Chapters 9, 10, & 11

Chapter 9 & 10 were both fun and difficult for me to write. Chapter 9 is about the many grand celebrations of Christmas held in my home. But to explain the joy of that holiday, I needed to relive a painful memory of a past New Year's Eve.

Additionally I start to share how depression has played a major part in my life. This continued into Chapter 10 - The Red Nose. Obviously either this was about being Rudolph or a clown. Yes, I was a professional clown. You'll get to hear about that part of my life too. There some cute stories to share.

I had a rather long discussion with God in Chapter Notes tonight. This is an ongoing dialogue about the book process. God and I discuss what to include or not include. I did not want to share part of the story that I wrote into Chapter 10. God prompted me to do so anyway. I am not sure if it will make the final edit, but for now it exists.

The good news is that during tonight's discussion God informed me that Chapter Notes will be included in the book. As of now, I have no plans to share excerpts from it on here. We shall see if that changes.

I also thought it was a bit premature to write the next chapter, but God assures me that it's not. So I will begin the next chapter in the next few days. Meanwhile I have some editing to do and stay tuned as more chapter excerpts are added to the Table of Contents.

Chapter 11 - Depression and Angels.

A True Friend

Last evening I worked on Chapter 3 & 4. I have an extraordiarny friend who is editing each chapter for me. His keen eyes catch the missed words, misused words and the typos. If you could see the marked up manuscript you would think I don't read them prior to sending them to him, but I do, I honestly do. (chuckling)

In addition to these tasks, this dear friend makes writing suggestions. He points out when my writing is confusing. (I think that's a euphemism for bad writing.) His insight is perfect and extremely helpful even when I ignore it. Thanks to his efforts I am able to present a excerpt or two for your perusal.

Saying thank you to such effort seems meager. I can only say that I love this man like a brother. For this is what we are -- spiritual brothers. One of the greatest gifts you can give or recieve, when you are not related by birth, is to recognize the kinship in another. If you stop and think about it, that's what spirituality is about -- being able to recognize your brother in everyone you meet.

Namaste. The God in me sees the God in you.

Excerpts

Several people have asked for excerpts from my book. I did include one in the posting of Chapter 7, but many have wanted me to post an excerpt from each chapter. I am working to add this to the blog. It will be several days before I accomplish this, so please come back to this blog often to check for updates. Of course, this adds the problem of deciding which excerpt to add. Oh well, such is the life of a writer. lol.

Additionally, as I have been sharing my experience of writing this book and will be sharing excerpts from it, I hope you will also share your thoughts and comments.

To do so, just like on the word comments and you will be able to add your posts. Others will be able to read your comments and may even choose to comment on your comments.

Meanwhile, I want to thank you for walking beside me as I share my Journey of the Heart.

Love & Hugs to you all,

Rick.

Next Chapter

Chapter 8 - Disillusioned

Another very emotional chapter during which, my father and I continue to heal our relationship, my mother-in-law passes away,I fulfill a life debt and disillusion my wife in the process and just when I think I am befriending my father, he dies of a massive heart attack. I relived those moments as I wrote this chapter.

Chapter 9 - Christmas and Depression

Seeing Beyond the Collar

Chapter 7 - Seeing Beyond the Collar

It may surprise some who are reading this that there was a time I considered myself to be Catholic. Even then, I was on a path of spiritual growth. During this chapter I extensively share my Catholic experience.

Previously, I had shared an excerpt from Chapter 7 here. Now that I have decided to include excerpts from each chapter, I have removed it from this post.

Please watch for the excerpt to be listed under the Table of Contents.

I thank those who suggested the idea of listing excerpts as now I will be able to include longer excerpts than I would have in these posts.

A little easier

Chapter 5 was a little easier to write. A few memories that brought a tear to my eye, but not the raw emotion of the last two chapters.

Chapter 6. Acts of God. This chapter promises not to be an emotional one either.

I find this book writing process interesting. As I have said, God is directing where it is going. I am quite aware that while 3 & 4 were emotional, the next chapters are a little lighter. I recongize this even as I fully realize there are more emotional chapters to come.

Chapter 3 & 4 completed.

Chapter 1 & 2 both were short chapters, just 3 or 4 typed pages. The next chapters were much longer. Chapter 3 was 16 pages and Chapter 4 was slightly longer.

Both of these chapters ended up bringing up a lot of emotions for me. In many ways, I relive the experience that I am writing about.

Both are complete.

Chapter 4. A Relationship Ended.

Chapter 5. The Power of Words.

The Process of the Book

I had lunch with a dear friend today during which I shared about writing this book I also shared how the process works. She thought it was interesting, and so I thought I would share it here.

There's actually two writings going on as I write this book. As you know, if you have been reading this blog, this book is written by God's suggestion.

In fact, I didn't think this book was starting when it started. I thought of it as a practice run at writing the book. Ok, so I had more than a little anxiety over actually starting the book. I was inspired instead to have a practice session and suddenly, I was writing the real book.

This whole idea of a practice book came up in a writing I was doing with God. As I found that so helpful, I have continued that writing. Now it's called Chapter Notes.

In this book process. I get an idea for the chapter title and some inspiration of where the chapter should go. If I get stumped, I then return to the Chapter Notes writing and have a short dialogue with God. In these Notes I might also discuss what I am including in the chapter and any problems I'm having emotionally with sharing my life experience.

My friend suggested it might be interesting to be able to read the Chapter Notes to see how the book was written. I don't know if I'll share them or not, but it is an idea for an appendix of some sort.

Chapter 3 is more detailed than 1 & 2 and I'm still working on it.

Not as easy

Surprise, surprise -- writing a book is not as easy as it sounds. I have received hundreds of writings from God. I have included my own questions and comments. Writing this book is not the same thing. It's easy when God is co-writing, comtributing, but the rest of the narrative is mine to tell. I find that much more difficult.

But it does proceed . . .

Chapter 3.
A Relationship Healed.

It has begun

I started writing the book tonight.

Introduction

Chapter 1. Hearing the Voice of God

Chapter 2. The Blessing of Cancer

In the beginning . . .

For many years I have communicated with the divine. This first started with angels then moved on to well known people who have passed on and act as spirit guides today. I have always found these many communications, these writings to be helpful. I have also often found them to be profound.

Over the last year or so I have come to communicate more exclusively with God. Yes, with God. I have no doubt that these communications, these writings are with God, because I would never say the things that I have received. Whether or not you believe that I am receiving a message from God or not is not important to me, for I do believe it. It has changed my life.

Last month, I was surprised to learn that God and I were going to write a book together. I was further surprised to learn that the subject of the book was to be my life. Intermingled amongst the story of my life will be the spiritual lessons that God wishes to share. Additionally, excerpts of my past writings will be included. I sincerely believe you may recognize yourself in the sharing of my life story. I also believe that the sharing of it may change your life.

At this point, I have no idea how long this book will be but only that I will receive it. I do know that I will not be able to share it in its entirety on this blog. From time to time, when something significant or profound is shared, I will share it here and welcome you to share your thoughts as well. I may even use your comments and/or questions to generate further dialogue with God.