Better Together: Inspiring Stories About Relationship Building, Generosity and Hope PDF Download

Author: Nancy Compean-Garcia, Ed.D.
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 1312487798
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 88

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Book Description
In this book Nancy beautifully illustrates God's faithfulness in keeping His promises. Through the stories she shares, she encountered the power that exists in seeking and offering encouragement through relationships by 'listening with our eyes'. I love how Nancy invites us over and over again to find strength in Scripture.

Author: Ronnit Hoppe
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780645343915
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Better Together Kitchen 2 celebrates the home cook and the importance of gathering. Following the success of Better Together Kitchen, Ronnit & Delia are back with more than 130 delicious new recipes to share with people you love. Each recipe is perfect for everyday and empowers anyone to get into the kitchen and create simple, wholesome and beautiful meals. Every copy of Better Together Kitchen 2 sold supports a box of fresh produce for an Australian family in need.

Author: Katherine Wolf
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 0310344557
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 259

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Book Description
When all seems lost, where can you find hope? Katherine and Jay Wolf married right after college and sought adventure far from home in Los Angeles, CA. As they pursued their dreams--she as a model and he as a lawyer--they planted their lives in the city and their church community. Their son, James, came along unexpectedly in the fall of 2007, and just six months later, everything changed in a moment for this young family. On April 21, 2008, as James slept in the other room, Katherine collapsed, suffering a massive brain stem stroke without warning. Miraculously, Jay came home in time and called for help. Katherine was immediately rushed into brain surgery, though her chance of survival was slim. As the sun rose the next morning, the surgeon proclaimed that Katherine had survived the removal of part of her brain, though her future recovery was uncertain. Yet in that moment, there was a spark of hope. Through forty days on life support in the ICU and nearly two years in full-time brain rehab, that small spark of hope was fanned into flame. Hope Heals documents Katherine and Jay's journey as they struggled to regain Katherine's quality of life and as she relearned to talk, eat, and walk. As Katherine returned home with a severely disabled body but a completely renewed purpose, she and Jay committed to celebrating this gift of a second chance by embracing life fully, even though that life looked very different than they could have ever imagined. As you uncover Katherine and Jay's remarkable story, you'll be encouraged to: Find lasting hope in the midst of struggle Embrace the unexpected Welcome God's miracles into your everyday life In the midst of continuing hardships, both in body and mind, Katherine and Jay found what we all long to find: a hope that heals the most broken place--our souls. Let Hope Heals be your guide along the way. Praise for Hope Heals: "As I read this book, tears streamed from my eyes even as joy flooded my heart. Jay and Katherine are a raw yet refreshing testimony to the unshakable trustworthiness of God amidst the unimaginable trials of life. This book reminds all of us where hope can be found in a world where none of us know what the next day holds." --David Platt, author of the New York Times bestseller Radical and president of the International Mission Board "Hope Heals is a beautiful, true story that illustrates the love and protection God has for us even in the darkest times of our lives. Katherine and Jay's dedication to each other and the Lord through their most devastating season is inspiring. This book will help your heart believe that He sees, He knows, He cares, and He is still working miracles today!" --Lysa TerKeurst, New York Times bestselling author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

Author: AQEEL AHMED
Publisher: AQEEL AHMED
ISBN: 1998240398
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 48

