Pinpoints Of Light

Darkness feels heavy, tangible, and hopeless. Was this darkness that of dusk or dawn? Were the faint hues of light gaining strength of fading? It was hard to distinguish because the psychotic inky darkness of abuse from my former spouse was complex. His darkness surrounded us. It suffocated us till no hope was left, but for a pinpoint of light.

What’s in the dark? Countless generations have gazed up at the night sky and asked this question—the same question that cosmologists ask themselves as they study the universe. The answer turns out to be surprising and rich. The space between stars is filled with an exotic substance called “dark matter” that exerts gravity but does not emit, absorb, or reflect light. The space between galaxies is rife with “dark energy” that creates a sort of cosmic antigravity causing the expansion of the universe to accelerate. Together, dark matter and dark energy account for 95 percent of the content of the universe. News reporters and science journalists routinely talk about these findings using terms that they assume we have a working knowledge of, but do you really understand how astronomers arrive at their findings or what it all means? Cosmologists face a conundrum: how can we study substances we cannot see, let alone manipulate? A powerful approach is to observe objects whose motion is influenced by gravity. Einstein predicted that gravity can act like a lens to bend light. Today we see hundreds of cases of this—instances where the gravity of a distant galaxy distorts our view of a more distant object, creating multiple images or spectacular arcs on the sky. Gravitational lensing is now a key part of the international quest to understand the invisible substance that surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the universe together. A Ray of Light in a Sea of Dark Matter offers readers a concise, accessible explanation of how astronomers probe dark matter. Readers quickly gain an understanding of what might be out there, how scientists arrive at their findings, and why this research is important to us. Engaging and insightful, Charles Keeton gives everyone an opportunity to be an active learner and listener in our ever-expanding universe. Watch a video with Charles Keeton: Watch video now. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc3byXNS1G0).

Beautiful and determined, an outcast Senegalese woman clings relentlessly to dreams of her beloved savior, a lost folklore hero, returning to her from across the ocean. Broken but wise, a devoted griot painfully witnesses and faithfully tells her dogged plight, loving her from afar and mostly in vain. Committed American volunteers zealously navigate a developing culturally rich African country, becoming intimately immersed, and sometimes, unwittingly entangled. Alienated and frustrated, one unsuspecting volunteer bitterly chronicles his uneasy experiences with unsparing criticism. A desperate journey, an unspoken heart, patriotic dedication, and a candid diary lyrically meld into a seamless mystical reality with surprising results. Inspired by his US Peace Corps service during George H. W. Bush's presidency, A Thousand Points of Light, Marc-Vincent Jackson's insightful debut novel, is an artfully written and engaging tale of interwoven lives and voices in 1980s Senegal. It magically recounts an unappreciated Fatou Ka's burning quest to be reunited with her true love, who turns out to be Malcolm Lavelle King, an unlikely tragic antihero from Los Angeles serving as a disgruntled development volunteer.

An original full-length novel set in the Halo universe and based on the New York Times bestselling video game series! August 2558. Rion Forge was once defined by her relentless quest for hope amidst the refuse and wreckage of a post-Covenant War galaxy—years spent searching for family as much as fortune. But that was before Rion and the crew of her salvager ship Ace of Spades encountered a powerful yet tragic being who forever altered their lives. This remnant from eons past, when the Forerunners once thrived, brought with it a revelation of ancient machinations and a shocking, brutal history. Unfortunately, the Ace crew also made dire enemies of the Office of Naval Intelligence in the process, with the constant threat of capture and incarceration a very real possibility. Now with tensions mounting and ONI forces closing in, Rion and her companions commit to this being’s very personal mission, unlocking untold secrets and even deadlier threats that have been hidden away for centuries from an unsuspecting universe....

From Arthur C. Clarke, the brilliant mind that brought us 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Stephen Baxter, one of the most cogent SF writers of his generation, comes a novel of a day, not so far in the future, when the barriers of time and distance have suddenly turned to glass. When a brilliant, driven industrialist harnesses cutting-edge physics to enable people everywhere, at trivial cost, to see one another at all times—around every corner, through every wall—the result is the sudden and complete abolition of human privacy, forever. Then the same technology proves able to look backward in time as well. The Light of Other Days is a story that will change your view of what it is to be human. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by a critical diagnosis, this book will help illuminate the journey ahead.When a self-diagnosed shoulder injury turned out to be stage 4 lymphoma, Maureen O'Brien was reeling-and she wasn't alone. Her entire community had to grapple with this devastating news. But how should they reach out, and what could they do to help?When someone you know faces a critical diagnosis, it's difficult to understand what's expected of you. But if you're the one receiving the news, asking for help is its own struggle. In 26 Points of Light, O'Brien's community of care-family, friends, coworkers, extended family, and even medical staff-offer their unique experiences of the journey they walked with Maureen and share the knowledge they gained along the way. You'll learn:- How each caregiver was uniquely impacted by the diagnosis- Why the nurse-patient relationship is so important to anyone undergoing recovery- Why whatever you have to give is exactly the right thing to offer If someone you love has received an unexpected diagnosis, this book will help you "quarterback" their caregiving team and deliver constant, crucial encouragement. And for those experiencing it firsthand, it will illuminate their true impact on others and remind them that they are not alone.

An overseer…must be above reproach. 1 Timothy 3:2 Scripture holds leaders and teachers of the Word to an incredibly high standard. And for good reason. Shepherding God’s people into salvation and spiritual growth is an enormous responsibility. Even more now than ever, today’s church needs leaders who faithfully proclaim the Word of God and equip believers to live it out. But great leaders need great role models. Bestselling author John MacArthur has compiled, from the internationally renowned Shepherd’s Conference, the best-ever messages for Christian leaders—now available in a single volume. Alongside MacArthur’s candid, instructive writings you’ll find the works of other proven ministry leaders, including John Piper, Steven Lawson, RC Sproul, Ligon Duncan, and Al Mohler. Whether you’re a pastor, elder, or leader in your church, or you desire to be more effective in your spiritual leadership, this book will help you learn how to . . . guide others with integrity and conviction deliver God’s Word with passion and power accurately interpret and apply God’s Word When you accept the challenge to be a leader who follows God’s standard both in ministry and personally, you will become better equipped to fulfill your calling to lead with excellence.