MSI Press Blog

  From Intentional Love by Kris Girrell , Abraham Gonzalez , and Bruce Girrell .  Keep in mind there is no such thing as normal! Available at:  Amazon paperback Amazon ebook Barnes & Noble MSI Press webstore (25% discount with coupon code FF25) Book Description Intentional Love sets out a counter argument to the long-held narrative that both sex and intimacy decline over the years of a long-term committed relationship. But rather than focusing simply of the sexual skills and educating readers on technique, this book identifies twelve separate Ways of Being that when followed create the context and foundation for a deeper shared connection between lovers. The authors draw heavily on research on how these Ways of Being support both members and identify issues to be dealt with in the context of loving relationships. Though the authors are all men, they present a plethora of research from women researchers and authors to balance their own experiences as leaders and tr...

  Religious conversion is often portrayed as a sudden event: a dramatic revelation, a persuasive sermon, or a life-changing encounter. While such moments do occur, most conversions are far more gradual. They typically arise from a combination of intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual factors that unfold over time. When people change religions, outsiders sometimes assume they were persuaded by a single argument or influenced by a single experience. In reality, conversion is usually a journey rather than an event. Different people travel different paths, but certain themes appear again and again. The Search for Meaning Many conversions begin with questions. People may wonder: Why am I here? What happens after death? Why is there suffering? What gives life meaning? When their current religious tradition does not seem to provide satisfying answers, they may begin exploring alternatives. For some, conversion is less about rejecting one religion than about finding a spiritual hom...

  I know I overthink everything--and this is no exception. Yes, it is funny and ironic, but it also reminds me of the Taoist teaching that there is no such thing as absolute value. Rather, everything has value or not depending on the circumstances. (A pencil is better than a light bulb when it comes to writing, but when it comes to a dark room, not so much.) For that matter, I remember that Michelangelo's famous "David" was made out of a block of marble that every other sculptor rejected because it had an awkward twist in the middle. Michelangelo saw the twist and, instead of seeing it as a negative, used it for the turning "waist" of David--turning that which was rejected into a masterpiece. As the Psalmist taught: "The stone that the builders rejected became the cornerstone." (Ps. 118:22) Finally, if we take that principle seriously, however we may see ourselves, imagine why the Divine created us and what value we may turn out to have? Descripti...

  Cats and Their People — Abdullah and Salam Gaza Shelter To the beautiful friends who continue to stand beside Salaam Gaza Shelter, thank you for never forgetting the animals who depend on us. Your kindness means more than words can express. In my devastated city of Gaza, even securing food for our shelter animals has become a daily struggle. Our supplies are running dangerously low, and we urgently need to secure their next meals. I still need you beside me. Together, we can make sure these innocent souls don’t go hungry. You can follow Salam Gaza Shelter at Salam animal care (@RescueCare) / X If you wish to donate (even $5 helps and even $1 helps), you can do so through  http GoFundMe:  https:// gofund.me/75c42982 Please share the story of Abdullah and HSalam Gaza Shelter! And in your kindness, do not forget other needs that remain urgent: Abod: Jackson is gone: Lucy is all I have   update: Lucy may not have much time left. Lucy's condition is deteriorating....