Companion

Today, I am going to do my firt book review. This is a very simple book with very simple approach in living life through the Word of God. Sure, we should have our own personal Bible. But reading the Bible alone can sometimes leads to misunderstandin and confusion. I personally believe we need to reflect on God's word but my question before was simply HOW?

This book helped me a lot. Indeed, this My Companion.



Companion is a Catholic Scripture Diary. One book covers one quarter. In this issue, it't July, to September. The cover is usually colorful and pictures , I believe are carefully chosen to inspire us and give us encouragement to read. I often look at the pictures every time I read at night. The pictures here depicts love, care , compassion and simple beauty; which our God is.



Here, is Mr. Bo Sanchez. He is the man behind Shepherds Voice Publication. I wish to meet him , if God's allows. (^^) In the introductory page, Bo shares his letters he received containing lovely and wonderful changed life.



Perhaps the best thing in this book is this!
I have to confess that I am still starting out with my faith and my relationship with our Lord. For newbies like me, I was so clueless how to read and what to prepare before reading the Bible. I didn't even know that someone has to pray first before reading the Bible. This opened my eye and opened my soul in accepting God's good word.

This page has the Five Steps in Using the Companion. The stepds are so easy to follow. Wow! The steps starts with 1. Prayer, 2. Read, 3. Read Didache (review to follow later) 4. Write, 5. Pray Again.

A little closer look...



Companion allows you to make a Personal Mission Statement (The ultimate purpose of my life). I haven't made mine. God will reveal it in His time. So you should not be discouraged when you don't know yet and the statement can be a process as you mature in our faith. This is what I learned. Below is the Goals for the Quarter. Simple this targets the priority areas God wants us to work on. Isn't this pracatical and simple?



Above is the Prayer Sheet. Things you need to pray for regularly. Below the headings are tables - the first table is the Date, then the Personal Need, Date the prayer is answered.



Next feature is the "daily page". The approach of the companion is Reflection-God's Word- Praise- Reflection-God's Word - Reflection. Reflection includes 1.God's Special Verse/Thought for you Today and 2. The Reflection provided already.
Based on my experience, sometimes the reflection provided is also my special verse. It doesn't really matter.



The Sabbath Pause. From the name itself, this is a weekly pause. This pause allows you to reflect on the previous week's life. And to most of all, this give you the time to prepare for the next week's life. This is so great!!!!!! Personally, this gives me strength to continue and face the week with God's blessing! It's a good way to start the week.



The last final pages of Companion end with the Review of the Quarter. Here, you can review wether you achieved your goal which you have written on the first page. Just like the Sabbath Pause, this final page also prepares you for the next quarter.

I have never thought maturing in faith and being closer to God can be so organized just like when we attend meetings or events. It's simple and so organized. If you diligently give time for this, there's no reason you wont grow in faith. I am so amzed by this at first, because I had no idea this kind of approach can be done... I mean, it makes me feel I have a homework to do everyday. But this homework gives me peace. A pause from the busy life in the city... and to spend time with our Creator!

Lastly the price is reasonable. For the whole quarter you'll be paying P120 only.

I am recommending this book for those people who are still starting and finding their way.. and for those people who has found the way but continue to walk. This is you COMPANION!

Praise the Lord and God bless you!