Prayer Projects to Deepen Our Connection with God: # 2: Flash Prayers

On his way to a meeting with an open notebook on his lap, Frank Laubach sat in the back of the bus conducting his usual prayer experiment: Sending out quick prayers for individuals sitting in front of him. Laubach watched for any effect that his prayers might be having and jotted down his observations in…

Prayer Projects to Deepen Our Connection with God: #1 The Jesus Prayer

Many years ago in the fall of 1850  a Russian peasant was attending church and the scripture reading for the day was “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thess. 5:17. The peasant’s heart was gripped. How was it possible to pray without ceasing? He set out on a pilgrimage to discover the answer. After many failed attempts…

1000 Things I Really Like: Soul Sculpting

I’m walking in the early winter woods. The leaves are nearly gone. A  dusting of snow is on the ground. The air is crisp and clean. #519 Breathing crisp, clean air. I remember when I started my list many years ago. I was swinging in a hammock and reading the book One Thousand Gifts. In…

Looking for Awe: Soul Sculpting Project

When was a time you encountered something that felt vast, mysterious, beyond your current understanding of the world? Something that made you stop in your tracks and – maybe say, “wow”. Do you experience this emotion of awe very often? I’ve been encountering awe a lot more than I used to. Probably it’s because I’ve…

The Reward of Pausing: Soul Sculpting Project

It was the elk who affirmed my choice.  Though he was only a few yards away, he didn’t seem to see me. I sat on a log – very still, watching him step over the broken fence and wander uphill.   He felt like a gift. Had I not stopped my work and sat down…

Finding Flow: Soul Sculpting Project 

Why walk to the South Pole?  To banish time.  Erling Kagge — who walked to the South Pole in 50 days, by himself – believes that time banishment is a significant motive for most people who take epic expeditions.  Kagge says that on an expedition “momentary flashes of experience can be compared to eternity.  ….