Wisdom Is A Journey

When beloved author Henri Nouwen set out to record this daybook of totally new reflections, he suddenly found himself on "a true spiritual adventure." For in these 366 original, interlocking morsels of daily wisdom, Nouwen provides both sustenance and a trail for us to follow, as he unveils, to his own surprise, his personal map of faith. From the delicate interplay of human experience to the surrender to Christ and the embrace of Christian community, that journey of Christian spirituality is explored and celebrated here in each eloquent, thought–provoking passage, "The table is one of the most intimate places in our lives. It is there that we give ourselves to one another. When we say, 'Take some more, let me serve you another plate, let me pour you another glass, don't be shy, enjoy it,' we say a lot more than our words express. We invite our friends to become part of our lives. We want them to be nurtured by the same food and drink that nurture us. We desire communion.... Every breakfast, lunch, or dinner can become a time of growing communion with one another." Intimately personal and inspiring, Bread for the Journey is a daily feast of fresh insight into the challenges and deep joys of a life lived in close communion with God. Nouwen is a wise, loving companion who invites us along as he finds joy in the community of loss, true freedom in forgiveness of others, and hope in surprising places. Each daily meditation is a stepping–stone along a path of private discovery, offering Nouwen's seasoned yet fresh ideas on kindness, love, suffering, and prayer, the Church as God's people, and the importance of Jesus in one's life–reflecting, as a whole, Nouwen's own 'personal creed.' Bread for the Journey brims with daily nourishment and guidance for devoted followers and new friends alike –– food for thought on a yearlong journey of discovery and faith.

When confronted by an existential crisis, noted educator Marlene C. Holayter is drawn into a journey of personal discovery. As she approaches retirement, the author is compelled to find the meaning, purpose, and value in her life. As she delves into her own story, one door opens to another, and soon she is exploring the stories of others. Drawing on interviews with over one hundred people, Holayter examines how the search for what matters, enriches life, and how each decade becomes a crossroad for the next. Through the lens of her own journey of growth, the author reveals insights gleaned from the vast and varied and yet, sometimes commonly shared experiences of a wide range of people. Wisdom is a Journey asks deep questions about seeking guidance, the power of connections, and the importance of empathy in a complex world. By offering perspective through these collected reflections and lived lessons, Holayter's book is an opportunity to be nurtured by others as you walk your own path toward wisdom.

In the early sixties, Stuart Schlegel went into a remote rainforest on the Philippine island of Mindanao as an anthropologist in search of material. What he found was a group of people whose tolerant, gentle way of life would transform his own values and beliefs profoundly. Wisdom from a Rainforest is Schlegel's testament to his experience and to the Teduray people of Figel, from whom he learned such vital, lasting lessons. Schlegel's lively ethnography of the Teduray portrays how their behavior and traditions revolved around kindness and compassion for humans, animals, and the spirits sharing their worlds. Schlegel describes the Teduray's remarkable legal system and their strong story-telling tradition, their elaborate cosmology, and their ritual celebrations. At the same time, Schlegel recounts his own transformation—how his worldview as a member of an advanced, civilized society was shaken to the core by a so-called primitive people. He begins to realize how culturally determined his own values are and to see with great clarity how much the Teduray can teach him about gender equality, tolerance for difference, generosity, and cooperation. By turns funny, tender, and gripping, Wisdom from a Rainforest honors the Teduray's legacy and helps us see how much we can learn from a way of life so different from our own.

"Heartwarming...A message of deliverance and fulfillment...A cause for joy and celebration." Father Malcolm Boyd As readers of Noah benShea's beloved international bestseller JACOB THE BAKER already know, Jacob's humble life changed when his neighbors discovered his great wisdom, for everyone wanted to draw upon it to solve their problems. Now, once again, Jacob's life is changing. The villagers propose that he give up baking and become their holy man. Instead, Jacob sets out on a journey, alone without destination. What he learns is shared in this treasure of plain-spoken wisdom.

Journey to Noble Ideals is a compilation of speeches Fethullah Gulen delivered in Pennsylvania, USA, between 2012 and 2013. The book provides guidelines to build our individual ladders to self-discovery. In Gulen's prescription, climbing this ladder requires "lifelong contendedness," "a spirit of chivalry," "becoming soil to grow roses," "balance and moderation," "being self-critical," "not to be dizzy with worldly pleasures," and "sincerity of intention." Nourished from a millennium old accumulation of knowledge and tradition, Gulen speaks of preserving one's "chastity of thoughts" but not lagging behind, and instead soaring across the "horizons of spiritual knowledge." For Gulen, a healthy society is built on a "happy marriage," observing the "rights of neighbors," "sound reason," and "asking for forgiveness." Above all, his faith rests on a firm belief that "God is sufficient" for all. This work will be a source of inspiration for all the travelers' journeying to noble ideals.

