hot wings & Quakers
I’m sitting here eating hot wings in Sierra Vista AZ with some entertaining people from work (who are peaking over my shoulder), then sleeping for 3 hours, then driving 3 hours, then flying for 3 hours, then sitting in an airport for an hour, then flying some more, then getting a limo from the airport to my in-laws place, then going trick or treating with my little tinkerbell. It will be a good day.
This week was good. I had to come down to here to get a few things in order and it was a successful trip. I’m still on my audiobook kick. This week it is Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster. Pretty solid book by a Quaker. Discusses some fundamental habits that people who profess to be Christians should probably adopt. Being Quaker, he brings a new perspective to many things. I’m enjoying it.
One thing he talks about is the discipline of solitude. I don’t want to get too far into it other than to highlight a suggestion he gives. To retreat 4 times a year for a few hours for the purpose of assessing your goals. He goes on to say that we often overestimate our 1 year goal, but underestimate our 10 year goals. I’ll be thinking about that in my 3hr “solitude” while driving to phoenix tonight.
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Praying for a safe trip home for you! Enjoyed your videos this week and I’m sure that Olivia loved seeing Daddy’s face and hearing your voice while you were away. Your post about “blessed are those who mourn” has had me thinking and reading and praying… I may have something substantial to write on it later. I just heard a talk at MOPS today and one of the four steps in good decision making was goal-setting. The book you are listening sounds interesting. I’m so much more of a book on tape person these days… not much time for reading.
Hi Darren, I have been following your blog and praying for you all for quite some time…..I am just catching up and see you have been in my neck of the woods.
Hope you had a nice stay here in the wild west. I am in Tucson…so you passed through here on your way to Sierra Vista…
Have a safe trip home and give your princess a huge hug from all of us in AZ :)
Foster is an incredible writer. I love the calm his words bring to the soul, yet challenging at the same time. He’s gifted in that way, as are you… To bring peace and a greater challenge to us all. Another book you may enjoy is “Thoughts on Solitude” by Thomas Merton. A bit more philosophical, but short and provides a good framework for reflection. At various stages and events in my life, I have used it. I am so glad you will get to see your tinkerbell tonight. Go in peace, my friend. -Ryan
That is one of my favorite books. I have read it more than once and will probably read it again. Along the lines of that same subject, of solitude, Brennan Manning, talks often about it in many of his books. “Abba’s Child,” is probably John’s fav. Henri Nouwen is also really good. They are deep thinkers in love with Jesus.
Every little girl should dress up as Tinkerbell at least once!!!
Tinkerbell…. she SO looks like a little Tink. Can’t wait to see pictures! Hope you are having a blast. I am sure you missed her so much.
Tinker Bell! She is my favorite. Pics are a must! Hope you had a good time tonight.
Solitude, what a subject for the busy, overwhelming times of our lives. My birthday is in September. This year I chose for one of my gifts an hour alone which I took at the beach. No books, no music, just the sound of the waves and God. The ocean is truly lotion for the mind.I reflected, praised God for gifting me with another year, prayed for the year ahead, and for my parents for giving me LIFE. and a million other things because I had 60 WHOLE min. I recommend it to EVERYONE. Then, I hurried to Starbucks for a quick fix to knock me back into by over busy life.
Glad your back Darren! Love ya! Lavenia and Family