A book for those who know and love Merton...and those ready to discover his gift for speaking to the human spirit. Since his death in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 10, 1968, Thomas Merton's influence in both Christian and non-Christian spiritual traditions has grown unabated. 'Meditations With Merton' is a collage of reflections, with Merton as your guide. Centered on selected passages from Merton's writings, Verploegen has written 30 brief meditations on themes such as personal integrity, sanctity, identity, integration, God, labor, solidarity and service, words of God, God's will, and love. Related Scripture passages and an original prayer complete each meditation. Merton was deeply concerned with the underriding spiritual yearning of every human heart.... --Nicki Verploegen Nicki Verploegen holds a doctorate in spirituality and has been giving retreats and spiritual direction for over twenty years. A Montana rancher's daughter, she has spent time in Japan, Indonesia, Tanzania, and Liberia exploring approaches to contemplative living. She is author of 'Planning and Implementing Retreats: A Parish Handbook' and 'Organic Spirituality: A Sixfold Path for Contemplative Living.' Currently, she resides at St. Joseph Dwelling Place in Vermont.