Unhurry Up™ #96

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, 

with all your soul, 

with all your mind, 

with all your strength." 

~ Luke 10:27

The first and greatest command is summed up in love...and if we have not love we are noisily irksome according to 1 Cor 13 right?

Here are some reflection questions -  mostly borrowed from a 12 step recovery article - but with some of my own added. As you consider these, it's not just trying to figure out how to have a "balanced" life or even to come up with an elaborate plan of how I can love God better. Instead, lean in and listen to how the Lord is inviting you to a life of love in the areas of your body, emotions, mind and relationships. Letting God define what a life of love looks like is more important than self-imposing huge "shoulds" "oughts" and pious expectations upon ourselves.

Over the next few days I will post the questions from the 4 different quadrants of loving God...today we start with "strength":

• Am I honoring my body? (What does that look like? How do I know when I'm not?)

• Have I listened to its aches and tensions? (What are they telling me? How will I respond?)

• Did I take time to rest? (And is the rest adequate?)

• Did I get some exercise? (How much exercise am I happy with?)

• Did I eat a balanced meal?(or how many times did I eat well this week?)

 Loving God with all our strength means we have physical energy reserves to pay attention to and connect with important people and important tasks around us. How can an exhausted, fried, worn out, carbohydrate and sugar overloaded body truly be present to others (or self, or God)?

Ask God,

• "How are you inviting me to love you with my strength/physical body?"

• How do you feel about His invitation?

• What one thing might you do this week to respond to his invitation?

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Unhurry Up™ #95

Make a careful exploration of who you are

and the work you have been given,

and then sink yourself into that.

Don't be impressed with yourself.

Don't compare yourself with others.

Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your life.

 Galatians 6:4, The Message 

How often do you make a careful exploration of who you are? What might that even look like? Does the thought of doing so excite you or frighten you? I think the above verse is a great summation of sanctification - how do we live in such a way so as to be holy and wholly pleasing to God: being who we are, reveling in what we've been given (notice the word is given, not achieved) and learning to let our competitive egos be dissolved in light of His lovingkindnesses. Out of this flows our creativity that brings beauty and blessing to a world sorely in need of both!

Read this verse aloud 3x with short pauses in between. 

• After the first reading reflect: "Lord, what word or phrase stands out to me?"

• After the second reading ask: "Lord, how does that word/phrase connect to my life and circumstances?"

• After the third reading ask: "Lord, what are you inviting me toward?"

• What did God reveal to you about Himself or yourself that surprised you? How do you feel about His invitation? What one intentional thing do you want to do to respond to His invitation? 

 Join the Unhurried Revolution!

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Unhurry Up™ #94

I think I'll bank with these guys...I do believe they are singing my song! What a surprising place to find an Unhurry Up™ slogan - a delightful reminder as I was scurrying along (not) in traffic! (Even I struggle with living unhurried - which is probably why I blog about it so often!)

This week, consider having a talk around the dinner table with your family and/or friends - here are a few good discussion starters:

• "What makes you feel cared for?" As you listen to one another - are there any common threads?

• "How do you sense God's care of you? Name one specific instant of His care you encountered this past week.

• "What compels you to care for others? What deters you from that?"

• What might God be inviting you toward?

Maybe each person can share the invitation they sense God inviting them toward and how they hope to integrate into the week an increased sense of paying attention to how they are caring for themselves, others or God. What is one thing that might help you be better at caring? Try that daily for 2 weeks and see what happens!

Join the Unhurried Revolution!

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Unhurry Up™ #93

I've read two blogs this week of people partaking in a digital sabbatical. One gal, Gwen Bell, (a social media expert trying to help people live in balance with technology) offers her reflections after the month of disconnecting. The second gal, Jen Louden, (a life coach who encourages folk to find their unique voice and rhythm) offers her reflections before undertaking this month in a digital sabbatical.

Regardless of their beliefs and/or reasonings for partaking -

• in what ways would doing something similar help you to be more reflective vs. merely responsive? 
• As you even consider the idea of disconnecting, what feelings well up within you? Are they more of fear or of excitement? 
• What do you imagine/look forward to in connecting more deeply to your family, friends, self, church body? If you don't, ask God, "What is the block?"
• Do you think you might have a more honest relationship with God, yourself, others and your work as a result? Why or why not?

Perhaps it is "impossible" to totally disconnect, but both give some decent guidelines and tips to unplugging - setting and honoring limits. (e.g. at work only; not after 6pm; having a trusted friend/relative screen emails for you etc.) What positive things will you add in place of that time? Take a painting class? Learn Karate? Walk more trails? Plant and tend a garden? Visit the elderly in an assisted living facility? Volunteer time to help out at your church?

