I am finding that was easier to maintain a life of simplicity than to move to a life of simplicity. When one does not have much, nor the means to obtain more, covetousness is probably a bigger temptation than materialism. However, that does not mean a poor person cannot practice selfish hoarding, holding on too tightly to what little we have. We can all, poor and wealthy, learn from the widow’s gift (Mark 12:41-44). When I was in college, buying a sandwich from the McDonald’s dollar menu for homeless person allowed that person to eat as well as I did. If my father bought me a coat, I had no problem giving away my “old” coat because I really did not have the space to store a large wardrobe.
I was surprised to learn that some people perceive, and maybe there actually are, “destination districts” in The Wesleyan Church. I had no idea such a concept existed, and perhaps that is because I am currently in one of the destination districts. I knew that I work under an effective and well-liked district superintendent, and that California is one of the states that many people dream of living in at some point in their lives, but I never considered ranking my district’s desirability above or below another district. Perhaps I am naive spending time in prayer and looking for a local church that can use my gifting. Continue reading Wesleyan District Silos?→
One thing I learned about myself during my seminary spiritual formation classes was that I needed to take time to unplug. Between online classes, being a teleworker, personal entertainment, and communication, I was jacked into the internet most of my waking hours. When an assignment called for a fast, it was more beneficial and more difficult for me to refrain from media than food.Recently, my wife and I reviewed our budget, and decided to cut some costs. The two cuts relevant to this discussion were the cell phone data plan and cable television. Continue reading Simplicity with Media→
As I stated in the week 4 post, had I read the whole book before beginning the Exercises, I would have known that the Supplemental Matter was to be used during weeks 1 to 4. In addition to the Scriptures to be used for contemplation, there are also four subjects covered, which I will highlight below. There are similar vignettes in the weekly instructions, so I did not expect to find more in the back of the book that would be tied to specific weeks. To me, this highlights the need for our spiritual formation to be well organized.
I have been having been trying to determine which spiritual formation material I will go through next and blog about. Most recently I went through The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, a classic work from outside my tradition. Last year, I blogged as I went through SoulShift, a modern work written by Wesleyans. I have been reviewing material wondering if I should read something modern or another classic, try a different denomination’s material or promote something Wesleyan, find a work that is internal focused or action focused. Continue reading Ordering Spiritual Formation→
I have debated for almost as long as I have been writing this blog whether or not I should comment on the Post Secret movement. I have decided to go ahead and make this post, but not link to any Post Secret material because sometimes the “secrets” contain material that would be inappropriate for some people.
I had always heard lessons about how parents should pray for their children Four years ago I did not have any child, but we were trying, unsuccessfully. At first we were trying to time the pregnancy for a certain month, but after a while it became a “just go for it” situation. Continue reading Call to Worship: Believing in Prayer→
Jason L. has another great post over at Ascending Mount Carmel, this time writing on his transition from a private to communal spirituality.
. . . I think that really the communal side of spirituality and the individualistic side of it are really just two aspects of one kind of spirituality. Not everyone is called to be a living flame in the desert like St. Macarius or St. Anthony of Egypt; nor is everyone called to be a saint “in the world” like St. Frances Xavier Cabrini or St. Thomas More – but we are called to have a spiritual life, and this can include elements of both sides of the coin. Continue reading Communal and Individualistic Spirituality→
Spoilers in this paragraph. The meditations of the fourth week (intimate union with God through Christ with meditations on the joys (resurrection and ascension) of Christ) continued with contemplation on the the appearances of Jesus after the resurrection and his ascension. Continue reading The Spiritual Exercises: Week 4→
The title of the post should be sung to the tune of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” but those of you that grew up in the 1980s already knew that.
Over at Ascending Mount Carmel, Jason L. has made his second post on “If Theologians Were Beers” (part 1 & part 2). I am neither a beer drinker nor a Roman Catholic, but I enjoyed the posts. As a Wesleyan, I might have received a call from my district superintendent if I wrote such a post. (I still might for linking to Jason’s post!) DISCLAIMER: This blog, Five Words with Understanding, is not officially endorsed by The Wesleyan Church. Continue reading Wesleyans Just Wanna Have Fun→
Thoughts on Personal and Corporate Spiritual Formation
