Thanks for recent requests for an online Lent devotional! Great one from CRM Leaders: http://www.crmleaders.org/
Grace & Peace,
Team Soul Care
Mindy's Blog
Lent 2010
By Mindy Caliguire - Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Thanks for recent requests for an online Lent devotional! Great one from CRM Leaders: http://www.crmleaders.org/
Thanks for recent requests for an online Lent devotional! Great one from CRM Leaders: http://www.crmleaders.org/
Invest in a Few Good Friends, Part 2 - How Do You Find Them?
By Mindy Caliguire - Wednesday, February 17, 2010
At one point, Willow Creek asked Mindy to share why she believes spiritual formation, and connections with others, happens best in small groups. There's something there . . . happening . . . when a group of people commit to knowing God and living in grace and healing . . . together.
Are spiritual friends, mentors, and relationships in short supply?
Recent conversations leave me wondering if this is true. Everyone is communicating, communicating, communicating . . . but are we listening, contemplating, and learning to walk through the journey together?
Grace & Peace,
Team Soul Care
Invest In a Few Good Friends
By Mindy Caliguire - Monday, February 15, 2010
Spiritual Formation is often associated with very private, contemplative, even isolated ways of being with God. And it is certainly true that those individual spiritual practices are essential to our life with God—in fact, they often are necessary in stripping any dependence on unhealthy attachments to others.
Solitude and silence, solitary prayer and engagement with the scriptures bring us to openness and yielded-ness to God. When we embrace these core practices, we care for our souls—we put ourselves in a place where God infuses us with life and love and power and grace and healing.
But, the human soul is also designed to receive life and nurture—from God—in the context of relationships. Honest conversation with a trustworthy friend ALSO brings us to the place of openness and yielded-ness to God. When I intentionally walk through this life in the company of friends, I ALSO put myself in a place where God infuses me with life and love and power and grace and healing.
Why? Simply put, He actually indwells his imperfect people. So as we connect authentically with others along this journey of following God, we are able to connect with God. So how do you connect with others?
Relationships change our lives; it’s a simple fact of the human soul. Be sure to be investing in a few good friends.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4: 14-16
Spiritual Formation is often associated with very private, contemplative, even isolated ways of being with God. And it is certainly true that those individual spiritual practices are essential to our life with God—in fact, they often are necessary in stripping any dependence on unhealthy attachments to others.
Solitude and silence, solitary prayer and engagement with the scriptures bring us to openness and yielded-ness to God. When we embrace these core practices, we care for our souls—we put ourselves in a place where God infuses us with life and love and power and grace and healing.
But, the human soul is also designed to receive life and nurture—from God—in the context of relationships. Honest conversation with a trustworthy friend ALSO brings us to the place of openness and yielded-ness to God. When I intentionally walk through this life in the company of friends, I ALSO put myself in a place where God infuses me with life and love and power and grace and healing.
Why? Simply put, He actually indwells his imperfect people. So as we connect authentically with others along this journey of following God, we are able to connect with God. So how do you connect with others?
- Intentionally take conversations to the topics that really matter
- Wisely discern friends who are willing to “go there”
- Swallow our pride in order to share the real stuff of our struggles
- Share our “growth edges” where we sense God is doing a new thing in us
Relationships change our lives; it’s a simple fact of the human soul. Be sure to be investing in a few good friends.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4: 14-16
Inspiration for Blank Pages
By Mindy Caliguire - Friday, January 29, 2010
At Soul Care it's no secret: We believe in the life habit of journaling. Like anything else you do to take care of your self, this requires planning and effort. But sometimes, the words don't come, the thoughts are lost, and the page seems . . . well, blank. Below, we've posted a few ideas (from Write For Your Soul: The Whys and Hows of Journaling) for inspiration:
- Look back ("Yesterday I...")
- Record your dreams (Particularly recurring, troubling, or exciting dreams.)
- It you're bold, try to analyze them. (You may want to find a book on the topic.)
- Fun moments (You're birdie on the 18th hole!)
- Pray on paper ("Dear God...")
