Unrevealed Until Its Season

Author James Howell believes in the power of song to teach spiritual truths. "Hymns embed faith into the marrow of the soul," he writes. In Unrevealed Until Its Season, Howell takes us on a 40-day journey through well-loved hymns. A meaningful Lenten devotional guide for individuals and small groups, Unrevealed Until Its Season is also a valuable resource and perfect gift for musicians as they prepare for worship, and for ministers as they lead worship. Weekly themes include Praising God, Hymns About Jesus, Hymns of Forgiveness, Hymns of Vision, Hymns of Beauty, Hymns of Holy Week, and Hymns of Easter. Howell ponders phrases from old and new hymns, such as "Be Thou My Vision," "Hymn of Promise," "All Creatures of Our God and King," "For Everyone Born," "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," "Lift High the Cross," and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."

Here are amazing insights showing reincarnation to be deeply and powerfully revealed in the Bible's most fundamental aspects. How and why have these insights escaped attention for so long? At last, they are uncovered here by a confluence of conventional Bible study and the epochal spiritual discoveries of Rudolf Steiner. With particular emphasis on the organic provisions of the Old Testament, Smith shows both what the assumptions of the Master's hearers were and how the New Testament confirms the ancient heritage. Arising from the fullness of the canon is an exciting story of the long journey of humanity and every human soul, each a "beloved sheep" whom the Creator is unwilling to lose. Combining a lifetime of biblical study and teaching, fifteen years investigating and contemplating Rudolf Steiner's vast works, and almost three decades of applying the analytical skill required in an intense law practice, Smith has produced a potential classic the serious Bible student can ill afford to ignore.

50 More Stories and Songs is a continuation of Rev. James D. Wood’s delightful memoir, This Is My Story, This Is My Song. Remembering other “forgotten events” in his life, Reverend Wood writes about them and concludes each story with resonating words from a hymn. Readers will find these additional stories to be charming and engaging. Reverend Wood has served nine congregations during his fifty years with the United Methodist Church. Previously, he served in the US Navy and with the Port District of San Diego as a civil engineering draftsman. In ministry though, Reverend Wood discovered life to be even more meaningful and adventurous than he ever imagined. He is married to Martha, herself the author of Out of My Mind, has three children, seven grandchildren, and three great-granddaughters. They have lived in Arizona for the past forty-four years and currently reside in Sun Lakes, Arizona.

Author Rev. Margaret Vredeveld knows firsthand the sorrow and anguish of a loved ones passing. In April of 2001, her youngest daughter, Sheri Joy, died at the age of twenty-eight of ovarian cancer. During that time, Vredeveld served as her daughters spiritual guide while continuing to pastor her congregation; she soon came to realize that she had come to a better understanding of difficult times her parishioners faced. In Soothe Your Soul, Vredeveld shares a host of meditations to help people navigate some of lifes most painful moments. Based on her personal life experiences and complemented with Scripture readings and songs, the meditations address a variety of topics, including conflict, confusion, gossip, hostility, self-doubt, anger, depression, and the death of a loved one. Filled with words to calm the spirit and uplift the heart, Soothe Your Soul offers reflections and teachings to guide people through some of lifes most trying times and experiences.

Let this book help you to know that: A crisis does not need to destroy you. Worry wrinkles diminish with a clear conscience. Friendships are worth all they cost. A good attitude opens many doors. Cherished memories add spice to life. Smiles do what wrinkles cannot do. Forgiveness creates a healthy body and soul. What you say to yourself can make or break you. Your body is a gift worthy of good care. The upward look brings a Divine Helper. " ...he here brings together lessons from his "prayer of dominant desire." He has answered many a call from church and community, with a humble: Here am I, send me. I cannot think of anyone, regardless of age or station, who will not be enlightened and inspired by reading this book. I am honored to recommend it." -- Rev. O. Gerald Trigg, PhD "What leaves an impression are the experiences of a man with an underlying happy heart, ever glad to be of service to God and others." --Philip Green Jr. "I wrote this book at my age because I felt led to do so. This book has much to say about what God has done through me." --Philip Green Sr.

