Happiness is not a once a year event! Stress, unforeseen crises, commitments, aging parents, kids, money worries . . . none of it goes away. But if you manage it right, you can recreate the joy of Christmas every day of the year no matter what the circumstances. Through the tools taught in this book (and the FREE accompanying journal workbook and online Advent calendar), you will be able to: -Reduce stress and develop consistent self-care; -Claim and prioritize time for yourself; -Reframe your perspective; -Discover tools for dealing with negativity, difficult people, and corrosive emotions; -Restore your sense of purpose; -Renew your ability to see miracles in everyday life. Just a few minutes a day and you can go from Grinch to gratitude - any time of the year! But don't wait around . . . years of stress and silent resentment can lock in like the weight of the Grinch's sled. Remember happiness is not a once a year event. Join the Miracle on 31st Street Community and reclaim your joy today! ABOUT THE AUTHOR "A preacher with a motorcycle, cowboy boots, a wicked sense of humor, and a heart that warms you like a huge Southern-style breakfast. That's my pastor!" -Tamron Hall, Broadcast journalist and television host A trial lawyer turned standup comedian, and Baptist preacher, Susan Sparks is America's only female comedian with a pulpit. Susan is the senior pastor of the historic Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City (and the first woman pastor in the church's 170-year history). A TEDx speaker and nationally syndicated columnist, Susan is also a professional comedian touring with a standup Rabbi and a Muslim comic in the Laugh in Peace Comedy Tour. Her work with humor and healing has been featured by O (The Oprah) Magazine, the New York Times, CBS, and the History Channel.

The lives of three people are changed by an old man who insists that he is Santa Claus.

Laughter—the GPS System for the Soul Laughter was honored by the ancients as a spiritual healing tool and celebrated by the world's great religions. So why aren’t we laughing along the spiritual path today? What would happen if we did? In this personal and funny look at humor as a spiritual practice, Rev. Susan Sparks—an ex-lawyer turned comedian and Baptist minister—presents a convincing case that the power of humor radiates far beyond punch lines. Laughter can help you: Remove the fearful mask of a God who doesn’t laugh Debunk the myths that you don’t deserve joy Find perspective when faced with adversity Exercise forgiveness for yourself and others Reclaim play as a spiritual practice Heal—emotionally, physically, and spiritually Keep your faith when God is silent Live with elegance, beauty, and generosity of spirit Whatever your faith tradition—or if you have none at all—join this veteran of the punch line and the pulpit in reclaiming the forgotten humor legacy found in thousands of years of human spiritual history.

The author presents a blow-by-blow account of the Asian economic crisis starting in 1996 with the collapse of the Bangkok Bank of Commerce. She links the demise of the so-called Asian miracle with the theme of globalization arguing that the crisis demonstrates the urgency of dismantling restraints to trade, investment and financial services.

Sixteen short stories, mainly about the inhabitants of the Greek colony on New York's West Side.

First in the mystery series from the New York Times-bestselling author: “Anyone who loves novels that revolve around books will savor this tasty treat.”—Library Journal (starred review) A quirky club in small-town North Carolina holds the keys to health, happiness, friendship—and even solving a murder—all to be found within the pages of the right book… Strangers flock to Miracle Springs hoping the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. If none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked “comfort” scone, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That’s Nora’s special talent—prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person’s deepest pain. So when a visiting businessman reaches out for guidance, Nora knows exactly how to help. But before he can keep their appointment, he’s found dead on the train tracks. Stunned, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, a group of damaged souls yearning to earn redemption by helping others. To join, members must divulge their darkest secret—the terrible truth that brought each of them to Miracle Springs in the first place. Now, determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman’s demise, the women meet in Nora’s cozy bookstore. And as they untangle a web of corruption, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge—proving it’s never too late to turn the page and start over… “Adams kicks off a new series featuring strong women, a touch of romance and mysticism, and both the cunning present-day mystery and the slowly revealed secrets of the intriguing heroines’ pasts.”—Kirkus Reviews

In Kwangju, South Korea, in 1980 a student uprising ended in the brutal suppression and massacre of protestors, an event burned into the minds of all South Koreans. This text presents original South Korean accounts of the incident, along with the reports of Western journalists who witnessed events.

The largest migration in history is taking place in China today, off the radar of the world's major media. Since the 1990s at least 120 million Chinese peasants have left the countryside for the big cities to work in factories, on construction sites, in catering and prostitution - typically without the most basic rights or protections. Here van Luyn relates the remarkable tales of migrant workers who have helped fuel the explosive growth of the People's Republic of China.

Ted is my husband. He is a retired veteran from the Army National Guard and works in the IT and security industry. While his background makes him a force to be reckoned with in many categories on Jeopardy, after being deployed for a total of three tours in his twenties and thirties, he missed a lot in the pop culture world. Pop culture is one of many topics that lead to hysterical interaction for Ted and me. Our life is full of adventure and laughter and this book is a peek behind the proverbial curtain at some of our conversations. A twelve-year-old with thirty-two years of experience, Ted has the most amazing imagination that leads us down many conversational rabbit holes. Join us as we talk about entertainment, travel, our neighborhood, and life.