Deep Breath

There are many ways God speaks to us, but our bodies, which He created and called "good" is one of those ways. And yet, we often ignore the signals our bodies give us. Our body is where the Spirit resides (I Corinthians 6:19). As Barbara Brown Taylor says, "....trust the body to enlighten the soul." What if we stop to ask what God is trying to tell us through our body's signals and functions? Quotes from: Eugene Peterson, Barbara Brown Taylor, Celeste Snowber Schroeder (Embodied Prayer), Tara Owens, and Jan Richardson (The Sanctuary of Women).For more information on integrative spiritual practices, go to breatheandbe.net.

It is with sadness that we announce this is our final "official" Deep Breath episode (although there may be some announcements here and even a meditation or lectio divina from time to time). In this final episode you'll hear: A message from Lexie Why we've decided to discontinue new episodes and what is next An encouragement to practice the disciplines in community Some reflection questions and a blessing Thank you! Thank you to all our faithfulness listeners, and even those who jumped in from time to time. We have had an absolute blast doing this podcast since March 2020! All the episodes will stay here indefinitely as a library of spiritual practices. We hope you enjoy them. Books referenced: Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith, by Henri Nouwen Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest, by Ruth Haley Barton --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle-tornetta/message

This is #3 in the Joy Summer Trilogy and again, Lisa Ostreim joins the podcast to chat about the true meaning of joy, where it originates and this idea of fueling your joy when it seems dormant. Is it possible to feel joy without Christ? We share some practical ways to travel that "on ramp" back to joy if you're feeling you've lost it. Quotes and definition of happiness and joy from Anne Robertson appeared in Brene Brown's book, Atlas of the Heart. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle-tornetta/message

Here's #2 in our Joy Summer Trilogy. This week Lisa Ostreim interviews Michelle about where she finds joy, even in trials. How does she recover her joy? This interview is both practical and relatable. Leave a voicemail for us and tell us where you've been finding joy recently and your voice will be in #3 of the Trilogy next week! (See the link below) Scripture referenced: Ecclesiastes 5:19-20b and 8:15 in The Message version. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle-tornetta/message

This is the first episode in the Joy Summer Trilogy. This first episode covers Joy vs. Happiness. What's the difference? Is joy connected to pain or sadness? It's not easy to define joy. Here's just a few thoughts, particularly from the saints that have gone before us. Coming up in the Joy series: Lisa interviews Michelle regarding joy in her life and we hear from you, our listeners about where you are finding joy. Scroll to the link to leave a voicemail and let us know your name and where you're finding joy these days. Book reference: Freedom of Simplicity by Richard J. Foster --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle-tornetta/message

Summer is in full swing in the Pacific Northwest. Wondering if you find yourself scrambling to fit it all in, including some rest and play, but finding yourself exhausted and empty at the end. Is it possible to create a rhythm for our summer that takes into account our work, our season of life, our need for play and rest, and our desire to connect with God? I'll share some examples and walk you through some reflection questions to help you create you learn from past summers and tune in to your desires and longings for this year. It might be just a small new practice or an experience or event you add to your summer, but the goal would be to end the summer flourishing and alive. Here's a freebie: the prayer of examen: https://breatheandbe.net/store/ols/products/the-prayer-of-examen For more on the subject of rhythms and summer, listen to: #56 What do you want to wear yourself out with (and for whom)? #88 Summer: Identify Your Season #120 Days of Permission Please leave us a voice message and tell us: What is sparking joy for you right now? We will include these in an upcoming trilogy on Joy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle-tornetta/message

So much in this episode: God and time, the evolution of clocks, slowness, and the gifts those with disabilities bring us. Amazingly, these subjects all flow together and cause us to take a challenging look at the way we view both time and those with disabilities. After all, we will all grow into disability as time moves on. It's only a matter of time. Discover what role the Benedictine monks had to play in invention of the clock. How can we become friends of time and embrace slowness and a pace that is new to us? The episode is based largely on the book, Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship by John Swinton. The author references his information on the clock and time from the book, Time Wars: The Primary Conflict in Human History by Jeremy Rifkin. Closing prayer from A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie, updated and revised by Susanna Wright. More episodes on time: #79 Wasting Time With God #125 Shorter Days: A Gift of Rest Locate the Message button on your listening platform to leave us a voicemail for our upcoming episodes on JOY! Just your name, and where you listen from, and what is sparking joy in your life right now. Thank you in advance for sharing what brings joy with us and for passing this episode on to someone who might enjoy it. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle-tornetta/message

