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She was of American blood, born in the islands. He was a native islander. Their love bridged two worlds that would one day threaten to tear them apart. As a child, Jana Rutherford played barefoot on the sparkling Hawaiian beaches with her friend, Akela, and Akela's handsome cousin, Kimo. But that carefreeness would change as Jana grew...and the quality of her and Kimo's friendship grew as well into something deeper, stronger. It was then that Jana first heard the whispers, "e;He's not her kind"e; -and discovered the differences people drew between a Hawaiian-born American and a native islander. Faced with the ignorance of others and a painful time of separation from Imo, it would be easy for Jana's love to grow cold. Especially with Bayard, the dashing brother of Jana's wealthy friend, Edith, showing such evident interest. Attractive, charming, and of American stock like herself, Bayard represented a lavish, exciting world that Jana had only read about. But Kimo stood for all she had known and loved. In each intricate quilt of the Hawaiian women, a secret was hidden known only to its creator, a story contained in its design. Jana's life seemed much like a quilt: delicately yet passionately fashioned by a Creator who knew how to assemble the pieces into a mysterious, glorious pattern- a life's tale yet untold.

If there is a loving God, then why is it that ... ?You've heard that question, perhaps asked it yourself. No matter how you complete it, at its root lies the issue of pain.Does God order our suffering? Does he decree an abusive childhood, orchestrate a jet crash, steer a tornado through a community? Or did he simply wind up the world's mainspring and now is watching from a distance?In this Gold Medallion Award-winning book, Philip Yancey reveals a God who is neither capricious nor unconcerned. Using examples from the Bible and from his own experiences, Yancey looks at pain-physical, emotional, and spiritual-and helps us understand why we suffer. Where Is God When It Hurts? will speak to those for whom life sometimes just doesn't make sense. And it will help equip anyone who wants to reach out to someone in pain but just doesn't know what to say.

Justin Pierce's brainchild, Khaki Kangaroo, is exactly the cartoon theme Andi Sherman needs for her world-class amusement park, Promised Land. In turn, Andi's park is the opportunity that can rocket Justin from obscurity to success. For both of them, spreading the Gospel through their creation is their passion--a shared dream that could cement a powerful partnership. If their shared past hadn't already driven them apart. Now, with construction of the park in its final phase, what begins as an uneasy alliance between the successful businesswoman and the talented animator enters a baptism of fire. Disaster stalks Promised Land--and only by burying their pride can Justin and Andi save everything they've work for from destruction. When Dreams Cross is part of the Second Chances series by award-winning suspense novelist Terri Blackstock. Combining fast-paced reading with realistic characters and situations, Second Chances takes readers to where the conflict between good and evil becomes the proving grounds of faith.

In the final book of the Sweet Seasons series, Candace's time in high school and at The Zone is coming to a closeand what to do next is looming in her mind. Stay close to home and with her boyfriend Kurt, or take a chance and see what the adventure brings?Candace used to be the one to take the easy waybut after three seasons working at a crazy amusement park, challenge seems to be her middle name. Then why does the idea of leaving her hometown to attend college on the other side of the country scare her so much? It doesn't help that her boyfriend, Kurt, and her friend Tamara are both encouraging her to attend the local college and just relax. Or that the more she dreams about her future, the less she sees Kurt being a part of it.Hoping it will lessen her stress, Candace focuses on her job making candied apples at The Zone. But life has other plans: as things with Kurt cool, a strange romantic tension grows between her and her friend Josh that leads to even more confusion. And when Candace is named a finalist for a scholarship to the same faraway school she's been contemplatingone that is also near another Zone locationthe time to decide her future grows too close to ignore.The Spring of Candy Apples:is a YA contemporary novel with a fun, rom-com feelis written by New York Times bestselling author Debbie Viguiefeatures an empowered protagonist looking to take control of her lifeis a coming-of-age story that mixes humor with real-life strugglesis a clean read for young adult fans of any age

First a dead stranger. Now a missing police chief. Did Chief Cade run off to elope? Or has he met with foul play?No one knows who the victim was, where he came from, or why he staggered out in front of Chief Cade's car. Guilt overwhelms him that he killed the mysterious stranger, until Cade learns that the man had been shot at close-range before he was struck. Determining his identity and finding the shooter becomes Cade's top priority.But then Cade vanishes off of the island of Cape Refuge. Rumors spread like wildfire that Cade was involved with the dead man's wife and that the death was not accidental. Did Cade run to escape murder charges, or has something sinister happened to him?Blair Owens knows Cade wouldn't have done the things they're saying and he wouldn't have left without saying goodbye. She's determined to find him herself, but her search takes her to some dangerous places. Finding Cade will take faith in a God whom Blair has always doubted. Will He listen to her prayers when she's given Him nothing but grief? Cade's life might hang in the balance . . . and time is running out.From New York Times bestselling suspense author Terri Blackstock, Southern Storm is the second book in her riveting Cape Refuge series.

