On A Journey To God, or just walking a spiritual path?


Today I'm delighted to welcome Gary and Susan Eby to my blog, to share about their book of personal stories. In the book blurb they say "Our disclaimer: you are completely free to reject everything we have to say about spirituality. What we believe in is not that important. What really counts is what you believe that gives your life meaning, direction, and purpose," so I had to ask...

·       Who are your intended readers? How did that influence how you wrote the blurb?
We wrote Reflections: A Journey to God for anybody interested in walking a spiritual path. We define spirituality as a journey within to find the presence of the Divine according to your own understanding.  So our blub emphasizes the freedom of choice over strict compliance with a set of rituals or doctrines as indicated in a religious creed.

·       Do you expect your readers to reject what you say - or rather, which readers do you think might reject it?
Reflections is story about our two different spiritual journeys finally converging and ending up in the same place: hope, joy, love, and healing. It is also full of tips, advice, and positive thoughts designed to help all of us have a better, healthier life .  In addition, it's a strong message that we can put love into action to create a more peaceful world.
We suspect some people who subscribe to a strict and religious point of view may reject our spiritual approach. We do sincerely hope, that our readers contemplate our poems, essays, and talks with an open mind and heart.

·       What might be the consequences of lives lacking        meaning, direction, or purpose? And how do you see that playing out in modern society?                                                                                                 
Susan and I have experienced considerable adversity,  emotional pain, and psychological challenges in our life. We certainly don't have all the answers. But we do believe depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, financial problems, and relationship issues at their core reveal a lack of self-worth, meaning, direction, and purpose.
Reflections: Provides people with the powerful message that all problems (social and political too) can be conquered when you know and feel a personal relationship with the Divine. If you would like more information on our spiritual approach, we hope you will check out this link to an earlier interview of us done via The Crazy Mind in May of 2017. https://www.jaamzin.com/single-post/2017/05/13/Reflections-A-Journey-to-God

·       What events or people influenced the development of your spirituality? Could you define your life's meaning, direction and/or purpose in one or two words, or is that asking the impossible?   
Love of nature, my profession (as a retired social worker, mental health worker, and addiction therapist),  as well as Susan's interest in philosophy and becoming an interfaith minister via The Emerson Theological Institute, has influenced us significantly on our spiritual journeys. "Magnificence" is the word that describes for us the path towards a more spiritual way of being. We explain this term in our book and on our spiritual blog. Hope you will choose to discover more about us at  http://reflectionsinspirit.blogspot.com/
Our life's meaning is to bring peace, joy, love, self-understanding, and self-acceptance to those who read our book.  This is our life purpose.

Thank you so much Gary and Susan.
Sending you Peace, Light, Joy, and Love today:  Gary and Susan Eby.  

 And now for some more information...                                           


Title: REFLECTIONS: A JOURNEY TO GOD
Author: Gary & Susan Eby
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing
Pages: 268
Genre: Spirituality/Self-Help/Healing/Poetry

Our disclaimer: you are completely free to reject everything we have to say about spirituality. What we believe in is not that important. What really counts is what you believe that gives your life meaning, direction, and purpose.
This book is about our personal stories with Spirit and what we've learned along our journeys. We're sharing it with you because it might help you on your own journey to God. We only ask that you read this book with an open mind and heart.
We suggest you pick one of these spiritual essays. Ponder it, meditate for a while, even read it out loud. Allow yourself to feel the words and the light, which may lead you to discover the better life you truly deserve.

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Emotional Healing
In the twilight of an Oregon summer night, the half-moon projects a mystical glow. Cool mountain air flows with the gentle sounds of cricket music. A glimmering star curtain unfurls to reveal a celestial vision of power and energy that transcends all human worry, doubt, and fear.
Tonight I am at peace, yet I still struggle with discouragement. A part of me obsesses and worries about an unsure financial future. This negative side is unforgiving, self-critical, and emotionally abusive.
At age 60, it appears overwhelming and even impossible to change the direction and course of my life. As I try out new ideas and new technology to achieve my dreams and goals, I stumble and fall. So many barriers and obstacles loom on the horizon. The prospect of giving up and throwing in the towel appears seductive.  Why not just give up?   What's the point anyway?
I ask myself why am I trying so hard to achieve my dreams, when reality smacks of karma, suffering, powerlessness, and death?  We all know about all of those 'bad things' that keep happening to 'good people'. Right?
I accept that evil and injustice exists in this world.  I know random or calculated acts of violence, painful relationships, disease and the loss of loved ones, cause untold pain and suffering.  In these moments of despair, frustration, and discouragement, my consciousness returns to the power of the half-moon.
There is darkness but the moonlight always conquers the night. Even when no moon can be seen in the sky, the moon is there.  Tonight, I choose to thrive on the Light living within all of us.
Much of life will remain a mystery. The stars above and the universe within will sustain me through predictable trials and life challenges. I choose to embrace the majesty of life made sublimely radiant by those infinite, flashing, celestial spheres.
I feel myself merging with the universe and my thoughts begin to turn toward God.  This is the place I want to be.  This is the space I want to be in.  This is where I want to live my life.  I refuse to let the negative overtake me.  
I emotionally reach out toward the lights dancing in the sky and accept what is always, always true.  I am forever guided by God, and whatever happens in my life, I know Spirit will show me through.  No fears, worries or negativity can touch me when I am existing in the Love Light.
Link to Trailer:



Gary Eby is a retired social worker, mental health counselor and addiction therapist. He writes about self-help and spirituality. Gary loves playing the piano, the drums and walking on the beach with his wife, Susan. His motto is "Choose the positive, because it's all good!"


Susan studied philosophy in college. Some of her favorite philosophers are Socrates, Plato, William James and St. Thomas Aquinas. She is currently enjoying Emerson's mystical essays. We have conducted an interview with them.

Their current book is Reflections: A Journey to God.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

 

With thanks to Pump Up Your Book for inviting me to share in this tour.

Comments

Reflections said…
Thank you for hosting us. We can create a more compassionate world. Peace, Joy, Light, Love to All. Gary and Susan Eby.
September 28, 2017 at 11:42 AM
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