300 anecdotes and illustrations for pastors, writers, teachers, and other Christian communicators on a variety of topics. Each entry includes Scripture references, cross-references to related topics, and an anecdote or illustration, and its source.

This second book in the Perfect Illustrations series contains 300 more anecdotes and illustrations for pastors, writers, teachers, and other Christian communicators on a variety of topics. Each entry includes Scripture references, cross-references to related topics, and an anecdote or illustration, and its source.

Writing a thoughtful, sincere, and appropriate note can be difficult. This guide helps readers find the right words to mark any milestone or occasion. Regardless of the situation or the relationship, easy-to-follow guidelines lead you to words that matter.

Many times people wrack their brains for succinct, “preachable” quotations to drop into sermons or teaching materials. Now they can relax! 101 Quotations that Connect features inspiring observations from a wide spectrum of influential people of the past two millennia, culled from the collection of Christianity Today. This volume—which contains the reflections of church fathers, missionaries, poets, and celebrities—is a gold mine for preachers, teachers, and writers.The sayings are arranged under eight descriptive categories, including Ancient Words, Rattling Words, and Keen Words. They are helpfully listed by source, then according to key topics, making retrieval of just the right quote a snap. Whether one is driving home the point of a sermon or simply wants a quote book for reflective reading this unparalleled collection is a “must have” resource!

"We must all listen to Nina Garcia. Sharp and genuine, her advice can make or break an outfit." -- Tim Gunn, Fashion Consultant and Mentor of Project Runway "Believe me-there's pressure when you're deciding what to wear to a meeting with an iconic fashion designer or a member of the press. It can be terrifying. But instead of panicking, I stop, take a deep breath, and remember that I speak "fashion." And by the time you have read this book, you'll be able to speak the language of fashion too, at all the key moments of your life." -- from Nina Garcia's Look Book Every woman, at one time or another, has contemplated an all-important job interview, first date, formal party, or important presentation and wailed to herself and to her closest girlfriends, "What should I wear" In Nina Garcia's Look Book, style guru Nina Garcia solves this universal quandary with an inspired and unbeatable combination of fashion knowledge and common sense. She shows us the pieces, the accessories, and the strategies to create the looks that will take us from the first day on a job through the day we ask for a raise and beyond, from the first time we meet our boyfriend's parents (or his children) through the day we see our own children walk down the aisle. With Nina by your side, you can't go wrong. You'll have all the tips you will need to navigate every day looking your best. True style is not about having a closet full of expensive and beautiful things-it is instead about knowing when, where, and how to utilize what you have.

Step inside and join author and celebrity party-planner Debi Lilly inside her favorite parties-from east coast to west coast, and from celebrity clients to the girl next door. In her little black book of party planning tips, tricks, and stylist secrets, she shares all of her favorite shortcuts, DIY party ideas and food stylings. These grocery-to-gorgeous chef-inspired recipes are plucked straight from every single party menu. In A Perfect Event, Debi shares her secrets to easy, elevated, inspired and affordable celebrations-regardless of your budget. And once you try them, you will be hooked, and you will learn to make memories with friends and family for any occasion. A remarkable talent, Lilly is committed to the personalization of every event and prides herself on being involved in all aspects of her events, from custom invitations and floral design to the gifts and photography. In addition to her business acumen, she deftly balances a demanding career and a growing family. Known and recognized as a premier event and wedding planner, she continually serves as an industry expert for such publications as InStyle magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, Bride's, Modern Bride, Bridal Guide, and The Groom's Guide. She has appeared numerous times on The Oprah Winfrey Show and ABC 7 News Chicago. Founded in 1996, her company designs events, flowers and invitations for several high-profile clients and companies including Oprah Winfrey, Brooke Shields, Debra Messing, Cartier, Leo Burnett, Starcom, McDonald's and The Symphony Orchestra, among others.

World-renowned pie artist Jessica Leigh Clark-Bojin shares her easy, approachable, and never-before-seen pie art techniques, delicious recipes, and 28 pie art designs centered around holidays and life occasions. Let pie baker extraordinaire Jessica Leigh Clark-Bojin take you by the oven mitt and spirit you away to a delicious, magical, new world of pie-sibilities in this first of its kind pie art book! Whether you are a master baker, a little pie-curious, or just want to drool over the pictures while you lounge in your fuzzy socks, Jessica will show you just how easy it is for you to become your own pie-oneering pie artist! The pie art projects in this book are centered around some of our most popular and cherished celebrations in the hopes that they will encourage you to develop your own tasty new traditions with friends and family. The ample step-by-step photos take you through Jessica’s easy-to-follow, groundbreaking pie art techniques, while the friendly and funny (and a bit geeky) writing style encourages experimentation and creative discovery. With Pies Are Awesome, get ready to wow the pants off your crew at your next game night, baby shower, birthday party, or any of the social occasions that call for pie . . . which is, let’s face it, all of them. From decorative patterns to more elaborate themes, the pie art designs in this book, ranging from easy to difficult, for novice and experienced bakers alike, include amazing-looking and -tasting pies to celebrate: Birthdays (children and adults) Weddings Baby Showers New Year's Eve/Day Super Bowl Lunar New Year Valentine's Day Pi Day St. Patrick's Day Easter Mother’s Day Father’s Day Fourth of July Bastille Day Diwali Halloween Day of the Dead Thanksgiving Hanukkah Christmas Pies Are Awesome also includes tricks for working with your own tried-and-true dough recipes and store-bought dough; modifications to personalize projects; and online resources for printable templates, pie communities, friendly challenges, and more.

