One of the best books I reviewed last year was Sonia Choquette’s “The Power Of Your Spirit”. That book, as I wrote at the time, was insightful in helping me distinguish between the unhealthy messages of the Ego and the empowering thoughts of the Spirit. Now in 2012 Choquette has produced a worthy followup in the same vein, “Grace, Guidance, and Gifts”.
Choquette’s latest work could just as easily be called “Love Letters From God.” I felt Spirit was speaking to me through these pages – a devotional format with two to three page entries designed to be read daily. The book is divided into three parts as the title implies – one third of the book addresses Grace, one third Guidance, and the last third Gifts.
The foundation of my spirituality is the unconditional love of God. I liked how this love was emphasized over and over again in the Grace part. One example of a Grace prayer that resonated with me: “Grace my Spirit with the humility to cease foolishly trying to exercise control over life and especially those around me, and to quietly allow my day to unfold in harmony and with respect for your own graceful divine plane, without interference, disruption, or disturbance from the ego.” In saying these prayers I was reminded again of my own loving connection to Spirit.
The Guidance part also spoke to me. Each entry is organized in four sections: “Message from Spirit”, “Morning Prayer”, “Today’s Mantra” and “Your Personal Blessing”. I found reading a new entry first thing in the morning gave me a calming spiritual focus before entering into the activity of the work day. The mantra “I trust my inner guidance even when it is difficult to understand” was one I thought of often on the day I read it.
I wish the book had a more detailed index. “Grace page 1; Guidance page 89; Gifts page 155” is it. In the Gifts part various spiritual capabilities are discussed, each in its own entry (healing, compassion, patience, listening, leadership, silence, courage, friendship, and teaching are a few). I found these entries compelling; ones I will want to refer to again in the future, but with no index to lead the way it won’t be easy. Maybe I’ll make my own index!
I feel reading an inspirational piece at the start of each day is a powerful spiritual practice. Choquette’s book is full of such passages, and now it will have a permanent place in my meditation room. As a bonus a free CD is included with three meditation sessions led by the author. “Grace, Guidance, and Gifts” is a guide I will refer to often.
You can get “Grace, Guidance, and Gifts” from these book sellers:
This is another book review in my partnership with Hay House. I was not financially compensated for this post. I received the book from Hay House for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.