A short lectio divina and reflective meditation for when you feel dry and thirst for more of God. Where are those places that feel dry? This reading will be from Psalm 63:1-8. Other verses that are great for those dry times are: Psalms 42:2, Psalms 107:9, Psalms 143:6. Grab a quiet place and maybe a journal and sit and drench your Spirit in God's Word and His presence. Book reference and episode inspired by: In the Sanctuary of Women by Jan L. Richardson --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle-tornetta/message

We play games with the diets we've tried over the years. There are ways to cheat and checklists to keep. This episode is about how NOT to do the same thing with your spiritual life. This is for the "doers" out there who feel they don't quite measure up unless they do more. Those who don't feel enough. What if there's another way to look at it? What if all our mundane and simple daily activities are really sacred and important to God? Does He loves me as I am and can I see myself as worthy of love the way I am, without adding on any "activities" or "doing"? This episode entertains these questions and more. The title of this episode could have been: Am I Enough? or Is it Really Being versus Doing? or Your Simple Life is Sacred. Michelle shares many thoughts and questions she's been pondering lately with the hope that you'll be encouraged. Book quoted: Psalms Redux: Poems and Prayers, by Carla A. Grosch-Miller

What is meant by Praying the Psalms? How do you actually do it? How can this practice awaken your prayer life? Sometimes we don't have words to pray, but saints throughout the years, including Jesus, have been praying the words of the Psalms. They give us language when we have none. Here's four ways to pray the Psalms and then Psalm 27 is read over you. We hope this episode helps you "try on" a new practice. Books mentioned: Praying the Psalms by Thomas Merton Episodes mentioned: Episode # 140 with Elizabeth Peterson, Episode #145 with Lisa Keosababian, both spiritual directors

It's Spring in the northwest and there's plenty to smell, touch, taste, hear and see. I'll walk you through a short meditation to help wake up all your senses, leaving you feeling fully alive and alert. To get the full experience, here's some tips: * You might want to grab something that delights your tastebuds and something that smells good * If possible be outside barefoot in the grass, or inside near an open window with something soft in your hands The final blessing is from Psalms Redux by Carla A. Grosch-Miller Email us at deepbreath54321@gmail.com and let us know why you listen to Deep Breath Podcast and what your biggest take away is from the episodes you have heard. We've got a special project going and we'd love your feedback. Thank you for listening and sharing the episodes with your friends.

Today's episode is a very short blessing/prayer for all women, no matter where you find yourself today. Henri Nouwen says, "The blessings that we give to each other are expressions of the blessing that rests on us from all eternity. It is the deepest affirmation of our true self." There have been more moments in our life when we've been cursed in our life than blessed. I'd like to change that and fill the world with more blessings. My encouragement to you is to bless others as well. Leaning on Henri's words again, "And people want to be blessed! The voice that calls us the Beloved will give us words to bless others and reveal to them that they are no less blessed than we." What an honor to bless others in small ways as we go about our days. May you be inspired by this blessing to bless those in your life, both strangers and friends. Would you do us a favor and hit the "share" button and pass this on to a friend who needs a blessing today. The transcript of the Blessing for Women is located on the blog at: www.breatheandbe.net Book reference: Life of the Beloved, by Henri Nouwen Blessing written by: Michelle Tornetta Bible reference: Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

Maybe you've been having a lot of conversations with friends about aging, as I have. I'll share with you some thoughts and revelations I've had as I ponder getting older. And I'll also share some thoughts from authors I've been reading. Finally, I was pleasantly surprised at the wonderful spiritual practices that can be so helpful to consider as we get older. I think you'll be encouraged by the gifts I've uncovered in my search for purpose in the "second half of life". If you're a "young one", then please pass this episode on to someone who is older for their encouragement. Books mentioned: Falling Upward, by Richard Rohr Other Deep Breath episodes on aging and the practices mentioned: #102: The 3 S's: Silence, Solitude & Stillness #110: Second Half of Life #89: Fall: Identify Your Season

