Practicing the Presence of Jesus – Press Kit

For Immediate Release
Contact: Audra Jennings
Litfuse Publicity Group
moc.puorgesuftilnull@ardua
903-874-8363
@litfuse

Experience the Gift of Friendship with Jesus

Wally Armstrong encourages readers to discover a dynamic relationship with the Savior

Seattle: Although professional golfer Wally Armstrong had pursued a relationship with Jesus for over 35 years, he always sensed that there was something missing. As Armstrong puts it, there’s a big difference between believing something is true and experiencing something as real. In Practicing the Presence of Jesus: Experience the Gift of His Friendship (Summerside Press, October 2012, ISBN 978-1-60936-702-2, $12.99), Armstrong shares his personal journey of discovering Jesus as a real companion and true friend. Not surprisingly, a major event along the path happened on the golf course.

In the spring of 2004, at the Masters tournament in Augusta he saw something that would open his eyes to seeing Jesus in a new way. That day on the golf course, Armstrong and a friend saw a crowd gathering around a fellow golfer and another man. When Armstrong asked who the other man was, his friend answered, “oh, that’s Jesus.” Although it was actually only actor Jim Caviezel (who played Jesus in The Passion of the Christ), the experience stuck with him. What would Jesus look like if he were on earth today? How would he interact with those around him? In that moment Armstrong was able to focus on a reality he hadn’t grasped before. Armstrong writes, “that day, ‘Jesus’ looked like one of us, and that was exactly the point.” He realized Jesus offered him the same gift of friendship that he shared with his disciples two thousand years ago.

In the months leading up to the Masters, Armstrong had been motivated by a deep spiritual hunger to get a firm grip on who Jesus is today and how to relate to him. Armstrong brought the same performance-driven mentality from the game of golf to his faith walk-working as hard as he could to gain Jesus’s approval. He had begun the process of searching out what it meant to not only accept Jesus as Savior, but as friend. His search led him to a dusty old book first published in London almost a century ago. This book made a profound impact on him and provided the basis for the “chair experiment” that Armstrong details in Practicing the Presence of Jesus.

Armstrong shows readers how to discover the same daily, personal relationship with Jesus that he has by doing the same experiment that he did-using, of all things, an empty chair. Envisioning Jesus as an active part of our daily life allows us to better experience him up close and personal, as a companion and friend rather than keeping him at arm’s length as a royal judge. He also outlines three daily practices to better experience the presence of Jesus-meet, walk, and share.

“Receiving Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior is the most important event in any and every life. It is the centerpiece of the Christian faith,” says Armstrong. “Yet there’s an overlooked gift that was powerfully exercised by the early followers of Jesus that has been laid aside by modern Christianity. That gift is receiving the offer from Jesus to become his friend, and that’s what this book is all about.”

“Our goal for each day is to step out of the boat like Peter did. We have the same opportunity they did to walk toward Jesus, growing every minute closer to his side. Except instead of walking toward him on the water, we can start sitting beside him in a chair.”

Advance Praise

“We all hunger for connection, for friendship, and for more in this life. Wally Armstrong has written a powerful book that will help you find what your heart longs for most.”
~ Kevin G. Harney, Pastor and Author of Reckless Faith

“Wally’s transparency and quest regarding his desire to experience Jesus’ presence in everyday life is something we can all identify with. This book will inspire you to know Jesus not just as a Savior but as a close friend and companion.”
~ Craig Altman, Pastor, Grace Family Church

“Speaking as a pastor for over thirty years, I can testify how easy it is to be more like Martha (busy serving in Jesus’ name) and not enough like Mary (experiencing Jesus himself). After hearing and reading Wally’s story and testing out the “chair experiment” on myself and others, I can confirm that practicing the presence reawakened my spirit, soul, and body to his reality and friendship.”
~ Matthew Nail, Pastor, The Church at Quail Creek

“This book brings into focus an important but often neglected aspect of our Christian faith-our personal relationship with God through his Son Jesus. With a refreshingly new look at that relationship, Wally helps us ‘see God’ and, in doing so, assists us in deepening our faith and experiencing Jesus in a remarkable new way.”
~ Dr. Rick Alexander, Physician

About the Author

Wally Armstrong is a professional golfer, teacher and dynamic life coach who has competed in over 300 PGA Tour events, including the British Open, the US Open, and the Masters, and was awarded a lifetime membership in the Tour. In his first Masters appearance, Wally finished in fifth place, setting a rookie record for the lowest tournament score of eight under par.