The fourth and final novel about the trials and joys of the residents of Cedar Circle. Sylvia Bryan has been feeling weak and tired, but is shocked when her internist finds a malignant lump in her breast. She and her husband can't understand why God is allowing cancer to attack at a time when their missionary work is going so well. As Sylvia undergoes a mastectomy and chemotherapy, the rest of the neighbors pull together to support her, even while coping with the stress of their own lives. Steve and Cathy experience problems with their blended family. Tory and Barry struggle to raise their Down Syndrome child. Brenda's husband, David, who is not a believer, watches from the sidelines. Season of Blessing realistically portrays the all-too-common crises of both health and faith. How will God answer prayer? What will this latest trial do to their friendships? Terri Blackstock and Beverly LaHaye skillfully weave together the story of the lives of a group of neighbors who experience the overcoming power of Christ's love.

In the second book of the Keystone Stables series, perfect for girls who love horses and horse fiction, foster child Skye must face a new challenge with a friend from her past stays at the ranch Skye now calls home, threatening her new life and the horses she holds dear.Skye Nicholson used to be a lot like her past friend Sooze: loud, angry, and willing to do anything to prove she didn't need anyone. But after coming to Keystone Stables and realizing she is worth being loved, Skye's life has changed. Now she would do anything to stay at the stables and around her beloved horses. But while the girls start training for an upcoming horse show, Sooze decides to sneak off with a hard-to-control Tennessee walking horse named Stormy, and disaster strikessoon, Skye is questioning everything she's started to believe about herself, including her newfound faith.On the Victory Trail:is written by an author who has firsthand experience with horses and foster careexplores the effects of cancer on friends and familyis a contemporary and realistic plot, with an inspirational Christian messagecontains extensive back matter on different horse breeds, how to care for them, and horsemanship, as well as facts, diagrams, and a glossary of horse terms so girls can better know their favorite animal

Mix six teenage girls and one '60s fashion icon (retired, of course) in an old Victorian-era boardinghome. Add boys and dating, a little high-school angst, and throw in a Kate Spade bag or two . . . and you've got The Carter House Girls, Melody Carlson's new chick lit series for young adults!New York DebutThe New Year promises to be lively for the Carter House girls. No sooner does the calendar page turn and the girls are forced to confront a whole load of difficulties. There is constant pressure from Mrs. Carter as the household prepares to participate in the high stakes Spring Fashion Week in New York City. Competition flares from all directions as the girls vie for top billing, premium outfits, and attention from favorite guys. Stresses mount and some personal challenges grow into serious problems. Will the girls survive the big city experience and the even bigger trials that come along with it?

Lucy has come a long way from that tomboy who wouldn't give pink the time of day. She's developed into an authentic tween who has learned that girls make great friends, that teamwork means more than stardom, and that God is real. But she's still Lucy. In the third book of the series, she runs headlong into some new-and some old-problems. Although Lucy has come to love and respect Inez and more than tolerate Mora, with school out for the summer, the three of them have more together time than anybody can stand! That worsens when the "e;monsoon"e; season keeps them cooped up in the house for three solid days without Dad to referee (he's stranded at the radio station).When Dad is stuck at the radio station without his assistant Luke, the new management finds out just how much Dad depends on his assistant and threaten to fire Lucy's father. Lucy is freaked out at the thought of moving.Plus it gives Aunt Karen more ammunition for her fight to have Lucy come and live with her in El Paso. That would be heinous enough, but Lucy just can't leave now, not with the soccer team making tremendous progress and Coach Auggy scheduling three unofficial games with neighboring teams during the summer to get them ready for the real soccer season in the fall.And not with Januarie getting into "e;iffy"e; territory with the new kids her own age that Lucy and her friends have encouraged her to hang out with so she'll leave them alone. Child Protective Services gets involved when Januarie gets in trouble, and Lucy has to be there for her, especially since this could affect her friend J.J. too.When the weather dries up, wild fires break out with a vengeance. A big one threatens Los Suenos. Myteriously, the only thing destroyed is the soccer field. The big developer who has tried to buy the property before swoops in for the kill. Lucy and her team have to convince the town to come together and restore the field, rather than give up and sell it.Meanwhile, Lucy, Mora, Dusty, Veronica, and Inez study Esther. Lucy grows even closer to God through her Book of Lists and her resonance with Esther, even though she was a girly-girl. That helps her not only save the soccer field, get Januarie out of trouble, and get herself an audition with the Olympic Development Program (without Aunt Karen's help), but it enables her to make a huge sacrifice for Dad and agree to live without him for six weeks while he goes to a special technology school for the blind in Alamogordo. That's going to mean having Aunt Karen come to live with her in the fall. But Lucy is the only one who can do this thing in this time and this place. Like Esther, she is willing to make the sacrifice.

