Life in the Word Archives • The Littlest Way

March 16, 2015 by Jenny

Daily Affirmations: Jesus Meek and Humble of Heart

After many years of believing lies about myself and then playing them on repeat in my mind, constantly saying them to and about myself, I came to a crisis point. I was mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically exhausted and something had to change. Thanks be to God He led me to a humble man who taught me my battle was not against flesh and blood but powers and principalities. (Ephesians 6:12) He showed me the weapons to use and taught me how to use them. The Word of God and daily affirmations were my primary weapons. My daily devotional, Divine Intimacy: Meditations on the Interior Life for Every Day of the Liturgical Year and my Lenten reading, Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives, have both been focused on humility this past week, so let’s look at one of my favorite prayers which can then be used as one of our daily affirmations–Jesus Meek and Humble of Heart…make my heart like unto Thine.

Daily Affirmations: Jesus Meek and Humble of Heart

In the scriptures, Matthew 11:29, Jesus calls us to learn of Him because He is meek and humble of heart…AND we will find rest for our souls. Cornelius a Lapide states, “Humility is the secret of peace. There is no rest for the mind, save in humility.”

So if one of our daily affirmation is something along the lines of, “I am peaceful” or “I am at peace,” we may need to take a couple of steps back before that affirmation can be effective in our lives. Not only is humility the secret of peace according to Cornelius a Lapide, Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica states in Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives, “He who is not obedient cannot attain humility.” Wow, there’s some unpacking to do.

And if the above thoughts were not deep and wide enough, here a few quotes from Divine Intimacy: Meditations on the Interior Life for Every Day of the Liturgical Year:

“Humility is to charity what the foundation is to a building.”

“Humility is the firm bedrock upon which every Christian should build the edifice of his spiritual life.”

“Humility forms the foundation of charity by emptying the soul of pride, arrogance, disordered love of self and one’s own excellence, and by replacing them with the love of God and our neighbor.”

“Humility deepens the soul’s capacity to receive the fullness of divine gifts.”

“Many souls would like to be humble but few desire humiliation.”

“To be true disciples of Jesus we must humble ourselves as He did.”

Again, wow. There is so much there to be considered. So let’s lay out what we have: obedience, humility, charity and peace. If I were trying to put this together as a puzzle, I would be staring at the box top right now, getting the final product–an image of the competed puzzle in my mind. According to the above quotes and scripture, PEACE is the end result, the final picture; that leaves us with obedience, humility and charity.

I don’t believe charity can exist fully unless a person possess or is at least striving for obedience and humility…so I would place CHARITY right before and next to PEACE. That leaves humility and obedience. So which comes first? Well, according to Elder Thaddeus, humility is a result of obedience…so obedience is the first piece of our puzzle, followed by humility then charity followed by peace.

Circling back to our prayer…”Jesus meek and humble of heart…make my heart like unto Thine,” begins by pondering the words of our Lord to the Egyptians mentioned in Jeremiah 7, “Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.”

I’m going to stop here for today and pick this back up later. There is a lot to ponder and meditate already and I’m afraid if I continue, I’ll confuse myself and lose you in the process. I wanted to point out that sometimes, our daily affirmations are not just simply saying a few words and hoping eventually they will bear fruit. In the above example, we need to understand how our words fit into a bigger picture.

March 10, 2015 by Jenny

Book Club Time: Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives

I love this book, Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica. My one regret is that I did not buy it a year ago when it popped up as a recommendation from Amazon. This book is so deep…so wide in it’s wisdom, counsel and just plain ‘ol good sense that I can already tell you I will need more than one post to share it with you as a Book Club Time book. It will also become a constant source of inspiration and encouragement, always within reach like my Bible and The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life. Let the sharing begin!

Book Club Time: Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives

I’m not really sure how to put this without sounding weird…I do know that I pray to be a “thoughtful and sincere writer, using the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart to please God and bring Him glory;” so here it goes. I sometimes “feel” like I need to read or watch something of a ferocious intensity to snap me back into “feeling” mode. Does that make sense? But those stories of such intensity only cause my thoughts to spiral downward instead of upward. Are you following?

(This is an all new realization to me, so if you’re not following, I may not be explaining it well enough since it is so new to my own thoughts.)

For example, sometimes I need a story that touches my deepest fears to remind me to live and more importantly, to live well; like reading about a wife and mother battling an aggressive cancer. But these same stories can scare me, cause me extreme anxiety and I lose my peace of soul and mind. A backfire if you will.

You see, my rubber band mode of operation I use to snap me back into “feelings” of gratitude and joy is fatally flawed, spiritually immature means of living. Are you starting to catch on to the problem? I’m basing too much on my “feeling.”