What’s at the heart of every thriving person, every thriving marriage, kid, and business? Hope! The Hope Quotient is a revolutionary new method for measuring—and dramatically increasing—your level of hope. Hope is more than a feeling; it’s the by-product of seven key factors. When these are present in your life, they cause hope to thrive. Factor 1: Recharge Your Batteries Nobody does well running on empty. Factor 2: Raise Your Expectations You don’t get what you deserve; you get what you expect. Factor 3: Refocus on the Future It’s time to throw away your rearview mirror. No one goes forward well when they are looking back. Factor 4: Play to Your Strengths Be yourself; everyone else is taken. Factor 5: Refuse to Go It Alone Never underestimate the power of support. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. Factor 6: Replace Burnout with Balance Burning the candle at both ends isn’t as bright as you think. Factor 7: Play Great Defense Avoid these five toxic hope killers that can threaten your future. Using seven years of research, powerful biblical illustrations, and compelling human-interest stories, Ray Johnston explains how these seven essential factors will support, sustain, and strengthen your hope. And when consciously built into your life, how they will unleash hope in your marriage, your kids, your career, your church, your community, and the world. Discover your HQ level, the most important contributor to your overall success, and then learn how to improve it. Because when hope rises—everything changes. FLAP COPY: Hope: It’s the one thing that can change everything! When you have hope, eleven things are unleashed in your life: You have more satisfying relationships. You’re more productive. You’re less affected by stress. You’re more successful. You’re more satisfied. You’re more compassionate. You’re more willing to help people in need. You’re physically healthier. You hold yourself to higher moral and ethical standards. You’re more likely to assume leadership. You’re more likely to see God as loving, caring, and forgiving. This book will help you discover your HQ level and learn the seven key factors that, when built into your life, unleash hope. When you have genuine hope—not trite, pious platitudes but authentic hope that produces inner strength and confidence—anything is possible.

The world is your stage. Own it. Great speaking does not come easy. But even the wallflowers among us can’t avoid speaking forever. In Own Any Occasion, speaker and educator Erik Palmer taps into his vast experience to simplify the process of extraordinary speaking, whether you’re giving a wedding toast or preparing for a one-on-one sales call. His approach is equal parts preparation and delivery: Never speak unless you have something worth saying, and never let a poor performance diminish a good message. In 11 steps, Palmer shows readers how to craft the perfect message and captivate audiences with exceptional delivery, no matter the circumstance. He demonstrates that the steps to impress when you meet your in-laws for the first time are the same ones that will help you succeed in front of an auditorium full of executives. Whether your audience is large or small, your message personal or professional, Palmer’s easy system will help you become the best speaker you can be in any situation. Own Any Occasion is for anyone who wants to master the art of speaking well, from first-time presenters to seasoned pros looking for a new process. Give yourself the tools to impress every listener and develop a more confident you.

In "Mastering the Art of Toasting,readers will unlock the secrets to delivering unforgettable speeches that captivate any audience. From weddings to retirement parties, this comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions on crafting the perfect toast for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned public speaker or a nervous novice, this book offers valuable tips and techniques to help you confidently share your thoughts and emotions in a meaningful way. With expert advice on structuring your speech, choosing the right anecdotes, and incorporating humor, "Mastering the Art of Toastingwill show you how to create a touching and memorable tribute to honor your loved ones. The power of words is undeniable, and this book equips you with the tools needed to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Say goodbye to generic and uninspired toasts and learn how to make a lasting impression with your words. Not only does this book provide practical advice on writing and delivering speeches, but it also delves into the history and significance of toasting in various cultures. By understanding the origins of this time-honored tradition, you will be able to infuse your toast with authenticity and sincerity. "Mastering the Art of Toastingis more than just a how-to guide; it's a celebration of the art of public speaking and the impact words can have on those around us. Whether you're looking to toast a newlywed couple, honor a colleague at a retirement dinner, or simply express gratitude to a friend, this book has everything you need to create a heartfelt and memorable speech. With practical exercises and inspirational examples, "Mastering the Art of Toastingwill help you become a confident and engaging speaker in any setting.