Bøger udgivet af Ballast Books

"Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino gained worldwide recognition starring on the hit reality TV show Jersey Shore, captivating audiences with his entertaining personality and trademark abs. But while life appeared to be a constant party, Mike was silently suffering. Years of intense drug addiction took their toll on his mind, body, and life, and if not for the grace of God, he doubts he would be here today."--

The colonial church was critical in training the founding generation on biblical principles for governing justly. When England governed unjustly over a long period of time with no intention of changing course, the leaders of the Continental Congress confronted their civil authority. After many years trying to reconcile, they saw no other option but to follow the biblical template for starting a new nation. They drafted the Declaration of Independence, and God blessed their effort. For many generations, the church embraced its stewardship role to pass on these principles, but for the last fifty years, the modern church has turned away from this responsibility. Is citizenship optional for Christians? What is the compelling biblical argument for active Christian citizenship? This book lays out this citizenship role in strikingly clear terms backed by thousands of verses. All the common objections to political engagement are addressed, pointing the reader to the unescapable conclusion: The Duty Is Ours.

America--the beautiful, brave, and bold. By depicting our nation's long legacy of inspiring figures, landmarks, and events, this poetry collection enlivens modern perceptions of the stories all Americans are raised on. Even more notably, it rejuvenates our sense of connection to each other and our history. Written with his three children in mind, Red, White & Verse by breakout author Greg McNeilly forges "an unflinching love and passion for the ideal of the American spirit." This is a story of American heroism told through riveting verse that chronicles the most important occasions in the country's history, from the first interactions with Pocahontas to the emergent activism of Frederick Douglass to disastrous events like Pearl Harbor and September 11. Also encompassing the popularization of baseball, natural American gems like the Grand Canyon, the rise of Hollywood, and more, Red, White & Verse truly captures it all. With accompanying historical facts and hand-drawn ink illustrations, this collection of lyrical poems emphasizes the value of America's mythos in a unique and compelling format that will resonate with every American, regardless of where they stand on the political spectrum.

Are you aspiring to create a legendary culture, become an exceptional leader, and lead a fulfilling life? In his debut book, Beyond the Sea, Robert Roncska offers insights into the transformation of positive cultures that turned sour and negative cultures that became renowned. When Roncska assumed command of the USS Texas, the ship ranked at the bottom of its squadron and faced recurring safety issues. Through innovative strategies, he successfully transformed the culture, propelling his submarine's ranking and retention from last place to first place in the Pacific Fleet within a remarkable two-year period. Starting with a loving and people-centric approach, Roncska laid the groundwork of trust, standards, and purpose. In this book, he presents a roadmap that leaders can adapt to any industry, empowering readers to create high-quality relationships and elevate their organization's performance beyond expectations.

Almost 250 years ago, our Founders thought We the People were the solution. Today, it looks like we have become the problem. What happened, and what can We the People do about it? Every day, the news delivers the same story: as a nation, we are so divided, we spend more time picking fights than solving our most urgent problems. It's exhausting and exasperating. In Remaking the Space Between Us, Smith invites us to see what lies behind this story: a growing trend in which more and more of us are seeking refuge in like-minded groups while distancing from groups different from our own. Although it's a natural response to the uncertainty and adversity of the past fifty years, this trend is fraying our social fabric, poisoning our politics, and weakening the moral foundation upon which our future together rests. Despite all we are up against, Smith shows why we need not--and why we must not--give up on each other or give into forces so overwhelming they make us feel powerless. Through emotionally affecting stories, Smith recounts how tens of thousands of citizens across the U.S. are working together under the radar to bridge divides, heal our nation, and rebuild our democracy. Each story unearths the power we have to open the space within groups and close the distance across them. These short, readable essays will inspire and empower you to remake the space between us so we stop fighting against each other to get our own way and start fighting alongside each other to create a future that is better for all.

