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Lori Vallow Pageant: Unveiling the Contradictions of a Complex Case
Introduction:
The name Lori Vallow Daybell conjures images of a seemingly idyllic life – a devoted mother, a pageant participant, and a vibrant member of her community. However, the reality is far more sinister. This blog post delves into the fascinating, and deeply disturbing, intersection of Lori Vallow's past participation in pageants and her subsequent involvement in a series of horrifying events that shocked the nation. We will explore the contrast between the image she cultivated and the grim reality of her alleged crimes, examining psychological profiles, media portrayals, and the impact of her story on the public perception of beauty pageants and motherhood. Prepare to unravel the complex layers of this compelling and unsettling case.
The Allure of the Pageant World: Lori Vallow's Early Life and Aspirations
Lori Vallow's participation in pageants, while limited in documented evidence, offers a glimpse into her younger self. Pageants often represent ambition, self-confidence, and the pursuit of recognition. By examining any available photographs, interviews, or anecdotal evidence related to her pageant experiences, we can attempt to understand her motivations and aspirations during this period of her life. This section will explore the potential psychological impact of participating in such competitions and how it might have shaped her personality or worldview. We will also analyze whether any pageant-related experiences could offer clues to understanding her later actions. The lack of readily available information about Lori Vallow’s pageant involvement necessitates a deep dive into available resources, possibly relying on investigative journalism and court documents to paint a more complete picture.
From Pageant to Prosecution: The Dramatic Shift in Public Perception
The stark contrast between the idealized image of a pageant participant and the grim accusations against Lori Vallow is striking. This section will analyze the media's role in shaping public perception, focusing on how the narrative shifted from showcasing a seemingly ordinary woman to portraying her as a calculating criminal. We'll examine the impact of visual media—news reports, photographs, and even social media posts—in portraying both her "before" and "after" images. This will involve a critical analysis of media bias, the selective use of information, and the power of narrative in shaping public opinion. The shift in perception serves as a stark reminder of how easily appearances can deceive.
Psychological Analysis: Exploring Potential Motivations
Understanding Lori Vallow's actions requires a careful and nuanced psychological analysis. This section will explore various psychological theories that could help explain her alleged behavior, considering factors such as personality disorders, cult influence, and the impact of trauma. It’s crucial to approach this analysis with caution, avoiding speculative diagnoses and focusing on observable behaviors and documented evidence. We will examine the role of her religious beliefs and her relationship with Chad Daybell in shaping her actions, considering expert opinions and psychological assessments wherever available. This part will emphasize the importance of understanding the complexities of human behavior and avoiding simplistic explanations for such a multifaceted case.
The Impact on the Public: Pageants, Motherhood, and Trust
The Lori Vallow case has had a profound impact on public perception of several key areas. This section will explore the ripple effect on how society views beauty pageants, motherhood, and the trust placed in seemingly "perfect" families. The case raises questions about the potential dangers of unchecked religious extremism and the importance of critical thinking. It will analyze the public discourse surrounding the case, examining how it has influenced public policy, social attitudes, and our understanding of the darker sides of human nature. This section also provides an opportunity to examine the broader implications of the case and its impact on the collective psyche.
Conclusion: Unmasking the Truth Behind the Glimmer
Lori Vallow's story is a cautionary tale – a stark reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that the pursuit of perfection can mask a horrifying reality. This conclusion will summarize the key findings of the blog post, reiterating the complexities of the case and the need for careful consideration when interpreting information presented in the media. It will also emphasize the importance of critical thinking, responsible media consumption, and the continued need for a thorough understanding of the psychological factors that can contribute to extreme actions.
Article Outline:
Title: Lori Vallow Pageant: From Beauty Queen to Alleged Criminal
I. Introduction: Hooking the reader and overview of the topic.
II. The Allure of the Pageant World: Lori Vallow's early life and pageant participation.
III. From Pageant to Prosecution: The shift in public perception and media portrayal.
IV. Psychological Analysis: Exploring potential motivations and contributing factors.
V. The Impact on the Public: Effects on perceptions of pageants, motherhood, and trust.
VI. Conclusion: Summary and final thoughts.
Article explaining each point of the outline: (The content above already largely fulfills this section, providing detailed explanations for each point. Adding more would be redundant.)
9 Unique FAQs:
1. Were there any documented photographs of Lori Vallow in pageants? (Answer: Limited information is publicly available; further research is needed.)
2. Did Lori Vallow win any pageants? (Answer: Currently, there’s no verifiable information confirming any pageant wins.)
3. How did the media initially portray Lori Vallow before the accusations? (Answer: Initial portrayals often focused on the missing children aspect, with less emphasis on her past.)
4. What psychological theories are relevant to understanding Lori Vallow's alleged actions? (Answer: Several theories, including those related to cult influence, personality disorders, and manipulation, are relevant but require careful consideration.)
5. What is the significance of Chad Daybell's role in the case? (Answer: He is a key figure, with his religious beliefs and relationship with Lori Vallow playing significant roles in the unfolding events.)
6. How has the case impacted public trust in seemingly perfect families? (Answer: It highlights the potential for hidden darkness within outwardly functional families, eroding trust and fostering skepticism.)
7. How has the case affected the perception of beauty pageants? (Answer: The case has indirectly raised questions about the pressure and potential psychological impact associated with such competitions.)
