Hal Urban - Choices That Change Lives: 15 Ways to Find More Purpose, Meaning, and Joy

LIFES GREATEST LESSONS:

20 Things That Matter

POSITIVE WORDS, POWERFUL RESULTS:

Simple Ways to Honor, Affirm, and Celebrate Life

Your Greatest Power, by J. Martin Kohe (Chicago: Success Unlimited, 1953).

The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas AKempis, William C. Creasy version (Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 1989).

Mere Christianity, by C. S. Lewis (New York: Macmillan, 1943).

The Culture of Narcissism, by Christopher Lasch (New York: Basic Books, 1993).

The Power of Patience, by M. J. Ryan (New York: Broadway Books, 2003).

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1989).

How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1936).

Emotional Intelligence, by Daniel Goleman (New York: Bantam Books, 1995).

Educating for Character: How Our Schools Can Teach Respect and Responsibility, by Thomas Lickona (New York: Bantam Books, 1991).

Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues That Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing, by Michele Borba (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2001).

The Art of Loving, by Erich Fromm (New York: Harper & Row, 1956).

Forgive For Good, by Dr. Fred Luskin (San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 2003).

The Art of Forgiving: When You Need to Forgive But Dont Know How, by Lewis B. Smedes (New York: Ballantine Books, 1996).

As a Man Thinketh, by James Allen (Mount Vernon, N.Y.: The Peter Pauper Press, no year given).

Earl Nightingales Greatest Discovery, by Earl Nightingale (New York: Dodd, Mead, 1987).

Self-Renewal, by John W. Gardner (New York: W. W. Norton, 1981).

The Courage to Be, by Paul Tillich (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1952).

Moral Courage, by Rushworth Kidder (New York: William Morrow, 2005).

Mans Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1963).

First Things First, by Stephen R. Covey (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1994).

What Matters Most: The Power of Living Your Values, by Hyrum Smith (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2000).

The Worlds Religions, by Huston Smith (San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 1991).

30 Days to Understanding the Bible, by Max E. Anders (Brentwood, Tenn.: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, 1988).

What the Bible Is All About, by Dr. Henrietta C. Mears (Ventura, Ca.: Regal Books, 1953).

When All You Ever Wanted Isnt Enough, by Rabbi Harold Kushner (New York: Summit Books, 1986).

The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence (Old Tappan, N.J.: Spire Books, 1958).

How to Get an A in Life, by Diane and John Dudeck (Los Altos, Ca.: TDG Publishing, 2005).

How to Think About the Great Ideas: From the Great Books of Western Civilization, by Mortimer Adler (Peru, Ill.: Carus Publishing, 2000).

Wisdom of the Ages, by Wayne Dyer (New York: HarperCollins, 1998).

The NIV Study Bible, Old and New Testaments (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Publishing House, 1995).

The New Testament in Modern English, by J. B. Phillips (London: Geoffrey Bles, 1960).

W riting is a slow, lonely, and often agonizing ordealat least for this author. Fortunately, I have some talented and supportive friends who help me through the process and enhance the quality of the finished product. The depth of my appreciation for these special people goes far beyond what the words written here could ever possibly express.

Cathy Urban. As shes been before, Cathy was my front-line editor and one-person support group from beginning to end. She has a special ability for blending fresh perspective, gentle criticism, and invaluable suggestions, which improved each chapter. In addition, her affirming words throughout were appreciated as much as her patience and understanding when I was buried in my office for long stretches at a time.

Ruth Urban. When writing about some of the more challenging virtues such as humility, patience, empathy, and giving, its nice to have a perfect model. My mom has been that model for years, not only for me, but for all who know her. Im continually amazed at her insight, kindness, and generosity. And Im constantly inspired by her words of love and encouragement.

Tom Lickona. Outside of family, Tom has been the Lords richest blessing in my life. No one has contributed more to my personal, professional, and spiritual growth. And no one has served as a better model of humility and giving. Always there with keen insight, valuable suggestions, great quotes, and wonderful book recommendations, his contributions to this book are immeasurable.

Nancy Hancock. Because of Nancys hard work and expertise, the final version of this book is far superior to the original draft. The many cuts, rewrites, and additions she suggested added clarity to my writing and helped illuminate my message. Though the rewriting phase of a book is painful, Nancy was always there with just the right amount of help, understanding, and encouragement, for which Ill be forever grateful.

Chris Lloreda. No author could be happier with his associate publisher. Chris and I have now worked on three books together, and from the beginning Ive deeply appreciated her boundless energy, high professional standards, and unfailing support. These, along with her sense of humor and genuine warmth, make her a treasured friend.

Mark Gompertz, Sarah Peach, Lisa Sciambra, Debbie Model, Megan Clancy. These wonderful people work with Nancy and Chris in producing, distributing, marketing, and publicizing my books. I respect each of them for their talent and hard work, and I am most thankful for their help and friendliness.

H al Urban has bachelors and masters degrees in history, and a doctorate in education and psychology from the University of San Francisco. He has also done postgraduate study in the psychology of peak performance at Stanford University.

For thirty-five years he was an award-winning teacher at both the high school and university levels. His first book, Lifes Greatest Lessons, was selected as Inspirational Book of the Year by Writers Digest.

Since 1992, Dr. Urban has been speaking nationally and internationally on positive character traits and their relationship to the quality of life. He gives keynote addresses at national conferences, conducts workshops with educators, and talks to students of all ages. He also speaks to parents, church groups, service organizations, and people in business.