Since Christians often talk about community as one of their highest ideals it is shocking when they realize that, as Henri Nouwen insightfully noted, “Community is the place where the person you least want to live with always lives.” Fortunately, John Ortberg shares our passion for community and is able to teach us how to live with and love one another. With the insight of a counselor and the heart of a pastor, Ortberg has written one of the best contemporary considerations of community.

Growing up, Donald Miller wished Bill Cosby was his father. Raised by his mother, Donald felt the painful lack of a father figure – and he has transformed his pain into a passion for helping others find mentors. His memoir addresses fatherless men, enlightens parents, and helps readers understand the need for strong role models.

With his vivid storytelling and introspection, Donald takes readers through his coming of age with key topics like falling in love, authority issues, generational interaction, work ethic, staying with the people we love, the life-changing impact of finding the right person for you, and following your dreams. A memoir with a message, this book calls readers to envision how their own personal paincan be transformed into the “authority of empathy,” as they share what they know with someone who needs a guiding hand. Hardcover.

The last command Jesus gave before he ascended to heaven was the Great Commission, the call to “make disciples of all the nations.” But Christians have responded by making “Christians,” not “disciples.” This, according to renowned Christian thinker Dallas Willard, has been the church’s Great Omission. Drawing upon previously published articles from magazines such as Christianity Today and Leadership Journal as well as remarks given at various conferences, Willard challenges the thought that we can be Christians without being disciples. He calls on believers to restore what should be the heart of Christianity – being active disciples of Jesus Christ. Willard shows us that in the school of life, we are apprentices of the Teacher whose brilliance encourages us to rise above traditional church understanding and embrace the true meaning of discipleship – an active, concrete, 24/7 life with Jesus.

By Rick Warren

In this remarkable best-seller Rick Warren will help you understand God’s purpose and plan for your life so that you can learn to live the life for which you were created. The book is divided into 40 short chapters so that it can either be read as a personal devotional or studied in a small group setting. Don’t let yourself or your family and friends go without this life-transforming book!

For additional resources, visit the Purpose-Driven Life Shop.

By John Ortberg

The heart of Christianity is transformation—a relationship with God that impacts not just our “spiritual lives,” but every aspect of living. John Ortberg calls you back to the dynamic heartbeat of Christianity—God’s power to bring change and growth—and reveals both the how and why of transformation.With a new chapter on prayer and added discussion questions, this expanded edition of The Life You’ve Always Wanted offers modern perspectives on the ancient path of the spiritual disciplines. But this is more than just a book about things to do to be a good Christian. It’s a road map toward true transformation that starts not with the individual but with the object of the journey—Jesus Christ.

By Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker

What does it mean to be a man of significance in a culture that doesn’t offer many positive role models? Reflecting on lessons he’s learned from his parents, career, mentors, and journey with God, Dungy moves beyond material success to illuminate those ambitions, attitudes, and allegiances that make our lives truly meaningful. 256 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.

The Life You’ve Always Wanted, Expanded Edition

By John Ortberg

The heart of Christianity is transformation—a relationship with God that impacts not just our “spiritual lives,” but every aspect of living. John Ortberg calls you back to the dynamic heartbeat of Christianity—God’s power to bring change and growth—and reveals both the how and why of transformation.With a new chapter on prayer and added discussion questions, this expanded edition of The Life You’ve Always Wanted offers modern perspectives on the ancient path of the spiritual disciplines. But this is more than just a book about things to do to be a good Christian. It’s a road map toward true transformation that starts not with the individual but with the object of the journey—Jesus Christ.

A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss, Expanded Edition

By Jerry Sittser

Loss in life is inevitable, but it’s possible to harness the hardship of loss and turn it into a positive event in your life. Author Jerry Sittser explores painful events like divorce, death and illness and shows that it’s not the circumstances we find ourselves in at these points of loss, but how we respond to them that widens our spiritual capacity to experience blessing and growth in the midst of grief.

A Season for Singles: Selected Meditations

By Rebecca England / Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc

“From the Publisher:” A Season for Singles is a collection of one page meditations for today’s growing group of single persons who want to meet life from a thoughtful Christian perspective. Scripture selections and meditations on topics such as initiative, freedom, commitment, solitude, overcoming barriers, and facing challenges are especially relevant for college and career singles as well as divorced and widowed people learning a new way of life. Paperback, 114 pages.

