Nowhere to be

This is my first day with no homework to complete, no required reading, and no work I have taken home to do. There are no services to plan, no people to host, and nowhere I need to be. So of course I am slightly freaking out, but doing my best to be content with the day and read, drink coffee, and sit outside today!  I hope everyone can experience days like this once in a while too.

Spiritual Literature

I've recently come to the realization of the power spiritual literature can have.  By reading autobiographies of various theologians, I've understood the profound impact other authors can have.

For my final project at Ashland Theological Seminary, I've come up with a list of 12 books complete with discussion guide for each one to utilize within a book club, or for personal gain.

The following ideas are aimed at helping one approach spiritual literature.  I hope this can be as useful to you as it has been for me:

Time  While many of these books can be read quickly, it is best to take your time with the words.  Allow them to soak in to your soul and reread passages that are speaking to you.

Space  Sometimes reading in a busy coffee shop is not the best choice if you’re easily distracted.  Knowing how you learn is helpful as you approach a comfortable area to give you space to absorb the pages.

Journal  It is often helpful to keep a journal while you’re reading to jot down quotes, thoughts, and reflections.  If you haven’t borrowed the book from someone (or the library), simply write in the margins of your pages.  Writing, drawing, and prayer journaling are all great practices as you approach spiritual literature.

For a full FREE downloadable discussion guide,click here (or the DISCUSS button to the right).

Author & Book notes PDF here (feel free to print and pass out to participants for a quick reference)

Happy reading! :)

Book Club Coming Soon....

My apologies for the lackluster posts lately.

As my seminary career winds down (for now!), I've been a bit behind in various aspects of life.  However, I think you book-lovers out there you will be happy to know that I am launching a NEW book club complete with a leaders guide, discussion questions, and ideas to lead your own.

I should be posting by the end of the week for free download! Stay tuned....

A Violent Lifestyle

"The rush and pressure of modern life are a form, perhaps the most common form, of its innate violence. To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything is to succumb to violence. More than that, it is cooperation in violence. The frenzy of the activist...destroys his own inner capacity for peace. It destroys the fruitfulness of his own work, because it kills the root of inner wisdom which makes work fruitful." 

- Thomas Merton

I am extremely guilty of letting my life get out of control: there are just too many meetings to attend, customers to help, jobs to design, and homework to do.  How are we supposed to fit all this in?  And do people actually get the "recommended hours of sleep?" Doubtful. On top of that, there are constantly the needy, hungry and naked to help, feed and clothe.  I feel as though I am fulfilling my duties not only on earth, but also to Christ.  Therefore it's justified... right?

The theme of stillness has invaded my life lately.  Slowing down is necessary because my health and relationships depend on it.  In fact I was at a Thomas Merton meeting last night at Ursuline College where the above quote was mentioned and it cut me like a knife.  Busyness a form of violence?!  Absurd.

Well...maybe there is something to that.  What harm am I causing myself and others by being so consumed in doing things?  Perhaps this is why I am so drawn to the monastic life.  The simplicity, contemplation and sereneness speaks to me.  I long for a life where there is enough time to "be still."

Why do I feel the need to be accomplished each day? Might that be merely fulfilling society's pressures?  And aren't we called to be "in the world but not of it"?

"The frenzy of the activist...destroys his own inner capacity for peace." 

I need peace.  I need stillness.

Lord, help me.

Edmund's Delights (and other bookish food)

The White Witch & Edmund

"It is dull, Son of Adam, to drink without eating," said the Queen presently.  "What would you like best to eat?"

"Turkish Delight, please, your Majesty," said Edmund.

The Queen let another drop fall from her bottle on to the snow, and instantly there appeared a round box, tied with green silk ribbon, which, when opened, turned out to contain several pounds of the best Turkish Delight. Each piece was sweet and light to the very centre and Edmund had never tasted anything more delicious.  

excerpt,  The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.


As BuzzFeed gains stamina for readers who want to know random lists of information, I have found myself drawn to the clever site like a bug to the fire.  Quick snapshots of 20 things I didn't know about Paris? Sure!  30 April Fools Pranks? Of course!