Mix six teenaged girls and one '60s fashion icon (retired, of course) in an old Victorian-era boarding home. Add boys and dating, a little high-school angst, and throw in a Kate Spade bag or two ... and you've got The Carter House Girls, Melody Carlson's new chick lit series for young adults!In a whirlwind, DJ accepts "e;lonely"e; Taylor's invitation to join her mom's tour in Las Vegas during Christmas break. DJ soon discovers that the unsupervised Taylor is focused on one thing only-partying with a capital "e;P."e; She's invited Eliza, too, and DJ is quickly overwhelmed by the behavior of the wild duo. Desperate, she calls on Casey for help and prays for a miracle to help Taylor before she self-destructs.

Evocative reflections on three facets in our relationship with Jesus.People long for reality in their walk with Christ. To know him better, we must understand the different sides of his complex nature. Popular British author Adrian Plass draws on biblical stories and personal experience-as well as his keen understanding of people's needs-as he explores the Safe Jesus, the Tender Jesus, and the Extreme Jesus. God has told us that he holds us in the palm of his hands, where no one and nothing can harm the most important part of us. But from biblical times to the present day, Christians encounter accidents and disasters. What does it really mean to experience the Safe Jesus? Jesus tells his disciples that they must love one another. Yet time and again we try to find achievement and success through our own efforts and individual gifts, only to end in failure. Instead, we need to know the Tender Jesus who becomes visible when we join with each other in the body of Christ. Jesus only did what he saw his father doing. Each of his actions and encounters were fueled, informed, and instructed by the dynamic, creative, unpredictable Spirit of God. Failing to be obedient in this way is what truly constitutes sin. When we are open to the genuine leading of the Spirit, we will experience the Extreme Jesus. In Jesus - Safe, Tender, Extreme, Adrian Plass is "e;simply a man with a broom, sweeping away the rubbish that prevents others from passing further in and further up, by talking about what Jesus does and doesn't do in my life."e;

For horse-loving young readers comes the first book in the Keystone Stables series, where a tough foster child named Skye learns about love and forgiveness through a beautiful quarter horse named Champ. Thirteen-year-old Skye Nicholson has become an expert at making sure no one will ever hurt her again. After her cold and angry behavior and numerous offenses remove her from more foster home placements than she cares to count, she's headed toward juvenile detention. But then she's given one last chancean opportunity to live at Keystone Stables, a foster home and therapy camp where she meets a beautiful sorrel horse named Champ. As hard as she tries, she can't deny she loves Champbut her refusal to accept her new foster parents and their Christian faith might mean losing Champ forever.A Horse to Love:is written by an author who has firsthand experience with horses and foster careis a contemporary and realistic plot, with an inspirational Christian messagefeatures a character with special needscontains extensive back matter on different horse breeds, how to care for them, and horsemanship, as well as facts, diagrams, and a glossary of horse terms so girls can better know their favorite animal

Death is an inevitable and constant part of life, yet those who grieve often feel misunderstood and alone in their journey, says Kathe Wunnenberg, author of Grieving the Loss of a Loved One. This compassionate book acts as a daily devotional companion to hurting people. Designed for adult readers of all ages and stages in the grieving process, it is sensitively written by an author who suffered three miscarriages and the death of an infant son. She knows from firsthand experience that there are no easy answers for those who mourn. Sixty devotions cover the many stages of grieving, including readings for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions, when grief can be particularly painful. Readers will walk away from the short thematic devotions and feel validated, connected to someone who knows how they truly feel, and with renewed hope in God. Friends and family members who sincerely want to help the grieving can give this book as a meaningful, beneficial expression of their love and concern.

