Church Boy


Book Description

When he fell from a darkened stage in November 1996, Kirk Franklin could easily have been killed. That ten-foot plunge might have ended the career of one of America's most exciting young prodigies. But thanks to his dramatic recovery, the fall added not only a new dimension to his story but it brought Kirk Franklin to the attention of millions who otherwise might never have heard the name. Today Kirk Franklin is bigger than ever. His recordings have topped the charts, selling more copies in less time than any gospel musician in history. He has won every award gospel music has to offer but his own success is the last thing on his mind. This is the story of a young man from the poor side of town. He was taunted and teased as a child, but his faith and his remarkable musical talent helped him overcome the odds. In these pages Kirk Franklin reveals the real source of his strength. "What motivates me," he says, "is the knowledge that God has redeemed me from the pain and the hurts and the sin of my past and given me a new joy I can't even explain. It's not just for show," he says. "It's the truth, and that's what I want to express."




The Blueprint


Book Description

Seven-time Grammy award winning artist offers an inspiring blend of God and grit for building a fulfilling life "The Blueprint is a transparent approach to talking about issues-from marriage to politics to sex and religion-and it's from my perspective. Not from a Princeton, mainline, protestant, evangelical or liberal viewpoint, but from a 2010 Christian moderate with swag." --Kirk Franklin Gospel artist Kirk Franklin's faith wasn't always as strong as it is today. His father abandoned his family; his mother constantly told Kirk that he was an unwanted child and left him to be adopted when he was four; his sister became a crack addict; he never saw a black man who was faithful in marriage. Despite his shaky foundation he found strength and success through his music and through God. In The Blueprint, Franklin will explain how by communicating with life's architect, God, he learned to see hardships as necessary life propellants and moved on to become the bestselling gospel musician in recent history, as well as a devoted husband and loving father. This is not a step program, it's a lifelong journey. With Franklin's guidance, you will: -pursue your dreams without losing yourself in the chase -do some lifescaping to eliminate the "weeds" that hold you back -declare your life to be drama-free -get past your fears, so you can live and love fully -pass the baton to future generations by leading by example It's time to take faith out of the church pews and into our everyday lives. With hope, devotion, and strength, The Blueprint offers a plan to help you move beyond hardships to create your own personal Blueprint for life. Watch a Video




Dust & Grooves


Book Description

A photographic look into the world of vinyl record collectors—including Questlove—in the most intimate of environments—their record rooms. Compelling photographic essays from photographer Eilon Paz are paired with in-depth and insightful interviews to illustrate what motivates these collectors to keep digging for more records. The reader gets an up close and personal look at a variety of well-known vinyl champions, including Gilles Peterson and King Britt, as well as a glimpse into the collections of known and unknown DJs, producers, record dealers, and everyday enthusiasts. Driven by his love for vinyl records, Paz takes us on a five-year journey unearthing the very soul of the vinyl community.




Us Against the World


Book Description

Marriage is hard work. Two independent lives are merging. Two different mindsets are colliding. Two different people are learning. But marriage can also be one of life's greatest gifts--just take it from David and Tamela Mann. The Manns have delighted and inspired audiences through music, a string of plays and movies, and several television series, including Meet the Browns, The Manns, and Mann & Wife, and after 30+ years of marriage, the Manns are more in love than ever. Now, they're finally ready to share how they've been able to keep that spark burning all these years. Join David and Tamela as they share the day-to-day challenges, successes, and joys that happen behind the scenes, teaching you how to: Put forgiveness, laughter, intimacy, and faith at the center of your relationship Embrace hope, no matter what obstacles you're facing Find the blessings in your own story Praise for Us Against the World: "When I think about David and Tam and the love they share, all the horrible things I've heard about marriage are chipped away--and in their place, slivers of light and hope shine through. Their type of love, guided by honor and respect, is what can heal couples. David and Tamela are here to offer their love and wisdom in Us Against the World. Their experience, understanding, faith, and love are invaluable. Take heart." --Tyler Perry, award-winning actor, director, and producer




Take Me to the King


Book Description

Written by Kirk Franklin and made famous by Mann's unforgettable recording, "Take Me to the King" is powerhouse gospel hit with the distinction of ranking No. 1 on the gospel charts for several consecutive months. In this sheet music edition, the piano part beautifully emulates the accompaniment heard on the famous Tamela Mann recording. The vocal melody is notated on its own staff above the piano part, and complete lyrics are included, along with basic chord fingering grids for optional guitar accompaniment.




The Truth About Men


Book Description

The New York Times bestselling author of The Wait and “spiritual teacher for our times” (Oprah Winfrey) frankly and openly explores why men behave the way they do and what everyone—men and women alike—need to know about it. We hear it all the time. Men cheat. Men love power. Men love sex. Men are greedy. Men are dogs. But is this really the truth about men? In this groundbreaking book, DeVon Franklin dishes the real truth by making the compelling case that men aren’t dogs but all men share the same struggle. He provides the manual for how men can change, both on a personal and a societal level by providing practical solutions for helping men learn how to resist temptation, how to practice self-control, and how to love. But The Truth About Men isn’t just for men. DeVon tells female readers everything they need to know about men. He offers women a real-time understanding of how men’s struggles affect them, insights that can help them navigate their relationships with men and information on how to heal from the damage that some misbehaving men may have inflicted. This book is a raw, informative, and accessible look at an issue that threatens to tear our society apart yet it offers a positive way forward for men and women alike.




Kirk Franklin's Nu Nation - God's Property


Book Description

Both choirs and soloists can now sing songs from this huge hit record, such as Stomp (both remix and original mix formats), My Life Is in Your Hands and You Are the Only One. All songs appear in the original keys along with guitar chords and accessible piano transcriptions. Arranged to include 3-part harmonies. A must have for contemporary gospel churches and youth groups!




Lego Manufacturers: The Kristiansen Family


Book Description

In this engaging biography, readers will learn about the manufacturers of LEGO, the Kristiansen Family. Follow the family's story from Denmark where Ole Kirk Christiansen began making wooden toys in his Billund Carpentry Shop and Lumberyard to the company's evolution to the LEGO company. Christiansen and his sons Godtfred, Karl, and Gerhardt purchase a machine that makes plastic toys, and create the LEGO brick, and his grandson Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen expands to LEGOLAND. Learn how LEGO bricks are made, who came up with the name, how the family name came to be spelled with a K, and about other LEGO Group products. Sidebars, historic photos, and a glossary enhance readers' understanding of this topic. Additional features include a table of contents, an index, a timeline and fun facts. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.