“A person who is entrapped in the vicious cycle of chaotic thoughts, in the atmosphere of hades, or has only so much as touched it, feels the torments of hell. For example, we read the newspapers or take a walk in the streets, and afterwards we suddenly feel that something is not quite right in our souls; we feel an emptiness; we feel sadness. That is because by reading all sorts of things, our mind becomes distracted and the atmosphere of hades has free access to our minds.”
–Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica

So let me explain how I see this…It’s not that I’m not “feeling” anything…I’m just not “feeling” chaos. Emotional and mental chaos are so familiar, that when I am in a state of peace, I think I’m not “feeling” anything. Again, see, I let my “feelings” determine my state. A big no-no, a sure sign of spiritual immaturity and a really crummy way to live–this constant emotional and mental roller coaster based on “feelings.”

I would read these heart wrenching stories (still do sometimes through bad habit–again, this is a new realization to me), upset myself to tears, emotional and mental distress and call it good because I was so moved to tears–but then struggle for hours, days or weeks trying to stop thinking and “feeling” the very “feelings” I stirred up.

Now, does this mean I cannot read stories of women like me who struggle or are fighting for their lives? Not necessarily. It does mean I need to know going into it what will happen to me. I need to realize the precipice I place myself on and that being moved to tears, for me, doesn’t mean I’m finally “feeling;” it means I’ve opened a door of torment.

I have a very sensitive and tender heart–good things. But for me–my temperament and personality–I can easily be enveloped in the sadness and distress of the sufferings of another. My thoughts change very easily and quickly from empathy to anxiety. Some of this is just how I have been formed all these years, but some of it is an “easy button” for the enemy.

“Because of the Fall of man, the natural order of things has become chaotic…In order to reestablish this order, we must practice abstinence.”
–Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica

In order to regain “order” in my heart, mind and soul, I have to abstain from watching, reading or listening to the real life stories of real live people suffering. I have to intentionally and constantly be vigilant about what I allow into my mind through my senses. I have to live a life of obedience verse a life of “feelings.”

In my prayer journal, I specifically pray, “This day will go according to my attitude and thoughts…I pray I am intentional about the influences I allow into my heart and mind today. I ask for a deep love of whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent and worthy of praise. I will not allow room in my thoughts, words or deeds that are contrary to the above standards…Teach me to be mature enough in my faith to know our relationship is not based on my feelings alone.”

I’m going to end with that prayer for now. There will be more posts coming ruminating on the illuminating words I have been reading from Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica for our Book Club Time.

March 4, 2015 by Jenny

Bible Journaling Tips for the Hesitant

I have been enjoying my time Bible journaling. I still struggle with my perfectionist tendencies; my frustration when my journaling does not look on paper ANYTHING like what I saw in my head and the deadly thief of ~~Pinterest Perfect~~ comparison. But what I have gained…time in the Word of God; time spent rolling a passage around in my head trying to get a feel for what I want it to look like in the margin. This time has been spent looking up different translations of the same verse in an effort to have a clearer understanding and then just the physical act of handling the “living and active” word of God…Time well spent. Today I want to share some tips on Bible Journaling for the hesitant and those who think they are not artists.

Bible Journaling Tips for the Hesitant

Whenever I cruise around Pinterest I come across some beautiful Bible journaling pages and examples…that look NOTHING like mine–Not.Even.Close. And that can be discouraging, defeating and downright depressing. Here I am trying to spend time with and glorify God in His Word and compared to the images I’m seeing splashed across the internet, well, mine looks like a child got a hold of my Bible, a sheet of stickers and some glitter glue.

And that is Ok. It’s ok. It really is Ok because Jesus Himself said in Matthew 18:3…

Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of…

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I’m not an artist, at least not by the world’s definition of an artist. But guess what, I’m not striving to be an artist. I’m striving to spend more time with God and my Bible journaling is helping me do just that.

So here are some tips, beginner to beginner…hesitant to hesitant…perfectionist to perfectionist–the one who is afraid of making a mistake–I’ve got an easy solution! This is for you, the one convinced you are not an artist–sure you are, you just haven’t found your medium. Even the one who is concerned about writing, drawing or somehow defacing the Word of God–I’ve got a super simple answer for you. Here are my tips:

1. Start in a book of the Bible you know and love or a favorite passage of yours

Starting with something familiar will help ease some of the fear you have going into Bible journaling. You won’t have to worry about trying to understand the meaning or context of the book or passage. Instead of “academic/technical” mode you’ll be able to just enjoy the recognizable words. Like chatting with an old friend verse meeting a new one.