Personally, I'm thinking of doing something along these lines the second half of August...no Unhurry Up™ posts, no facebook updates, no email. Is that possible anymore? I admit I'm intrigued, but fearful of not being "connected" - will people forget about me? Will the unhurried revolution continue on? Oh how easily I believe in my own indispensability. Yet, for the sake of my soul, I think some form of a digital sabbatical is in order. Anyone want to join me?

Join the Unhurried Revolution!

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Unhurry Up™ #92

This just in yesterday's NY Times:

"Members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, 

hypertension and depression at rates higher than most Americans." 

by Paul Vitello - NY Times, Aug 1, 2010

This news is heartbreaking to me - but I continue to encounter the reality almost weekly. Even more, I imagine God being saddened as well - did he mean for his "workers" to suffer from self-induced poor choices to care for themselves?

As you read this article (click on the NY Times link above), what does it stir within your own soul?

How might you help your pastor buck this unhealthful trend? Perhaps you could gift her with a day at the spa, or him with a weekend reFresh retreat.

There is a great place, Shepherd's Rest, in SW Washington that lets pastors come absolutely free for a week of rest - maybe pass on the link to your pastor!


If you are clergy or a vocational minister reading this - in what ways is God inviting you to care for yourself so that you might care for your flock? How is your hurry affecting your health and your ability to shepherd your flock? What might you do to buck this trend?

I am on my own journey as the Lord has invited me to pay attention to my health. Take a look at what I've been doing over the past 6 weeks - I have lost 21 pounds and have more energy than ever! Please contact me if you want to talk through any of this! I'd love to journey alongside you as you pay attention to God's invitations toward wholeness! Shalom!

Unhurry Up™ 

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Unhurry Up™ #91

"We forfeit our souls every single time we choose to drain ourselves and not replenish ourselves; 

run on empty rather than stopping and intentionally doing the things that will bring us life; 

burnout rather than live meaningful, significant, and impactful lives that are enjoyable and life-giving to others. 

We forfeit the life God intended for us when we lower our souls to functioning as machines 

rather than living as soulish marvels who require more than a quart of oil or a recharging of our batteries."

~ Stephen W. Smith in Soul Custody (due out Aug 1), 29

 In what ways are you gaining the whole world, yet forfeiting your soul?

Is your life more on autopilot or are you seeking to intentionally cooperate with your Creator in living and enjoying the life He's given?

Join the Unhurried Revolution!

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Unhurry Up™ #90

 

"How we spend our days, 

is of course how we spend our lives."

~Annie Dillard

Indeed, how might reordering your days reorder your life? Reflect on the questions below:

• What adjectives would you use to describe your day today? Do words like "fun," "restful," "inspiring" rise to the top? Or was it "busy" "overwhelming" and chaotic?
• What three adjectives would you like to have describe your life? (Try doing this as a family too - what adjectives do you want to have describe your family's life together?)
• Pick a day this week where you plan activities that will cultivate the adjectives you want to describe your life. 

Let me know how it goes - what adjectives do you want to have describe you and your family's lives?

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Unhurry Up™ #89

Photo by Jessica M. Cross

 "We've turned being 'busy' into a benign, expected experience" - 

Professor William Doherty

but it's killing us - 

literally!

Take a read of this article by Professor William Doherty -

then maybe discuss as a family what little things you can collectively evaluate: in what ways are we contributing to our family living noisy, busy, hurried and overworked lives? How is this affecting our relationships? How is this affecting our health? What is God inviting us to change?

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Unhurry Up™ #88

 “The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes.”
- Tony Blair

Do you have a sense of doing too much?
Are you resentful because you don't have enough time for God, self, significant others?
Sit quietly for 5 minutes, and ask the Lord, "What do I need to say no to so that I can say yes to you?"

Join the Unhurried Revolution!

Unhurry Up™

Unhurry Up™ #87

There's a "new kind of poverty", according to philospher Jacob Needleman: our frenetic pace of life.

In what ways are you "poor" because of your frenzy? 

 

 Join the Unhurried Revolution!

Unhurry Up! ™

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Living Unhurried #86

"Ministry burnout results in part from a failure to make enough space for rest, for creative expression, but mostly for unhurried, uninterrupted relationship with God and others. These are the water and oil that help our ministry engines [whether your a Ferrari or a Vespa] continue to function well over time."
~Alan Fadling (of the leadership institute)

Where can you make time this month for rest?
For creative expression?
For uninterrupted relationship with God and family?

Schedule these things in as important, non-negotiable "appointments" on your calendar. If you're unsure of how to spend extended time with the Lord, email me, and I'll help you plan your day. OR come join me on a reFresh day retreat.

Unhurry Up!

Join the Unhurried Revolution!

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Living Unhurried #85

A friend recently told me, "Hearing Jesus say 'come' has been one of the greatest joys of my life..."

