The Journey Reading List

How to Live Right When your world goes Wrong Leslie Varnick

Pathway to Purpose for Women all companion books by Katie Brazelton

Character Makeover, Praying for Purpose, Conversations on Purpose, 40 Days with a Life Coach, Pathway to Purpose Journal

The Inner Journey Lorraine Kisly Parabola Series Views from the Christian Tradition

The Inner Voice of Love Nenri Nouwen

Work Around Your Abyss

There is a deep hole in your being, like an abyss. You will never succeed in filling that hole, because your needs are inexhaustible. You have to work around it so that gradually the abyss closes. Since the hole is so enormous and your anguish so deep, you will always be tempted to flee from it. There are two extremes to avoid: being completely absorbed in your pain,and being distracted by so many things that you stay far away from the wound you want to heal.
Nenri Nouwen The Inner Voice pg.3

I have to think that we all have experienced this kind of emotional pain at one time or another. If you haven't, Id sure like to hear about it. My daughter used to tell me I was the best at detaching of anyone she could think of. Well, I have had the best of training as a clergy wife. Sense a bit of bitterness there? Well I am still working on it. God's not through with me yet thanks be His Holy Name!

Send me your comments..............love to hear from you.

The Inner Voice Henri Nouwen

I just love this author. I have read many of his books and encourage you to do the same.

The following is an excerpt.

FOLLOW YOUR DEEPEST CALLING

When you discover something in yourself that is a gift from God, you have to claim it.and not let it be taken away from you. Sometimes people who do not know your heart will altogether miss the importance of something that is part of your deepest, self precious in your eyes as well as God's. They might not know you well enough to be able to respond to your genuine needs. It is then that you have to speak to your heart and follow your own deepest calling.

There is a part of you that too easily gives in to others' influence. As soon as someone questions your motives you start doubting yourself. You end up agreeing with the other before you have consulted your own heart. Thus you grow passive and simply assume that the other knows better. Here, you have to be attentive to your inner self. " Coming Home", and being given back to yourself" are expressions that you have a solid inner base from which you can speak and act-----without apologies---------humbly but convincingly. page 44

For my own 2 cents worth, I would have to say that when faced with a dilemma we tend to ask a lot of our friends their opinions instead of going to the source of all truth; so my prayer of late has been, Holy Spirit, speak YOUR truth to my heart. His truth is the only one that counts.

W