Foreword by Anne Beiler, Founder of Auntie Anne's PretzelsGod's intention for us is to be connected with Him. God reveals Himself and connects with us when we encounter Him, and when we take the time to see Him. My experience of deep connection with God most often happened during the darkest times of my life. The lowest times of life very often guide us into a deep intimacy with God who truly sustains us. How we respond to the difficulties we experience in life will determine our relationship to God and also to those closest to us. When we are at the end of our grip, we begin looking for Him. He is there, ready to comfort and give us grace and the assurance that He will never leave you and will not forsake you.

He has our attention, and that's the story of Dr. James Allen. Dr. Allen has responded to the pain of his experiences with a very clear vision to help others by sharing his struggles and victories. He shares his suffering, his mourning, his waiting for relief from his depression, and ultimately his healing. His writings will give you hope for your healing. Each chapter is written with you, the reader, in mind. A Pastors Guide to Life's Journey is written in such a way that will encourage you. It will give you practical how-to's along with Biblical ought-to's to help you live an overcoming life. As human beings, we all struggle with the ability to fully live out the life Jesus modeled and taught. If life has hit you hard and you struggle with doubt, depression, despair, and maybe even disbelief, this book will give you the courage to begin the journey of being open, honest, and transparent. It will give you permission to admit you need help and reach out to another fellow sojourner who will help you carry your burden. It will also guide you to a place of spiritual, emotional, and physical wholeness. This Guide will give you the capacity to reach out for help or the courage to reach out and help someone in great need.

Anne Beiler Founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzels

From the AuthorA Pastor's Guide to Life's Journey is the product of many who have influenced me - wonderful parents, mentors, professors, peers, friends, relatives, and so many parishioners that it would be impossible to name them all. Pastors certainly influence their congregations, but the congregations also profoundly influence their pastors, especially in long tenures.

My observations and advice have not been formed in a sterile academic arena but in the streets of life. They have been developed from my experience preaching on five continents, living in two countries besides my own, living and witnessing in one of the worst neighborhoods in the Philippines, and traveling to many other countries. I have learned from professors, outcasts, the in-crowd, and people from many walks of life. I have sat in the chair as the counselor, teacher, pastor, and student, but I have also sat in the chair as the broken, confused, lost, grieving, depressed, and more. I have had times in my life where life was full of joy punctuated by times of sorrow, and I have had periods where life was full of depression punctuated by times of joy.

This is not an exhaustive book on any topic but rather a discussion starter, a primer for prayer, and some direction to possible solutions and improvements to many issues. James D. Allen