POMPTON PLAINS, N.J., August 5, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- For those suffering from wounded memories, divorce or loss, Verna G. Smith's new book, Finding Your Treasure: On the Way to Healing and Hope (now available through AuthorHouse), offers a series of meditations to help readers grow beyond the pain.
Each of the 40 meditations begins with a verse or two from the Bible followed by a brief comment or explanation. She also includes original poems, which she says reflect her own healing and hope; the fruit of hours spent in meditation and prayer. A prayer then closes the reflective session.
"Each meditation invites the reader to a period of disciplined reflection on specific resources for a particular facet of the reader's spiritual journey," says Smith. "I have tried to leave some space for readers to respond with their own thoughts."
Smith designed her meditations to specifically speak to the deep needs of readers. She addresses such issues as fear, self depreciation, pain and brokenness. It is her hope that Finding Your Treasure will be a "resource for your spiritual pilgrimage."
Smith says her book has been used by large and small congregations as a resource for meditations during Lent, and by individuals at other times of the year. "They have been especially helpful to those who are suffering from wounded memories or who want to grow in their self esteem," she says.
Smith, who served for fives years as a missionary in the Philippines, is the mother of four grown children. After earning a certificate in Spiritual Direction from the San Francisco Theological Seminary, she has been able to provide spiritual counseling to individuals and groups. As a school psychologist, she was particularly helpful to teachers and parents dealing with problem children. For several years, she served as staff psychologist in a residential community for male juvenile offenders. The meditations she shares offer insight into her rich spiritual journey and her struggle with painful childhood memories. She is also the author of Apples of Gold, another book of meditations.
AuthorHouse is the world leader in publishing and print-on-demand services. Founded in 1997, AuthorHouse has helped more than 18,500 people worldwide become published authors. For more information, visit www.authorhouse.com.