I haven't posted since last month's Bamboo Encounter post. I had great intentions of posting my sermons like I did in my first appointment, but that hasn't happened yet. I seem to only be able to get a Bamboo Encounter post done and that is only once a month. I have missed my spiritual practice of writing.
So, what does one write about when it has been so long and so much has happened? Should one note that they have missed their blogging anniversary for a 2nd year in a row? No, that's not necessary to note. For the first 7 years, I kept up with that, with the countries, the statistics, and wrote a summary post near or on the anniversary. But I missed last year and it has already slipped by this year. But, maybe I will be more intentional for next year, as that will be year 10.
Do I post 2 and a half months of sermons in one blog? I don't think so. YIKES. That would be way too much reading and listening for even the most dedicated disciple. I may try to post a sermon here and there in the future.
I think what I will share in this post are the 7 books I posted during a book challenge to post spiritual directions books that influenced me.
Though I am not (yet) a spiritual director (officially), I have been in spiritual direction for 10 years and have read books on the practice. I have been surrounded by spiritual directors and knew that one day the time would come to do a certificate program in spiritual direction so that I could grow in my listening skills and learn more officially about the practice.
Last month I applied to the fall 2020
Columbia Theological Seminary's Spiritual Direction program. I learned this past week that I have been accepted. I'm looking forward to this time of learning.
I've met one of the faculty members in person-- Jane Vennard. She was the speaker at the last
FUMSDRL/HOF retreat we had in summer 2018. It was there that I learned about their program having some openings for the fall 2018 cohort, but the timing wasn't right for me.
I also am familiar with Jim Dant. I've read his book and we've corresponded via email.
I look forward to learning from both of them and from the other faculty.
I imagine I'll be reading quite a bit of new material starting in September 2020. I've noted the books that friends say were meaningful and helpful to them in their spiritual direction.
Here are the books that I posted during the challenge:
Mulholland's Invitation to a Journey also impacted me, but I decided to share this one. My conversations with him and his wife at the 2 Year Academy also played a role in my formation.
I have other books on my shelves and seeing what others posted allowed my list to grow even more. I either missed one of the books I posted or I didn't post 7. Oh, well.
As the sun begins to set and the breezes gently blow, it's time to call it a night anyway. It's time to stop writing about listening and do it.
Peace on the journey,
Debra
