Are you grieving, seeking restoration of strained relationships, feeling insecure or anxious, suffering physically or emotionally, or wondering about your purpose in life? Do you need a rescue or fresh start? Do you have doubts about God's goodness toward you? Are you seeking transformation, answers for your problems, longing for freedom, or desiring to see God more clearly? Are you drawn to stories of Jesus in order to more deeply experience His love? Portrait of a Woman and Jesus guides the reader through a journey of her heart with the intent of answering the honest questions she has about her identity, brokenness, and relationship to God. By witnessing Jesus's responses to the women He encountered and reflecting on His words of truth, the reader is encouraged to trust in His desire and power to bring wholeness into all areas of her life.

What would it be like to meet Jesus face to face? Stories of encounters between Jesus and various women have been handed down through the centuries and give us a glimpse of how He responded to women with needs and desires similar to ours. Because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, we can be confident He treats women today like He did when He walked the earth. We, too, can trust that He is powerful, good, and kind. The purpose of this book is to encourage the reader by showing that Jesus understands her needs and desires and continues to unconditionally love, value, forgive, rescue, heal, comfort, provide for, restore, satisfy and give life-now and eternally. Portrait of a Woman and Jesus captures a verbal and visual snapshot of thirteen face-to-face encounters of a woman and Jesus. Each portrait by artist Wilson Ong reflects how the scene may have unfolded as a woman interacted with Jesus.

In a world where atheism is a growing movement, especially in the university setting, it’s typical for students today to face doubts about the Christian faith. In fact, many have wondered at one time or another if the Bible stories about Jesus could possibly be true. Is there any way to back up what we’ve heard with real evidence? Can false information be discredited with historical proof? Now students can join Greg Monette as he explores the fascinating basis for belief in the biblical Jesus. Readers can trek through the ancient historical sources, biblical archaeology, and recent discoveries to uncover the facts about what Jesus really said and did—His birth, His miracles, His claims, and His resurrection. Written for believers, skeptics, and the non-expert, this book will help readers discover where history and faith collide— and it just might change everything.

Ellawese Darden is a picture of beauty on the inside and out as her inner light shines brightly in this dark world. Affectionately known as Mommy, now at eighty-eight years old, she remains alert and vibrant while engaging in her daily work activities and conversations with others. She has a clear understanding of whats going on in todays world while keeping up with current events and always ready to discuss her opinion with anyone. Mommy has unselfishly showed love and compassion to others by giving of her time, talents, money and service. Her ultimate devotion and commitment to her faith through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, has been her ultimate inspiration throughout her journey in life. She is a precious jewel to her family who has graciously shared her over the years with so many others who call her Mommy. This book tells her story! As Darden leads others through her story that began in a small town called Jacksonville, Georgia in 1929, she details a challenging early childhood after tragedy temporarily forced her family apart. They eventually reunited in Pennsylvania, and she chronicles a coming-of-age journey filled with bullying, heartache, and the abandonment of her mother when she was eighteen. As she matured into womanhood, Darden discloses how she learned to lean on her faith to find joy in everyday life while bravely facing hardship. A Portrait of Mommy reveals the true story of a woman and her journey through life that will inspire both the young and old to persevere, no matter what problem or obstacles they face. Darden weaves personal anecdotes with faith-filled messages encouraging forgiveness and unconditional love for everyone. This way of living will create an atmosphere of triumph during lifes most difficult times and challenges.

