Every year, 400,000 families in the United States welcome premature babies ... Ten percent of babies born in the U.S. are preemies. But that one word, "preemie," encompasses a range of medical and cultural experiences. There are textbooks, medical-ish guidebooks, and the occasional memoir to turn to ... but no book that collects personal experiences from the many people who have parented, cared for, or been preemies themselves. Until now. In What We Didn't Expect, journalist Melody Schreiber brings together a chorus of acclaimed writers and thinkers to share their diverse stories of having or being premature babies. The stories here cover everything from life-changing tests of faith to navigating the red tape of healthcare bureuacracy; from overcoming unimaginable grief to surviving and thriving against all odds. The result is a moving, heartfelt book, and a crucial and informative resource for anyone who has, or is about to have, the experience of dealing with a premature birth.

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns and this has been particularly so in 2020. But the most unexpected and significant event in the history of the world actually happened over 2000 years ago when God himself became one of us in the person of Jesus Christ. These Advent reflections, written by David Mathis, help us to lift our eyes to wonder of the incarnation and worship the one who came to save us and make our futures certain. Be amazed once more by the unexpected details of Jesus' unique birth and saving work with these short daily devotions and prayers, and renew your worship of our humble, generous and loving Savior.

Christian Library of Lancaster Collection.

USA Today Bestselling author brings you a new romantic comedy

The New York Times Bestseller Fear. Grief. Loss. Betrayal. Rachel Hollis has felt all those things, and she knows you have too. Now, she takes you to the other side. With her signature humor, heartfelt honesty, and intimate true-life stories, #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hollis shows readers how to seize difficult moments for the learning experiences they are and the value and growth they provide. Rachel Hollis sees you. As the millions who read her #1 New York Times bestsellers Girl, Wash Your Face and Girl, Stop Apologizing, attend her RISE conferences and follow her on social media know, she also wants to see you transform. When it comes to the “hard seasons” of life—the death of a loved one, divorce, loss of a job—transformation seems impossible when grief and uncertainty dominate your days. Especially when, as Didn’t See that Coming reveals, no one asks to have their future completely rearranged for them. But, as Rachel writes, it is up to you how you come through your pain—you can come through changed for the better, having learned and grown, or stuck in place where your identity becomes rooted in what hurt you. To Rachel, a life well-lived is one of purpose, focused only on the essentials. This is a small book about big feelings: inspirational, aspirational, and an anchor that shows that darkness can co-exist with the beautiful.

Tara is living a blessed life in the maximum city with her husband Abhimanyu, the love of her life. At the pinnacle of her career, she is the apple of her parents' eyes and hasn't spotted a wrinkle yet - so far, the 30s are looking great!Nothing fazes Tara - not a foul-mouthed best friend or a food-burning arch-nemesis in the form of her maid - not even a landlady who chats with ghosts.And then, Tara discovers that she's pregnant, and suddenly, all that well-honed composure crumbles. It doesn't help that she's got an equally jittery (if supportive) husband by her side. Now, Tara must face her anxieties about parenthood as she navigates friendships, marriage and career, all the while dealing with the fact that her body and mind are steadily feeling like they belong to someone else.An irreverent, honest and funny journey down the road - potholes and all - to (accidental) parenthood!

Ray Cerda, Jr. has the world at his feet. He's a stud high school runner with a cute girlfriend, has plenty of friends, and is a star on the football field. With his hardworking, loving family supporting him, the sky is the limit. But when a tragic car accident leaves him quadriplegic, Ray's life changes forever. Not only can't he hold a football, but he can't even feed himself. And nothing in his world will ever be the same. In a true story of overcoming tragedy, The Life I Didn't Expect chronicles Ray's grueling journey from boyhood to manhood with the challenges of quadriplegia. From being confined to a bed for months at a time to adjusting to his new reality and pursuing the ultimate success, Ray explores what it means to be "disabled" and offers a memoir of hope, determination, and perseverance. Whether you know someone facing disability or are sizing up your own obstacles, Ray Cerda, Jr. will take you on an incredible journey you won't soon forget. Because with a little determination, guidance, and prayer, you too can move your own mountains.