How ordinary citizens band together to bring about real change In an America where the rich and fortunate have free rein to do as they please, can the ideal of liberty and justice for all be anything but an empty slogan? Many Americans are doubtful, and have withdrawn into apathy and cynicism. But thousands of others are not ready to give up on democracy just yet. Working outside the notice of the national media, ordinary citizens across the nation are meeting in living rooms, church basements, synagogues, and schools to identify shared concerns, select and cultivate leaders, and take action. Their goal is to hold big government and big business accountable. In this important new book, Jeffrey Stout bears witness to the successes and failures of progressive grassroots organizing, and the daunting forces now arrayed against it. Stout tells vivid stories of people fighting entrenched economic and political interests around the country. From parents and teachers striving to overcome gang violence in South Central Los Angeles, to a Latino priest north of the Rio Grande who brings his parish into a citizens' organization, to the New Orleans residents who get out the vote by taking a jazz band through streets devastated by Hurricane Katrina, Stout describes how these ordinary people conceive of citizenship, how they acquire and exercise power, and how religious ideas and institutions contribute to their successes. The most important book on organizing and grassroots democracy in a generation, Blessed Are the Organized is a passionate and hopeful account of how our endangered democratic principles can be put into action.

How ordinary citizens band together to bring about real change In an America where the rich and fortunate have free rein to do as they please, can the ideal of liberty and justice for all be anything but an empty slogan? Many Americans are doubtful, and have withdrawn into apathy and cynicism. But thousands of others are not ready to give up on democracy just yet. Working outside the notice of the national media, ordinary citizens across the nation are meeting in living rooms, church basements, synagogues, and schools to identify shared concerns, select and cultivate leaders, and take action. Their goal is to hold big government and big business accountable. In this important new book, Jeffrey Stout bears witness to the successes and failures of progressive grassroots organizing, and the daunting forces now arrayed against it. Stout tells vivid stories of people fighting entrenched economic and political interests around the country. From parents and teachers striving to overcome gang violence in South Central Los Angeles, to a Latino priest north of the Rio Grande who brings his parish into a citizens' organization, to the New Orleans residents who get out the vote by taking a jazz band through streets devastated by Hurricane Katrina, Stout describes how these ordinary people conceive of citizenship, how they acquire and exercise power, and how religious ideas and institutions contribute to their successes. The most important book on organizing and grassroots democracy in a generation, Blessed Are the Organized is a passionate and hopeful account of how our endangered democratic principles can be put into action.

Susan Vogt knew she had far more stuff in her closets than she needed. So, for Lent one year, Susan took action: she gave away one thing a day for forty days. But what happened during that penitential period surprised her; she became so addicted to identifying unnecessary things in her life that she continued the practice for a full year. Then she began letting go of other baggage--some physical, some emotional--and found that, far from feeling poorer, she felt freer and more fulfilled than ever before. A spiritual place had opened that allowed Susan to unclutter her mind and deepen her faith. Blessed by Less offers encouragement and inspiration for all who are burdened down by "things" in their homes and hearts but don't quite know how to begin the process of letting go. Susan includes tips for beginners and challenges for those who've been simplifying for years. Rather than making readers feel guilty for all the stuff they've accumulated, Susan gently nudges them to see all that they have to gain--physically, emotionally, and most of all spiritually--by living lightly. Practical from start to finish, Blessed by Less shows how one woman's journey into a simpler, less cluttered life can also be our journey and how taking a spiritual perspective on the matter can lead to abundant blessings we would have otherwise missed.

A guide aimed at teens to bring greater understanding of the historical context behind biblical stories Many Christians are vaguely familiar with numerous Bible stories but do not know their context in the literary or historical arc of the Bible. Blessed to Bless gives meaningful organization to the multitude of Bible stories covered in over 1500 years of religious history. Primarily for teenagers, this book can be a resource for any individual or study group wanting a basic, yet comprehensive introduction to the Bible. The themes, interpretations, genres, and philosophical framework of Holy Scripture are offered to the reader, organized into four historical “arcs.” Each chapter offers scripture, accompanying commentary, and questions for reflection or discussion. Bible vocabulary concepts are highlighted throughout the book, making it a perfect tool for youth group study, a biblical literature curriculum, or a personal challenge (for instance, to read the Bible in a year). A Leader Guide is available for free download on the Church Publishing website for classroom usage.

The core principles of what you need to know to successfully start, nourish, and grow your business is rooted in biblical principles. It is this belief that influenced Blessed Strategy, a business development framework influenced by spiritual and biblical principles and grounded in the philosophy that businesses should serve a higher purpose, above-and-beyond profit. Blessed Strategy is for the entrepreneur and business owner who has the courage to work hard while also walking in faith. It is for the business owner and entrepreneur that truly believes long-term sustainable business success is best achieved by a business that is spiritually-centered. Blessed Strategy is for the entrepreneur and business owner that understands the value of a spiritually-centered culture. Blessed Strategy is a field activity book that guides you in building a spiritually-based business.

An urban shaman explains how to conduct blessing ceremonies that sanctify the home and other personal spaces. Learn about cleansing agents and how to use them to shower the home with love, luck, abundance, and protection.

Ellsberg offers devotional sketches on history's greatest women and gives insight into the way that women of all faiths and backgrounds have lived out the lives of sanctity, mysticism, social justice, and world reform.