Table of Contents
About the Author 3-4
Dedication Page 5
Introduction 6-7
Prelude – “Oh my God” 8-10
Chapter 1 Finding Faith 11-23
Chapter 2 More Than My Eyes Could See 24-47
Chapter 3 Filling The Void 48-60
Chapter 4 Lifetime Cleaning 61-77
Chapter 5 Preserving Your Temple 78-107
Chapter 6 Let It Shine 108-128
Chapter 7 Reflection Questions 129-141
Bret’s Favorite Words 142
Acknowledgements 143
Book Summary
First, you will come to appreciate the ever-present spirit within us and around us. Spirituality will be defined as a power greater than our selves and you are encouraged to define this spirit for yourself. This complex topic is discussed in a manner not to convince you but rather challenge you to think more deeply about the development with your inner spirit.
Second, complex issues concerning faith will be explored, as well as common questions that we all have concerning a spirit that is difficult to pinpoint. You should be able to relate to everyday examples of how faith plays a significant role in our life.
Third, you will be encouraged to reflect on your life experiences. Asking questions is the first step to unraveling life’s complex issues. The road to revealing the answers is where fulfillment is found.
“Oh my God” 8-10
OH MY GOD
This Introduction has the same story to start each book. However, the story transitions quite differently based on the book you read. In Faith, “Oh my God” draws in readers to understand how often we use the phrase “Oh my God” and the power those three words entail. In Hope, “Oh my God” opens the eyes of readers to the drive for success on and off the court. While “Oh my God” in Love invites readers into a journey of the love of the game and the love of life.
Chapter 2 More Than My Eyes Could See 24-47
MORE THAN MY EYES COULD SEE
This chapter unfolds the essence of faith that has made Bret successful and fulfilled. Drawing upon experiences of his own life the chapter guides the reader to understanding where you stand in your faith life and what you believe in. Exploring the depths of his soul helped to appreciate the depths of life that go unnoticed.
The chapter continues by drawing upon visual pictures of the mind to find God in life. The complexity of the spiritual world is made simple as the skills of finding God in your experiences, of those around you and most especially right in your heart. The origin of God is not discussed as a history lesson, rather a revelation from within through self-examination.
This chapter concludes by challenging the reader wherever you may be in your journey to look deeper to find what God’s will is in your own life. Strength and clarity are gained while spiritual tools are developed to fight against distractions, which may stand in the way of finding truth
Chapter 3 Filling The Void 48-60
FILLING THE VOID
This chapter is devoted to a deeper sense of understanding the need for inner peace. The concept of spirituality is uncovered in this chapter and how doubts and questions of the religious world are essential in reaching a greater awareness of faith.
This independent faith can be a significant path of guidance but will expand with a greater appreciation of shared faith and understanding of others. This chapter unfolds the more appropriate comprehension of what church really means and touches upon some of the most influential figures in the author’s life.
This chapter continues as Bret is introduced to many different avenues and opportunities to reach out and help others who are less fortunate than he, thus creating a heart of giving and sharing. This chapter concludes by sharing the impact of understanding unconditional love by witnessing an up-close display of passing from life to death.
Chapter 4 Lifetime Cleaning 61-77
LIFETIME CLEANING
This chapter introduces outside influences that may dictate how we choose to live. The chapter begins by defining what a true friend is and how easily we can get negatively affected as we are beginning to establish our identity. Sharing common interests is not enough when trying to find out whom to spend time with, as Bret relates convincing lessons of his early life.
This chapter continues by describing how money, relationships and violence can all be destructive ways of distancing yourself from real peace, creating tunnel vision of selfishness. Greed, achievement and aggression are substitutes through which people search for love and acceptance. Bret relates how a positive outlook has to be the only answer gained from negative situations.
The chapter concludes with many real concrete analogies revealing a better understanding of how exterior conditions can affect who we are on the inside. By seeing others as ones who face similar trials allows you to not judge the behavior of others but, rather, identify with their suffering to be able to accept them, creating a positive vision of those around you.
Chapter 7 Reflection Questions 129-141
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
This chapter is unlike any literature written to understand yourself more fully. This unique chapter consists of an interesting line of questions that develops a sense of awareness of self-discovery. The questions range from why do evil things happen? To how do you find love? To what creates goose bumps?
The answers written will not be as powerful as the answers that will be discovered from this chapter. The chapter concludes inviting you to reflect on your experiences and contribute to the writing of the next book.