From Sorrow To Dancing: The Recent Widow’s Handbook

By Marcy Kelly / Xulon Press

For many women, the loss of their spouse is nothing short of devastating. This book portrays the emotions, thoughts, actions and experiences of widows as they struggle through the aftermath of losing a spouse. The author also addresses key situations where decisions can change lives for the better. If you, or someone you know, feel stuck in grief, loss or fear, this book is for you. Author Marcy Kelly has been there – not once but twice. She lost two husbands to cancer, but the Lord brought her through the grief into the sunlight of security in Himself. God really can turn your sorrow into dancing! A Focus on the Family recommendation. Paperback.

Singleness: A Life Grounded in Love, A LifeGuide Bible Study

By Inter-varsity Press

Being single can feel like a fun adventure, or it can feel like an impossible aloneness. What is God’s word, God’s heart for your life in singleness? These studies explore that question-whether you are happy in singleness or find it trying. You will be encouraged to listen deeply to God, identify the gifts your life offers you, and grow into a sense of belonging. Being single in not just marking time; God is calling us today. This format features questions for group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection as well as a “Now or Later” section in each study.

Singles at the Crossroads: A Fresh Perspective on Christian Singleness

By Albert Y. Hsu / Inter-varsity Press

Nearly half of adults today are unmarried yet most churches emphasize marriage and family, leaving many Christian singles feeling marginalized or alienated. Though they look to Jesus and Paul as role models, many suspect they would be more acceptable to the church if they settled down and got married. Hsu challenges this view. Moving beyond pat answers, Hsu proposes that singleness and marriage are both opportunities in which to follow Jesus. Singles at the Crossroads points the way to a Christian community where all members are valued, Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, married and single.

The Complete Single Father

By Elaine Fantle-Shimberg & Michael Shimberg / Adams Media

Being a single parent is a tough job no matter who you are, but if you’re a single dad, you likely feel you’ve entered a strange, new world. Whether your kids are 12 months old or 12 years old, the tips and advice in this comprehensive guide will make the little tricks of parenting feel like second nature to you. Authors Elaine Fantle Shimberg and her son, single father Michael Shimberg, show you how to:

Sassy, Single, and Satisfied: Secrets to Loving the Life You’re Living

By Michelle McKinney Hammond

Rediscover the incredible opportunities you have to live a joyful, complete life – regardless of whether or not Mr. Right comes along. In her fun tell-it-like-it-is style, McKinney Hammond shows you how to keep your priorities straight; prepare your heart, mind, and soul for a mate; be wise about the “man thing”; and have your deepest desires fulfilled! Paperback.

What to Do Until Love Finds You: The Bestselling Guide to Preparing Yourself for Your Perfect Mate

By Michelle McKinney Hammond / Harvest House Publishers

What to Do Until Love Finds You is a re-release of popular author, Michelle McKinney Hammond’s, first book. With a lot of attitude and wisdom, Michelle offers women practical, godly advice on how to handle sexual temptations regardless of past experience. The biblical truths, honest personal insights, and refreshing take on love and the single lifestyle are as relevant and remarkable today as when this book first appeared on the nightstands and coffee tables of countless single women. Includes a dynamic new cover.

Living Single: The Different Faces of Singleness

By Kervin Smith

In Living Single Kervin Smith dispels all the false notions about being single and introduces to you a new way to think about single life. When you see yourself as God sees you – as a whole person, full of destiny and potential – your single life will change from lonely desperation to confident well-being. Paperback.

Living Whole Without a Better Half

By Wendy Widder / Kregel Publications

The issues of single and married Christians are essentially the same, because they are the products of fallen humanity-loneliness, unfulfulled desires, unanswered questions, pain, rejection, and fear. This book urges us not to let the assumptions of others taint God’s view of who we are. It includes character studies of people in the Bible and shows how the lessons they learned can apply to single Christians. Chapters include “Abraham-Unsolved Mysteries,” “Moses-I think I’ll Go Eat Worms,” and “Jacob and Joseph-I Did It My Way.” Widder blends the experience of being single and the truths of God’s Word, always with a sense of humor, to proclaim God’s promises of eternal life-with no marital strings attached.

