This is a simple booklet written by an experienced spiritual director in the Ignatian tradition of spirituality. Each piece of scripture is a divine love-note in which God is trying to get across to you the great truth that you are endlessly loved. To discover this to be true for yourself is to find the treasure hidden in the field of your heart. On the right page you find a statement from God, turned around a little to make it personal to yourself. On the opposite page is a short dialogue with God, which explores how God goes about things. You will be surprised and hugely enriched: you will smile more!
Stop spinning your spiritual hamster wheel. Start living in the limitless love of God. Many of us go through life thinking and acting as though we can somehow, in some way, earn God’s love and favor. If only we do this, or that, or both, or more, God just might offer us at least a small bit of Divine approval or acceptance. Eventually realizing the impossibility of “getting right” with God through our own efforts, and tired of futilely going ’round and ’round in spiritual circles, we may even be inclined to permanently turn away from the Divine. In Just as You Are, Paul Coutinho, SJ, helps us move forward in the confidence that God already loves us and simply asks that we embrace this amazing love and live in it on a daily basis. A native of India, Fr. Coutinho combines Eastern sensibilities with Ignatian principles and practices to show us how to open our lives—now and always—to the infinite, unfathomable love of God. Filled with thought-provoking stories, inspiring anecdotes, and memorable metaphors, Just as You Are makes clear that experiencing the joy and freedom of the Divine journey is the only “work” we need to do. Being in love with the Divine is God’s gift that is always available to anyone who is looking for it. We have all had a taste of Divine love and our spirits hunger for more. But then other voices muffle the unconditional gift of Divine love—voices that speak of fear, guilt, anxiety, and unworthiness. Falling in love with God begins with an infatuation that penetrates those negative voices, and we respond to this either by being more and more attracted to the Divine or we are repulsed by the experience. We come closer or we fight to get away. In either case our focus is the Divine energy that is drawing us to itself. The Divine seducer never gives up but continues to draw us in many different ways to a deeper union and communion with the Ultimate. But when all is said and done, the falling in love will be up to you. So if you really have the will to experience life as one who is in love with the Divine, it will happen. If you want it, you’ll find it. In fact, love will find you.Are you willing? Are you ready?
Mark Hart brings stories of Biblical characters to life through Scripture, the saints, and his own real-life reflections, asking, “Are you willing to take a second look at the Jesus you currently know and allow Him to speak to you in new ways?”
Book Description Bestselling author and developer of The Lifeline Technique, Dr. Darren R. Weissman, with B.T. Brunelle, has taken his empowering program for adults, and interpreted it into a fun and exciting lesson book for children. As a parent, doctor and teacher, Darren feels that it is never too soon to introduce young people to the idea that they are unique, creative and resourceful individuals, with the innate ability to generate the positive results that they desire in their lives, such as good health, success and happiness. Every lesson is written in the form of a rhyming poem, accompanied by a colorful and expressive illustration. Each chapter leads to another important and meaningful message for children, to help carry them through their daily activities with self-confidence and self-esteem. The power of positive words and intentions is delivered in an entertaining and memorable way. Rich language, and vibrant images by George Milo Buck, make every page come alive. Following the 20 lessons, there is a section for review, which encourages participation and discussions. With clear examples, suggestions and questions that young people can answer, it is designed to help them connect these ideas to their own lives, and recognize how caring, capable, wise and wonderful they truly are. The Daily Lessons of Infinite Love and Gratitude is a book that will bring enhancement to any classroom, library and home, where children and adults are sharing the joy of reading, learning and growing!
Seven million copies of his books in print! This daily devotional from the bestselling author of such spiritual classics as The Return of the Prodigal Son and The Wounded Healer offers deep spiritual insight into human experience, intimacy, brokenness, and compassion. “Henri Nouwen’s timeless and loving words are quiet prayers that will forever live in my heart.”—Brené Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Braving the Wilderness “We are the Beloved,” Henri Nouwen famously wrote. “We are intimately loved long before our parents, teachers, spouses, children, and friends loved or wounded us. That’s the truth of our lives. That’s the truth I want you to claim for yourself.” You Are the Beloved empowers readers to claim their central identity as the Beloved of God and live out that truth in their daily lives. Featuring key insights from Nouwen’s previously published works, along with a selection of never-before-seen writings, this profound collection of daily readings will appeal to those who know and love Nouwen’s work as well as to new readers seeking deeper awareness of their identity as a child of God.
Revised & Updated Edition! God is love. Crazy, relentless, all-powerful love. Have you ever wondered if we're missing it? It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe—the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor—loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss. Whether you've verbalized it yet or not, we all know something's wrong. Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts—it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything. Learn more about Crazy Love at www.crazylovebook.com.
What does it mean for our daily realities to claim the Roman Catholic tradition? Bringing together theology and personal memoir, Matthew Levering offers this vulnerable, honest, and hopeful of why he identifies as Roman Catholic–without shying away from challenges the tradition presents.