What if so much of what we think we know about pleasing God is remarkably wrong? Are you longing to find true fulfillment in your relationship with Jesus, free from the constraints of religious obligations? Do you desire a deep and unwavering joy that comes from knowing you have God's approval and pleasure, even on your most challenging days?In Commended, embark on a transformative journey as you explore a fresh perspective on pleasing God. This captivating book challenges the misconceptions we often hold and reveals a simpler, more authentic way to experience God's delight. Through the inspiring stories of those who brought Jesus joy through acts of faith, hope, and love, you'll discover profound truths that will reshape your understanding of God's love for you.Within these pages, you'll find:A renewed hope that pleasing God is within your reach, no matter your circumstances.A revelation of God's true feelings toward you, bringing comforting and joyful news.The lifting of burdensome performance-based religion, freeing your heart to experience true intimacy with God.A reignited passion to pursue God and embrace the joy of His presence.A clearer and deeper understanding of who Jesus truly is, transforming your perspective of Him.An extraordinary sense of joy as you embrace Jesus's affirmation and approval and the delight He finds in you.Immerse yourself in the pages of Commended and embark on a life-changing journey today. Discover the profound truth that will revolutionize your relationship with God and fill your heart with enduring joy.Small Group Study Guide included.

What you're made to believe is wrong about you is what's strong about you.We spend over 90,000 hours of our lives in the workplace, suppressing parts of ourselves to fit into the "culture." What we don't realize is that it's stifling our creativity-and even killing us. With that in mind, what advice would you give your younger self about embracing who you are in the workplace?In Unmask Your Brilliance, global executive advisor and prominent business technology voice Michelle Mehrnoosh Bazargan unveils an "insider's" perspective on workplace pressures for conformity and false narratives, all while providing practical tools to overcome them.Bazargan highlights the unconscious traumas that drive us into survival mode, causing us to mask and silence our voices. Drawing on extensive research and her own personal experiences, she guides readers away from normalized toxic corporate mentalities and toward personal growth to become better individuals.

Silver Medal Recipient at the Nonfiction Book AwardsFinalist, Business at the 2024 Book Excellence AwardsYour most important business is the business of you.Lately, it seems like your work defines your identity. You want to balance the personal and professional elements of your life, but it's a struggle. Your career is thriving-if only you could say the same thing about yourself.Strategic management helps organizations make better decisions and reorganize for success. The Strategic Business of You applies the same strategies to your personal life, providing a detailed plan for high-achieving professionals like you to maximize your physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial life.The Strategic Business of You guides you to structure your thoughts to create more balance, well-being, and harmony. Discover how to implement a personalized strategy for managing your three main resources: time, energy, and money. Explore the unprecedented value of embracing each day as a gift. Most importantly, start intentionally investing in yourself as you get serious about the business of living.

Light + Life is a stroll through the seasons, a rainy day read, and a treasury of inspiration you can throw into your bag all in one. Filled with poetry, paintings, and activities and tips to help you bring more art into your life, this book is the perfect way for any admirer of EMYO to welcome her work into their home.

Most c-suite executives do not trade the corner office for a room at the psych ward. This was the path that Michael Stutts chose. A partner at a prestigious management consultancy, senior executive at a multi-billion dollar corporation, and lifelong overachiever, Michael was burned out and broken down when he made a life-changing decision: he checked into a psychiatric hospital and prioritized mental health over personal achievement. In There's No Room Service at the Psych Ward, Michael shares his story and reveals the value of calling the game and starting fresh. You'll learn practical insight for navigating the challenges high achievers face and why looking within and reaching out is vital for success and survival. With levity, vulnerability, and refreshing candor, Michael brings awareness to the mental health crisis and proves that no matter how much you've achieved, the best is yet to come.

What does it take to get from the tough streets of London to the glitz and glamour of the Playboy Mansion? Author Zoë Gregory takes readers on a journey through the rave scene of her rebellious youth to the stark reality of young motherhood and the economic pressures that drove her to reimagine her future. With hard work, strategic thinking, and a touch of manifestation, Zoë set her sights on Hollywood and never looked back.Now, Zoë reflects on her life in the limelight-and she's not holding back. From Britain to Bunny is Zoë's unfiltered story of self-discovery and chasing one's dreams. Join her through her life's greatest turning points, including, of course, her relationship with the iconic Hugh Hefner. With remarkable storytelling and a powerful message, Zoë invites readers to reflect on their own ambitions and challenges as well as the choices they make in life. More than anything, she reminds us all that, no matter where we come from, we can achieve the unimaginable.

