In the April/May issue of Guideposts’ Mysterious Ways magazine, senior digital editor Brooke Obie recounted the transformative experience she had participating in an early-morning Hawaiian cleansing ceremony near a sacred spot, Makalua Puna Point. Subscribe to the digital edition of Mysterious Ways to read her story. Check out these photos to see more amazing spiritual and historical spots on Maui.
5 Places to Pray with Monks
About 16 years ago, in a time of great spiritual need, I journeyed to the Abbey of Gethsemani, near Louisville, Kentucky, and spent four days and three nights at that famous monastery. It changed my life.
I learned things from the Trappist monks there that I had not learned in my own tradition. It has become such an important part of my prayer life and my spiritual rhythms that I have since returned every year–and often twice a year.
You don’t have to be monastic–or even Catholic–to pray with monks (or nuns) and experience the silence, solitude and serenity offered by many monasteries and retreat centers. And it is easier than you think to make a reservation and more rewarding than you can imagine to make the time.
Here are five places where you can “make like a monk” and enjoy a prayer adventure you may not experience anywhere else.
1) The Abbey of the Genesee (Piffard, New York)
Home to approximately 30 Trappist monks, the abbey is located in the picturesque Genesee River Valley of western New York. The monastic enclosure encompasses about 1,200 acres of forest, ravines, rolling hills and a meandering creek.
They provide three houses for retreats: Bethlehem retreat house is ideal for individual silent retreats, while the Bethany and Nazareth houses are used for group retreats.
2) The Abbey of Gethsemani (Trappist, Kentucky)
Founded in 1848 and made an abbey in 1851, Gethsemani is situated on more than 2,000 acres of farmland and considered to be the “mother house” of all Trappist and Trappistine monasteries in the United States.
It is the oldest monastery in the U.S. that is still in use and is famous as the home of Thomas Merton. They schedule Friday-to-Monday retreats or Monday-to-Friday retreats in their air-conditioned guest house.
3) St. Meinrad Archabbey (St. Meinrad, Indiana)
St. Meinrad Archabbey in south-central Indiana (near Evansville) was founded in 1854 by monks from the 1000-year-old Swiss abbey of Einsiedeln, where St. Meinrad lived and died.
Today, it is a thriving community of 90 or so monks which also includes a seminary (more than a 100 seminarians studying for the priesthood), theological school, publishing house (Abbey Press), gift shop and extensive grounds.
The guest house at St. Meinrad is very comfortable and the meals are top notch.
4) The Monastery of Christ in the Desert (Abiquiu, New Mexico)
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is located in the beautiful Chama Canyon wilderness in northwestern New Mexico, about 75 miles north of Santa Fe.
The Benedictine monks there maintain a guesthouse for private retreats where men and women can stay for a minimum of two days and two nights (shorter stays would not help guests enter into the experience).
Guests usually stay several days, a week, or even longer (stays of longer than a month require the approval of the abbot).
There are nine single and three double rooms for a maximum of 17 people at the main guesthouse. A ranch house also offers three double rooms.
5) The Monastery of the Redwoods (Whitethorn, California)
Begun in late 1962 by four Cistercian nuns, this monastery is in a breathtakingly beautiful area of the Lost Coast of northern California.
The sisters–not monks–offer their hospitality either from Thursday until Sunday or full week retreats from Monday until Sunday. Meals are vegetarian.
Have you visited any of these spots? Or others? Please leave a comment below and tell me about it.
5 of the Most Inspiring Oscar Speeches of All Time
Since 1929, the Academy Awards have been the benchmark for excellence in film. Each year the show—the oldest entertainment award show of its kind—delivers laughs, lively performances and uplifting quotes from the winners. Here are some of our favorite quotes from inspiring Academy Award acceptance speeches.
5 Lessons I Learned from Jane Austen
I fell in love with Jane Austen more than 25 years ago when I was a college student spending a semester in London.
