This Is My Story This Is My Song This Is My Miracle

The first of two volumes to be published, in This is my Story, This is my Song, Leonard S. Buxton recounts the first half of his engaging life and his long career in ministry. He has written a very entertaining personal account of his upbringing as the son of a fire-and-brimstone Evangelical preacher during the Depression, the beginnings of his political consciousness through WWll, his college life and the strict mores of the 1950s, and moving from parish to parish with his young family during the turbulent social change of the 1960s and early 1970s. As a professor of psychology at Claflin, a black university in South Carolina, Leonard recalls his activism within the church—and literally in his own backyard—to break down the resistance to desegregation and to support the civil rights movement. This book is filled with evocative photographs and colorful firsthand history, its joys and heartbreaks: Studebakers and VWs, the Red Sox and Yankees, teen hang-outs in drugstores, music, dramatic productions, and church camping, the serious social stigma of divorce, the illegality of adultery, the scourge of polio, the loss of a child, group ‘encounter sessions,’ George McGovern, Benjamin Spock, Kent State, burning crosses . . . A man devoted to building congregations as a pastor, psychologist, parish counselor, teacher and activist, Leonard depicts characters and narrates events with remarkable acuity. This book is a rich reflection on his experiences, written with candor and humility, and observing people and events through the kind lens of his dedication to serving others and his evolving faith as a Methodist minister. To quote one of Leonard’s aspirations for this memoir, “For those still casting around an unclear future, this may say ‘Take heart; life will be full of surprises.’”

Betty Carr Pulkingham grew up in North Carolina and received a bachelor of science in music from Womens College, UNC. Following graduate studies at the Eastman School of Music, she taught music theory at the University of Texas for four years and then directed both church and secular choirs. For seven years she directed the choir of the Church of the Redeemer in Houston, where her husband served as rector. They became founding members of the Community of Celebration. During the years of the Communitys residence in Great Britain (197485), Betty played a primary role in developing resources for Christian worship and nurture. She co-edited three contemporary songbooksSound of Living Waters, Fresh Sounds, and Cry Hosanna!and a hymnal supplement called Come Celebrate! for major publishers in the UK and the USA. Other published works include two books (Little Things in the Hands of a Big God and Sing God a Simple Song); a responsorial Psalter for Years A, B, and C; hymns and octavo anthems; music for children; and four settings of music for the Eucharist. She helped produce more than forty recordings and served on the Episcopal Churchs Standing Commission on Church Music. A significant aspect of Pulkinghams teaching ministry has been her ability to blend the discipline of traditional, classical musicianship with folk arts to draw congregations into a deepened and lively experience of worship. In 2006 she received the honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Virginia, and in 2007 she received the degree of Doctoris in Sacris Litteris from Wycliff College of the University of Toronto. She and Graham have six children. Since his death, Pulkingham has made her home in Burlington, North Carolina. She remains a Companion of the Community of Celebration in Aliquippa, PA.

For far too many years Meghan accepted her status as a victim of incest and believed she had circumvented any long-lasting impact on her life. She didn't know the emotional turmoil she felt resulted from narcissistic abuse. The torment left an indelible mark on her life that led to cycling relationships between lust and narcissistic abuse. Relationships mirrored the one that should have taught respect and love from a man - the relationship with her father. In this transparent and powerful memoir, Meghan invites the reader to walk back in time as she unlocks painful memories that were designed to confine her to a life of bondage. Her journey to healing begins when she senses urgings to leave her hometown after a long and successful career. Eager to settle in a new location, her excitement rapidly turns into disabling exhaustion as further stressful events command her time, energy, and attention. Her life shifts through a powerful spiritual transformation after divine messengers provide truths about her past. Compelled to embrace her spiritual beginnings, Meghan weaves together sound theology with biblical insight that sharpens her view to bring life into focus. Decades of false beliefs wrapped in fear begin to unravel as the tragedy of Meghan's childhood unfolds. Witness compelling news that provides clarity to her life, arouses understanding, and promotes healing. Walk with Meghan as she reveals evil beginnings and responds by declaring war on the enemy. Her spirit whispered: "The enemy wouldn't attack if something within you wasn't valuable. Write your story." Meghan retraces her steps and boldly exposes the god of this world, his tactics and strategies. In obedience to her inner spirit she writes a compelling story about the shame of abuse, her rebellious response, God's love, and the path to freedom and righteousness in Jesus Christ.

This Is My Story, This Is My Song, This Is My Miracle is an enlightening, inspirational, and historically significant manuscript that follows the genealogical heritage of James Story, a recognized music director, composer, and educator living in Middle Tennessee. James uses historical documents, oral traditions, and interviews with family members to piece together his family history. Reflecting on his own life experiences, he connects with his ancestors and discovers a commonality that captivates him - the use, love, and knowledge of music. Music is an inseparable part the historical, cultural, and geographical makeup of his ancestors. This memoir interweaves family stories with James's personal narratives, song lyrics, prayers, and Bible passages to reveal how much music has shaped James's life, beliefs, and continuing recovery from COVID-19. Although James credits the heroic efforts of all the healthcare providers he encountered during his long battle with COVID-19, he believes his faith in God, the prayers from others, and his life-long connection with music were powerful factors in his miraculous recovery. So many people throughout the world have been affected in some way by COVID-19. This inspiring, easy-to-read book gives the reader an insider's view into the struggle to overcome the illness and acclaims the power of faith and prayer ... and song.

All proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to The Miscarriage Association to help in their work supporting families. This book is both my story and my song. It is the story of my babies who died before they were born; it is my song of healing and hope in grief, given as a gift to others. It is not a diary or an autobiography of my experience; rather it is a collection of poems and prose which I have written over the years in memory of my four baby boys and in the journey of grief which I have travelled. They were written as a form of healing and they are given now in the hope that they might help the healing of those who read them. I am a mum of angels; We are many in number; We are never alone. Emma

“I felt a shift in my grieving as it went from earthly bound to heavenly bound; I could smile at just the thought of the day when I would see her face to face. I no longer cried because I wanted her back in my world, but I looked forward to the day that I would join her in her, new world. My heart-cry was gone and replaced with the peace of knowing that this earthly life is just a vapor of our existence.” This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all day long! This line was continuously going through my thoughts as I began this book about the unexpected loss of Emilie, my 18-year-old daughter, in a tragic accident. I lay open my heart and share the good, bad, and ugly of the whole emotional process. I cannot even fathom where or who I would be right now if I had no faith in God and his heart-healing power. Most of all, I want people to know that with Jesus they are not alone in their grief.

This Is My Story By: Glen O. Suiter A man’s journey in life may take many twists and turns, but, ultimately, he will be judged by where he ends up and the impact he has on those around him. Glen O. Suiter is no stranger to the seeming randomness of daily life; but through all the difficulties he faced, he always found his way thanks to a faith in God, that while it too went through many changes over the years, only became stronger with time. This Is My Story is the tale of a life well-lived. It contains the lessons learned by a true Christian who was everything from an inactive and unheard member of a congregation to a leader, preacher, and church founder. Glen’s story isn’t idyllic, but life never is. Learning to deal with that fact is perhaps the greatest challenge of all.

The author, paralyzed by polio in high school, relates her experiences and her determination to go to college and become a school teacher despite her handicap.