Creativity & Sensuality

Is a link between creativity and sensuality? Can one inspire or feed off of the other?

I ask because I've noticed a possible connection between the two in my life. When one wanes, the other seems to wax.

DISCOVERING A PRACTICAL STRATEGY FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

The Spiritual Formation Group

"Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."

Apparently the word "Agree" here does not reflect simply a mutual consensus or decision but reflects a state of hramony that can only be reached through prayer and searching. In a sense, we are "like a symphony...we are to practice and to work together, and to pray until we are in tune."

So, it would seem that community is a big factor in our spiritual development. Foster identifies some reasons for this: prevents isolation which is destructive to humanity in the long haul, we are stronger to dowhat is best when we have loving fellowship, and through community comes guidance.

Please take a little time to consider which of the following might reflect your own most urgent need:

• To grow closer to others
• To be encouraged by others
• To learn from others

PRACTICING THE SACRAMENTAL LIFE

THE INCARNATIONAL TRADITION

Have you ever considered that the everyday aspects of your life --- cleaning house, loving your spouse, going to work---are as important to God as the spiritual aspects? Let's discuss!

PRACTICING THE WORD-CENTERED LIFE

Reflection Question

How does Jesus speak the good news of "release to the captives" to your life?

PRACTICING THE WORD-CENTERED LIFE

The relevant verses to this discussion can be found in Luke 4:16-20a;42-44.

"But he (Jesus) said to them, 'I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.'

How did you first become aware of the good news of the kingdom of God? Did you hear it proclaimed by a person, or did you read about it in the Bible?

Senses of Charity

Using our hands, smells, textures, eyes, sights, creating sound -- or things that emote their own sounds can be a form of giving, prayer, sensuality. I found 25 things for charity
as I followed a link from Simone's blog, simonesbutterfly.blogspot.com
It's basically just people individually committing to craft 25 things for any charity during a one year period, in the context of others sharing that devotional goal. Make anything, for anyone, anytime. Use your hands and give beauty. I think this is a lovely and possible dream: 25 things in one year. I may try it...

The Ordering of Love

I read this poem the other day and find myself returning to it over and over. I love how the author, Madeleine L'Engle, put the words together so that the poem kind of flows in and out of itself. I'd like to share it with those of you who check in here once in a while. If you have not read anything my Madeleine, I recommend her books and poetry highly. This poem is from her book of poetry, "The Ordering of Love".

All That Matters

Nothing.
Out of nothing
out of the void
(what?
where?)
God created.

Out of
nothing
which is
what?
But it is
not a what
or a where
or an opposite
of something
or anything.
Nothing is
nothing
we can know.
Does it matter
that matter's mind
must not mind
not knowing
nothing
doubly negatively
or in any way
positively
not.

O Mind
that alone knows
nothing
O Word
that speaks
to matter
that
speaks matter
from the unspoken:
that you mind
is all that matters.

Madeleine L'Engle