Loaded down with inexpensive Penguin Classic paperbacks, I worked my way through all of Austen’s novels while huddled beneath a down duvet, the radiator blasting away against a remarkably chilly British winter. While the snow fell outside, I fell in love with Lizzie, Emma, Elinor and Marianne, and all the rest of Austen’s heroines–not to mention her heroes.
In the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to make several return visits to England, and each time I’ve been able to connect with Jane Austen in new ways. These trips led to my trio of Austen-related novels, each centering around a group called the Formidables—a secret society that protects precious Austen artifacts.
Although the Formidables are a product of my imagination, my devotion to Jane Austen and her work is very real. Here are some of the many lessons I’ve learned from her over the years.
1. Keep your sense of humor.
Jane’s writing—both her novels and her personal letters—reflect her life-long appreciation of irony. Despite poverty, family squabbles, frustration with publishers and all the obstacles she faced, Jane never lost her ability to laugh at herself (first) and at others (in an understanding way).
2. Measure a man by his actions, not his words.
She showed us in Pride and Prejudice that Darcy was really a good egg and in Sense and Sensibility that Willoughby could talk the talk but he couldn’t walk the walk.
3. A real writer can work anywhere.
If you visit the Jane Austen’s House Museum at Chawton, England, where she lived the last decade or so of her life, you can see the tiny table by the dining room window where she wrote some of the greatest novels of English literature. I have a table like that in my house, and it has a plant on it. So much for complaining that my office is too messy for me to work in!
4. A true heroine admits her mistakes.
From Marianne to Elizabeth to Emma, Austen’s female heroines admit when they’re wrong and learn from it. Fortunately for them, their mistakes can be rectified and they find their happy endings.
5. “Three or four families in a country village is the very thing to work on…”
Austen’s advice to a young novelist still holds true today. Novels about families, community, relationships and romance are still as popular today as they were 200 years ago!
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5 Guideposts Books Centered Around Strong Women Characters
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.” The same can be said for the women in these Guideposts books. Whether they are solving mysteries, connecting with God, or helping each other out, these are women you’ll want to know better.
42: The Inspirational Story of Baseball Pioneer Jackie Robinson
In 1947, there were 16 teams and 400 players in Major League Baseball. 399 of those players were white; one was black. 42 is the inspiring true story of that one black player, Jackie Robinson, who broke through the color barrier with courage, stubbornness, self-control, talent and faith.
Prior to ’47, blacks played professional baseball but were relegated to the Negro leagues. Jackie Robinson was offered the opportunity to move up to The Show by Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey (played by Harrison Ford in the movie)—a move that sent shockwaves not only through the sport but through the culture as well.
The film traces Robinson’s relatively brief minor league career and his initial season in the majors, focusing primarily on the intense racial hatred and bigotry he encountered in the clubhouse, on the field and in his life. The movie offers up example after example of the physical and psychological intimidation he encountered, ranging from humiliating slights such as being bumped off a flight to threats against his life.
Perhaps the heart of the movie is the scene in which Phillies manager Ben Chapman (Alan Tudyk) hurls epithets and racial slurs at Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) when he’s at bat. The vitriol riles Jackie, as intended, and he flies out. Barely containing his fury, he walks back to the underground alley between the dugout and the clubhouse where he lets fly his anger and frustration. Enter Branch Rickey who encourages him to turn the other cheek. “We need you to win,” he says, appealing not only to the man of faith but to the competitive and talented baseball player.
The movie also explores why Rickey would want to kick up such controversy by breaking the color line. At first, he demurs, talking about how it’s not an issue of black vs. white, but the fact that “every dollar is green.” Of course, we later find out that there’s a deeper and more humane reason that he’s willing to endure the firestorm of racism he’s ignited. There’s something troubling him, something on his conscience that he wants to rectify through giving Robinson the chance to play in the big leagues.
Robinson was a pioneer, not a saint. He was a gifted baseball player who would not “go away,” would not be denied the opportunity to play at the highest level. The impact of Robinson’s accomplishment is telegraphed not too subtly in the film by the triumphant swelling of the music track in far too many scenes. Still 42 is an inspiring film because it reminds us of the power one individual can have to create major societal change.