Step into the hidden world of elite warriors--Green Berets, Navy SEALs, Air Force PJs, Marine Raiders, etc.--who are haunted by a unique constellation of injuries, born out of years, even decades, of fighting the Global War on Terror. Operator Syndrome identifies and describes the profound impact that years of extreme sacrifice have had on our military special operators and their loved ones. Drawing upon his thirty years of experience with clinical trials, historical epidemiology, and neuroscience research--as well as a decade of applied efforts with special operators across all branches of the U.S. military--acclaimed clinical psychologist Chris Frueh, Ph.D., uncovers a pattern of interrelated afflictions: traumatic brain injury, hormonal dysregulation, sleep apnea, chronic pain, depression, anger, insomnia, addiction, existential angst, and more. Dr. Frueh guides us through the harrowing terrain of Operator Syndrome. He provides a roadmap to understand its multifaceted origins and complex effects on every biological system in the body--as well as the social systems of family, work, and the indifferent society these warriors return to. He explains how modern healthcare systems, especially Veterans Affairs, have too often relied on the PTSD "easy button" and failed a generation of men and women who have carried the brunt of the fight since 9/11. Frueh shines a bright and empathic light on the silent struggles of a community with a "never quit" mindset. Most importantly, he provides real solutions, lifestyle adaptations, and step-by-step treatment strategies that have worked for hundreds of operators, saving lives and giving hope to families.

Embark on an extraordinary journey with Chief Petty Officer Benito Olson in his newly released book, The Underdogs: Conquering Life With Man's Best Friend and SEAL Team ---. From scrawny underdog to Navy Master-at-Arms, Olson's path unfolds working alongside an elite SEAL Team with his incredible canine partner, Digo. >

Most feel blessed to grow up Amish-but not Rosa. Although she appreciates many aspects of the culture she was raised in, the abuse she suffered at the hands of her own brother and the lack of support she received from the rest of her family ultimately led her down a different path-one that would be characterized by light instead of the darkness that had shrouded her all her life. My Path to Light: How I Escaped the Darkness of an Abusive Amish Childhood paints a comprehensive picture of what it means to be Amish and how her experience was unique-but not for the better. With gut-wrenching honesty and earnest introspection, Rosa Miller opens up about the highs and lows of her upbringing, her internal struggle over conflicting beliefs, and how she drew the courage to leave her family behind in pursuit of a brighter future. Set off on the path to spiritual and emotional liberation with Rosa as she vividly describes various facets of Amish lifestyle. Hold her heart in your hands as she bravely discusses the molestation she endured and how she stood up against it to protect her younger female family members. And walk alongside Rosa as she steadfastly commits to following Jesus and using Him as a guide for her life journey. With My Path to Light, you will be inspired to march out of the darkness and into the light, just as Rosa did.

Winner of Finance at the 2024 Book Excellence Awards Nonfiction Book Awards Silver Medal Recipient 2024 Winner of Best Business Book at the Los Angeles Book Festival 2023 Winner of Best Business Book at the New England Book Festival 2023 ​Winner of Best Business/Technology Book at the Southern California Book Festival 2023"A no-nonsense guide to disciplined investing, full of deep insights framed in compelling ways." --Kirkus Reviews The financial services industry has a dark secret, one that costs global investors trillions of dollars every year! This secret quietly drains the investment portfolios and retirement accounts of almost every investor. In 1900, French mathematician Louis Bachelier unwittingly revealed this disturbing fact to the world. Since then, hundreds of academic studies have supported Bachelier's findings. Unfortunately, investors pay little attention to academics and Nobel laureates. What is the dark secret? It's that managers don't beat markets. In fact, markets outperform managers by a substantial margin over long periods of time. Index Funds: The 12-Step Recovery Program for Active Investors offers overwhelming proof of this and shows investors how to obtain optimal rates of return by matching their risk capacity to an appropriate risk exposure. A globally diversified portfolio of index funds is the optimal way to accomplish this. Most investors continue to embrace an active investing strategy despite the extensive academic research demonstrating its futility. Market timing or speculating on the next winning stock, fund manager, or investment style are all akin to gambling. Below-market returns in investment portfolios and pension accounts are the result of investors gambling with their hard-earned money. This twelve-step program will put active investors on the road to recovery. Each step is designed to bring investors closer to embracing a prudent and sound strategy of buying, holding, and rebalancing an index portfolio. Index Funds: The 12-Step Recovery Program for Active Investors is the treatment of choice for wayward investors. It has been praised by Jack Bogle, Harry Markowitz, Burton Malkiel, David Booth, Paul Samuelson, and Theodore Aronson, among others. Investment advisor Anders Oldenburg of Seligson & Company nominated the previous version as one of the three "All-Time Greatest Investment Books," along with the writings of John Bogle and Warren Buffett. This one-of-a-kind little jewel is an eye-pleasing manifestation of hundreds of studies and decades of research, and it clearly represents Hebner's ongoing commitment to educate investors throughout the world. It is destined to emerge as the go-to handbook for intelligent, evidence-based investing.

