Alan Fadling's Blog, page 62

Podcast 133: Releasing Frustrations and Embracing Joy (Cindy Bunch)

Editor and spiritual director Cindy Bunch calls us to self-care through greater compassion for ourselves. She helps us pay attention to the frustrations that bug us in order to identify negative thinking about ourselves or others. As we do so, we can discern what we need to let go. This allows us to lean into the things that bring us joy. Each chapter of her book, Be Kind to Yourself, is filled with spiritual practices and creative exercises for reflection and celebration. So, be kind to yourself. And discover new opportunities to embrace joy. 

Cindy is associate publisher and director of editorial for InterVarsity Press, where she acquires and develops books on spiritual formation. She is a trained spiritual director and lives with her husband in the Chicago area.

Cindy would love to connect with you socially at:
Facebook @Cindy-Bunch
Instagram @Cindy.Bunch
Twitter @cindybunch

Grab chapter one of this spiritual practice filled book, "Be Kind to Yourself", HERE.

SLOW | A 5-Minute Retreat

How many times are we going to reference COVID-19 this year? Well, at least once more. This many months into COVID-19 and the ever changing restrictions and isolation, we may be beyond done with the dynamics that affect us all.

 

Today, knowing that we are all in different places emotionally and physically, I simply want to offer a 5-minute retreat called SLOW. Some of you may have already watched this video. It is one of our most popular YouTube videos.

 

But some of you may not have encountered it yet, and that is why I invite you to watch it today. Yes, we may be sick of being slow and doing less. We may feel tied down during the pandemic. And, yet, inner stillness and slowness is completely different from the outward slowness forced on us.

 

In the middle of the day, I often find myself with shoulders raised in tension. For me, that is a sign that I am carrying something in a way that is not healthy for me. So I stop, drop my shoulders and try to let go of the things that are weighing me down. The process of SLOW is helpful in this.

 

SLOW:

 

STOP

LINGER

OBSERVE

WONDER

 

The invitation is to take a few minutes, breathe and remember that God is with you. Then notice what is happening in the moment, and consider what stepping forward might look like from that place of presence. That is what SLOWing is about. We hope you will engage this video often to help bring yourself back into the moment.

 

Please share this video with some friends or colleagues. We bet you know more than one person who could use a 5-minute retreat.

 

God be with you as you learn to SLOW for a few moments each day.

 

Photo by Raychan on Unsplash

 

Podcast 132: Soul Care in African American Practice (Barbara Peacock)

In her new book, Soul Care in African American Practice, Dr. Barbara L. Peacock illustrates a journey of prayer, spiritual direction, and soul care from an African American perspective. She reflects on how these disciplines are woven into the African American culture and lived out in the rich heritage of its faith community. 

Using examples of ten significant men and women―Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Darrell Griffin, Renita Weems, Harold Carter, Jessica Ingram, Coretta Scott King, James Washington, and Howard Thurman―Barbara Peacock offers us the opportunity to engage in practices of soul care as we learn from these spiritual leaders. If you've yearned for a more culturally authentic experience of spiritual transformation in your life and community, this book will help you grow in new yet timeless ways. 

Barbara L. Peacock (DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is a spiritual director, author, teacher, and preacher. She is the founder of Barbara L. Peacock Ministries, a ministry committed to developing disciples through prayer, spiritual direction, soul care, mentoring, and teaching. 

Connect with Barbara on social media at:
Facebook @barbara.peacock.35
Twitter @bpeacock888
Instagram @peacock9807

You can also download chapter 1 of her book, "Soul Care in African American Practice" HERE.

 

Avoiding Undigested Scripture Reading

When I was a young Christian, it was common in the communities of faith in which I found myself to aim at reading through the Bible in a year. I’m grateful for my vision of Scripture today because of how many times I took on that discipline. At the same time, I ended up with a great deal of undigested and unpracticed insights. It sometimes formed in me the habit of reading more than I could actually put into practice.

