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"Fifty-two uplifting Christian devotions for older adults"--

Sometimes a pause is good for the soul. It gives us the chance to regroup, reflect, and refocus on God. In Pauses for Lent, Trevor Hudson offers a beautifully minimalist book in which he focuses on one word for each day of Lent. You are invited to pause, focus on the word, read a scripture and a brief meditation related to the word, and then offer a prayer. Pausing in this way will help you carve out time for God and refresh your spirit even in the midst of a busy life. You may find yourself sensing God's presence in a new way and discovering that God wants to meet you in the midst of your life as it is, muddles and all.

Taking time to pause for a few minutes each day can help us maintain balance in our lives, especially during the Advent and Christmas seasons. In this simple yet not simplistic book, Trevor Hudson focuses on one biblical word of wonder for each day of Advent. His insightful reflections on the word for each day invite individuals and groups to a deeper understanding of Advent. Hudson also briefly explores the lives and thoughts of 4 significant characters in the Christmas story, encouraging us to immerse ourselves in the dramatic story. He offers a simple daily practice that helps us become involved in the Advent drama. Hudson's minimalist approach and conversational writing lead us to discover how we can open our hearts and lives more generously to God.

Take a closer look at familiar biblical characters through the eyes of a psychologist. Revealed contains compelling, relatable stories that can help the Bible come alive for us. Author Angela Schaffner weaves in her personal story of healing and expertly draws on her background as a professional therapist to present an in-depth, personalized perspective on biblical characters and what they can teach us about self-awareness and spiritual growth. This 6-week Bible study is ideal for small groups or individuals. Includes a Facilitator's Guide.

"Discover a spiritual practice that helps you maintain spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental health. In our culture of constant busyness, most of us feel like we're never caught up. The lines between home and work have blurred as we stay tethered to our mobile devices and computers. Many people use weekends to catch up on errands and other work that doesn't get done during the week. God's commandment to 'Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy' seems like a relic from a simpler time. Many Americans balk at the idea of setting aside a whole day for worship, rest, and time with those who matter most to them. Yet we long for more time to spend on what matters most--unrushed time to rest, reconnect with friends and loved ones, and deepen our relationship with God. An ancient spiritual practice exists that can help restore balance to our lives: the practice of keeping sabbath. But how exactly do we manage to build time for sabbath into our busy lives? Dana Trent explores this question in For Sabbath's Sake. With humor and honesty, Trent reveals her own struggles with setting apart a day devoted to God, rest, and community. This book traces the rich history of sabbath, helps you find ways to overcome barriers to this spiritual practice, and suggests achievable ways to build sabbath into your life"--

In this beautifully minimalist book, Trevor Hudson focuses on one biblical word of wonder each day of Advent. Pausing for a few moments to read Hudson's meditations on the word for the day will guide readers to a deeper understanding of Advent. Hudson also briefly explores the lives and thoughts of 4 significant characters in the Christmas story, encouraging readers to immerse themselves in the dramatic story. His simple approach provides a doable daily practice and gently leads readers to discover how they can open their hearts and lives more generously to God.

"God created every person with a desire for meaning and purpose. Many of us wonder, How do we live the purposeful life God intends for each of us? This 6-week churchwide series is designed to help us consider that big question. The Damascus road experience was not the only event that sent the apostle Paul on his quest. His entire lifehis traditions, education, travels, and challengesshaped him for ministry. After years of preparation through prayer and discernment, Paul traveled roughly 10,000 miles throughout the Mediterranean world to spread the Good News. When he started, he had no idea how God's plan for him would take shape. This series helps us unpack our life alongside Paul's life to find our purpose and passion. A perfect study series for back-to-school, the beginning of a new year, or anytime you need a fresh start, Which Way, Lord? includes a book; DVD with video sessions filmed in Turkey, Israel, and Greece; age-level discussion guides for children, youth, and adults;