Spiritual direction is just one of the practices that foster attentiveness to the movements of the Spirit in your life. The word "direction" can cause misconceptions. Lisa helps clear that up and shares how spiritual direction can be a place for you to bring all the big and little stuff and sift it in the presence of God with a companion. In this episode we talk about the unique dialect of our soul and other practices that foster attentiveness. And surprise, we talk about birds! “Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.” - Frederick Buechner Lisa Keosababian is a spiritual director with a Certificate in Spiritual Direction and a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation from Portland Seminary. She is accepting directees, both in person in Woodinville, WA, or on Zoom. Contact Lisa through her website: spiritualdirectionwithlisa.com Book Reference: Opening to God, by David G. Benner Other episodes on Spiritual Direction: #140 Holding Sacred Space w/Elizabeth Peterson #98 A Unique Group Experience (about group spiritual direction) #23 Spiritual Direction (or Companionship)

Whether you automatically resist new habits or goal setting or you are a chart-your-progress-person, this episode will inspire you to look at your habits and intentions from a place of love and grace. Why do we often resist goals and trying new things? And what happens when we fail or fall of the tracks? Can this idea of mini habits apply to our spiritual practices and desires? In this episode with health coach and instructor, Lisa Ostreim, you'll learn the science behind setting mini habits and the beauty of approaching these habits, even our spiritual practices, from a place of perfect love and acceptance. Lisa is a certified health coach and a certified Revelation Wellness instructor (www.revelationwellness.org). You can find her at www.empoweringhealthcoach.com and on Instagram at empowering_health. She holds classes, group coaching and studies in person in Washington and online. email: lostreim@gmail.com Books and Podcast Episodes mentioned: * Mini Habits for Weight Loss - by Stephen Guise Deep Breath episodes: * #92 Soul Care in Bite Sizes * Episodes on Centering Prayer - #20 and #78 * #28 What is a Spiritual Practice?

This is a special interview with LaFaye Tapper on some very practical topics that involve integrating our biological, social, psychological (emotion, mind, will) parts as a holistic being and a path for healing. What practices are helpful in this holistic journey? Where does our spirituality fit in with all these parts of our being? You'll thoroughly enjoy LaFaye's down-to-earth illustrations and wisdom. LaFaye is a licensed mental health counselor, specializing in anxiety, life transitions and grief. Her faith informs her practice, as does her more than 37 years of experience in Christian ministry. She recently became a neuroscience informed clinician. To find LaFaye Tapper, go to Psychologytoday.com and type in LaFaye Tapper. Also listen to Episode #139, Slow to Listen Books mentioned: The Listening Life - Adam S. McHugh Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes - William Bridges, PhD

Michelle interviews Stacy LeBrun of Rooted in Love Yoga about all things yoga. We talk about making yoga accessible to everyone, with freedom to explore. Our conversation covers yoga as self care, embodied worship and prayer, and moving emotion through your body. Over half of Stacy's classes are in rehab or trauma centers, so she approaches her classes with the idea of building strength (not only physically), becoming curious, and finding rest. Both movement and stillness are helpful - in yoga, when connecting with God, and in order to grow spiritually. Stacy Lebrun: rootedinloveyoga.com Stacy is a 500RYT and a 200 ERYT with over 1600 hours of teaching. In addition, she is trained and certified in Nidra, Meditation, Myofascial Release (MFR), and Yin. Recently she became certified as a Wellness, Health and Nutrition coach.

Today's practice involves your body, your breath, prayer and letting go. The body is a true member of our spiritual journey. Your body is a sacred space where communion with God can take place. If you've been holding your breath, collecting tension in your body, trying to fix and control things around you, then I invite you to bring your entire self to this practice and rest "in the fortress of His love" (Psalm 31:3). Book referenced: Embodied Prayer: Harmonizing Body and Soul by Celeste Snowber Schroeder

We know our listeners will enjoy this interview with Elizabeth Peterson of Commune Soul Care. Elizabeth is both a spiritual director and a yoga instructor. Naturally, the interview covers a lot of spiritual practices, but the way she describes holding sacred space for others by marrying spiritual direction and yoga together is quite unique. As icing on the cake, at the end of this episode, Elizabeth reads a precious Psalm for us from Psalms Redux (by Carla A. Grosch-Miller). Find Elizabeth and explore her yoga, retreats and spiritual direction at: https://communesoulcare.com IG: commune.soulcare

To be truly listened to is a gift of hospitality for your soul. Our conversation on listening revolves around this idea that to be truly present and listen means we may have to slow down and set aside our own agenda for the conversation. Inspired by the book, The Listening Life (by Adam S. McHugh), we review what kinds of listening may not be so helpful and contrast that with the idea of being fully present to another. "To be present to you means that I must be prepared, temporarily, to be absent to me." - Sacred Companions by David G. Benner