"Woman Meets Jesus "retells biblical stories of Jesus' encounters with women such as the woman with a bottle of perfume, the woman who hemorrhaged for twelve years, and the woman at the well. Author Ruth Vander Zee describes how these life-changing encounters deepened her personal walk with Jesus-and how women today can experience spiritual renewal as they personally meet the Jesus who demonstrated astonishing compassion for women who were lonely, beaten down, discouraged, marginalized, and perfectionistic. Includes revealing sidebar notes and illustrations along with group or personal discussion questions. Read excerpts at the author's book website. THE AUTHORS Ruth Vander Zee is the author of four acclaimed children's books: "Erika's Story," "Mississippi Morning," "Eli Remembers," and "Always with You." Ruth is a captivating speaker whose gift for storytelling helps children and adults rediscover their love for others, themselves, and God. Visit her website (www.journey-of-faith.com) to share your thoughts about this book and to schedule her to speak to your group. Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira (preface) contributes regularly to Christianity Today's Her.Meneutics blog. Her books include "Grumble Hallelujah: Learning to Love Your Life Even When It Lets You Down" and "Mama's Got a Fake ID." She co-founded the Redbud Writers Guild near Chicago. Mary Albert Darling (foreword) teaches communication at Spring Arbor University and is co-author with Tony Campolo of "Connecting Like Jesus" and "The God of Intimacy and Action." ENDORSEMENTS Every woman will discover in Woman Meets Jesus the freedom to overcome bondage to religion and to live an honest, grace-filled faith. - Lis Van Harten, Director of Sustaining Pastoral and Congregational Excellence, Christian Reformed Church of North America, Grand Rapids, MI This book is perfect for church groups to read and discuss, using the questions following each chapter's wonderfully described encounters between Jesus and women. - Phyllis Balzer Pals, Adult Education Committee Chair, Plymouth Congregational Church, Coconut Grove, FL The book captures God's bountiful love for us and leads us to experience a lavishly grateful spirit in our own lives. - Kathy Klompeen, Executive Assistant to the President, Bastyr University, Bothell, WA Deeply touched by the emotions that surfaced while reading these compelling stories, I realized that Jesus has a very special relationship with me and all women. - Myriam Zayas, RN, BSN, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Woman Meets Jesus takes my breath away. Jesus' compassion for women is as stunning today as it must have been 2,000 years ago. - Quentin J. Schultze, author of "Communicating for Life" and "Here I Am" This book is for all who have struggled with being close to Jesus-and who wonder where they fit in as a Christian mother, daughter or sister. It gave me the courage to open the door to my heart so Jesus will continue to help me grow. - Sharon Molendyk, Bible study leader, Miami Florida Each chapter is an eye-opening experience which helps me reflect on my life with a new set of spectacles custom fitted to my life as female. - Elsa Garcia, elementary school educator Woman Meets Jesus showed my book group how Jesus' love and compassion transformed the lives of women who were often rejected, abused, misunderstood, sick, and feeling worthless. - Christine Baird, Miami, Florida I now realize the healing work of Jesus in my life is an ongoing process, not just a one-time dying for my sins, but a day by day healing of what drags me down. - Marina Hakkers, Miami, Florida

ONE WOMAN’S SEARCH FOR LIGHT IN AN AGE OF GROWING DARKNESS Jessica was a talented, successful, sought-after artist and actress. So why was she drowning in depression and despair? When she was able to capture the color and design of God’s beautiful world with paint and brush, her joy was indescribable — but short-lived. She would find herself suddenly dashed into a dark hole of loneliness and depression. Despite her God-given gifts, “I was lost in a world of darkness of my own creation,” she writes. An Artist’s Palette, From Dark to Light, is the moving story of one woman’s journey from suicidal thoughts to sublime happiness. By developing an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Jessica was born again — and finally able to move from a dark, destructive existence to a productive life, full of joy and light.

The author of Fashioned for Intimacy recounts her struggles and triumphs as she traces her personal path of pain and prominence with honesty and vulnerability, challenging women to approach openness with godly wisdom, and reminding them that openness is an attitude of the heart.