 

These days I find myself slowing down with scripture. I often still read a few chapters recommended by the Book of Common Prayer lectionary. (That’s what many Anglican Christians do, and I am one of those). But I often will keep my eye open for a line or two that shines on my attention. I carry them into my day, enjoying them like I might a favorite hard candy.

 

A passage I return to often to find fresh nourishment for my soul is John 15. I recently led a group in a fifteen-minute personal meditation time there. I often print the passage on a sheet that we copy for each person present. It gives them something to focus on and somewhere to write their reflections. It focuses their attention on the passage in question.

 

Meditation is a way of slowing down as we read scripture. The goal is not the number of verses read. The goal is being nourished by scripture. We slow down. We listen. We reflect. We feel. We share our hearts with God.

 

In my own time meditating on John 15, a few insights came that felt timely and life-giving.

 

First, Jesus calls himself the true vine (v. 1). If He is the true vine, then there are many false vines to which I’m tempted to attach. Greed. Lust. Pride. Anger. Envy. Jesus, as the true vine, gives us life. False vines make big promises, but eventually suck life from us.

 

Second, Jesus invites us, from our place of abiding in him, to ask whatever is on our hearts and it will be done (v. 7). Asking in prayer is a very tangible way for me to abide in Christ. Asking draws life into me from Jesus as the source.

 

I may recognize within myself a hunger or thirst and I ask for what I need. The true vine has abundance for my good and my benefit. What are my thirsts? My hungers? God invites me to ask specifically for what would satisfy my hunger and quench my thirst.

 

Finally, Jesus does not first call me servant but friend (v. 15). When it comes to a meal, a servant serves the table. A friend sits at the table. Jesus wants me seated at his table. He wants to share with me everything the Father has given him. Some of us behave as though we were servants rather than sons and daughters—friends. We are wanted and welcome in the presence of God. This is what God wants. This is how God works.

 

For Reflection

How would you describe your personal interaction with scripture these days? Avoiding? Hurried? Unhurried?
How might Jesus be inviting you to connect with him in scripture in a way that would actually touch your present hungers and thirsts?

 

P.S. – If you haven’t already taken advantage, we created a free Lectio Divina mini-course. You would find in it a tool to help you slow down with scripture. Just click the link to get access to it.

 

Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

Podcast 131: Analog Church (Jay Kim)

 

In my coaching, consulting and leadership training work, I have the privilege of interacting with Christian leaders around the world. And one thing is clear: our experience of church has radically changed over the last few months. It has been for some a painful challenge, but it has also been for some a unique opportunity. Jay Kim, author of the book Analog Church, talks about this church reality.

Your experience of church has probably changed as much as ours has over the last many months. In mid-March, we went from meeting in the chapel of a local Christian university to holding services live online through Zoom. This has been a world-wide reality. Our experience of church has been radically impacted. 

The book Analog Church released within weeks of this shift occurring. That could not have been planned when Jay began writing the book two years earlier, but the timing has been providential. As we’ve experienced most of our worship and fellowship through digital platforms, we are, perhaps, feeling even more deeply our hunger for in-person, face-to-face, what Jay calls “Analog” experiences of church. 

Let me tell you a little more about Jay Kim. He is pastor of teaching and leadership at Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, California. He also serves on the core leadership team of the ReGeneration Project and cohosts the ReGeneration Podcast. He lives in Silicon Valley with his wife and two children.

Connect with Jay on social media at:
Twitter at @RGenProject
Instagram at @JayKimThinks

How Much Grace Can You Imagine?

“Grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4:7)

 

Our perception and reception of this grace has everything to do with our vision of “the measure of Christ’s gift.”

 

How much grace can you imagine?

 

Do you view the measure Christ uses being small and anemic or large and overflowing?

 

As a brief example, let’s look at Ludwig van Beethoven. Here’s what from The Piano Guys had to say about him:

 

What are Beethoven’s secrets? He had many.

 

His most prominent secret that he desperately tried to keep from the public and that caused him to be considered extremely eccentric, irritable, and hermit-like was his “weakness.”

 

He was deaf during most of his life.