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Book Description
A lot of people have been moved by the story of the Magical Candy Shop, which is full of love, magic, and lasting kindness. A little girl named Lily started it all. She inherited her family's candy shop and has a magical ability to change sweets into other things. Her candies had magical powers; they could make you laugh out loud or feel cozy and warm inside. One sunny morning, Emily, a curious little girl, found the shop and was hired to work as Lily's assistant. She learned how to make candy, and she and her friend used their magical treats to make everyone happy, from sick neighbors to lonely tourists and kids in the school. Emily, who was now the store's protector, made beautiful candies over the years to continue Lily's love and kindness. Sarah, a sweet little girl, watched her and learned from her, then took over when she was ready. Sarah was in charge of the shop's magic, and her magical candies continued to bring happiness to everyone in the hamlet. Emily was thrilled to see Sarah start her new job and made sure that the company stayed a place of wonder and joy. In a gentle way, the story reminds us that the best magic is the power of kindness and love. It tells us that small acts of kindness and generosity can make the world a uniquely beautiful place. People from the area and visitors alike are affected by the Magical Candy Shop's legacy, which inspires them to add goodness, joy, and kindness to their own lives. As the years went by, the store became a wonderful haven, reminding everyone that real magic is not just in candy, but in the love and generosity that we all have inside us. People who worked at the Magical Candy Shop and the little girl who ran it showed how strong love is and how amazing people are. This is how the story starts: A long time ago, there was a great candy store in a cute town tucked between hills and a sparkling river. The tiny girl named Lily ran this one-of-a-kind store called the Enchanted Candy Shop. Her amazing skills gave her business a charm that made people want to buy everything. Because Lily is so talented, her candy shop is utterly amazing and unlike any other in the area. Lily had been an important part of the neighborhood for as long as anyone could remember. The family's closely guarded secrets and recipes were given to her by her parents, who used to run the candy shop. However, Lily was different from her ancestors because she naturally had the ability to make her sweets magical. Each sweet treat she made was unique and delicious. Her candy bars made you feel good and toasty, her lollipops made you laugh aloud, and her gummy bears made you jump really high. Kids from all over were interested in her projects, and long lines of them would form outside her shop to see what she had made most recently. A quiet knock on the door woke Lily up one bright morning as she carefully watched over her pot of sweets that were bubbling. She wiped her firsthand her apron as she opened the door and saw Emily standing there, her eyes wide with surprise. Emily is a quiet but interesting young girl. When the guest arrived, Lily smiled and said, "Hello, dearie. How may I assist you today?" Emily was amazed and shy at the same time when she heard stories about the Mystical Candy Shop. Emily said in a whisper, "I've heard rumors that your sweets are magical." Lily laughed quietly, knowing Emily was telling the truth. "Indeed, dearie. Would you like to experience one for yourself?" Emily replied with a heartfelt nod, and Lily gave her a beautiful lollipops. Emily took a bite and then could not stop laughing. It was a happy, joyful laughter she had never felt before. Lily looked at Emily's contagious laughter with a playful twinkle in her eye and said, "My lollipops have an uncanny way of digging up the deepest sources of happiness." Emily's eyes lit up with wonder as Lily asked, "What brings you to my humble shop today, Emily?" "I've always had a strong affection for sweets, and the rumors that your pastries are the best in the whole village brought me here. In addition, I've heard that you can teach people how to make magical candies," Emily said with a grin. Lily gave Emily a warm smile for her hard work and energy. "That is accurate, dearie. I can certainly initiate you into the craft of candy making, though it is no simple undertaking. It requires patience, unwavering commitment, and, above all, a kind heart." Emily kept saying how excited she was to learn and how determined she was to do so. Lily chose Emily to be her assistant, and so began a lovely journey. Emily replied, "I'm ready to go on this journey with you, Lily, and I promise that my heart is full of kindness." Lily taught Emily how to make candy. She showed them the right way to mix the ingredients, add magic to the treats, and make tastes that were delicious. As the days turned into weeks, Emily got better at making sweets, which let her make her own magical treats. She imagined jellybeans resisting gravity and shooting one into the sky, and she also imagined candy canes turning plain snow into designs made of many colors. The locals were amazed by her innovative ideas, and every day there were longer lines at the Magical Candy Shop. Emily, on the other hand, wanted to do more than just make delicious candy. She wanted to use her talent to help people who were sad. One day, she went up to Lily and made a proposal. Emily asked Lily, "What if we used the magic of our candies to help people in need? We could make candies that make people feel better when it is cold outside or make people laugh when they are sad?" Lily was moved by Emily's kindness, and she agreed with Emily's idea right away. “That's a wonderful thought, honey. Let us begin by making sweets for the orphanage kids over here. They deserve all the happiness in the world.” Ever since, Emily and Lily have been making one-of-a-kind sweets for the orphanage kids. They made candy that grew all year and sugar butterflies that flew around the kids and made them smile. The orphaned kids' laughter filled the building as they were thrilled with what they had found. Everyone in the town quickly heard about Emily and Lily's kind deeds. They became famous not only for their magical candies but also for their kind hearts. They continued to give their sweets to make other people happy, whether it was an elderly friend or a stranger walking by. Emily and Lily's friendship grew stronger over time and went beyond just being friends. They felt like family because they had been through so much together. It was Lily who suggested that Emily should run the Magical Candy Shop on her own and continue her parents' work. "Emily, my dear, the time has come for you to take over as owner of the Magical Candy Shop. You have learned everything I have to teach you, and I have no doubt that you will make me proud," Lily told Emily as they sat down together in the shop on a sunny afternoon. "Thank you for everything, Lily. I shall strive to preserve your legacy and continue to make this world a sweeter place." Lily gave Emily the keys to the shop with a mix of sadness and joy in her heart. The people of Hamlet marked the passing of the baton with a beautiful ceremony that went on all night and was full of sweets and laughter. Emily ran the Magical Candy Shop so well that it did very well. As Lily had told her to, she used her magic to make people happy who were sad and to create new magical sweets that amazed and pleased everyone. Lily was like an old oak tree that stood in the town square and was a part of the neighborhood. For many years, she was always there for the peasants, giving them support in a world that moved too quickly. Before she was born, her family owned the candy shop and took great care to keep the sweet traditions that had been passed down from generation to generation. Each generation had been given these valuable trade secrets and tried-and-true recipes for making sweets. They were like a river of candy knowledge. But Lily had a unique attitude that set her apart from her ancestors and from everyone else in town. She had been given a special skill that no one else had. Lily's parents were good at making sweets, but she was the best. She was able to give her candies special powers that made everyone who tried them happy and spellbound. As Lily got better, she learned that each candy could have its own magic added to it, which turned ordinary treats into amazing wonders. Her candy will make you laugh until you cannot hold back tears, her chocolate bars will melt your heart, and her gummy bears will make you jump higher than you ever thought possible. The village kids were enchanted by her works of art and waited in long lines outside her cute candy shop for her newest, most delicious treats. Over time, her charming personality became known, and people from nearby towns and cities came to her business. They were amazed by how much happiness her magical candies brought them, and they were truly happy. Lily had turned her tiny candy shop into a beautiful heaven where every delicious bite took regular things to a whole new level. People who came to her house were drawn in by more than just the sweet smell of her candy. The person was Lily, who was kind and caring and had a natural way of making everyone feel special. Every customer had a name, a favorite candy, and a story about themselves. Her warm smile and deep talks had a remarkable way of making even the worst days better.

