how to have a good life in a messy world

How to Have a Good Life in a Messy World by Willard Black focuses on basic values from Ecclesiastes, ancient wisdom literature, but described in contemporary, easy to understand terms. Ideas presented, if applied, advance the probability of a good life.

Willard Black founded the Institute for Christian Resources in 1975, which in recent years was renamed Open Doors Libraries. Willard’s passion to provide Christian based practical resources led him to facilitation and distribution of Christian resources in Eastern Europe which eventually led to the opening of Open Doors Library, the first library in Prague in 1999. Currently, Willard is involved at William Jessup University pouring into the future generations as an adjunct faculty member and lecturer, particularly in ministry, intercultural studies, and public policy programs.

7 steps to elevating effective leadership

Pastor Rex Tonkins is an ordained minister who has spent over 30 years helping young people and leaders discover their purpose and destiny in Christ Jesus. Rex is the co-founder and Executive Director of The Destiny Project, Inc. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Rex has traveled extensively around the USA for 17 years helping people discover their purpose and destiny, using the platforms of sports camps, sports tournaments, and leadership camps. Rex has assisted with strategic planning to reach young people in multiple cities: Colorado Springs, CO, Denver, CO, Oklahoma City, OK, Clearwater, FL, Lakeland, FL, Atlanta, GA, Hickory, NC, Greensboro, NC, Burlington, NC, Gastonia, NC, Virginia Beach, VA and Staten Island, New York. Rex’s attended Lenoir Rhyne University on a football scholarship and earned a degree in Sports Management with a minor in Business Management. He also earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix in 2008. His pastoral experiences include serving as a Youth Pastor and auxiliary leader with the late Bishop Otis Lockett, Sr. and with Pastor Al Pittman as an associate pastor at Calvary Worship Center in Colorado Springs, CO for over three years. In addition, he was a prayer coordinator while employed at Focus on the Family, and for three consecutive years, he served as prayer leader for National Day of Prayer in Colorado Springs. In 2014, Rex became the National Day of Prayer state coordinator of Colorado. Rex also serves as Coordinator with Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for Colorado joining that team in 2016.

30 Days of epic faith

Epic Faith is about putting our beliefs into practice and becoming the people God has called us to be.  Marty Meyer shares his epic failures as well at the triumphs through which faith finds fertile soil. This book is an invitation to an adventure.

Marty delivers powerful lessons through story that will inspire you to reach for the dreams God has for you.  It will provide confidence that all things are possible for the one who believes. 30 Days of Epic Faith will inspire the courage to trust the One who can nourish those dreams into life.

Mission accomplished

Mission Accomplished will challenge readers to find their true life-purpose by aligning their lives with the mission of Jesus. This is a call for every believer to discover the destiny for which they were created. It’s a charge to find your purpose fulfilled by taking your rightful place in the completion of the Great Commission. This is an opportunity to discover that living out Jesus’ final mandate is the key to living your life with purpose and joy. Mission Accomplished is pack with vibrant stories darkness shattering advance of the Gospel. Lives are liberated and destinies are fulfilled. You will be inspired to live for a purpose beyond yourself. Be prepared to be shaken and discover a fulfilling dream growing within your heart

fearing god

Fearing God teaches how the fear of God and love for God create a trust in God.
Don’t be afraid of God, fear him. The fear of the Lord is a wonderful gift from God for through it Christians find godly wisdom, but so much more. It also keeps them from sin and all of sin’s devastation, provides contentment and rest, protection and security, and through it God’s blessings are bestowed. It is a prerequisite to discipleship, instills in Christians godly courage and was a common trait of all heroes of their faith. Fearing God teaches readers how the fear of the Lord is God’s gracious gift. Yes, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but it is so much more…it also gives people rest and contentment, God’s blessing, provision, and protection. Rediscover this timeless truth and learn what it means to have courageous fear.