Warner Bros., the studio who produced the film, has also built a website especially for pastors and ministry leaders. Focusing on the role of faith in the life of Jackie Robinson, it provides sermon notes, ministry resources, and film clips for educational activities.
So whether you’re a fan of America’s favorite pastime or not, go see 42. You’ll be shocked and embarrassed by the bigotry, yet inspired by the man who stood firm on his dignity and his faith and grew into a true hero.
3 Days in Kaua’i: A Spiritual Travel Adventure
More than 2,500 miles off the coast of California is the awe-inspiring island of Kaua’i, Hawai’i.
Boasting lush, majestic mountains, clear blue waters and one of the most famous and pristine coastlines in the world, Kauai’s wondrous natural beauty demands attention, stillness and gratitude. It’s the perfect place to find spiritual solace.
After a very long flight into Kapa’a from the mainland, I spent my first day in Kaua’i at the aptly named Grand Hyatt resort. Not only is it the largest resort on the island, it’s ANARA Spa is an incredible facility. A lomi lomi (healing hands) massage in an outdoor private cabana with classical sounds of Kaua’i playing in the background was just what I needed to get my mind body relaxed and ready to experience all that the island had to offer.
My first adventure was sailing and snorkeling with Kauai Sea Tours’ Catamaran tour along the Nā Pali Coast. Instantly recognizable for its deeply ridged green and red mountains, cascading waterfalls, dramatic cliffs and azure blue waves, the Nā Pali Coast can only be experienced by helicopter or boat (though parts are accessible on some hikes). The Catamaran tour got me pretty close to the coast and sliding down the Catamaran boat’s water slide into the ocean to begin my snorkeling adventure was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip.
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The Catamaran was topped on day 2 by Island Helicopter’s tour. Leaving from the main airport, Island Helicopter takes passengers over the island in 90 minutes, including Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) and the Nā Pali Coast, which are jaw-dropping from above. But what sets Island Helicopters apart from all other helicopter tours on the island is that it lands at the base of the twin waterfalls made famous in the opening credits of Jurassic Park. Passengers hike a short distance to Jurassic Falls, take photos and try not to get drenched while drinking in the thrilling experience that is likely to be a trip favorite.
If helicopter tours are not your style, there are still plenty of activities and waterfalls to explore. With Princeville Ranch Adventures, you can ride horseback through the jungle and have lunch and a leisurely swim near a waterfall on the ranch’s 2,500-acre property.
I stayed at the Westin in Princeville on the North Shore, which was close to all of these activities. Perfect for families or groups for short or longer stays, the Westin resort offers full-kitchen suites so you can grocery stop in nearby Hanalei. One of my favorite meals on Kaua’i was just up the road from the Westin at the St. Regis resort. Every evening, the St. Regis offers a champagne toast for dining room guests who can watch the sun set from its stunning balcony.
While Day 3 in Kauai was significantly less action-packed, it was my favorite day. Getting out of tourist mode, I met and talked with locals at a famous little church in Hanalei, Wai’oli Hui’ia Church. Built by American Christian missionaries in 1834, the church initially banned the native Hawaiian practice of hula as pagan. The Hawaiian language was banned on the islands after the Hawaiian Kingdom was overthrown in 1893. Wai’oli Hui’ia Church is contributing to efforts taking place across Hawai’i in the past few decades to revitalize Hawaiian language and culture. They now incorporate hula into worship services and sing hymns in Hawaiian. I visited Wai’oli Hui’ia on a Wednesday night during choir rehearsal and interviewed their choir director, Naomi Yokotake. One of her family members has lead the choir there for uninterrupted generations of the church’s history. Naomi shared how important it is that their pastor, Kahu Alpha Goto, wanted them to honor their culture and share their history by dancing Christian hula. (Check out our interview here.)
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To top it all off, the church’s wonderful pianist and her choir member husband invited me to dinner at their house and let me nap there while I waited for my long flight out–a gesture so lovely and so full of Aloha that when I boarded my plane, I felt like I was leaving home instead of returning to it.