As a golf instructor and clinician, Armstrong has taught golf all over the world and has produced more than twenty golf instructional videos and DVDs covering every area of the golf game.

He is the author of seven books, including the bestselling In His Grip (with Jim Sheard and Billy Graham) and The Mulligan (with Ken Blanchard). He resides in Maitland, Florida, and has been married to his wife, Debbie, for forty-one years. Together, they have three children and seven grandchildren.

Armstrong invites readers to visit his website, www.oldprobooks.com, for more insights about the wonderful opportunity each of us has to know Jesus as the real person that he is.

Suggested interview questions

* You write about a deep spiritual hunger that led you on a pursuit to experience a closer relationship with Jesus. Was there any one event that awakened the hunger? * Tell us about the day you met “Jesus” in Augusta.

* Growing up, you struggled with being “good enough” for your own father. How did that translate over to your spiritual relationship with Jesus and the feeling of not being able to measure up?
* What is the chair experiment?
* What does it mean to practice the presence of Jesus? What steps are involved?
* Why do you think we too often see our Christian lives as performance-based rather than relationally-based?
* We often think of Jesus as being condemning, but he was nothing like that with his disciples, was he?
* What do you mean when you talk about not only accepting Jesus as a Savior, but as a friend?
* What can we learn about Jesus by looking at his relationships, especially with his father?
* You say that you waited a number of years to write this book. Why did you wait so long?

Wally Armstrong is available for interviews to promote the release of Practicing the Presence of Jesus. To request a review copy, schedule an interview or for more information, please contact Audra Jennings, moc.puorgesuftilnull@ardua.

“We all hunger for connection, for friendship, and for more in this life. Wally Armstrong has written a powerful book that will help you find what your heart longs for most.”
~ Kevin G. Harney, Pastor and Author of Reckless Faith

“Wally’s transparency and quest regarding his desire to experience Jesus’ presence in everyday life is something we can all identify with. This book will inspire you to know Jesus not just as a Savior but as a close friend and companion.”
~ Craig Altman, Pastor, Grace Family Church

“Speaking as a pastor for over thirty years, I can testify how easy it is to be more like Martha (busy serving in Jesus’ name) and not enough like Mary (experiencing Jesus himself). After hearing and reading Wally’s story and testing out the “chair experiment” on myself and others, I can confirm that practicing the presence reawakened my spirit, soul, and body to his reality and friendship.”
~ Matthew Nail, Pastor, The Church at Quail Creek

“This book brings into focus an important but often neglected aspect of our Christian faith-our personal relationship with God through his Son Jesus. With a refreshingly new look at that relationship, Wally helps us ‘see God’ and, in doing so, assists us in deepening our faith and experiencing Jesus in a remarkable new way.”
~ Dr. Rick Alexander, Physician

• Practicing in the Presence of Jesus

  5

  Practicing the Presence of Jesus is a small book with a very powerful message!

  This little book will guide you on your journey to your own personal relationship with Jesus.

  Written by My Blessings From Above on November 1, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1CSPV96PVV092

• This book will change your life

  5

  A little book, with a huge message that will change your life! This book has changed how I view the presence of Jesus in my life and also how I present Him to my kids. Imagine being 6 years old and getting it! The only thing you need to do now is read this book and you will “get it” too – simple as that!

