About a year ago, I received a
call from my friend Michael Fox. He
proposed a grand scheme of publishing 4 books he’d “had in his mind” for quite
some time. Now, who “has 4 books in his
mind?!” Michael’s intellect is as
impressive as his humility. In point of
fact, he’d had a 5th planned the whole time, although I didn’t know
it.
Knowing it was a bold initiative, but
recognizing the sincerity of his desire, I offered my help. He accepted, and after a brief period of
trying to find out the best way to communicate across 2,000 miles, we began the
process. He sent content, I read and
edited, we discussed, changes were made where and when appropriate. When the 4th book was finished and
we’d both taken an Easter/ COVID adjustment break, he sent the 5th
book… a fantastic file of artwork already complete… and asked for a scan/edit
of the text introduction.
Today, there are 3 books on Amazon
and 2 on Lulu of which I am very proud.
Their storylines differ, and their approaches are from various
perspectives. But they are centered upon
the principles of seeking and finding relevance in our interior lives… and
Michael’s lifetime of work as a gifted coach, trainer, author, and creative
artist all shine through these works.
Many of you have checked in with
me to see what I was doing while I was not posting to my blog, and when you
heard what I was up to, urged me on and supported my work in supporting
Michael’s grand scheme. I thank you. Now, the world can access this year’s worth
of Michael’s work, of which I was privileged to be a part.
I will let Michael introduce them
to you.
I’ve published four lovely books over the past year
for a total of five. Awe, I’m kidding. The fifth is better than the other four.
But I’m not going to tell you which is which. I hope you might find the time to
read one or two or five this summer!
Safe
at Home: Baseball and Our Pilgrimage Home…
Do
you ache for the consolations of home? Do you feel, at times, a sense of
desolation as if you are lost in a wilderness, without a sense of direction or
connection? Perhaps you’ve reached a season where parents and siblings and even
the home place are but a fading memory. Perhaps your longing is for a home you
never had. Perhaps home for you is an elusive sense of identity, safety, warmth
and assurance. This unique volume might just be your third base coach waving
you home.
The
Divine Narrative…
The
Divine Narrative is the story of scripture. It’s the story of God’s relentless
pursuit to reconcile everything—by the cross— in earth and in heaven. The
biblical story naturally unfolds within the framework of a five-act stage play,
inviting followers of Jesus of every generation to participate in the
final act. Discover God’s story as never before, Learn how to map your own
life’s narrative, and how to join your story to HiStory. This volume invites
you to more fully know your God and yourself and to walk with him in a fresh
and meaningful way!
The
Tribe of Christ…
The
phrase in Christ and its equivalents appear hundreds of times in scripture.
They’re used as a corporate identification of Jesus’ followers. In Ephesians
1:3–14, Paul uses several words and concepts to describe the benefits of being
in Christ: kinship, redemption, covenant, inheritance, identity. These concepts
are difficult to grasp, for they are words of a tribal culture,
uncommon now that individuality is prized. But restored to the context of
tribe, these concepts deepen our awe and aha! of Jesus.
Thin
Places: Where Heaven and Earth Intersect…
It
may not be what you think it is. Unless
you think it might be an
imagined series of brief conversations
between Jesus and the Apostle Paul—historical fiction—that takes place on Mount Sinai and within
Ancient Israel‘s tabernacle; conversations
that ultimately answer where—or
better, who— are the thin
places where heaven and
earth intersect. On the
other hand, if that’s what
you thought it might be, it’s
exactly what you think it is.
How Great Thou Art! The Art of Paul’s Letter to the
Ephesians…
And now for something completely different. Certainly,
you’ve noticed God is an artist, a wordsmith at his best. Imagine a museum
displaying the liberating words of God, elegantly framed, inviting visitors to
observe and experience the wisdom and wonder of his words. Imagine an
exhibition devoted to one entire book or letter. What would that look like?
Open this book and see for yourself. Explore the text of Paul’s letter to the
Ephesians as you’ve never experienced it. How great thou art! A beautiful
companion for a devotional, a deeper inductive study, or a group study.
I will leave you with the quote that
defines Michael’s life mission, and his website address in case you’d like to
join his band of followers in receiving his weekly email message which he calls
”Weekly m•aginings.”
(I call it the 4M: Michael’s Monday
Morning Missive).
"When
you discover and pursue your true, resonant self,
you are no longer driven by external circumstances beyond your control.
You will discover the power and freedom to choose."
Michael Fox
you are no longer driven by external circumstances beyond your control.
You will discover the power and freedom to choose."
Michael Fox
Michael’s website: maginethepossibilities.net
Congrats on your work on these books. Have a great summer!
ReplyDeleteThey all sound interesting....epeially the 5th one. You are truly a very talented, multi faceted person.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you and your endless efforts to help Michael bring these books to fruition with great style and continuity. Michael simplifies and personalizes scriptures. I’m just such a novice at self-examination and the basics of much of the Christian religious text. It’s a topic that’s foreign to me and takes me longer to digest. Congratulations on such fantastic accomplishments.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad to see that Michael has authored five and not four books. In Chinese culture, nothing is done or given in fours. It’s like 13, on steroids!
Very impressive! A job well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being a precious part of our lives and ministry!
ReplyDeleteOh, my! How wonderful for you to be such a large part of his work!
ReplyDeleteI can only say, that Michael is a very fortunate author to have the support of a person of your caliber, as a mentor. In my mind, you always were and still are, brilliant. I wish you, both, the best in all of your future endeavors.
ReplyDeletePlease remember, you are in my prayers, daily, by name. God bless you and keep you safe and well. JK
You must feel a great sense of relief or better, PRIDE, because you have corroborated and helped bring to birth these 5 books. Which one should I start with? I'll order it on your recommendation. CC (CA)
ReplyDeleteAlexis, thank you for sharing these with me. I know I will enjoy reading this summer. Congratulations on such a wonderful endeavor. Michael Fox has always been an example of strength, humility, perseverance, as well as a great person of Faith.
ReplyDelete