The Externally Focused Quest: Becoming the Best Church for the Community is designed for church leaders who want to transform their churches to become less internally focused and more oriented to the world around them. The book includes clear guidelines on the changes congregations must adopt to become truly outwardly focused. This book is not about getting all churches to have an annual day of community service as a tactic, but changing the core of who they are and how they see themselves as a part of their community. The Externally Focused Quest outlines ten changes needed for church leaders to transform their churches and presents a highly practical approach that shows leaders how to become more externally focused without having to give up programs that serve members. This book reveals what it takes to make the major shift from internal to external focus and how that affects church leadership.
This undergraduate textbook educates non-science majors—our future policy makers—on how science works, the rules that underpin our existence, our impact on nature, and nature's impact on us. The book provides a concise, historically based, non-mathematical treatment of modern physics relevant to societal issues. It challenges readers to examine the problems we face (and their own beliefs) in light of the scientific method. With a narrative structure, Science and Society explains the scientific process and the power it brings to dealing with the natural world. The reader will gain a deeper understanding of scientific results reported by the media, and thus the tools to develop a rational, fact-based assessment of energy and resource policy. Praise for Science and Society: "Anyone who thinks society can be managed without science should think again, or better: read this book. Eric Swanson explains how science permeates society, and with simple examples of the scientific process he shows its special power in dealing with the natural world. This is a must read for the world's seven billion scientists." F.E. Close, OBE, Oxford University, author of, among others, "Half-Life: The Divided Life of Bruno Pontecorvo, Physicist or Spy", "The Infinity Puzzle", and "Neutrino
To Transform a City is a valuable guide for those who dream big about the spiritual and social changes possible for the cities and towns that surround their churches. Two visionary leaders examine the foundations, history, theology, and practical methods of community transformation.
Yongey Mingyur is one of the most celebrated among the new generation of Tibetan meditation masters, whose teachings have touched people of all faiths around the world. His first book, The Joy of Living, was a New York Times bestseller hailed as “compelling, readable, and informed” (Buddhadharma) and praised by Richard Gere, Lou Reed, and Julian Schnabel for its clarity, wit, and unique insight into the relationship between science and Buddhism. His new book, Joyful Wisdom, addresses the timely and timeless problem of anxiety in our everyday lives. “From the 2,500-year-old perspective of Buddhism,” Yongey Mingyur writes, “every chapter in human history could be described as an ‘age of anxiety.’ The anxiety we feel now has been part of the human condition for centuries.” So what do we do? Escape or succumb? Both routes inevitably lead to more complications and problems in our lives. “Buddhism,” he says, “offers a third option. We can look directly at the disturbing emotions and other problems we experience in our lives as stepping-stones to freedom. Instead of rejecting them or surrendering to them, we can befriend them, working through them to reach an enduring authentic experience of our inherent wisdom, confidence, clarity, and joy.” Divided into three parts like a traditional Buddhist text, Joyful Wisdom identifies the sources of our unease, describes methods of meditation that enable us to transform our experience into deeper insight, and applies these methods to common emotional, physical, and personal problems. The result is a work at once wise, anecdotal, funny, informed, and graced with the author’s irresistible charm.
Written in a fluid style evocative of the classic text that inspired Swanson's journey, What the Lotus Said introduces the reader to the irreducible complexities inherent in the search for spiritual solace."--Jacket.
Is there something in your life you wish you could change? You have read your Bible over and over again and even memorized some great verses about change, but nothing is different. You have heard stories about someone overcoming an alcohol problem and you so desperately want the same change in your life. It could be a pornography addiction that never goes away or a desire for drugs. You want to experience freedom but for some reason the freedom never comes, and the only experience is enslavement and regret. This can lead to bitterness toward God and a downcast outlook on life. But this isn't the way Christians are to live. You know how you are to experience joy, and yet no one in their right mind is saying that about you. This book gives the Christian practical tools to see change happen. This work gives the believer practical steps to take to overcome any addiction and to truly experience the peace of Christ we all want to have as we live out our days. Isnt it time to claim victory over some addiction? Are you tired of confessing the same sin over and over again? Dont live in the circle of sinconfess. Through Christ, this sin and confess cycle can be broken and joy can be experienced. If you are looking to break bondage or you want others to break some addiction, then this book is for you.