The Treasure Principle, CBD-Exclusive Edition

By Randy Alcorn / Random House, Inc

In 2001, Alcorn first invited readers to partake in a revolution that called for radical generosity and freedom from materialism. This exclusive edition of his perennial bestseller features a provocative ending with challenging questions from God about our stewardship and a personal journal section. Discover how joyful giving brings God glory. 160 pages, hardcover from Multnomah.

Contagious Generosity: The Key to Continuous Blessing!

By Barry L. Cameron

“God loves a cheerful giver (II Cor. 9:7).” Not only of our monies, but time, talents and abilities. In “Contagious Generosity” Barry L. Cameron shows how a lifestyle of generosity is a normal and blessing-filled way to live the Christian life. By giving generously you can become an agent of God’s blessing to others.

Love that Works: The Heart & Science of Giving

By Bruce Brander

“Who taught us our oddly unsuccessful kind of love? Why, the princess and the frog, and a girl who lived with dwarfs, and a sooty young woman who lost a glass slipper that, as luck would have it, was found by a handsome prince. Our society is shot through with fables of romance that we absorb from earliest childhood.”Love That Works is a highly readable book that draws on history, theology, literature, psychology, and sociology to show why romance is a notoriously poor basis for stable, loving relationships. It provides essential background to those studying relationships in their own lives and in our society. Author Bruce Brander illuminates the reasons we find it so hard to find lasting love and he offers insights to guide us to greater emotional health and spiritual maturity. By applying lessons from history to our fast-paced world, we can not only learn to fall in love; we can also learn to rise to love.

The Life You’ve Always Wanted, CBD Limited Edition

By John Ortberg

Is your faith like “spiritual fire insurance” (I’ll rely on God when everything falls apart)? If it is, you’re missing out on God’s life-transforming power! In this CBD edition of his bestseller, Ortberg reveals how prayer, meditation, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines can bring you the fulfillment your heart desires. Includes study guide. 6.5 point font size. 272 pages, 4.5″ x 7″ hardcover from Zondervan.

The Purpose Driven Life, Softcover

By Rick Warren

In this remarkable best-seller Rick Warren will help you understand God’s purpose and plan for your life so that you can learn to live the life for which you were created. The book is divided into 40 short chapters so that it can either be read as a personal devotional or studied in a small group setting. Don’t let yourself or your family and friends go without this life-transforming book!

For additional resources, visit the Purpose-Driven Life Shop.

The Power of Positive Thinking, 50th Anniversary Edition

By Norman Vincent Peale

The Power of Positive Thinking has helped millions of men and women to achieve fulfillment in their lives. In this phenomenal bestseller, Dr. Peale demonstrates the powe of faith in action. With the practical techniques outlined in this book, you can energize your life – and give yoursel the initiative needed to carry out your ambitions and hopes You’ll learn how to believe in yourself and in everything y do, develop the power to reach your goals, break the worry habit and achieve a relaxed life. Paperback.

The Power of a Praying Woman

By Stormie Omartian

It may seem easier to pray for your spouse, your children, your friends, and your extended family, but God wants to hear your requests for your life too. He loves it when you come to Him for the things you need and ask Him to help you become the woman you have always longed to be. The Power of a Praying Woman has led countless women into deeper, more fulfilling prayer lives. Now, with a new cover, Omartian, through her knowledge of Scripture and candid examples of her own epiphanies in prayer, shows you how to:

• draw closer to God
• know His plans and purpose for your life
• receive comfort, help, and strength for every day

Trust Him moment by moment with the concerns of your heart and discover the awesome power that prayer will release in your life.

By Jerry Sittser

Loss in life is inevitable, but it’s possible to harness the hardship of loss and turn it into a positive event in your life. Author Jerry Sittser explores painful events like divorce, death and illness and shows that it’s not the circumstances we find ourselves in at these points of loss, but how we respond to them that widens our spiritual capacity to experience blessing and growth in the midst of grief.

By Randy Becton

People who are mourning the loss of a dear friend or beloved family member often feel alone. And those who want to comfort them can feel inadequate and at a loss for words. In Everyday Comfort, grievers will find thirty daily devotions to help them through their heartache. Respecting the griever’s anguish and emotional turmoil, these devotions avoid platitudes and offer genuine empathy and wisdom. Subjects like recovery, facing death, normal grief and abnormal grief, and using the psalms daily will help those who grieve examine the path through despair and take the next steps toward living life again.