The riveting, emotional sequel to the best-selling Could I Have This Dance?Claire McCall, M.D., is haunted by the question: Does she have the gene for Huntington's Disease, the disease that disabled her father? This exciting sequel picks up with Claire moving back to Stoney Creek to work as a family physician and help her mother care for her disabled father. She rekindles her relationship with John Serelli and-just before she's going to find out if she carries the HD gene-discovers an engagement ring hidden in his car. When John fails to "e;pop the question"e; before learning the results of the test, Claire believes he is only interested in marrying her if she does not have the HD gene. She runs away from him without learning the results of the test, or the strength of his love.Claire copes with her romantic disappointment by plunging into her work. But a brutal rapist attacks three of Claire's patients, just as each young woman is recovering from a recent accident or surgery. When Claire has surgery for appendicitis, she herself is attacked. Only her trust in God can keep Claire safe.

Two weeks before he was to marry Sherry Grayson, Clint Jessup disappeared without a trace. Now, suddenly, eight months later, he's back with no word of explanation. Only an impossible request: trust him. Trust him despite the devastating past. . .and an inexplicable and increasingly frightening present. Whatever secret Clint is hiding, it's changed him. And it's about to change Sherry, sweeping her and Clint into a terrifying whirlpool of pursuit and intrigue--one where death and deliverance teeter on a razor edge of circumstance that can either restore or forever destroy Sherry's faith not only in Clint, but in others, and perhaps in God himself. Blind Trust is part of the Second Chances series by award-winning suspense novelist Terri Blackstock. Combining fast-paced reading with realistic characters and situations, Second Chances takes readers to where the conflict between good and evil becomes the proving grounds of faith.

The police think he killed someone. He swears he's innocent. All she knows for certain is his crime against her. Louis Dubose, international art dealer, has been murdered. The police are certain they've got their man. Recently fired by Dubose, Ben Robinson has a motive backed by a convincing trail of evidence. Except that one person isn't convincedsomeone who knows Ben well. Knows that he's quite capable of trashing human lives but not of taking them. Now that person is about to gamble her own well-being on his innocence . . . when her personal indictment against him may be almost as bitter as murder. The question is, does Sharon Robinson know Ben as well as she thinks she does? Two small kidnapping victims hold the answerand time to save their lives is running out. Ulterior Motives is more than just a superbly crafted suspense novel. It's a wrenching portrayal of the cost of forgiveness, of innocence and faith pitted against monstrous evil, and of skepticism's journey to the cross of Christ. Ulterior Motives is book three in the Sun Coast Chronicles by award-winning author Terri Blackstock. From absorbing legal drama to lightning-paced action, the Sun Coast

A small-town scandal quickly turns into a national media event. Is the murderer one of the obvious suspects . . . or someone they have no reason to doubt?Ben Jackson is going head to head with Jonathan Cleary in Cape Refuge's mayoral raceand he's even expected to winwhen his wife Lisa turns up missing the day before the major debate. Suddenly the town is in turmoil as proof of an alleged affair surfaces, indicating that Ben Jackson might have had motive to kill his wife.Meanwhile, newspaper owner Blair Owens has other suspicionsand so does Police Chief Cade. Together they dig deeply into the mysterious disappearance that soon spirals into a web of confusion, dark secrets, and unsettling fraud.Then the town's psychic reveals the location of Lisa's bodyat the bottom of the river. Even though Blair doesn't believe his paranormal gift is real, she can't imagine how he knew where the body was.The small-town scandal quickly turns into a national media event. Is the murderer one of the obvious suspects . . . or someone they have no reason to doubt?From New York Times bestselling suspense author Terri Blackstock, River's Edge is the third book in her riveting Cape Refuge series.