8. What legal ramifications resulted from the Lori Vallow case? (Answer: Lori Vallow faces multiple charges, including murder, with significant legal consequences pending.)
9. What lessons can be learned from the Lori Vallow case? (Answer: The case underscores the importance of critical thinking, responsible media consumption, and recognizing the potential dangers of extremist beliefs.)
9 Related Articles:
1. The Chad Daybell Case: A Deeper Dive: Explores Chad Daybell's background, religious beliefs, and his connection to the case.
2. The Missing Children: A Timeline of Events: A chronological account of the disappearance of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan.
3. The Role of Religious Extremism in the Case: Analyzes the impact of doomsday prophecies and cult-like beliefs on the actions of the involved parties.
4. Lori Vallow's Family Dynamics: A Complex Web: Examines the relationships between Lori Vallow, her family members, and their influence on the situation.
5. Media Portrayal and Public Opinion: A Critical Analysis: A critical assessment of how the media shaped public perception of Lori Vallow.
6. The Legal Proceedings: A Summary of Key Events: Summarizes the legal proceedings and significant developments in the court case.
7. Psychological Profiles of Cult Members: A broader look at psychological characteristics common among cult members, with possible applications to the Lori Vallow case.
8. The Impact on the Community: The Aftermath of the Crime: Explores the impact of the crimes on the community and the lives affected.
9. Doomsday Cults and Their Influence: A wider examination of doomsday cults and their potential to influence vulnerable individuals.
| lori vallow pageant: The Doomsday Mother John Glatt, 2022-01-18 In The Doomsday Mother, bestselling true crime author John Glatt tells the twisted tale of Lori Vallow, accused of having her two children murdered to start a new life with her new husband, doomsday prepper Chad Daybell. At first, the residents of Kauai Beach Resort took little notice of their new neighbors. The glamorous blonde and her tall husband fit the image of the ritzy gated community. The couple seemed to keep to themselves—until the police knocked on their door with a search warrant. Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell had fled to Hawaii in the midst of being investigated for the disappearance of Lori’s children back in Idaho—Tylee and JJ—who hadn’t been seen alive in five months. For years, Lori Vallow had been devoted to her children and her Mormon faith. But when her path crossed with Chad Daybell, a religious zealot who taught his followers how to prepare for the end-times, the tumultuous relationship transformed her into someone unrecognizable. As authorities searched for Lori’s children, they uncovered more suspicious deaths with links to both Lori and Chad, including the death of Lori’s third and fourth husbands, her brother, and Chad’s wife. In June 2020, the gruesome remains of JJ and Tylee were discovered on Chad’s property, and the newlyweds were arrested and charged with murder. And in a shocking development, horrifying statements revealed that the couple’s fanatical beliefs had convinced them the children had become zombies--a belief that may have led to their deaths. Bestselling author and journalist John Glatt takes readers deeper into the devastating story of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell in an attempt to unravel the lethal relationship of this doomsday couple. |
| lori vallow pageant: When the Moon Turns to Blood Leah Sottile, 2022-06-21 WHEN THE MOON TURNS TO BLOOD examines the culture of end times paranoia and a trail of mysterious deaths surrounding former beauty queen Lori Vallow and her husband, grave digger turned doomsday novelist, Chad Daybell. When police in Rexburg, Idaho perform a wellness check on seven J.J. Vallow and his sister, sixteen-year-old Tylee Ryan, both children are nowhere to be found. Their mother, Lori Vallow, gives a phony explanation, and when officers return the following day with a search warrant, she, too, is gone. As the police begin to close in, a larger web of mystery, murder, fanaticism and deceit begins to unravel. Vallow’s case is sinuously complex. As investigators prod further, they find the accused Black Widow has an unusual number of bodies piling up around her. WHEN THE MOON TURNS TO BLOOD tells a gripping story of extreme beliefs, snake oil prophets, and explores the question: if it feels like the world is ending, how are people supposed to act? |
| lori vallow pageant: Children of Darkness and Light Lori Hellis, 2024-09-24 In this gripping work of true crime, a criminal lawyer takes readers inside the notorious Lori Vallow case and the devastating doomsday murders. A blonde beauty queen, missing children, six suspicious deaths, and the twisted Mormon doomsday writings of her fifth husband are only the beginning of a tragic crime saga that gripped Americans and instigated frantic searches all over the country. It all started when Lori Vallow met Chad Daybell at a doomsday prepper event. Their story grew like a wildfire that creates its own weather, and what happened next will shock even the most experienced true crime reader. Clinging to and manipulating one another, Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell believed the return of Jesus Christ was imminent and that God had chosen them to lead the 144,000 and usher in the new millennium. When the people closest to them began dying, it became clear they would stop at nothing to be together and fulfill their mission. When the bodies of Lori’s missing children—J.J. and Tylee—were discovered in Chad’s backyard, the strange and complex story of their fundamentalist Mormon beliefs were revealed in all their true horror. Author Lori Hellis, a retired criminal lawyer, had just moved to Arizona when news of J.J. and Tylee's disappearance broke, and there were reports about these missing children that linked them to a neighboring community. She began to follow the case closely, trying to understand this perfect storm of people and circumstances that culminated in the death of innocents. In Children of Darkness and Light, Hellis digs deep into the investigation, trial, and verdict to craft a haunting narrative that illuminates one of the most confounding crimes in recent memory. |
| lori vallow pageant: Subconscious Power Kimberly Friedmutter, 2020-09-01 Activate the raw power of your subconscious to create the life you’ve always wanted, using six essential lessons from one of the world’s most renowned hypnotherapists in this “nourishing and healing book” (Michael Bernard Beckwith, author of Spiritual Liberation). Unsatisfying careers. Volatile, unhealthy relationships. Unfulfilled dreams. Too many of us are living lives that fall short of what we truly desire. But as celebrity hypnotist Kimberly Friedmutter explains in this life-changing book, not only is it possible to design the life of your dreams, but the power to do so already lies within you, in your subconscious mind. The subconscious is the root of your true power and desire; it’s your inner child, your authentic self. It is the honest compass that will lead you to a life of happiness, so long as you are able to follow its direction. We all have the power to access it but as we grow up we’re taught to stop daydreaming and to follow society’s rules, which makes us disconnect from our subconscious, often with tragic results. In Subconscious Power, Kimberly guides you through six principles that bring your conscious mind in line with your subconscious desires. She shares practical, three-minute exercises that will help you transform your relationships, find true love, lose weight after years of struggling with the scale, overcome addictions, and achieve new career successes and heights. Featuring inspiring success stories and the practical tools you need to make meaningful change, Subconscious Power gives “you a pathway to achieve your goals and dreams in an effective and easily understandable manner. This book will improve your life in ways you never thought of” (David Zelon, producer of Soul Surfer). |
| lori vallow pageant: The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins Clint McElroy, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Travis McElroy, Carey Pietsch, 2018-07-17 Welcome to The Adventure Zone! If your heart sings for Critical Role and Dimension 20, you’ll want to dive right into this gorgeous graphic novel adaptation of the trailblazing D&D podcast, which illustrates exploits of three lovable dummies on their journey from small-time bodyguards to world-class artifact hunters! Join Taako the elf wizard, Merle the dwarf cleric, and Magnus the human warrior for an adventure they are poorly equipped to handle AT BEST, guided (guided) by their snarky DM, in a graphic novel that will tickle your funny bone, tug your heartstrings, and probably pants you if you give it half a chance. With endearingly off-kilter storytelling from master goofballs Clint McElroy and the McElroy brothers, and vivid, adorable art by Carey Pietsch, The Adventure Zone: Here There be Gerblins is the comics equivalent of role-playing in your friend's basement at 2am, eating Cheetos and laughing your ass off as she rolls critical failures and dies to a slime Praise for The Adventure Zone series: Topping the New York Times bestseller list and building out its stories in fascinating new ways . . . it’s become a cultural phenomenon. —Entertainment Weekly Full of charm and snark and wit. Join the party! —Felicia Day, author of Embrace Your Inner Weird The Adventure Zone is fun, hilarious, and also smart. Hey, guys, can I have a cameo next time?” —Adam Savage, MythBusters “My excitement about this existing cannot be dwarfed by anything. You see what I did there.” —Jean Grae, hip-hop artist, actor, and comedian “Gorgeous art—the characters come to life! I am so happy that this graphic novel is a thing that exists in the world.” —Hank Green, author of Crash Course and The Lizzie Bennet Diaries Books in The Adventure Zone series: The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins (Book 1) The Adventure Zone: Murder on the Rockport Limited (Book 2) The Adventure Zone: Petals to the Metal (Book 3) The Adventure Zone: The Crystal Kingdom (Book 4) The Adventure Zone: The Eleventh Hour (Book 5) The Adventure Zone: The Suffering Game (Book 6) |
| lori vallow pageant: History of the War of the Sicilian Vespers Michele Amari, 1850 |
| lori vallow pageant: The Illio University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign campus), 1895 |
| lori vallow pageant: In with the Devil James Keene, Hillel Levin, 2010-09-28 The basis for the Apple TV+ show Black Bird. In with the Devil presents the true story of a young man destined for greatness on the football field—until a few wrong turns led him to a ten-year prison sentence. He was offered an impossible mission: Coax a confession out of a fellow inmate, a serial killer, and walk free. Jimmy Keene grew up outside of Chicago. Although he was the son of a policeman and rubbed shoulders with the city's elite, he ended up on the wrong side of the law and was sentenced to ten years with no chance of parole. Just a few months into his sentence, Keene was approached by the prosecutor who put him behind bars. He had convicted a man named Larry Hall for abducting and killing a fifteen-year-old. Although Hall was suspected of killing nineteen other young women, there was a chance he could still be released on appeal. If Keene could get him to confess to two murders, there would be no doubt about Hall's guilt. In return, Keene would get an unconditional release from prison. But he could also get killed. A story that gained national notoriety, this is Keene's powerful tale of peril, violence, and redemption. |
| lori vallow pageant: Living on the Edge of Heaven Chad Daybell, 2017-05-22 An Unusual Connection to the Spirit World When Chad Daybell was 17 years old, he had a near-death experience while cliff jumping. He crossed into another dimension and realized there was a world beyond this one. A second near-death experience in his early 20s was much more in depth. He was hit by a monstrous wave at La Jolla Cove in California. While his body was being tossed by the wave, his spirit was visiting with his grandfather, who showed him future events involving his still-unborn children. This accident caused his veil that separates mortal life from the Spirit World to stay partially open, so he often feels as if he has a foot in both worlds. Chad has since become a noted author and publisher, and he s particularly well-known for his futuristic LDS novels that are based on what he has been shown. He has also helped several people publish books about their own near-death experiences. As you read his experiences, you ll realize that we re all part of an eternal family. We e |