- What you're learning lately (insights, wisdom, mistakes)
- Work through decisions (write out pros and cons)
- Quotes or stories you want to remember (something you read or that a friend told you)
- Observations about how life works ("Malls instill a need for more. When I go there, I feel dissatisfied with what I have.")
- Precious moments (What your 3-year-old said to his baby brother)
- Scenes you want to keep with you (the incredible sunset over Lake Pleasant)
- Ideas or goals for the future ("Go whitewater rafting this summer.")
- Your values
- Mission statements (personal or family)
- Notes from sermons or lectures
Have a great (and maybe reflective journaling) weekend . . .
Waste Not. Want Not.
By Mindy Caliguire - Sunday, January 24, 2010
Waste Not. Want Not . . . ageless wisdom on economic thrift from our friend Ben Franklin. Business leader Jim Collins advises something similar in his newest book, How the Mighty Fall, in which he exposes the five stages of decline organizations go through—from “success” to oblivion or obscurity. It’s not a pretty picture, but I find his warnings and guidance to be profound. Challenging.
Collins writes of leaders who used decline as a catalyst. I love the quote he uses from Dick Clark, “the quiet, longtime head of Merck manufacturing who become CEO after Gilmartin, put it, ‘A crisis is a terrible thing to waste’” (Page 116).
A crisis is a terrible thing to waste.
When life is really hard, it’s tempting just to use a journal as a place to “dump” all our woes and worries. And at times, that’s certainly helpful! But in heeding wisdom, be sure not to waste the opportunity that presents itself in a crisis. For many years, I believe I did just that, rather than seeing my journal as a place to record, yes, but then evaluate and even imagine where God was in the midst of that.
I distinctly remember a time . . . not that long ago . . . when I finished a proper pity-party for myself and sensed the Spirit nudging me. “The greatest potential loss in all this is not what you just wrote about . . . it would be if you don’t learn from this.” I began using my journal not only to record the hardship and frustrations, but also to consider different paths, new resolves; even earnest prayers for next things.
Of all the things we might waste (time, money, energy, talent, opportunity) please be sure not to waste failure and disappointment. They are invaluable to our growth and learning. Also, to our humility.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
Waste Not. Want Not . . . ageless wisdom on economic thrift from our friend Ben Franklin. Business leader Jim Collins advises something similar in his newest book, How the Mighty Fall, in which he exposes the five stages of decline organizations go through—from “success” to oblivion or obscurity. It’s not a pretty picture, but I find his warnings and guidance to be profound. Challenging.
Collins writes of leaders who used decline as a catalyst. I love the quote he uses from Dick Clark, “the quiet, longtime head of Merck manufacturing who become CEO after Gilmartin, put it, ‘A crisis is a terrible thing to waste’” (Page 116).
A crisis is a terrible thing to waste.
When life is really hard, it’s tempting just to use a journal as a place to “dump” all our woes and worries. And at times, that’s certainly helpful! But in heeding wisdom, be sure not to waste the opportunity that presents itself in a crisis. For many years, I believe I did just that, rather than seeing my journal as a place to record, yes, but then evaluate and even imagine where God was in the midst of that.
I distinctly remember a time . . . not that long ago . . . when I finished a proper pity-party for myself and sensed the Spirit nudging me. “The greatest potential loss in all this is not what you just wrote about . . . it would be if you don’t learn from this.” I began using my journal not only to record the hardship and frustrations, but also to consider different paths, new resolves; even earnest prayers for next things.
Of all the things we might waste (time, money, energy, talent, opportunity) please be sure not to waste failure and disappointment. They are invaluable to our growth and learning. Also, to our humility.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
2010: Writing Life, No Edits
By Mindy Caliguire - Thursday, January 14, 2010
A new year, much like a blank journal. Page after page, day after day, is open—wide open—waiting for the future to write itself into our lives.
Like the fresh, clean pages of a new journal, this year brings the promise of things sure to come. Tears I will cry, dreams I will dream, prayers I will pray. Ideas I will, well, ideate (?!).
I am facing new beginnings as I join forces with the Willow Creek Association in some exciting new ways. There are new beginnings for Soul Care, as a team steps forward to help shoulder this vision. “Behold, I am doing a new thing… do you not perceive it?” Isa 43:19. I am surrounded by new things. And I love that.
Yet that rhetorical question from God to us haunts me at times. Right now, at the beginning of this year, I’m hyper-attuned to the noticing… noticing the tragedy in Haiti, noticing the amazing students I’m with this week at Spring Arbor’s MSFL residency, noticing ways God seems to be orchestrating the most minute details in ways that bring life and hope and healing. How exciting it is to notice the activity of God!
But other times, I miss it. I do not perceive it. What a tragedy, to miss what’s right there, right before my eyes??!
One of the things that helps me most to notice… to not “miss” the ever-present activity of God… is to spend time reflecting and writing about what’s happening in my life in those blank pages of a journal.
In January, with the able help of our new team, we’ll focus this blog on how a journal helps us notice.
A journal is a great place to record one “jour”, one day. Let’s take 2010 one day at a time. Noticing. Celebrating. Grieving. Living. Watching, waiting, anticipating… God. The one who makes streams in the wasteland.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.
A new year, much like a blank journal. Page after page, day after day, is open—wide open—waiting for the future to write itself into our lives.
Like the fresh, clean pages of a new journal, this year brings the promise of things sure to come. Tears I will cry, dreams I will dream, prayers I will pray. Ideas I will, well, ideate (?!).
I am facing new beginnings as I join forces with the Willow Creek Association in some exciting new ways. There are new beginnings for Soul Care, as a team steps forward to help shoulder this vision. “Behold, I am doing a new thing… do you not perceive it?” Isa 43:19. I am surrounded by new things. And I love that.
Yet that rhetorical question from God to us haunts me at times. Right now, at the beginning of this year, I’m hyper-attuned to the noticing… noticing the tragedy in Haiti, noticing the amazing students I’m with this week at Spring Arbor’s MSFL residency, noticing ways God seems to be orchestrating the most minute details in ways that bring life and hope and healing. How exciting it is to notice the activity of God!
But other times, I miss it. I do not perceive it. What a tragedy, to miss what’s right there, right before my eyes??!
One of the things that helps me most to notice… to not “miss” the ever-present activity of God… is to spend time reflecting and writing about what’s happening in my life in those blank pages of a journal.
In January, with the able help of our new team, we’ll focus this blog on how a journal helps us notice.
A journal is a great place to record one “jour”, one day. Let’s take 2010 one day at a time. Noticing. Celebrating. Grieving. Living. Watching, waiting, anticipating… God. The one who makes streams in the wasteland.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.
Just Diving In
By Mindy Caliguire - Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Today I’m needing to find the courage to act on what I know God has called me to do.
I’m learning that’s not a “once and for all” decision; it comes in daily decisions. Today, right now, it looks like being diligent with writing. (OK, I’ll get back to it soon!) But what is it for you? What do you know God has called you to, but it’s easy to get distracted with other things—even good things?
Take a minute now—decide to set those aside and do something directly related to what God has called you to do in this season. Even if it’s to read a book to a toddler because this is a season for investing in small children. Set aside the laundry or whatever else… and bless that little one (or ones) with your undivided attention. Please, no major proclamations for massive change; just a decision for what you’ll choose to do right now. OK so get on with it! It's time to DIVE!
-Mindy
twitter: @mindycaliguire
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mindycaliguire
(re-posted from the DIVE Facebook page... become a fan at Dive: it's time to go deeper!, and follow us on Twitter @DIVEconf)
Today I’m needing to find the courage to act on what I know God has called me to do.
I’m learning that’s not a “once and for all” decision; it comes in daily decisions. Today, right now, it looks like being diligent with writing. (OK, I’ll get back to it soon!) But what is it for you? What do you know God has called you to, but it’s easy to get distracted with other things—even good things?
Take a minute now—decide to set those aside and do something directly related to what God has called you to do in this season. Even if it’s to read a book to a toddler because this is a season for investing in small children. Set aside the laundry or whatever else… and bless that little one (or ones) with your undivided attention. Please, no major proclamations for massive change; just a decision for what you’ll choose to do right now. OK so get on with it! It's time to DIVE!
-Mindy
twitter: @mindycaliguire
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mindycaliguire
(re-posted from the DIVE Facebook page... become a fan at Dive: it's time to go deeper!, and follow us on Twitter @DIVEconf)
Desert Beauty
By Mindy Caliguire - Monday, September 14, 2009
Hi friends--passing along a quote today that was sent to me last week.
....thought you might like it.
Henri Nouwen wrote in Reaching out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life
"As hard as it is to believe that the dry desolate desert can yield endless varieties of flowers, it is equally hard to imagine that our loneliness is hiding unknown beauty. The movement from loneliness to solitude, however, is the beginning of any spiritual life because it is the movement from the restless senses to the restful spirit, from the outward-reaching cravings to the inward-reaching search, from the fearful clinging to the fearless play." (p34)
Looking for Peace for Your Soul? Kicking it Old-School
By Mindy Caliguire - Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Thomas a Kempis (1380 - 1471) wrote the classic devotional work, The Imitation of Christ; which is second only to the Bible in terms of it's impact worldwide on the development of Christian Life.
Recently, this excerpt really struck me and we used it during our last class on Ephesians.
Four Things that Bring Peace to the Soul (p 139)
My son, now I shall teach you the truest way of peace and of perfect liberty.
- Study, my child, to fulfill another person's will rather than your own.
- Choose always to ahve little worldly riches, rather than much.
- Seek, also, the lowest place, and desire to be under others rather than above them.
- Desire always-and praythat the will of God be wholly done in you.
These challenges seem incredulous to our ears today, and likely did to his contemporaries as well!
Does your soul need some peace today? How might these guides serve you, counter-cultural as they are?
Soul Searching--with Melinda Schmidt and Anita Lustrea
By Mindy Caliguire - Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Yesterday, I joined the delightful hosts of Midday Connection, where we talked about a core Soul Care spiritual practice--Soul Searching. Classically known as Examen, or Self-Examination, this form of prayer is all about taking an honest look inside, guided by the Holy Spirit. It was a great conversation--I loved hearing from callers and those who sent emails with questions! Sounds like a lot of us are taking a deep breath and making some brave steps to grow in this area.
Of course, before we went into the deep waters of Soul Searching, we did discuss the dangers of aggressive squirrels! But you'll have to listen to the broadcast if you want to hear about that... Here's the archived recording.
We also talked about...
Yesterday, I joined the delightful hosts of Midday Connection, where we talked about a core Soul Care spiritual practice--Soul Searching. Classically known as Examen, or Self-Examination, this form of prayer is all about taking an honest look inside, guided by the Holy Spirit. It was a great conversation--I loved hearing from callers and those who sent emails with questions! Sounds like a lot of us are taking a deep breath and making some brave steps to grow in this area.
Of course, before we went into the deep waters of Soul Searching, we did discuss the dangers of aggressive squirrels! But you'll have to listen to the broadcast if you want to hear about that... Here's the archived recording.
We also talked about...
- DIVE! Women, mark your calendars for November 7--or guys, let the women in your life know about this--Melinda, Anita, and I are joining forces to do a one day women's event called, Dive! Learn more about it here.
- September 9 begins an eight week journey with Midday Connection listeners to do a small group experience using Discovering Soul Care and then Spiritual Friendships. Grab a few friends and join us!
If you'd like to go deeper in Soul Searching, you can get the book or even listen in on the class at Willow Creek from Fall 2008.
Recent Posts
- Lent 2010
- Invest in a Few Good Friends, Part 2 - How Do You Find Them?
- Invest In a Few Good Friends
- Inspiration for Blank Pages
- Waste Not. Want Not.
- 2010: Writing Life, No Edits
- Just Diving In
- Desert Beauty
- Looking for Peace for Your Soul? Kicking it Old-School
- Soul Searching--with Melinda Schmidt and Anita Lustrea
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