Just one person can save the children from a terrifying future. But to do so, she must master her past. Beth Wright, a newspaper reporter, is hot on the trail of a story that could expose something very ugly at the St. Clair Children's Home. Someone else is hot on Beth Wright's trailsomeone who wants to make sure her story never sees the press. Between them stands Nick Hutchins, a social worker who finds his own gut hunches about the children's home increasingly confirmed, first by Beth's investigation . . . then by a high-speed attempt on her life . . . and finally, by an intruder's startling confession. As the drama unfolds, a horrifying picture emerges of helpless children under the sway of a modern-day Fagin. Just one person holds the key that can save them: Beth herself. But using that key could cost Beth her reputation . . . if it doesn't first cost her life. Presumption of Guilt is a gripping portrayal of the depths of human evil, the soul-twisting influence of lies . . . and of the liberating power of truth and the far-reaching freedom of God's mercy and grace. Presumption of Guilt is book four in the Sun Coast Chronicles by award-winning author Terri Blackstock. From absorbing legal drama to lightning-paced action, the Sun Coast Chronicles offers suspense at its finest, tempered with remarkable realism and penetrating insights into the human heart.

A violent criminal with a knack for evading justice. A beautiful victim with a secret to hide. Between them stands one good cop, torn between justice and the law. This rape case is an exception: The victim is more than willing to testify. And there's abundant evidence to put the suspect behind bars. Just one thing bothers Detective Larry Millsaps. Young and beautiful Melissa Nelson seems to know almost too much about the evidence needed to convict her attacker. The unfolding investigation unearths a brutal track record on the part of the suspect . . . and a stunning revelation of Melissa's own haunting past that could do far worse than destroy her credibility. Caught in a deadly conflict between the ironies of the law and the demands of his Christian convictions, Millsaps finds himself protecting Melissa from a psychopathic stalker's lethal game of cat-and-mouse . . . even as evidence collects that could send to prison not an inhuman criminal, but the woman Millsaps has come to love. Justifiable Means is the second book in the Sun Coast Chronicles by award-winning author Terri Blackstock. From absorbing legal drama to lightning-paced action, the Sun Coast Chronicles offers suspense at its finest, tempered with remarkable realism and penetrating insights into the human heart. Look for Evidence of Mercy, Presumption of Guilt, and Ulterior Motives at your favorite bookstore.

The plane crash nearly ended Lynda's life. Was it an accident or sabotage? Lynda Barrett, a young lawyer, hates to sell her plane, but she can no longer afford to keep it. Enter Jake Stevens: wealthy, arrogant, and interested in buying Lynda's beloved Piper. Together, he and Lynda embark on a test flight that ends in disaster--hurling them into a terrifying sequence of events. One thing becomes clear: Someone is out to get Lynda . . . someone who will not be satisfied until she is dead. This riveting novel takes the reader on a suspense-filled flight into a world where the dark side of human nature meets with a higher power . . . where love finds root in the midst of hatred's savagery . . . and where terrifying and uncontrollable circumstances become the unlikely catalysts for forgiveness and faith. Evidence of Mercy is book one in the Sun Coast Chronicles by award-winning author Terri Blackstock. From absorbing legal drama to lightning-paced action, the Sun Coast Chronicles offers suspense at its finest, tempered with remarkable realism and penetrating insights into the human heart. Look for Ulterior Motives, Justifiable Means, and Presumption of Guilt at your favorite bookstore.

From a murder in Paris to a courtroom in California to a terrorist camp in the Gobi Desert, Don Brown's follow-up to Treason and Hostage plunges into a suspense-filled journey of danger, duty, and hope. The Commander's Bodyguard is Shannon McGilverry, a crack NCIS agent assigned to protect Navy JAG Officer Zack Brewer. Zack is being hunted by terrorists, stalked by a psychopath, and is working his way through a perilous, politically-charged trial. When another Navy JAG officer is murdered, it's clear that Zack is in harm's way. As his bodyguard, Shannon must do more than protect Zack. She also must set aside her growing feelings for the brilliant attorney and investigate rumors that the love of his life, Diane Colcerninan, may still be alive. Zack finds himself in need of his faith more than ever as Navy SEALS launch a daring rescue attempt that has the potential to trigger World War III.

Mix six teenaged girls and one '60s fashion icon (retired, of course) in an old Victorian-era boarding home. Add guys and dating, a little high-school angst, and throw in a Kate Spade bag or two ... and you've got The Carter House Girls, Melody Carlson's new chick lit series for young adults!Christmas is coming and Mrs. Carter treats the girls to a weekend trip to General Harding's luxurious Vermont ski lodge. Naturally, she has no idea that Taylor has invited some guys to follow them-boys who have a different type of adventure in mind. As usual, Mrs. Carter does not pay close attention to the girls' activities. When a dinner outing and small accident keep her away overnight, DJ, Eliza, Taylor, Kriti, Rhiannon, and Casey are quickly in over their heads. As a party gets completely out of hand, only God's help can get the Carter House girls out of this gigantic mess.