Stop accepting the status quo! Organizations are struggling more than ever to recruit, retain, and motivate team members. Since an organization's culture is the primary determinant of productivity, why not purge toxic culture and build a flourishing one instead? Matt Lesser demonstrates how organizations with flourishing cultures experience significant increases in productivity, commitment, and engagement. unEngaged: Building Flourishing Organizations is your guide to intentionally build a healthy, flourishing culture in any organization--especially yours. If you are struggling with filling vacancies, high turnover, and motivating team members, then apply the practical and implementable practices in this field manual to develop engaged, motivated team members. Find out how to positively motivate individuals to consistently achieve successful outcomes. Best of all, discover how demonstrating empathy, delegating empowerment, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence helps build flourishing team members, who, in turn, build flourishing organizations.

You're good, you're brave, you're kind, you're strong, and you have been all along! Written for children and inner-children alike, The Magical Mantra whimsically and delightfully teaches the power of speaking truth and goodness into our lives. Join along in planting your own magical mantra seed to remember who you are and have always been.

The Warrior's Table tells the story of life in the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community through the experiences of real SOF spouses and families across the service branches. Our family dinner team, The Cast Iron Crew, shares recipes from decades in SOF and how they safeguard what matters most. This unique cookbook is more than just that--it's a book of delicious recipes and a guide to connecting and thriving in this demanding lifestyle. Living intentionally in special operations is incredibly hard. It's easy to let "common pitfalls" slip in and break down simple habits needed to endure and overcome challenges that inevitably arise. Mealtime can be a family and community ritual that reinforces routines and habits to counter those pitfalls, because shared mealtime is not about being tied to an oven or the dinner table it's about fundamentally caring for the minds, bodies, and hearts of those in your life. Mealtimes are ultimately about building belonging to a family, a community, and lifestyle. In addition to the book highlighting history, culture, and family life strategies, The Warrior's Table covers what it is like to live life as a special operations family from unit selection to well past a family's time of service. In the ten chapters and many sections within, we story-tell of universal SOF experiences.

Working dead-end blue-collar jobs your whole life can take a dramatic physical and emotional toll-unless you learn to embrace the absurdity.Kevin Cramer has almost died at work three separate times, surviving each incident only through a minor miracle. It got him asking the question-why? Why do so many of us get up and trudge to a place we dislike every day? American Grunt: Ridiculous Stories of a Life Lived at $8.00 an Hour is Cramer's quest to find meaning in a career spanning nearly a hundred forgettable jobs from paper boy to construction laborer, including all the warehouses, bars, parking lots, schools, and delivery trucks in between. American Grunt is a book for all of us whose dreams never quite materialized and who found ourselves both laughing and weeping at the insanity of where we got stuck. This story provides hope that despite all the frustration, it's possible to live a modern blue-collar life without the oft-attached bitterness.

