When Goodness Finds You

THERE IS AN UNSPOKEN WORD IN CHRISTIANITY... THAT WORD IS INTIMACY! Deep inside every true child of God is a desire to know Him intimately. Intimacy with God is seldom experienced by God's people because it is not talked about, we don't know what it is, and we don't know how to obtain it. Do you have a hunger in your soul for a deeper experience of God? Has your search for such an experience often led to frustration and more questions? WHEN GOODNESS FINDS YOU invites you to live a life of intimacy with God. RETURN TO A LIFE OF INNOCENCE. FIND THE KIND OF RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD YOU WERE DESIGNED TO ENJOY. DISCOVER INTIMACY IN SIMPLE WAYS. IGNITE THE FIRE IN YOUR SOUL BY TAKING THE STEPS OF A CHILD. FIND OUT HOW TO POSITION YOURSELF FOR GOD'S GOODNESS TO FIND YOU. "Intimacy with God isn't a topic that can be written about from a merely academic perspective. Scott Boucher communicates that with an ease and candor that can only come through a man who writes from experience. If you want the often-misunderstood concept of intimacy with God to come alive, do yourself a favor and read this book." --Shawn Hennessy, lead pastor, Life Church, Green Bay, WI "I highly recommend this book; it is birthed out of many years of Scott's experience." --Rev. Arni Jacobson, international director of leadership, Grace International "For those who have not yet experienced the pleasure and joy of partaking of the Lord in this way, you are in for the treat of your life. I believe this is the most important aspect of our Christian faith, and sadly, the most missed experience for those who call themselves Christian." --John Kieffer, Wisconsin State Facilitator, Mission America Coalition

Most of us feel the world is more contentious and less civil than it was a generation ago, or a few years ago, or maybe even last week. We long to be reassured that everything is going to be okay, that God is still at work, even in small ways. The good news is, even when our circumstances change, God does not. He is still in control, and he still offers us good gifts. We just have to know where to look for them. Exploring the beautiful admonition found in Philippians 4:8 to think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy, author Alexandra Kuykendall encourages us to keep seeking out goodness even when we are mired in a time of fear, division, and negativity. Through personal stories and clear biblical insight, Alex helps us see God at work right now, right in our midst, no matter how messy life feels. She helps us appreciate other people even when we disagree with them, move past false dichotomies, celebrate goodness in others when we find it, and hope for a brighter tomorrow even as we celebrate the good gifts we receive today.

Declining church attendance. A growing feeling of betrayal. For Christians who have begun to feel set adrift and disillusioned by their churches, Where Goodness Still Grows grounds us in a new view of virtue deeply rooted in a return to Jesus Christ’s life and ministry. The evangelical church in America has reached a crossroads. Social media and recent political events have exposed the fault lines that exist within our country and our spiritual communities. Millennials are leaving the church, citing hypocrisy, partisanship, and unkindness as reasons they can’t stay. In this book Amy Peterson explores the corruption and blind spots of the evangelical church and the departure of so many from the faith - but she refuses to give up hope, believing that rescue is on the way. Where Goodness Still Grows: Dissects the moral code of American evangelicalism Reimagines virtue as a tool, not a weapon Explores the Biblical meaning of specific virtues like kindness, purity, and modesty Provides comfort, hope, and a path towards spiritual restoration Amy writes as someone intimately familiar with, fond of, and deeply critical of the world of conservative evangelicalism. She writes as a woman and a mother, as someone invested in the future of humanity, and as someone who just needs to know how to teach her kids what it means to be good. Amy finds that if we listen harder and farther, we will find the places where goodness still grows. Praise for Where Goodness Still Grows: “In this poignant, honest book, Amy Peterson confronts her disappointment with the evangelical leaders who handed her The Book of Virtues then happily ignored them for the sake of political power. But instead of just walking away, Peterson rewrites the script, giving us an alternative book of virtues needed in this moment. And it’s no mistake that it ends with hope.” — James K. A. Smith, author of You Are What You Love

What does it mean to be a young Jewish man? Who am I? How do I feel about myself? Do I seem cool? Do I fit in? These overarching teen boys' concerns are addressed head on through the voices of contemporary Jewish teens, men, and biblical and historical stories. The JGuy's Guide helps young teens see how Judaism can help them navigate the often choppy waters of adolescence while it strengthens Jewish identity and pride. This interactive book encourages personal reflection and discussion, making it ideal for the individual teenager as well as education and discussion groups. Its candid approach explores dilemmas boys face in their daily lives: the pressure to excel at sports, school and social life; the courage to speak up when friends make questionable choices or parents act hypocritically; and more. Like the Talmud, the book offers many perspectives and reflection questions to help boys find their own truths.