The Carter House girls are just getting to know one another when the subject of boys comes up. Rhiannon's dating Bradford, the most popular jock in school, Eliza's seeing Harry, and even DJ has dated Conner, although now he acts as if he doesn't like her. Boys aren't always easy to understand, but every girl in the house wants a boyfriend-and will do just about anything to get one. So when Taylor decides to put the moves on Bradford, Rhiannon is shocked and hurt. Mistakes are made and feelings battered ... there is forgiveness for some and bitterness for others ... but at the end of the day, the girls learn a valuable lesson about what it means to be a family.

Three contemporary, humorous parables of a preacher who struggles with his need to changeSam the preacher wonders what has gone wrong with his sermons. Are people still listening? Well-known storyteller and communications professor Calvin Miller combines his fiction writing with his insight into preaching to address the changes faced by today's preachers, especially the fact that contemporary congregations have shifted to a different way of listening. How can Sam recover his passion for preaching?In this short, entertaining, story-driven book, church leaders will see honest reflections of themselves. But the narrative humor also provides a clever way to stimulate thought and discussion on how preachers and preaching are changing. Some places in the story will lead to laughter, others will cause readers to pause and reflect. But whatever the reaction, The Sermon Maker leaves the reader encouraged and changed.Extensive commentary on the stories provides insight from the author into the best ways to communicate. Just as the story in the tremendously popular Who Moved My Cheese? impacted readers in the business world who were facing change, so this book is designed as a quick but stimulating story for any church leader who preaches or is concerned about the state of preaching today.

When her mom died, DJ had to move in with her grandmother, internationally famous '60s fashion model Katherine Carter. Now Mrs. Carter's opened a boarding home for young ladies, and DJ-who would rather wear her basketball team uniform than haute couture-is just sure they'll all be unbearable fashion snobs. One by one, the girls arrive and begin to figure out how to fit into this new family, getting to know each other and forming friendships. Sure, there's an aspiring diva or two, but before long, the Carter House girls are dating, fighting, laughing, shopping, sharing clothes, purses, shoes ... and their deepest secrets. DJ may not turn into the perfect little lady her grandmother has in mind, but one thing's for certain-with all these new "e;sisters,"e; her life will never be the same!

I've watched the Skit Guys for more than 10 years; Eddie and Tommy are storytellers. They were telling stories before storytelling was all the rage. In their latest book, the Skit Guys let us peek inside their incredibly creative minds."e;-Allen Jackson, New Orleans Seminary"e;When it comes to skits, the Skit Guys have the corner market on the good stuff. They are engaging, thought provoking and hilarious without being cheesy or cliche. Their unique style is clean, clever, clear, and ... funny! You can't go wrong with these two."e; -Darren Whitehead, Director of Next Gen Ministries, Willow Creek Community Church"e;I've been in student ministry for over 30 years, and the Skit Guys are pretty much the greatest skit guys ever. Here's another resource from the chimerical minds of Eddie and Tommy that will help us youth workers in the trenches. This book will aid you greatly in your continuous pursuit of excellence in the world of drama. In other words, buy this freaking book!"e;-Bob Johns, First Woodway, Waco, Texas (the guy that gave them their first gig)35 CHEESE-FREE SKITSIf you're looking for fun and creative ways to involve your students in learning, you can stop looking. Skits That Teach provides you and your students everything you need to act out funny and compelling skits with total confidence.Search by topic or by group size to find the perfect comedic or dramatic sketch to help illustrate a point or just start a dialogue. The Skit Guys, Eddie James and Tommy Woodard, have tested these skits on teenagers around the country, and they've brought together some of the best for this great resource. Plus they give you everything you need for each skit-overview, characters, location, Scripture reference, props, direction pointers, and a complete script.The Skit Guys avoid the cheesy dialogues and scenes typically found in Christian dramas and instead bring fun characters, witty scripts, and entertaining situations to their skits, all categorized by:* Skits for Idiots (it would take an idiot not to be able to do them right!)* Monologues* Duets/Ensembles* Comedy* Drama* Scripture ReadingsTHE SKIT GUYS are Eddie James and Tommy Woodard, two high school friends who love to communicate God's Word in dynamic and captivating ways through the use of drama, teaching, and comedy. They've been involved in various ministries and impacting lives for more than a decade. The duo has written numerous dramas, plays, and humorous skits that cover a wide variety of topics.They're the authors of Instant Skits along with their own Skit Guys resources. Eddie James has coauthored four volumes of the Videos That Teach series with Doug Fields.

