Beauty, Truth, Life and Love: Four Essentials for the Abundant Life by my friend J. Brent Bill is now available.
I had an opportunity to ask Brent a few questions about his new book:
Why did you write Beauty, Truth, Life and Love?
This book grew out of my continuing learning about spiritual discernment – including examining those times in my life when I seemed to get it right or not so right. In those things where beauty, truth, life, and love were all present in some degree, I felt more closely aligned with the Divine will in my life. Where one or more were absent – well, I didn’t feel that close to God. As I’ve tried to practice making sure these four ingredients were present in all aspects of my life, the more rich my life has felt. And I wanted to share that.
What one or two things did you discover or learn while you wrote your book that pleasantly surprised you?
Oh, I’m constantly surprised whenever I write anything. In this case, I was surprised by both what I knew or felt and by what I didn’t know I knew or felt until I wrote it down. Writing is a form of spiritual exploration for me – and so it always opens me to new insights and guidance from God. I am often led to write about the growing edges of my life – and this book was no exception.
Praise for the Work of J. Brent Bill:
“If you are seeking to hear God’s Spirit beyond the din, follow Bill’s instructions.” —Diana Butler Bass
“[Brent Bill is] a substantial spiritual guide, but never in a flashy way. Perhaps something like Mister Rogers Meets the Dalai Lama.” —David Crumm, Read the Spirit
“I love this book. It’s a beautiful introduction to the depths and riches of silence and of the Quaker tradition.” —Parker J. Palmer
“Brent Bill has written one of the finest books on discernment and divine guidance that I have seen in a very long time.” —Richard J. Foster
“A quietly lovely book in a hasty, clanging world.” —Philip Gulley
I encourage you to check out this short and powerful read.
Enjoy my reviews of two of Brent’s previous books: Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality and Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker: A Humble Stumble Toward Simplicity and Grace.
Enjoy a previous interview with Brent.
Holy Silence: The Quaker Way by J. Brent Bill: Quaker silence is not about stillness, as such, but rather about encountering God in a living and vital holy hush. This e-course encourages women and men to undertake a journey of spiritual silence. The destination is a quiet inner place where God teaches us directly. Friends (as Quakers are formally known) have been honing their take on silence for more than 350 years. It’s a silence that invites us to an immediate and personal encounter with God. That’s because Quakers believe that when we are silent, then the Spirit of God grants us insights, guidance, and understanding of spiritual truth.
Books by J. Brent Bill:
Beauty, Truth, Life, and Love: Four Essentials for the Abundant Life
Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker: A Humble Stumble Toward Simplicity and Grace
Sacred Compass: The Way of Spiritual Discernment
Finding God in the Verbs: Crafting a Fresh Language of Prayer
Awaken Your Senses: Exercises for Exploring the Wonder of God
Mind the Light: Learning to See With Spiritual Eyes
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