Hope Nicelys Lessons For Life

'Touching, tender . . . filled with wonderful humour' Sarah Haywood 'A very special book' Katie Fforde The Sunday Times bestselling novel, perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and The Rosie Project. My name is Hope Nicely. Why am I writing this book? That's easy. This book is going to change my life. My boss, Karen, says a friend is a stranger you haven't met yet. I think that's right. Veronica Ptitsky and Danny Flynn are strangers, except I have met them now because they 're in my writing class. But I don't want any friends, actually (only dog ones). I have my mum, Jenny Nicely, who says adopting me was the best thing she ever did, even if my thoughts bounce a bit differently to other people's Except when my life does change it isn't because of my book but because something happens to my mum, Jenny Nicely, and she isn't here anymore. And, flip a pancake, I'm not very good at being on my own. Maybe I do need some human friends after all . . . 'A gorgeous, funny, heartwarming read. Leaves you smiling' Ericka Walker, author of Dog Days

Love has many forms. Every seeker may have their own journey towards it, each one filled with its own set of obstacles and life lessons. For Gayathri, a chance encounter with a Gynaecologic Oncologist reminds her of her own belief in a soulmate and helps her embrace self-love. For Charanjeet, love is about getting over his helplessness and working to strengthen his marriage, building his family. Joseph had to first encounter himself, deal with his own anger and shame to find his expression, before he could accept someone’s love. Ranganayaki’s journey is that of learning to stand up for herself in an unsupportive environment and yet viewing the world through the lens of humour along with her strong faith on her ‘Ranga’. Suraiya had to allow the churning in her to realize that self-care is not selfish, while facing up to her disappointing marriage and walking out of it. They say Love Conquers All; here are stories of a few common people who had to break the shackles – sometimes of traditions, sometimes of societal norms and at times even their own expectations to reach their destinations. As they conquered, they embodied HOPE. After all, LOVE is the source of HOPE.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Barack Obama’s lucid vision of America’s place in the world and call for a new kind of politics that builds upon our shared understandings as Americans, based on his years in the Senate “In our lowdown, dispiriting era, Obama’s talent for proposing humane, sensible solutions with uplifting, elegant prose does fill one with hope.”—Michael Kazin, The Washington Post In July 2004, four years before his presidency, Barack Obama electrified the Democratic National Convention with an address that spoke to Americans across the political spectrum. One phrase in particular anchored itself in listeners’ minds, a reminder that for all the discord and struggle to be found in our history as a nation, we have always been guided by a dogged optimism in the future, or what Obama called “the audacity of hope.” The Audacity of Hope is Barack Obama’s call for a different brand of politics—a politics for those weary of bitter partisanship and alienated by the “endless clash of armies” we see in congress and on the campaign trail; a politics rooted in the faith, inclusiveness, and nobility of spirit at the heart of “our improbable experiment in democracy.” He explores those forces—from the fear of losing to the perpetual need to raise money to the power of the media—that can stifle even the best-intentioned politician. He also writes, with surprising intimacy and self-deprecating humor, about settling in as a senator, seeking to balance the demands of public service and family life, and his own deepening religious commitment. At the heart of this book is Barack Obama’s vision of how we can move beyond our divisions to tackle concrete problems. He examines the growing economic insecurity of American families, the racial and religious tensions within the body politic, and the transnational threats—from terrorism to pandemic—that gather beyond our shores. And he grapples with the role that faith plays in a democracy—where it is vital and where it must never intrude. Underlying his stories is a vigorous search for connection: the foundation for a radically hopeful political consensus. Only by returning to the principles that gave birth to our Constitution, Obama says, can Americans repair a political process that is broken, and restore to working order a government that has fallen dangerously out of touch with millions of ordinary Americans. Those Americans are out there, he writes—“waiting for Republicans and Democrats to catch up with them.”

A guide to living life in the moment uses lessons learned from the dying to help the living find the most enjoyment and happiness.

Sandra Ludwig's poetry comes from the deep well within her soul. It is always strong with emotion. Her voice carries the reader into those places of life, with glimpses of reality, hidden away in the deep parts of our own souls. Hers is a powerful voice. -Joy Barefoot, poet, Hoots, Howls and Belly Growls, Poetry for Little People and the Young at Heart Ludwig has mastered a difficult art form. Her poetry is to be savored, a treasured reflection on life. -Jocelyn Limpert, Editor Ludwig's art reflects a kind of beauty that is not always pretty! There is certainly a beauty in the way she bends words to her will. There is beauty in the rhythm, cadence, and cleverness of her storytelling. This daughter of the south digs deeper and speaks to the truths of human relationships most of us live ... but fear to speak. This collection is a masterwork of poetry. -Patrick Ellis PhD, Goose Creek Studio/Portiuncula Guild Sandy's poetry is artful and deeply generous. Her willingness to explore the emotions that seem unbearable and transform them into poems that are both beautifully rendered and crystal clear in their point of view is almost heroic. I am better for having encountered her work, and you will be too. -Catherine Backus, songwriter and music therapist This poetry in not for the faint-of-heart. It is powerful, bittersweet, and true. Ms. Ludwig's poems are haunting love songs to life, crafted from her own story. The mix of light-hearted moments with brutal truths is undergird by the author's undying commitment to hope and love. It is poetry that you will want to re-read and share with your loved ones. -Peggy M. Vogel, Ph.D. Licensed Professional Counselor Licensed Psycho-Educational Specialist

