Earthly Meditations

One of his generation's most accomplished poets, Robert Wrigley is renowned for his ironic, powerful, and lucid style as well as his ability to fuse narrative and lyrical impulses. Earthly Meditations features nineteen original poems alongside a collection of sixty-one poems chosen from his first six books.

One of his generation's most accomplished poets, Robert Wrigley is renowned for his ironic, powerful, and lucid style as well as his ability to fuse narrative and lyrical impulses. Earthly Meditations features nineteen original poems alongside a collection of sixty-one poems chosen from his first six books.

A collection of homilies, speeches, and “messages of the day” that brings together Pope Francis’s wisdom on finding happiness in the here and now For Pope Francis, the appreciation of our everyday lives is a spiritual undertaking. Joy is a divine attribute, and creating joy around us an essential part of faith. Every homily and speech in this book delivers, in warm, engaging language accessible to believers and nonbelievers alike, a key lesson, instructing readers on finding love and happiness in a chaotic world. Along the way, Pope Francis discusses the sanctity of women’s rights, talks about how the love of sports can bring out our best qualities, and explains why fighting discrimination is the essence of loving thy neighbor. He shares personal stories and anecdotes from his life, provides comforting messages of hope, and discusses the ways flawed families can make you a better person. The core ideas of Francis’s papacy—mercy, support for marginalized people, and diplomacy—shine through. Praise for Happines in This Life “Though the title of the book mentions happiness, this collection of thoughts addresses something much deeper—joy. Bringing together excerpts from Pope Francis’s sermons, speeches, prayers, and addresses, these pieces address a range of themes, from mercy and humility to simplicity and family. . . . Readers will be encouraged to clear away the cacophony of modern society and embrace the simplicity of joy. A book as loving and encouraging as the man himself seems to be.”—Booklist “With this wide-ranging collection of writings, homilies, and addresses, the current pontiff dispels any notion that religious practice is dour and antiquated. . . . It brings together the pope’s most affecting passages to inspire Catholics (and those of other faiths) to lift up those around them.”—Publishers Weekly “Reminiscent of the gentle encouragement of the Dalai Lama . . . Family-centered and practical—especially on difficult matters of familial contention—these homilies are, on the whole, gentle encouragements to do the right thing. . . . [This] collection offers clear insight into the pope’s doctrinal concerns.”—Kirkus Reviews

Puritan writer Thomas Watson invites all believers to explore the much passed-over and neglected hidden gem and discipline of biblical meditation. With godly wisdom and poetic passion, Watson helps us understand what biblical meditation is and why it is essential for Christians to learn it well. He guides us very practically through the mechanics of meditation and outlines fifteen topics with Scripture references to start us off well on our journey. In this rare treasure of a book, Watson is passionate about inviting us to partake with him of the sweet discipline and illuminating adventure of meditating upon God Himself and His Word. This classic book is a must read for any Christian longing for a deeper and more vibrant relationship with Christ and a fresh encounter with Scripture.

The sights of our century are on cosmic space. The greatest triumph in cosmic conquest will come when man recognizes that he himself, as a being of body, soul and spirit, is united with the cosmos as an evolving whole. This book is unique is this field. It presents the spiritual nature of the Zodiac for meditation and relates it to self-knowledge. He who wishes, can thus find his place in the universe and understand the reasonableness of rincarnation. Each incarnation is a new opportunity to adcance a grade in the earth-school. How adcance can be made in each zodiac sign influence is the good news which this book offers. Meditation on these MEDITATIONS, and practice of the suggestions, will be instimably soul-revealing and rewarding. Through such study one can comprehend, with loving understanding and compassion, his fellow men. Much of the misunderstanding between individuals, groups, and nations will disappear when mankind learns to view everything, not from one standpoint only, but from twelve viewpoints. This book is a tool not only for the serious student of spiritual life, but for every human being in his association with others, be it family life, in work, as a teacher, psychologist, doctor, business man, or any other human relationship. The Right use of these MEDITATIONS may enable one to achieve harmonious wholeness, within oneself and in one's environment. Such an approach to the divine design of the cosmos and man's place in it, awakens wonder, and develops increasing humility and reverence in the presence of the infinitely sublime divinity of the Zodiac. Imbued with these thoughts and feelings, and knowing that every thought, feeling and deed has an effect upon the whole, one willingly and gladly assumes his responsiblity as a creator in the creative process of the cosmos.