Brother Lawrence, a Carmelite monk and former soldier, decided that he needed to concentrate on a simple idea: loving God in whatever he did. The Practice of the Presence of God is a record of the conversations and letters exchanged between Brother Lawrence and people in his community, who came to him for advice once they noticed his passionate living for God. This collection of his thoughts and observations continue to inspire those seeking a stronger, more potent spirituality today. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen is considered a classic self-help book. It reveals how our thoughts determine reality, as well as how our uderlying beliefs shape our character, our health, our appearance, our circumstances, and our destinies. Noble thoughts make a noble person, but lowly thoughts make a miserable person. Allen provides examples to illustrate how the "mind is the master weaver, both of the inner garment of character and the outer garment of circumstance," so that people may begin to weave in enlightenment and happiness.