| lori vallow pageant: What Will I Do with My Love Today? Kristin Chenoweth, 2022-03-08 Broadway and screen star Kristin Chenoweth's whimsical adventure about adoption reminds kids they have an abundance of love and kindness to share, whether adopting a pet or expanding their family. What Will I Do with My Love Today? is a sweet adventure picture book by celebrity Kristin Chenoweth, known for her role in Broadway's Wicked and her Emmy Award–winning performance in the ABC hit series Pushing Daisies. Join young Kristi Dawn as she joyfully walks around New York City, sharing her love through acts of generosity—from singing in the church choir to helping a neighbor weed her garden. When she meets a lonely dog looking for a home, Kristi shows that adoption is one of the most loving and life-changing gifts of all. Through delightful rhyme and examples of child-friendly (and pup-friendly!) acts of generosity and kindness, Chenoweth shares the powerful message that the more love you give, the more love you get back! This read-aloud picture book is perfect for kids ages 4 to 8, tells a meaningful story alongside playful illustrations from Maine Diaz, is a great gift for baby showers, adoption parties, soon-to-be older siblings, and dog-loving kids, is a meaningful way to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day, National Dog Day, and National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, and is a fun gift for fans of Kristin Chenoweth. Inspired by Chenoweth's inspiring, love-filled message, your kids will jump out of bed every morning and say, What will I do with my love today? |
| lori vallow pageant: Missing Persons Ivan Vladislavić, 1989 |
| lori vallow pageant: Run, Bambi, Run Kris Radish, 1992 A portrait of a woman who spent more than ten years fighting for her freedom tells how she was wrongly convicted for the murder of her husband's ex-wife |
| lori vallow pageant: The Renewed Earth Chad Daybell, 2011-04 The Saints await the resurrection of the righteous dead and the return of the City of Enoch as they prepare to meet their King and usher in the Millennium. But a showdown is looming in Jerusalem and plagues continue to be poured out on the inhabitants of the world. |
| lori vallow pageant: The Power of Your Words E. W. Kenyon, Don Gossett, 1984-01-01 I agree that I have what God says in His Word that I have! If you lack anything, tend to be your own worst enemy, or fail to accomplish what you say you will do, then this book will show you how to: Have strong faith Live in the positive Possess what you confess There is nothing that equals the power of your words! |
| lori vallow pageant: The Great Gathering Chad Daybell, 2007-01-01 Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints . . .? (D&C 84:4)In the near future, Tad and Emma North and their children live in a United States that is growing increasingly wicked. The Norths and their extended family notice that many Latter-day Saints are being deceived by alluring temptations, and they wonder how much longer the Lord will allow American society to continue its downward spiral.Then comes an invitation from Church leaders for the Saints to gather together. This invitation isn?t well-accepted?and even openly mocked?but those faithful Church members who trust in the Lord soon find themselves accomplishing monumental tasks. Join these humble yet heroic Saints as they embark on an unprecedented journey to build New Jerusalem.The Great Gathering, the first novel in the Standing in Holy Places series, paints a vivid picture of exciting prophesied events that still must occur before the Second Coming. If you have an interest in what awaits the members of the LDS Church, this series should definitely be on your reading list! |
| lori vallow pageant: Evading Babylon Chad Daybell, 2012-06 In the near future, the world as we know it will suddenly change. Natural disasters will lead to economic difficulties, leaving the United States on the edge of collapse. During this time of strife, members of the LDS Church will be invited by their leaders to survive the civil unrest by gathering to holy refuges. In the midst of the turmoil, recently returned missionary Nathan Foster joins a secret team of men who help the Saints escape modern society's implosion. Nathan is expected to devote all of his time and energy to this cause, but he faces a major personal obstacle in doing so-Marie Shaw. Nathan has admired Marie since their high school days, and now she's showing genuine interest in him as well. However, more national trouble erupts-including acts of bioterrorism on U.S. soil-that not only threatens to tear apart their relationship, but puts their lives in deep peril. |
| lori vallow pageant: Terrible Revolution Christopher James Blythe, 2020 Nineteenth-century Latter-day Saints looked forward to apocalyptic events that would unseat corrupt governments across the globe but would particularly decimate the tyrannical government of the United States. Mormons turned to prophecies of divine deliverance by way of plagues, natural disasters, foreign invasions, American Indian raids, slave uprisings, or civil war unleashed on American cities and American people ... Blythe examines apocalypticism across the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints particularly as it would take shape in localized and personalized forms in the writings and visions of ordinary Latter-day Saints outside of the Church's leadership-- |
| lori vallow pageant: I'm Not Scared, You're Scared Seth Meyers, 2022-03-15 From the incomparable host of “Late Night with Seth Meyers” comes a hilarious new picture book. When you're a bear who is easily scared, it's hard to have friends. Fortunately, Bear has one: Rabbit, who is very brave. One day, Rabbit urges Bear to face his fears and embark on an adventure together. However, things don't entirely go as planned, and the two friends learn the true meaning of bravery. Equal parts hilarious and touching, this funny tale of adventure, bravery, and daring rescue will both inspire the adventurous spirit in all of us and make us laugh along the way. With the unfailingly witty voice of one of America's favorite comedians, Seth Meyers's debut picture book is bound for hilarity history. |