One of the greatest ways to connect with God is to simply open your eyes. All of the people He placed in front of me on this trip made my experience exponentially better and full of peace and joy. Beautiful people, an incredible place and a willing spirit are the perfect ingredients for a true encounter with God away from home. –Brooke Obie, Senior Digital Editor
Brooke Obie visited Kaua’i courtesy of the Kaua’i Visitors Bureau. The places and activities featured are her favorite experiences from the trip.
31 Classic Movies to Watch in April on TCM
This month, Turner Classic Movies is holding its annual 31 Days of Oscar festival, but this year, there’s a twist: TCM is featuring more than 350 films that were Oscar-nominated, as they usually do, but they’re airing them in alphabetical order, A to Z.
We’ve decided to offer our own take on 31 Days of Oscar: We’ve picked one TCM offering for each day in April (plus the 1st of May), so here are 31 movies we think you’ll enjoy that are airing on Turner Classic Movies (TCM) in April 2021.
’23 Blast’: Tackles Faith on the Gridiron [REVIEW]
![’23 Blast’: Tackles Faith on the Gridiron [REVIEW]](https://s48934.pcdn.co/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/23b_sc193_hapka_cu-travis-before-final-play_300dpi-1.jpg)
23 Blast is the latest faith-based sports drama to hit the big screen. The film, inspired by real-life events, follows the story of Travis Freeman, a high school football star from a small town in Kentucky who saw his life come to a screeching halt after an eye infection permanently stole his sight. What followed was a story of courage, faith, friendship and the will to overcome that will leave audiences inspired long after they’ve left the theater.
The movie, directed by Dylan Baker and starring Mark Hapka, Alexa Vega and Bram Hoover—who helped pen the script—achieves this goal despite lacking some of the benefits of other sports-themed films with big studio backings. Don’t worry: there’s plenty of football to love in this film—down-to-the-wire motivational speeches, Hail Mary plays and tough-as-nails coaches all make an appearance when the camera’s focused on the field.
But what makes 23 Blast really stand out is the commitment of its lead actors and their obvious investment in doing justice to the real Travis Freeman’s tale. Hoover, the actor who plays Freeman’s troubled, heart-breaking best friend, Jerry Baker, hails from the same town as Freeman and admitted he felt the pressure when co-writing and starring in his friend’s incredible story. “There’s a greater responsibility when you’re telling a true story,” Hoover told Guideposts.org at the movie’s premiere. “There is a lot more responsibility to tell things the right way.”
Hapka took on that responsibility with a humbled sense of determination in his portrayal of Freeman. Carrying the film on his shoulders, the audience journeys with Hapka as he transforms from popular school athlete to disabled recluse and, eventually, hometown hero; his performance is comical and often tear-jerking, as it should be.
Vega gives the film heart, playing Freeman’s best friend Ashley, whose goal of getting her friend to push past his disability and get back out on the gridiron is one you’ll root for. The director’s wife, the fantastic Becky Ann Baker, also makes an appearance in the film as Freeman’s mobility coach who doles out tough love and compassionate encouragement in equal measure.
For his part, Freeman acknowledged that while the film does take certain liberties with his story, it does a good job of sending his desired message. “It’s not the Travis Freeman story, but it is a movie inspired by events in my life,” Freeman told Guideposts.org.
The film stays true in its depiction of the importance of Freeman’s faith-life, because “It’s a huge part of Travis’s life,” Hoover shared. “It’s the thing that kept him going. God had a plan for Travis so we definitely wanted to show that in the film.”
Freeman, who makes an appearance in the film, is happy with the result. “It really does a great job of capturing the spirit behind my story.”
It’s that spirit that Hapka predicts will stick with people after the credits roll. “I hope that people who are having hardships in their own lives, that have their own limits that they put on themselves, whether it’s because of a disability or whatever, that it helps put things in perspective,” Hapka said. “I hope that they leave motivated.”