After the death of his grandmother and a patient's suicide, therapist Christian Fowler seeks solace in the haunting, wintry landscapes of his youth. There, he recalls a brutal childhood tragedy and realizes he unwittingly betrayed a boyhood friend, in this novel about the nature of love and the burden of guilt.
Offers advice for using meditative practices from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition to achieve a life of openness and freedom from negative emotions by tapping into the essential love that is part of our basic nature.
Intended as a companion to the recently published, Evidence-Based Cosmetic Breast Surgery (978-3-319-53957-7), Evidence-Based Body Contouring Surgery and VTE Prevention once again concentrates on the science, relying on data rather than expert opinion. In his familiar detail-oriented style, Eric Swanson critically evaluates popular body contouring procedures such as liposuction, abdominoplasty, arm lifts, thigh lifts, and buttock fat transfer. The source material is published in the major peer-reviewed plastic surgery journals. The conclusions frequently challenge conventional wisdom. Fat redistribution theory is dispelled. A unique chapter titled “The Metabolic Effect of Liposuction” reveals some surprising positive effects of liposuction. The limitations of alternative nonsurgical treatments are the subject of a chapter titled “Evaluating New Technologies.” A novel chapter describes SAFE (Spontaneous breathing, Avoid gas, Face up, Extremities mobile) anesthesia as a replacement for traditional general endotracheal anesthesia – lowering risk, minimizing blood loss, and reducing recovery times. The last two chapters will have many readers reconsidering traditional methods of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention. Chapter 12 exposes the shortcomings of risk prediction methods and routine anticoagulation. The final chapter describes the use of ultrasound for VTE surveillance. These chapters will likely find an audience among surgeons from all specialties and anesthesiologists. For scientifically inclined readers, whether seasoned surgeons or residents, this unique resource may well lead to evidence-based changes in their practices.
They selfishly pillaged Earth and made him a hybrid. Will his split nature spell the end of intergalactic abduction? Half-human, half-Ceran, Micah Trace yearns for something more. Though the repetition and isolation of living as a body double for the King of Ceres is crushing, he’s grateful to be treated better than the other genetically engineered humans. But when he discovers the ailing plight of his ancestors, he heeds the calling and cleverly insinuates himself into a dangerous mission across the galaxy. Fearing their plan to repair a failing transportation gate might lead to disaster, Micah uses his experience mimicking the king to steal the forbidden authority he’s assumed for so long. But with ulterior motives darkening the depths of space, he may not survive to see the centuries-old connection between the planets repaired. Can the royal mimic win the support of the Ceran Crown before the opportunity to connect with humanity on Earth is lost forever? The Shattered Gate is the thought-provoking first tale in the science fiction Traceverse Saga. If you like character-driven action, high-tech military defense systems, and intriguing political powerplays, then you’ll love Eric R. Swanson’s interstellar adventure. Buy The Shattered Gate to blast through the cosmos today!
Who's going to be your new best friend? Choosing a puppy is a lot of fun, but it's also an important decision. This unique guide shows you how to select the breed which most perfectly matches your personality and environment. Looking for a laid-back, comforting friend? A Saint Bernard or Pinscher would love to stay at home and relax with you. Need a dog that loves the city? Welsh corgis and French bulldogs are among the most cosmopolitan of canines. Looking for non-stop friendliness? Count on a Norwich terrier or beagle to bond as your most cheerful buddy. Active and energetic? Golden retrievers and greyhounds will keep up with you. Choose a puppy as you would choose a partner-- carefully! With the help of a personal questionnaire, profiles of various breeds and their personalities, and charts listing the main characteristics of more than 100 dogs, with Eric Swanson's We're Having a Puppy! you'll be on your way to proud puppy parenthood.
Geo-Texas succeeds in bringing together astronomy, geology, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental studies in a highly informative, one-of-a-kind guide to Earth sciences in the Lone Star State. Eric R. Swanson draws on the latest scientific findings in treating the natural history of Texas from the oldest known rock, through the age of the dinosaurs, to the geologic present, from the early development of Texas' water and land resources to the current crisis of environmental pollution. In examining Texas natural sciences-and the abiding connection between Texans and their physical surroundings-Geo-Texas is engagingly anecdotal and draws freely on the wry humor with which Texans have always observed and regarded their environment. Entertaining accounts of natural phenomena, such as a meteorite scoring a direct hit on a swimming pool and a Texas twister sweeping up a farmer and returning him to earth unharmed, supplement the scholarship in each chapter to show how cultural and scientific issues converge. Students and teachers of Texas Earth science will find Geo-Texas indispensable. With more than eighty illustrations and valuable appendices listing rock hound clubs, Earth science organizations, and points of interest throughout the state, Geo-Texas will also appeal to the general reader and serve as the Earth science guide for lovers of Texas and its multifaceted environment.