Wisdom for the Journey culminates years of periodic, miscellaneous writing. My desire to write spills over from my love for reading. Between reading fascinating books and creating writing projects, I began to say "Someday, I'll write a book." "Someday" dragged on into years. I finally chose a book title and began to write. Pages of dated manuscript filed away in folders attest to my periodic bouts of writing. Years go by without a completed manuscript. It seems like the write-a-book dream had faded. Then one day when I least expect it, the "write-a-book dream" returns resuscitated and stronger than ever. I hear a voice in my spirit say "You have a book, books to write before you sleep. You must begin to write now!" Immediately I am moved to start over again, and to forget the manuscript I had toyed around with for so long. Wisdom for the Journey is the title that erupts from that voice. With it comes a mandate, "Go all the way this time on to a published book. Suddenly, my self-talk is activated and I say to myself "Here I go again back to the writing track. How many times have I been here before? I must not allow history to repeat itself again" When the self-talk stops, I realize that I need some way to ensure that I stay on course, keep procrastination away, and finish the book this time. The idea floods my mind that making a writing vow to God would give me assurance. I search the Bible for wisdom on making vows. Many people of the Bible have made them. Some of their vows have been foolishly made and produced unfavorable consequences. The eleventh chapter of Judges records such a vow. Jephthah, a great warrior, made a vow that results in the death of his only child. Not wanting to make a mistake, I search the scriptures for more wisdom. Scriptures teach that: vows are voluntary, but very serious; carry as much force as a written contract ; and are unbreakable. (Deut. 23:21, 23) Wisdom's bottom line is: If you make a vow to God you must pay it. The Lord demands it. There are no excuses and no exceptions. I carefully consider the biblical cautions and warnings about making a vow. I prayerfully conclude that for me a vow is the assurance I need for getting the book finished. So I make this vow to God. "Every day that you allow me to live, I will write for at least one hour. The writing sessions will continue daily until I have a completed manuscript ready for publishing. Making that vow is the beginning of Wisdom for the Journey. A few months into the writing sessions, painful arthritis and carpal tunnel pain attack my hands and wrists. I begin to think that its okay to quit now. But I recognize that voice as Satan with a "buyout package". My response to him is "Get behind me Satan ! You must have lost your mind to suggest that I break my vow to God." I recite biblical scriptures for strength and courage. Galatians 6:9 reminds me that "in due season we shall reap, if we faint not". In the meantime, wearing arthritic gloves, and carpal tunnel wrist braces, I continue to write as I seek more wisdom. I apply Romans 4:17 to the situation that says "Call those things which be not as though they were." And the wisdom of Job 22:28 that says "Thou shall also decree a thing and it shall be established unto thee." So believing and trusting God, I pray. Then I declare and decree that: "As I continue to write the manuscript my hands are healed and strengthened, and I am anointed and empowered to finish writing the book." The daily writing sessions continue as planned; the manifestation takes place as decreed; and Wisdom for the Journey is completed, fulfilling the writing vow I made to God.

How do you define “growing up”? Does it mean you achieve certain cultural benchmarks—a steady income, paying taxes, marriage, and children? Or does it mean leaving behind the expectations of others and growing into the person you were meant to be? If you find yourself in a career, place, relationship, or crisis you never foresaw and that seems at odds with your beliefs about who you are, it means your soul is calling on you to reexamine your path. With Living an Examined Life, James Hollis offers an essential guidebook for anyone at a crossroads in life Here this acclaimed author guides you through 21 areas for self-inquiry and growth—such as how to exorcise the ghosts of your past, when to choose meaning over happiness, how to construct a mature spirituality, and how to seize permission to be who you really are With his trademark eloquence and insight, Dr. Hollis offers a potent resource you’ll return to time and again to energize and inspire you on your journey to create a life of personal authority, integrity, and fulfillment.

The distorted view of the perfect female body created by popular culture, television, movies, and the media often causes women to become uncomfortable with their own bodies. Christine Valters Paintner, popular author of nine books and abbess of the online retreat center Abbey of the Arts, draws from Celtic, desert, and Benedictine traditions to help women connect with their bodies through writing, visual art, and movement. In The Wisdom of the Body, Christine Valters Paintner focuses on the true meaning of the Incarnation--God became flesh--and points to the spiritual importance of appreciating the bodies God gave us. Each of the book's ten chapters is a mini-workshop designed to lead us to new ways of being in relationship with our bodies. Starting with the senses and shifting toward emotions and desires, Paintner explores their role as thresholds to discovering the body's wisdom. She draws from Christian tradition to offer principles and practices such as stability, hospitality, and gratitude to lead us on a journey that ends with a sense of deep peace and self-acceptance. Through expressive arts and creative movement, Paintner demonstrates a new a language and way of integrating and sharing our discoveries. By exploring the lives of women in the Bible and in the Christian tradition--including Eve, Mary, Hildegaard of Bingen, and Amma Syncletica--Paintner introduces us to companions that accompany us on our journey.