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.Writings of John Wesley presents excerpts from the hugely influential 18th-century preacher, writer, and founder of Methodism. This volume includes selections from Wesley's journals, sermons, and books, offering a clear picture not only of Wesley but also of the spiritual vitality that ignited a movement and continues to transform lives today.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.William Law's classic book, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, excerpted in this volume, shows the joy and worth of a disciplined life. Law offers extensive advice for those who are dedicated to holy living and shows how daily prayer can shape the rest of our lives into praise to God and love for neighbor.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.Evelyn Underhill, a 20th-century British spiritual writer and retreat leader, is widely known for her compelling exploration of the spiritual life. Underhill offers profoundly simple advice on opening ourselves to God. This volume includes a cross-section of her letters and her published retreat and radio talks.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.Writings of Thomas Kelly presents inspiring essays from this 20th-century Quaker whom Richard Foster called "a giant soul." This volume includes excerpts from Kelly's beloved Testament of Devotion, along with letters and other writings, some of which have not been widely available

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis has perhaps influenced Christian spirituality more than any other book except the Bible. From the time of its appearance around 1420, it has been a best seller. This volume includes accessible selections from this classic of Christian spirituality and Western literature.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.In the time between World Wars I and II, Japanese Christian Toyohiko Kagawa was often mentioned, along with Gandhi and Albert Schweitzer as a model of how to blend prayer, personal caring, and social action. Excerpts in this volume include autobiographical reflections and thoughts concerning the Lord's Prayer.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.The 18th-century Quaker John Woolman dedicated his life to the struggles of others. His extensive Journals, sampled in this volume, show how his concern grew from those chained in slavery to include all who were poor, oppressed, or exploited. Now a spiritual classic, the Journals reveal the development of a Christian soul seeking to do and know God's will in all things.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.Julian of Norwich, a late 14th-century nun and spiritual writer, wrote descriptions of her "showings" and other insights from a lifetime of prayer, and these writings have inspired countless Christians. Julian's writing offers what some believe to be one of the most moving discussions of God's love in all of Christian literature.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.Francis and Clare of Assisi, celebrated saints of 13th-century Italy, founded influential religious orders-Franciscans and Poor Clares-that continue to do vital work to this day. Included in this volume are biographical vignettes of Francis and Clare as well as prayers, letters, and other spiritually rich writings from their remarkable lives.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.John of the Cross, a 16th-century Carmelite monk, used vivid metaphors and biblical stories to describe a process of detachment from earthly desires. His experience, which he described as the "dark night of the soul," freed him to receive God's blessings. John's writings have inspired countless Christians over the centuries.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.In the early centuries of Christianity, thousands sought new insights away from cities and towns. They sought simplicity, solitude, and community in the deserts of Egypt and Syria. Although these desert dwellers rarely wrote anything, sayings and stories about them began to circulate. This volume offers a collection of rare wisdom and pointed advice, both refreshing and inspiring in its simplicity.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.Writings of John Cassian includes a significant sampling of writings by this monk and contemporary of Augustine. Excerpts of Cassian's writings on prayer and commitment continue to speak practically and potently to readers 15 centuries later.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.Living in turbulent 14th-century Italy, Catherine was driven to submit her will completely to God's will for her. Her intense prayer life led her to write hundreds of letters to friends, other monastics, and heads of state, urging them to turn away from sin and draw closer to God. Catherine's life of total prayer has long inspired admiration.

For nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike. Writings of Augustine compiles some of the most profound and moving writings of the 4th-century African Christian who had a vast influence on the Christian church and Western culture. Included are excerpts from Augustine's Confessions and other writings.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.Writings of Teresa of Avila presents excerpts from the best-known writings of the 16th-century Spanish nun, reformer, and celebrated spiritual writer. This volume includes portions from The Book of Her Life, The Interior Castle, and The Way of Perfection, all from a noted contemporary translation.

This reference book, compiled with the help of more than 50 scholars from many denominations, provides a basic guide to Christian spiritual formation through more than 470 entries. It covers such subjects as great spiritual teachers of the past and present, important topics in Christian spirituality, and ways to pray and lead groups in prayer and spiritual growth.Containing enough information to get you started but not so many details as to overwhelm, the entries in this dictionary answer such questions as: What is spiritual formation?What is grace? How does it help me grow?What is centering prayer? How do I do it?Who is Hildegard of Bingen? What did she write?How can I grow in forgiveness?What are Fowler's stages of faith? What are other ways of talking about stages of spiritual growth?This dictionary also includes a chart that compares various Christian spiritual traditions, plus a list of significant spiritual classics by title and author.