In what ways do you sense His invitations this week to come to Him?

"Come, join me on a walk in the woods..."

"Come, draw near to me with a quiet 5 minutes at noon..."

"Come, join me in listening to your neighbor..."

"Come, let me love you by healing your troubled heart..."

"Come, walk around the block after dinner and enjoy my creation..."

"Come, crank up your favorite song, and dance without abandon..."

Unhurry Up!

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Living Unhurried #84

"Do exactly what you would do if you felt most secure." 

-Meister Eckhart 

 

What makes you feel secure?

I'm not talking about savings accounts and alarm systems or fancy 5- star safety rated automobiles. How do you act when you feel free to be truly yourself? When you're around "safe" people?

Do you twirl like a little girl? Do you dance and clap? Do you joyfully sing regardless of being in tune or not? Do you attempt risky ventures that you may fail at?

The ONE true thing that is the most secure in the world is God's love - Romans 8 says there is nothing that can separate us from His love - it changes everything!

At the dinner table tonight, share around this question: "How would tomorrow look different if you did what you do when you feel secure?"

Enjoy!

Unhurry Up!

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Living Unhurried #83

Take a few moments and consider this statement:

"My Christian life failed to be 'spiritual' 

because I was the one who was trying to activate change."

~Kyle Strobel

Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why or why not?

What "change" are you hungry for?

Take a few deep breaths and imagine what life would be like if that change was a reality...share this with a friend, your spouse or family. Believe that the One who lives in you - as a neighbor to your fears and dreams - has heard your heart. Ask Him what change He wants to activate in you...Spirit, what are you inviting me toward?

I'd love to hear your comments!

Unhurry Up!

Join the Unhurried Revolution!

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Living Unhurried #82

"Life from the Center [focused/flowing from God] 

is a life of unhurried peace and power. 

It is simple. It is serene. It is amazing. 

It is triumphant. It is radiant. 

It takes no time, but occupies all our time. 

And it makes our life programs new and overcoming. 

We need not get frantic. He is at the helm. 

And when our little day is done 

we lie down in peace, 

for all is well." 

Thomas R. Kelly

Around the dinner table tonight, discuss with those present the ways you've experienced your day:

• What adjectives would you use to describe your day?

• In what ways are you experiencing unhurried peace and power? (and/or when is the last time you've experienced unhurried peace and power?)

• In what ways is your life simple? Serene? Amazing? Triumphant? Radiant?

• Which of these adjectives do you most wish for and why? Share that with the others.

• In what ways is God inviting you to focus/be with Him and "center" your life in your days this week?

At the end of you meal, pray for the person on your right (this could be verbal, or a silent time together where each person silently prays for the others) - pray that God would invite and lead him/her to His Centering Life - and look for the ways unhurried peace and power reveal themselves in and through you this week.

Unhurry Up!

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Living Unhurried #81

When's the last time you just flat out skipped?
If it's been over a month, you deserve a delightful frolic - just as beneficial in cardio exercise but a heck of a lot more fun - especially when holding the hand of one you love!

Want to know more benefits - read this (below) from the skipping guru at iSkip.com -

+++++++
What are the benefits of skipping? The thing that is unique about skipping is that it has multiple benefits…..Some people skip for the undeniable fitness gains…Some just skip a few steps to lift their moods…and others to reconnect with their buoyant, exuberant childlike spirit. Skipping is great for the body, mind, and spirit!

What are the physical benefits? Skipping is great exercise! It burns twice as many calories as walking ..It has less impact on your joints than running….and it is joy-based, unlike running which generates from our fight or flight reflex. Skipping is more like an animal bouncing and frolicking in a field. It’s a playful way to add variety and fun to your workouts.

What are the mental benefits? Skipping is an instant mood lifter. The next time you are feeling down, try skipping just ten steps. Keep in mind that the times you feel like skipping the least are likely the times that you need it the most. Skipping is joyful, light, and free, which are all things that contribute to a positive attitude and feeling great! It is virtually impossible to skip without smiling!
Skipping also helps you to be true to yourself. Skipping down the road is something that is surprisingly challenging for most adults to do. In order to do so, you must be willing to let go of your fears about what other people think about you. You must defeat your own inner critic that says “People will think you are crazy” and choose to let your childlike spirit have some fun. If you can find the courage to do so regularly, you will be amazed at the feeling of freedom it can bring to your life. When the judgment of others is no longer an issue, magical things can happen.
 +++++++

So have a delightful frolicking skip today - improve your body, mind and soul in unhurried and carefree joy!

Unhurry Up!

Join the Unhurried Revolution!

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Living Unhurried #80

"A good laugh and a long sleep 

are the best cures in the doctor's book."

~Irish Proverb

What more needs to be said? 

Unhurry Up!