Nathan Carlson is the President of IndiaTransformed.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to the people of India and particularly to that nation’s poor. This organization has provided funding for the training of over 1,500 pastors, Christian daycare for thousands of children, skills training for 2,000 indigent women, and a Christian school and college in Bangalore, India for 1,600 students. Nathan is also a mentor to many Colorado business owners and a regularly contributor of written devotionals for this group of CEOs. Nathan earned a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Denver and Bachelors in Music Education from Oral Roberts University.

tough and cheerful

Tough and Cheerful is a story about the world’s tallest mountain, the evolution of Nepal, and a man who has been a part of the staggering transformation of both. As the last living member of the 1953 first summit of Everest (with Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay), Kanchha Sherpa has a life never to be forgotten. Born in 1933, Kanchha and his family struggled to find food to eat, went barefoot in winter and had no idea that there was another, very different world beyond the Himalayas. But much of the world knew of their sacred mountain Chomolungma, and would clamor to summit it – Mount Everest – in the decades to come. Kanchha’s personal story takes us through time and mountain ranges, from scarcity to abundance, from challenge to conquest, from personal collapse to moral rectitude, and from a hidden land of breathtaking beauty to one threatened by the world’s changing climate. Humble, thoughtful, brave and funny, this “tough and cheerful” man has a lot to teach us all.

Standing in the Way

This compelling memoir shares Anjali's incredible story of being trafficked at age twelve from her village in Nepal to the red light areas of Kolkata, India. Despite enduring the worst abuse imaginable, today Anjali is working to combat trafficking and protect the next generation of girls in her community. She is able to do so because of the help and healing she has received since being rescued in 2008. The stories of the courageous people who freed her and helped in her recovery are woven into the book alongside personal recollections and insights. This book explores the root causes of human trafficking and the factors in Anjali's family and community that made her vulnerable. It describes vividly her journey to India as a young child, and the large, complex network of traffickers. brothel owners and madams who were involved in selling, transporting and, exploiting her. The book sensitively portrays the difficult life of a young girl in a brothel. It is suitable for readers 15 and up.Anjali was eventually rescued, and the book tells that part of the story from the perspective of the rescuers as well as the girls themselves. Standing in the Way describes the innovative counseling and loving care that Anjali received after being rescued, which enabled her to recover from her trauma, develop her uniquely positive world view, and become a leader and activist. Anjali was able to return to Nepal, return to school and make up the many lost years of education. Now in college, she is planning to go back to her village and open a school and anti-trafficking charity that will prevent other girls in her village from having to suffer as she did. While child sex trafficking is a difficult subject, the book is ultimately hopeful and inspiring

Finding FabYOUlous

Does this sound like you?

*You work and work but never feel like you're making any real progress toward your goals?

*You know that you were created for more, but can't for the life of you, figure out what that more is?

*You see other people living their dreams and wonder how the heck they got so lucky?

*You long to make an impact in the world but can't seem to muster the energy or enthusiasm to get going?

*You've lost touch with the unique purpose that you were created to fulfill?

*You feel stuck in a rut and can't seem to find your way out?

If any of these statements resonate with you, you have come to the right place at the right time.

Finding FabYOUlous: A "Self-Help with Sass" Guide to Finding, Celebrating and Capitalizing on the FabYOUlousness that Makes You, YOU, will take you on a journey to discover all of the unique and FabYOUlous gifts that you have to offer the world; and then guide you as you learn to cultivate, celebrate and capitalize on those gifts as you create the life of your dreams.

Finding FabYOUlous offers inspiration that goes far beyond just a motivational pep-talk. Each chapter of Finding FabYOUlous is chock full of actionable steps that (if taken) will guide the reader ever closer to the fullest expression of her unique and FabYOUlous purpose. PLUS--Finding FabYOUlous readers will enjoy exclusive access to a private website full of additional exercises and material to supplement what they are reading in the book. This elevates Finding FabYOUlous from just a book, to an EXPERIENCE.

The practical wisdom, applicable action steps and gentle guidance provided throughout the pages of Finding FabYOUlous are sure to provide any woman with the tools and confidence she needs to "ditch the drab and find her FAB". Additionally, the personal stories from the author's own experience of battling a debilitating Anorexia Nervosa diagnosis and escaping from a dangerously toxic marriage, will provide the inspiration to show that no one is ever "too far gone" to get back on track, find her FabYOUlous, and live an amazing, purpose filled life.

Bursts of Brilliance

Is your inner artist awake and inspired, bursting with brilliant ideas? Or, has it been slumbering so long you almost forgot you had one?

In this heartfelt and uplifting book, award-winning author and creative entrepreneur Teresa R. Funke draws on nearly three decades of experience to show you in quick, readable bursts:

• What makes you uniquely creative

• Why your art or ideas matter

• How to silence your inner critic and access the courage to create

• How to carve out time to follow your passion

• How to trust your intuition and tap into your Higher Self

Today’s chaotic world requires an army of creative thinkers – and you are one of them. This transformative book will help you ignite your creative spirit and rediscover your passion, your purpose, and your power.

the main thing

Christianity is not a philosophy; it is a person-Jesus-and his work on the cross. And in Christianity, that should be the main thing.

