the journey

The challenge of Easter

I'm reading Dallas Willard's The Divine Conspiracy for the very first time. I've had it on my shelf for quite awhile (not unlike a few other books) & I'm just now getting to it.  I'm trying to read it devotionally; we'll see how that goes.

While reflecting on the chapter entitled "Gospels of Sin Management," which, incidentally, is very good, I was struck with the following thoughts:

• Some only focus on life after death, to the exclusion of life before death,
• Some only focus on professing Christ, to the exclusion of living for Christ,
• Some only focus on loving God, to the exclusion of loving others-in-need,
• And some only focus on spiritual experiences, to the exclusion of character transformation.

I suppose the challenge of Easter-- living in the wake of the resurrection-- is to help people discover that one-dimensional Christianity just doesn't cut it. 

It leaves you-- it left me-- feeling like I was missing something.

And I think I was. 

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Contemplative prayer practices (part 2)

 

Labyrinth.

In light of recent posts, it shouldn't be any surprise that I would recommend this approach to contemplative prayer.

Find a local labyrinth to visit, make one of your own, use a finger labyrinth (not too keen on that approach), download a paper one or rent one for a special occasion.

Regardless of the method, here's the point:
1) Use it to "get away."
2) Use it to relax.
3) Use it in anticipation of encountering God.

Besides that, there's no hard and fast rules on how to use one. Use it for prayer, to reflect, to celebrate, to question, to confess, to rediscover God, to let go, to.... Well, the possibilities are endless.

If that's not enough structure-- and that's typically the case for me-- then you might want to try using this Labyrinth Guide.

I'd be interested in knowing what you think of it. I'll be visiting the labyrinth featured in this post sometime this week

Technorati Tags: Labyrinth, contemplative prayer, prayer

Contemplative prayer practices (part 1)

Breathe.

Yeah, I know it sounds too simple, but are you utilizing the restorative power of deep breathing?

I'm not talking about hyperventilating or New Age mumbo jumbo. I'm taking about the power of deep breathing to release tension, to get centered again, to energize, to prepare you for prayer, Bible study or worship.

TIP FOR BEGINNERS: Breathe in slowly for a count of 4-7, then breathe out slowly for the same length of time. When you get the hang of it, hold your breath for an equal count before exhaling.

Why not give it a shot?

HT: ys

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The labyrinths of Grace Cathedral, San Francisco

Grace Cathedral in San Francisco has two labyrinths.

One inside, the other outside.

Though the one outside is impressive, I think I'm drawn to the beauty of the indoor one--particularly because of the interior architecture.

Wow. Truly awe inspiring.

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Camp Barnabas promo

I've always wanted to go here.

Maybe some day...

For more information, click here.

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benediction

benediction
Originally uploaded by dma8385

[Click on graphic for larger version.]

A friend of mine uses this as a benediction for their Saturday evening contemporary worship service.

I like it.

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The Copthorne Labyrinth

I am a big fan of labyrinths. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has only one path--there are no dead ends--that takes you on a spiritual journey.

They're a great tool for relaxation, walking meditation, dealing with loss or anxiety, repentance and forgiveness, drawing closer to God or any number of other personal purposes.

I'm particularly fond of the on-line version found here. They've taken an ancient practice and made it accessible to anyone with an Internet connection.

Earlier today, I stumbled upon this one and love how they've utilized the Memorial Garden space. They've even posted fairly detailed photographs chronicling their progress, and a look at the final product. Very nice.

If you'd like more information, post a comment or send an e-mail and I'll point you to some good resources.

HT: jonny baker

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Dr. Randy Pausch: The Last Lecture

I watched this video for the first time today.

Wow. It's touched me in ways that I can't begin to describe.

I hope--if you haven't seen it-- that you'll take a few minutes to watch The Last Lecture.  And before this link is broken, I hope you will also watch ABC's Primetime report on this inspiring man.

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thor's hammer

thor's hammer
Originally uploaded by Insane Zamboni

[Click on graphic for larger version.]

Far too many
well meaning-Christians
use the Bible
and even the Cross of Christ
as a weapon to control
as a hammer to crush faulty-theology
and as "a tactical force to beat others into ideological submission."

This seems to me
at best
to be a far cry
from the loving God we see in Jesus Christ.

[Click here for Wikipedia's article on Thor's Hammer.]

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Sin matters...

I ran across a good thought on this topic and decided to pass it along for reflection and conversation. This is a paraphrased version.

Sin matters because it's less than what God wanted for humanity. Instead of thinking of it as breaking God's laws, maybe it's more practical (and personal) to think of it as a relationship problem that we've created.

It destabilizes, it irritates, "it causes us to come unraveled from the life we have with God."

Source: A Christianity Worth Believing by Doug Paggitt, p. 158ff.

Technorati Tags: Doug Paggitt, A Christianity Worth Believing, sin