BOOK REVIEW :: Breathing Under Water:Spirituality and the Twelve Steps by Richard Rohr

Breathing Under Water: 

Spirituality and the Twelve Steps

by

Richard Rohr

It's always exciting when I discover a book that has fresh concepts and approaches to the subject of addiction recovery. Breathing Under Water by Richard Rohr is just that and more.

I've been using this book in my own recovery walk for over a year now. With every chapter I get new insights that help me get up and take my daily baby steps again.

Though himself not a recovering addict, Fr. Rohr has a sweet way of lining up our hurts and issues with the spirituality and healing we all long for. 

Breathing Under Water, like all of Richard Rohr's books, is beautifully written and is one of my favorite books. I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with addiction of any type.

If you can't see the video screen below CLICK HERE to watch Richard Rohr speak on his book Breathing Under Water.

BOOK REVIEW :: The Benedictine Handbook and The Oblate Life

The Benedictine Handbook

by Anthony Marrett-Crosby (Editor)

2003 Canterbury Press Norwich

350 pp

The Oblate Life

by Gervase Holdaway OSB (Editor)

2008 Canterbury Press Norwich

322 pp

To finish out this year I have chosen to review the two best resources I've found for becoming a Benedictine Oblate. Both books are beautifully bound with durable hardcovers designed for years of use. They are similar in style and format with topical essays in easy to read chapters written by excellent contributing authors.

The Benedictine Handbook begins with a brief introduction to Saint Benedict and his Rule followed by the tools for Benedictine spirituality and how to practice them in our every day lives whether we live in a community or as a solitary. The Benedictine Handbook is an excellent resource to help you understand the basics of the Benedictine lifestyle and the foundation of this type of spiritual walk. 

The Oblate Life though very similar in style and format regarding Benedictine history and spirituality, it focuses mostly on what it means to live as a Benedictine oblate. Whether married with a family or single, in our community or the church, the essays cover all areas and seasons of life. The bibliography in The Oblate Life is an excellent list of resources to help us delve deeper into all things Benedictine.

If you feel called to the Benedictine spiritual walk both of these books are a must have for your library.  The Benedictine Handbook and The Oblate Life both serve as a great introductions to many of the best Benedictine authors in the market today. I have thoroughly enjoyed studying both books and will continue to for years to come.

BOOK REVIEW :: Chanting the Psalms by Cynthia Bourgeault

Chanting the Psalms

by

Cynthia Bourgeault

As my monastic spiritual quest unfolds God continues to put amazing books in my path. Each leads to another and on and on they go. My Amazon account is grateful to be sure!

Earlier this year when I was looking for books to use with my Lectio Divina and Liturgy of the Hours practices, I started reading Phyllis Tickle's book series The Divine Hours.  She spoke about the history of The Hours and how years ago monks (and some still today) would sing the Liturgy vs. speaking it.

A light bulb moment hit and I began looking for a book on chanting. Then voila'! I discovered Cynthia Bourgault's book Chanting the Psalms.  The perfect answer to my search.

Not only is this book an incredible history of chanting but it is a beautiful teaching tool of music and worship. The best part is the instructional CD that is included to help you learn the chants.

Don't worry if you're not a musician or a singer. Cynthia has all that covered. She does an awesome job putting us at ease with our uncertainties and inexperience. As a novice with chanting I need lots of practice. But that's where our spiritual growth comes in the practice.

I am so excited about Chanting the Psalms by Cynthia Bourgeault and plan to use it for many years to come. I hope you will consider it as an addition to your prayer and personal worship experience.

BOOK REVIEW :: Monk Habits for Everyday People by Dennis Okholm

Monk Habits for Everyday People: Benedictine Spirituality for Protestants

by

Dennis Okholm

Benedictine spirituality is unfamiliar to Protestants and Catholics alike. For this reason we must equally welcome Dennis Okholm's wonderful book Monk Habits for Everyday People.

As a Protestant pastor and Professor of Theology, Dennis Okholm helps to bridge the gap with excellent historical background. He unreservedly gives reasoning behind why Saint Benedict's rule is vitally important to our modern world.

When I first began to explore the roots of contemporary Benedictine monasticism, it dawned on me that in one sense Benedict belongs to Roman Catholics no more than he does to Protestants. His life preceded the Reformation by a millennium, and the same Protestants who revere and learn from Augustine (b.354) may just as legitimately, and without feelings of betrayal and guilt, appeal to Benedict (b.480).

In Monk Habits for Everyday People Dennis shares stories of his retreats to monasteries.  He digs deep into the basic tenants of Benedictine spirituality: Listening, Poverty, Obedience, Humility, Hospitality, Stability, and Balance while giving practical application to all.

If you are at all curious about Benedictine monastic practices I highly recommend this resource. Monk Habits for Everyday People is a great beginning place for anyone interested in learning Benedictine ways. One of my favorite things in this book is the list of simple suggestions that help us begin practicing Benedictine spirituality in our every day lives.

Book Review :: New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton

New Seeds of Contemplation

by

Thomas Merton

A 20th Century Christian mystic, Thomas Merton is far and away one of my favorite authors. Although I haven't read all his books yet, New Seeds of Contemplation is in my mind his greatest work. Without a doubt a modern spiritual classic.

The depth of Merton's spiritual understanding is difficult to grasp. His words are soothing as a pool of cool water. I want to swim in them for hours.

"Every moment and every event of every man's life on earth plants something in his soul. For just as the wind carries thousands of winged seeds, so each moment brings with it germs of spiritual vitality that come to rest imperceptibly in the minds and wills of men. Most of these unnumbered seeds perish and are lost, because men are not prepared to receive them: for such seeds as these cannot spring up anywhere except in the soil of freedom, spontaneity and love." ~ Thomas Merton

In New Seeds of Contemplation Merton takes us to deeper levels in our spiritual walk, teaching us about faith and humility, thoughtfully helping us to find our true identity in Christ. If you are on a serious spiritual growth path, seeking a clearer understanding of your relationship to God, this is the book for you. 

My feeble words fail when trying to describe the magnificence of Thomas Merton's writing. Poetic, transcending, life-changing, mesmerizing, core-cutting, astounding, incredibly perfect, a true gift from God. It leaves me almost breathless... Always wanting more. 

The highest of recommendations from my bookshelf. READ THIS BOOK!

BOOK REVIEW ~ St. Benedict's Toolbox: The Nuts and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living by Jane Tomaine

St. Benedict's Toolbox: 

The Nuts and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living

by

Jane Tomaine

Morehouse Publishing 2005

206 pp

Readers who have been following my blog will be familiar with the title of this book. It has been listed as a resource for most of my columns this year.

As the title suggests St. Benedict's Toolbox is just that... an excellent tool for applying The Rule of Saint Benedict to lives outside the monastery wall.

Jane Tomaine does a incredible job laying out the chapters in a user friendly fashion with ideas and resources that will blend with your personal lifestyle and faith practice.

If you were to buy only one book to help you begin applying The Rule you must buy St. Benedict's Toolbox: The Nuts and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living by Jane Tomaine!

I'm crazy about Jane's book and plan to use it for years to come! Every time I open it I get more excited about putting it into practice. Thanks Jane!

BOOK REVIEW: Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton

Thoughts in Solitude 

by

Thomas Merton

"There is no greater disaster in the spiritual life than to be immersed in unreality, for life is maintained and nourished in us by our vital relation with realities outside and above us."

I became an immediate Thomas Merton fan when I read this first sentence of Thoughts in Solitude.  After living most of my life numbed out in a mind filled with fantasy, I was amazed to find a book written by a Trappist monk that could touch the core of my being with one sentence. 

Merton's writing flows like beautiful poetry. You will want to soak in his nourishing words for hours on end. There is incredible healing in this precious book. I've read it twice and will read it time and again for the rest of my life.

If you are unfamiliar with Thomas Merton, I highly recommend starting with Thoughts in Solitude. It was my first book of his but it hasn't been the last. Until I've read them all I can't name a favorite, though this one is at the top of the list so far.

BOOK REVIEW ~ The Divine Hours:Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle

THE DIVINE HOURS: Prayers for Summertime 

by 

Phyllis Tickle

For the last several months I have been using Phyllis Tickle's prayer book series. I purchased the entire set which includes prayer books for each season of the year, along with a book of Night Offices. I started with Prayers for Springtime and have now moved to Prayers for Summertime.

If you are unfamiliar with Phyllis Tickle you will find her a prolific writer with dozens of books to her name. She is the founding editor of the Religion Department of Publishers Weekly and has been a much sought after speaker on religion in America.

In The Divine Hours Ms. Tickle makes primary use of The Book of Common Prayer, the writings of the Church Fathers and takes Scripture readings from the New Jerusalem Bible.  Each book is divided into specific time categories: Morning, Mid-day, Evening and Night and is easy to navigate to find today's reading.

As a recovering addict it's critical that I keep my prayer routine on track and The Divine Hours series has been most helpful in this area.  Although I have several prayer books and iPhone apps, I really enjoy Phyllis Tickle's books and use them regularly. 

If you are looking for a way to freshen your prayer and praise routine while participating in the ancient practice of the liturgy, I highly recommend The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle.

BOOK REVIEW ~ Twelve Steps to Inner Freedom: Humility Revisited by Joan D. Chittister

Twelve Steps to Inner Freedom: Humility Revisited

by

Joan D. Chittister

82pp

Shortly after I was introduced to Benedictine spirituality in 2012, I found Joan Chittister.  The title to this book was intriguing to me since I've been walking the recovery road for a while.

In The Twelve Steps to Inner Freedom: Humility Revisited Joan does a remarkable job breaking down Saint Benedict's 12 steps of Humility into easily applied life principles.  I've read this book twice and use it regularly as a resource.  I also enjoy Joan's blog and other books which you can find here: http://joanchittister.org.

Beautifully descriptive!  She is one of my favorite authors today.  I highly recommend everything by Joan Chittister! 

BOOK REVIEW: How to be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job by Benet Tvedten

How to Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job: 

An Invitation to Oblate Life

by

Brother Benet Tvedten

2006
Paraclete Press





How to Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job is a great place to start if you are considering the life of an Oblate.  This was the first book on the monastic lifestyle that I read two years ago. At 119 pages with short flowing chapters it's a easy introductory read.

Br. Tvedten does an excellent job giving us historical background to Benedictine spirituality, the values for daily living and what it actually means to become an Oblate. He includes a wonderful list of Benedictine titles many of which I have read and will be reviewing here in the future.

I highly recommend How to Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job: An Invitation to Oblate Life by Brother Benet Tvedten.  It was after reading this book that I knew without a doubt the Benedictine spiritual path was where I belonged.

BOOK REVIEW ~ The Naked Now by Richard Rohr

The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See

by

Richard Rohr

Only recently introduced to Richard Rohr's writing, I was pleasantly surprised to read concepts often represented by Eastern religions or New Age philosophies shown in our Christian traditions.

In The Naked Now Fr. Rohr literally teaches a new way to see. He helps us move from the all or nothing; either / or thinking, to more inclusive both / and views.  An excellent book to help bridge the gaps we see so much in our culture today. I love that he isn't afraid to quote other religious teachers: Zen Masters and The Dali Lama for instance.

One point he made that I have seen in my own life is that many Christian denominations focus so much on doctrine but don't give us the vision or practices that can help us actually experience the truths.  Most awesome is the appendixes that teach us how to practice The Naked Now!

What a fresh word! I'm ready to read this book again!

If you can't see the screen below CLICK HERE for a introduction to The Naked Now by Richard Rohr.

BOOK REVIEW :: Seeking God: The Way of St. Benedict by Esther de Waal

Seeking God: The Way of Saint Benedict

by

Esther de Waal

One of my new favorite people is Esther de Waal. In my opinion Esther is responsible for the global growth of the Oblate movement for the last 30 years. Her book Seeking God: The Way of Saint Benedict brings St Benedict's Rule to life for those trying to live monastic principles in our ordinary lives outside monastery walls.

Ms. de Wall breaks down the Rule, written by a celibate man to other celibate men over 1500 years ago, into ways that can be applied to every life. Along with the beautifully translated Rule, each chapter is punctuated with sweet prayers and quotations perfect for a devotional or meditation time.

I learned many things in this wonderful book. But the most important is something I use every day; a principle that is tied to our daily work, whatever it may be.

Reflecting on this quote from the Rule:

He will regard all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the altar, aware that nothing is to be neglected. (RB 31.2)

Esther de Waal writes:

What we can learn from the Rule is that the sense of God's presence can be mediated throughout daily work and not destroyed by it…  seeking God does not demand the unusual, the spectacular, the heroic. It asks of me as wife, mother, housewife that I do the most ordinary, often dreary and humdrum things that face me each day, with a loving openness that will allow them to become my own immediate way to God. (Ch VII Material Things)

After reading this I put a daily ritual in place to help me keep this forefront in my mind. I start each morning by lighting a candle at my kitchen altar where I have placed a reminder card of this principle. Prayerfully, I dedicate my hands and work to God. Reminding myself that every implement of my work is a sacred vessel on the altar of my transformation. This immediately puts my heart attitude in check with the Holy Spirit.

You may not be interested in becoming an Oblate. But if you are pursuing spiritual growth, I highly recommend you read Seeking God: The Way of St. Benedict. Esther's words have been so inspirational to me. This is a book I will read again and again!

If you can't see the screen below CLICK HERE for a beautiful teaching by Esther de Waal given at St. Paul's Cathedral in London in 2013. I love love love this woman! Her spirit is so sweet! I hope you enjoy her as much as I do. Blessings… Tamara

BOOK REVIEW :: The Book of Hours with Thomas Merton

A Book of Hours 

with 

Thomas Merton

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was an incredible spiritual thinker of the 20th Century. Though he lived a mostly solitary life as a Trappist monk, he had an amazing impact on the world through is writing. He was an out spoken anti-war and civil rights proponent and was reprimanded for his social criticisms. He was unique among Christian leaders in that he embraced Eastern mysticism and sought to bridge the gap between the East and the West.

Over the last several years I've run across Thomas Merton's name in many books. Having read several by now, I am quite taken by his way of teaching, his convictions and his sweet poetic writing style.

A Book of Hours wasn't written personally by Thomas Merton, it is a recent compilation from his books sweetly edited by Kathleen Deignan and beautifully illustrated by John Giuliani.

Designed as a daily prayer book, A Book of Hours has various selections from Merton's poems and other writings divided up as hymns and prayers which are to be read each day of the week at Dawn, Day, Dusk and at Dark.

It has been the a tradition of the Christian church since ancient times to pray throughout the day. In this way the church fulfills the Lord's precept to pray without ceasing. As I have embraced monastic spirituality, praying the Liturgy of the Hours has been a wonderful way to keep me spiritually focused through the day. It helps me specifically in my recovery walk to stay on track.

I highly recommend The Book of Hours by Thomas Merton. Beautifully bound, it is a great gift for yourself or a friend. It is one of the sweetest prayer books I own. I will treasure it for many years to come. 

Blessings... Tamara

BOOK REVIEW :: Play by Stuart Brown, M.D.

PLAY:: 

How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul

by 

Stuart Brown, MD

Earlier this year I reviewed Brene' Brown's book Daring Greatly in which I first learned of Stuart Brown and the National Institute for Play. Having my own challenges with finding play time I decided that PLAY was an important book for me to read.

In PLAY, Dr. Brown takes us to all sides of play, from the animal kingdom through the human lifecycle, play time in infancy to school yard rough and tumble, through adolescence on into adulthood. We learn through Dr. Brown's research the incredible importance play is to the prevention of violence in our world and spawning innovation in the marketplace.

Most interesting to me was to learn that the opposite of play is not work, but depression. Which makes total sense if you think about it. When you read PLAY you will discover your play personality, how to take your own play history and hopefully learn how to be free to play more.

I found this book quite interesting. A little heavy on the research for my personal taste, but all in all I recommend PLAY by Dr. Stuart Brown.

If you can't see the video screen below CLICK HERE for Dr. Stuart Brown's fascinating TED talk.

BOOK REVIEW :: Deep-Rooted in Christ: The Way of Transformation

Deep-Rooted in Christ: The Way of Transformation

by 

Joshua Choonmin Kang

In January 2008, I was introduced to Joshua Choonmin Kang when Renavare` suggested their followers read Deep-Rooted in Christ together that year. Because I am such a fan of Richard Foster and the Renovare`organization, I was confident the book would be amazing. I was not disappointed.

In the tradition of classic spiritual writers, Joshua uses the spiritual disciplines to show us the path to Christlikeness. Written with 52 short chapters it is perfect for a weekly devotional. There is so much life changing wisdom that once through barely skims the surface. I've read this sweet book several times since I first got it.

If you are looking for a new devotional for the upcoming year or perhaps a Christmas gift, I would highly recommend Joshua Choonmin Kang's beautifully written book Deep-Rooted in Christ: The Way of Transformation. I'm looking forward to reading it again myself this next year.

BOOK REVIEW :: Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst

Unglued: 

Making Wise Choice in the Midst of Raw Emotions

by

@LysaTerKeurst

This past September I was blessed to see Lysa TerKeurst speak at the Women of Faith conference in Dallas. When she spoke at the conference her message was taken from Unglued so I was excited that I had already chosen it for my October Book Review.

Are a woman who struggles with stuffing your emotions or exploding from over-stuffing? Then you are going to want this book! To be honest most of us are one or the other and sometimes both depending on the hour of the day or the day of the month.

Our schedules are overly committed which keeps us in danger of bursting at our seams with raw emotions daily. In Unglued Lysa shares transparent personal stories to help us recognize the differences between stuffing our emotions and exploding. She then gently teaches us from Scripture how to repair our thought processes and reactions which can help prevent future explosive episodes. 

Though I don't struggle with raw emotions much these days, there were many years when I was a walking time bomb. I could have really used Unglued when I was raising my three children!

I enjoyed reading Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst and I think you will too! 

If you can't see the video screen below click here to Lysa TerKeurst discuss Unglued.

BOOK REVIEW :: Change Your Words Change Your Life by Joyce Meyer

Change Your Words Change Your Life: 

Understanding the Power of Every Word You Speak 

by

@JoyceMeyer

Over the years I have read multiple books by Joyce Meyer. If you've been following my blog you know the profound impact her ministry has had on my life.

The message of this particular book is one of Joyce's foundational teachings and is one I'm sure she will continue teaching as long as she has breath. Why is it she continues to pound away at us about our words? Because our brains are extremely stubborn and don't given up bad habits easily!

Joyce has written several books and preached countless messages about the mouth. But I believe Change Your Words Change Your Life is her most user friendly to date. She gives us a dictionary of Scriptures divided up by topics to help us quickly in our time of need. Through good times and bad, complaining, encouraging, and opinions... she doesn't miss a beat. And what I love most about Joyce is that she keeps it real by sharing her own areas of weakness and growth!

I have personal experience that this principle works, so I highly recommend Change Your Words Change Your Life by Joyce Meyer!

If you can't see the video screen below CLICK HERE for a wonderful conversation between @JoyceMeyer and @JohnCMaxwell on the power of our words.

BOOK REVIEW :: Girls with Swords by Lisa Bevere

Girls with Swords: 

How to Carry Your Cross Like A Hero

by

@LisaBevere

I had a wonderful summer book study with my newest daughter-in-law, Alicia, who chose Girls with Swords for us to read. Although, I've seen Lisa Bevere multiple times on television this is the first time I've read one of her books. Not unlike her TV appearances, Lisa has a powerful message to share.

Today many of the popular video games and comic book adventures depict women as heroes. But that certainly has't been the norm of our social culture. Having not seen strong women modeled for us, many of us girls find it difficult to step into the role of warrior princess.

In Girls with Swords Lisa does a wonderful job using fencing metaphors to teach us the power we have available through The Sword of God's Word. But before we can learn how to weald our sword we must first be aware of the battle set before us. Once we learn our battleground the task of becoming a warrior begins. We learn how to forge our sword, walk through the battle toward our harvest, armed with the Light, songs of praise and even times of silence.

Lisa carefully teaches us that as God's children we are chosen but we must be trained and armed before God will commission us to our individual battles. We may be chosen it's up to us to attend boot camp. Only there will we get the preparation necessary for the battlefield of life.

If you are looking for a book to study this Fall I highly recommend Girls with Swords! Also, you might want to check out the Girls with Swords Fencing Manual which goes beautifully with the book. It's perfect for individual study or small groups.


If you cannot see the video screen below Click Here  for a message from Lisa Bevere.

BOOK REVIEW :: Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits by Joyce Meyer

MAKING GOOD HABITS 

BREAKING BAD HABITS:

14 New Behaviors That Will Energize Your Life

by 

@JoyceMeyer

Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits is up there with Joyce's best and most practical books. I love the way Joyce writes. She sweetly imparts her wisdom from personal experience of dealing with consequences of her own bad habits that ultimately motivated her to create healthier habits.

Joyce takes us through a series of behaviors that when combined, provide a beautiful recipe for successfully changing habits. She recommends rather than focusing our energy on removing the bad habits we should implement positive habits which will eventually drive out the bad habits.

I have been a huge fan of Joyce Meyer for years and have read many of her books. She has impacted my life in immeasurable ways. I can honestly say I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for her.

If you are struggling with some bad habits, and who isn't, I encourage you to get Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits. I personally have purchased an audio copy and look forward to listening to it so I can further cement these principles in my brain. Thanks Joyce! 

If you can't see the screen below CLICK HERE to watch Joyce Meyer discuss Making Good Habits. 

BOOK REVIEW :: Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

DARING GREATLY:

How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead

by 

@BrenéBrown

"WHERE WAS THIS BOOK WHEN I WAS RAISING MY KIDS 30 YEARS AGO?"

Oh my gosh! I think this may be one of the most important books I will ever read! And I don't say that lightly. Those of you who know me or have followed my blog for a while, know I'm a voracious reader. And when I find a book of this magnitude I'm going to shout it from the house top.

Daring Greatly is critical to living an emotionally healthy life!

This book is a voice of reason, understanding and explanation from a woman who has spent more than a decade listening to painful stories of lived experiences in order to put a theory into words. And not just research words to complete a degree, but words that will make a difference, words that can bring a sense of meaning to the struggles we all have in common.

Every person on the planet needs to read Daring Greatly!

No doubt about it, this book is a tough read. Not because Dr. Brown is a researcher who writes sentences that are five lines long (which she does not) but because her material hits me right where I live inside and outside my brain.

Do yourself and everyone in your life a favor... read Daring Greatly! 

I've just finished reading Daring Greatly and taking notes all over the book's pages. Now I have to read it again. This time I'm getting out my spiral notebook and stepping into the Vulnerability classroom with Dr. Brené Brown as my professor.

Thanks Dr. Brené Brown! I look forward to reading much more of your work!

If you can't see the video screen below Click here to watch Brené Brown's ground breaking TEDx talk that has garnered more than 9 million views thus far!