The Jesus Priorities was written by Christopher Maricle, a husband and father of a son and daughter. The questions and struggles of a man who prayed through his son's childbirth complications and his wife's life threatening illness are outlined in this resource.

This is a wonderful book to read. At times I was laughing and crying at the same time. The lifelong questions that always come up at a time in need, "why me, God?" are presented here. He had so many "why" questions, the same we all ask to God, to ourselves, to others when we cannot understand what is going on around us. He thought he had the "God-thing" all figured out after 30 years of being Catholic, having served as a Catholic administrator for fifteen years, attended Catholic schools throughout his childhood and college years.

The author talks about the word discipline and how it comes from the root word disciple. He goes on the say that Jesus put His apostles on a path of training. Like the apostles Maricle says that we too, need a program of training, we need to give Jesus constant attention, action and reflection, that's where discipline comes in. The Jesus Priorities provides a resource of training and by reflecting on Jesus' priorities we can begin to develop habits the flow from the Jesus priorities. Below are the priorities that Mr. Maricle teaches us how to use:

1. Heal - heal through compassion, say yes to strangers, do what is within your own power and see with your heart and not just your eyes.

2. Love - show mercy first, forgive without limitations, and love others as God loves us.

3. Pray - pray alone, pray persistently, pray in the presence of others, and pray simply.

4. Spread the Word - share the mission, invite everyone you know or meet, challenge them with love.

5. Build Up Treasure In Heaven - detach yourselves from earthly possessions, maintain a healthy mind, and act justly.

6. Seek God's Will - know God through Jesus, maintain a sense of urgency, focus daily on God's will, see everything as a task of love, and accept sacrifice as gain.

7. Accept Children as Precious - protect children, welcome children, and be like children.

8. Live with Humility - rely on God's mercy, presume the lowest place, and sacrifice your ego.

Jesus Christ was constantly on the move. He spent his days healing, forgiving, loving, and serving His people. This is what he wants from us as well. These works are pleasing to God and their actions are the fruit. Jesus cares about our efforts and we should care too. I really enjoyed reading this book and I'm sure I will get back into it one day so I can spend more time studying it. I would recommend it for new Christians or Christians that need a refresher course in being a disciple of Jesus.

Product Review by Nancy King, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, November 2008