Turkish Delights, from SprinkleBakes

But the one that has really grabbed my attention, from their book side, is the 11 Recipes for Bookworms!
Who wouldn't want to learn to make the infamous meals from our favorite novels?

Of course, I perused the list quickly, seeing which I would recognize and try first.  Much to my surprise, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe made it on there with Turkish Delight!  I have always wondered what this sweet goodness was all about, and even as I read ingredient labels on pre-packaged treats, I've never quite grasped the concept.  However, now that there is a recipe available - and a quite simple one at that - I will certainly be trying my hand at creating some of the deliciousness Edmund is fooled by.

What about you?  Have you ever created a dish inspired by a favorite novel?
I'd love to know how it turned out!


Turkish Delight Recipes found here: SprinkleBakes, About, AllRecipes
An interesting article on Americans' take on Turkish Delight found here: ChristianityToday

Faith Collectives

The title of this blog comes from C.S. Lewis' quote on working through theology with a pencil and pipe. I've found, that while certain revelations come in the study of Scripture, much of it happens while in community.

The Canton Faith Collective of Radial Church

Faith collectives have been the key to Radial's spiritual growth as our church family works on what it means to live as a body of believers. I just wanted to give a shout out to the people who have encouraged me and continue to help me dig through the Word, whether or not I have a pencil and pipe in hand at the time. :)

5 Ways to Encourage Someone This Week

I took a spiritual gifts assessment a few years back which basically told me that encouragement was my least prominent gift of any listed throughout Scripture.  This is all to say that it is more likely you'll see me bust out speaking in tongues rather than see me give an encouraging word to someone.  

The act of encouraging others is something I struggle with often as I feel incredibly uncomfortable saying something helpful to my peers.  Sure, I can lend an ear, but if advice is wanted in return, I typically say, "you know who would be able to help you is...." or "hmm."  

Not my proudest moments, but something I have just chalked up to, "well, it's not my gift."

And while it is not a gifting of mine, it is still not excused.  I can't be mean to others just because I am not blessed with being naturally outspoken in this area.  I have to instead work at utilizing this important part of life.

Everyone appreciates encouragement.  I got a note in the mail from a customer the other day that just said "thanks for putting up with me."  And while I was definitely annoyed during the time I worked with him and continually changed his design, I appreciated the note that recognized my effort.  Last night I met with a friend who was saying how much it meant that a friend of hers who lives about a half hour away brought her dinner after hearing her grandma passed away. These small acts of kindness, if you will, mean so much to the ones you bless with them.

These acts not only encourage others, but show the love of Christ living through you.  I cannot begin to tell you how often I feel awful for treating people the way I do, then saying I am a Christian.  We should build one another up in love.  And even if it is difficult to do, I think it is incredibly important.

With that said, here are 5 simple ways to be encouraging each day of this week:

Monday: TEXT a hello, thinking of you, hope you're well.  These words are small but powerful reminders that you are thinking of someone in the mundane tasks that Mondays bring.

Tuesday: CALL someone. ok, I know this is taking it a step further in uncomfortable-zone, but in today's society where no one really picks up the phone, it's nice to even leave a voice mail to say hello.  Who knows? Maybe your voice is exactly what they needed to hear that day.

Wednesday: CANDY!  Stop by your friend's work and drop off their favorite candy bar.  My husband has done this for me before and I can't tell you how it has brightened even my worst days.  Even if they are a self-proclaimed health-nut, I bet they can't resist the temptation of a free, happy chocolate bar!

Thursday: WRITE a note.  We have so many avenues for writing (facebook, twitter, emails, etc.) but wouldn't it be awesome to receive a hand-written note in the mail from a friend?  Someone from our church has left me a note on our porch and it meant SO much that she took the time to literally pen out her thoughts and prayers for me.

Friday: HANG out with someone. Grab coffee, a beer, or whatever it is that you can chat over.  Food brings us closer together as a community, so munch on some cookies and see what that person has been up to.  Nothing has to come of it other than just lending an ear and showing you care.

Good luck as you attempt to be more encouraging to one another throughout the next week - I know it will be as much of a struggle for me, but it will mean so much to the one you are blessing :)