Author: Simon Sinek
Publisher: Penguin UK
ISBN: 0241972248
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 158

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Book Description
Most of us live our lives by accident - we live as it happens. Fulfilment comes when we live our lives on purpose. 'What are you going to do with your life? What are you doing with your life now?' 'Do you have goals? A vision? A clear sense of why you do what you do?' Almost everyone knows someone who has grappled with at least one of these questions. The answers can often seem elusive or uncertain. Though there are many paths to follow into the unknown future, there is one way that dramatically increases the chances we will enjoy the journey. To travel with someone we trust. We can try to build a successful career or a happy life alone, but why would we? Together is better. This unique and delightful little book makes the point that together is better in a quite unexpected way. Simon Sinek, bestselling author of Start With Why and Leaders Eat Last, blends the wisdom he has gathered from around the world with a heartwarming, richly illustrated original fable. Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.

Author: Ned Burwell
Publisher: FriesenPress
ISBN: 1525528564
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 202

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Book Description
In the middle of a busy life, I found a willingness to love. I’ve had several awakenings and this book captures the heart of what I have discovered. It is about the journey of awakening, not just my awakening but yours as well. “Be Love,” is not a casual read; it is intended to turn the reader inward to experience a personal transformation. The material in this book has the power to radically shift your current state of consciousness. You hold the keys to your awakening and this book will prove that to you. Ned Burwell

Author: Shel Silverstein
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0061965103
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 32

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Book Description
As The Giving Tree turns fifty, this timeless classic is available for the first time ever in ebook format. This digital edition allows young readers and lifelong fans to continue the legacy and love of a classic that will now reach an even wider audience. "Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy." So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein. This moving parable for all ages offers a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return. Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave. This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein's incomparable career as a bestselling children's book author and illustrator began with Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back. He is also the creator of picture books including A Giraffe and a Half, Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros?, The Missing Piece, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O, and the perennial favorite The Giving Tree, and of classic poetry collections such as Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, Every Thing On It, Don't Bump the Glump!, and Runny Babbit. And don't miss the other Shel Silverstein ebooks, Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic!

Author: AQEEL AHMED
Publisher: AQEEL AHMED
ISBN: 1998240436
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 58

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Book Description
"Charlie's Christmas Miracle" is a sweet story that takes place in a small village surrounded by snowy hills. Charlie is the main character. He is a happy, kind young man who loves Christmas. The holiday season makes him happy, from the bright lights to the smell of freshly baked cookies to the joy of giving and getting gifts. But things are different for Charlie and his family this year. They are having money problems and can't buy a Christmas tree or any ornaments for it. With a heavy heart, Charlie watches as his friends and neighbors get their homes ready for the holidays. One cold evening, Charlie had an idea. He makes up his mind to go into the woods and get a Christmas tree to decorate. Charlie packs warm clothes and is ready to go on his adventure. While Charlie sings his favorite Christmas song, the tree he picked starts to shine and glow. It was a magical moment for him in the forest. It's like the tree reacts to his happy music by getting brighter with each note. Charlie is so happy that he decorates the tree by hand with bells, bright ribbons, and pinecones made from twigs and leaves. The tree changes into a beautiful sight that casts a warm, welcoming glow throughout the forest. Charlie's happiness grows when a group of birds joins in and makes a beautiful song. After hearing about Charlie's Christmas surprise, people come from all over the world to see the magical tree in the forest. They bring their own trinkets and decorations to add to the beauty of the forest. The forest becomes a joyful and magical place where everyone can enjoy the real spirit of Christmas. On Christmas Eve, Charlie asks his family to come see the miracle tree. Their lips light up with wonder and excitement as they give him a tight hug, showing how proud they are of their smart and kind child. For a special event, everyone in town gathers around the magical tree to sing Christmas songs, give and receive gifts, and tell stories of love and kindness. The glow from the tree gets brighter, making everyone happy. As the clock hits midnight, Charlie makes a wish for his family, friends, and everyone else gathered around the magical tree to be happy, loved, and successful. A shooting star flashes across the sky, letting him know that what he wanted has come true. Charlie's family spends Christmas with a tree that is decorated with love and memories that are very important to them. They tell Charlie how much they appreciate him teaching them the real meaning of Christmas. The people in the area go back to see the miracle tree one more time and give food and blankets to the birds and animals that have made it their home. Even though the tree's light goes out, its magic lives on in the minds of everyone who saw it. From that day on, Charlie's town is known for its kindness, safety, and sense of community. A lot of people get together in the forest every year to enjoy Christmas and remember the miracle that brought them all together. Charlie's Christmas miracle becomes a beloved story that is told from one generation to the next. It reminds everyone that the real magic of Christmas is love, kindness, and joy shared with others. It shows that Christmas is a feeling that can be found in the smallest acts of kindness and in the strangest places. Charlie's Christmas miracle will always be a source of hope, inspiring people to enjoy the spirit of Christmas in their everyday lives. The Story's Start: A little boy named Charlie used to live in a town surrounded by snowy hills. He was a happy, kind young man who loved Christmas more than anything else. It warmed his heart to see all the bright lights, smell the fresh cookies, and give and receive gifts. The small town was turned into a snow wonderland every December. Snowflakes would fall from the sky and cover the land in a beautiful, shiny blanket. The streets were full of the laughter of kids building snowmen and having snowball fights, and the homes were lit up with bright lights. But Charlie's Christmas was really amazing because of how much his family loved and cared for him. The house where Charlie's family lived was nice and on the edge of town. The smell of fresh cookies and the sound of laughter could always be heard in their house. They loved their child very much, and they loved Christmas as much as he did. They would make wonderful Christmas memories together. Charlie loved the event where everyone decorated the Christmas tree every year. In their cozy living room, they would gather around a beautiful evergreen tree that reached almost to the roof. The tree was placed by Charlie's grandfather a long time ago. It has grown tall and strong, just like their love for each other. It would take the Thompsons hours to find the perfect ornaments to put on the tree. Each ornament held a special memory for the person who owned it, like the bright construction paper and glitter ornament Charlie made in kindergarten or the beautiful glass ornament that has been passed down from generation to generation. As they put up the tree, they sang their favorite Christmas songs, which made their hearts full of love and joy. When Charlie's family was decorating the tree one cold December night, Charlie's dad saw a sad look on his son's face. He got down on his knees and asked Charlie, "What's wrong, buddy?" Mr. Thompson knew that his son wanted to see the magic of the Christmas lights show, but they hadn't been able to buy any lights lately because money was tight. He looked at his wife, and the two of them shared a knowing look. Mrs. Thompson smiled and said, "Charlie, you know that the true magic of Christmas isn't in the lights or the decorations. It's in the love we share with each other. Let's make this Christmas special in our own way." Charlie tried to smile as he nodded, but he couldn't help but feel a little let down. That night, Charlie thought about what his mom had said as he lay in his warm bed. But even though he knew she was right, he still had to see the amazing light show that everyone was talking about. As he fell asleep, he wished on a sparkling star that there was a way for him to feel the magic of the lights. The next morning, Charlie woke up to find that there was new snow on everything outside. Getting out of bed and running to the window made his heartbeat fast with excitement. Everything looks and feels more beautiful when it snows, and it did today. After breakfast, Charlie chose to take a walk around town. As he walked through the snowy streets, he couldn't help but notice that everyone was busy getting ready for Christmas. Shop owners put flowers in their windows, families got warm to go ice skating, and friends gave each other gifts. Charlie couldn't help but feel left out. He wished he could be a part of all the holiday activities and share the joy of the season with his friends. He saw a sign in the town center that said, "Christmas Lights Display Tonight!" as he walked across town. Charlie's heartbeat faster. The show was tonight, but he didn't have any lights to add to it. There was magic around him, but he didn't know how to join in. Just as he was about to speak, he heard a voice he knew calling his name. Emily was his best friend. She ran up to him quickly and smiled big. It was "Charlie!" she yelled. "Guess what? Our family has some extra Christmas lights, and we don't know what to do with them. Would you like to help us decorate our house for the display tonight?" Charlie's eyes sparkled with joy. "Oh, Emily, that would be great! Thanks so much!" Charlie put up Christmas lights on Emily's family's house in the afternoon. They put them around the windows and hung them over the bushes. Charles couldn't believe how lucky he was. He was going to be a part of the beautiful light show, after all. As night fell, Charlie, Emily, and her family joined the other people in the town square. It looked like something from a fairy tale because the whole square was lit up with bright lights. It looked like the stars, clouds, and even a huge Christmas tree was lit up with hundreds of lights. Charlie's family would put up their Christmas tree together every year. They would sing Christmas songs and hang colored ornaments and gold tinsel for hours on end. But this year was different. Charlie's family was having money problems, so they couldn't buy a Christmas tree or any other decorations. As Charlie looked on, his friends and neighbors were decorating their houses for the holidays. It broke his heart. For as long as Charlie could remember, the best part of the holiday season was always decorating the Christmas tree. It was a beloved tradition that brought his family closer together and made memories that would last a lifetime. Every year, they would plan to start this great project on a weekend in early December.