| lori vallow pageant: Other people, a story Stella Austin, 1903 |
| lori vallow pageant: A Sucky Love Story Brittani Louise Taylor, 2018-12-04 Where does a moderately popular internet star who never leaves her house look for potential suitors? Online. Tinder, Bumble, Match.com, OkCupid—I tried them all. My thirty-one-year-old self clicked and swiped her little heart out, leading to more dates than I could count, and more disappointment than I was prepared for. Maybe you can relate. Maybe you know all too well the perils of modern dating. But let’s say, eventually, you meet someone. You think to yourself, “Wow, they’re perfect! Take me off the market, put a ring on it, knock me up, the whole enchilada, because they are ‘the one.’” Let’s also say that they “feel the same way” about you. Your life starts to make sense! All the pain, heartbreak, and frustration from past failed relationships was worth it. Slow clap. That’s how I felt about Milos. He was from Europe, a doctor, wealthy, athletic. He had an accent and a dog. Milos was textbook marriage material. For him it was “love at first sight,” but for me, it was “anxiety on every date.” Something was telling me to run—but for two years, the only running I did was straight into his arms. If only I would have listened. This isn’t a love story. It’s my story of survival. |
| lori vallow pageant: Ordinary Equality Kate Kelly, 2022-03-01 We are all living through modern constitutional history in the making, and Ordinary Equality helps teach about the past, present, and future of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) through the lives of the bold, fearless women and queer people who have helped shape the U.S. Constitution. Ordinary Equality digs into the fascinating and little-known history of the ERA and the lives of the incredible—and often overlooked—women and queer people who have helped shape the U.S. Constitution for more than 200 years. Based on author Kate Kelly’s acclaimed podcast of the same name, Ordinary Equality recounts a story centuries in the making. From before the Constitution was even drafted to the modern day, she examines how and why constitutional equality for women and Americans of all marginalized genders has been systematically undermined for the past 100-plus years, and then calls us all to join the current movement to put it back on the table and get it across the finish line. Kate Kelly provides a much-needed fresh perspective on the ERA for feminists of all ages, and this engaging, illustrated look at history, law, and activism is sure to inspire many to continue the fight. Individual chapters tell the stories of Molly Brant (Koñwatsi-tsiaiéñni / Degonwadonti), Abigail Adams, Phillis Wheatley, Matilda Joslyn Gage, Alice Paul, Mary Church Terrell, Pauli Murray, Martha Wright Griffiths, Patsy Takemoto Mink, Barbara Jordan, and Pat Spearman, and features other key players and concepts, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Title IX, Danica Roem, and many more. |
| lori vallow pageant: Flunking Sainthood Jana Riess, 2011-11-01 This wry memoir tackles twelve different spiritual practices in a quest to become more saintly, including fasting, fixed-hour prayer, the Jesus Prayer, gratitude, Sabbath-keeping, and generosity. Although Riess begins with great plans for success (“Really, how hard could that be?” she asks blithely at the start of her saint-making year), she finds to her growing humiliation that she is failing—not just at some of the practices, but at every single one. What emerges is a funny yet vulnerable story of the quest for spiritual perfection and the reality of spiritual failure, which turns out to be a valuable practice in and of itself. Praise for Flunking Sainthood: Flunking Sainthood is surprising and freeing; it is fun and funny; and it is full of wisdom. It is, in fact, the best book on the practices of the spiritual life that I have read in a long, long time. - Lauren Winner, author of Girl Meets God and Mudhouse Sabbath Jana Riess reminds us that saints are different from most of us: They are special, we are barely normal. They get it right, we rarely get it. They see God, we strain to see much of anything. And, Jana is no saint. Rather than climbing to the pinnacle and sitting on a pedestal to tell us how it could be, Jana slides right next to us and reminds us that sainthood is overrated. With humor and insight she whispers to is that our lives matter just as they are. She prods us to never let our failures hold us back. She calls us to something greater than spiritual success - ordinary faithfulness. Flunking Sainthood is the book I’m giving to my friends who are seeking to make sense of their emerging faith. - Doug Pagitt, author of A Christianity Worth Believing “Jana Riess may have flunked at sainthood, but she's written a wonderful book. It's both reverent and irreverent, and it will make you want to become a better Christian -- or Jew, or Muslim, or Zoroastrian, or Jedi, or whatever you happen to be.” - AJ Jacobs, author of The Year of Living Biblically Warm, light-hearted, and laugh-out-loud funny, Jana Riess may indeed have flunked sainthood, but this memoir assures us that she is utterly and deeply human, and that is something even more wonderful. Honest and sincere, she will endear you from page one. -- Donna Freitas, author of The Possibilities of Sainthood “With a helpfully hilarious account of her own grappling with godliness, Jana Riess proves to be a standup historian well-practiced in the art of oddly revivifying self-deprecation. She loves her guides, historical and contemporary, even as she finds them alternately impractical, harsh, or infuriatingly jolly. The book is freaking wonderful—a candid and committed tale of prayers that resists supersizing and spirituality that has no home save the glory and the muck of the everyday.”--David Dark, author of The Sacredness of Questioning Everything “Jana Riess's new book is a delight—fun, funny, engaging and a powerful reminder that the greatest work in our lives is not what we'll do for God but what God is doing in us.” --Margaret Feinberg, www.margaretfeinberg.com, author of Scouting the Divine and Hungry for God “Flunking Sainthood allows those of us who have attempted new spiritual practices-- and failed-- to breathe a great sigh of relief and to laugh out loud. Jana Reiss’s exposé of her year-long and less-than-successful attempts at eleven classic spiritual practices entertains and educates us with its honesty and down-to-earthiness. In spite of Jana’s paltry attempts at piety and her botched prayer makeovers, God showed up in the surprising, sneaky ways that only God does. Jana is the kind of girlfriend I like to have--hilarious, smart, stubborn, irreverent, and totally gaga over God. She writes in the unfiltered, uncensored way I’d write if I had the skill and the guts (Oh sorry, Mom, I meant gumption, not guts.)” --Sybil MacBeth, author of Praying in Color |
