Mother Mary Francis, abbess of a Poor Clare Monastery for over forty years, left an enduring legacy in her writings and in the conferences she gave to her spiritual daughters. In this work she presents beautiful meditations on the liturgical season of Lent, revealing the treasures of the liturgy to Christians in all walks of life. Her insight into Holy Scripture and her poet's heart engendered reflections that illuminate the daily Mass readings in a fresh and attractive way. These meditations enlighten the reader to see conversion as positive and enriching, and help us to understand that the generous embrace of Lenten penance has a purpose and brings a wondrous reward: deeper union with God. She was a true daughter of Saint Francis of Assisi, who found perfect joy by turning away from self to God. As a spiritual guide, Mother Mary Francis excels in the art of persuasion, aware that the human heart cannot be forced but only gently led to holiness. She makes this goal attractive and desirable by tirelessly explaining why striving for holiness is the happiest and wisest way to live. This book provides a wealth of material for plundering the riches of the Lenten season and for deepening one's spiritual life. Her meditations are profound and timeless, not changing from year to year, thus providing a lifetime of Lenten meditations in this one volume.

The second instalment in the best-selling Rivenshaw series, by beloved saga author Anna Jacobs. In the wake of World War Two, the whole country is desperate for houses, with very little money available to rebuild. In the town of Rivenshaw in Lancashire, Mayne Esher has no choice but to turn Esherwood, the war-damaged stately home which has been in his family for generations, into flats. Rebuilding Esherwood won't be easy but with Judith Crossley by his side, Mayne hopes to restore it to its former glory. First, he must open it up to some of his long-suffering army friends... and it soon becomes clear that the house isn't the only thing which needs rebuilding. Victor is fighting his late wife's rich and arrogant mother for custody of his daughter Betty. Ros has been cheated out of her money and has nowhere to go now she's been demobbed from the army. Daniel is still unsettled after his wartime experiences. He's waiting for his divorce to go through and has family problems that take him away from Rivenshaw. Francis hasn't even been in touch. On top of these troubles, saving Esherwood proves to be a difficult undertaking for Mayne and Judith. And certain people will stop at nothing to prevent it happening. In this time of renewal, will the group find a way to rebuild their lives, and the old house, as planned? A heartwarming saga of strong-spirited, resilient women in post-war Lancashire.

Ever heard a teenager talking about a desire to push the reset button on life? Good news: God is in the business of giving second chances and renewing our lives! Renewal is a constant theme of the Bible because God loves to make things new! God created this world perfectly, but sin tarnished everything, and humanity's close, intimate relationship with God was interrupted. But God set a plan in motion to make things new again, and that process of renewing everything continues today. As your students spend time with God through this 30-day devotional, they'll witness how he brings renewal to this world, to our communities, and to each of his children--including your teenagers. They'll examine real-life experiences of people from the Bible and discover how God renewed their lives--and students will discover how God wants to renew them, their identity, their community, and their world. Get ready for God to renew your teenagers day by day!

If you're ready to conquer stress and embrace the peace that your soul longs for, New York Times bestseller Rhythms of Renewal is your new go-to guide to transforming your life, one day at a time. Join Rebekah Lyons as she invites you to trade your anxiety for the vibrant life you were meant to live through four profound rhythms: rest, restore, connect, and create. As a society, we are in the throes of a collective panic attack. Anxiety and loneliness are on the rise, with 77% of our population experiencing physical symptoms of stress on a regular basis. We feel pressure chasing careers, security, and keeping up. We worry about health, politics, and many other complexities we can't control. Eventually we find our minds spinning, trying to cope or manage a low hum of anxiety unlike anything we've ever experienced. But Rebekah reminds us that it doesn't have to stay this way. Rebekah draws from her own battle with depression and anxiety to share a pathway to establish four life-giving rhythms that quiet inner chaos and make room for you to flourish. By taking time to truly rest, restore, connect, and create, you will discover how to: Lead with vulnerability Take charge of your emotional health and inspire your loved ones to do the same Overcome anxiety by establishing daily habits that keep you mentally and physically strong Find joy through restored relationships in your family and community Walk in confidence with the unique gifts you have to offer the world Build these rhythms into your daily life--no matter what you're facing You deserve to break the cycle of anxiety, restore balance in your hectic life, and live each day to the fullest. Let Rebekah be your guide as you learn firsthand how these spiritual rhythms can enable you to finally live a life full of peace, passion, and purpose.

