MSI Press Blog

    Recently,  An Afternoon's Dictation  (Greenebaum), reached #92 on the Amazon bestseller list of books in ecumenism Christian theology. The book has been on bestseller lists many times.  Book Description:  In 1999 Steven Greenebaum felt he'd hit the wall. Fifty years old, he could not make sense of his life or the world around him. For several months he angrily demanded answers from God, if God were there. One afternoon, an inner voice told him to get a pen and paper and write. Steven then took dictation - three pages, not of commandments but guidance for leading a meaningful life.   An Afternoon's Dictation  grapples with, organizes, and deeply explores the revelations Steven received and then studied for over ten years. His sharing is NOT offered as the only possible way to understand it the dictation. It is offered, rather, as a start. The book's sections include deep explorations into "The Call to Interfaith," "The Call to Love One Another,...

  It’s a question that pops up more often than you’d think — usually right after someone realizes they’re stuck, overwhelmed, or quietly yearning for change. Do I need a mentor? Or a life coach? Or just a nap? Let’s start with the basics. 🧭 Mentors: The Wisdom-Sharers Mentors are people who’ve walked a path similar to yours and are willing to share what they’ve learned. They offer stories, shortcuts, cautionary tales, and encouragement. Think of them as experienced guides who say, “I’ve been there — here’s what helped me.” Mentoring is often informal and relational. It’s built on trust, not transactions. You might meet monthly, or just exchange texts when life gets messy. A mentor won’t always have a structured plan, but they’ll have lived wisdom — and that’s gold. 🎯 Life Coaches: The Clarity Catalysts Life coaches, on the other hand, are trained to help you clarify goals, identify obstacles, and create actionable plans. They don’t need to have lived your exact experience ...

  Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly. #27 I Just Forgot!   If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear. ~Winnie the Pooh   Do you find that when you ask your child to do more than one thing at a time, the task may only get partially done or not done at all? Perhaps it is less an attitude problem than you might be tempted to think. Children need practice building their memory and multi-tasking skills. One way to improve your child's memory is by asking him to do a series of tasks. Use the words "first," "then," "next," and "finally" or number them 1, 2, 3, 4. Give him directions such as "First, go get your book bag. Second, put on your shoes and, third, wait by the door for me.” It may be helpful to have a younger child repeat the dire...