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Living Unhurried #79

"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play 

than in a year of conversation."

Plato

 

Take some unhurried time this week and get to know someone - not over coffee, silly. Go out and play - play tennis, lay on the lawn and look up at the clouds, roll down the hills til you're dizzy... or how about a round of Balderdash or seeing who can go the highest on the swingset?

• What did you discover about your companion?
• What did you discover about yourself?
• What did you experience in "playing" that you do not experience in other social activities?
• How might you regularly schedule "playfulness" into your weekly schedule?

Unhurry Up!

 

Join the Unhurried Revolution!

 

www.mysoulrefresh.com

Living Unhurried #78

My friend Jon sent me the link to this song, "Blink" by the band Revive...perhaps one of the theme songs for an unhurried life!

Take a listen...and slow down before today becomes your yesterday...

How might "slowing down" actually help you "do" more with your life?

Unhurry Up!

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Living Unhurried #77

Busy is NOT a virtue!
Busy is a choice!

Read this great article, "Why I can't drive 55: The costs and opportunities of life in the fast lane" by Inspired Home Office guru Jennifer Hofmann

She asks some great questions (below) - how would you respond???

Things to try:
1. Take a little time to notice what impact being over-full and in a hurry has on you, your dreams, and those you love. Do you feel satisfied?

2. Ask yourself: Is there something else you’re craving? If so, what do you really need? Trust whatever answers come up for you.

3. Notice whether there’s anything you’d consider letting go of that would add to your sense of satisfaction.

Unhurry Up!

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Living Unhurried #76

My pastor recently preached a series on the "Irreducible Core" of our faith. Unhurry up and take about 45 minutes to listen to his sermon on "Loving God"

What word, phrase or concept stirred your soul?

Take a moment and ask the Lord:

• How does this connect to my relationship with you?
• What are you inviting me toward?

Unhurry up!

Join the Unhurried Revolution!

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Living Unhurried #75

Read this blog post by Christine Sine re: her trip down under and her encountering the "Stop/Revive/Survive" signs on her journey across Australia.

Then reflect -

What unhurried spaces do I need to include in my day in order to revive and survive?

And...consider giving up the internet for 24 hours...or perhaps even 2 weeks? How do you feel even considering this?

Unhurry Up!

Join the Unhurried Revolution!

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Living Unhurried #74

  

"It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are."

– e. e. cummings

 

 

Many of us dream of the future - of how we'll live "unhurried" once we retire and finally have some time for what we really want to be doing. But what would your "older" self advise your current self in regard to living and choices? Below is an exercise I found in The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. Take a few moments over the next few days and work through this exercise...see what you might discover about what your soul is longing for and/or fearing...

"Describe yourself at 80. 

What did you do at 50 that you really enjoyed? Be specific.
Now write yourself a letter from your 80 year old to your current age. 

What would you tell yourself? 
What interests would you urge yourself to pursue? 
What dreams would you encourage?"

Borrowed from The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

• What did you discover about yourself in this exercise? 
• Is your soul inviting you to make some mid-course corrections? 
• How do you feel about your letter to yourself? What excites you? What concerns you?
• Who can you share your discoveries with?

Unhurry up!

Join the Unhurried Revolution!

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Living Unhurried #73

Water - we're 70+% made of it. And we are in desperate need of clean, fresh water intake every day.

Rather than write a bunch on the benefits of water, go take a look at this article.

And over the weekend, plan to drink 6-8 ounces of water 8 times a day (hopefully not right before bed - smile smile.)  Your skin, your kidneys, and your digestive system will thank you for it.

And each time you do - ask God to reveal other thirsts in your life.
What might He be inviting you to trust Him to satiate in you?

Cheers! and bottoms up!

Unhurry up! Join the Unhurried Revolution!

www.mysoulrefresh.com 

Living Unhurried #72

When I lived in China, we walked or took public transportation nearly everywhere. When my Chinese friends asked me, "What do you do for exercise?" I laughed and answered, "I live in China." Four flights of stairs to my room several times a day, walking to the market, walking to class, etc. There were no "fast food" places that we could drive through - there were no pre-packaged pop-in-the-microwave-meals for us to prepare, there was no dishwasher in which to load our dishes. So there, even cooking, eating, and cleaning up demanded an expenditure of energy for us.

Coming home from living overseas, I have been amazed at how much the USAmerican culture depends upon autos for even the simplest of errands..and how quickly I succumb to the cultural norm of sedentary living. I mean, there are several mailboxes within blocks of my house, but I have been known to drive to them to drop off my netflix rental. Or have you ever taken 5 extra minutes to drive around a parking lot to get a parking spot close to the store when you could have just parked farther away and in less than 5 minutes achieved both exercise and the lack of frustration in trying to vie for a spot?

How might walking even a little bit more benefit my life and health...

• physical - obviously, most of us live pretty sedentary lives...sitting in our cars, at work, on the couch to watch TV. (And why is it I fail to sit when eating a quick meal???) At any rate, walking - whether it is to take the stairs instead of an elevator or to walk to a bathroom farther from you is a small change that will yield a greater healthful benefit over time.

• mental - Walking gets your blood flowing which also increases you ability to pay attention and be creative. Are you stuck - take a 5 minute walk around the block then come back to your work and notice the difference.

• emotional - again, activating your body even in a little way like taking a short walk or doing some stretches, can improve a dour mood. One of the remedies for depression, in fact, is to exercise - to get moving - to engage your body and emotions in the world around you. 

• spiritual - a time to recenter your soul and reflect on the beauty around you. 

• social - you can sit on your behind and IM people or you can actually go out into your neighborhood and interact with people. Why is it we send messages 20,000 miles into space to reach the person down the hall??

• financial - you save on gas money when you alternate a short drive with a walk. And you potentially defer future health bills by caring better for yourself now.

Sometime this week and weekend, pick one place within a mile of your home you usually drive to - the gym, a store, the mail box, and create space in your schedule to walk there instead of driving.
OR
For a week, pick the farthest parking space away from the store entrance - and as you walk into the store, use the time to pray for whomever comes to mind.

Walking - one of the easiest, cheapest ways to take care of yourself!

Unhurry Up! Join the Unhurried Revolution!

www.mysoulrefresh.com

Living Unhurried #71

Take an unhurried gander at yourself in the mirror - a full length one if possible.

• Is it hard or easy looking at yourself? 
• What do you see? 
• Do you hear internal incriminating voices of judgment? or a sense of pleasure?
• Are your thoughts negative, or positive? 
• What do you wish would be different?

If you are satisfied and grateful, take a moment and thank God for your good health.
If you are dissatisfied, in the presence of a loving God who does not love you more or less based upon your looks/health/feelings toward yourself (Rom. 8: 31-39) - take a moment or two and ask, "Lord, what is my desire beneath my discontentment? What small thing might you invite me toward to love myself?"

For the rest of the week, each time you look into a mirror (rear view, at office, in a dressing room, or while brushing your teeth before bed, etc) thank God for the life He's given you and ask Him to reveal to You how He sees you.

Unhurry Up! Join the Unhurried Revolution!

www.mysoulrefresh.com

Living Unhurried #70

 When others ask you, "How are you?" do you ever respond "tired..."?

You're not alone. According to the Center for Disease Control, "The importance of chronic sleep insufficiency is under-recognized as a public health problem, despite being associated with numerous physical and mental health problems, injury, loss of productivity, and mortality (1,2). Approximately 29% of U.S. adults report sleeping less than 7 hours per night (3) and 50--70 million have chronic sleep and wakefulness disorders (1)." **


Many people's solution is to take a sleeping aid - but one researcher says that the risk from taking sleeping pills 30 times or more a month is not much less than the risk of smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. ***  In fact, it's better to get less sleep than to try and get more with a sleep aid. (Naturally the pharmaceutical companies don't want you to know this as they stand to gain $5 billion off of sleep aid products such as Ambien and Lunesta.)

How might you love yourself and your family by getting a good nights' rest? Here are some ideas:

• Do you have a TV or computer in your bedroom - get rid of it. Researchers say to avoid everything in bed except for sleep and sex - and perhaps a little light reading. 
• Consider praying a "compline" prayer before bedtime. Here are some from the celtic Northumbria community.
• Don't drink caffeine within 6 hours of your bedtime.
• Don't drink too much water either...you know what that does! (But do drink lots of water earlier in the day!)
• Set a time when you will go to bed and get up - did you know that if you did this one thing in life, most everything else would fall into place in living unhurried?
• Do not exercise within 3 hours of going to bed.
• Avoid alcohol before bedtime - though it will knock you out at first, a few hours later, it will wake you up.
• Spend time outdoors - getting a full dose of the outdoors will put your body in line with the natural rhythms of awake hours/day and sleep hours/night.
• Lose weight. Yup, that's right, our extra pounds can affect our breathing rhythms and our sleep habits - and some studies even suggest that our lack of sleep affects our leptin levels (that which suppresses our appetites).

 And yes, you may need a better bed or some sleep aids or some white noise machine to mask the street sounds. But before you shell out the dollars for a new mattress or sleep gadget, ask God to help you take care of yourself and your family by alleviating other causes that might keep you from your beauty rest.

Hopefully the next time someone asks you how you are, you'll be able to say, "I feel energized." or "I'm rested." What would it take for that to be a reality for you?

Unhurry Up! Join the Unhurried Revolution!

www.mysoulrefresh.com

Living Unhurried #69

I am becoming increasingly convinced that my hurriedness is detrimental to every area of my life.

