It is with sadness that we announce this is our final "official" Deep Breath episode (although there may be some announcements here and even a meditation or lectio divina from time to time).

In this final episode you'll hear:

Thank you! Thank you to all our faithfulness listeners, and even those who jumped in from time to time. We have had an absolute blast doing this podcast since March 2020! All the episodes will stay here indefinitely as a library of spiritual practices. We hope you enjoy them.

Books referenced:

This is #3 in the Joy Summer Trilogy and again, Lisa Ostreim joins the podcast to chat about the true meaning of joy, where it originates and this idea of fueling your joy when it seems dormant. Is it possible to feel joy without Christ? We share some practical ways to travel that "on ramp" back to joy if you're feeling you've lost it.

Quotes and definition of happiness and joy from Anne Robertson appeared in Brene Brown's book, Atlas of the Heart.

Here's #2 in our Joy Summer Trilogy. This week Lisa Ostreim interviews Michelle about where she finds joy, even in trials. How does she recover her joy? This interview is both practical and relatable.

Leave a voicemail for us and tell us where you've been finding joy recently and your voice will be in #3 of the Trilogy next week! (See the link below)

Scripture referenced: Ecclesiastes 5:19-20b and 8:15 in The Message version.

This is the first episode in the Joy Summer Trilogy. This first episode covers Joy vs. Happiness. What's the difference? Is joy connected to pain or sadness? It's not easy to define joy. Here's just a few thoughts, particularly from the saints that have gone before us.

Coming up in the Joy series: Lisa interviews Michelle regarding joy in her life and we hear from you, our listeners about where you are finding joy.

Scroll to the link to leave a voicemail and let us know your name and where you're finding joy these days.

Book reference: Freedom of Simplicity by Richard J. Foster

Summer is in full swing in the Pacific Northwest. Wondering if you find yourself scrambling to fit it all in, including some rest and play, but finding yourself exhausted and empty at the end. Is it possible to create a rhythm for our summer that takes into account our work, our season of life, our need for play and rest, and our desire to connect with God?

I'll share some examples and walk you through some reflection questions to help you create you learn from past summers and tune in to your desires and longings for this year. It might be just a small new practice or an experience or event you add to your summer, but the goal would be to end the summer flourishing and alive.

Here's a freebie: the prayer of examen: https://breatheandbe.net/store/ols/products/the-prayer-of-examen

For more on the subject of rhythms and summer, listen to:

#56 What do you want to wear yourself out with (and for whom)?

#88 Summer: Identify Your Season

#120 Days of Permission

Please leave us a voice message and tell us: What is sparking joy for you right now? We will include these in an upcoming trilogy on Joy!

A short lectio divina and reflective meditation for when you feel dry and thirst for more of God. Where are those places that feel dry?

This reading will be from Psalm 63:1-8. Other verses that are great for those dry times are: Psalms 42:2, Psalms 107:9, Psalms 143:6.

Grab a quiet place and maybe a journal and sit and drench your Spirit in God's Word and His presence.

Book reference and episode inspired by: In the Sanctuary of Women by Jan L. Richardson

We play games with the diets we've tried over the years. There are ways to cheat and checklists to keep. This episode is about how NOT to do the same thing with your spiritual life. This is for the "doers" out there who feel they don't quite measure up unless they do more. Those who don't feel enough. What if there's another way to look at it? What if all our mundane and simple daily activities are really sacred and important to God? Does He loves me as I am and can I see myself as worthy of love the way I am, without adding on any "activities" or "doing"?

This episode entertains these questions and more. The title of this episode could have been: Am I Enough? or Is it Really Being versus Doing? or Your Simple Life is Sacred.

Michelle shares many thoughts and questions she's been pondering lately with the hope that you'll be encouraged.

Book quoted: Psalms Redux: Poems and Prayers, by Carla A. Grosch-Miller

What is meant by Praying the Psalms? How do you actually do it? How can this practice awaken your prayer life?

Sometimes we don't have words to pray, but saints throughout the years, including Jesus, have been praying the words of the Psalms. They give us language when we have none. Here's four ways to pray the Psalms and then Psalm 27 is read over you. We hope this episode helps you "try on" a new practice.

Books mentioned: Praying the Psalms by Thomas Merton

Episodes mentioned: Episode # 140 with Elizabeth Peterson, Episode #145 with Lisa Keosababian, both spiritual directors

It's Spring in the northwest and there's plenty to smell, touch, taste, hear and see. I'll walk you through a short meditation to help wake up all your senses, leaving you feeling fully alive and alert.

To get the full experience, here's some tips:

* You might want to grab something that delights your tastebuds and something that smells good

* If possible be outside barefoot in the grass, or inside near an open window with something soft in your hands

The final blessing is from Psalms Redux by Carla A. Grosch-Miller

Email us at [email protected] and let us know why you listen to Deep Breath Podcast and what your biggest take away is from the episodes you have heard. We've got a special project going and we'd love your feedback. Thank you for listening and sharing the episodes with your friends.