2. Use Washi tape

I used to think, “What’s the big deal over tape?” Let me tell you the big deal…instant, easy and simple adornment. A strip here and a piece there and it instantly adds a more personalized feel to the pages you are reading. You could even use it to edge important or favorite pages so they can easily be found when your Bible is shut.

3. Use stickers

I know, almost too easy to be true right? I was amazed at the amount, quality and variety of stickers available; these aren’t the rainbows, Ziggy, Garfield and unicorn stickers I grew up with. If you’re a scrapbooker this will not come as a surprise–obviously I’m not. You can find typography (letters), illustrations, word art, flowers, birds, religious items, ribbons…I mean you name it and you can find it in a sticker form.

4. Use your favorite pen

There are some lovely pens out there. Some are distinguished by tip size and archival quality and other stuff…use your favorite pen to get started. Yes, even if your favorite pen happens to be from the local bank, optometrist or hardware store. This is just like starting in a book you already feel comfortable with. You already like how the pen feels and writes so use it.

5. Buy some clear/white glitter glue

Again, so simple and maybe even a little more childlike than you’d normally stray, but it is so easy and fun to use. Use a smudge over a favorite verse or around a sticker or to accent something you’ve drawn in the margins. I mentioned in my last Daybook post that Picasso had his “Blue Period” and I’m in my “Glitter Glue Period.”

6. Use a piece of scrap paper first

This will help you get a feel for what you’re doing and what you want to do. You’ll be able to figure out size, shape, etc. Plus, working in rough draft form on a piece of scratch paper first will teach you important things like: how long does my ink need to dry before I smear glitter glue over it…or is this ink water proof so I can watercolor over it?

Now to address the other concerns I mentioned above. If you are concerned about “defacing” the Word of God, purchase a Bible specifically designed for journaling and illustration. The one I am using right now are getting harder to come by. I have a couple people looking in a couple of different places so if you’re interested in The NRSV Notetaker’s Bible drop me an email and I’ll try to help you find one.

And finally, afraid your art won’t look like the lovely art you see in the journaling Bibles on Pinterest; it may not. Here’s a recent entry I made that garnered a great belly laugh from Chris and the kids. I was trying to…and I think I accomplished a very clear picture of Ezekiel 34:11-16. See the sheep skull and bones in the darkness? And the the Shepherd holding His hands out, calling the sheep to Himself in the green pastures. Pretty good huh? I’ve stated early on, “Please, if you are looking for a Bible journaling site/person that has it all together, clearly you are in the wrong place. On the other hand, if you are looking for someone to learn with, because of or in spite of…Welcome!“

Afraid of making a mistake? Cover it with stickers, scrapbooking paper, or Project Life Cards.

And finally, if you make a mistake…you make a mistake. Find some deeper level meaning, like “I make mistakes in life and yet God forgives and loves me anyway.” Make the mistake and move on.

February 16, 2015 by Jenny

Book of Sirach: Pay Attention to What You Say

Back in October, I spent 31 Days reading and writing through the Book of Sirach. Not familiar with the Book of Sirach? According to Wikipedia, “The Book of the All-Virtuous Wisdom of Joshua ben Sira, commonly called the Wisdom of Sirach or simply Sirach, and also known as the Book of Ecclesiasticus or Ben Sira, is a work of ethical teachings from approximately 200 to 175 BCE written by the Jewish scribe Shimon ben Yeshua ben Eliezer ben Sira of Jerusalem…Sirach is accepted as part of the Christian biblical canons by Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and most of Oriental Orthodox. The Anglican Church does not accept Sirach as canonical but only should be read, “for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet doth not apply them to establish any doctrine.” Similarly, the Lutheran Churches include it in their lectionaries, and as a book proper for reading, devotion, and prayer. Its influence on early Christianity is evident, as it was explicitly cited in the Epistle of James, the Didache, and the Epistle of Barnabas (xix. 9). Clement of Alexandria and Origen quote from it repeatedly, as from a holy book.”

I just love it because it’s so practical in it’s wisdom. Today, in the Book of Sirach, let’s look at chapter one verse twenty-nine, “Don’t give people reason to call you a hypocrite, and pay attention to what you say.” (Common English Bible with Apocrypha)

Book of Sirach: Pay Attention to What You Say

Chris called me a hypocrite one time a number of years ago. He also said I didn’t have any faith. I know…a Holy Spirit Kapow! Who did he think he was talking to and about? I went to church more than was “required.” I read my Bible and spent lots of money on other spiritual books..of course I had faith and I spent the time and money to prove it!

But he was right I later learned. I talked the talk of a good Christian. I prayed and told others I’d pray for them. I talked about how good God was and I would remind others when they were struggling. I said God would take care of me and you, all we needed to do was ask. And at the end of the day, or even sometimes in the middle of the day, I’d be this big ‘ol scared mess worried about: dying young, dying old, dying slowly, dying too quickly, losing my mind, going out of my mind, going to hell, going to heaven, not having it all figured out, not knowing what I needed to figure out…I mean gracious I was a mess! But I could dress that mess up.