Educational, entertaining, and relatable, Yucky! follows Lilly's math struggles until the right teacher comes along and shows her that math can be fun. Once Lilly discovers that math can speak to her creative side, she realizes--"Maybe math isn't so YUCKY!" Author and illustrator, Dr. Kevin Smith, uses his creativity and experience as a high school math teacher and college professor to to craft a narrative that sparks engaging discussions about the true essence of math. This book is a must-read, especially for those with students who harbor a dislike for math. Delve into its pages and explore the significance of recognizing patterns, fostering creativity, and maintaining curiosity in the realm of mathematics.

Here I am on a beautiful day in sunny Visalia, California, sitting in a crate at a pet store, hoping to be adopted. Meanwhile, other dogs are going home with their new moms and dads. They are lucky! My Name Is Brandan is a touching story of a homeless pup discovering love and belonging--and, ultimately, his true identity! Inspired by the real-life adoption story of the dog himself, this sweet tale will charm readers of all ages with its colorful illustrations and entertaining narrative. Every dog deserves love--and you're sure to love Brandan!

"During her decades-long career at NASA, my friend and colleague Vickie Kloeris made sure my fellow astronauts and I were well-fed and healthy while in space. Space Bites is not only a compilation of stories of her amazing career but also a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of human space travel. Read this book to be inspired and to learn, and don't be surprised if it also leaves you hungry for some space food." ​--Mike Massimino, Former NASA Astronaut and NY Times Bestselling Author of Spaceman: An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe As a microbiology undergrad entering her final semester at Texas A&M University, Vickie found she was missing a single one-hour credit in her elective studies. As she scanned through the list of approved options, a course in food microbiology caught her eye. Vickie didn't know it then, but that seemingly simple decision would drastically change the course of her career--and life--from that moment forward. Vickie Kloeris's Space Bites: Reflections of a NASA Food Scientist takes readers through the many memorable moments of her career as she worked on both the Shuttle and International Space Station food systems. If you've ever wanted an inside look at what it's like to assemble a sandwich in space, produce a space food breakfast for the cast of Apollo 13, or work side by side with astronauts as they prepare for the journey of a lifetime, you're sure to learn something new with the turn of every page. A charming balance of technical knowledge and human experience, Vickie's career memoir is a story for the scientist, space enthusiast, and spontaneous reader alike.

Two aviators making history. Two Americans serving their country. One incredible story spanning fifty years and two generations. Ben Smotherman, a B-17 pilot in World War II, valiantly fought in the European Theater of Operations before being shot down over Holland in July 1943. After enduring twenty-one months as a prisoner of war, he was finally reunited with his loved ones and was able to start a family. Years later, after perusing his Wartime Log, his daughter Jan made discoveries about her father's experiences that shed light on her own life path. As a Space Shuttle astronaut, Jan Davis went through intensive training, flew NASA jets, and completed three spaceflights, spending over 673 hours on orbit. Her experiences and emotions during her launches and space travel echoed those of her father during his combat missions, highlighting the unshakable bond between father and daughter. With Air Born, you can join in on a flight through history as Jan Davis relates her father's heroic service and draws connections between his combat missions and her own spaceflights. Discover the ins and outs of pilot training in the 1940s alongside Ben Smotherman and bear witness to his harrowing capture, interrogation, and imprisonment at Stalag Luft III. Rejoice with the POWs as World War II finally ends and the prisoners are returned home to continue pursuing their life's goals. Shadow Jan Davis as she expertly navigates a career characterized by space exploration, scientific experimentation, and phenomenal feats of engineering. And draw inspiration from the intersection of two completely different yet uniquely connected worlds brought together by a common link of family and flying.

Believe in yourself--even when no one else does. It's hard. We are told so many things throughout our lives. People form opinions that make us think we are a certain way, and when we are told these things over and over, we start to believe them. But we need to remember that when we hear that voice, it isn't our own. It is the voice of others projecting their impressions--accurate or not--upon us. It does not define who we are. We define who we are, and we can be so many things: silly, smart, kind, and so much more. Too Fat to Be Fit shares my journey of overcoming the onslaught of negative opinions that chased me from childhood to adulthood and from my family life to my fitness career. This book explores my struggles, my feelings, my acknowledgment, and my breakthrough--and it wasn't a straight line to get there. Like everyone else, my path has had many twists and turns, but I have discovered my true value along the way. Join me on my journey to recognize your own self-worth and potential for success!