“I know what it feels like to feel far away from God.”
Mary Carmen EnglertFounder and President of Seven Pathways
From Pain to Perseverance.
Do you want to feel close to God, but the Bible seems overwhelming, and you don’t know where to start? Does God feel distant? You are not alone.
An accident and subsequent medical conditions while struggling to find a clear diagnosis from 2018 to 2023 brought my normal life to a halt. Instead of focusing on what I was missing in life or allowing anger to dig its deep roots, I focused on the things that I could do and learned to celebrate the small wins.
A Few Things about Me.
- I am a native Nashvillian before Music City was cool. My best singing happens in the car.
- I am a life-long learner, reflected in my pursuits of higher education receiving as TH. M., Dallas Theological Seminary; M. Ed., Vanderbilt University; B. S., Baylor University and coursework in Accessory Design from Fashion Institute of Technology.
- I love my family and friends and enjoy conversation over a meal, especially an Italian meal.
- I can still sink foul shots.
- I love to take long walks outside and have been consistent with weight training for over 25 years. I love my dumbbells.
- I have made a pair of shoes by hand.
- I am always up for a backgammon game.
- My professional career spans from working as an elementary and middle school teacher to sales and marketing in the NYC fashion industry.
- I have spoken at events and taught Bible studies through church, Bible Study Fellowship, and Priority Associates, a former ministry of Cru to creative and corporate professionals.
- I am a sunset-chaser and joy-seeker, even when darkness tries to fade the light.
While the voices in
my world quieted
I let go of expectations of what life should be and embraced my new season “in God’s hospital.” Welcoming silence as a friend, my ears became more attuned to God’s voice, that same voice who captured my heart as a teen. Through creating a daily cadence of connecting with God through silence, prayer, and then adding the other five ancient, Biblical practices, I charted my way back to improved health and discovered peace, joy, and purpose during my marathon recovery.
While writing Seven Pathways, Ancient Practices for a Deeper Relationship with God and the Seven Pathways, Journey through John, our study plan for applying these practices, the main culprit to my health challenges was discovered, a cancerous tumor - acinic cell cancer. Thankfully, the statistics point to a good prognosis and full recovery. These difficult circumstances opened my heart and unfolded into a far greater experience of God’s presence and restored vision and vigor into my God-given purpose in this world and renewed my whole-being and changed my life in the best possible way.
The experience of God inviting me to retreat with Him and embrace the luxury of silence is also extended to you. I hope that through Seven Pathways you will experience the loving, guiding voice of your Creator. Our seven pathways journey based on ancient, Biblical practices will help you create a daily rhythm of practices to transform your days and nights through a renewed heart and equip you to overcome life’s challenges. This book is for you to not give up.
God has not given up on you.
Be assured just as spring comes dancing across the landscape after winter, spring will come for you too. Shift your mindset each morning with thankfulness and sing and pray your way back to a healthier heart and make the right turn towards lasting freedom and peace found only through faith in Jesus. Get back in stride with God and get your heart back.
Practices for a Healthier Heart and Lasting Peace
I Will Guide You
Seven Pathways Book, Workbook & App
Based on historical spiritual practices such as thanksgiving, silence, confession, song, prayer, Bible Study, and scripture meditation, our Seven Pathways book and companion app will provided you with transformative meditations, guided spiritual practices, and other helpful resources.
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