Doug McPhillips

Sweet Surrender is a gentle companion for anyone seeking peace, clarity, and soulful nourishment in a fast-moving world. Through a collection of brief prose and poems, Doug McPhillips invites readers into moments of stillness-spaces where the heart can breathe, the mind can soften, and the soul can awaken. Each page touches on timeless themes such as love, healing, courage, gratitude, faith, forgiveness, and the quiet art of letting go. These reflections are designed to be opened at any moment of the day-morning or night, in joy or in struggle-to offer comfort, perspective, and renewed hope. More than a simple book of reflections, Sweet Surrender is a reminder that surrender is not defeat, but an act of trust and openness to life's deeper wisdom. Through its tender insights and contemplative verses, readers are gently guided toward greater mindfulness, compassion, and emotional balance. Whether used as a daily practice or as a companion during seasons of change, this book offers a sanctuary of words-inviting you to pause, reflect, and rediscover the quiet strength within.What You'll Discover in This Book Short, soothing reflections for daily mindfulness Poetry that inspires gratitude, healing, and inner calm Insights on courage, faith, and the beauty of letting go Gentle guidance toward compassion and emotional clarity Writings that nurture stillness and spiritual connection A comforting companion during transitions, challenges, or reflection

Merlin - magician, sorcerer, wanderer, and shapeshifter - shares his timeless tale of Camelot, King Arthur, and the Knights of the Round Table. From the ancient woodlands to the sacred stone circles of Albion, Merlin's path winds through the mists of myth and history alike. He inspires monarchs, thwarts oppressors, and guards the mysteries of the Grail - even as shadowed forces seek to claim magic for their own. This is the definitive journey of Merlin the King-Maker: a tapestry woven with courage, love, loyalty, and the immortal song of enchanted steel. The Legends of Merlin and The Mythical Swords invites readers into a realm where faith, imagination, and human spirit merge beneath the twilight of Camelot. Douglas McPhillips - storyteller and historian - reimagines these ancient legends with lyrical depth and historical insight, blending the enchantment of myth with the wisdom of reflection. Through McPhillips' vivid prose, the reader is drawn into a world where swords sing with the promise of destiny, and where faith becomes legend. From the echoing halls of Camelot to the mist-veiled Isle of Avalon, this is an epic tale of transformation, sacrifice, and the eternal power of belief. In this unforgettable reimagining, the story of Merlin lives anew - reminding us that though kingdoms fall and empires fade, the light of courage, imagination, and spirit endures forever.What You'll Discover in This Book: A fresh and timeless retelling of the Merlin and Camelot legends The spiritual and mystical symbolism of the Holy Grail The connection between faith, imagination, and human courage Themes of transformation, wisdom, and the fading light of an age The enduring resonance of myth and storytelling through time A poetic journey into the heart of magic, mystery, and destiny

This groundbreaking work bridges biblical truth with addiction recovery, revealing Jesus Christ as the ultimate Higher Power for lasting sobriety.Tracing Christ's lineage from Old Testament prophecies to Roman historical accounts, the book demonstrates how: The 12 Steps align with Christ's teachings and resurrection powerBiblical principles overcome human limitations in recoveryGod's grace provides freedom beyond white-knuckle sobrietyFirst-century Christian practices mirror AA's spiritual programInside This Book, You'll Discover: ✓ How Roman historical records corroborate the Gospels ✓ Why Christ's consciousness transforms addiction recovery ✓ Practical ways to apply AA principles with Jesus as your sponsor ✓ The "happy, joyous and free" promise as biblical truth ✓ Daily surrender practices rooted in God's grace

This is the story of a man who chooses a solitary life as a hermit to find true meaning in this modern age. It is the choice of the hermit to live solo, alone in the woods, up on a mountain or sometimes in contemporary living, to live in a city without hardly leaving their apartment. Hermits are sometimes called Anchorites, although the two were initially distinguished based on location. In Christianity, an anchorite was someone who, for religious reasons, withdrew from secular society to live a solitary life. In contrast, a hermit retired to the wilderness for many reasons, not all religious. It is for the reader to determine if the character in this story is a hermit or an anchorite. The lessons he learnt and the peace he secured helped him on his journey to live in this world, but not of it. This fictional tale may also help the reader on the inner spiritual journey.

Introspection is the examination of one's conscious thoughts and feelings. In psychology, the process of introspection relies on observing one's mental state, while in a spiritual context, it may refer to examining one's soul. This little work explores the personal; introspection of the writer in all aspects of living life in accord with certain principles. In doing so he uses the personal; trials and tribulations of biblical and historical figures to provide the reader with certain proof and ideas in the utilization of the benefits of introspection for their betterment and those of their fellow man in their daily living.

