Among the shelves, I found titles which pointed to our desire to find simplicity in just about all areas of our lives, organization, cooking, romance and relationships, decorating and parenting. That section is a bookstore in itself. In our house, keeping things simple is more closely related to a survival guide than a self-help book. We're working on that, bit by bit.
I ended up walking away with two books today:
Reflections for Ragamuffins - Daily Devotions by Brennan Manning
Mr. Manning has appeared several times here in this blog. I have truly enjoyed my recent discovery of his books.
and
So You Want to be Like Christ?, Eight Essentials to Get You There by Charles R. Swindoll.
In the latter book, there is a fantastic chapter on Simplicity, in which Swindoll states that,
He points to Philippians 3:10, see below, as instructions for this process.
In the latter book, there is a fantastic chapter on Simplicity, in which Swindoll states that,"Developing (spiritual) disciplines into enduring habits will not come naturally, easily, automatically or quickly. Don't let excuses justify quitting and give yourself ample time. Remember... you're not going to become Martin Luther by the weekend or a Mother Teresa by the end of the month."
He points to Philippians 3:10, see below, as instructions for this process.
"[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death."
Swindoll relates:
"Notice the words “continually transformed.” This perspective may also prove helpful: Christlikeness is a journey, not a destination—at least on the side of God’s radical transformation of the world during the end times. The joy is in the journey. Plan on a lifetime of travel. While you’re at it, learn to enjoy the ride, despite of the inevitable wrong turns and sometimes toilsome progress. The satisfaction and peace you gain far outweigh the inconvenience."
In everyday life, it is very difficult to remember this peaceful place and I often get filled up with the troubles of today, often making them worse by trying to take on too much or by overscheduling my day.
The late Mark Heard touched on this frustration for his 1991 recording Second Hand. This album introduced me to honesty in writing, the fine craft of songwriting and the importance of hunger in one's life. I am pleased to present Mark's song, Nod Over Coffee.
As with many of my favorite musicians, Mark Heard has long since passed away. He died in 1992, after a series of heart attacks and entered into a coma. This album haunts me today, one of my favorites to listen to, yet it regularly points to the brevity of life. Mark was painting a picture for us, a reminder for us to hold on to the moments we are given.
As with many of my favorite musicians, Mark Heard has long since passed away. He died in 1992, after a series of heart attacks and entered into a coma. This album haunts me today, one of my favorites to listen to, yet it regularly points to the brevity of life. Mark was painting a picture for us, a reminder for us to hold on to the moments we are given.
Swindoll's book, So You Want to be Like Christ?, points to five sources of "mind-clutter," the stuff of earth that holds us down and keeps us from simplifying our lives.
"a. Most of us today say yes to far too many things. That means we are busier than we need to be, perhaps because we fear the void in our souls that a few quiet hours might reveal.
b. Most of us do not plan time for leisure and rejuvenation.
c. Most of us experience the joy of accomplishment. A wise man once wrote, “A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul.” (Proverbs 13:19 NKJV).
d. Most people living in wealthy countries owe more than they can hope to repay.
e. Most of us fool ourselves into thinking that with our modern technology we have simplified our lives. "
We have those options within our church family, you know. When you are dealing with something, something that you can't tackle on your own, you don't have to face it alone.
But with too much to do, we dash off to the next obligation, often without finishing the previous one or taking the time to stand back and savor a job well done.
d. Most people living in wealthy countries owe more than they can hope to repay.
e. Most of us fool ourselves into thinking that with our modern technology we have simplified our lives. "
This presents much for us to ponder today. Can this worry list be a checklist for our soul? Can we drop it all and let go for a while?
Here is a simple exercise that I will be using with the class in March.
Right now, empty your pockets, or pocket book, right beside your computer or your Smart phone. Something in that pile is causing you grief, worry, disbelief or stress. Maybe it is something that you have been waiting to deal with for a long time, but just have not taken the time to do so. If you can, recycle it. If you can't, then throw it away. If you still can't do that, give it away to the next person that you see.
We have those options within our church family, you know. When you are dealing with something, something that you can't tackle on your own, you don't have to face it alone.
Option A: Turn it into something else... maybe you can use what you learned from a bad situation - recycle it to help someone else,
Option B: You can get rid of it and accept the loving forgiveness of Christ,
or Option C: You can drop it at the feet of someone you love and trust, someone who cares for you. Drop your heavy burdens upon someone within the church, your pastor, youth pastor, deacon or someone else in whom you can confide. Call your pastor, your sponsor or your pew buddy.
Let's not forget, that's why we gather within the church. Not to show off our perfectness, but to gather with other broken people. We can then allow each other to heal, to overcome our hurdles, to feel the love of God.
Link of the day...
Mark Heard Wiki... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Heard
Quote of the day...
"When you can see through the fog for an instant, and you understand haltingly and briefly what good is, and how God is connected with that, it cannot help but put a hell of a perspective on things you perceive as problems, and help you discover multiple ways in which you have been numb. For that brief moment you feel that God's in His heaven and all's right with the world." Mark Heard
Bible verse of the day...
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all."
Ephisians 4: 1-6
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