In this stunning and fully independent conclusion to A Great Circle, Reynolds Price tells the complex, moving story of a man's return home to die of AIDS and of the unexpected effect that his arrival -- and his death -- has on his family. Wade Mayfield's parents are separated, but for the remaining months of his life they and their friends come together to care for Wade with the love they can muster. They are unprepared, however, for the astonishing mystery Wade has prepared to reveal once he is gone -- a mystery that initiates the possible reunion of his parents and promises to continue the proud traditions of a complex, multiracial family.

Here, in a single volume for the first time, is the trilogy of novels in which Reynolds Price traces the paths of two families, the Mayfields and the Kendals, through nearly two centuries of American history -- the oldest character is born in 1815; the youngest in 1985. Though their aims and wanderings carry some of them to distant states and as far afield as Europe, both families are rooted in North Carolina and Virginia; and their eventually joined lives are enhanced and deeply shadowed by the racial complexities of their world. No other narrative has portrayed that entanglement -- nor the gifts and ravages of sexual hunger and family life -- more honestly and compellingly than A Great Circle.The narrative energy of the trilogy arises, however, simply from the dozens of men, women, and children whose memorable contentments, failures, and sacrifices weave a story that is as persuasive as any human drama. It is also the secret history of a nation in crisis -- from the becalmed aftermath of the Civil War, through the Great Depression and the wars of the twentieth century, to the struggles for racial and sexual equality, the devastations of the AIDS plague, the poised hopes of the third millennium, and a great deal more. In the final richness of its texture, it offers the joy implicit in all steady views of the world. The critic Michael Kreyling has said, Trilogies produced by American novelists in [the twentieth century] can scarcely match A Great Circle's sweep and finesse. Any reader in search of the ancient pleasures of wit and laughter, tragedy and recompense, and the healing surprises of pattern and harmony inherent in the broader reaches of narrative will find plentiful reward in a story which literally answers to all the meanings of the old word saga.This combined edition contains a new preface by the author, a family tree, and an annotated list of major characters.

What does pressing pause look like? In Reclaiming Rest, Kate H. Rademacher explores the gifts of solitude, stillness and Sabbath rest in a world of motion and noise. Ultimately, Rademacher claims, pausing for sacred rest pierces our illusions of self-reliance and control - and that's good news. What if keeping the Sabbath is not only a command to obey but a gift to reclaim?

Though we can never, in our time-bound state, know the future in detail, God in his mercy has not left us in complete ignorance of what is to come. His revelation in Holy Scripture has cast a flood of light on what would otherwise remain an impenetrable mystery. Even among those who accept the Bible's authority, however, there has never been complete agreement on what Scripture teaches in this area. This major new examination of biblical teaching on the future of the individual, of the church and of the universe as a whole will be useful both to theological students and to informed non-specialists. Ranging over the whole field, it interacts extensively with recent literature on disputed issues, such as the nature of the intermediate state, the millennium of Revelation 20 and the doctrine of eternal punishment, always seeking to answer the fundamental question: 'What do the Scriptures teach?' The Christ-centered nature of biblical teaching on the future is emphasized, as is the importance of the church's historic confessions for an understanding of eschatology. The chief note sounded is one of hope: 'God's people eagerly await Christ's return because it promises the completion of God's work of redemption. The future is bright because it is full of promise, the promise of God's Word.' - Jacket flap.

Are you worn out from life's ought-to's and should-do's? It's so easy to give away our time to things un-appointed by God. We commit to something because it's a good cause or there's a great need. Or maybe because no one else will help out. The result? The days blur together and we find ourselves overworked and underjoyed, desperate for a faith awakening. In this practical and liberating book, Susie shares biblical ways to: · Learn how--and when--to say no without guilt or shame · Find a pace and perspective that matches God's best for you · Discern man-made obligations from God-given invitations Will you say yes to the One who will rejuvenate your soul? Includes Reflection Questions for Personal or Group Use. A DVD Study Companion Is Also Available Separately. "If your days feel more life-draining than life-giving, let Susie Larson show you how to reclaim the joyful, fruitful life God wants for you."--Mark Batterson, bestselling author and lead pastor of National Community Church "Susie really opened my eyes to look for God's best when deciding where I spend my time. He doesn't give up on us because we made mistakes. He has a design and purpose to fulfill, and the enemy would love nothing more than to take us out with exhaustion and wasted time."--Caroline Barnett, co-pastor of The Dream Center and author of Willing to Walk on Water "Saying yes to God is the most important decision you can make, but it shouldn't stop there. After beginning a relationship with Christ, we must constantly say yes to His influence, wisdom, and power in our lives. Your Sacred Yes will empower and equip you to say yes to a life of freedom, fulfillment, and significance. Say yes!"--Craig Groeschel, senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv and author of From This Day Forward "Challenging us to carefully consider our sacred responsibilities, Susie Larson uses her trademark transparent stories to compel us to rest more and to make the difficult decisions that will prioritize our relationship with God. If you find yourself in the rat race of life, Your Sacred Yes will give you the courage to slow down and say yes to the right things."--Pastor Nate and Jodi Ruch, Emmanuel Christian Center "This is such a timely book for all of us. I am grateful that Susie said yes to writing these sacred truths. This book will strengthen and empower all of us to follow the voice of God with more boldness and clarity."--Brady Boyd, pastor of New Life Church and author of Addicted to Busy

Leading evangelical scholar John Walton surveys the cultural context of the ancient Near East, bringing insight to the interpretation of specific Old Testament passages. This new edition of a top-selling textbook has been thoroughly updated and revised throughout to reflect the refined thinking of a mature scholar. It includes over 30 illustrations. Students and pastors who want to deepen their understanding of the Old Testament will find this a helpful and instructive study.

How do we find balance between our sense of calling and the call to rest? Spiritual director and "recovering speed addict" Alan Fadling leads readers in a meditation on the unhurried life. Following Jesus' earthly life, this revised edition from Fadling shows how the work of "unhurrying" ourselves is central to our spiritual development.

In Confident Faith, Mark Mittelberg assures Christians that we can be confident in our beliefs. There's no reason to be timid about what we believe, because our beliefs can stand up to the test. Truth isn't dependent on how a person feels or one's own point of view, as so many assert. On the contrary, we can determine truth through our five senses, and that truth reliably points to a deeper and unseen reality. Mark walks readers through twenty arrows that point towards Christian beliefs: from the intricate design of the universe to archaeological proofs, from the consistent testimony of changed lives to the reliability of the ancient documents of the Bible. After studying these arrows, you'll put this book down with a renewed confidence in what you believe and why it matters for eternity.