It's Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered Disappointment can be one of the most difficult emotions to deal with. It’s easy to feel like life isn’t going as planned and that everything is against you. But what if I told you that disappointment could actually lead to unexpected strength? That’s exactly what author Lori Gottlieb argues in her book, “It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered.” In this book, Gottlieb shares her own experiences with disappointment and how she learned to find strength in the midst of adversity. She also draws on research from psychology and neuroscience to explain why our brains respond differently to disappointment than to other negative emotions like anger or sadness. According to Gottlieb, when we experience disappointment, our brains release a hormone called cortisol which can make us feel more anxious and stressed. But this hormonal response also triggers the release of another hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which helps our brains grow new neurons and become more resilient. Gottlieb goes on to explain how we can use this knowledge to our advantage by intentionally seeking out experiences that challenge us and push us outside of our comfort zones. She also offers practical tips for managing disappointment, such as reframing negative thoughts and focusing on the things we can control rather than those we cannot. Overall, “It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way” is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt disappointed or frustrated by life. It will inspire you to see challenges in a new light and to find strength in unexpected places. Who Is Israel? Discovering Our True Identity in Jesus Christ and Why it Matters!: The Foundation The identity of the Jewish people is at the heart of many religious debates, but what does it mean for Christians to understand their own identity as part of God’s chosen people? In his book “Who Is Israel?: Discovering Our True Identity in Jesus Christ and Why it Matters!: The Foundation,” author Timothy Keller answers these questions and more. Keller begins by exploring the history of the Jewish people, from their origins to their exile and eventual return to Jerusalem. He then delves into the biblical accounts of God’s covenant with Israel and how this covenant has been fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Throughout the book, Keller emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity as part of God’s chosen people. He argues that by embracing our Jewish heritage, we can deepen our relationship with God and gain a greater appreciation for His plan of salvation. Keller also addresses common misconceptions about Jews and Christianity, such as the idea that Christians are “replacement” Jews who have replaced the original people of Israel. He argues that this view is not supported by scripture and can actually lead to misunderstandings and division between Jews and Christians. Overall, “Who Is Israel?” is a thought-provoking and informative book that will help readers better understand their own identity as part of God’s chosen people. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in Jewish history, theology, or Christian apologetics. Mere Christianity: A Guide to Faith What does it mean to be a Christian? In his classic work “Mere Christianity,” author C.S. Lewis offers a clear and concise answer to this question. Lewis begins by outlining the basic tenets of Christianity, such as belief in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. He then goes on to explore what it means to be a Christian in practice, emphasizing the importance of living a life of love and service to others. Throughout the book, Lewis draws on his own experiences with faith and doubt, offering practical advice for those struggling to navigate the complexities of Christianity. He also addresses common misconceptions about religion and offers insights into the nature of God and the human condition. Overall, “Mere Christianity” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire readers around the world. It is an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Christian faith or to explore the basics of Christianity for the first time. Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God’s Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You What happens when we die? This is a question that has puzzled humans for centuries, but in his book “Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God’s Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You,” author John G. Miller offers some fascinating insights based on his own near-death experience. Miller describes his experience in great detail, recounting how he felt himself leaving his body and entering a realm of pure light and love. He also shares the profound spiritual experiences he had during this time, including encounters with Jesus Christ and other religious figures. Throughout the book, Miller emphasizes the importance of living a life of faith and devotion to God. He argues that our near-death experiences can be a powerful reminder of the reality of heaven and the importance of making the most of our time on earth. Overall, “Imagine Heaven” is an inspiring and thought-provoking book that will leave readers with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. It is an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of faith or to explore the mysteries of life beyond death. Who Is God? And Can I Really Know Him? What does it mean to know God? In his book “Who Is God?: And Can I Really Know Him?”, author Timothy Keller tackles this complex question head-on. Keller begins by exploring the nature of God and how we can come to know him through faith in Jesus Christ. He then goes on to address common objections to Christianity, such as the problem of evil and the issue of suffering. Throughout the book, Keller emphasizes the importance of personal experience in coming to know God. He argues that by living a life of love and service to others, we can deepen our relationship with God and gain a greater understanding of His nature. Keller also addresses the question of how we can be sure that our beliefs about God are true. He offers evidence from scripture, history, and personal experience to support his arguments and demonstrate the validity of Christian faith. Overall, “Who Is God?” is an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Christianity or to explore the nature of God in a more profound way. It is an inspiring and thought-provoking book that will leave readers with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Textbook (What We Believe) What do Christians believe? In his textbook “What We Believe,” author Timothy Keller offers a comprehensive overview of Christian theology. Keller begins by outlining the basic tenets of Christianity, such as belief in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. He then goes on to explore each of these beliefs in greater detail, offering insights into their historical context and biblical basis. Throughout the book, Keller emphasizes the importance of understanding Christian doctrine in order to live a life of faith. He argues that by studying the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles, we can gain a deeper appreciation for God’s plan of salvation and live our lives with greater purpose and meaning. Overall, “What We Believe” is an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Christian faith or to explore the basics of Christianity in more detail. It is a comprehensive and thought-provoking book that will leave readers with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Heaven: Knowing God’s Love, Purpose, and Power What happens when we die? This is a question that has puzzled humans for centuries, but in his book “Heaven: Knowing God’s Love, Purpose, and Power,” author Timothy Keller offers some fascinating insights based on his own understanding of the Christian faith. Keller begins by exploring the nature of heaven and how it relates to our life on earth. He then goes on to describe the various aspects of heaven that Christians believe in, including the resurrection of the body, the eternal kingdom of God, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Throughout the book, Keller emphasizes the importance of living a life of faith and devotion to God. He argues that our understanding of heaven can be a powerful source of hope and inspiration, motivating us to live our lives with greater purpose and meaning. Overall, “Heaven” is an inspiring and thought-provoking book that will leave readers with a renewed sense of hope and purpose.