SOUL CrossTraining

As I turn the page to a New Year, it feels fitting for a time of reflection both filled with confession and gratitude.   Philip Yancey in his book, Prayer, says this about confession...

I've always thought of resting after expending energy -- as a replenishment for what I had just experienced or endured. So, if I took a run then I'd rest once I had finished my run. Or if I had been really busy finishing up a project, I'd work really hard for an extended period of time THEN I'd rest and recooperate. And to some degree that is still true -- however... I've been learning both from looking at SABBATH over the last several months and practicing SABBATH for the past couple of years -- that it really is more about a rhythm that prepares my heart, soul, and body for what lies ahead. When I am rested and my soul is replenished through time with God I am in a much better place to live well in whatever circumstance I find myself in. Let me be very practical -- and literal. We've been facing some difficult family situations that are requiring a lot of emotional and physical energy. My point is this... if I were to have walked into this new challenge...

Katie, a young friend of mine, wrote these three words on a ceramic plate she designed... Love without Fear I wonder about the combination of these three words . I wonder about the power of loving and living this way. Our longing to experience this type of love, this way of life is planted deep within our souls. Although we will never fully experience it on earth -- we sometimes within some relationships, catch a glimpse of the power and beauty of this way of loving. And for a moment see and experience the depth of God's love for us. I think I caught a glimpse early this year as I spent a few days at the beach celebrating a dear friend's 45th birthday. She gathered a handful of friends to celebrate the gift of life and the power of love. It looked a little like this: Conversations flowing with ease Laughter, free and spontaneous Joy expressed around a dining room table Gratitude for the gift of girlfriends All these moments combined conveyed a bit of God's love and ...

Do you see a cup as half empty or half full ? Does it depend on who is holding the cup ? Many research studies and articles have been written about temperament and personality traits. They show that people have different natural inclinations. Think about it right now. I bet you can make a list of people in your life who always seem to see the positive side of things. Conversely, I bet you can make a list of people who always seem to see the negative side of things. I remember early on in life being taught to be content and thankful regardless of the circumstances of my life. My mom and dad were masters of encouraging (sometimes demanding, that's for another post ) gratefulness. Their tactics included a threefold strategy in responding to my requests (literal translation... my demands and whining ): They'd begin by rattling off a few selected phrases from Philippians chapter 4 -- "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, an...