• When I opt for 1500 calories to grab a quick bite to eat (expending only about 15 to order and eat them) I am not loving myself...
• When I impulsively buy the latest gadget that I have not saved up for, I am not loving myself and probably not others...
• When I say, "I'm busy" to others' inquiries about how I'm doing - I am really sending a message that I don't want to spend time with them.  I am not loving them...and I am missing out on the potential to be loved. 
• When I drive two blocks to 7-11 to get a cool drink on a hot day, I miss out on a little 10-15 minutes of walking/praying/brain uncluttering in which I can recenter and reFresh my soul on the way to reFreshing my thirst!

This week's "unhurried" experiences will have to do with our physicality - how can I love myself, God and my family by taking care of my health in little ways? This has been prompted by the need in my own life to care for myself as I engage in the demanding job of caring and ministering to others. I am beginning a lifestyle overhaul (email me if you want to know more)

Today's simple unhurried exercise:
When you have to go to the bathroom at work or home, choose the one farthest away. If you only have one, then take a longer route to it. And while you're on the way, breathe deeply and ask God to reveal to you how you can make little choices to live unhurried and love your body!

In the dialogue between Count Rugin to Prince Humperdink in the Princess Bride, "If you haven't got your health, you haven't got anything."

Unhurry Up - Join the Unhurried Revolution!

 www.mysoulrefresh.com

Some Henri Thoughts to ponder...

Spiritual Courage

Courage is connected with taking risks. Jumping the Grand Canyon on a motorbike, coming over Niagara Falls in a barrel, or crossing the ocean in a rowboat are called courageous acts because people risk their lives by doing these things. But none of these daredevil acts comes from the centre of our being. They all come from the desire to test our physical limits and to become famous and popular.

Spiritual courage is something completely different. It is following the deepest desires of our hearts at the risk of losing fame and popularity. It asks of us the willingness to lose our temporal lives in order to gain eternal life.

from here (also check out www.henrinouwen.org
++++++

What is the deepest desire of your heart?
How might fame or popularity be interfering with you receiving/living into that deepest desire?

www.mysoulrefresh.com

Living Unhurried #68

  

"The things we love tell us what we are." 

- St. Thomas Aquinas

Before bed tonight- think back through your week - what/who have you have loved - either enjoyably or in earnest? 

Then ask God, "What do you want me to pay attention to? How are you inviting me to love you, myself and others more?"



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Living Unhurried #67

 Vincent Van Gogh's "Noon: Rest From Work" (After Millet)
1889-90; Musée d'Orsay, Paris

"My soul finds rest in God alone

My salvation comes from Him..."

~Psalm 62:1

Rest does not "just happen" - our souls need to "find" it - that seems to indicate that it takes some unhurried and intentional effort to put ourselves in a place where true rest can open our heart, mind, soul, emotion and body to God's loving care. What we find is what we're longing for - our "at-home-ness" with ourselves in God's presence.

• How have you encountered God in the midst of restful moments this past week?
• What keeps you from rest?
• What do you need some "salvation" from - 

• From being overcommitted? 
• From being over loaded with junky foods?
• From not getting enough sleep?
• From compulsions that make you feel guilty if you care for yourself...?
• Financial difficulties from overspending?

How is God inviting you to find rest in Him this week?
How does that make you feel?
How do you want to intentionally respond?

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Living Unhurried #66

Make someone glad they saw you today.

What might that look like? 

• Can you linger a few minutes longer to tell someone how proud you are of them?
• Can you pop by a friends with a bag of groceries or a Safeway gift card...
• Can you mow a neighbor's lawn?
• Ask the grocery store checker what has been a highlight of his/her day...
• Offer to take your single woman friend's car to get an oil change
• Smile, hug, and express your specific gratitude to each member of your present family

Yes - all these things take time...because LOVE and Hurry are incompatible...


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Living Unhurried #65

Take one minute to write this little saying on a post-it note or 3x5 card and place it in frequented and noticeable vicinities: your car dashboard, bathroom mirror, on the inside of your front door, on your computer, or even as a pop up reminder on your iPhone or Google Calendar!

God joins us wherever we are

Just as we are

and only asks us 

To Be Who We Are 

~ Thomas Keating

 Wherever we are - not just physically like at the bank, or parallel parking, or enjoying a microbrew, or laughing at frolicking monkeys at the zoo or worshiping at church...God joins us "wherever" we are emotionally - in sorrow, sickness, health, joy, anger, high productivity or utter laziness. 

The harder question is: Am I free to be Who I Am with God in any location or emotion?

Perhaps each time you see your note this week, stop, take a deep breath, and acknowledge that God is with you - no matter where you are or how you feel. Share whatever feeling you have in the moment with Him. Ask Him to help you be (and become) who you really are as the object of His affection and attention. 