It's about halfway thru Lent and we're checking-in with how things are going. Reframing Lent as 'creating space for God' has had a deep impact on why and how we are (or are not!) practicing a 40 day fast. Through wondering, "what is my motivation?", we have been discovering different ways to observe this season of reflection. Listen to our interviews with K.C. Ireton "Lent: Creating Space for God" & "Insights to Understanding Lent" Get her book!: "The Circle of Seasons: Meeting God in the Church Year" https://a.co/d/auQfU4qLent: Creating Space for God

P.I.E.S. is personal check-in method to notice and name how your really doing at any given moment. It's a short practice you can do at any time and one you may find you want to do on a regular basis. In this episode, we invite you to try-it-on as Lexie guides you through the question: how am I doing Physically Intellectually Emotionally and Spiritually. Listen to our last episode for a more indepth conversation about P.I.E.S.: "How Am I Doing Right Now.... for real? " S4 E136

It can be hard to recognize how you're REALLY doing. And there are so many reasons we choose to ignore how we're showing up. But if we practice with bravery, then naming how we're doing (on all levels) it is empowering. P.I.E.S. is a way to invite the question (and get the real answers) to: "how am I doing... for real?" Listen in to learn more!

We continue our conversation with Kimberlee (KC Ireton) about Lent. In this episode she answers questions about the history and origins of this church season leading up to Easter. Her knowledge is enlightening and we're excited to share these insights with you! We encourage you to learn more from her book: "The Circle of Seasons: Meeting God in the Church Year"The Circle of Seasons: Meeting God in the Church Year https://a.co/d/auQfU4q; read her fiction novels on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kcireton; sign up for her free newsletter: https://kcireton.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e6a8e3ff948d1844d9a8941e2&id=09a4aa3043

Bonus episode - a guided Lectio Divina from Psalm 103:8-14 Listen with the ear of your heart - pray & reflect. Perhaps journal too. The ashes of Ash Wednesday are symbolic of repentance. To repent simply means to return, or turn back to God. Turn to God: orient heart, mind, & life to the Holy One. Reflect, return, rest. 3 Recorded reflections are only $10: www.breatheandbe.net/store

Do you celebrate the Lenton Season? Do you have questions about what it is and why you might observe Lent? Is your understanding limited to thinking of these 40 days as sacrifice and repentance? We interview someone K.C. Ireton, who has a superb grasp on the implications of this special time within the Church Year. She frames Lent in such a way that both excites and inspires us to participate in "creating space for God". K.C. Ireton is the author of The Circle of Seasons: Meeting God in the Church Year, as well as a novelist, essayist, and sometime poet. Her most recent novel, This Gladsome Light, is a romantic comedy and is available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kcireton/posts You can find her online and subscribe to her (free) email newsletter: kcireton.com

In this episode we interview an amazing lady, Marie Fulmer. Marie is the woman behind the camera of our lovely new photos, she is someone we admire, and we really think you'll want to hear about what's she's up to. As a single mom she's been on the receiving end of good things: support, compassion, and gifts. But Marie experienced a gap that was relational, communal, and in being understood. So this creative caregiver formed a special group to fill in what had been missing! Strong Like Mom is now a thriving (and growing) dynamic bunch of single moms who support each other AND the community around them. We want you to hear all about what this group is, where they're headed next, and how you can join in this impactful work. Support, connect, join Marie: curleemarie@yahoo.com IG: https://instagram.com/mariefulmerphotography?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y FB: https://www.facebook.com/curleemarie?mibextid=ZbWKwL

We have mentioned this practice before. We've led you through this practice in past episodes. Yet we've not chatted about what it is and why we love it. It is one of our favorite ways to tune into the activity of God in our lives. The questions guide our awareness, highlighting where the Spirit of God is active in our daily life; mind, body, and soul. Listen in to our conversation about The Examen AND try-it-on by getting our FREE compilation of Examen questions pfd: www.breatheandbe.net/podcast;  our Honeycomb Journals 11+ with Examen: honeycombjournal.com;  Re-listen: "Exploring the Examen" S1 E27;  Book mentioned: "Spiritual Rhythms for the Ennegram" by Calhoun & Loughrige

