Monday, February 28, 2011

Before we begin...

Whether you have been directed to this blog or have stumbled across its pages, I want to welcome you here.

This "intentional month" is loosely based on Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises. It is a combination of Scripture, readings, videos, and music, chosen specifically to direct your thoughts toward God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. As you walk through each day's chosen works, you will be asked to do some serious reflection.

Each "day" is listed with a number, linked on the right hand of the page. If you are intent on pursing an exact 28 days of practice, you are more than welcome to do so. If you require more flexibility, or find the content to be too thick to pursue in just 28 days, you are welcome to vary the proposed time: the emphasis is placed on following the 28 days sequentially, not necessarily promptly.

In following this practice for 28 days, I want to highlight the act of connecting twice a day to the post you are reading: once in the morning, once in the evening. Read through the post, watch the videos, listen to the music both times. Separate response questions are listed for both morning and evening most days.

Some thoughts and tips on using this blog for spiritual exercise or discipline:

1. As you prepare each day to sit and read the daily post, ensure you have adequate time set aside to make the most of what these postings have to offer. Rushing through will only hinder your growth.

2. I would recommend turning off all additional devices (phone, tv, background music): remove the distractions.

3. Bring with you your Bible and a Journal and pen. You are encouraged to respond to the questions listed in writing. This is between you and God: we are not asking you to share your responses with us. Again this is for your benefit.

4. At the end of most posts I have listed "morning questions" and "evening questions". Try to follow the practice of accessing the blog twice a day in order to walk through the morning questions as a beginning to your day, and the evening questions as a reflection on your day. They are designed in this manner.

As this is a new blog, hardly accessed, please feel free to contact me with comments and potential amendments as you believe would be beneficial for those using the blog. Thanks for your time. My prayer is that this will be a starting point for you. You may have been a believer for many years, you may be returning to the faith, or you may be a new Christian. Whatever the case, may this mark the start of a new season in your life.

With this in mind: