Losing a loved one to suicide is devastating. Survivors experience emotions and conflicting thoughts that range from shame and fear to anger and guilt. Though these feelings can persist, we have hope in God who understands our distress and is there to comfort and sustain us. 

A terrifying thunderstorm, a kidnapping, a castle hideout, a knightly disguise... these are the ingredients of a remarkable story. The life of the German monk whose teachings set in motion the events of the Reformation has all of that and the discovery of a treasure—the good news of God’s free gift of forgiveness through faith in Jesus. The world-changing events in 16th-century Europe, events that came to be called the “Reformation,” happened during a time of change. Many people longed for the reform of the Roman Catholic Church and protested against the wealth and greed of church leaders. Scholars studied Hebrew and Greek, discovering and examining ancient manuscripts. Printing presses, the newest social media technology of the day, published the latest ideas. A young law student named Martin Luther changed his career path from law school to a monastery to a position lecturing on the Bible in a university. His study of the Bible would lead him to life-changing discoveries about the treasured good news of God’s love and forgiveness

Does life feel like a never-ending to-do list of duties and obligations? Tending to the pressing needs of work, family, finances, and more can run us ragged, diminishing our hopes and dreams, in the process. It’s sad but true—and without addressing these issues, things are not likely to change.

In Journey Through the Rat Race, you’ll find a supportive voice to help identify and manage the perils of a life too full. Road-tested insights are combined with self-assessment exercises to help readers find the best path forward. Key Scriptures highlight God’s desire for our lives to be balanced and centered on Him.

Have you ever considered the demands of giving and receiving care? This booklet shares the challenges, joys, and unexpected blessings experienced by those deeply involved in the care process. Authors Ron and Maggie Hilmer understand the dynamics of care from the inside out. Ron is a pastor with Parkinson’s disease; Maggie is a physical therapist who has congenital heart problems and chronic back pain. Together they have learned how to help each other over life’s physical hurdles through their love for each other and their faith in God.

Providing care is a tall order. “Assisting a loved one whose needs require daily attention is not easy,” says Maggie.

Sooner or later each of us may be giving or receiving care. Ron asks, “Can anyone really avoid suffering? No, it is part of the human nature inherited from Adam after the fall of man into sin.” This reality, however, can have immense benefit when considered a rightly. “It can rouse us; it can awaken us from our lethargy and point us to the suffering Savior,” he says.

Join the Hilmers as they share frankly and with good humor the perspectives, they’ve gained from 16 years of marriage and as partners in the caregiving-receiving process.

Unresolved issues. Financial trouble. Neglected health. Everyone feels stressed out. Right? Wrong! Everybody has stress, but not everyone is stressed out. If you've accepted stress as a way of life, this booklet is for you. From setting healthy personal boundaries to eliminating procrastination, these sensible strategies will help you manage stress before stress manages you. Best of all, you'll discover that you don't need to handle the pressure alone - as you embrace God's "best" for your life!

The Journey Home by Rev. Leroy Johnson was written for all of us. Using Luke's "Parable of the Prodigal Son", Johnson takes the reader through this unforgettable story told by Jesus to a few of those who liked to frequent His impromptu monologues: tax-collectors, sinners, Pharisees and scribes. The narrative follows a storyline of wanton, rebellion (the lost son); desperate heartache and longing for his safe return (the father); and jealous resentment over the father's warm welcome (the older brother). It's a story where each of us can fit ourselves into the cast of characters. In this parable Jesus does more than turn the mirror on us, showing us our selfishness and self-absorbed natures (the brothers); rather, he paints a moving portrait of the father—our Father—who "pulls out all the stops" to celebrate his lost son's return. The Journey Home is a 12-lesson Bible study packed full of insight on the nature of God's love for us and how we can responsibly live our lives as Christ-followers. Outlines chart the direction of each lesson and questions reinforce the material covered. Along the way, Scripture verses highlight and drive home the biblical points made, adding clarity to the discussion. Just like the father in Jesus' parable, our Heavenly Father seeks our safe return from those places we have gone without Him. The Journey Home—there's hope for all of us in the shelter of God's grace. 

This prayer guide is designed to be used by the loved ones of those serving in the United States Military. A companion prayer guide, Those Who Serve, is also available for use by those in the military, separated by miles but sharing the same concerns.