With six teenage girls living under one roof, things are bound to get interesting. Mix six teenaged girls and one '60s fashion icon (retired, of course) in an old Victorian-era boarding home. Add guys and dating, a little high-school angst, and throw in a Kate Spade bag or two ... and you've got The Carter House Girls, Melody Carlson's new chick lit series for young adults!The Carter House experiences a shake-up as one of its own returns home after an unnerving disappearing act. Then, friction grows as a school Homecoming Queen race heats up, turning friends and housemates against one another. DJ, Eliza, Taylor, Kriti, Rhiannon, and Casey show they have plenty of lessons to learn as the votes roll in. Some grow smarter and closer to God, while others seem to make the same mistakes over again. Despite all their differences and disagreements, the Carter House girls continue to grow together, forging a bond that strengthens through hardship. Hearts CAN change and friendship paves the way for at least one girl to move closer to God.

Discover a Proven Approach to Raising Your Church's Evangelistic TemperatureEvangelism. It's one of the highest values in the church. So why do so few churches put real effort into it? Maybe it's because we don't understand the evangelistic potential of the church well enough to get excited about it. Becoming a Contagious Church will change that.Revised and updated, this streamlined edition dispels outdated preconceptions and reveals evangelism as it really can be. What's more, it walks you through a 6-Stage Process and includes a brand-new 6-Stage Process assessment tool for taking your church beyond mere talk to infections energy, action, and lasting commitment."e;This book is not optional! It's required reading for all who are serious about reaching their communities for Christ. Ignoring this book would be pastoral malpractice!"e;Lee Strobel, author of The Case for the Real Jesus"e;You can't read this book without having your heart stirred to share the gospel. It's contagious!"e;Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Church and The Purpose Driven Life"e;Entire leadership teams and outreach committees should read and discuss this powerful book-and then put its principles into action."e;John Maxwell, author of Developing Leaders Around You"e;I can't emphasize how important books like this one are for the future of the church. It demythologizes the fear and awkwardness of evangelism into something biblical, tangible, and practical for every person."e;Dan Kimball, author of They Like Jesus but Not the Church"e;Becoming a Contagious Church is hands-down the most comprehensive work on church evangelism I've ever read. Its principles can turn inward-looking church attenders into outward-looking church evangelists."e;Craig Groeschel, senior pastor, LifeChurch.tv

In the best-selling footsteps of Would You Rather . . . ?, What If . . . ?, and Have You Ever . . . ? comes Unfinished Sentences - another collection of sometimes lighthearted, sometimes poignant, and always provocative discussion starters guaranteed to get teenagers talking, thinking, debating. Get the discussion ball rolling with 450 incomplete sentences that can be used anytime, anywhere for breaking the ice, stimulating discussions, building community, getting kids to wrestle with spiritual issues -- or use them just for fun! The convenient size makes Unfinished sentences easy to stick in your pocket or in the glove box -- a resource you won't want your library or your youth ministry team to be without!

To Be a Junior High Youth Worker . . . takes a distinct kind of adult, just as junior highers are a distinct kind of people. Betwixt and between though they may be, early adolescents are as capable of a genuine spiritual understanding and growth as high schoolers.It's just that junior highers absorb Bible teaching and demonstrate their spirituality-well, differently. Help! I'm a Junior High Youth Worker! is your primer for understanding young teenagers, then teaching them with a mind-set and with methods that fit them.First Things First. Three axioms that define your territory as a junior high youth worker.So Just What Is a Junior Higher, Anyway? The essence of early adolescence: the need for appropriate rules . . . the dilemma of throwing sixth graders and eighth graders together in the same program . . . small is good.Developmentally Speaking. Changes junior highers enjoy and endure cognitively, emotionally, socially, spiritually . . . their changing relationships with parents . . . individuation and hair under their arms.Time to Teach! Your required dose of pedagogy: the case for fun learning . . . ten top teaching topics for middle school ministry . . . how simulations, role plays, and storytelling can be your best teaching methods for early adolescents.Faith Outside the Youth Room. Spiritual discipleship for middle schoolers: they don't have to be high schoolers to begin forming habits of prayers, service, and outreach.Help! I'm a Junior High Youth Worker! is help at hand surviving and thriving in ministry to early adolescents.