Martin the Cobbler


Book Description

An elderly shoemaker, in despair after the loss of his family, hears the voice of the Lord promising to be his guest on the following day.




Martin the Cobbler


Book Description

While waiting for a special guest, Martin receives the most important guest of all. A Christmas retelling of Leo Tolstoy's classic "Where Love is, God is."




Where Love is There God is Also


Book Description

*Where Love Is, There God Is Also* by Leo Tolstoy is a profound short story that delves into the themes of love, compassion, and the divine presence in everyday life. Set in a humble context, the narrative follows the life of a poor shoemaker named Martin Avdeich, who grapples with feelings of loneliness and despair after the loss of his family. As the story unfolds, Martin has a transformative dream in which he receives a divine message: he will encounter God the next day. Filled with anticipation, he prepares himself to recognize the divine in those he meets. Throughout the day, he encounters various individuals—each struggling with their own hardships. Rather than a grand revelation, Martin discovers that God's presence is manifested in acts of kindness, compassion, and genuine connection with others. Through his interactions with the needy and downtrodden, Martin learns that love is the true essence of divinity, bridging the gap between humanity and God. Tolstoy masterfully weaves a narrative that challenges readers to perceive the sacred in the ordinary, highlighting that every act of love contributes to the greater tapestry of existence. Readers are drawn to *Where Love Is, There God Is Also* for its simplicity and depth. Tolstoy’s eloquent storytelling and moral insights make this work a timeless reflection on the nature of love and spirituality. This book serves as a poignant reminder that love and compassion are pathways to experiencing the divine, encouraging readers to embrace these values in their own lives. Owning a copy of this remarkable tale is an invitation to explore the profound connections that bind us all, making it an essential addition to any literary collection.




Shoemaker Martin


Book Description

A Christmastime story written by Leo Tolstoy and illustrated by the legendary European artist Bernadette Watts. Martin, a Russian shoemaker, wishes to meet Jesus. Instead he finds three strangers in need. After showing kindness towards each one, Martin learns that it was Jesus who visited him three times. A beautiful story about sharing, with a message of compassion as relevant today as when it was first conceived.




Today I Am Carey


Book Description

REMARKABLE DEBUT NOVEL FROM CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR MARTIN L. SHOEMAKER. Shoemaker proves why he has consitently been praised as one of the best story writers in SF today with this touching, thoughtful, action-packed debut novel, based on his award-winning short story Today I am Paul. TODAY Mildred has Alzheimer's. As memories fade, she acquires the aid of a full-time android to assist her in everyday life. Carey. Carey takes care of Mildred, but its true mission is to fill in the gaps in Mildred’s past. To bring yesterday into today by becoming a copy. But not merely a copy of a physical person. A copy from the inside out. I AM After Mildred passes, Carey must find a new purpose. For a time, that purpose is Mildred’s family. To keep them safe from harm. To be of service. There is Paul Owens, the overworked scientist and business leader. Susan Owens, the dedicated teacher. And Millie, a curious little girl who will grow up alongside her android best friend. And Carey will grow up with her. Carey cannot age. But Carey can change. CAREY Carey struggles. Carey seeks to understand life’s challenges. Carey makes its own path. Carey must learn to live. To grow. To care. To survive. To be. At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management). Praise for Today I Am Carey: "Kindness, love, and compassion make Carey an empathetic character through which to view Shoemaker's complex, beautiful world."—Publishers Weekly “. . . takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, coming of age, and ultimately life itself. . . . Carey’s development as a character is fascinating. VERDICT This exploration of artificial life in the vein of Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot provides fresh insight into the human experience.”—Library Journal "Martin Shoemaker proves conclusively that while a science fiction novel must have the trappings of science fiction, it is at its strongest when it is about people, even an artificial (but emotional) person named Carey."—Mike Resnick “A dazzling ride through the near future. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I’ve never seen anything remotely like it.”—Jack McDevitt “Martin Shoemaker is a rare writer who can handle the challenges of dealing with future technology while touching the human heart. This is a must-read!"—David Farland, New York Times Best-selling Author Praise for the work of Martin L. Shoemaker: "Martin Shoemaker’s ‘Black Orbit’ is a more conventional Analog adventure, and a very good example of such . . . a really solid story." — Rich Horton, Locus Online "['Bookmark'] is an exceptional example of how to discuss deep moral and philosophical issues while maintaining a tight narrative that brings the reader along. This story will be added to the required readings for my SF classes. – Robert L Turner III, Tangent Online




The Shoemaker's Dream


Book Description

Martin, the shoemaker, dreams that God will appear to him the next day. He waits in anticipation, but his day is filled with serving others in much need... a women with her baby suffering from the blustery cold, an old man, and even an apple seller who has just been robbed. His kindness touches each person, but will his dream come true? This touching story will certainly earn its place as a Christmas tradition for families wanting to share the truly meaning of Christ's love.




Luther on Vocation


Book Description

...[C]oncern about the [inherited doctrine of vocation and its relevance for modern life] was generated out of the complexities and frustrations especially of industrial life, and it has produced a voluminous literature of a popular and semi-popular kind which has served to drive home the problem of daily work upon the conscience of contemporary Christians, and also to provide certain resources for handling it. In addition to this varied literature, the last years have also seen a very general discussion of the question at every level of church life: in ecumencal conferences, in the curricular material of the major denominations, and in conferences and study groups of all kinds. About the urgency and importance of the problem of vocation there is now no doubt. But now we find that the rather simple formulae in which we have been dealing with it do justice neither to the Biblical and Reformation inheritance, nor to the profound dilemmas that appear not only in industry, but in every area of professional and commercial life. The problem now is not only to equip our lay-people with fuller theological resources for the understanding of the meaning of discipleship, but to utilize their practical experience of day-to-day dilemmas and day to-day decisions. ...Gustaf Wingren's conscientious analysis of Luther's teaching on the matter...remains our prime resource for the understanding of the relation of faith and works. Nothing could exceed the patience and thoroughness with which Wingren has combed through the Luther corpus.... [I]t will serve to put the full range of Luther's insight at the disposal of those who care for theology as part of their care of all the Churches. Alexander Miller Stanford University




Behind the Picture


Book Description

Considers the business of picture-making in the Renaissance. In particular, the text discusses the role of the artist and the functions of works of art in relation to their various kinds of audience.







Martin Chuzzlewit


Book Description