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Living Unhurried #64

I love it when friends share "unhurried" nuggets that have blessed them. This just in from Tina...thanks friend...

A Blessing for One Who is Exhausted
by John O'Donohue


When the rhythm of the heart becomes hectic,
Time takes on the strain until it breaks;
Then all the unattended stress falls in
On the mind like an endless, increasing weight,

The light in the mind becomes dim.
Things you could take in your stride before
Now become laborsome events of will.

Weariness invades your spirit.
Gravity begins falling inside you,
Dragging down every bone.

The ride you never valued has gone out.
And you are marooned on unsure ground.
Something within you has closed down;
And you cannot push yourself back to life.

You have been forced to enter empty time.
The desire that drove you has relinquished.
There is nothing else to do now but rest
And patiently learn to receive the self
You have forsaken for the race of days.

At first your thinking will darken
And sadness take over like listless weather.
The flow of unwept tears will frighten you.

You have traveled too fast over false ground;
Now your soul has come to take you back.

Take refuge in your senses, open up
To all the small miracles you rushed through.

Become inclined to watch the way of rain
When it falls slow and free.

Imitate the habit of twilight,
Taking time to open the well of color
That fostered the brightness of day.

Draw alongside the silence of stone
Until its calmness can claim you.
Be excessively gentle with yourself.
Stay clear of those vexed in spirit.
Learn to linger around someone of ease
Who feels they have all the time in the world.

Gradually, you will return to yourself,
Having learned a new respect for your heart
And the joy that dwells far within slow time.

--John O'Donohue, from "To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings"
as posted on http://www.ijourney.org/index.php

Some gentle questions for reflection:

• What words or phrases or metaphors captured your attention either with longing or as conviction?
• Ask God to reveal to you how this connects to your current life circumstances.
• Read the poem again: the ask God, "what are you inviting me toward?"

May you be excessively gentle with yourself today!


Join the Unhurried Revolution!


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Living Unhurried #63 - National Holiday for Living Unhurriedites!

Tomorrow, June 19th, is a really important holiday for Living Unhurried - perhaps the national holiday for those of us Unhurriedites who are a part of the Unhurried revolution!

June 19th is World Sauntering Day. Ain't it grand?

The holiday started in 1970 as a publicity stunt for a luxury hotel in Michigan. But wouldn't it be great if we all celebrated life and loved ones with a day of sauntering - a leisurely, aimless stroll designed for enjoyment? And perhaps we can even throw in some lingering and frolic as well!

And did you know that slow walking actually has some really good health benefits? You can actually burn more calories walking slowly than at regular speed! What a great way to relieve stress on your joints and on your brain!

So go ahead - take a leisurely and attentive stroll through your neighborhood - notice your stressed out neighbors (give them a gentle smile and greeting), the wild shades and textures of nature and the horribly gaudy yard ornaments - walk slowly, breathe deeply, notice the way that air feels as it fills your lungs, or how lovely it is to hold the hand of a friend, child or lover!

So go on out, unhurry up, get your saunter on and be grateful for life!

What did you discover in your day of sauntering?

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Living Unhurried #62

Read Psalm 139:1-12 below then take 5 minutes to imagine Jesus "already there waiting" for you in your day.

A David Psalm

 ^1-6 God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.
   I'm an open book to you;
      even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.
   You know when I leave and when I get back;
      I'm never out of your sight.
   You know everything I'm going to say
      before I start the first sentence.
   I look behind me and you're there,
      then up ahead and you're there, too—
      your reassuring presence, coming and going.
   This is too much, too wonderful—
      I can't take it all in!

 ^7-12 Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?
      to be out of your sight?
   If I climb to the sky, you're there!
      If I go underground, you're there!
   If I flew on morning's wings
      to the far western horizon,
   You'd find me in a minute—
      you're already there waiting!
   Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
      At night I'm immersed in the light!"
   It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you;
      night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you.
(From the Message - italics mine)

Take a few deep breaths. Now imagine for a few moments what is yet ahead in your day. It may be something you're looking forward to, or something you dread. If it's true that Jesus is already there waiting and that there's no place you can flee from His presence, then imagine yourself walking into the business meeting, coffee appointment, coming home "alone" or whatever scene rises to the top.

• As you imagine the scene, where do you see Jesus waiting for you? 
• Does he have any words for you? How does he respond to seeing you?
• How do you feel knowing that He is already there waiting?
• How do you want to respond to Him? 
• As you enter your day now, do you feel any differently about what's ahead? How might you keep your eyes pealed for Him throughout the day?

Join the Unhurried Revolution!