We interview Trisha Wilkerson, a health & wellness coach and certified nutritionist. Her approach is a mindset-challenge for us, one we wholeheartedly welcome! We talk body image, dieting, and anxiety around food all in the context of self-acceptance. Can we relearn what it means to nourish ourselves? It's a wonderful conversation that we found enlightening and edifying. Connect with Trisha: https://instagram.com/trisharwilkerson?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Do you enjoy silence? Is total quiet uncomfortable for you? If God's first language is silence then learning the language will foster our union, deepen our awareness, and hone our ability to listen for to the ever-present presence. If we begin with small and gentle ways to eliminate external noise, we'll notice what rises up (or falls away) internally. Absolute silence may eventually become something we crave! Listen: "The 3 S's: Silence, Silliness, & Solitude" S3 E102 Read Michelle's blog "Is Silence Scary": www.breatheandbe.net Suggeted book: "Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence", by Ruth Haley Barton

Welcome to Season 4 of Deep Breath! We anticipate an exciting 2023. One of the ways we like to look ahead with intention to a new year is to seek God for a "word for the year". The way we might ask, discover and recieve a personal word can vary. However, the purpose of the practice is like any other spiritual discipline: to be attentive to the presence of God. Listen: "Anchors, Rituals, & Reflection Questions for the New Year" S3 E82

A quick message to let you know what's new in 2023. New FB: https://www.facebook.com/DeepBreathPodcast

This is just a quick message to say Merry Christmas to you all! We are looking towards 2023 and Season 4 with anticipation and excitement! Until then, keep in touch with us through IG and FB. And purchase The Arrival at www.breatheandbe.net/store

We have officially wrapped up Season 3 and we'll be taking a few weeks off for the holidays. But! We really wanted to leave you with an episode about the season of Advent. We chat a bit about what Advent is and then we explore several possible practices you could apply to anticipating the coming of the Christ. Books mentioned: "Honest Advent", by Scott Erickson; "Advent Reflections", by Ruth Haley Barton; "Shadow & Light", by Tsh Oxenreider; "The Season Nativity", by Sybil MacBeth. Get our 4 audio reflections on Advent called "The Arrival" at www.breatheandbe.net/store

Here's a simple but charming blessing for you with Thanksgiving Day in mind. Sit back, take a few gentle breaths, and let these words be spoken over you and to you personally. Happy Thanksgiving, friends! Poem: "My Words Can't Carry All the Praise", by Ted Loder

Just like every other milestone, we are astonished to say: we've reached the end of season 3!! Three seasons of podcasting?! We are almost speechless, almost. So, here's a wrap up of all kinds of stuff we loved and accomplished in Season 3. Get your Freebies: www.breatheandbe.net/store

As we sink deeper into autumn, with less daylight to enjoy, are you noticing any effects on your circadian rhythm (your internal clock)? Do you sense any resistance to flowing with rhythm of nature? Often there are fewer activity choices in late fall and winter. Therefore, we are wondering: how might we embrace this season of long dark nights and what personalized gifts does it hold?

The practice of Praying the Hours has been around since the dawn of the Christian church, and its roots are in ancient Jewish traditions. The Psalmists often referred to the different times of day that people would commune with God; "I will praise you seven times a day because all your regulations are just." Psalms 119:164 NLT  If your current daily life-style does not allow for all 7 pauses, not to worry! Listen in to how Michelle & Lexie are implementing these moments to take a breather and remember God.  Further Reading: "Seven Sacred Pauses", by Macrina Wiederkehr.  Listen to: "Centering Prayer" S1 E20 at: breatheandbe.net/podcast

Creating margin in your life means leaving SPACE in your days and in your schedule. Margin is a buffer for the unplanned and unexpected. Having margin gives you a chance to say "yes". Not having blank spaces in your life can lead to exceeding your resources of time and energy. We think margin is an indispensable practice in caring for your soul. Get Michelle's video on "4 Ways to Create Margin in Your Life": www.breatheandbe.net

Surprise, surprise we love to talk about the breath around here! Today's episode we take the physiology angle. Our hope is to give you more information on how the breath effects the body and mind, and how the two are connected. Also, join us in breath work as we guide you through a simple exercise. Cheers to engaging our parasympathetic system! Listen again: E94 & 45

This week we chat about stretching; literally and figuratively. As yogis and yoga instructors, we recognize and honor the body when it communicates pain or discomfort. And noticing the difference between pain and discomfort is key. Sometimes (somedays) a posture may cause stretching sensation but no harm is being done. We suggest it is the same in a spiritual sense. Sometimes (somedays, some seasons) we are stretched in our spirit and a natural response may be to shy away, resist, or back off. But choosing to lean into the stretch can manifest growth, transformation, healing, and renewal in ways that can only come from staying in the discomfort.

