I'm back from my second SOULfeast at Lake Junaluska, NC. I first went to SOULfeast in 2010. That summer and fall were packed with some major mile markers in my life. Much has transpired in the three years since I have been to SOULfeast. To look back and see how God was working then, to see how God worked through many situations and people, and to see where I am now is a tad mind-blowing for me. Interestingly (or ironically), even with all the movement in my life, I still don't know the end-all where I'm going. BUT, there is a difference in my life now than three years ago. I'm much more calm in that unknowing (most of the time) and I can live into with more acceptance and ease. I attempt to live it step by step, as each one is revealed. I did three years ago too, but there was an urgency in my spirit that was pushing me. For me, part of this SOULfeast was reflecting back on my last SOULfeast and the past three years. ☺
Trevor Hudson was the main speaker, speaking at opening worship, the plenary sessions, and closing worship. I have never heard Trevor Hudson speak. I haven't read his books, though I did buy The Cycle of Grace this past January that he and Jerry Haas co-wrote and I have skimmed it. Another one of his books caught my attention in the fall of 2010 at a 5 day Academy I attended because of the hiking boots on the cover: A Mile in My Shoes: Cultivating Compassion. My husband picked it up at the Lake Junaluska bookstore and is currently reading it, so I'll get to read it eventually! ☺ Trevor was an incredible speaker! Engaging, authentic, humble, transparent, vulnerable. He spoke the truth-- hard core, yet in love, teaching and challenging. Each session there was something to sink my teeth into, to chew on (reflect upon) and to apply to my life journey.
During each worship time, there was an artist from Iowa, Steve Braudt, who drew with chalk throughout the singing, speaking, etc. That was powerful to watch-- his worship expressed in art. And, the results were always beautiful expressions of art that reflected the worship. A gift that helps him worship, but that also gives to so many others. [Check out The Art Project website here. There are links about art as a spiritual discipline, etc.]
The altars were changed out for each worship time. Altars and banners bring beauty and meaning into the worship space.
There were quiet spaces set up around for quiet time and reflection with instructions: Walk The Rosary (using the rose path), Labyrinth, Sitting at the Feet of Jesus, Joy of Coloring... I may have missed some and may not have the names exactly correct, but you get the idea.
SOULfeast offers wonderful choices for morning and afternoon workshops. The morning workshop is designed as a 3 day consecutive time, while the afternoon workshops are individual. There is not enough time to be able to do all the great choices offered. That is a wonderful problem.
This year I chose the Joining God's Mission II for my morning workshop. For the afternoon workshops, I went to Holy Listening: A Circle of Trust and an e-learning session with folks from both the Upper Room (Sharon Conley) and BeADisciple.com (Steve Wilke). All workshops were helpful, provided me with information, allowed me to meet and interact with new folks, etc. Good stuff!
I got to reconnect with folks I hadn't seen in a while (from my 5 day Academy, past SOULfeast, etc.) and connect with folks I had only met thus far in the virtual world. In an afternoon workshop, I recognized the name of one person (Ann Smith) I had met through her blog (Out of My Heart) that my cousin in Spain had sent me. [He had sent me a specific post, "Lines" back in May.] We ended up having the opportunity to talk at the end of that workshop and saw each other at other times during the week. That was neat. Small world. ☺ I also met new folks in the workshops and through the Academy dinner meeting and the Hearts on Fire luncheon.
I'm still processing (and will be processing) all that I heard and learned this past week. I have notes and pictures. Just as I had three years ago, I also have some affirmations and rumblings (or guidance) in my own journey.... I say "rumblings" because they are there, but not coming to the surface as clear as I would like them too. But, that might be my fault. Honestly, I may not truly want to live into the truth I see and hear. Why would I say that? Because I see and hear it, but I don't understand what it means. So, I have to let it sit longer and allow the Ultimate Guide, God the Creator, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit reveal to me what it means and how it is supposed to be lived out. The image of guiding others through and out of the wilderness was once again affirmed this past week as one of the speakers, Vance Ross, was sharing about his brother coming to get him out of the woods. I need (or I think I need) more time to reflect upon the image and what it means for me. I don't think (or feel) that the time is right for me to step into living it, whatever living it means... but that could be fear of unknown or many other things. So, I will ask for clarity and guidance and see what happens.
Meanwhile, there is much life waiting on me.... groceries that need to be bought, a trombone that needs to be serviced, school supplies that are waiting to be bought, a class I teach starting next week that needs to be cleared out and readied, some other things and responsibilities that need to be covered.
Living the inward/outward journey isn't easy. It requires flexibility. It keeps me humble. I cannot do it on my own. SOULfeast has helped to feed my soul, to strengthen my heart and mind.... now to live out what I've been learning in the community (communities) where God has placed me.
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
P.S. Mark your calendars: SOULfeast 2014 dates are July 13-17.
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