Discover which kitten is perfect for you! Who's going to be your new feline friend? Choosing a kitten is a lot of fun, but it's also an important decision. This unique guide shows you how to select the breed which most perfectly matches your personality and environment. Seeking a laid-back, comforting friend? Persians and Scottish folds are renowned for their loving, gentle dispositions. Need a cat with social skills? A Ragdoll will greet guests at the door, and a Bombay will happily perform tricks for company. Looking for dog-like friendliness? A Colorpoint shorthair or Havana brown will lavish you with the unbounded affection of a loyal lap dog. Active and energetic? You'll enjoy the boundless curiosity and daredevil antics of a Somali or Himalayan/Kashmir. Choose a kitten as you would choose a partner-- carefully! With the help of a personal questionnaire, profiles of various breeds and their personalities, and charts listing the main characteristics of more than 40 cat breeds, with Eric Swanson's We're Having a Kitten! you'll be on your way to caring for a cuddly new kitten.
What Are You Going to Do? tells an inspiring true story. In the early 1950s, war scattered hundreds of thousands of orphans across South Korea. Many Koreans sacrificed everything to help. When Everett Swanson arrived to preach to troops on the front lines, he stumbled upon starving orphans. The plight of these children broke his heart. He faced the question: “What are you going to do?” Authors Matt Bronleewe and Eric Wilson tell how Swanson’s answer to those six little words led to the organization known today as Compassion International. Seventy years later, Compassion International sponsors over two million children all over the world, providing meals, education, vocational training, Bibles, letters of support, and more. We are often faced with the same question, “What am I going to do?” And, like Swanson, we feel inadequate, afraid, or ill-equipped. Readers will see how small faithful choices can lead to larger ones—and in so doing, change the world for generations to come. Everyone—young and old—should be acquainted with this amazing story of faith, courage, and compassion.
A New York Times Bestseller! An illuminating perspective on the science of meditation—and a handbook for transforming our minds, bodies, and lives In The Joy of Living, world-renowned Buddhist teacher Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche—the “happiest man in the world”—invites us to join him in unlocking the secrets to finding joy and contentment in the everyday. Using the basic meditation practices he provides, we can discover paths through our problems, transforming obstacles into opportunities to recognize the unlimited potential of our own minds.
Welcome to an Externally Focused Life. God designed your church for this. Your church is wired to serveaitas how you grow. How your trust in God deepens. Where your faith finds traction. Embrace a church-wide lifestyle of serviceaone motivated by more than duty or obligation. Connect your church to your community in an authentic, magnetic way. Discover how your church members can share faith stories in ways their neighbors want to hear. And watch ordinary, everyday peopleayour peopleashift their focus outward. You geta] a[ The Externally Focused Life bookabrimming with practical insightsa]inspiring storiesa]and clear, Biblical teaching that fuels heart-felt growth. a[ The Leaderas Packawith everything you need to share the vision for an externally focused life with your entire church. Included: a promo video and artwork, video sessions for small groups, a planning guide, and sermon outlines. a[ The Childrenas Ministry Packawith six lesson plans for both preschoolers and elementary children. Included: reproducibles, the aItas About Goda theme song, and curriculum guides. a[ The Youth Packasix one-hour sessions. Included: six printable lesson plans and 18 video teaching segmentsathree for each session, including on the street interviews, teaching time, and a wrap-up to help students apply the teaching to their lives. An Externally Focused Life begins here. Welcome.
A textbook that addresses a wide variety of problems in classical and quantum physics. Modern programming techniques are stressed throughout, along with the important topics of encapsulation, polymorphism, and object-oriented design. Scientific problems are physically motivated, solution strategies are developed, and explicit code is presented.
