Do you have a topic or issue you focus on each year? Something you want to learn more about. Maybe an organization you wanted to explore and get involved with. Possibly a theme, book or subject shimmers in your spirit and invites you in.
Some of us choose a word for the year to frame our year (or at times the word chooses us). My word this year is STILLNESS and it continues to surround and enhance my spiritual walk in 2015.
But I also have two topics that have arisen to read about, learn more about and explore this year: The Desert Mothers and Fathers and Discernment.
I have been gathering some books and articles about each topic. I have listened to a couple of webinars about these subjects and attended a retreat addressing one. My pile of head knowledge and books have grown, but now it is time to digest and sit with them. I need time and silence to let their stories and wisdom sink into my roots and nourish my soul.
I looked at my weekly calendar today and intentionally marked off a couple of mornings to spend time with the Desert Mothers and Fathers. Right now I am also taking a four-week webinar on discernment. Schedules don’t always work out as planned and I am aware that blocking off some mornings will force me to give up something else but this time is important to me and worth it.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3
Had to laugh as I did this intentionally organizing. Emily Freeman wrote a couple of months ago on (In)courage:
But there is also an invisible world that lives inside our bodies, the inner world of the soul. And this world won’t show up in your newsfeed, it won’t get a headline on the evening news, and it won’t push a notification to your phone.
This inner world needs our attention, but it doesn’t respond to programs, agendas, or hustle.
The soul responds to space, silence, and Jesus.
And here I am creating an agenda for my soul and directing the Holy Spirit to show up at the time and place of my choosing. HA!
But I will make the time to read and study. I will journal and pray as I absorb wisdom from the Desert Mothers and Fathers and my lessons in discernment. I will hold lightly the process, being open to where God leads me and how it will feed my soul.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21
Expectations? A little less of ones I create and hopefully more spirit filled ones gifted by God.
What new things are you learning this year?
(P.S. Did you miss me this week? I had some behind the scenes issues with my blog and while it was being fixed couldn’t post. I should be back to normal 2-3 posts a week next week).
(P.P.S. and I am always looking for more email subscribers – please pass the word about Healthy Spirituality. Thanks so much)
Jean,
I had to chuckle with you about creating an agenda…I often have to remember it is God’s Spirit that leads not me 🙂 and yes to Emily’s words: “This inner world needs our attention, but it doesn’t respond to programs, agendas, or hustle.
The soul responds to space, silence, and Jesus.”
yes giving my soul an agenda – that is so me!
Then I read this quote today which also made me smile. Think God is telling me something? LOL
“Map out your future, but do it in pencil.”
– Jon Bon Jovi
Hi dear Jean. My word for this year is courage. I must admit, when God dropped that into my spirit at the beginning of the year, I had a totally different idea of what I was to be courageous about.
He has called me out upon the deep water. My mind knows I should be afraid, but I am walking with Jesus, no evil shall befall me. Much love.
I really believe God WILL be with you and will bless you as you walk with him and with courage. What a neat word – full of lessons I am sure. Hope you are keeping a journal of your time in deep water. those words you record will be a wealth of wisdom not just now but later. Blessings!
Thanks for the reminder about journaling. I really need to be diligent about it in this time. You are right, it will be important later. Much love
blessing on your journey! I find I learn so much from rereading my journals and reflecting on what has happened. Gives me strength for the present time and hope for the future.
As Emily says in your post: The soul responds to space, silence, and Jesus. How I can so personally relate to that! And creating an agenda for our soul? I’m laughing with you, Jean. The Lord knows I’ve tried to do that only to find He shows up when He will and wants. You’ve been missed, my friend! Blessings to you!
Thanks for missing me, Martha. And thanks for the reminded that God will show up when he wants and will – that is so true. Have a great holiday weekend.
I did notice that “Healthy Spirituality” was missing from my inbox for a number of days. ‘Thought maybe you were on vacation; ‘hoped you weren’t sick! I’m not pursuing one particular focus these days. My attention is a bit fragmented among: a Bible study of life-application lessons from the gospels, devotionals by Selwyn Hughes (almost finished with that book), and “A Vision of God’s Glory” by Anne Graham Lotz, based on Revelation. Meanwhile I’m collecting scriptures, quotes, and thoughts on TRUST, my word for 2015. I’m impressed with your passion for the Desert Mothers and Fathers, Jean!
I like how you are still working on your word. I sometime just hope something would appear but should be more intentionally like you are. Maybe as I read about those desert mothers and father, I will discover something more about stillness. God does work in that way, doesn’t he?
Oh, yes–I’ve noticed that, too!
Hi Jean! I’m reading a book about making priorities, and it sounds like that’s just what you are doing. If you have a desire to listen to the Spirit, of COURSE He’s going to show up! He wants nothing more than to be with you, His precious child. I say, enjoy your time together. It’s going to be great 🙂
Good to see you back! Must have been a lulu of a problem?
Weekend blessings,
Ceil
Blog wise – somehow an ad got imbedded into the code so would direct viewer of the blog to their site. grrrr. I was hijacked! but it is fixed now thank heaven.
Priority is a good word. Thanks for pointing that out. I actually quit one of my jobs today so I would have more time for the things I feel God is leading me to. Thanks, Ceil!