Harvesting The Fruits of Contemplation

What do Catholic author and blogger, Tony Agnesi, and St. Claude de la Colombiere, the 17 th century spiritual director and author of Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence , share in common?  - a steadfast and unswerving trust in God. St. Claude used the following words to describe that level of trust: “It is one of the most firmly established and most consoling of truths that have been revealed to us that (apart from sin) nothing happens to us in life unless God wills it so.” and “Be convinced that in all He allows and in all that happens to you God has no other end in view but your real advantage and your eternal happiness…” These truths are consoling but oh how so difficult to live! In his latest book, A Storyteller’s Guide to Joyful Service – Turning Your Misery into Ministry, Tony Agnesi shares  stirring examples of individuals (including himself) who stepped out in faith, trusted God’s promptings and allowed themselves to ...

I don't recall the exact day several years ago that I stumbled upon Tony Agnesi's blog and podcast but I know that I have thanked God for leading me to him.  Tony is an inspirational storyteller, author and blogger. His Sunday blog and Wednesday podcasts have an international audience. I rarely miss them.  He is a frequent guest on Catholic Radio, a member of the Radio and Television Hall of Fame, and the Catholic Writers Guild. At one point, his blog ranked in the top three internationally in the Religion/Spirituality category. When Tony asked me to review his first book, one many of us have been eagerly awaiting, I jumped at the opportunity. I knew he would not disappoint his readers.  Here is my review: