Musings & Meanderings in June
What I Wrote - What I Learned - What I Read
Where did June go?! It seems to have rushed by, but I was also away at school for a two-week residency with intense learning. (I’m actually still recovering!) A lot has happened, and I’m excited to share.
What I Wrote
Hint: The pictures are linked so you can easily go to the posts.
How does your image of God impact your relationship with him? In this post, I reflected on how our lives, teachings in church, and upbringing can impact our God-Image.
It’s summertime! For me, that means routine is a a long-lost concept. If you can relate, I created this post just for you.
One time, someone gave me a free rooster… and an enormous life lesson followed. “Roo” is back with his flock, but I won’t be forgetting what he taught me anytime soon. Read about my hilarious escapade, and the lesson God taught me in the midst of it all.
What I Learned
I am very grateful to have spent two weeks in in-depth learning through my D.Min. residency. While it is an exhausting time, it’s also an exhilarating one! Here are two lessons I would love to share.
A Walk in Toronto
The class spent one morning walking through the Willowdale neighbourhood learning about initiatives that faith groups were working together towards. One included a modular housing unit that will offer 54 small housing spaces to help the homeless population. What really grabbed my attention was that it was interfaith groups - Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Jewish - working together. Where I live, it would be nice if Christian denominations could work together, and stop saying that other denominations are “real” Christians!
The Power of ‘And’
I’ll share the book below, but for class I read The Power of Healthy Tension - a wonderful, easy, and very practical read. One of the final thoughts the author had was how to rephrase things and omitting the word “but.” Here’s an example:
I’m sorry you can’t make it, but I told you about it two months ago.
vs.
I’m sorry you can’t make it, and I told you about it two months ago.
I must admit that I highly value accountability, so perhaps I’m more likely to be drawn to this as a result. What are your thoughts?
What I Read
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Sadly, I didn’t get much reading accomplished this month, but I’d love to share this book. If you’re in any situation where conflict occurs, it’s a helpful little resource.
The Power of Healthy Tension by Tim Arnold
I really appreciated this little book. It talks about finding the and amidst polar opposites - think rules and compassion. It’s about facilitating in times of tension. I especially liked how it had little exercises so I could understand where I fell on the spectrum for each opposite.
The Book of Acts
I took notice of some interesting things, and I’m thinking of sharing my reflections in a series on Substack. I’d say I’m planning on it, but for the moment it’s a hope.
If you’re ever interested in what I’m reading, you can find me on Good Reads.
One Final Thing
I created a resource that’s available on my website for you now! I took all I’ve learned (so far) about the Enneagram, and created a page for each number as well as a way to integrate your faith into your Enneagram type.
That’s all for this month! Enjoy summer!