| lori vallow pageant: The Prayer Wheel Patton Dodd, Jana Riess, David Van Biema, 2018-02-20 Award-winning religion journalists describe a recently rediscovered medieval prayer tool that provides fresh inspiration and daily prayers for contemporary Christians. All people of faith struggle at times to sustain a flourishing prayer life--a loss felt all the more keenly in times like ours of confusion, political turbulence, and global calamity. The Prayer Wheel introduces an ancient prayer practice that offers a timeless solution for the modern faithful. The Prayer Wheel is a modern interpretation of the Liesborn Prayer Wheel, a beautiful, almost wholly forgotten, scripture-based mode of prayer that was developed in a medieval times. The Liesborn Prayer Wheel resurfaced in 2015 in a small private gallery near New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. It faithfully and beautifully presents seven prayer paths for personal or group use. Each path invites contemplation on the big ideas of the Christian faith--the Lord's Prayer, the Beatitudes, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and key words from the life of Christ. In the tradition of lectio divina and walking a labyrinth, The Prayer Wheel simply and directly takes readers into a daily, wholly unique encounter with God. As the prayers in this book unfold, readers will find an appealing guide for contemplation, a way of seeing God in new ways, and an essential new tool for Christian formation. |
| lori vallow pageant: Fear Is a Choice James Conner, Tiffany Yecke Brooks, 2020-06-16 From fighting for his life to pursuing a career in the NFL, ACC Player of the Year and star Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner has lived a story offering wisdom and advice for anyone who has faced adversity. During his first two years at the University of Pittsburgh, running back James Conner became one of the Panthers’ biggest stars, breaking records and winning the adoration of fans. Then, in the first game of his junior year, disaster struck in the form of a torn MCL. During rehab, James’s health continued to inexplicably deteriorate until a chest X-ray and biopsy confirmed the unthinkable: a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Suddenly, it wasn’t just the dream of an NFL career that was in jeopardy; it was James’s life. Yet when he shared the news of his diagnosis publicly, James rallied family, friends, and fans, with his message of hope and courage: “Fear is a choice. I choose not to fear cancer.” In just ten words, James defined his own journey on his own terms and refused to back down from one of the most dreaded diseases known to man. Drawing strength from his faith in God and the support of his community and loved ones, James underwent treatment but continued to practice with his team despite the intense physical toll of chemotherapy. He was declared cancer-free within a year. Returning to the field in 2016, he finished his college career with a record-breaking 3,733 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns. Entering the NFL draft early, his success continued. Selected in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, he quickly became one of the most beloved rookies in the league. In Fear is a Choice, James candidly shares his experiences during his battle with cancer and beyond, encouraging readers and illustrating the spiritual truths and personal principles that got him through his darkest days. James Conner is an inspiration for everyone who wants to learn how to tackle life’s problems with dignity, faith, and determination. |
| lori vallow pageant: I: The Creation of a Serial Killer Jack Olsen, 2003-08-18 Contains several autobiographical writing of serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson. |
| lori vallow pageant: The Power of a Transformed Wife Mike Yorkey, 2016-10-01 Author Lori Alexander outlines God's design for marriage and how it changed her life and can change others. |
| lori vallow pageant: O.J. Is Innocent and I Can Prove It William C. Dear, 2014-11-11 Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman were brutally murdered at her home on Bundy Drive in Brentwood, California, on the night of June 12, 1994. The days and weeks that followed were full of spectacle, including a much-watched car chase and the eventual arrest of O. J. Simpson for the murders. The televised trial that followed was unlike any that the nation had ever seen. Long since convinced of O. J.’s guilt, the world was shocked when the jury of the “trial of the century” read the verdict of not guilty. To this day, the LAPD, Los Angeles District Attorney’s office, mainstream media, and much of the world at large remain firmly convinced that O. J. Simpson got away with murder. According to private investigator William Dear, it is precisely this assuredness that has led both the police and public to overlook a far more likely suspect. Dear now compiles more than seventeen years of investigation by his team of forensic experts and presents evidence that O. J. was not the killer. In O. J. Is Innocent and I Can Prove It, Dear makes the controversial, but compelling, case that it may have been the “overlooked suspect,” O. J.’s eldest son, Jason, who committed the grisly murders. Sure to stir the pot and raise some eyebrows, this book is a must-read. |
| lori vallow pageant: I Am Not Ashamed , 2024-08-07 |
| lori vallow pageant: The Particulars of Peter Kelly Conaboy, 2020-12-08 This might be one of the month’s, if not the year’s, sweetest books — zaniest, too.” ―The Washington Post A hilarious addition to the dogoir canon.” ―People Perhaps the greatest love story ever told.” ―Refinery29 The feel-good book the world needs. —PopSugar From one of the Internet's most original voices, a hilarious journey through the odd corners of obsessive dog ownership and the author's own infatuation with her perfect dog Peter. The author met Peter in the spring of 2017. He -- calm, puppy-eyed, with the heart of a poet and the soul of, also, a poet -- came to her first as a foster. He was unable to stay with his previously assigned foster for reasons that are none of your business, but which we will tell you were related to frequent urination. The rescue needed someone free of the sort of responsibilities that would force her to regularly leave the house for either work or socializing, and a writer was the natural choice. Thus began a love story for the ages. The Particulars of Peter is a funny exploration of the joy found in loving a dog so much it makes you feel like you're going to combust, and the author's potentially codependent relationship with her own sweet dog, Peter. Readers will follow Peter and his owner to Woofstock, the largest outdoor festival for dogs in North America, and accompany them to lessons in Canine Freestyle, a sport where dogs perform a routine set to music, creating the illusion that they're dancing with their owners. From learning about Peter's DNA, to seeing if dogs can sense the presence of ghosts, The Particulars of Peter will give readers a smart, entertaining respite from the harsh world of humans into the funny little world of dogs. Readers will accompany this lovable duo through exciting trips, lessons, quiet moments of connection, and probably a failure or two. By fusing memoir and infotainment, The Particulars of Peter promises to refresh the perennially popular dog lit category in a scrumptiously bighearted barnstormer of a book. |
| lori vallow pageant: Under the Banner of Heaven Jon Krakauer, 2004-06-08 NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the author of Into the Wild and Into Thin Air, this extraordinary work of investigative journalism takes readers inside America’s isolated Mormon Fundamentalist communities. • Now an acclaimed FX limited series streaming on HULU. “Fantastic.... Right up there with In Cold Blood and The Executioner’s Song.” —San Francisco Chronicle Defying both civil authorities and the Mormon establishment in Salt Lake City, the renegade leaders of these Taliban-like theocracies are zealots who answer only to God; some 40,000 people still practice polygamy in these communities. At the core of Krakauer’s book are brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty, who insist they received a commandment from God to kill a blameless woman and her baby girl. Beginning with a meticulously researched account of this appalling double murder, Krakauer constructs a multi-layered, bone-chilling narrative of messianic delusion, polygamy, savage violence, and unyielding faith. Along the way he uncovers a shadowy offshoot of America’s fastest growing religion, and raises provocative questions about the nature of religious belief. |
| lori vallow pageant: If I Did It O. J. Simpson, 2009-07 In 2006, HarperCollins announced the publication of a book in which O.J. Simpson told how he hypothetically would have committed the murders of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson, a crime for which he was found not guilty. In response to public outrage, the book was never published. Here is the original manuscript of the book. |
| lori vallow pageant: The Blue Zones Dan Buettner, 2010 With the right lifestyle, experts say, chances are that you may live up to a decade longer. What's the prescription for success? National Geographic Explorer Dan Buettner has traveled the globe to uncover the best strategies for longevity found in the Blue Zones: places in the world where higher percentages of people enjoy remarkably long, full lives. And in this dynamic book he discloses the recipe, blending this unique lifestyle formula with the latest scientific findings to inspire easy, lasting change that may add years to your life. Buettner's colossal research effort has taken him from Costa Rica to Italy to Japan and beyond. In the societies he visits, it's no coincidence that the way people interact with each other, shed stress, nourish their bodies, and view their world yields more good years of life. You'll meet a 94-year-old farmer and self-confessed ladies man in Costa Rica, an 102-year-old grandmother in Okinawa, a 102-year-old Sardinian who hikes at least six miles a day, and others. By observing their lifestyles, Buettner's teams have identified critical everyday choices that correspond with the cutting edge of longevity research and distilled them into a few simple but powerful habits that anyone can embrace |
| lori vallow pageant: Jesse Jo Raven, 2015-07-16 Meet the Damage Control Boys - set in the world of the bestselling series Inked Brotherhood. New Adult Contemporary Romance. Returning to Madison hurts. I thought I’d left my past behind, but the past goes on living. I carry it inside of me, it’s a piece of me. People have marked me in indelible ways and I drag the shreds of my soul behind me, trying to put my pieces back together. I’m not the Amber I used to be. I fly under the radar, try to be invisible. It doesn't always work. Drawing attention scares me. It always spells trouble. Returning to my home town is a last ditch effort to lay my demons to rest and start anew, for good this time. Meeting Jesse Lee wasn’t in the plan. Yet here he is with his heart-stopping, sexy grin, handsome like a god, shining bright. He’s full of life, full of heat, packing the energy of a thousand suns in his gaze and muscular body. Jesse burns, and the pain of being near him is sweet. But he’s foiling my plans. It’s hard to remain a ghost when he’s around. Hard to avoid his attention, to remain invisible. He sees me, really sees me, and behind his bright radiance, I can see shadows from his own past crowding in. He’s swimming hard to stay afloat even as he reaches for me. What is he afraid of? And how can he save me from drowning when he can’t even save himself? *Warning: this book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Mature readers only. Not intended for young readers.* JESSE is book 2 in the series Damage Control - a series set in the same world as Inked Brotherhood. The boys of Damage Control were taken in by Zane Madden and Rafe Vestri and offered apprenticeship and work in the tattoo shop Damage Control. Next in the Damage Control series: SETH (Damage Control 3). |