What is a Day of Permission? How is it different from a regular day off? And what distinguishes it from Sabbath? We think that the key word is "permission"; to do and to NOT do. The list will be different for everyone, and may be different each time you institute this practice. Listen in for more descriptions of what it is and why we regularly earmark this specific kind of pause from our usual routines. And, hear us offer to YOU to try-on a Day of Permission.

Let's try-on a mindfulness practice together! In this episode Lexie guides you through a breathing exercise and then invites you to remain in the present moment with a question and a prayer. Stillness is not required for this practice, it actually might be a great time to try out mindfulness while you are active! Listen to: "Mindfulness" S3 E116

You may have heard of them, you might have noticed we mention them, now we're going to have a whole episode about them: Morning Pages! What they are and how they different from other forms of journaling. Listen to: "A Life Changing Book" S2 E54; Books referenced by Julia Cameron: The Artist's Way & The Listening Path

Have you ever considered caring for your body as a spiritual practice? Do you ever feel like the body is the center of attention with diet trends & society's expectations, but as a spiritual being it is relegated to last priority? From the desire to connect with God we often focus on the spirit & soul and leave the body out of the mix. We are not experts and we are not giving out advice. What we are suggesting is that the body shouldn't be left out of the equation when it comes to relating to God. Beginning with the simple practice of noticing, you may find yourself stronger & healthier in spirit & body! Blessing from: 3 John 1:2 NLT; Listen to: "Yoga" S1 E13, "Listen to Your Body" S3 E91

All major religions practice forms of mindfulness. This week we discuss what mindfulness could look like for those of us that believe in a God that is always present and Who is loving & compassionate. We define mindfulness as: a way of being; a state of choosing to be conscious of mind & heart moment-to-moment; awareness of thoughts, feelings, responses, reactions, & attachments; AND being awake to the fact that God is present in your personal reality. When life gets rough, throws a curve ball, or solid ground is elusive - mindfulness can ground you, center you, and above all - connect you to the Divine. Check out: "Mindful Silence", by Phileena Heuertz

We continue our chat about the "Second Half of Life". Many of you resonated with the topic so we wanted to keep delving into this important time in our lives. Specifically in this episode we wanted to discuss The Church. Maybe you've found it hard to connect in the ways you use to? Perhaps you've felt let you down or dissolutionment toward The Church? You are not alone! Let's talk about how this is can be a 'normal life cycle' and what God has for you in this season of life. Listen in: "Second Half of Life" S3 E110. Referenced: Dr. J. Robert Clinton's research; "The Interior Castle", by St. Teresa of Avila; "Long Obedience in the Same Direction", by Eugene Peterson

We find ourselves in between summer and fall. How about we feel what we feel? If you're like us, it's bittersweet! Can we stay present while we plan ahead? We'd like to savor the season we're in. What kind of spiritual practices might aid this goal? Listen in to hear our thoughts and wondering. Re-listen: S2 E72 Blessing from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NLT

Have you ever felt the need to have someone in your court, someone to have your back? Feeling misjudged, taken advantage of, wronged, or misunderstood? This meditation and blessing is for you. Allow these verses to be read over you and sink deep in to your spirit. In these verses, be encouraged that God is your Champion and your Hero. The final blessing is adapted from "Blessing Your Spirit" by Arthur Burk and Sylvia Gunter.  Scripture references: Exodus 17:11-15 Zechariah 9:9 (The Voice) Isaiah 54:17 (The Voice) Isaiah 42:16 (The Message) Isaiah 51:5,6 (The Voice) Isaiah 49:26 (The Voice) Isaiah 43:1-4 (The Message) Isaiah 41:10-14 (The Voice) Jeremiah 1:9 (The Voice)

We have talked about the situational practice called the Welcoming Prayer before (S2 E37) In this episode we practice this practice together. Try-on this short but powerful way to consent to the actions and presences of God within. Get your free guide and copy of the Welcoming Prayer: www.breatheandbe.com

We have talked about doodle prayers and doodling with scripture before. But this episode is special! We briefly go over what this method of meditating on scripture is about. And then we actually walk you through the practice. We even recorded a video of it and put it on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/eKDHLJMENEU You can order our Honeycomb Journals, as shown in the YouTube video, at: www.honeycombjournal.com