Jacob is a young boy with a gift for carpentry who is busy finishing up a project for a contest. His teacher, Rabbi Simeon, not only instructs him in carpentry, but also teaches him important lessons about God. Rabbi has just taught Jacob that when you give a gift to one of God's children, it's like giving a gift to God. The night before the contest while working on his project, Jacob has fallen asleep in the workshop and is awakened by a bright light. The light is a star which is directly over Jacob's father's stable. As he approaches the stable, he sees a man, a woman, and a newborn baby which is laying in the straw. Remembering what Rabbi Simeon had told him, Jacob returns to the workshop and takes his project (a feeding trough) to the new family. The morning of the contest, the Rabbi pleased to find out that Jacob has acted upon the lesson he learned and has truly given a gift to God.

Jonathan Freedland looks on as his eight-day-old son is about to be circumcised and admitted into the Covenant of Abraham'. So begins a search for the meaning of his son's inheritance and an epic journey into the nature of this, the world's oldest civilisation. What has Freedland done by enlisting his son into the Jewish people? What gift or burden has he given him? Freedland digs deep into his own family's past, telling the story of three remarkable people, each of whom came up with radically different answers to a quintessentially modern dilemma: how to live as a minority in the modern world. Rich in both human drama and reflection, Jacob's Gift is the story of this quest, and a delightful meditation on belonging.

A young carpenter's apprentice works very hard on his woodworking project project, only to give it away to a special baby.

Have you ever wondered what it feels like: to be stuck in a tornado? “[It] is exactly the feel of a freight train approaching—that low, ever-louder howl and the shuddering ground.” to participate in an orgy? “And all the while, the thought that keeps going through your mind (and through the cab ride home, and into breakfast the next day): ‘I’m at an orgy! I’m at an orgy!’” to have a severe stutter? “The thing is, there’s a disconnect thing between my mind and my tongue. My mind’s processing a thousand words a minute, and the tongue is only squeezing out ten or twelve.” to be a mob hitman? “It’s nerve-racking. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. Anybody who’s any good at this is concentrating with every nerve in their body, trying to get it done right and trying not to get caught.” to be 105 years old? “I was born in 1897 and I’ve seen a lot in the world. I’ve seen everything there is to see. You look back and tell yourself, ‘What have I been doing all these years?’” If these tidbits whet your appetite for real, first-person accounts of some of life’s most exhilarating, harrowing, or downright strange experiences, then you’ll be sucked in by Esquire Presents: What It Feels Like. Collected by the ever-curious editors of Esquire magazine, here are more than fifty gripping tales—straight from the mouths of the people who’ve lived them.

Happy and content with a beautiful wife and thriving family, successful trader Bram is determined to help his two friends Mitchell and Dougal find wives. In England, Eleanor Prescott has not forgotten the ship's captain who was a true friend to her. Dougal McBride told her to come to him when she was ready. When her ailing husband dies, she wonders if she dare return to Western Australia. Will Dougal still want her after nearly a year? Mitchell Nash, Bram Deagan's friend in Australia, has asked his cousin in England whether he knows of any lady who might be suitable for him to marry. Though what sort of woman would make such an arduous voyage to marry someone she's never met? For one widow, however, desperate to keep her young son from a cruel relative's clutches, Mitchell's invitation is a lifeline she will grasp with both hands. Clutching their courage in both hands, Eleanor and Jacinta take a huge risk on the chance of happiness and set off for Australia. But the troubles of their old lives can't be easily left behind . . . ********************** What readers are saying about THE TRADER'S GIFT 'A wonderfully written, enjoyable story' - 5 stars 'No surprise that this is yet another fantastic read from Anna Jacobs' - 5 stars 'Anna Jacobs is an amazing story teller, she never disappoints and you are hooked from the first page' - 5 stars 'Loved this book and all the other books in the Traders Series. I couldn't put it down' - 5 stars 'Extremely good reading - Anna Jacobs is a top-of-the-range author' - 5 stars

