Be as One

Launch day for “River of Grace” is approaching, and it looks like I’ll have TWO books launching!

Published on October 1, 2015 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

When I texted my dear friend Lisa Hendey of Cathoilicmom.com what happened in the last couple of days, she replied back, “God has a funny sense of humor!”

Indeed he does. And the blessings are coming like a deluge!

Yet another book!

While writing River of Grace, I was approached by a different publisher (ACTA Publications) about contributing a volume to their Literary Portals to Prayer series. The concept is simple:

They asked if I would focus on the works of Louisa May Alcott. As you know, I am passionate about Alcott’s life and works, having run a blog called Louisa May Alcott is My Passion for the last five years. Here is the result:

This book contains fifty passages from several of Alcott’s book including Little Women. Each passage is accompanied by a Bible passage from The Message, a fresh and contemporary translation of the ancient text.

Here’s where God shows his sense of humor …

The best part? Louisa May Alcott: Illuminated by The Message launches two days after River of Grace!

What is cool about this is that In River of Grace I write extensively on the impact of Louisa’s life and works on my life as I was grieving over my mother. There were many passages from her books on which I wrote about and pondered which acted as a balm on my grief. This reading and writing eventually led to my becoming a published author.

A prayer book to accompany River of Grace

Many of the passages that I have included in this Louisa May Alcott volume as those that inspired me during that time. It’s like reading an accompanying prayer book to River of Grace!

Free sample!

I am offering a free sample of Louisa May Alcott: Illuminated by The Message to anyone who subscribes to my email list (this still also includes the sneak peak into River of Grace). You can subscribe here.

As each of the songs on the River of Grace music CD is dedicated to a chapter, this one about Louisa is dedicated to chapter 4. Here is a video showcasing the song:

Have you donated yet to the River of Grace CD?

Speaking of the music CD, the Indiegogo fundraising campaign is nearing the October 15 deadline (as you can see from the countdown clock).

If you like what you hear, please consider donating to the campaign. This song is one of seven featured on the CD which accompanies the River of Grace book.

You can find out more and donate here: http://igg.me/at/susanbailey

Enjoy!

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Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read Susan’s blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

Broken dolls, injured kittens . . . Beth March, Cassidy the miracle kitten, and the message of Pope Francis

Published on September 27, 2015March 23, 2016 by susanwbailey2 Comments

Last night as I watched Pope Francis speak with thousands at the Festival of Families in Philadelphia I was amazed at his energy. This 78-year-old man has been at break-neck speed all week, traveling first to Cuba, then to Washington, DC, onto New York and now Philadelphia. His schedule has been non-stop. He has given several long speeches in English which he has admitted, is a difficult language for him. Continue reading “Broken dolls, injured kittens . . . Beth March, Cassidy the miracle kitten, and the message of Pope Francis” →

Come and meditate on the words of Pope Francis

Published on September 25, 2015March 24, 2016 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

Are you enjoying the Pope’s visit as much as I am? I have been glued to EWTN and CatholicTV, listening carefully to the words of the Holy Father.

Do you find as I do that his words are pregnant with meaning? That you need time to process what he has said?

I do. My head is full. Today I took some time to walk outdoors to a favorite spot in the Wellesley College botanical gardens to sit, pray, think and sort out my head. I took pictures of this “outdoor chapel” and I will share them with you, so you can go there too to think on the words of Pope Francis. Continue reading “Come and meditate on the words of Pope Francis” →

Announcing a musical soundtrack to my upcoming book, “River of Grace”!

Published on September 15, 2015 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

I’m getting pretty excited; the launch date for River of Grace is a mere 7 weeks away! (It’s available now for pre-order on Amazon at a reduced price!) But there’s something else in the works too.

Imagine that you are reading River of Grace and you find it really speaks to you.
Now imagine that book accompanied by a musical soundtrack.
- A song for each chapter that will play in your head as you think about what you read.
- A way to carry that book with you all throughout the day.

I dreamed a dream …

Ever since I received the healing of my singing voice I have dreamt of having a collection of songs recorded to go along with River of Grace. These were the songs that came to mind as I wrote the book. Summarizing the stories and lessons, these songs are a great way to ponder and pray on the message of River of Grace, a message of the creative power of life and how each day can become an adventure even in the worst of circumstances.

Second chances

Each time I sing I am amazed at God’s mercy in granting me a second chance to serve him through song. This is my first CD in 7 years and one that I never thought I could make.

