Here is where you come to learn how to teach sex ed at the hardware store; how to stage a "budget" wedding like that of say, Princess Grace or "Lady Di;" or how to choose a good restaurant, where the "House Red" is something more than ketchup.

Syndicated columnist Howard Noel has drawn from his weekly humor column "The Front Porch" in order to bring to us this dubious blue print for daily living. His characters are his family, neighbors, and of course the venerable Uncle Merle who stands as a "signpost" of common sense and wry wit.

If what you read in this book has not happened to you -- you'll wish it had.

From the emotional moment when they first met, Eugene and Mary Beth were entranced by the three-month-old baby they'd traveled to Mexico to adopt. Then life took an unexpected turn. Bureaucratic bungling, political wrangling, Mexican holidays, and plain bad luck repeatedly delayed the adoption's final approval. Meanwhile, Eugene returned to the U.S., leaving Mary Beth in Puerto Vallarta with Martín.

The Martin Chronicles-originally a series of email messages Mary Beth sent home to family and friends-recounts the trials and joys of a first-time mother with limited Spanish skills who was determined to make the best of a precarious situation. This heartwarming, lively narrative reveals a growing love not only for an adopted baby, but for his native country as well. Through comic adventures, budding friendships, and cultural celebrations, The Martin Chronicles gives an account of one family's incredible saga to bring their baby home.

When your child says "tell me a story," the deeper meaning of the request is "help me understand more about myself and the world." By creating tales that absorb and address your child's own experiences, you will end a busy day with perhaps its most important moment-the bedtime story that offer your child perspective and confidence for tomorrow. Chase Collin's inspiring and practical guide leads parents step by step through the art of inventing bedtime stories.

Tell Me a Story gives you the framework to create heroes, symbols, details, and endings that will help your child meet and master life's challenges and opportunities. Using your child's temperament, talents, and needs as inspiration, your stories become an endlessly adaptable way to address very specific experiences-however puzzling, scary, or hilarious. Guide your child through the curiosities and struggles of childhood using the dynamic story-structure described here. As you do, your hope for your child's future will "come alive" night after night, and that essential guiding light-your confidence that your child will be successful in the task of growing up-will come shining through.

Your child believes you can do it, but for parents who aren't so sure, the book offers easy ways to get your imagination in gear. Once you get rolling, you will treasure this rewarding experience as one of the most important things you have ever done for your child. Shaping your child's future is within your powers. Start with Tell Me a Story and with "Once upon a time "

When your child says "tell me a story," the deeper meaning of the request is "help me understand more about myself and the world." By creating tales that absorb and address your child's own experiences, you will end a busy day with perhaps its most important moment-the bedtime story that offer your child perspective and confidence for tomorrow. Chase Collin's inspiring and practical guide leads parents step by step through the art of inventing bedtime stories.

Tell Me a Story gives you the framework to create heroes, symbols, details, and endings that will help your child meet and master life's challenges and opportunities. Using your child's temperament, talents, and needs as inspiration, your stories become an endlessly adaptable way to address very specific experiences-however puzzling, scary, or hilarious. Guide your child through the curiosities and struggles of childhood using the dynamic story-structure described here. As you do, your hope for your child's future will "come alive" night after night, and that essential guiding light-your confidence that your child will be successful in the task of growing up-will come shining through.

Your child believes you can do it, but for parents who aren't so sure, the book offers easy ways to get your imagination in gear. Once you get rolling, you will treasure this rewarding experience as one of the most important things you have ever done for your child. Shaping your child's future is within your powers. Start with Tell Me a Story and with "Once upon a time "

All of the essays in A Few Things I've Noticed have one thing in common-Madora Kibbe's humorous slant on modern family life. Whether it's the momentous purchase of a first pet, the pros and cons of children's piano recitals, the irksome lack of desks in today's elementary schools, or just the simple pleasure of hanging clothes to dry on a clothesline, Madora Kibbe finds fun in the smallest details of everyday doings. These essays are short and to the point, a Polaroid picture of the way we are, or should be. A mostly flattering picture too. No red eyes or goofy grins. See if you recognize anyone you know in this written collection of snapshots.

All of the essays in A Few Things I've Noticed have one thing in common-Madora Kibbe's humorous slant on modern family life. Whether it's the momentous purchase of a first pet, the pros and cons of children's piano recitals, the irksome lack of desks in today's elementary schools, or just the simple pleasure of hanging clothes to dry on a clothesline, Madora Kibbe finds fun in the smallest details of everyday doings. These essays are short and to the point, a Polaroid picture of the way we are, or should be. A mostly flattering picture too. No red eyes or goofy grins. See if you recognize anyone you know in this written collection of snapshots.

Based on over a quarter-of-a-century of practical expertise, author Bob Ayres shares his insights, struggles, wisdom, and advice with humor and passion. Each chapter begins with a description of someone who taught him valuable insights. Included is scriptural wisdom from Proverbs and maxims from Dr. Charles W. Conn, former president of Lee University.

Real-Life Wisdom is a recipe for healthy relationships and authentic Christian community. Whether you are a new volunteer at church or in the community, or have many years of ministry experience, Real-Life Wisdom is guaranteed to challenge, touch, and teach you. You will not put this book down unchanged. With a discussion guide for each chapter, it is a perfect small group study book or ideal for personal growth. Experience faith in action and learn valuable lessons to improve all your relationships.

Who will benefit from Real-Life Wisdom: Stories for the Road?

. Volunteers
. Ministers
. Ministry students
. Families
. Small-groups
. Couples

This book is a culmination of Becki's four-year-long personal journey of finding her life's purpose out of one of the hardest, most painful, yet most personally rewarding and enriching experiences of her life. As you read this book, you will understand why the statement Dr. Shah spoke to the Encks' the evening he delivered the news that Cameron had suffered extensive brain damage, "The day you say Cameron will never do something, he never will!," has become their life philosophy.

This book is a culmination of Becki's four-year-long personal journey of finding her life's purpose out of one of the hardest, most painful, yet most personally rewarding and enriching experiences of her life. As you read this book, you will understand why the statement Dr. Shah spoke to the Encks' the evening he delivered the news that Cameron had suffered extensive brain damage, "The day you say Cameron will never do something, he never will!," has become their life philosophy.