SOUL CrossTraining

Using the devotional reading outline below, read and respond the following verse: Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from the old. Psalm 25:4-6 TNIV Enjoy spending time with God as you savor the words of this Psalm.

Read the following passage using the Lectio Divina practice noted above. Here's a quick reminder to follow: 1. SILENCIO: Begin by quieting your heart and allowing yourself to become aware of God's presence. 2. LECTIO: Read the passage of scripture slowly and out loud . Listening for a word or phrase. Write down the word or phrase that stands out to you. 3. MEDITATIO: Read the passage a second time out loud, linger and listen for any places you sense God inviting you to explore . 4. ORATIO: Ask yourself, why this phrase or word ? What might you need to explore. Ask God to open your eyes to more. 5. CONTEMPLATIO: Contemplate as you rest and wait with God allowing the words to sink deeply into your heart. Take some time to write down what you sense God is prompting in you and journal your thoughts and prayers . Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfai...

Journaling is a way of connecting with God as you become more aware and attentive to Him. Consider these words as you explore journaling as a spiritual practice: OPEN my eyes so I can see what YOU show me of YOUR miracle-wonders. Psalm 119:18 The Message There are lots of different approaches to journaling. But remember our purposes are about cultivating a deeper relationship with God as we grow to know him more. Join me over the next several weeks as we take a look at a variety of ways of journaling and prompts to begin our writing. So, let's begin. Our first step into journaling connects our writing to a portion of scripture. Lectio Divina In this journal practice, you'll be reading a portion of scripture as a way to enter into journaling. Think in terms of attending to Scripture not necessarily studying scripture. Sometimes we refer to this type of reading as "devotional reading" or "lectio divina". Essentially, reading and reflecting on scripture in th...

Does the idea of journaling sound sweet or just give you sweaty palms? SCROLL DOWN & ADD YOUR COMMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST BY CLICKING ON comments below ! Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders. Psalm 119:18 The Message Journaling is a way of; paying attention to our lives, reflecting on God's presence and guidance, and creating an ongoing record of our soul's journey into God. How To: "There is no right way to journal. You don't need to journal every day or even every week. Find a rhythm of journaling that suits your phase and stage of life. If writing isn't your thing, make a journal of photos or drawings or articles. Assign key words or thoughts or themes to the entries. If you don't write well, remember that you don't need to write beautifully or use complete sentences. Journaling is a way for you to be with God and your thoughts, not an exercise in language arts. Tell the truth to God and to yourself as best yo...

I love the beach. Everything about it. The smell of the salty air. The soothing sounds of the surf. The softness of the sand. The respite I experience while meandering around the shore. Although my soul feels peace and deeply connected with God while I'm there, I must fight against the idea that there is external positional peace . My peace doesn't come from where I am. Gerald Locklin pens these words in his poem WHERE WE ARE... "there is always the anticipation of the change, the chance that what is wrong is the result of where you are." His words elude to the false belief that what is wrong or right in our lives is dependent on the external environment as opposed to the internal landscape of our soul. Each morning, we awaken and step into our day. Some days feel safely within our control. We march in with our to do list and schedules confident at the end of the day we will have accomplished much. Other days are more loosely held with options and time for wandering a...

For me, journaling is one way I check in with the state of my soul. It helps me take stock of where I am, what I am thinking, what I am feeling, and reminds me of where I want to be headed and mostly of who I want to be. Often, I begin by bringing my thoughts and feelings to the surface -- then begin inviting God to shine a light on what and where he would like for me to focus my attention. Sometimes my entry finishes with an "aha moment" where I clearly see something I hadn't noticed before -- and sometimes my entry finishes with a prayer that simply says... Lord, help me... Either way I sense God reminding me that he cares about me and understands what ever I am going through at that time. I like to start writing what's on my mind.  What I am thinking?  What am I feeling?  Why is this bothering me?  How am I responding?  How do I want to respond?  What do I sense God is asking of me? Sometimes I write pages and pages.  Other times I may on...

What does a canary have to do with the health of your soul? Great question. One of the earliest systems for coal miners to detect poisonous gas included these little creatures. The system was rather low-tech and not very animal friendly, sorry. Keep in mind, canaries are very sensitive to carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases that can be found in a mine. Here's how it worked. Coal miners would take a caged canary into the mine with them. As long as the air quality was good, the canary would chirp and sing all day long. However, when hazardous gases were present, the canary would begin to have trouble breathing and start to sway awkwardly on their perch. This abnormal behavior was a warning for the coal miner to leave the pit. Again, what's this have to do with my soul? A canary was used as a warning signal that the coal miner was in danger. So, here's the connection. What warning signal can you point to that indicates something is not quite right in your soul? Is it yo...