Jay Marshall (1)

Simply expecting the best from all he meets, Marshall embodies the example about which he writes. To put it in Quaker terms, he "let's his life speak." Would that every person lived with this type of integrity (including myself)!

This book is deceptive in its simplicity: it grabs you and pins you down. Surely we can all live this way! But desire to "walk cheerfully over the earth answering that of God in everyone" (another Quaker bon mot) is not necessarily that easy.

I would recommend this show more book for a Spiritual Formation group. The practice of gratitude is an expanding practice of active blessing to all you meet. Try it! show less

NCLA Review -Christians who say, “God bless you!” may little realize that God may be sending a blessing through them. This inspiring book gives hope and affirmation to all, but especially to those who aren’t aware of the power of simple goodwill, patience and compassion. Gratitude, a response to blessings, is likewise easy to practice, and results in a welcoming attitude toward life. Jay Marshall is a Quaker pastor and Dean of Earlham School of Religion. Since gratitude and blessing show more are not unique to Christianity, this book is appropriate for people of all faiths. Thus he quotes other “sacred scriptures” as well as the Jewish and Christian holy books. He advises cultivating thankfulness and blessing as a spiritual practice, and suggests ways to integrate them into daily life. Marshall models the spiritual vitality he promotes. He writes with warmth, gentle humor, and disarming candor. He makes you want to bless more and thank more, and feels it is entirely possible. His book is a wonderful blessing in itself, and an excellent choice for church libraries. Rating: 4 —DKW show less