  Written by Our Blessed Chaos on November 1, 2012
  Read my full review: http://ourblessedchaos.blogspot.com/2012/10/this-book-will-change-your-life.html

• A Gem!

  4

  This is a little gem of a book. Reading Wally’s book was like sitting listening to a friend pour our their heart about the awakening of having an intimate relationship with Jesus.

  Written by HAPPY FOUR on November 1, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.happyfour.blogspot.com/2012/10/practicing-presence-of-jesus-by-wally.html

• Practicing the Presence of Jesus by Wally Armstrong

  4.5

  I really enjoyed the book because Wally speaks to you and explains things in a common way. The book is not overly theological. What was great is that it is in a way a self-help book but it also is quick and to the point.

  Written by Grandma's Guide to Life on November 1, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.christianbook.com/practicing-presence-jesus-experience-gift-friendship/wally-armstron/9781609367022/pd/367023?product_redirect=1&Ntt=367023&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

• Litfuse Tour: Practicing the Presence of Jesus by Wally Armstrong

  4.5

  At first I thought, this is crazy? Of course Jesus is with us in Spirit but really? Pretend He’s sitting next to me? Whatever! As I kept reading though I realized that Wally Armstrong was on to something – I haven’t started this myself but I can definitely see how imagining that Jesus is with me (and He is) can actually be a boon to a sometimes lacking prayer life. Prayers become rote or short but if we picture that our Friend is sitting with us or walking with us and converse with Him then it’ll boost our spiritual life and give us more of “He walks with me, He talks with me” relationship with the One who deserves our undivided attention.

  Written by Growing For Christ on October 31, 2012
  Read my full review: http://growingforchrist.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/litfuse-tour-practicing-the-presence-of-jesus-by-wally-armstrong/

• Practicing the Presence of Jesus

  4

  Whether you’re a fan of golf or not, you’ll find Wally Armstrong’s testimony of His relationship with Jesus interesting. While I don’t see Jesus outfitted in golfing attire, I appreciate the way the author encourages us to picture Jesus in the here and now with us.

  Written by Unlimited Bookshelves on October 31, 2012
  Read my full review: http://unlimitedbookshelves.com/2012/10/31/practicing-the-presence-of-jesus/

• Jesus as Friend

  5

  This is a simply written book, not overly theological, but written in a way that everyone can easily understand.

  Written by My Devotional Thoughts on October 31, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.mydevotionalthoughts.com/2012/10/practice-presence-of-jesus-by-wally.html

• Practicing The Presence of Jesus

  5

  This book is a good reminder that our Lord is looking at us as Friends…he gave us his ultimate gift. The Author is sharing a wonderful gift with us. Enjoy, and savor.

  Written by Maureen Timerman on October 30, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.amazon.com/review/RCDU3ZNMV3LUV/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

• Practicing the Presence of Jesus by Wally Armstrong

  5

  This book helps you realize that you can have a closer relationship with Jesus and he really wants you to draw closer to him.

  Written by A Room Without Books is Empty on October 30, 2012
  Read my full review: http://detweilermom.blogspot.com/2012/10/practicing-presence-of-jesus-by-wally.html

• 4

  Practicing the Presence of Jesus is a very practical book that many believers will find helpful in their journey of faith.

  Written by Vera Pereskokova on October 30, 2012
  Read my full review: http://luxuryreading.com/practicingthepresence/

• Practicing The Presence of Jesus: Wally Armstrong

  4.5

  Practicing the Presence of Jesus by Wally Armstrong is a short yet thought provoking read.

  I found this book to be a great reminder of the type of relationship my savior wants with me as well as helpful in providing ways to keep that type of relationship alive.

  Written by Snail Pace Transformations on October 30, 2012
  Read my full review: http://snailpacetransformations.com/2012/10/30/practing-the-presence-of-jesus-wally-armstrong/

• 4

  This book was an easy read. I really enjoyed reading how he really visualized Jesus sitting with him having a normal conversation like he would with anyone else. Wally’s book can really help you to see the value in that and can maybe help you learn to practice that presence with Jesus. This book is also a great read for golf fans, as Wally refers back very often to his time on the course and in his general life.

