Deeper Simplicity, Broader Generosity: Images of Financial Wholeness

by Celeste A. Ventura

Overview

Deeper Simplicity, Broader Generosity uses images found in agriculture, architecture, and creation—including a trellis, a jackpine, an artichoke, a ballet barre, a stork nest—to engage the reader in exploration of how and why we earn, spend, invest, and share our money. Reflections on these images help to build financial knowledge and engagement that can be transformational for ourselves, our communities, and the world.

• Financial wellness book for individuals; views financial planning and decision-making through the lens of personal spirituality.
• Respected workshop leader and CREDO faculty member.
• Twelve full color images.
• Discussion questions included.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780819231956
Publisher:	Church Publishing, Incorporated
Publication date:	08/10/2015
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.20(d)

About the Author

Celeste Ventura served for twenty-two years as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch. Since 2002, she has had the privilege of serving as one among many on CREDO faculty in the area of financial wellness. With her involvement in both the Episcopal Church and the world of personal finance over the decades, she has found the most effective entree to financial concepts stems from visual images. "It has been a time of joy and challenge, deep collegiality, passion and insight. Images have always feed my soul and this opportunity to share some reflections with a broader community is pure gift." She lives in Carmel Valley, California.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 11

Introduction 13

1 The Importance of a Trellis 17

2 Jack Pines and Artichokes 25

3 Shaping Your Wildness 33

4 Giving and Receiving 41

5 Pathways and Journeys 49

6 From Another Perspective 57

7 Deeper Simplicity, Broader Generosity 65

8 Water from Rock and Rock for Water 73

9 Ballet Barres, Balance, and Asset Allocation 81

10 Values, Passions, and Structural Integrity 89

11 Stork Nesting 97

12 Reckless Generosity: 105

In Reflection 113

A Guide for Group Usage 116

A Suggested Outline for a Program 118

Financial Concepts 120

Annotated Bibliography 124

Notes 126

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Celeste Ventura speaks the language of beauty, poetry, and gentle grace taking the anxiety-inducing subject of money and stewardship to God in a way that is truly life-giving. Deeper Simplicity, Broader Generosity is an invitation to reflect on finances that draws me in to a conversation with myself and God that I’ve longed for and will say “yes” to over and over again.”
––The Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, Director of Networking for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, CREDO spiritual faculty, and writer on food and spirituality

“Through an offering of the rich imagery found in nature, the words of scripture and the stories of friends and family, this little book provides nourishing soil for the reader to discover their own story of values, needs, and gifts. With Celeste, one is able to ponder deeply the role of money in our lives, using that important gift to tell our story through our choices, our planning, and our gifts. It is a beautiful tool by which one may reflect deeply on stewardship.”
––The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves, Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real

“This is a tremendous resource for anyone who wants to make a meaningful shift in aligning their spiritual lives with their financial lives. The power of this book lies in the invitation to explore and play with images that speak to the soul—the place where transformation incubates and takes hold.”
––The Rev. Laurel Johnston, Stewardship Officer (2008-2013), The Episcopal Church and Director of Alumni Affairs and Major Gift Officer, Church Divinity School of the Pacific

“The use of stories is the perfect way for those who don’t love numbers to become engaged in finding answers to solve their financial challenges. Each chapter brings a new insight.”
––The Rev. Rod Sewell, Educational Specialist, The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

“Celeste Ventura provides a much needed reflection on how spiritual and practical matters are brought together in our lives and the pathway of faith. Our living will be more hopeful and fulfilled when we connect our financial resources with the values and beliefs that are at the core of faith. Deeper Simplicity, Broader Generosity provides map and method to help us do that.”
––The Rev. Dr. James B. Lemler, Rector, Christ Church, Greenwich, Connecticut

“‘Give with meaning and passion and receive with deep gratitude, grace and somehow, some way, put the gift to use for the good of all.’ Celeste Ventura's own words summarize well not only the theme of her book, but her life as well. She approaches the subject of finances in an authentic, transparent, and knowledgeable way that is engaging and accessible for all who seek to be faithful with the gifts God has given them.”
––The Rev. Sharon K. Youngs, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

“Deeper Simplicity is a clearly written gift of a book. It offers a set of enduring images that can move individuals and groups to see financial well-being in a new light. Many of these images are quite powerful, pushing and pulling us to consider how aligned our treasure is with our deepest values, long after turning the last page.”
––Miguel Angel Escobar, Senior Program Director, Episcopal Church Foundation