By Randy Becton

* As a cancer survivor, Becton knows firsthand the disease’s attack on the human soul. Patients and caregivers will find these 33 meditations on topics such as depression, anger, fear, and loneliness an encouraging guide toward spiritual and mental wellness in the face of physical illness. Filled with prayers, Scriptures, and uplifting thoughts for each day. 160 pages, softcover from Baker.

By Carol Winters

Carol winters has lived with cancer for six years. In this frank and personal memoir, she provides insight and comfort to the seriously ill and their loved ones.

By Kathe Wunnenberg

Grieving the Child I Never Knew offers comfort and the reassurance of God’s presence as you grieve the loss of a child you never got to know. If you’ve lost a child through miscarriage, tubal pregancy, stillbirth, or early infant death, this devotional will encourage you along your healing journey. Each chapter includes a journaling exercise. Hardcover.

By Debbie Heydrick

While there are many books that address the issue of grieving the loss of a child, this book stands alone by inviting the parents to express their emotions in an interactive way with what they are reading. This book will not only honor and validate the very real loss of a baby lost through miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death, but it will also provide parents a way to get through the loss with help from Scripture, encouraging quotes, soothing art work, space for journaling, and a very gentle tone that says, “Your baby and your loss are very significant.” The keepsake book provides a place to write one’s personal story of loss and “love letters” to the child, and includes a list of loss support resources and practical ideas for treasuring memories of the child.

By John Ortberg

In The Life You’ve Always Wanted John Ortberg taught us how simple spiritual disciplines can help us move beyond superficial Christianity to a life of dedicated discipleship. Now, with the Life You’ve Always Wanted Participant’s Guide, which can be used with or without the excellent Video/DVD Curriculum, he has provided a resource that will help us embark on the road of discipleship together. The Participant’s Guide is filled with intriguing insights, provocative questions and practical applications that will challenge our communities to set superficial Christianity aside so that we can live the life of dedicated disciples.

By John Ortberg

In this six-session small group DVD curriculum, award-winning author John Ortberg teaches participants the skills essential to “running the marathon” in the Christian life: slowing down, celebrating joy, practicing prayer, studying Scripture, and trusting God. Running time of each session, approx 15 minutes.

By John Ortberg

Is your faith like “spiritual fire insurance” (I’ll rely on God when everything falls apart)? If it is, you’re missing out on God’s life-transforming power! In this CBD edition of his bestseller, Ortberg reveals how prayer, meditation, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines can bring you the fulfillment your heart desires. Includes study guide. 6.5 point font size. 272 pages, 4.5″ x 7″ hardcover from Zondervan.

By John Ortberg

The heart of Christianity is transformation—a relationship with God that impacts not just our “spiritual lives,” but every aspect of living. John Ortberg calls you back to the dynamic heartbeat of Christianity—God’s power to bring change and growth—and reveals both the how and why of transformation.With a new chapter on prayer and added discussion questions, this expanded edition of The Life You’ve Always Wanted offers modern perspectives on the ancient path of the spiritual disciplines. But this is more than just a book about things to do to be a good Christian. It’s a road map toward true transformation that starts not with the individual but with the object of the journey—Jesus Christ.

By Billy Blanks

Live in LA puts you center stage as Billy trims and tonesyou to the core, blasts fat and lifts you to new heights. Have a front row seat with Billy and 300 Tae Bo fans and followers as they workout at the world famous Hollywood Palladium. Uses the Amplifier. Approximate Running Time: 43 minutes

By Billy Blanks

Tae Bo: T3-Total Transformation Training is Billy Blanks’ newest, most life-changing TAE BO workout, designed for a total transformation of your body, your mind and your life. The Power Within workouts give you a one-on-one connection with Billy the mentor and motivator as he teaches you how to regain control of your body, your mind and your life. Includes 6 workouts on 4 DVDs, new ergonomic, one-pound T3 weights and Tae Bo Weight Loss Success Guide.The Power Within DVD includes:
Ignition Express: teaches you the techniques to help transform your mind, your will and your body in a revolutionary new way. Running Time: Approx. 26 Minutes.
Acceleration Express: uses the power of the eight basic techniques, combined with cardio moves to accelerate you towards your fitness goals. Running Time: Approx. 19 Minutes.
Transformation Express: will change your mind, your will and your body by unlocking your inner power to make a total transformation. Running Time: Approx. 24 Minutes.
Blanks-Sensei – Learn The Moves: guides you step-by-step through each body-changing move. Running Time: Approx. 19 Minutes.

