Meditations Of The Heart
Carolyn Kenney
ISBN: 1414032404
1st Books
Reviewed By Paula Parker
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 
"Through
my church bulletins and now through this book, I have tried to help us
all grow in our faith. May we come to love Jesus with all our hearts as
He lovingly extends His Sacred Heart out to each one of us, His
children." Carolyn Kenney
On the surface, Meditations Of The Heart
is a de facto breakdown of various parables and other writings in the
four Gospels of the Bible (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). What's
refreshing about Kenney's musings, though, is the profound
introspection concomitant with each presented verse or passage of
Scripture.
For example, in relating the biblical story of
Jesus's encounter with the Samaritan woman, Kenney highlights the
exchange as a metaphor for our own daily encounters with God. As her
initial reluctance to acknowledge Jesus was ultimately replaced by her
fervent acceptance of his presence, so should we each take the time
every day to acknowledge the presence of God in our own lives. The
trappings of work, family life, and other obligations constantly
threaten to disrupt this connection, but Kenney persuasively conveys
the value of not letting such moments as chirping birds and beautiful
sunsets pass us by.
Likewise, in breaking down the well-known
directive to "Love your enemies," Kenney effectively explains the
self-actualizing significance of such an act. In true karmic fashion,
by showing patience, tolerance, and compassion to those that mean us
harm, we make room for the same to be done for us by others; thus, the
true benefit of such an action lies in allowing forgiveness for our own
true natures, which greatly augments our individual walks down the path
of life.
Meditations Of The Heart
would be an invaluable teaching tool in various aspects of the faith
community. Through her simple yet powerful teachings, Kenney serves up
fresh insights with the potential to enhance millions of lives. Highly
recommended.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Carolyn Kenney (Meditations Of The Heart)
Apex Reviews: Carolyn, thanks for joining us for this interview. We truly appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your book.
You compiled the thoughts and reflections in the book over a number of years. How long did it actually take you to put the book together?
Carolyn Kenney: It took me approximately one year to compile my reflections into book form. The meditations used from my weekly bulletin articles were elaborated into chapters, thereby enabling me to include more of my own thoughts and reflections.
AR: What motivated you to center your writings on the four Gospels of the bible?
CK: I developed Meditations of the Heart from weekly articles written for my church bulletin. Since these were based on the Sunday gospel each week, I decided to group the articles for each Gospel writer together, thereby creating four sections of the book.
AR: For you personally, what is the most appealing aspect of the Christian faith?
CK: The most appealing aspect of the Christian faith is the holy sacrifice of the mass. It is at this time that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist body, blood, soul and divinity. We receive Him in Holy Communion with reverence and are filled with His graces and blessings.
AR: What would you say to anyone who struggles with their own personal faith?
CK: I would tell him/her to attend weekly mass and daily mass, if at all possible. I would also tell the person to go to Adoration at which time Jesus is present in the Monstrance. During Adoration individuals are able to sit quietly before Our Lord. We are able to talk with Him heart to heart.
AR: Our reviewer mentioned that your book would be an invaluable teaching tool throughout the faith community. Have you considered exploring that option?
CK: I have not explored the option of making this book available throughout the faith community, although I would be favorable to the idea.
AR: What kinds of reactions has the book gotten thus far?
CK: From those who have read Meditations of the Heart, it has received high praise. Some people tell me they read once chapter either in the morning or at night. I believe this book holds something for everyone when dealing with problems in everyday life.
AR: Have you encountered any dissent from anyone who disagrees with your musings? If so, what's been the source of their criticism?
CK: As of this date, I have not received any dissent from anyone who has read my book.
AR: We noticed that you developed a passion for writing late in life. What was your inspiration to explore the world of the written word?
CK: After writing articles for my church bulletin for about one year, a friend advised me to develop them into book form. After completing and publishing Meditations of the Heart, I pursued an active writing career, which includes other devotional articles, children's books and short stories. I have found the more I write, the greater my love grows to share my thoughts and ideas with others.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
CK: Saint Matthew writes, "where your treasure is, there also will your heart be." Where is your treasure? Is it in material items? Is it in riches? Are you happy? Saint Matthew walked with Jesus, day in and day out, for three years. He witnessed numerous miracles. He witnessed the love of God reaching out to people like you and me, touching their hearts and changing their lives. Let Jesus change your heart. Let Him change your life with His love.
AR: Thanks again, Carolyn, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!