Aaron Burns

Love It's a Wonderful Life? No one got more from it than star Jimmy Stewart, who credited the film with giving his life new purpose post-World War II service. Learn the lessons on faith, community, kindness, and more from Stewart and the iconic film with this inspiring gift book. Beloved star and one of Hollywood’s greatest actors, Stewart achieved fame, fortune, and acclaim—but found that none of it guaranteed happiness. Leaving it all behind to serve as a combat pilot in World War II, he returned home changed by loss and searching for meaning. But while filming the perennial Christmas classic It's a Wonderful Life, Stewart learned how to heal and live with gratitude and grace with the help of friends, faith, and purpose. Drawing on his life and words, as well as iconic moments from It’s a Wonderful Life, this book explores how the actor who embodied decency on screen lived it off-screen, too. Endorsed by the Stewart estate and featuring little-seen photos throughout, Finding Wonderful is a heartfelt series of essays that capture the virtues and values of a man who discovered that the secret to a wonderful life has nothing to do with fame—and everything to do with love, service, and simple goodness.

Learn to pray with Patrick of Ireland--and to find your story in his ownOne of Ireland's most beloved figures, St. Patrick was a man who lived a life soaked in prayer. A risk-taker in the service of others--particularly women, slaves, and the poor--Patrick spent years enslaved, in which he found himself praying all the time--praying for freedom, for a warm place to sleep, or to return home. He never stopped. It was something he did with great intentionality, but also in the breath between one task and the next.Praying with Patrick takes us on a journey through Patrick's life, allowing us to pray alongside him using his story and his actual prayers to deepen and enrich our own prayer lives. Each reading features a quote from Patrick, a scripture, a devotion, and a prayer such as: A Prayer for Times of TroubleA Prayer for When We Feel HelplessA Prayer for HopeA Prayer for FreedomA Prayer for When You Don't Fit InA Prayer for the Presence of ChristA Prayer for God's SalvationA Prayer in Times of GriefA perfect gift for anyone who is fascinated by Ireland, the heroes of the faith, or prayer, Praying with Patrick will draw you deeper into conversation with a God who cares deeply about you and your needs, concerns, and worries. Just as Patrick experienced God's presence in the rugged wilds of Ireland, may you experience God's presence in a powerful and vibrant way.