When life knocks you down, do you have trouble understanding the mind of God? Dr. Jerry L. Parks, multiple Teacher of the Year" honoree and nationally recognized NBPTS instructor, announced today the publication of the book With Joseph in the University of Adversity: The Mizraim Principles". This is the first in a series of books on lessons for practical living, as illustrated from the lives of Biblical characters.

With Joseph in the University of Adversity: The Mizraim Principles" presents thirty-two timeless and scriptural lessons for achieving success through adversity, from the life of Joseph the Hebrew. This 248-page work is more than simply a study of the life of an Old Testament Bible character. With Joseph in the University of Adversity: The Mizraim Principles" features life-changing and practical lessons applicable for todays world in an easy-to-read format. Chapters include: principles of effective parenting, leadership, money management, work ethic, decision-making skills, and understanding the mind of God. The book follows the life of Joseph from Hebrew slave-forsaken by his family and falsely accused of a crime-to the prime ministership of Egypt (ancient Mizraim), as the second most powerful man of the ancient world.

Lexington, KY (PRWEB) April 4, 2004 --"...again, I can only repeat, the reader can't help but be hooked; the content is excellent, appealing strongly to the large readership engaged in self-improvement. The end-of-chapter sections are quite interactive and compel the readers full attention...really excellent." --Editorial Review

While With Joseph in the University of Adversity: The Mizraim Principles" is primarily a book for Christians, including keys to effective prayer, and endurance through suffering, it is also a 'how to manual on general interests such as: wise decision-making, leadership skills, and personal finance. Its audience is universal, and the thirty-two principles can help anyone find peace and fulfillment amidst the conflicts of modern life. These principles have been tried, tested and proven effective for nearly three thousand years, and are just as relevant today as they were in the life of Joseph. What worked for Joseph will work today.

Dr. Parks states: Behind the troubles of life, there stands in the shadows, a God keeping watch over us all. A God able to weave our greatest adversity into triumph, our greatest discouragements into a crown of victory. This realization, learned from many years of teaching the life of Joseph, has carried me through countless personal difficulties, and has enabled me to encourage others when lifes hardships bring discouragement."

With Joseph in the University of Adversity: The Mizraim Principles" also includes numerous self-help aids and Personal Growth reflections to enable the reader to chart spiritual maturity as each principle is considered. Modern illustrations and timely quotations are interspersed throughout the work. The book is a perfect gift for parents, teachers, leaders and graduates.

Pastors, teachers, Bible Studies and Sunday School classes will use With Joseph in the University of Adversity: The Mizraim Principles" as the basis for a ready-made quarterly series of lessons based upon Josephs hardships. Graduates will learn how to deal with, and avoid, many difficulties which present themselves to each of us in the 'school of life.

Dr. Parks earned his B.S., M.A., and Ed.S degrees in education from Eastern Kentucky University, and Th.D in Biblical Theology from Trinity Theological Seminary in Newburgh, IN. He is a Nationally Board Certified Teacher, Mensa member, and currently Department Chairman and teacher of ancient civilizations and character education to seventh graders at the Georgetown Middle School in Georgetown, KY. He has traveled in Middle Eastern cultures, and has earned numerous Teacher of the Year" honors at the local, state, and national level.

He was recently named to the USA Today 2003 Outstanding Teachers in America team. For many years, Dr. Parks has been a speaker at National Middle School Association world conferences, as well as conferences for the National Council for Social Studies. He currently mentors NBPTS teacher candidates, is authoring an NMSA guidebook for new teachers, and teaches the GodStudy Adult Bible Fellowship class at Southland Christian Church, Lexington, KY, one of the ten largest churches in America.