Discerning Grace

I have been reading a book by Jan Johnson, Abundant Simplicity, Discovering the Unhurried Rhythms of Grace. I must, with strong intention, slow myself down to savor the wisdom and insight I read. My habit is to devour the new information as quickly as I can, skimming subtitles and glancing over indented paragraphs. I have so many books I long to read, I should hurry up and finish this so I can get on to the next book calling my name-“ Oh look, there is another book….” Can you relate to the idea of my sense of urgency for good things? Yet this title is “ unhurried rhythms of grace. So, I begin the learning of simplicity, slowly. There is no race, it is not an’ I win you lose’ mentality. Knowledge alone does not help me become more Christlike. I take a deep breath because that forces me to slow down, to be intentional. I notice the tension in my body, the aches and pains of subconsciously holding that tension. I take another breath and remember growth is slow and it not noticed in a moment, day or even a week. As I learn to live a more simple, intentional life, I will need to go slowly. Open myself to notice life, to see God’s touch, to be available to wonder and enjoy. To live more intentionally. 

Ponderings:

Welcome, today I will continue with the disciple, Simplicity. It is categorized as an outward discipline because it can be witnessed in our Christian community. Yet, as I discussed last week, its foundation must be internal. What are your thoughts in the area of simplicity? Have you a visual picture that comes to mind? Simplicity, at least at the beginning, is not simple. I believe new ideas are best integrated in small bites, tiny steps. I found a quote, taken from the book, Freedom of Simplicity, that reads, “May God give you and me the courage, the wisdom, the strength always to hold the kingdom of God as the number one priority in our lives. To do this is to live in simplicity.“

Ponderings 

“Seeking the kingdom involves a closer look at, and potential rejection of, our society’s view of consumerism, materialism, wealth, accumulation, and the clutter of our lives. Kingdom living means I ‘m free to receive from this world and free to give it up. We can only genuinely enjoy possessions without them destroying us when we are free to let them go and free to receive them.” A great quote from Richard Foster’s book, Celebration of Discipline.

Ponderings

This week I conclude this section of spiritual exercise in fasting. Were you able to take some time and look at the biblical examples of fasting? What have some of your thoughts been in relation to the idea of fasting? The most important piece of fasting, is praying. With the help of the Holy Spirit, chose something to abstain from, maybe something that has a hold on you, it could be: food, computer, a phone, a particular activity, videos, gaming, maybe it is something you think you deserve- a desire, it could even be an idea or thought that you continually focus on. Whatever you chose, do it with Jesus. He will guide your heart.

Ponderings

What are your thoughts on fasting? Have you come up with your own definition? I like the definition given by Nathan Foster in his book The Making of an Ordinary Saint: My Journey from Frustration to Joy with the Spiritual Disciplines. He writes:

”Fasting is the voluntary denial of an otherwise normal function for the sake of intense spiritual activity. Remember, there is nothing wrong with these normal functions in life; it is just that there are times when we set them aside in order to concentrate. Once we understand this, we can see both the reasonableness of fasting as well as the broader dimensions to it.”

Come join me as we ponder the idea of fasting.

Ponderings

What do you know about fasting? Is this a practice that is relevant today and how do I feel about it? This contemplative chat introduces fasting. No “how to” this week, just a chance to hear from a few heros of the faith and a time to ponder what you believe in relation to fasting.

Ponderings

Welcome, join us today as we look at 3 writers that made an impact on our Spiritual Disciple topic “Study”. There is so much that never finds it’s way into our “contemplative Chat” that I do each week, I will occasionally break the series and share. Today is one of those days. Join me as we look at 3 different translations of Hebrews 12:1-3

I used the book “Spiritual Classics, selected Readings on the Twelve Spiritual Disciplines” by Edited by Richard Foster and Emilie Griffin. “Spiritual Disciplines Companion” by Jan Johnson

Ponderings

Click for this weeks Transcript

This is the last chat on the spiritual exercise of “Study”. How are you doing with this topic? Have you become more open minded or has it felt like a weight, a burden? Or are you looking forward to the next topic? We are all different. Some of us will gravitate toward one exercise more than another- that is natural, don’t be discouraged if this set of “study exercises” have been dry for you. Maybe you will be excited about the next topic.

The first week we looked at scripture passages to study, then we moved to others things to study- different books, references and studying other people. Today we will look at studying ourselves. As we breathe in the true breath of life, the Holy Spirit, renew our minds. Open our heart to your leading and directing. Let my heart and soul be fine tuned with your presence in my life.

Ponderings

You can find the Prayer of Examen at Discerning Grace

When some Christians think of study, the first thought is scripture. Today we will look at other things that believers can study: books by the faithful, biographies, theological writings, and witnessing the lives of those who have followed the ‘still small voice” of God. Studying is not just about books.

Things to Ponder

Visit discerninggrace.com for more resources. 

Today I begin discussing the Spiritual discipline of study. Study is another the inward discipline or personal discipline in our series called Spiritual Growth. Study takes intention and time, understanding and interpretation, then finally evaluating what you have studied. Bottom line it takes time. Your first thought is “I don’t have enough time to do what I need already, I can’t add something new.” I understand that. The discipline of study isn’t something that is an “add on” chore. It is something that can be integrated into your life. It is the step you take to think about what you see, hear, or read.

Ponderings

See this episode on discerninggrace.com as well.