"Absolutely splendid . . . essential for understanding why there is so much bad thinking in political life right now." —David Brooks, New York Times How to Think is a contrarian treatise on why we’re not as good at thinking as we assume—but how recovering this lost art can rescue our inner lives from the chaos of modern life. As a celebrated cultural critic and a writer for national publications like The Atlantic and Harper’s, Alan Jacobs has spent his adult life belonging to communities that often clash in America’s culture wars. And in his years of confronting the big issues that divide us—political, social, religious—Jacobs has learned that many of our fiercest disputes occur not because we’re doomed to be divided, but because the people involved simply aren’t thinking. Most of us don’t want to think. Thinking is trouble. Thinking can force us out of familiar, comforting habits, and it can complicate our relationships with like-minded friends. Finally, thinking is slow, and that’s a problem when our habits of consuming information (mostly online) leave us lost in the spin cycle of social media, partisan bickering, and confirmation bias. In this smart, endlessly entertaining book, Jacobs diagnoses the many forces that act on us to prevent thinking—forces that have only worsened in the age of Twitter, “alternative facts,” and information overload—and he also dispels the many myths we hold about what it means to think well. (For example: It’s impossible to “think for yourself.”) Drawing on sources as far-flung as novelist Marilynne Robinson, basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain, British philosopher John Stuart Mill, and Christian theologian C.S. Lewis, Jacobs digs into the nuts and bolts of the cognitive process, offering hope that each of us can reclaim our mental lives from the impediments that plague us all. Because if we can learn to think together, maybe we can learn to live together, too.

This inspiring book of wisdom, life lessons, and self-help from National Geographic celebrates the power of optimism: the driving force behind the authors’ beloved, socially conscious clothing and lifestyle brand, now worth more than $100 million. Following the chronology of their personal and professional journeys, Bert and John share their unique ride—from their scrappy upbringing outside Boston to the unlikely runaway success of their business. The brothers illuminate ten key "superpowers" accessible to us all: openness, courage, simplicity, humor, gratitude, fun, compassion, creativity, authenticity, and love. Their story, illustrated with the company's iconic artwork, shows how to overcome obstacles and embrace opportunities—whether it's growing stronger from rejection, letting your imagination loose, or simplifying your life to focus on what matters most. In these colorful pages, Bert and John's plainspoken insights are paired with inspiring quotations, playful top-ten lists, deeply moving letter from the Life is Good community, and valuable takeaways from tapping the power of optimism to live your best life. Both entertaining and profound, Life is Good: The Book is the ultimate guide to embracing and growing the good in your life.

"Living the Gift" By Jacob Berry Just because I am disabled does not mean that I am the only one that is living on a gift, because everyday that you live is a gift from God. Life is a gift and we should never take for granted what God has blessed us with. There are many things that I can not do that most people never consider as gifts from God. However, I have no regrets being me because I have Jesus in my heart and that is all I need and that is all anybody needs, because His grace is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (KJV) 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. Everyday, I am "Living the Gift." I may not be able to walk, but that will not stop me from walking with Jesus. I may have a speech impediment, but that will not stop me from telling others about Jesus. I do have a voice and even if it doesn't sound like others, I am going to use my voice to boldly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. I can't eat, but that will not stop me from feasting on the manna from Heaven above. I struggle with each breath I take, but that will not stop me from praising the Lord. My life has been filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, trials and tribulations, but through it all, God has been there reminding me that I am not a mistake, but a gift from God and am able to do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (KJV) 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. As the words of the song writer so eloquently put, "God has been my Father, my Savior, and my Friend. His love was my beginning and His love will be my end. I could spend forever trying to tell you everything He is, but the best way that I can say it, is this, God has been good in my life." I still say, "I have been blessed with a gift called life and I will never take for granted, but always cherish this gift, because I know that Jesus freely gave His life for mine." John 3:16 (KJV) 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Create meaningful, extraordinary celebrations and events that foster lifelong memories with the ones you love with inspiration from Katie Jacobs through her essential guide to entertaining. Create beautiful memories for your family and friends with help from Katie Jacobs, a stylist for Reese Witherspoon's lifestyle brand Draper James. She reveals her secrets for throwing fantastic parties for any occasion, from a casual backyard movie night to a lavish holiday party. The ultimate party hostess and styling pro, Katie shares her magical gift of making entertaining look effortless, and possible at the same time. Using Katie’s inspiring ideas and make-ahead tips, you will be so organized that you can minimize the fuss, enjoy the time, and celebrate too! In So Much To Celebrate, readers will: Become inspired to make the most out of every season through entertaining loved ones Remind you to craft experiences for family and friends that can be felt (and tasted), not just seen Discover a mix of tasty recipes, creative entertainment tips, and a heavy helping of nostalgia Brimming with creative party themes for every season, inspiring décor ideas, and delicious recipes, So Much to Celebrate is the perfect book for anyone who appreciates good times, good food, and good celebrations.

The NIV is the world's best-selling modern translation, with over 150 million copies in print since its first full publication in 1978. This highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English has the largest library of printed and electronic support material of any modern translation.