With the Dawn Rejoicing
A Christian Perspective on Pain and Suffering
Sister Melannie believes that God is speaking to us always--in our sorrows and joys, in our disappointments and successes, in our fears and hopes--and that God speaks to us in our pain in a special way. Recently diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder, Sr. Melannie writes from personal experience and with deep wisdom.

When the Rain Speaks
Celebrating God's Presence in Nature
Sr. Melannie has a gift for describing everyday experiences of nature as mystical adventures.  She invites readers to see as a child lmight, looking at something as if for the first time.  Each of her meditations offers a unique perspective on many things adults take for granted.  Sister is aware of what lies beneath the surface and points it out for us.

Gracious Goodness
Living Each Day in the Gifts of the Spirit
Sister Melannie takes seriously the "traditional gifts of the Holy Spirit--but she believes that the Spirit's gifts are far broader and more common than most of us realize or are willing to accept. In Gracious Goodness, she lists more than fifty gifts of the Spirit, many of which may suyrprise readers.  Ultimately this book encourages Christians to fully trust the goodness of God as they learn to recognize and welcome the abundance and diversity of the Holy Spirit's gifts in every person's life. (Gracious Goodness is a reprint of Abundant Treasures and is available at Loyola Press: www.loyolabooks.org.

In Steadfast Love
Letters on the Spiritual Life
One of the best spiritual writers of our day offers here a wonderful collection of letters on the spiritual life.  Sr. Melannie believes that no matter what our call in life, we are all dealing with similar challenges:  trying to pray, getting along with others, coping with change and loss, facing adversity, living our sexuality, reaching out to those in need, balancing work and leisure, retaining a sense of humor. and being bearers of hope in a world that desperately needs it.

Traits of a Healthy Spirituality
Sister Melannie defines and describes 20 specific indicators of a healthy spirituality. The indicators: self-esteem, wonder, courage, tolerance, joy, forgiveness, and the like, are "signs" rooted in everyday life, yet solidly based on Scripture. She demonstrates how to use these "signs" to judge just where we stand in terms of our Christian spirituality and how far we can advance on our journey of faith. Includes meditations, questions for reflection, and closing prayers.