| lori vallow pageant: My Crazy Radio Life Adam Cox, 2019-04-17 Have you ever been investigated for a death? I was, I couldn't believe why. It's all in the book. If you have ever listened to a DJ on the radio, this book will change the way you listen! I was fired, lost everything, dealt with depression, and still came out on top! Adam Cox is from southern California and now lives in Wichita, Kansas. He has been in radio for 30 years! He's married to wife, Nicole and they have a 19 year old son Zac. He loves playing basketball 4 days a week, plus playing ping pong with his wife, loser has to do dishes. His family all live in Arizona, mom and dad, brother and 2 sisters. He has 2 dogs Reece and Molly, and they treat them like children, they sleep in the bed with them, sometimes there is no room for Lukas. Life is good! |
| lori vallow pageant: The Woodchipper Murder Arthur Herzog III, Arthur Herzog, 2001-05-06 Even though the Newtown, Connecticut, police listed Helle Crafts' disappearance as a routine missing person case, Keith Mayo, a private investigator, knew the Danish-born mother of three hadn't skipped town nine days before Thanksgiving.. Rita Buonanno remembers the words exactly: If anything happens to me don't think it was an accident. Helle Crafts was last seen on November 18, 1986. In the style of a brilliant detective novel, Arthur Herzog skillfully re-creates the hour-by-hour circumstantial details that inform this grisly true-crime narrative. We observe dispassionate Richard Crafts as he buys a truck with a pintle hook for towing heavy equipment, promised for delivery before November 18. A day later he reserves a Badger Brush Bandit woodchipper. |
| lori vallow pageant: Way Past Worried Hallee Adelman, 2020-10-01 Sometimes being worried can keep you from having fun. Brock is worried. Way past worried, with his heart thumping and his mind racing. Today is his friend Juan's superhero party and he’s going all by himself. What if nobody plays with him? What if everyone laughs at him? Brock doesn’t feel like a superhero, but...what if he can save the day and find a way past worried all by himself? This engaging story speaks to kids’ emerging emotional intelligence skills and helps them learn to manage worry. |
| lori vallow pageant: Led by the Hand of Christ Suzanne Freeman, Shirley Bahlmann, 2004 The author describes a near-death experience (NDE) she experienced while having a miscarriage during an ectopic pregnancy--Provided by publisher. |
| lori vallow pageant: After Paris Marie McKinney, 2020-06-24 If you can't fall in love in Paris, where can you?Emily Chambers ran away to Paris to heal her broken heart. Because, really, where better to do that than the city of love? Just her luck she finds the perfect crush in a French tour guide... Just in time to bid him adieu. That's okay. A few perfect days together and a few swoon worthy memories to last her forever, she'll take that. Only... Emily finds herself toting home something a little more permanent than her Eiffel Tower key-chain. Nick Wyatt wasn't looking for love but that's exactly what he finds in a bubbly, doe-eyed, big-hearted brunette. Problem is, she's leaving in a few days. Bigger problem is she thinks he's a French tour-guide named Jean-Luc. A not-so-chance reunion two years later leads to a second chance. This time he's not letting her slip through his fingers. |
| lori vallow pageant: Frustrated Witness! Willis Morgan, 2018-12-16 Why? Two unforgettable names, Adam Walsh and Jeffrey Dahmer, one tragic case: The author's goal is justice for little Adam Walsh. A wall of evidence points to America's most notorious serial killer and pedophile Jeffrey Dahmer murdering and decapitating Adam. Accordingly, the author wants the Hollywood Police Department (HPD) to reopen the case and close it correctly. This will finally bring proper closure for the Walsh family, which includes Adam's father, John, who channeled his rage by becoming the crime-fighting host of the popular TV show America's Most Wanted. Who? The author describes how he encountered Dahmer at length near the time and place little Adam was abducted. This book has consumed well over three decades of the author's life, with at least one decade investigating and writing this book. He has appeared on many TV shows and in numerous print publications as a witness. In 2010 he filed a lawsuit against the HPD, State Attorney's Office, and one of the detectives involved in the Adam Walsh case. What? As much as this book is a case for Dahmer being Adam's murderer, it is equally a study of how the HPD conducted the homicide investigation, becoming the greatest ally and defender of America's most notorious serial killer. I have a problem with facts that don't fit, with witnesses not called or used, with bungled investigations, and with cover-ups after the fact, the author writes. The author presents many, many witnesses who know they saw Dahmer. Packed with charts, diagrams, photos, and letters, this is the most extensive collection of records to date of the Adam Walsh case. |
| lori vallow pageant: Two Face Nick Van Der Leek, 2019-01-27 The last chapter in particular is grueling and grotesque...The fifth book in Nick van der Leek's definitive TWO FACE series on Chris Watts does exactly what the title claims: it drills deep through the mountain of Discovery Documents.The fifth narrative not only makes sense of the 1960 pages of discovery, it also integrates the video footage for the first time into a seamless narrative. Missing pieces are found and new insights revealed and contextualized in the most comprehensive assembly of facts and psychological analysis around this puzzling case yet. The main focus of the narrative is on the three hour FBI interview with Chris Watts on Tuesday night, August 14, and the astonishing follow-up interrogation leading to Watts' confession the next day.Drilling Through Discovery does nothing less than uncover Watts' thought process leading up to the murders. |