 

Imagine that…one of the greatest composers that ever lived could hardly hear. And yet, he wrote his life’s greatest works after becoming deaf.

 

He believed that art itself had “secrets” that had to be “forced into” in order to obtain art’s highest level.

 

There is no doubt Beethoven discovered many of the “secrets” of art — people all over the world enjoy them every day. He was a true master of music, blessed by God.” (excerpt from The Piano Guys )

 

How is it possible to compose music when you can’t hear? It’s a miracle. And yet, Beethoven did it. A deaf composer. Extraordinary, but real. This is overwhelming grace.

 

What are the seemingly impossible situations in your life right now? How might God enable you to create something extraordinary out of your weakness? The power of the resurrection is within you (Romans 8:11).

 

“Grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4:7)

 

This is more than positive thinking or will power. What is this grace? And how can I participate more fully in it this extravagant gift? These are questions that you can hold within you as you make your way into the next few days.

 

As we shared in What Does Your Soul Love? learning to hold questions can have the power to bring about transformation.

 

I invite you to listen to Beethoven’s Adagio Cantabile. While doing so, let the melodies of this second movement from Sonata Pathétique sweep over your heart and mind. You may want to listen, uninterrupted, or you may want to engage the reflection prompts below as you listen.

 

An invitation may be knocking on the door of your own weaknesses or even the corpse of a dead dream.

 

What is possible with God?

 

“Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets, for it and knowledge can raise men to the divine.” (Ludwig van Beethoven)

 

REFLECTION

 Spend a few minutes with the questions below. 

What is one seemingly impossible situation in your life right now?
What is your vision of the “measure of Christ’s gift?”
How might God enable you to create something extraordinary out of something that is not working? Or out of your weakness?
What invitation do you sense? Is there a scripture passage that comes to mind?
What is possible with God?

 

Note: This is adapted from a blog originally posted on October 26, 2016.

 

Photo by Dolo Iglesias on Unsplash

Podcast 130: Meeting God in the Loneliness (Jason Gaboury)

“To be human is to be lonely.” Jason Gaboury was deeply affected by these words from his spiritual director. Most of us have experienced loneliness multiple times over the course of our lives. And in this season of pandemic and self-isolation, that loneliness has only deepened for some. Jason has a message of connection and God with us that can inspire us all. 

Sharon Garlough Brown, author of the Sensible Shoes series, has this to say about Jason’s book, Wait With Me: 
“What if loneliness becomes an opportunity not only to know God’s presence in our affliction but to know Jesus in his? With skillful exposition of scripture and an undaunted naming of pain, Gaboury invites us into a paradigm shift that is both hope-filled and liberating.” 

Jason Gaboury is a regional ministry director with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He’s also an Anglican friar. In addition to authoring, Wait With Me, Jason has contributed to a number of books, including Drama Team Handbook. He and his wife, Sophia, live in New York City with their two children.

Connect with Jason on social:
Twitter @jdgaboury
Instagram @Jason.Gaboury
Facebook @JasonGaboury

Learn more about Jason's book, "Wait With Me: Meeting God in the Loneliness" with the first chapter free HERE.

The Gift of Being Known

As a young follower of Christ, I remember reading J. I. Packer’s classic book, Knowing God. A deep conviction formed in me that this was at the heart of what being a Christian was about. I wanted to know God. I read my Bible as often as possible. I went to as many gatherings at the church that I could find. I wanted to know God.

 

But at many points it became an exercise in knowing about God rather than knowing God in loving relationship. I think this can happen to any of us in subtle ways. God goes from being “You” to being “Him.” Instead of being in an interactive personal relationship, we can become masters of God-details.

 

So I was especially touched recently when I read a line Paul used in a letter to his friends in Galatia:

Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.

Galatians 4:8-11

 

It’s the distinction Paul makes in verse 9 that captured me. Even better than knowing God now, I am known by God. I sometimes still have a tendency to focus on my side of the relationship—my side of the knowing. But God knows me. God knows me and loves me.

