Mansions of the Heart: Exploring the Seven Stages of Spiritual Growth

Praise for Mansions of the Heart "Tom Ashbrook wrote this book that you hold in your hands to do for you what my friend did for me fifty years ago, to introduce you to these two companions [Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross] who knew, practiced, and wrote on the spiritual life with insight and passion....His work could not be more timely. There is an enormous interest in spiritual formation these days, interest in growing up in Christ, living up to the "measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ...." Tom Ashbrook′s Mansions of the Heart immerses us in this old but wonderfully contemporary holy wisdom." —From the Foreword by Eugene H. Peterson "Tom Ashbrook has mined the past and hit pay dirt! This book guides the reader into a life–transforming discovery of St. Teresa′s Mansions — a long–overlooked taxonomy of the soul. Like all great literary works that probe the things of the Spirit, this piece is the product of reflective practice—a twenty–year quest ′to learn how to listen to God, first in prayer, then in life—a life of loving intimacy with the Triune God. Based on a wealth of life experiences and the best of Christian wisdom from both the past and present ....this book will awaken its readers to the God who is ever present and always near. The journey awaits!" —Charles J. Conniry, Jr., Ph.D., vice president and dean, George Fox Evangelical Seminary/George Fox University; and author, Soaring in the Spirit: Rediscovering Mystery in the Christian Life "Mansions of the Heart will change the way you live and pray. Tom writes with clarity, humor, and wisdom but above all with passion: a pastor′s passion for God′s people, and a lover′s passion for Christ. The result is an inspired guidebook for the spiritual journey that will more than satisfy all who find themselves longing for intimacy with God." —Christopher S. Webb TSSF, president, Renovaré "A practical, penetrating, and edifying exposition of transformation into Christ–likeness as seen through the lens of a timeless spiritual classic. A sure bet to enrich life and service for Jesus and the kingdom." —Bruce Demarest, Ph.D., Professor of Christian Formation, Denver Seminary, Author of Satisfy Your Soul, Soul Guide, and Seasons of the Sou

Foreword. Preface. Acknowledgments. Pager: please add space per specs/sample. 1 Is This All There Is? 2 Common Myths That Lead Down Dead–End Roads. 3 Your Journey into the Love of God. 4 New Beginnings: The First Mansion. 5 Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Second Mansion. 6 Following Jesus: The Third Mansion. 7 Discovering the Love of Jesus: The Fourth Mansion. 8 Longing for Oneness with God: The Fifth Mansion. 9 The Long Dark Corridor: The Dark Nights of the Soul. 10 The Passion of God′s Love: The Sixth Mansion. 11 A Life of Love in the Trinity: The Seventh Mansion. 12 Your Unique Journey. 13 Spiritual Formation and the Church. 14 Our Call to Action. Pager: please add space per specs/sample Notes. The Author. Index.

R. Thomas Ashbrook is the director of spiritual formation for Church Resource Ministries and leads CRM′s international spiritual formation ministry, Imago Christi. Imago Christi develops spiritual formation resources and coaches Christian leaders and churches. He provides spiritual direction and coaching for pastors and missionaries and leads retreats on prayer and spiritual growth. Dr. Ashbrook also served as adjunct faculty at George Fox Evangelical Seminary in Portland, Oregon.