Peggy Warren has accomplished one of fictions most delicate high-wire acts: writing in the voice of a child, for adults. The innocence of childhood is deftly evoked in a bold girls search for the hardest kind of gift for her father, peace and quiet and a changed life to boot. A gallery of fascinating characters each offers some truth in young Zoeys journey and, by books end, we understand that, without even realizing it, our lives have changed too. Burt Rashbaum, author Becoming an American and Tears For My Mother Peggy Warren has created a tender, heart-warming, poignant book for the young reader, as well as a light-hearted, entertaining read for any agewith an empowering message for parents to evaluate the precious moments with their family. Alexandra Delis-Abrams Phd, author of Attitudes, Beliefs and Choices The journey into the soul of this book begins with a child searching for the perfect gift to give to her father. We soon discover that this is the yearning of the child in each of us: to give the perfect gift to ourselves, and to others. How shall we give what we value most, not just once, but moment by moment? Its a treasure worth sharing! Alexia Parks, author of Hardwired 10 Traits, Chairman 56percent.org How quickly the pages turn in Peggy Warrens Gathering Peace. The author is a gifted writer who strikes a fine balance between the naivet and the incredible wisdom of a little girl. This lovely book will linger on in your heart long after it has been placed back on the shelf. Rome Lester, Marriage & Family Therapist, Georgia Tech Counseling Center

Hired by the elf community to stir up trouble along the Icatian-Goblin border, Reod Dai knows that dragon eggs are the ideal weapons in the situation, but when the elves cancel their contract with Dai, he must find another use for the dragon eggs--before they hatch. Original.

"Hosts of all kinds, this is a must-read!" --Chris Anderson, owner and curator of TED From the host of the New York Times podcast Together Apart, an exciting new approach to how we gather that will transform the ways we spend our time together—at home, at work, in our communities, and beyond. In The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker argues that the gatherings in our lives are lackluster and unproductive--which they don't have to be. We rely too much on routine and the conventions of gatherings when we should focus on distinctiveness and the people involved. At a time when coming together is more important than ever, Parker sets forth a human-centered approach to gathering that will help everyone create meaningful, memorable experiences, large and small, for work and for play. Drawing on her expertise as a facilitator of high-powered gatherings around the world, Parker takes us inside events of all kinds to show what works, what doesn't, and why. She investigates a wide array of gatherings--conferences, meetings, a courtroom, a flash-mob party, an Arab-Israeli summer camp--and explains how simple, specific changes can invigorate any group experience. The result is a book that's both journey and guide, full of exciting ideas with real-world applications. The Art of Gathering will forever alter the way you look at your next meeting, industry conference, dinner party, and backyard barbecue--and how you host and attend them.

Is Your Life Filled, Yet Unfulfilled? Do you feel pulled in a thousand different directions? Are your days so busy you hardly have time to think? Are you living up to other people's expectations while your own plans and dreams go unmet? In "The On-Purpose Person" you'll learn how to discover who you are, where you are headed, what you should do, and what's most important to you! That's being on-purpose! Tap Into Your Highest Potential With The On-Purpose Person Nothing adds more fullness and meaning to your life than discovering your purpose and living it out every moment of your life. With "The On-Purpose Person," you'll be on your way to greater order and clarity within 30 minutes of picking up the book. This entertaining story format provides clear principles that are easy to apply to everyday life. You'll put them into practice immediately. Regardless of whether you're in your teens or well into retirement, being on-purpose will inspire and guide you to live true to yourself. "Goals are consumable. Purpose is permanent," states Kevin W. McCarthy. "The On-Purpose Person" moves you beyond the surface of life to what matters most so you can make a difference. You'll have a simple, yet powerful system to: Invest your time, talent, and treasure in what is most important Exchange burnout for being integrated Learn why a balanced life is a myth Feel satisfied rather than stressed out at the end of the day Find meaningful time for yourself Align your innate passion and gifting in the right direction Trade discontent and frustration for a growing and enduring joy Make confident, more improved decisions more consistently Manage hurdles and setbacks positively Face opposition from an unassailable position of strength Define your standards for success that are just right for you Gain a vivid understanding of yourself Explore your possibilities equipped to succeed

How peace has been made and maintained, experienced and imagined is not only a matter of historical interest, but also of pressing concern. Peace: A World History is the first study to explore the full spectrum of peace and peacemaking from prehistoric to contemporary times in a single volume aimed at improving their prospects. By focusing on key periods, events, people, ideas and texts, Antony Adolf shows how the inspiring possibilities and pragmatic limits of peace and peacemaking were shaped by their cultural contexts and, in turn, shaped local and global histories. Diplomatic, pacifist, legal, transformative non-violent and anti-war movements are just a few prominent examples. Proposed and performed in socio-economic, political, religious, philosophical and other ways, Adolf's presentation of the diversity of peace and peacemaking challenges the notions that peace is solely the absence of war, that this negation is the only task of peacemakers, and that history is exclusively written by military victors. “Without the victories of peacemakers and the resourcefulness of the peaceful,” he contends, “there would be no history to write.” This book is essential reading for students, scholars, policy-shapers, activists and general readers involved with how present forms of peace and peacemaking have been influenced by those of the past, and how future forms can benefit by taking these into account.

Timely poetry collection about peace and war by acclaimed children's poet and author Tony Johnston, stunningly illustrated by Susan Guevara.The poems in this collection present haunting images of war and peace. Set all over the world, from Belfast to Africa to the Middle East, these lyric snapshots show the effects of war on ordinary people, as well as the hope and cautious joy that mark each person's journey to survive. The poems startle with a quiet power: a sister makes up a sweet story for her brother about their house flying away from gunfire; a lentil is wryly asked to fling itself into boiling water so that a desperate family can be fed; a stubborn rosebush blooms, because no matter what it must endure. Full of sweeping, vivid color and emotion, Susan Guevara's accompanying acrylic paintings astonish, move, and provide a fascinating interpretation of and tribute to Tony Johnston's call for peace.

Twenty-two Gathering Prayers is the product of the author's conviction that inclusive language is essential in nourishing, strengthening, and expressing faith. He believes that inclusive language is a matter of justice and that the continued use of exclusive language is a serious injustice.

What happens when North American Mennonite Christians arrive in Islamic Somalia? The answer, according to Peter Sensenig, is that something new emerges: a peace clan. From the first schools and medical work in the 1950s up to the educational partnerships of the present day, Somalis and Mennonites formed a surprising friendship that defied conventional labels. Peace Clan is the story of two deeply traditional communities as they encounter change. How can Somalis apply the profound peacemaking resources of their culture and faith in a society fragmented by violence? And how can modernizing Mennonites make sense of their peace convictions in the context of civil war and military intervention? In struggling with these questions over the course of six decades, Somalis and Mennonites held a mirror up to one another. The author shows how the common quest to transform enmity brings out the best in both communities, and suggests what a fruitful partnership might look like in the present challenges. Students, academics, and lay readers alike will find on these pages a compelling invitation to join the peace clan.

Set the Table for Conversation and Connection When family and friends gather around the table for good food and fellowship, special memories are sure to follow. Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere with this creative collection of seasonally inspired tablescapes by popular decor blogger Bre Doucette (Rooms for Rent). Entertaining doesn’t have to be stressful. Bre will walk you through every step of the process from planning the perfect get-together to adding special touches your guests will appreciate and remember. But it all starts with a beautifully set table. No matter the season or reason, from casual to elegant, you’ll discover tablescapes for any occasion. Enjoy an enchanting orchard picnic in spring, an alfresco evening in summer, a festive friends-giving in fall, a reflective New Year’s soiree in winter, and eight other one-of-a-kind gatherings. Throughout, you’ll find lavishly photographed details, unique decorating ideas, and spiritual inspiration. Specially selected Scripture verses and heartfelt prayers will help you invite God to any gathering. All of these gifts are waiting for you inside. Come join the table.

In this memoir, Maureen O'Brien reflects on the gospel story of the miracle of the loaves and fishes and what she learns about herself, the people around her, and a fragmented but still beautiful world. While she’s sharing her story of finding God’s love, she’s also sharing the stories of so many others, known and cherished by God even when the world leaves them shattered, finding their way through the world and feasting on the fragments of grace that are always in abundance if we learn to look, to see, to accept, to share.