Fifty-two stories about the large themes of life, nature and faith. Positive and life-affirming, 52 Original Wisdom Stories follows the liturgical year and is an ideal resource for public worship. Sid and Rosie are an older married couple, with several children and grandchildren. Through a series of short, engaging narratives, we learn about their faith, their feelings for one another, their hopes and dreams, and their perception of how God speaks to them through the events of their lives. Each story stands on its own; their sequence follows the rhythm of the church's year from Advent through Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and Harvest Thanksgiving. With an open tone of wonder and reflection, author Penelope Wilcock explores the ordinary and extraordinary topics of daily life: falling in love, marriage, birth, education, illness, woodlands, farming, meeting adversity, hospitality, home-making, work. This beautiful hardback is ideal for personal reflection and growth and as a refreshing resource for church and small group discussions.

A much-needed kick in the ass for women everywhere! Like many women, Andrea Owen always lived life on the sidelines, watching each day pass by without ever catching a glimpse of the happiness she yearned for--until the day she had enough. She realized that she had to take action and step out of the box she had created for herself if she really wanted the best life possible. And now, as a celebrated life coach, she shows thousands of women how to take the reins, create an actionable plan for their goals, and finally reach their full potential. In this powerful book, Owen guides you through her acclaimed strategies for creating a more fulfilling life. Each goal-orientated lesson empowers you to take control of the barriers that keep you from achieving the love and success you desire. From breaking the unrewarding cycle of people pleasing to dealing with unsupportive friends, this book approaches the problems you face with a candid look at why you aren't satisfied--and how to fix it. Owen's life-changing wisdom helps you uncover your self-limiting beliefs as well as push you out of your comfort zone by zeroing in on the most difficult issues. Never one to sugarcoat the truth, she holds you accountable for your actions while offering expert advice for knocking down that cynical inner-voice and loving yourself wholeheartedly. With 52 Ways to Live a Kick-Ass Life, you will shut off your internal auto-pilot; kick empty expectations to the curb; and live a bigger, gutsier life.

• Explores the lifestyle of indigenous peoples of the world who exist in complete harmony with the natural world and with each other. • Reveals a model of a society built on trust, patience, and joy rather than anxiety, hurry, and acquisition. • Shows how we can reconnect with the ancient intuitive awareness of the world's original people. Deep in the mountainous jungle of Malaysia the aboriginal Sng'oi exist on the edge of extinction, though their way of living may ultimately be the kind of existence that will allow us all to survive. The Sng'oi--pre-industrial, pre-agricultural, semi-nomadic--live without cars or cell phones, without clocks or schedules in a lush green place where worry and hurry, competition and suspicion are not known. Yet these indigenous people--as do many other aboriginal groups--possess an acute and uncanny sense of the energies, emotions, and intentions of their place and the living beings who populate it, and trustingly follow this intuition, using it to make decisions about their actions each day. Psychologist Robert Wolff lived with the Sng'oi, learned their language, shared their food, slept in their huts, and came to love and admire these people who respect silence, trust time to reveal and heal, and live entirely in the present with a sense of joy. Even more, he came to recognize the depth of our alienation from these basic qualities of life. Much more than a document of a disappearing people, Original Wisdom: Stories of an Ancient Way of Knowing holds a mirror to our own existence, allowing us to see how far we have wandered from the ways of the intuitive and trusting Sng'oi, and challenges us, in our fragmented world, to rediscover this humanity within ourselves.

Winner of the Storytelling World Honor Award, 1999 Stories hold the promise of illuminating generation after generation of listeners with truths at each new telling. In this delightful collection of wisdom tales, parables, and anecdotes from around the world, Elisa Pearmain offers an uplifting story for each week of the year to invite persons of all ages to discover the universal power of Once upon a time . . . Presenting timeless tales from a panoply of cultures, along with questions for reflection, she gives creative suggestions to strengthen our connection to our spiritual selves and to the wondrously diverse world around us.

Imagine meeting up with Jesus for a coffee and some heart-to-heart conversation. What would you say to him? What might he say to you? Penelope Wilcock invites you to listen in on twenty-five conversations she’s had with Jesus about the Christian journey and the meaning of Advent. They delve into many areas: children and families, gifts and graces, angels, homes, homelessness and hospitality – and more besides. Get ready to be surprised and challenged, as you hear Jesus’ own take on the original Christmas and what it means for our world twenty centuries later.

‘Digs deep into the roots of equality. . . A fascinating read.’ Cathy Madavan, Kyria Network Women have proved their equality with men in leadership, scholarship and exercising spiritual gifts, but traditional interpretations of Scripture mean that leadership is still viewed by many as the preserve of men. Penelope Wilcock argues that Christ's new and living way leads us out of all forms of dominance and subjugation, including imprisonment within gender roles. She proposes a reading of Scripture that respects its authority while embracing the full equality of women and men in the eyes of God. I wholeheartedly recommend Pen Wilcock’s eye-opening, thought-provoking and paradigm-shifting book as an agenda for humanity.’ Steve Chalke, Oasis Global ‘A fresh and very helpful look at the issue of equality for the everyday Christian.’ Tola Fisher, Woman Alive

These vibrant and thought-provoking studies are intended for use in a group, but could work equally well as an aid to personal devotion. This collection sets out to build a bridge between the eternal Gospel and its lived context in contemporary life; together they form a comprehensive overview of the Christian way of discipleship. Covering a wide-range of topics and themes - such as Baptism, Spiritual Charisms, Grace and Ordination to name just a few - Penelope Wilcock will lead you in greater appreciation and understanding of Scripture in this thought-provoking, challenging and accessible collection.

“Laugh your way to enlightenment” with this inspirational and light-hearted collection of stories from beloved Buddhist teacher Ajahn Brahm. The 108 pieces in the international bestseller Who Ordered This Truckload of Dung? offer thoughtful commentary on everything from love and commitment to fear and pain. Drawing from his own life experience, as well as traditional Buddhist folk tales, author Ajahn Brahm uses over thirty years of spiritual growth as a monk to spin delightful tales that can be enjoyed in silence or read aloud to friends and family. Featuring titles such as “How to Be a VIP” and “The Worm and His Lovely Pile of Dung,” these wry and witty stories provide playful, pithy takes on the basic building blocks of everyday happiness. Suitable for children, adults, and anyone in between, this eloquent volume delivers insight and inspiration in a humorous and engaging voice. Features of this book: A collection of stories full of humor and wisdom Useful for stress relief and handling life’s ups and downs Perfect for gifting Written in easy-to-understand language Delightful for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike This book contains both encouraging, uplifting stories and thoughtful teachings in Ajahn Brahm’s characteristic joyful style. Ajahn Brahm helps us navigate all of life’s difficulties and beautiful moments. Who Ordered this Truckload of Dung? is certain to be an enjoyable addition to any individual or family’s most treasured collection.

A collection of traditional stories from around the world, reflecting the cumulative wisdom of Sufi, Zen, Taoist, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, African, and Native American cultures.

This collection of meditations on private and public virtues written for women is designed to encourage readers to seek God's transforming power in their inner lives. "Virtue is power", says author Penelpe Stokes.