A Tree Full of Angels: Seeing the Holy in the Ordinary

More Catholic than I would prefer, yet still full of much wisdom and words to ponder. Could easily read it again. She so much loves Nature and sees (and seeks) God there, not in a church. This is the book's strength for me.

I absolutely loved this book! Macrina has a beautiful way of leading you through your own journey in finding the beauty in your surroundings. After reading this book I found so much to be joyful about everyday. It really changed the way I look at the ordinary things in my life. This book taught me to gaze instead of glance. I have bought as well as recommended this book for many friends and everyone has loved it. Lisa Henneke

This book touched me at a very deep level. It helps me to combat my moments of pessimism in a world where the 'holy' is seldom seen. Her perspective on the smaller things in life, including the way we see ourselves sometimes, is encouraging and uplifting. Something to be pondered and read more than once!

Macrina has done a wonderful presentation of prayer that relates to real people's real lives. Many of us believe that prayer is for "holy" people, and the discovery that "holy" is all around us is a miracle of revelation for many.Particularly helpful for me were Chapters 3 and 5. Chapter 3 deals with finding nourishment in those parts of our lives that aren't obviously rich and joyful. How do we "gather the crumbs" from both everyday and difficult times to find enough to eat and be nourished?Chapter 5 has been very helpful to me in teaching others about Benedictine spirituality. The richness of Macrina's development of "lectio divina" and its place in her prayer life is both supportive and instructive for those who read her work.I'm looking forward to her next work!

This is not a book you can read quickly if you want to digest the true meaning. It should be read at times when it can be savored and truly focused on. The only thing that did not relate to my life that MacRina struggles with is that I do not ever feel God is not present in my life. Through it all I feel His presence.