23 Blast is out in theaters now.
22 Classic Movies to Watch in March on TCM
While we’re still being asked to isolate at home for our own sake and the safety of others, a classic motion picture is the perfect way to spend a late winter or early spring evening. From thrillers and mysteries to popular, award-winning musicals, here are 22 movies we think you’ll enjoy that are airing on Turner Classic Movies in March 2021.
21 Classic Films to Watch on TCM in November 2021
With colder weather upon us and the holidays just around the corner, an evening of classic movies with the family is just the ticket. Here are 21 movies airing on Turner Classic Movies this month that you’ll want to watch (or record for later viewing).
20 Favorite ‘Guideposts Classics’ Stories
As Guideposts celebrates its 75th anniversary, here are 20 classic stories from inspiring authors, actors, astronauts, singers and broadcasters that have proven to be reader favorites over the years.
Corrie ten Boom on Forgiveness
In this story from 1972, the author of The Hiding Place recalls forgiving a guard at the concentration camp where her sister died.
Ernest Borgnine’s Inspiring Good Friday Vision
The acclaimed actor recalls a divine vision he received while filming a scene for Franco Zeffirelli’s acclaimed 1977 miniseries Jesus of Nazareth.
Al Roker on the Miracle of Childbirth
The Today co-anchor shares that he and his wife, who very much wanted to have a baby, relied on faith and hope to see them through what would be an emotional and spiritual journey.
Tim Conway on Answered Prayer
The beloved funnyman shares a tale of childhood faith and answered prayer in a story he wrote for Guideposts in 2007.
Robert Duvall on Faith and Inspiration
The Oscar winner reveals how playing a preacher in the 1997 film The Apostle impacted his spiritual life.
Perry Como on Faith, Family and Prayer
In this story from 1953, the crooner and television star reveals how important faith was to his life and his career.
Michael Landon on God’s Blessings
The award-winning actor and director shares how he came to understand that he had a special talent–and it wasn’t acting.
When Buzz Aldrin Took Communion on the Moon
In a story published just over a year after he walked on the moon, the Apollo 11 astronaut reveals that the first liquid poured and the first food eaten on the moon were communion elements.
Ray Bradbury on Celebrating God’s Gifts
The accomplished science fiction author shares how an encounter with a sideshow performer convinced him to embrace the gifts God had given him.
Fred Rogers on a Grandfather’s Love
Television’s “Mr. Rogers” recalls the man who helped him believe in himself in this story from 1980.
Doris Day Finds Harmony in Faith
In 1958, with her career at its peak, the actress, singer and animal-rights activist shared the sense of calm that faith brought to her life.
Beverly Garland on Faith Conquering Fear
Actress Beverly Garland shares a quote that taught her the importance of faith and self-assurance.
Paul Harvey on Submitting to God
One of America’s best-loved broadcasters shares the discovery that made his life complete.
Jimmy Stewart on ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
The two-time Oscar winner takes us behind the scenes of perhaps the most beloved Christmas movie of all time, 41 years after its initial release.
Agnes Moorehead on Why She Read the Bible
In 1965, when she was a regular on the popular series Bewitched, the Emmy-winning actress revealed the importance of the Holy Book to her life and her career.
Andy Griffith on God’s Grace
The beloved actor shares how he came to rely on God’s grace and the love of his wife as he battled a mysterious illness.
Danny Thomas on Prayer and Promises
In this story from May 1981, the actor and comedian recalls how an answered prayer led him to found Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Johnny Cash on Overcoming Addiction
The country music legend recalls his struggle with drugs—and the Bible verse that inspired his recovery—in this story from 1970.
Luciano Pavarotti on Making the Most of God’s Gifts
The world-renowned tenor shares how he came to embrace the gift God had given him.
Gloria Gaynor on Finding Faith
In this story from 1998, the two-time Grammy winner shares how, though she had achieved great success in her career, there was something missing until she learned who Jesus really was.
For more inspiring stories, subscribe to Guideposts magazine.