  Written by All Meant To Shine on October 27, 2012

• Developing a Personal Relationship with Jesus

  4

  This little books provides wonderful insights on further developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is written in a highly accessible manner and would make a great gift.

  Written by Once Upon a Storyville on October 26, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews?ie=UTF8&action=preview

• Making Jesus Visible

  4

  Through his own experience, the author encourages readers to get a clear picture of not just who Jesus is but what does he look like to them. Without knowing it many of us have carried around misconstrued mental images of Christ.

  Written by The Watered Soul on October 25, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3BCH644KEGAN6/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B009CCG59W&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=

• Book Review: “Practicing the Presence of Jesus” by Wally Armstrong

  5

  Wally Armstrong has given us a little book that helps us focus our attention on Jesus so that we are aware of His presence all the time.

  Written by Vic's Media Room on October 24, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.amazon.com/review/R16NGNNQDC8UW

• Being Friends With Jesus

  5

  This book encouraged me to pray about a way that Jesus can meet with me so that he and I can develop a friendship as well, if I have not been much of a friend to Jesus up to this point. Or, if we have been friends to develop a deeper friendship with him, and to not only be acquaintances…I recommend this to anybody who thinks that they have not reached a level of friendship with Jesus yet and would like to.

  Written by Book Review Travels on October 24, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3MK9GO86V0AM0/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

• Practicing the Presence of Jesus by Wally Armstrong

  4.5

  Wally challenged me with his idea if “faith-filled imagination,” imagining Jesus right next to me as I go through my day. Like he predicted, it felt very awkward at first. But I have found it to be a growing spiritual reality. Thanks, Wally.

  Written by Book Reviews from an Avid Reader on October 23, 2012
  Read my full review: http://amzn.to/UnewAN

• Practicing the Presence of Jesus

  4.5

  It’s a small book that packs a big punch.

  If you are a golfer of fan of golf, you’ve probably heard of Wally Armstrong. Golf is something I could take or leave – mostly leave – so I hadn’t heard of him before picking up this book.

  Do you walk through your day with Jesus as your friend or do you spend your time just doing things to please Him? That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but you need the friendship of Jesus. It took Wally 36 years to discover that.

  This book tells us how he let Jesus into his life as a friend.. Read Wally’s story and then decide whether you walk with Jesus as a friend.

  Written by sunny island breezes on October 18, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1Y3LTBKSWCTVM/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1609367022&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=

• Practicing the Presence of Jesus

  5

  This is a wonderful book and an easy read. The author expressed the value of seeing Jesus as we should. This is a helpful resource for those who are beginning Christians or those who have been in the flock for many years.

  Written by Soul Reflections on October 17, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=15479033#editor/target=post;postID=329169500522720451

• Experience the gift of friendship with Jesus

  4

  Simple and easy to read, “Practicing the Presence of Jesus” gives practical examples and encouragement to all believers no matter where they are in their walk with Christ. “Imagine sitting with Jesus every day, getting to share with Him everything on your heart and experiencing His full attention on you!” Armstrong’s simple steps will help readers develop an honest, intimate relationship that will transform their life.

  Written by I am believing God on October 17, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.amazon.com/review/RPCUD89QUYPP1/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1609367022&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=

• Practicing the Presence of Jesus by Wally Armstrong - a review

  5

  Do you believe in Jesus but sense there is something missing in your relationship with Him? Have you ever had the desire to grow closer to Jesus? Would you like to know Him as a true companion and friend? In Practicing the Presence of Jesus, Wally Armstrong shares his journey in growing his friendship with Jesus.

  One day, while on the golf course, pro golfer, Wally Armstrong experienced a moment in which he realized Jesus offered him the same gift of a close and personal friendship that He shared with His disciples over 2000 years ago.