“Celeste Ventura invites the reader to explore the issue of financial well being though a holistic approach to personal finance. Through the use of illustrations and personal insights, Celeste enables the reader to understand what can be a challenging topic for many individuals. Woven throughout the discussion is the spiritual appreciation of our money and our stewardship. Celeste generously shares her knowledge and experience for the benefit of those who have questions about how to manage their finances in the spirit of generosity. I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to consider a thoughtful approach to personal finances and stewardship.”
––The Rev. Peter Sime, Vice President of Assistance, CREDO and Funds Development of The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

“Soulful images. Biblical and religious truths. Personal stories. Distilled wisdom. Evocative questions for reflection. With the mind of a seasoned financial planner and the heart of a spiritual companion, Celeste Ventura has put together a practical, accessible guide for claiming our core values and living as if how we save, spend, invest, and gift our money really matters.”
––Diane Stephens Hogue, Spiritual Faculty of Presbyterian CREDO and Affiliate Faculty of Spiritual Formation at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Editorial Reviews

Celeste Ventura invites the reader to explore the issue of financial well being though a holistic approach to personal finance. Through the use of illustrations and personal insights, Celeste enables the reader to understand what can be a challenging topic for many individuals. Woven throughout the discussion is the spiritual appreciation of our money and our stewardship. Celeste generously shares her knowledge and experience for the benefit of those who have questions about how to manage their finances in the spirit of generosity. I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to consider a thoughtful approach to personal finances and stewardship.”
––The Rev. Peter Sime, Vice President of Assistance, CREDO and Funds Development of The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

“Celeste Ventura speaks the language of beauty, poetry, and gentle grace taking the anxiety-inducing subject of money and stewardship to God in a way that is truly life-giving. Deeper Simplicity, Broader Generosity is an invitation to reflect on finances that draws me in to a conversation with myself and God that I’ve longed for and will say “yes” to over and over again.”
––The Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, Director of Networking for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, CREDO spiritual faculty, and writer on food and spirituality

“Celeste Ventura provides a much needed reflection on how spiritual and practical matters are brought together in our lives and the pathway of faith. Our living will be more hopeful and fulfilled when we connect our financial resources with the values and beliefs that are at the core of faith. Deeper Simplicity, Broader Generosity provides map and method to help us do that.”
––The Rev. Dr. James B. Lemler, Rector, Christ Church, Greenwich, Connecticut

“Through an offering of the rich imagery found in nature, the words of scripture and the stories of friends and family, this little book provides nourishing soil for the reader to discover their own story of values, needs, and gifts. With Celeste, one is able to ponder deeply the role of money in our lives, using that important gift to tell our story through our choices, our planning, and our gifts. It is a beautiful tool by which one may reflect deeply on stewardship.”
––The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves, Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real

“Soulful images. Biblical and religious truths. Personal stories. Distilled wisdom. Evocative questions for reflection. With the mind of a seasoned financial planner and the heart of a spiritual companion, Celeste Ventura has put together a practical, accessible guide for claiming our core values and living as if how we save, spend, invest, and gift our money really matters.”
––Diane Stephens Hogue, Spiritual Faculty of Presbyterian CREDO and Affiliate Faculty of Spiritual Formation at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

“This is a tremendous resource for anyone who wants to make a meaningful shift in aligning their spiritual lives with their financial lives. The power of this book lies in the invitation to explore and play with images that speak to the soul—the place where transformation incubates and takes hold.”
––The Rev. Laurel Johnston, Stewardship Officer (2008-2013), The Episcopal Church and Director of Alumni Affairs and Major Gift Officer, Church Divinity School of the Pacific

“The use of stories is the perfect way for those who don’t love numbers to become engaged in finding answers to solve their financial challenges. Each chapter brings a new insight.”
––The Rev. Rod Sewell, Educational Specialist, The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

“Deeper Simplicity is a clearly written gift of a book. It offers a set of enduring images that can move individuals and groups to see financial well-being in a new light. Many of these images are quite powerful, pushing and pulling us to consider how aligned our treasure is with our deepest values, long after turning the last page.”
––Miguel Angel Escobar, Senior Program Director, Episcopal Church Foundation

“‘Give with meaning and passion and receive with deep gratitude, grace and somehow, some way, put the gift to use for the good of all.’ Celeste Ventura's own words summarize well not only the theme of her book, but her life as well. She approaches the subject of finances in an authentic, transparent, and knowledgeable way that is engaging and accessible for all who seek to be faithful with the gifts God has given them.”
––The Rev. Sharon K. Youngs, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

From the Publisher