See, I said I believed…and I acted like I didn’t. I said I trusted…and acted like I didn’t. And Chris called me out as a hypocrite, rightly so. Oh boy was I mad at him…partly because I kind of thought–was afraid that, maybe he was right.

One of my turning points came when I had to make the decision to talk the talk of a person who believed every.single.time. And every.single.time. meant every.single.time. I couldn’t say, “I believe God will…” and then ask, “But what if He doesn’t?” I couldn’t say “I know God is…” and then wonder, “But what if He’s not?”

The daily affirmations I write about so frequently, those were and are for me as much as for you. My mind would say, “I’m scared.” But I would force myself to consciously think and maybe even say, “God has not given me a spirit of fear.” (2 Timothy 1:7) My heart would tremble, “I am afraid.” And I would remind myself, “When I am afraid I will trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3)

In order to pay attention to what I say, I first have to pay attention to what I think.

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I also asked God specifically for what I needed…belief.

It’s important to pay attention to what we say to others, but it’s equally important to pay attention to what we say to ourselves, lest we give others a reason to call us a hypocrite.

February 12, 2015 by Jenny

Bible Journaling: Favorites Tabs

How many of your conversations begin with, “I saw this thing on Pinterest the other day…” Well, quite a few of mine do, for example…I saw this thing on Pinterest the other when I searched “Bible Journaling.” A woman had made tabs from scrapbook card stock to mark some of her favorite scriptures. Immediately, I knew I wanted to do this! I know quite a few stories, lessons or verses in the Bible, but when I need to recall them quickly, well, I can’t. I can sometimes give a general, “It’s in one of the Gospels.” Or, “It’s on a page with some green and yellow highlighting.” Umm, that doesn’t always get me where I want to go and especially not very quickly. So let’s talk about Bible Journaling: Favorites Tabs.

Bible Journaling: Favorites Tabs

This year, I’ve taken on the art, the practice of, Bible Journaling. I found a “Read the Bible in Year” plan I’m loosely following…meaning I’m behind or right where I’m supposed to be. If I were to say “I’m behind” it would be because I have taken some time soaking in the scripture I’m reading rather than moving on too quickly. Not only am I considering the scripture from an “artistic” (and I use that word lightly concerning my abilities) point of view, but I’m also going deeper into the scripture using A Practical Commentary On Holy Scripture. But the point of this post, because as you can see, I can very easily get off topic when it comes to talking about Bible journaling, is to tell you how I am using tabs to mark my some of my favorite verses or stories.

I cannot remember where I saw this idea so I can give proper credit, other than to say on Pinterest. The idea is so simple yet simply fantastic! Other than the knowing where to find Philippians 4:8, because, um, it’s in Philippians…and other than knowing where to find the words of our Lord about worrying not adding a single cubit to our life–Matthew 6–I’m not too good at remembering where to find some of my favorites in the Bible.

I hate that I cannot remember where to find the story about Jesus telling Peter He will build His Church on him–Matthew 16– or the lovely parable about the sower throwing out the seed which falls on the path, rocky ground, thorns and good soil–Matthew 13. Age and keeping up with a husband and seven children are not helping the matter.

So what have I done to be able to access these stories and verses quickly? I’ve marked them with homemade tabs. I purchased some scrapbooking cardstock, a fancy square paper punch–although in hindsight, I would purchase an actual tab paper punch because the tabs wouldn’t stick up so far and have such fancy edges, but no biggie. I pre-punched some tabs to keep near me when I’m reading. When I come across a verse or story that I want to be able to find again quickly, I write a reminder on the tab and then use a little glue stick to glue it directly on the page in my Bible.

So far I’ve tabbed:
Don’t Worry–Matthew 6
Jesus Calms the Storm–Matthew 8
Come to Me–Matthew 11
Sower–Matthew 13
Pear of Great Price–Matthew 13
Feeding 5,000–Matthew 14
Keys–Matthew 16
Child of God–1 John 3
Greater–1 John 4
God is ♥–1 John 4

I can see where this will be a huge blessing to me to quickly and easily find favorite passages. I don’t know that this is exactly something I would do with a Bible I carry with me all the time–although for the time being, I do carry the NRSV Notetaker’s Bible with me everywhere, so we’ll see as the year progresses if it makes the Bible burdensome or somehow compromises the structural integrity of the Bible. (How fancy did that all sound?)

Have you been Bible journaling? Bible journaling or not, how do you mark favorite verses or stories in the scriptures?