Tag: literary agent

Where's my Sunshine Mountain???

NOT sunshine mountain

I’m writing right now in the book “Life As Prayer”  about something those of the Catholic tradition are more acquainted with, and that is, that negative (so-called) portions of our spiritual journey are really a normal part of the process.

Usually we tend to see them as problematic, or like something has gone terribly wrong. Or, perhaps, we’ve gone terribly wrong. Dark times, un-SUNSHINE MOUNTAIN times, are part of what God uses, and are quite positive, though they might not feel like it. Many people tend to think of God’s displeasure, or his withholding of blessing when they don’t feel his love, or are suffering, or not being blessed. Is it because we live in prosperity? Maybe. But even the ancient story of Job reveals that his friends thought the same mistaken things. 

I’m going to unpack Gloom Mountain, and take the teeth out of it. Spirituality encompasses these dark times too, and may be what best prepares us for what God has for us. After the dawn, new richness is revealed than could ever happen before.

I’ll share some tidbits as I move along. Freely share your experiences or thoughts, if you’d like. 

Have you felt pressure to be happy when you were not, because you thought God or others wanted you to?

Brother Lawrence: Fast facts

• c. 1614-1691

• Lowly monk duties as a kitchen worker, and shoe cobbler (no standing or education to be a leader, priest, or cleric)

• Lived in a barefooted monastic order

• Said he did not enjoy religious routines (bit odd to admit for a monk, b/c this is their lifestyle)

• He sought continual communion and delight in the awareness of the presence of God

• Believed in the grace of God more than anything else

• His piety and devotion was so transforming and noticeable, religious leaders, young monks, and outsiders sought out his secrets and counsel

• At his funeral his sweetness and character were so exceptional that his letters of correspondence and remembrances of his conversations were gathered, read, and preserved for posterity–otherwise his life would have been forever lost in obscurity

project: Life As Prayer

Beyond a book

Two chapters and a book proposal have been turned in to my agent, Chip. When he gets back from Maui, we’ll talk and see where the next step will be.

But, this topic is far bigger than a book. For me, it’s a new way to see life in which all is seen as spiritual. What is vertigo about contemporary life becomes more calm and centered. It’s also a way to, as the bible says, “walk with God”. This is a day-to-day excursion, not just a book writing task.

What does it mean to walk with God?

Or to “pray continually?”