Have you ever thought about the innkeeper who sent Mary and Joseph to the stable because there was no room in the inn? When he stood before God, do you think he wished he’d slept in the hay and given Mary his own bed? Imagine knowing for all eternity that you sent Jesus out to sleep with the cows and sheep! In I was a Stranger, Marilyn Parker looks at Matthew 25 where Jesus, in His own words, warns that whatever we do to one of the “least” of His brothers or sisters, we do to Him. She draws on her forty years as the wife of a pastor—who regularly brought unannounced strangers home for a meal and a place to sleep, hosted ministers and missionaries, and kept the door open to his congregation—for both sobering and side-splitting stories about her family’s experiences with Christian hospitality. Marilyn also addresses the heart of the Christian, the church, and the country towards immigrants and Muslims, people with different lifestyles and world views—the strangers among us, for whom Jesus so freely gave His life. I was a Stranger is full of practical advice on how to entertain people in your home. AND it includes Cooking for Company, a cookbook full of stranger-tested recipes Marilyn used to feed all of those wonderful people. Be sure to check out the best-in-the-world-brownie recipe (it really is the best!), cowboy cookies, and authentic chicken enchiladas! Enjoy!

Practice turning ordinary life experiences into a conversation with God! With all the distractions and busyness of everyday life, trying to remain connected to God can be a real challenge. Fortunately, a Carmelite monk named Brother Lawrence understood this problem and laid out a spiritual approach to living in God’s presence that is as practical today as it was almost four hundred years ago. Since it was first published in 1691, The Practice of the Presence of God contains a collection of notes, letters, and interviews given by Brother Lawrence to his friends as a way of helping them turn ordinary daily life events into conversations with God. Based on this timeless classic, The Practice of the Presence of God: A 40-Day Devotion guides readers on a 40-day journey through the wisdom of Brother Lawrence, related Scripture passages, and devotional thoughts that bring you into a more conversational relationship with God. The Practice of the Presence of God: A 40-Day Devotion includes: Daily devotional readings with book excerpt, Scripture references, and devotional thoughts The complete conversations and letters from Brother Lawrence Additional resources including a small-group discussion guide, Spiritual Maxims, and The Life of Brother Lawrence available for free online Perfect for book clubs, small groups, or individual Bible study Available in print or e-book formats Devote some time to examining the content of this small but powerful book that has inspired millions of Christians over centuries to develop a deeper awareness of the presence of God. Frequently Asked Questions: Does the book include the entire work of Brother Lawrence? This book includes the conversations and letters that make up the bulk of the work commonly known as The Practice of the Presence of God as well as a 40-day devotional plan that guides you through sections of the writings of Brother Lawrence. Additionally, we have made available Spirituals Maxims by Brother Lawrence and The Life of Brother Lawrence for free on the publisher’s website. What is the format of the devotional? The daily devotional readings include a book excerpt, Scripture references, and a devotional thought for each day. The devotion can be started at any time of the year and is flexible to individual reader’s schedules. Is there a group discussion guide? Yes! You will find a free group discussion guide on the publisher’s website that is perfect for individual and small group use. Can anyone lead the group discussion? Absolutely! The questions are created in a discussion format allowing leaders to simply guide participants through each study question.