The Homeland Security Field Guide Is An Essential Tool For Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, First Responders, EMS Personnel, Nurses And Physicians. Includes: Chemical Diagnosis Guidelines, Suspicious Packages, Explosives, Incendiary Compounds, Booby Traps, Suicide Bombings, Biological Agents, Such As Anthrax, Ebola, Q Fever, Smallpox, Tularemia, Cholera, Plague, Hemorrhagic Fevers, Ricin, Blister Agents, Nerve Agents, Cyanide, Ammonia, Phosgene, Chlorine, Mustard, Lewisite, Tabun, Sarin, Soman, VX, And Much More! This Handy Pocket Guide Is Only 3" X 5," Fits Easily In Your Pocket, Has Color-Coded Tabs, And Contains The Latest Information For WMD And Terrorism Response. Covers: Weapons Of Mass Destruction, Terrorist Incident, Incident Command, Hazmat Tactics / Decon Special Rescue Situations, Medical Response / Triage, Radioactive Substances, Dispatch Procedure, Biological Hazards, Personal Security.
How can your church get the attention of your community? It's all about focus. Externally focused churches do more than confront their communities--they cooperate as well. They're quick to partner with community agencies. Open to building new relationships. They flood their neighborhoods with practical compassion. And through it all they carry the love of Christ. If non-Christians aren't asking what's behind the excitement of your church members, it's time to get externally focused!
At the crossroads of art and science, Beautiful Brain presents Nobel Laureate Santiago Ramón y Cajal’s contributions to neuroscience through his groundbreaking artistic brain imagery. Santiago Ramón y Cajal (1852–1934) was the father of modern neuroscience and an exceptional artist. He devoted his life to the anatomy of the brain, the body’s most complex and mysterious organ. His superhuman feats of visualization, based on fanatically precise techniques and countless hours at the microscope, resulted in some of the most remarkable illustrations in the history of science. Beautiful Brain presents a selection of his exquisite drawings of brain cells, brain regions, and neural circuits with accessible descriptive commentary. These drawings are explored from multiple perspectives: Larry W. Swanson describes Cajal’s contributions to neuroscience; Lyndel King and Eric Himmel explore his artistic roots and achievement; Eric A. Newman provides commentary on the drawings; and Janet M. Dubinsky describes contemporary neuroscience imaging techniques. This book is the companion to a traveling exhibition opening at the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis in February 2017, marking the first time that many of these works, which are housed at the Instituto Cajal in Madrid, have been seen outside of Spain. Beautiful Brain showcases Cajal’s contributions to neuroscience, explores his artistic roots and achievement, and looks at his work in relation to contemporary neuroscience imaging, appealing to general readers and professionals alike.
The Law Enforcement Field Guide(tm) provides instant access to critical information in an easy-to-use checklist format. At only 3"x5", this guide fits in your pocket, is waterproof, alcohol-fast, and street tough.This guide covers: Patrol Information & Tactics Updated DUI Detection & Enforcement EMS with New AHA Cardiac Guidelines Updated Hazmat Response Spanish Commands Updated Incident Guides Officer Safety Active Shooter Response Drug Impairment Recognition Response to Suspicious Packages
It seemed to be an innocent looking book that John picked up from the local bookstore, but late that night, as he read it in the secret of his closet, a creature emerged. Then with arms extended strangled the life out of him, leaving behind Megan and their baby Derek. But as Megan was leaving the house, two other forms attempted to kill her as well. The mysterious creatures were silent for the next two decades and Derek even managed to get married and start a family with a mentally disabled son. He went to seminary and was starting to look for a job. But, after receiving multiple rejections, Derek was at the bottom of despair. Then after a chance encounter with a witch, he picked up a book from the sidewalk that seemed to have all the answers he needed in life. Later that evening, as Derek was reading the book, there was a noise from the closet, and a door was opened to a demonic dimension that a local witch uses to take his mentally disabled son and wife into. Derek then enters the same dimension to save the ones he loves. Along the way he confronts the evil in his own life through the help of the Holy Spirit, who shows up in seven different human forms depending on the situation. After dealing with his own weaknesses Derek has to win back his wife, and confront the two creatures that plagued his parents. Closet captures the attention of young adults and fans of the supernatural. It helps the reader to understand the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and how the Spirit helps us to not only confront our weaknesses, but to gain victory as well. Also, it helps us the reader gain a better understanding of the plan He has for our lives.
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