It's Time for a Revolution In the Garden, woman was taken out of man to stand by his side and co-reign with him. But Satan's schemes have robbed women of their rightful identity, disempowering and defacing them. The world aches for God's original partnership to be brought into balance once more--and it can be. Join Kris Vallotton for an extraordinary journey of eye-opening insight, including • God's true plan and purpose for women • Jesus' radical teachings and care for women • men's important role in restoring women • the true meaning of difficult Bible passages about women • examples of women in leadership as God intended God fashioned women to reign alongside men. Jesus set women free to be beautiful and powerful. It's time for us, as daughters and sons of the King, to rule together in glory again. Will you join the revolution? "We have failed to realize that Jesus founded the women's liberation movement more than two thousand years ago. Isn't it high time His Church led the revolution?"--Kris Vallotton "Off the charts. Worthy to be read and studied by all. You won't be able to put it down."--Patricia King, founder, XP Ministries "Read, weigh and embrace the spirit, truth and heartbeat of this book. This biblical approach rightly addresses unright arguments of strained interpretations. Such balance and beauty make sense and offer wisdom. I say, 'Amen!'"--Pastor Jack Hayford, chancellor, The King's University, Dallas/Los Angeles "This profound work is a must-read for men and women alike; it has the potential to instill courage in the hearts of men and give women permission to dream again."--Bill Johnson, senior leader, Bethel Church, Redding, California; author, The Essential Guide to Healing and When Heaven Invades Earth "Finally, a biblical perspective that encourages women to remain themselves and still take their God-given places of leadership."--Stacey Campbell, author, Praying the Bible; co-founding pastor, New Life Church, Kelowna, British Columbia "This compelling work will elevate your awareness, challenge some presuppositions and invite you to grow in the grace of the Lord Jesus."--Dr. Mark J. Chironna, Church On The Living Edge, Mark Chironna Ministries, Orlando, Florida "This must-read will empower you to regain your identity that Satan stole and live the life God created you to live."--Cynthia Brazelton, pastor, Victory Christian Ministries International "I deeply enjoyed diving into the Bible with Kris as my guide to find out what God really says about men and women. It has enhanced my understanding of who I am as a woman and inspires me to instill that in the young women around me. This book is about truth and therefore would be great written by anyone. However, I realized that the fact that it was written by a man, and it is a man calling me into my divine design, brought a deeper level of healing than I'd anticipated and sent me on a journey digging deeper into God's heart. I recommend it for all!" --Revival Magazine "Fashioned to Reign considers the everlasting deception Christians face regarding women's role and purpose: a deception fostered by evil and which is not of God's plan. The disempowerment of women was the devil's idea - and God's true plan for women is very different. Woman was, in fact, designed to stand by man's side and reign with him, not under him - and Fashioned to Reign covers God's ultimate intention for women. Packed with scripture and information throughout, Fashioned to Reign is a powerful analysis perfect for any Christian collection." --Midwest Book Review

Mother Teresa's life sounds like a legend. The Albanian girl who entered an Irish order to go to India as a missionary and became an "Angel of the Poor" for countless people. She was greatly revered by Christians as well as Muslims, Hindus and unbelievers, as she brought the message of Christian love for one's neighbor from the slums of Calcutta to the whole world. Fr. Leo Maasburg was there as her close companion for many years, traveling with her throughout the world and was witness to countless miracles and incredible little-known occurrences. In this personal portrait of the beloved nun, he presents fifty amazing stories about her that most people have never heard, wonderful and delightful stories about miracles, small and great, that he was privileged to experience at Mother Teresa's side. Stories of how, without a penny to her name, she started an orphanage in Spain, and at the same time saved a declining railroad company from ruin, and so many more. They all tell of her limitless trust in God's love, of the way the power of faith can move mountains, and of hope that can never die. These stories reveal a humorous, gifted, wise and arresting woman who has a message of real hope for our time. It's the life story of one of the most important women of the 20th century as it's never been told before.

There is an enormous amount of confusion and deception about what it means to be a woman. Even within the church, women are continually struggling to define their femininity. Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock tackle the difficult question of 'What makes a godly woman?' with warmth, compassion, and directness in Becoming aWoman Who Pleases God. Readers will find themselves challenged to re-think their priorities, re-examine the position of the home, and re-work their definition of what it means to be a woman in whom God is well pleased.