How can the church stay in step with the Spirit during a time of unprecedented change?The apostle Paul led the Galatians through a massive cultural shift in which they had to radically expand their ideas of who God is, who they were, and God's mission for the church. He was able to lead them through this time of great change because of his encounter with the risen Christ on the Damascus road, an experience in which his view of God was completely upended.Today Christianity is undergoing a cultural shift just as challenging as the situation confronting Paul and the Galatians. As many churches decline, congregations and pastors feel uncertain and anxious about how to continue their mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.Elaine Heath extends an invitation to broaden our view of God by moving beyond the walls of buildings and programs to become a more diverse church than we have ever imagined. While deeply honoring tradition, she calls the church to boldly follow the Holy Spirit's leadership into the future. Heath offers practical advice and hope for how the church can move through anxiety to courageous, culturally sensitive, and Spirit-led engagement in our rapidly changing world.Reflection questions make this book ideal for a 6- to 9-week small-group study.

In this personal story, Dee Dee Risher weaves experiences from her life with the biblical story of the prophet Elisha and the Shunammite woman. Risher is captivated by this spiritually attuned, generous, hospitable, honest, and bold woman. The woman from Shunem extends radical hospitality to the prophet, expecting no reward. But when disaster strikes, she does not hesitate to hold Elisha accountable or talk back.Hidden in the story, Risher believes, are the questions that lead to a more authentic life: What does it mean to build a holy room in our lives?How honestly do we confront our inevitable losses and griefs? As we work to transform our world, how do we grapple with failure?Do we have the kind of faith that can ask bold questions in the face of death?What openings does radical hospitality create in our lives?"Every human being goes through so much," Risher reflects, "and there is some heartbreakingly beautiful fruit we are to shape from that. That is our own unique, authentic gift to the world." Her book encourages each of us to find a holy room in which we are in community with others and where we can shape our souls into their unique dimensions. We each need a space for this work-a soulmaking room."If we cannot deal with failure, if we do not know how to put our deepest losses in our holy room, and if we do not know who our people are, we can never fully join the joy and power of God's story," Dee Dee Risher asserts. Embark with her on the adventure of creating and discovering the joys of The Soulmaking Room.

Are you seeking a deeper, more authentic experience of God? Maybe you've attended retreats, read dozens of books on spirituality, or even consulted a spiritual director and found yourself still wanting more.Did you know that God has given you everything you need to live and flourish in a life with God? You can stop your restless searching and rediscover the gifts God has already given you.In What We Need Is Here, Roger Owens calls you to return to 7 basics of Christian spirituality: Reading the GospelsPraying the PsalmsMaking friends with silenceFinding Jesus at churchMeeting Jesus through Holy CommunionEmbodying your spiritualityBeing with the poorWriting in a style that is honest, accessible, and at times humorous, Owens weaves his own stories of struggle with insights from the history of Christian spirituality to help you receive and open yourself to these 7 "givens."This book includes practical exercises and questions for reflection and discussion, making it ideal for individuals and groups.

Do you long to teach your children to pray? How do you build a prayerful family when everyone is running in different directions?In Scrambled Starts, Youngman shares honestly from her family's journey as she tried to build prayer into their daily lives. This encouraging book for parents and families includesprayers for mealtime and bedtimeprayers for specific occasions and ordinary timesprayers for all agesscriptures to memorizehelp for starting a family devotion timeBenefit from Youngman's experiences with her family, and discover how to make prayer the heart of your own family!

Have you ever wondered about the meaning of certain seasons or days of the Christian year? Steagald uses the Christian year as a map to help us understand the overarching story of Jesus' life. As you follow the events--from Jesus' birth, to his ministry and miracles, and finally his death and resurrection--you will come to understand the importance of the entire story. 6 weeks - Includes Leader's Guide

In Rhythms of Growth, Linda Douty uses the seasons of the year to illustrate natural trends in our spiritual lives. For winter, she writes about themes of rootedness, fallow times, reflection; for spring-awakening, planting, new growth, storms; for summer-bearing fruit, abundance, blossoming, weeding, and pests; for fall-letting go, sifting, harvesting. Douty's conversational style and ability to bring together the everyday and the holy make this book appealing for anyone who wants a devotional book that is applicable to everyday life.