The CD will contain my take on two classic hymns, “How Can I Keep from Singing” from the Quaker tradition and “Spirit of Life” (my mother’s favorite hymn and a standard of the Unitarian hymnal). I am re-imagining three old favorites, and, I have two new songs I’ve written. Each song relates directly to a chapter in the book. Learning the song and listening to it in your head (or even singing it) is a wonderful way to think about what God is teaching you.

How you can help

Recording a CD involves a lot of work and expense. While you can’t help with the work, you can help through your contribution to my Indiegogo campaign.

The campaign

I am looking to raise $1600 in 30 days to cover the cost of producing this CD. No contribution is too small – $5, $10, whatever you feel moved to give. I’ve included some cool rewards for those of you who wish to contribute more—you can see it all here on my Indiegogo campaign page.

If you can’t contribute, you can still help by spreading the word to everyone you know—there are easy ways to share on my campaign page.

Campaign video

The campaign is introduced by a short video where I explain the project and provide samples of songs on the CD. I will be updating my progress on the CD through the 30-day period with additional videos and sound bites.

Excited? I am! Come on over to my Indiegogo campaign and let’s get started!

Join my Email List (special surprises just for you!)
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Keep up with news and free giveaways regarding Susan’s new book, River of Grace!
Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read Susan’s blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

Paying attention: Reflections on the Sunday Gospel (Mark 7:31-37) by Father Steven LaBaire –

Published on September 6, 2015March 24, 2016 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

I am pleased to present this guest post from Father Steven LaBaire, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Worcester, MA.

In preparation for mass this Sunday:

In this Sunday’s Gospel we hear about Jesus opening the ears of a man who is unable to hear. Jesus also removes a speech impediment which had prevented the man from speaking clearly (Mark 7:31-37). Not surprisingly this man’s life is completely changed.

Christians are supposed to continue what Jesus did: Opening ears and loosening tongues. Continue reading “Paying attention: Reflections on the Sunday Gospel (Mark 7:31-37) by Father Steven LaBaire –” →

What is Your Spiritual Catalyst? Try this Flow Lesson to discover yours!

Published on August 19, 2015 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

We all have experienced “triggers” – things or events that causes us to remember something. These memories can be pleasant or unpleasant, and often we are not even aware of what is triggering a memory.

Sometimes we intentionally create these triggers so that we will remember to do something. Before we had Google Calendar and smart phones to remind us, we’d write notes on our hands, tie a string around a finger or create a little ritual that will trigger the reminder to do what we want to do.

This same idea can be applied to the spiritual life. Imagine having something that would instantly place you in the “zone,” that place where you can give yourself over to God. That place where peace reigns within and you meet your Beloved.

Here’s a flow lesson that helps you discover your spiritual catalysts – those triggers that bring you close to God. Try it out and then share in the comments about your spiritual catalysts and how they help you come closer to God.

Materials needed: pen or pencil and paper, and your memories

Pick a quiet place in your home to do this exercise and make sure you can sit still comfortably for several minutes.

Be still

Take a moment to be still with God, taking several long and deep breaths and listening as you breathe. In and out, in and out. Be conscious of the rhythm of the breathing. As you breathe in, whisper the name of Jesus; as you breathe out whisper, “Be with me.” Do this for several moments until you feel quiet and still.

Shawn Rossi Breathe, Flickr Creative Commons

Recalling a happy memory

Take a piece of paper and fold it vertically in half so that you have two columns. Next recall one memory, object or smell that makes you feel especially good. In thinking of it, what words pop into your mind? Write them down in the left hand column. What feelings come to mind? Why do you feel that way? Write those down too in the same column.

Brainstorm with these ideas:

Look at your list. Are there any words on that list that you could equate with your relationship with God? Can you match up any of those impressions with how you feel when you spend time with God, either in a formal setting, such as attending Mass or a worship service, or on your own, praying for yourself or others, or simply meditating? In the right hand column, write down any words that pop into your head when you think of your experience with God.

Once your list is done, see if there are any similarities between the list in the left hand column and the list in the right. If you see similarities, draw a line from the word or words in the left hand column to the one in the right. Is there a possibility that in the future, your favorite memory, object, or aroma could prompt a pleasant memory about attending church or simply being in the presence of God?

Matthew Doyle Incense and Sunlight, Flickr Creative Commons

Pray and Ponder …

Do not be disturbed if you can’t see an immediate connection; it can take some practice. Ask God to reveal it to you over the course of several days and then look at your notes again to see if a connection becomes more evident.

copyright 2015 Susan W. Bailey;
from Chapter 1 of River of Grace: Creative Passages Through Difficult Times,
published by Ave Maria Press
Visit the Flow Lesson Pages for more of these prayerful exercises.