Filled with wit, insight, and inspiration, this anthology includes sermons for every Sunday and major celebration throughout the Christian year based on the First Readings from Cycle C of the Revised Common Lectionary. Three outstanding preachers from diverse denominational backgrounds interpret texts from the Old Testament and Acts in fresh ways that proclaim the good news for the twenty-first century. Their powerful messages remind us that the Hebrew scriptures are much more than just ancient history and explore what they mean for us today. Proclaiming timeless themes of justice and righteousness, as well as God's faithful covenant and enduring forgiveness, these imaginative homilies call us to lead better, more God-centered lives. This is an essential resource that's useful for: - Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts - Preaching illustrations - A clearer understanding of scripture passages - Adult study and discussion groups - Personal devotions and Bible study on each Sunday's texts The illustrations in these sermons, taken from both classical and common sources, as well as personal experiences, are worth the price of the book. I'll buy any book of sermons that gives me one or two good illustrations that are fresh and believable. Charles Reeb is a master at illustrating his points. John K. Bergland Former Professor of Preaching and Associate Dean Duke Divinity School Former editor, Abingdon Preaching Annual

Young, handsome, and full of life, David Day is ready to marry his college sweetheart. Everything is in place: he has completed his college education and launched a successful computer career. Before he can make the most important commitment of his life, however, a thief strikes, stealing his dreams. As he wrestles with severe bipolar disease, he loses first his fiancée and then his job. David’s fighting spirit gets him through law school and helps him pass the Minnesota Bar Examination. It helps him too when the Minnesota Board of Law Examiners decides his illness makes him unfit for the challenging public law career he had chosen—a decision he courageously challenges. His family has faith everything will come out right in the end. Surely David’s hard work has earned him some good luck, some happiness. He has found a medication he can tolerate and has been hospital free for three years. As they begin to relax, bipolar strikes again, fatally this time. In the aftermath of David’s death, his mother, Pat, has to decide: Is that all there was to his life? Did the thief win? Decide for yourself as you follow Pat’s compelling true-life journey. Along the way you’ll learn important information about bipolar, a disease which affects 5.7 million Americans, about how to cope with mental illness when it affects you or a loved one, and about how to move forward when, in the midst of grief and loss, God seems unavailable and uncaring. You’ll also discover the joy and peace available even in the darkest pit and the hope that can rise from the ashes of despair. This is a story you will find as intriguing as the movies and books you have seen and can’t forget. The best book I've ever read on grief. Just beautiful how the author bares her soul. A must read for anyone who has lost a child. A book to read again and again. As former manage of a Christian book store, I know the crying need for When the Thief Strikes. Marilyn Otte, Cannon Falls, MN Wow! Right from the beginning this book grabs you and takes you through the darkness of the battle to victory. You might be able to read it in one sitting (because you can't put it down), but you will want to read it again slowly chewing on the God given insights Pat shares. Whether you are going through the journey of dealing with mental illness, grief or know someone who is and want to reach out with wisdom....this book is for you. Susan Dehmlow, Vermilion, MN Even if Pat Day weren't my friend, I would love this book!!!! Pat Hanson, Randolph, MN A TREMENDOUS book. A gift of love. I have friends impacted by bipolar which has largely been a mystery to me. Because of the insights gained from Pat Day's book, I can now come along side them as a friend in their struggle with this “thief.” The end notes, bibliography, and index. make the book even more useful. The heart wrenching candor with which she recounts her story and its impact on her personal faith journey will profoundly affect you and strengthen you for your own times of trial. Beth Hagemeister, Cannon Falls, MN An Awesome book!!! Hard to put down. So far 10 people are on my waiting list to borrow it. As a nurse, I recommend doctors read it to gain insights on mental illness not found in textbooks. Cheryl Albers, Northfield, MN I loved this book! A moving story for anyone. Addresses the core of suffering and grief. A must read for anyone who has a loved one suffering with mental illness. Sheds light on subjects rarely talked about. A true gift to those who read it! Roxanne Devney, Northfield, MN This book invoked poignant memories of people I knew who died by suicide. It begs the question--when will understanding and acceptance of mental illness begin and the silence and shame end? Don Burgoyne, Cannon Falls, MN” It's hard enough for a mother to work through the