The writer selects snippets of the philosophies of some famous and infamous people throughout history, writing a brief story about their lives, what they stood for and how they expressed their belief in a mission for the betterment or detriment t of humanity. He captures here the crux of their goal or aspirations from their creative works, philosophic utterances and mission statements to give the reader insight into a manual of guidance to improve our way of life in the service of our fellowman for the greater good.

This is a blended genre story of the facts and fictitious events surrounding the life of Marco Polo and his friend and confidant Rustichello da Pisa. Marco spent 17 years in the court of Kublai Khan, gaining favour with the Khan and eventually becoming one of his trusted diplomats. After Marco returned to Venice employed in the family merchant business, he got involved in the city's war with Genoa and was imprisoned with Rustichello. It was during their imprisonment Marco told his story to Rustichello of his service to The Khan of Khans in Asia and his many adventures beyond the confines of the known world. Rustichello da Pisa journaled a manuscript entitled "The Travels of Marco Polo." Whilst this story was read far and wide throughout Europe at the time it was nonetheless eclipsed by the stories and talents of the author's life himself, for da Pisa's adventures gained him much notoriety in later life as " A Master of The Arts." Untrue, but the author has made it so. This story is a tale of tragedy, loss of material wealth, courage and determination to succeed in the face of great odds. It tells of adventure, change in direction and philosophy of life which carried him into many fields of endeavour as it had done for his friend Marco Polo. It is fitting that this tale be told of a man of many talents and how he utilised his God-given gifts ultimately in the service of others. If the facts and fiction of the tale had not been told it would be just a whiff of smoke in the scheme of things and a pity beyond the imagining.This tale tells more extensively of fiction of the life of Rustichello's entry into the halls of Philip III, king of France (1270-85) services, in whose reign the power of the monarchy was enlarged and the royal domain extended, though his foreign policy and military ventures. It is a delightful lesson in the importance of perseverance for him to find his rightful place in the world., for it was the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune that he was called upon initially to adapt his chameleon talents to the outer world as well as holding in reserve his inner divine commitment. De Pisa proved flexible, discerning in his ability; a juxtaposition of masking his part divinity and at the same time his ability to be a trickster to gain favour with the king. and a position of importance. to reflect his various talents to gain a position of importance for his immediate survival in service.

This is a story of physical endurance, spiritual aspiration, historical myth and the startling truth that beams a guiding light to the struggles of modern man. It is the story of myth, legends and folklore that the writer uncovers as he walks his third Camino de Santiago, looking back on his first and second pilgrimages.The way of pilgrimage uncovers outward signs and symbols that lead through the myths of the finite world to infinite completeness. The lessons herein set a template for living that, to a great degree, is lacking in our modern hedonistic lifestyle.The story uncovers myths of the Camino, lessons of romantic lust, false belief in medical treatment for mental abnormalities and a desire to fulfil symbolic needs that can only be satisfied through the language of the heart. Whilst tramping his happy path of destiny, the writer happens upon critical clues and evidence that help solve a present-day murder and discovers the third secret of Fatima, which proves to be a catalyst to saving the world from a 21st Century Armageddon.This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a vision for the future, inward spiritual guidance and healing. It is also an engaging read for "Atlas eaters" wishing to learn more about the Camino Way. Bookworms will enjoy this journey as a "good yarn."

This book is a collection of stories from the author's memory of former 'devil-may-care' days of his wild and wayward youth before he gave up the booze. He recounts the many characters he met during his drinking days and the trouble they and he caused in their efforts to enjoy life to the fullest. The plot is centred in and around the bars of the central business district of Sydney known as The Rocks. The writer describes his early drinking career as a prelude to entering the haunts centred around The Rocks during the 1960s. It is written focusing on the humorous side of his escapades whilst mainly under the weather from the effect of alcohol.

This little story that follows unlocks the meaning, mystery and relevance. of myth, sacrifice and suffering. It is an introduction to guiding oneself into the ultimate purpose of living in this world but not of it. It led this author to the life on earth of one man who understood all of the legends and myths before and after his allotted time while he walked this earthly plain, and it uncovers his message of salvation as it applies to today. It is a little guidebook to enlightenment about the chosen spirit. I call it " The spiritual truth of The One." Now, read on.

The writer dissects the Creed prayer of Catholicism to explain the doctrine of the essential and fundamental Catholic belief regarding faith and morals and the seven sacraments. It is an exploitation of a Mission statement to serve as an instrument in teaching in laymen's language post-Vatican 11 Canon Law for those interested in Godly purpose. It is for Christian believers and non-believers seeking guidance for spiritual well-being in daily living according to certain principles. The process of this book dissects the Catechism of the Catholic Church using the Apostle's Creed as the template to base the writer's findings on. As any renegade Catholic may do, the book leads to a personal mission statement of a new creed of belief for the writer. Embracing the findings of this book may well result in you, the reader writing your own Credo for spiritual growth too.