Halfway There

Amos Smith is a progressive pastor and contemplative author. Today, he shares the stories from his life that reveal how he became a mystic, the practices, and the resources that he uses to draw near to God. Amos is passionate about the practice of centering prayer which is an ancient tradition that trains your mind to focus on one thought for a period of time.

During our conversation, Amos explains what centering prayer is like and the discipline it takes to master which he learned from athletics as young man. He also explains why some writings of the early church fathers are valuable today.

If you have ever been curious about Christian mysticism, Amos is your guy, and I promise you will enjoy his story.

Please listen and share!

Stories Amos shared:

• How he discovered the discipline of centering prayer

Great quotes from Amos:

Humility is everything in the Philokalia. It’s the starting point of wisdom. It’s the starting point of discernment. It’s also the starting point, paradoxically of greatness, is that first you have to realize that you’re nothing before God.

Mystics through the ages have cried out “Why has the Christian church substituted the bridal chamber for the court room?”

I still wrestle with a lot of things and I guess I prefer that to half-baked answers.

Resources Amos mentioned and his books (Amazon affiliate links):

• Healing the Divide: Recovering Christianity’s Mystic Roots by Amos

The post Amos Smith Shares Ancient Practices for Present Day Christians appeared first on Eric Nevins.

“It’s time,” I said into the phone with a confidence that surprised even me.

“I know,” she whispered.

Thirteen years ago I started a job that I only expected to hold for 2 or 3 or maybe 4 years at the longest. Everyday I went to work in those thirteen years I held two things in my heart: tension and hope. Both came from knowing I was not created for financial services. Stocks, bonds, and the markets were never my passion. Neither were signatures, insufficient funds, and other seemingly insignificant work. Don’t get me wrong, the work is not bad; it’s just not for me.

So when I told my wife that it was finally time to leave that job and strike out on my own to build an online business and she agreed, I was overjoyed at the possibilities.

Today is my last day working at my day job.

In this episode, I share the seven reasons why it had to be done:

1. I was not using my gifts and abilities to their fullest

Finally, my hope is that as I can create things to help you on the journey. Nothing would bring me more joy.

Keep the faith,

Eric

The post Why I Quit My Job appeared first on Eric Nevins.

• Growing up in a highly dysfunctional family full of violence, drugs, and mental illness

Great quotes from Mark:

God if you’re real, show yourself to me. I need you.

My trust grew stronger when I realized God was not in control of every event, action, or reaction that occurs in the world.

Superstitious petitionary prayer contributes to suffering in the world.

How many times have we prayed fervently for the distressed placing all the responsibility on God to answer our prayers while those for whom we prayed suffered needlessly because we took no responsibility to be God’s answer to our prayers?

Resources Mark mentioned:

• Divine Echoes: Reconciling Prayer with the Uncontrolling Love of God by Mark Karris

The post Mark Karris says Stop Being Superstitious and Put Your Faith into Action appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Sean McCoy is the host of the Come to the Table Podcast and quickly becoming one of my favorite people. His show is about listening to people with different perspectives he does it well. Sean shares the story of how he grew from agnostic to finding wisdom in Ecclesiastes. We talk about why being dismissive and flippant in our approach to others is damaging to our witness. In the end, we have a great conversation but the best way to get to know Sean is to subscribe to his podcast and start listening.

Please listen and share!

Stories Sean shared:

• Growing up without a strong family structure

Great quotes from Sean:

All this stuff that is supposed to make you happy and I’m in my backyard crying because it did not make me happy.

Sometimes if you just listen to someone, you just might learn something.

Resources Sean and I mentioned:

• Come to the Table Podcast

The post Sean McCoy Invites You to Come to the Table appeared first on Eric Nevins.