REFLECTIONS is the SAT Temple’s quarterly journal. “Reflections” contains transcriptions of satsangs at SAT given by Nome, the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, excerpts from numerous Advaitic scriptures, updates on events occurring at the SAT Temple, and much more.

REFLECTIONS is the SAT Temple’s quarterly journal. “Reflections” contains transcriptions of satsangs at SAT given by Nome, the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, excerpts from numerous Advaitic scriptures, updates on events occurring at the SAT Temple, and much more.

The time of the COVID-19 Pandemic was a time of quarantine and isolation for many people, causing much loneliness and sadness. As an Associate Minister and a member of a few ministries in my church, I felt led to try to bring some encouragement and inspiration to the members of these ministries. And so, with the aid and anointing of the Holy Spirit, I began frequently sending these short messages to the ministries via e-mail. Those messages have resulted in the compilation of this present work. They are my thoughts, reflections, musings, and meditations during the year-long period of quarantine, isolation and restrictions. However, the majority of these reflections are not merely my thoughts, but they are scripturally based, backed by the Word of God. Some of them may be considered Sermonettes. For example, let's take a look at one of the readings dated April 1, 2020 and entitled "In the Valley." Psalm 23:4 says "Yea though I walk through the valley and the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Because of this Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are most certainly in a valley right now. Sickness and death are all around us. Nevertheless, the operative phrase in this verse is: "THROUGH THE VALLEY" with emphasis on the word, "THROUGH." Yes the situation seems dark right now; it's frightening and scary, but it's also temporary. We shall not stay in this valley. We can put our CONFIDENCE in the Lord of the valley, believe that He will lead us THROUGH this valley. Also, we are not alone in this valley, for the Lord of the valley is with us. He is our COMPANY-KEEPER, and if we can look away from the scary shadows and focus on the company-keeper, the author and finisher of our faith, He will keep us by His grace and mercy, and we know that His grace is sufficient, and His mercy endures forever. Finally, this verse not only gives us confidence and a company-keeper, but it promises COMFORT, and this comfort comes from the Lord of the valley's Rod and His staff--the Written Word and the Living Word. The Written Word (the Bible) with its promises of provision and protection is our source of comfort, and the Living Word, who is Jesus, our Shepherd, leads us THROUGH this valley. "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He will strengthen our heart. WAIT, I SAY, ON THE LORD!" (Psalm 27:14). In April of 2020, many folk were becoming so anxious, so devastated, and actually fearful of what was happening, I was led to try to help people understand that they were not alone, and that they would get through it in God's time. Although, at this writing, we are almost completely through that valley, it is my prayer that these readings will continue to strengthen you and comfort you in any other "valley" you may find yourself going through.

We're called to walk by faith and not by sight. Many times that's easier said than done. As you read about some of the heroic moments in the lives of these 30 men and women from the Bible, may your faith be stirred to believe God for the impossible! This devotional includes Bible verses, reflection questions, and prayer prompts to encourage you on your faith journey!

Sacred Pathways reveals nine distinct spiritual temperaments--and their strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies--to help you improve your spiritual life and deepen your personal walk with God. It's time to strip away the frustration of a one-size-fits-all spirituality and discover a path of worship that frees you to be you. Experienced spiritual directors, pastors, and church leaders recognize that all of us engage with God differently, and it's about time we do too. In this updated and expanded edition of Sacred Pathways, Gary Thomas details nine spiritual temperaments and--like the Enneagram and other tools do with personality--encourages you to investigate the ways you most naturally express yourself in your relationship with God. He encourages you to dig into the traits, strengths, and pitfalls in your devotional approach so you can eliminate the barriers that keep you locked into rigid methods of worship and praise. Plus, as you begin to identify and understand your own temperament, you'll soon learn about the temperaments that aren't necessarily "you" but that may help you understand the spiritual tendencies of friends, family, and others around you. Whatever temperament or blend of temperaments best describes you, rest assured it's not by accident. It's by the design of a Creator who knew what he was doing when he made you according to his own unique intentions. If your spiritual walk is not what you'd like it to be, you can change that, starting here. Sacred Pathways will show you the route you were made to travel, marked by growth and filled with the riches of a close walk with God. A Sacred Pathways video Bible study is also available for group or individual use, sold separately.

"Demystifying the French: How to Love Them, and Make Them Love You is aimed at first-time visitors to France as well as long-term expatriates. Designed to help readers 'crack the code,' avoid common mistakes, and get off on the right foot with the French, the book begins with five easy-to-follow essential tips 'for even brief encounters' by introducing a few French phrases and how to say them that will pave the way for a positive experience in France. The tips are followed by 10 chapters that go into a deeper explanation of French habits, manners, and ways of viewing the world. Hulstrand shares the perspective she has gained in nearly 40 years of time spent living, working, teaching, and traveling in France, and illustrates the principles she is discussing with sometimes touching, and often amusing, personal anecdotes... Reflections contributed by David Downie, Adrian Leeds, Harriet Welty Rochefort, and other well-known commentators on Franco-American cultural differences provide additional perspective and depth. A glossary of French terms that is both substantive and whimsical provides surprising insights into historical as well as cultural reasons for the French being 'the way they are.' Aimed mainly at an American audience, this book will be helpful for anyone who wants to better understand the French, and have fun while doing so."--Amazon.com.