Books

Literature often seems dominated by visions of masculine heroes, but the Bible gives us examples of women who can only be described as heroic and whose actions define valor.  Additionally, one doesn’t have to look far today to find many examples of women whose courage and faith empower them to make a difference in the world.

In Her Steps is a collection of stories of ancient and modern women who can only be described as heroes.  The 40 vignettes contained in the book will inspire the reader as each woman’s life is uncovered to explore the depths of her valor – choices made because of her dedication to serving the heart-concerns of God and the needs of people – often in the face of adversity or opposition but always with great courage and determination.

The dramatic story of Ray Rising’s Ordeal in the Colombian Jungle
Watch these pages for news about Guerrilla Hostage!  A screenplay is in the works, and the book will be reprinted in the future.
Guerrilla Hostage is the triumphant story of one man’s faith, a family’s hope, and God’s never-ending love.  Ray Rising never gave in to despair, fear, or loneliness during his 810 days in captivity.  Instead, this missionary grew closer to his Lord.  He boldly established relationships and shared his faith with the Colombian guerrillas who held him hostage.  And he trusted God to take care of him until his release. If you love a gripping story, experience for yourself the shadowy jungles, the overwhelming obstacles, and the ultimate triumphs of Rising’s ordeal, and learn with him how to live a life of integrity despite harsh and frightening circumstances.

“Ray Rising’s story is a compelling page-turner that will take you to the edge of your imagination with intrigue and excitement….  This spellbinding adventure, told in a suspenseful and masterful fashion by world-class journalist Denise Marie Siino, is a winner.”

—Ken Wales, veteran filmmaker and producer of the film Amazing Grace and the award-winning television series Christy.

“This book is more than a well-written and gripping adventure….  From time to time, we all experience our own imprisonments: some physical, others emotional or mental or spiritual.  As Ray sought God daily for comfort and reassurance, the Lord calmed his fears and helped him maintain a consistent Christian witness to his captors.  May it be so for all of us.” —Peter Marshall, Peter Marshall Ministries

For years Leonard Sweet tackled what ails our society – our dwindling spirituality – in his Christmas letters to friends and family-turned-spirituality newsletter to an audience of thousands, called Sweet’s SoulCafe.  Taking Sweet’s newsletter writings, Denise Marie Siino leads readers on a journey into their own souls, toward a personal destination of spiritual wholeness.

In a world filled with “spirituality” of all kinds, A Cup of Coffee at the SoulCafe will revive your soul by showing you how to stop planning the devotional life with God you desire and begin preparing for the life God has for you.  Sweet’s insight is unconventional, unafraid, and unforgettable, providing nourishing wisdom and practical instruction that can be savored and practiced for a lifetime.

A Medieval rendition of The Lord’s Prayer as found in “The Divine Comedy” by Dante Alighieri O our Father, you who reside in the heavens, not as one limited, but because of the greater love you have for those first effects there on high:
Praised be your name and your power by every creature, given that it is fitting to render thanks for your sweet breath.
May the peace of your kingdom come to us, for if it doesn’t come toward us, we are impotent by ourselves, even if we try with all of the strength of our intellect.
And just as angels render their own desires up to you as sacrifice, singing ‘Hosanna,’ so too may human beings do the same with theirs.
Give to us today the daily manna, without which he who grows weary in going forward goes backward through this dry desert.
And as we take that evil we have suffered and pardon it, to every man you, too, pardon with clemency, and you do not consider whether we have merit.
This, our virtue that is overcome so easily,
do not put it to the test by the ancient adversary, but deliver us from him who goads it [to evil].

O Lord our God,
Grant us grace to desire you with our whole heart,
that so desiring we may seek and find you;
and so finding you we may love you;
and loving you we may hate those sins
from which you have redeemed us;
for the sake of Jesus Christ.

[Therefore]
Teach me to seek you,
for I cannot seek you
unless you teach me,
or find you
unless you show yourself to me.

—from a prayer of St. Anselm of Canterbury