  In Mr. Armstrong’s book, he clearly shares his experience of being in the presence of Jesus and the wonderful relationship he has developed. He offers simple steps to the reader on how to interact with Jesus as if he were sitting by their side.

  Written by All Things Are Possible on October 16, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-reviews/A16DM3OEP4WX8J/ref=cm_pdp_rev_title_1?ie=UTF8&sort_by=MostRecentReview#R3UQEH6TNAZ0M5

• Practical tips, great insight!

  4.5

  Practicing the Presence of Jesus is a quick, easy read, but it’s packed with insights about our faith and our Christian walk. It’s a must-read for anyone who is struggling with what a relationship with Christ really looks like and wondering how to cultivate that relationship. (Hint: It’s not checking “morning quiet time” off your to-do list.)

  Written by Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers on October 15, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/2012/10/review-practicing-the-presence-of-jesus

• Practicing the Presence of Jesus

  4

  Mr. Armstrong wrote a nice, easy-to-read book that directs my attention to where it should be- on my best friend Jesus. This was a short book. Small in stature, but worthy of the time I spent reading it.

  Written by Harvest Lane Cottage on October 15, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1UHYITGTUL1RD/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1609367022&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=283155&store=books

• Book Review - Practicing the Presence of Jesus

  5

  I loved all the short little chapters and the words of wisdom that he has scattered throughout. I enjoyed reading how he went on this journey and how his relationship with Jesus has blossomed and changed since he started. Jesus is very real to him and, by the time I was done with this book, I wanted the same kind of “real-ness” that Mr. Armstrong talks about.

  Written by More of Him on October 15, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.moreofhim.net/2012/10/book-review-practicing-presence-of-jesus.html

• A Beautiful Journey!

  5

  With authenticity, honesty, and wonderful writing, Wally shows us ways to reignite our relationship with Christ and how important it is to do so. It’s not about being religious but having a relationship. Everyone’s journey is different and the author realizes this, giving general tips versus a “one size fits all” method to prayer, journalling, meditating on, and reading God’s word.

  Written by Shirley Rempel on October 14, 2012
  Read my full review: http://therempels4.blogspot.ca/2012/10/practicing-presence-of-jesus-book.html

• 4

  I highly recommend this book for the golfer as well as anyone seeking a closer walk with the Lord. In fact, I think I might tuck my review copy in my husband’s Christmas stocking this year along with a note that he needs to hit the greens.

  Written by Savings in Seconds on October 13, 2012

• Eye-Opening, Faith Changing Book

  5

  Willy does a terrific job of just sharing his heart, his experiences, and his enlightenment on his journey to Jesus. Thank you for putting out the call to faith, Mr. Armstrong. I will highly recommend it to my friends.

  Written by Learning Titus 2 on October 13, 2012
  Read my full review: http://www.learningtitus2.com/2012/10/practicing-presence-of-jesus-book-review.html

• REVIEW: \"Practicing the Presence of Jesus\" by Wally Armstrong

  4.5

  This is an awesome little book about just what the title says — practicing the presence of Jesus.

  Wally Armstrong is a professional golfer — like, PGA professional. Yet, in this book, we see the regular Wally, one who is flawed, and still figuring out what it means to live out a life of faith.

  I loved his authenticity & how he didn’t hide the fact that he doesn’t have it all together.

  This book is very practical, offering ideas for how you can learn to relax into the friendship with Jesus that is offered to us all. The “chair” analogy was great, and I think I’m going to get a lot out of that one!

  None of this book felt “preachy”, and all of it felt very genuine. I read it in a day, so it’s also a quick read. But, don’t mistake that for meaning it has no depth… the picture Wally paints of Jesus in this book is super-appealing.

  I really enjoyed this one.

  Written by Should Be Reading on October 9, 2012
  Read my full review: http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/2012/09/23/review-practicing-the-presence-of-jesus-by-wally-armstrong/