In New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray’s Spring’s Renewal, a wounded soul finds hope, healing, and love where she least expected. Bearing the scars from a fire during her childhood, Clara has lived a sheltered life. Her only companion has been her widowed mother, who needs Clara as a caregiver. With no faith that her appearance will ever bring true love her way, she has devoted herself to her mother’s health and safety, while also working as Sugarcreek’s schoolteacher. Tim Graber is just passing through, helping out on his uncle’s farm for the spring, when he meets Clara. Attracted by her quiet fortitude and how she nurtures her students, Tim sees Clara’s beauty, not her scars. She is a light in the world, if only he can make her see it. Clara never imagined falling in love and wants nothing more than to give Tim her heart. It’s a risk that requires true faith, especially when a tragedy occurs that changes everything. . . “Gray writes with honesty, tenderness, and depth. Her characters are admirable, richly-layered, and impossible to forget.” —New York Times bestselling author Jillian Hart Seasons of Sugarcreek Winter’s Awakening Spring’s Renewal Autumn’s Promise Christmas in Sugarcreek

"Ash Wednesday is a time to reflect on the ways in which we have fallen short, and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation." Ash Wednesday is a time-honored tradition in many Christian denominations, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. It is a day of reflection and renewal, a time to confront our own mortality and seek forgiveness and reconciliation. In "Ash Wednesday: A Time for Renewal and Transformation," readers will explore the history, origins, and significance of this sacred observance. From the rituals and symbolism of the ashes, to the role of fasting, abstinence, confession, and penance, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the meaning and purpose of Ash Wednesday. Readers will also discover how Ash Wednesday is celebrated in different Christian traditions, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy. Through reflections on mortality and repentance, the book offers insights into the spiritual journey of Lent and the practices and disciplines that can help us grow closer to God. The book also explores Ash Wednesday in contemporary culture, including its place in popular culture and secular interpretations of this holy day. Whether readers are seeking to deepen their faith, gain a greater understanding of Christian traditions, or simply find meaning in the midst of suffering, "Ash Wednesday: A Time for Renewal and Transformation" offers a thoughtful and inspiring exploration of this timeless observance.Table of Contents Introduction WHAT IS ASH WEDNESDAY? WHY IS ASH WEDNESDAY SIGNIFICANT? History of Ash Wednesday ORIGINS OF ASH WEDNESDAY EVOLUTION OF ASH WEDNESDAY OVER TIME Symbolism and Rituals of Ash Wednesday MEANING OF THE ASHES SIGNIFICANCE OF FASTING AND ABSTINENCE ROLE OF CONFESSION AND PENANCE Ash Wednesday in Different Christian Traditions ASH WEDNESDAY IN CATHOLICISM ASH WEDNESDAY IN PROTESTANTISM ASH WEDNESDAY IN EASTERN ORTHODOXY Reflections on Mortality and Repentance CONTEMPLATING OUR MORTALITY REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS FINDING MEANING IN SUFFERING The Spiritual Journey of Lent LENTEN PRACTICES AND DISCIPLINES SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY TOWARDS EASTER Ash Wednesday in Contemporary Culture ASH WEDNESDAY IN POPULAR CULTURE SECULAR INTERPRETATIONS OF ASH WEDNESDAY ASH WEDNESDAY IN A PLURALISTIC SOCIETY Conclusion THE ENDURING RELEVANCE OF ASH WEDNESDAY Have Questions / Comments? Get Another Book Free ISBN: 9781776847310