So why do we keep adding to it?

Grace Place founding pastor, Clay Peck, grew up in a fundamentalist religious system that was all about rules and a Christ-plus-something message. Discovering the true gospel of grace finally liberated him. In The Main Thing Peck shares the lessons he learned through the struggle to be free in Christ.

This forty-day devotional shows you how to

• Accept a freedom worth fighting for

• Stand firm in the gospel

• Live a Spirit-led life

Discover God's great gift of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, based on Christ's perfect, finished work alone. Plus nothing. Period.

Seven steps to elevating effective prayer

Rex Tonkins is an ordained minister, but is better known as coach Rex. He has spent over 28 years helping young people and leaders discover their purpose and destiny in Christ Jesus. Rex is the co-founder and Executive Director of The Destiny Project, Inc. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Rex has travelled extensively around the USA for 15 years helping young people discover their purpose and destiny, using the platforms of sports camps, sports tournaments and leadership camps. Rex's educational background: He attended Lenoir Rhyne University on a football scholarship and earned a degree in Sports Management with a minor in Business Management. He also earned a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix in 2008. Rex's leadership background starts with serving as captain of the track team in high school, in college as co-captain of the football team and president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (F.C.A.). Rex served as a distribution supervisor for JP Stevens Textile Company after he graduated from Lenoir Rhyne University. He served as Youth Pastor and auxiliary leader with the late Pastor Otis Lockett, Sr. and he served as a prayer coordinator in the distribution department while employed at Focus on the Family. Coach Rex coached basketball for over 15 years on the high school level as well as taught in two school systems for 8 years as athletic director and track coach. Rex was the first director of The Malachi House in Greensboro, NC, a home for men with life controlling issues. He also served with Pastor Al Pittman as an associate pastor at Calvary Worship Center in Colorado Springs, CO for over three years. For two consecutive years, he served as prayer leader for National Day of prayer in Colorado Springs. Rex has assisted with strategic planning to reach young people in multiple cities: Colorado Springs, CO, Denver, CO, Oklahoma City, OK, Clearwater, FL, Lakeland, FL, Atlanta, GA, Hickory, NC, Greensboro, NC, Burlington, NC, Gastonia, NC, Virginia Beach, VA and Staten Island, New York. Rex, along with his wife Vickie, has written and published curriculum for young people.

 Dancing in combat boots

When the going got tough during World War II, America’s women got going. By the millions, housewives and mothers took off their aprons and stepped into factories, offices, hospitals—anywhere capable hands were needed to replace those of the husbands and sons now battling overseas. The eleven fictional stories in this remarkable collection are based on real women whose experiences were at once typical and extraordinary. From the topsy-turvy days following Pearl Harbor, through four long years of hardship, to the post-war campaigns to put women back in their place, these stories reveal the many facets of women’s lives as they gave their all for the war effort.

Author Teresa Funke embodies the modern artist/entrepreneur. She is the owner of Teresa Funke & Company, Victory House Press, and Bursts of Brilliance. She is the award-winning author of seven novels for adults and children based on true stories from WWII, and the author of Bursts of Brilliance for a Creative Life, both the book and the popular blog. She is also a nationwide speaker offering keynotes and presentations and a popular writing consultant. Teresa has 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur and community catalyst. Her innovative programs and boundary-pushing talks challenge her audiences to change their view of how life and business should be led.

7 steps to elevating effective leadership

Rex Tonkins' book: Seven Steps to Elevating Effective Leadership identifies that leaders’ decisions affect many people, so it is critical that leaders go to the Bible for guidance and allow the Word of God to be the final authority for all their decisions. With so many causalities in leadership today, Tonkins wants to be transparent about his life and offer seven key principles of inspection, protection, and accountability.