Now with a new afterword from the author. "An important and extremely timely book...Get it, read it, and talk to others about it." --Timothy Keller In this unvarnished account of faith inside the world’s most powerful office, Michael Wear provides unprecedented insight into the highs and lows of working as a Christian in government. Reclaiming Hope is an insider’s view of the most controversial episodes of the Obama administration, from the president’s change of position on gay marriage and the transformation of religious freedom into a partisan idea, to the administration’s failure to find common ground on abortion and the bitter controversy over who would give the benediction at the 2012 inauguration. The book is also a passionate call for faith in the public square, particularly for Christians to see politics as a means of loving one’s neighbor and of pursuing justice for all. Engrossing, illuminating, and at time provocative, Reclaiming Hope changes the way we think about the relationship of politics and faith. "A pre-Trump book with serious questions for our politics in the age of Trump...More necessary than ever before." -- Sojourners "Should be read by Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, and all who are concerned by the state of our politics.” --Kirsten Powers, USA Today columnist and CNN political analyst "Reclaiming Hope will certainly give you a fresh perspective on politics--but, more importantly, it may also give you a fresh perspective on faith.”--Andy Stanley, senior pastor of North Point Ministries "An important and extremely timely book...Get it, read it, and talk to others about it." --Timothy Keller, author of Reason for God "An important contribution in this age of religious and political polarization." --J.D. Vance, author of Hillbilly Elegy "A lifeline for these times." --Ann Voskamp, author of One Thousand Gifts and The Broken Way “We can hope, and this book can help us.” --Russell Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention

Born in 1930 in a small town outside Winnipeg, beautiful Hope Koop appears destined to have a conventional life. Church, marriage to a steady young man, children—her fortunes are already laid out for her, as are the shiny modern appliances in her new home. All she has to do is stay with Roy, who loves her. But as the decades unfold, what seems to be a safe, predictable existence overwhelms Hope. Where—among the demands of her children, the expectations of her husband and the challenges of her best friend, Emily, who has just read The Feminine Mystique—is there room for her? And just who is she anyway? A wife, a mother, a woman whose life is somehow unrealized? This beautifully crafted and perceptive work of fiction spans some fifty years of Hope Koop’s life in the second half of the 20th century, from traditionalism to feminism and beyond. David Bergen has created an indelible portrait of a seemingly ordinary woman who struggles to accept herself as she is, and in so doing becomes unique.

“Everything starts with one person . . . I don’t care if you’re 5 or 105, God from all eternity chose you to be where you are, at this time in history, to change the world.” “If you are following God, He never shows you the end. It’s always a walk of faith.” “Faith is one foot on the ground, one foot in the air, and a queasy feeling in the stomach.” —Mother Angelica Are you unsure of your purpose in life? Stuck in the past and worried about the future? Hamstrung by fear, failure, or trials? Mother is here to help. For more than twenty-five years, Mother Angelica has dispensed spiritual wisdom and practical advice to millions around the globe through her lively broadcasts on EWTN. Now she shares with you her personal life lessons and hilarious counsel as never before. Raymond Arroyo, author of the bestselling biography of Mother Angelica, has assembled an inspiring collection of her powerful insights, comic musings, and no-nonsense guidance for everyday living. Culled from never-before-seen interviews, private conversations, and recorded lessons not heard in over thirty years, to which Arroyo had exclusive access, these selections capture Mother Angelica’s spunky spirit and profound wisdom at their zenith. In Mother Angelica’s Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality, the beloved nun is your personal mentor. Together you’ll discover: How to find God’s Will in your life How to pursue inspirations fearlessly How to make sense of pain and suffering How to spiritually overcome personal faults and trials Created in cooperation with Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, this devotional treasury is accompanied by original prayers from Mother Angelica’s private collection. Within are the meditations, personal beliefs, and pithy life lessons that transformed a disabled child of divorce into Mother Angelica, founder and CEO of the world’s largest religious media empire. Packed with real-world hope, this little book is sure to transform your life in a big way. A portion of the proceeds of this book goes to support the work of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery

Throughout their lives everyone is going to face walls they can't go around nor walk away from. This book tells how, based the people and events the author has experienced in her life, she fought her way thru the walls of self doubt and disappointment and came out the other side a stronger, smarter and better human being. In this book, you will discover: - Revelation 1 One day at a time - Revelation 2 Not all blessings come in good things - Revelation 3 There's no higher purpose than service - Revelation 4 God never gives us more than we can handle - Revelation 5 The rest of your life is a long time - Revelation 6 You don't have to take the elevator all the way to the basement, you can get off at any floor - And so much more! This book is a wonderfully quick read that will have you returning to memorable parts even after you finish reading it!

Coming together as a family was supposed to make life happy-ever-after for Mac and Tony, but their two uprooted kids, demanding jobs, and a less than gay-friendly world don't seem to have gotten the message. Mac and Tony thought the hard part was over. They're together openly as a couple, sharing a home and building a life with their two children. It's what they dreamed of. But daughter Anna struggles with the changes, Ben is haunted by old secrets, Mac's job in Homicide still demands too much of his time, and Tony is caught in the middle. It's going to take everything these men can give to create a viable balance between home and work. Especially when the outside world seems determined to throw obstacles in their way.