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Living Unhurried #61

Small Steps of Love
by Henri Nouwen
 
How can we choose love when we have experienced so little of it? We choose love by taking small steps of love every time there is an opportunity. A smile, a handshake, a word of encouragement, a phone call, a card, an embrace, a kind greeting, a gesture of support, a moment of attention, a helping hand, a present, a financial contribution, a visit ... all these are little steps toward love.

Each step is like a candle burning in the night. It does not take the darkness away, but it guides us through the darkness. When we look back after many small steps of love, we will discover that we have made a long and beautiful journey.

from Henri Nouwen's Online devotional June 15, 2010 http://tiny.cc/h1hwd

So share an unhurried smile, handshake, a helpful hand, a financial contribution, a phone call...and contribute a long, beautiful journey of light in a world of darkness!

Join the Unhurried Revolution!

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Living Unhurried #60

I heard this suggested as a transformation exercise at church last Sat night and thought it'd be a great "unhurried" exercise as well.

What is a Biblical Promise that resounds with your heart? Read or recite that promise before bedtime every night this week. And if you're really courageous, pray for an opportunity to share it with someone else. Be on the lookout!

Don't have one - try one of these (put your cursor over it to get the verse)

• Heb 13:5
• Rom 8: 1
• Rom 8:31-35; 38-39
• Deut 33:12

What's a promise you cling to?

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Living Unhurried #59

My nephews' and niece's father (not my brother who is married to their mom) died unexpectedly and tragically this past week. Sadly, none of them ever really got to say what they felt and there was unresolved issues left unreconciled. None of us know what today might bring, so please take 5-10 minutes today to dial up or sit across from a friend, a spouse, your kids, or someone you admire, or perhaps even someone with whom you are estranged, and tell them why they matter. Tell them what they add to your life. Tell them you're grateful. You will not regret such unhurried courage...

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Living Unhurried #58

Take 10 minutes at the end of your day to ponder (perhaps even journal) these three questions -

• What has surprised me? (about life, myself, God, others...)
• What has touched me? (where did I feel the greatest emotional connectiveness today?)
• What/Who has inspired me and how do I want to respond to this inspiration?

Find someone else to reflect on these questions with you - and then once a week take some unhurried moments to discuss these (mostly by listening) with your spouse, children, housemates, or friends. Help the one you're listening to to "overhear" what's going on even deeper in their hearts/lives.

Consider adding this to your "Gratitude Journal" every day for a week. What are you learning about yourself? God? Others?

Join the Unhurried Revolution!

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Living Unhurried #57

What can you do everyday to find health and happiness that costs you absolutely nothing?

Be grateful.

Research shows that grateful people, among other things, can boost their immune system, are more likely to attain personal goals, can be more empathetic, and place less importance on material goods and possessions.(http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/labs/emmons/)

By focusing on 3-5 things per day that you are grateful for (health, relationships, having a roof over your head etc.) can boost your health and enjoyment of life. To increase that even more, try sharing what you are grateful for with someone else.

The real challenge might be finding things to be grateful for when you are stuck in traffic or about ready to lose your job or are fighting an illness. In these moments, however, what we truly value seem to rise to the surface.

Today as you are driving home from work or doing errands, think of 3-5 things you are grateful for. Maybe even buy a little notepad to keep in your car to keep a record of gratitude. (naturally don't write it while you are driving - but maybe before you step out of the car to meet your family or friends). OR at the dinner table, share with one another what you are grateful for.

Feel free to leave a few of your thanksgivings in the comments ...

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Living Unhurried #56

How ironic - I got cut off in traffic by a guy whose bumper sticker says,

But in turning the phrase into a true Living Unhurried moment, what might you do today to practice unhurried kindness...

• let someone go ahead of you in line;
• hold the door for an entire group of senior citizens entering the store;
• help carry some groceries for your neighbor;
• pick up a bag of groceries for a friend who is struggling financially
• bring a flower to your bank teller;
• write a note of thanks to someone who has blessed you this week;
• complement a co-worker by sharing how they impact (positively) your life
• Smile at the person who just cut you off in traffic - maybe even pray peace for their life.

Keep your eyes pealed for "little" opportunities to impart blessing!

You get the idea - what did you do?

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Living Unhurried #55

Think faster is better?

If someone offered you a million dollars or a penny doubled every day for 31 days, which would you take?

A million would be nice, right?
But would you prefer over $1 billion? ($1,073,741,824 to be exact)

Sometimes the little changes and choices made every day to live more unhurriedly, more lovingly, more healthfully and alive to what is in front of you add up. So today, you needn't do something BIG to be unhurried - maybe a few deep breaths at the top of each hour saying "Thank you" to the One who has given you breath.

Revisit the Living Unhurried tips thus far...what one little thing might you do over the next few days that will multiply your ability to be fully present and enjoying the life God's given?

Join the Unhurried Revolution!

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