 

God sees me today. God knows me inside and outside. He knows my worries. He knows my shortcomings. He knows my history and my future. And he knows all these things in love. He cares for me. He has chosen me. He has appointed me to live in his kingdom fruitfully.

 

When we live ignorant of the true God, we are slaves to so-called gods—or powers—that aren’t rooted in the goodness or abundance of God. Once we come to know God, there is no power greater or better than his. Settling for our old authorities or resources is empty when we have the power that raised Jesus from the dead and all the riches of God in Christ available to us.

 

I was provoked to pray in response: “Lord, forgive me for the ways I turn back to old, miserable, weak ways when I could walk in your fresh, abundant, powerful ways. The former led to slavery and the latter led to freedom. Why do I choose the former? Habit, I guess. All of my outward ways of measuring my faithfulness are empty because I am being transformed from the inside by the presence and power of God’s Spirit. More than knowing You, I am known by You. Help me remember this today.”

 

Reflection:

What seems more the focus for you these days—knowing God, or being known by God?
What might change for you today if your confidence in God’s loving knowledge of you, here and now, grew deeper and more interactive?

 

Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash

 

 

Podcast 129: Attachment to God (Jim Wilder, Renovated)

Christian faith has often focused on right beliefs and right choices as the key to personal growth. But biblical evidence and modern brain science show that our character is shaped more by whom we love than merely by what we believe. 

In Renovated, Jim Wilder shows us how we can train our brains to relate to God based on joyful, mutual attachment, leading to emotional and spiritual maturity, as our identity and character are formed by our relationship with God. 

Dr. Jim Wilder is a neurotheologian, training leaders and counselors for over 30 years on five continents. The found of Life Model Works, he is an expert on the intersection of theology and brain science. He is coauthor of Rare Leadership and Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You. Connect with his work at: https://lifemodelworks.org

 

You can also access the first chapter of Dr. Wilder's book, Renovated: God, Dallas Willard and the Church that Transforms HERE.

No More Hiding

When my boys were little, I enjoyed the standard game of peek-a-boo. I got a kick out of it when they actually thought they were invisible. When a small child hides their face, they often think they are, in fact, completely hidden. But, of course, we can still see them and their cute little toddler selves. 

 

So isn’t it ironic that we sometimes think we can hide from God? 

 

We know that we are never hidden from God, so why do we act like we can withhold something from God? 

 

For me, moving from hide & seek and peek-a-boo with God changed drastically during and after my engagement with counseling. I was squarely in midlife and was certain that I could no longer live the way I used to. I needed to forge a new way forward, dig deep and not hold back. I made the decision to do just that.

 

I decided there was nothing I wouldn’t say or do to hinder my way to as much healing as was available to me. My fear of exposure was overshadowed by my inability to maintain my former patterns of thinking and behaving.

 

Exposure is actually a chance to be seen. This current season is exposing layers within in all of us. You may feel exposed in uncomfortable ways these days. However, this is a chance to be seen in ways you want to and need to, but have been afraid to.

 

The question for this time, if you are ready for it, is this: What do you have to lose?

 

Some old patterns may technically work, except it’s like carrying around two 10-pound bags of potatoes with you wherever you go…Here, let me shift this so I can help you. Oh, can you hold this for me for a sec? I can’t do that right now because my hands are full. I’m so tired from carrying around all of this extra weight. 

 

A few of our deepest needs are to be seen, known and heard.  Some of us can make our way directly to God with our hidden places. Others may need to make their way to God with the help of trusted friends, spiritual directors or counselors. Either way is beautiful because it means you are becoming more whole.

 

So…show it all to God. Tell it like it is. It’s already happening and God knows about it. You are not hiding just because you have your hands over your eyes. That toddler game of peek-a-boo is cute with a little one, but it is an exhausting one for us if we continue to play it as an adult.

 

Find the freedom you desire. Take that next small, simple and gracious step forward. The one that you can see. Don’t worry about all of the other steps. The grace for each of those will be there when you get there.

 

Reflection 

How can you be seen now? 
How can you be known now? 
How can you be heard now?

 

Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash