This gorgeous hawk landed in our tree today and brought my attention to some other photos I wanted to share.
Sharing Beauty
Late to Lent
It’s a strange time in my spiritual journey. God has never sent me so many signs that I’m heading in the proper direction, yet the tolls of this adventure are significant.
I pray every day, but there is a midway pause in the Exodus seminar I’m listening to and I’ve been remiss in replacing it with a daily study.
I’m testing out the Hallow app Lenten challenge with my sons. I’m unsure if it’s a good fit for us, but no other human resources are speaking strongly to me right now.
Breathe Again
I’m venturing on a soon-to-be-announced business journey and my stress levels may be the highest I’ve ever experienced.
After neglecting my morning Wim Hof Method breathing, stretching, and affirmation routine for months, I went outside to treat my self better today.
I spent about 15 minutes laying out in the pre-dawn air and then got myself to a yoga class.
I’m not stress-free, but much on my anxiety lifted as I tackled the day’s checklist for our new adventure.
On “Unhealthy Assumptions”
An unhealthy assumption is one that doesn’t serve one’s purpose. It is individual, there are billions of philosophies and ways of living and the difficult part is uncovering the best personal philosophy while critically evaluating the philosophical assumptions we absorb as we mature in society.
My focus for raising my sons is on virtuous behavior, loving relationships, and self awareness. These are the foundations I want them to have. Those, along with a modeled love of learning will allow them to be successful in whatever they choose. I don’t assume calculus needs to take years to learn and the chance they will need that knowledge to pursue their passions is very small (I think less than 1% of careers demand it).
I also don’t categorize learning into subjects, but I understand the usefulness of doing so, we are watching a wonderful series of history courses right now.
My deschooling approach boils down to one simple reframing. When I speak or think the phrase, “I need to…,” I change it to “I want to…” I take that “want” and define why it is important to me. If it turns out that the reason I want to do X is because of an outside perception or an old pattern, then I can better direct my energy toward my goals.
365 Devotionals: The New Man
And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him:
Colossians 3:10-13 KJV
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Becoming Christ is impossible. Becoming more Christ-like is a daily effort.
I fall short of this effort on most days. I seek Christ’s strength and wisdom, as well as his compassion and forgiveness. It’s the challenge and balance of parenthood. It’s exhausting to stay strong in conviction, yet love those who mistreat you. This is painfully complicated when those betrayers are your children.
I know God meant me to raise these willful boys. It’s a thousand blessings measured against a handful of curses. And that’s just before lunch.
365 Devotionals: Don’t Get Caught
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Colossians 2:8 KJV
I’m trying to stay in the Word as I also study Greek philosophy alongside my sons. It is critical and enlightening to study great thinkers, yet human cleverness leads down many errant paths.
That’s About It
In the last couple months, I’ve gotten trimmer and stronger. This is about freedom. This is about learning and improving and seeing the potential I have yet to access.
365 Devotionals: Spiritually Homeless…Again
Just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.
-Colossians 2:6 NLT
I need a church that focuses on following Christ. Specifically, a place that values listening.
When I first started studying the New Testament as an adult, it struck me how Jesus listened to those who disagreed with him the most. I came to value listening as the highest form of Love.
Modern Christianity is lacking this fundamentally important skill. There are a great many assumptions that aren’t allowed to be examined. Those who wish to ask the deepest questions are seen as trouble makers, or far worse.
I’m more comfortable around non-Christians or other churchless followers of Christ. These are the places I hear tough questions and receive compassionate listening.
I’m not ready to not have a church. Regular worship and fellowship are important to me. It’s important for me to hear things I don’t agree with or fully comprehend. I want to be challenged and loved in a community that respects my spiritual journey.
I understand how rare this kind of group may be. My journey in the home education sphere has had a similar arc of excommunication and coalescence. Considering my current endeavors and energy, I don’t think I have it in me to establish a new faith community. Maybe someday.
Balance
Going back and forth between jiu-jitsu and soccer seems to be my sweet spot. Each is hard on different parts of my body and my spirit appreciates that I have some idea of what I’m doing on a soccer pitch.
Truth
I could best my 21-year-old self in any contest, physical or mental. I feel very young and wish more 40-somethings would chose to feel the same.