Pastor Rex Tonkins is an ordained minister who has spent over 30 years helping young people and leaders discover their purpose and destiny in Christ Jesus. Rex is the co-founder and Executive Director of The Destiny Project, Inc. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Rex has traveled extensively around the USA for 17 years helping people discover their purpose and destiny, using the platforms of sports camps, sports tournaments, and leadership camps. Rex has assisted with strategic planning to reach young people in multiple cities: Colorado Springs, CO, Denver, CO, Oklahoma City, OK, Clearwater, FL, Lakeland, FL, Atlanta, GA, Hickory, NC, Greensboro, NC, Burlington, NC, Gastonia, NC, Virginia Beach, VA and Staten Island, New York. Rex’s attended Lenoir Rhyne University on a football scholarship and earned a degree in Sports Management with a minor in Business Management. He also earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix in 2008. His pastoral experiences include serving as a Youth Pastor and auxiliary leader with the late Bishop Otis Lockett, Sr. and with Pastor Al Pittman as an associate pastor at Calvary Worship Center in Colorado Springs, CO for over three years. In addition, he was a prayer coordinator while employed at Focus on the Family, and for three consecutive years, he served as prayer leader for National Day of Prayer in Colorado Springs. In 2014, Rex became the National Day of Prayer state coordinator of Colorado. Rex also serves as Coordinator with Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for Colorado joining that team in 2016.

the longest campaign

"The Longest Campaign" reveals how the experiences of life, prepare you for what you experience in life. Discover Ken's lessons learned and find encouragement from God's Word for facing the challenges of life and the test of faith.

Ken Summers is a Colorado native who served six years in the Colorado House of Representatives. During that time he served as the Chair of the House Health and Environment Committee for two years. Ken was recognized for his legislative service through many awards including, the Colorado Nonprofit Association Legislator of the year, the “Protector of the Patient” Award by the Colorado Medical Society and the Legislator of the Year Award from the Jefferson County Developmental Disability Resource Center. For seven years, Ken served as the Executive Director of Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains a faith-based residential drug and alcohol recovery program. Prior to serving in the state legislature, Ken served as a pastor for 28 years. Ken holds a BA degree in Business Education from the University of Northern Colorado, and a master’s degree in non-profit management from Regis University.

v for victory

V for Victory by Teresa Funke is a fascinating story about Miguel Montoya, a boy living in the summer of 1943. This book is based on a true story and tells the tale of how Miguel navigates his responsibilities to his community and family.

Author Teresa Funke embodies the modern artist/entrepreneur. She is the owner of Teresa Funke & Company, Victory House Press, and Bursts of Brilliance. She is the award-winning author of seven novels for adults and children based on true stories from WWII, and the author of Bursts of Brilliance for a Creative Life, both the book and the popular blog. She is also a nationwide speaker offering keynotes and presentations and a popular writing consultant. Teresa has 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur and community catalyst. Her innovative programs and boundary-pushing talks challenge her audiences to change their view of how life and business should be led.

the dream achiever

The dream achiever is a tale of wishes come true. The Rhyming motivational poem will take you on a magical journey towards your dreams and goals. The artwork is as inspiring as it is beautiful, and the workbook at the end will make sure you get there.

Born and raised in the North American Midwest, BC DiCiacco grew up seeing the world with child-like awe and amazement; he has always loved “playing with life”. As a young man, a traumatic motorcycle accident nearly took his life, which enhanced this wondrous outlook on life even more. “Live each day as though it were your last; one of these days, you will be right,” is BC’s living mantra. His NDA (Near Death Experience) also caused him to become deeply passionate about helping each person live the happiest, most fulfilled life possible, regardless of what that meant to each one.

In the Midwest, BC created his own custom furniture company and ran it successfully for more than 15 years, coinciding with his establishment of “Le.Ed.” (Leadership Education and Entrepreneur Development); a localized focus group that helped dozens of business owners to learn leadership skills and grow their revenues.

In 2015, BC felt the world calling to him, so in early 2016, BC closed shop, and traveled to Central America with a map and a backpack, seeking the source that was calling to him. After three months abroad, the entrepreneurial bug bit again; he is now the CEO (or “Creative Empowerment Officer”, as he prefers) for “A World Empowered, LLC”, a company which seeks out and initiates projects around the world that cultivate and perpetuate the empowerment of human beings. In addition, BC most recently created “Twenty Tuesday”; a global online community where people gather weekly for focused meditation that cultivates positivity, optimism, self-love and a higher world vibration. BC is a true consummate friend and compassionate soul, driven to be an uplifting force in the world.

During business studies with his own coach, Matt Shoup, BC was encouraged to create a warrior credo for himself. The credo was meant to be both a defining illustration and a guiding force that would solidify (in his own heart) who he is at his core, and would help keep him on track if ever he were lost; it is what he would fight to the death for, in the arena of life. With this single sentence, BC encapsulated the life that he exemplifies with every waking breath:

“Today I fight to be a shining example of Love, Light, Leadership, Legacy and Lifestyle, in the lives of everyone that I meet.”