MAY 2010

Do you not know? Have you not heard?

These are phrases from Scripture that are repeated many times– invitations and reminders of a different way of seeing and hearing, a different way of understanding, of being and responding in the world. These words usually preface statements about who God is and include an invitation to turn our attentiveness to God instead of remaining focused on ourselves and our circumstances.

This different way requires a shift in our awareness. The shift moves us from outside of ourselves, from external circumstances, to inside: our thoughts, emotions, motives and intentions; to outside again in relationships, choices and actions. This shift happens many times throughout a day if we are paying attention. A growing awareness of oneself and one’s own reactions or responses cultivates and fosters growth in our maturity. We can begin to recognize when we react out of our fears and anxiety, and we get opportunity to choose a more thoughtful or discerned response, one that reflects who we are and who we want to become.

I recall a story from when I was facilitating a group focused on spiritual gifts and growth. I asked the group to envision their 80th birthday party: Who would be there? What kind of party would it be? What would be said about you as a tribute on this occasion of celebration? I remember a response from a young woman in the group. After a bit of thought, she said, “I want those who have come to be there because they want to be there, not because they have to be there.” That response still lingers with me. It reflects a way of being in relationship that invites, welcomes, loves and is attractive to others—it reflects being and becoming someone whom others want to be around and with. It is not so much about what we do or have, but who we are and who we are becoming in relationship with God, self and others. It means growing in love, instead of living in fear, anxiousness and controlling behaviors.

As we live in authentic relationship with God, we may find ourselves wanting to become more intentional towards growth in self-awareness, spiritual and emotional maturity. We may have a growing desire to incorporate helpful spiritual practices that open us to God’s wisdom and ways through the Holy Spirit, the mind of Christ, indwelling us. It is possible to become more aware of God’s Spirit and wisdom in the everyday of our lives. It may happen through prayer and listening, through attentiveness to the Scriptures, by being in nature, or by cultivating quiet moments of mind and heart with God to be able to hear and see in a different way.You might ask yourself how that happens for you; how are you cultivating this kind of attentiveness? Yielding ourselves to Christ and the Spirit's work within invites our participation and awareness. We learn to pay attention and cooperate with the Spirit's inner-life work. Take a few moments and read 1 Corinthians 2: 9-16 which includes these words: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived--these things God has prepared for those who love him....for God has revealed them to us by his Spirit....But we have the mind of Christ."

My concern for our families, our communities, and our world is that we are moving so fast; we stay so busy, distracted or self-absorbed, that we miss cultivating this different way of being, seeing and hearing. Underneath the busyness is often a pervading anxiety and fear which keeps us in motion and struggling to find balance and groundedness. God invites a new way; empowers new understanding and greater wisdom. God sustains a life of love as an active antidote to our fears and fearful ways of being. For we have been given the mind of Christ.

I invite you to consider the simple practice of sitting a bit with God each day. Rest in God's presence.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION MINISTRY AVAILABLE
Restoration Ministries has a number of trained spiritual directors available to provide spiritual companionship in one-to-one sessions.The intention is to provide space and time to listen, notice and be attentive to God's invitations in one's life and journey, to foster a deeper relationship with God, and to cultivate noticing, discerning and responding to God's Holy Spirit.

Call to schedule an appointment at:   952.241.4150  952.241.4150   952.241.4150

EVENINGS OF LISTENING PRAYER
Every Wednesday: 7-9 pm

Join with us and others for evenings of LISTENING PRAYER. Framed in simple worship, Scripture and prayerful sharing, this space is provided for attentiveness to listening to God and others. We meet every Wednesday evening from 7-9 pm. There is no registration nor cost. Anyone is welcome to come and experience this quiet, worshipful listening space.

Location: Restoration Ministry Center, 7975 Stone Creek Drive, #130, Chanhassen, MN  952.241.4150  952.241.4150

COMING THIS SUMMER:

The Twelve Steps: A Spiritual Journey
Tuesday evenings, 7-8:30 PM
June 15-August 3

As Christians we believe that God reveals much of his plan for each of us in the Holy Scriptures. Both mature Christians and those who are just being awakened to a personal relationship with God can find tremendous value in the Twelve Steps. By regularly applying them to the events of one’s life, the steps become a means for enriching one’s relationship with God. The steps are especially powerful when used together with the regular Christian practices of prayer, meditation and bible study.

The Twelve Steps—A Spiritual Journey contains scriptural passages that illustrate the harmony between the practice of Christianity and the working of the Twelve Steps. The use of Scripture provides an understanding of the Twelve Steps within a biblical context. The steps are a profoundly powerful process for allowing God to heal damaged emotions.

LOCATION: Restoration Ministries Ministry Center
REGISTER: To register online click here.
COST: There is no cost for this class. Contributions will be accepted.

11th Step Retreat on Saturday, July 10, 2010

Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

Good results from prayer are beyond question. “They are matters of knowledge and experience. All those who have persisted have found strength not ordinarily their own. They have found wisdom beyond their usual capability. And they have increasingly found a peace of mind which can stand firm in the face of difficult circumstances.” From: Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Whether in a 12-Step Recovery program or not, please join with us for a day together to grow more deeply in relationship with God through prayer and meditation.

The 11th Step retreat will be facilitated by Sherry Gaugler. Sherry offers spiritual direction, spiritual retreats and workshops that help participants grow in their recovery into wholeness, freedom and becoming more deeply anchored in their lives and relationships. She is on the staff at The Retreat in Wayzata (www.theretreat.org).

LOCATION: Restoration Ministries 7975 Stone Creek Drive #130 Chanhassen, MN 55317
 952.241.4150  952.241.4150

COST: $35.00 (includes lunch)
TIME: 8:30-3:30 pm
REGISTER: To register online, click here.
(Registration payment may be made online at www.restorationmn.org)

Blessings,

Pastor Jean Leih

For your information and interest:
Dr. Glenn Myers on Christian spirituality: http://www.deepwellswithglennmyers.blogspot.com/
Pastor Jean Leih on integrating faith and life: http://integratingfaithandlife.blogspot.com/

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