Author of the book: A PILGRIMAGE WITH JESUS: Through the Gospels

1. Please introduce yourself. What would you like your reader to know about you?

I am now in my golden years.   As I look back, I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve also had successes.   I have been a daughter, a sister,  a friend, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a minister, a leader developer, a columnist …and now I am an author, thanks to Eliva Press!

2. What is your inspiration/motivation?

Now that I have retired from the pulpit and religious rituals, my focus is on finding AWE and JOY.   I want to empower all persons to find their own AWE and JOY. The inspiration for my book “A Pilgrimage with Jesus” comes from my desire to live my own best life.   These 250 stories of Jesus' life, as he walked this world for thirty years, even if it was 2000 years ago, can help us understand how to react to honor as well as betrayal…how to make decisions…how to treat others…how to forgive…how to stay strong in times of crisis…etc.

3. Who do you consider the primary audience for your book?

My primary audience is teenagers all the way to oldsters. Life happens: we have times of frustration, we have grief, we have disappointment, and we have opportunities all through the stages of life.  Stories from Jesus’ life give us guidance to navigate this world.  This book can be for personal meditation or for group discussions on how to apply the stories of Jesus to our lives today.    

4. How long did it take to complete your book from the idea to publication?

I wrote guided reflections and prayers for my congregation in 2009.  These 250 stories covered almost a year. I accomplished what I wanted to do, and then the writings were lying around--until I was asked to write a book by the Eliva Press.  I realized that what I had written years ago was still good for our current world.   With lots of helpers, and lots of mishaps and difficulties, I began to pull together this book in June, and it was published in November.

5. How did working with biblical sources influence your approach to writing?

Even though I have worked with biblical sources for most of my life, paying attention to my own reflections and prayers now, I realized how the Bible helps me continue to grow my own soul today.

6. What's the main message and idea of your book "A PILGRIMAGE WITH JESUS: Through the Gospels"?

My main message is to help people who are anxious, curious, lonely, grieving, and yet determined to be their best self ask, "What would Jesus do?”

7. How would you describe your publishing experience with Eliva Press in a few words?

When the Eliva Press company asked me to write a book about my Christianity, I had some initial doubts!  But in my journey with this lovely company, they gave me the time I needed and they answered my questions within 24 hours. And then Eliva Press published this beautiful book.  

8. What do you hope readers will take away from this book on a personal or spiritual level?

I hope that readers, by looking at the biblical passages from the past, will fill their yearning for peace, love and joy and acquire the stamina to live their best life in their current situations.  Healing, hope, and hospitality.

9. What part of the book are you personally most connected to—and why?

I am still in awe that I was asked to write a book and it actually has been published!    This is the perfect example of me focused on AWE  and JOY!

10. What future topics or projects are you planning next?

I still love leadership development.  I am waiting to see if people today are moved and challenged by this current book.

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