Author: John Gottman, PhD
Publisher: Harmony
ISBN: 0553447718
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 321

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Over a million copies sold! “An eminently practical guide to an emotionally intelligent—and long-lasting—marriage.”—Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work has revolutionized the way we understand, repair, and strengthen marriages. John Gottman’s unprecedented study of couples over a period of years has allowed him to observe the habits that can make—and break—a marriage. Here is the culmination of that work: the seven principles that guide couples on a path toward a harmonious and long-lasting relationship. Straightforward yet profound, these principles teach partners new approaches for resolving conflicts, creating new common ground, and achieving greater levels of intimacy. Gottman offers strategies and resources to help couples collaborate more effectively to resolve any problem, whether dealing with issues related to sex, money, religion, work, family, or anything else. Packed with new exercises and the latest research out of the esteemed Gottman Institute, this revised edition of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential.

Author: Logan Ury
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1982120649
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 352

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Book Description
A “must-read” (The Washington Post) funny and practical guide to help you find, build, and keep the relationship of your dreams. Have you ever looked around and wondered, “Why has everyone found love except me?” You’re not the only one. Great relationships don’t just appear in our lives—they’re the culmination of a series of decisions, including whom to date, how to end it with the wrong person, and when to commit to the right one. But our brains often get in the way. We make poor decisions, which thwart us on our quest to find lasting love. Drawing from years of research, behavioral scientist turned dating coach Logan Ury reveals the hidden forces that cause those mistakes. But awareness on its own doesn’t lead to results. You have to actually change your behavior. Ury shows you how. This “simple-to-use guide” (Lori Gottlieb, New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone) focuses on a different decision in each chapter, incorporating insights from behavioral science, original research, and real-life stories. You’ll learn: -What’s holding you back in dating (and how to break the pattern) -What really matters in a long-term partner (and what really doesn’t) -How to overcome the perils of online dating (and make the apps work for you) -How to meet more people in real life (while doing activities you love) -How to make dates fun again (so they stop feeling like job interviews) -Why “the spark” is a myth (but you’ll find love anyway) This “data-driven” (Time), step-by-step guide to relationships, complete with hands-on exercises, is designed to transform your life. How to Not Die Alone will help you find, build, and keep the relationship of your dreams.