your finances and your lifestyle. Retirement Stepping Stones will help ensure that your retirement brings you pleasure, serenity of mind, and the enjoyment of a life well-lived. That your transition is from success to significance. That you find a newfound hope and a newfound purpose. That retirement brings you your best years.