Dedication DVD keeps you focused and rooted to a firm foundation by confirming your dedication to that foundation by reviewing basic techniques, adding music, cardio and strength training with the T3 weights. Running Time: Approx. 55 Minutes.

Commitment DVD: This powerful workout continues working with the T3 weights and cardio training, empowering you to maintain your commitment to the transformation of your life, your health and your body. Running Time: Approx. 56 Minutes.

Empowerment DVD will show you how to change yourself from the inside out with this total workout cardio training, body toning, strength and weight training, mobility and flexibility training. Running Time: Approx. 55 Minutes.

A unique blend of fiction, allegory, and inspiration, this book has motivated tens of thousands since its release in late 2002. Now this wildly successful parable is available in an affordable trade paper edition. This thought-provoking book encourages readers of all ages to reach their full potential using these simple keys to success.

As the perfect companion to The Traveler’s Gift, this journal will help to make the seven decisions for personal success your own. Most of us can relate to protagonist David Ponder’s yearning for success, and this book gives you the opportunity to record your own experiences as you internalize these decisions–just as David did in his travels. The journal is comprised of seven sections, one for each of the seven decisions for personal success, and is filled with quotes from the book and guided questions to direct readers to mapping their way toward their full potential. This book used together with the novel will prove to be a powerful combination for all who seek success.

The heart of Christianity is transformation—a relationship with God that impacts not just our “spiritual lives,” but every aspect of living. John Ortberg calls you back to the dynamic heartbeat of Christianity—God’s power to bring change and growth—and reveals both the how and why of transformation.

With a new chapter on prayer and added discussion questions, this expanded edition of The Life You’ve Always Wanted offers modern perspectives on the ancient path of the spiritual disciplines. But this is more than just a book about things to do to be a good Christian. It’s a road map toward true transformation that starts not with the individual but with the object of the journey—Jesus Christ.

Many of us spend a lifetime striving for the approval of our parents. Your parent’s approval affects how you view yourself and you ability to pass that approval on to your children, friends, and spouse. In The Blessing, John Trent and Gary Smalley present a life-changing gift the Bible calls “the blessing.” Five elements of the blessing are meaningful touch, spoken messages, attaching high value, picturing a special future, and an active commitment. Using the principles offerd here provides hope and healing for men and women who may have missed their parents’ blessing.

What is Satan’s master strategy? How does he use demons against us? Beam draws on biblical truths and personal experiences to open your eyes to the invisible but fierce warfare that is raging around you! He illuminates Satan’s dark schemes and explains the power of the cross so you can claim victory over his shadowy presence. 350 pages, softcover from Howard House.

Imagine yourself in the English countryside – walking down quiet lanes bordered by spring flowers. Picture God alongside you. From his own daily rambles through the magnificent Cotswolds, noted author Smith, shares these personal meditations to guide you to the heart of God. Refreshment and renewal for your eyes and soul.

Rediscover your feminine heart! As a young girl did you want to be a beautiful princess, rescued on a horse by a dashing prince charming, or step into the pages of a fascinating adventure? This new paperback edition of Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul encourages women to connect with their deepest feminine desires and learn to see God as their ultimate lover and hero.

Helping men rediscover their masculine heart, Wild at Heart, a guide to understanding Christian manhood and Christian men, offers a refreshing break from the chorus of voices urging men to be more responsible, reliable, dutiful … and dead. God designed men to be dangerous, says Eldredge. Simply look at the dreams and desires written in every boy’s heart: to be a hero, to be a warrior, to live a life of adventure and risk. Sadly, most men abandon those dreams and desires—aided by a Christianity that feels like nothing more than pressure to be a “nice guy.” It’s no wonder that many men avoid church, and those who go are often passive and bored to death. In this provocative book, Eldredge gives women a look inside the true heart of a man and gives men permission to be what God designed them to be—dangerous, passionate, alive, and free.