SUMMER 2009 Christian Book Study: Richard Fosters: "CELEBRATION of Discipline" SIGN-UP

[Kimberly Walker (& Donald)]

SORRY! The Summer Book Study sign-up is now CLOSED. We hope to make "CELEBRATION" a part of the foundation around LW, so watch for the announcement of the next time it is offered.

The Spiritual Disciplines continually draw us into love for God, reminding us that the Christian life is less like a rule book and more like falling in love.

"Celebration of Discipline" stresses the value of meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance, and celebration as ways we engage with God’s presence, whether we take a silent walk in the early morning, ride the bus to work, wash dishes while the kids nap, or even take a nap ourselves. As Teresa of Avila described, contemplation is “an intimate sharing between friends,” in the time or manner that works best for you and God.

"Put simply, the contemplative life is the steady gaze of the soul upon the God who loves us." ~Richard Foster, Streams of Living Water

I mentioned to a dear friend that the word DISCIPLINE has seemed to be a "turn off" when I have suggested this book as a possible study. Her reply is worth quoting:

"I think it is a real misperception people can have when reading the title of CELEBRATION of DISCIPLINE, by Foster. Though it covers the disciplines, which I feel are important, it portrays the freedom and liberation to LIVE within the experience of each of these disciplines. Experience is the key, not rigid, legalistic ways" ~JL

There is a book needed for this study. It can be purchased at Amazon.com and other bookstores. I frequently buy USED books from Amazon for a couple of bucks that are always in good condition; however, it is very likely you can find this book in your local Library.

We'll begin JULY 23, 2009 at 1:00pm CST
in Meeting Room 1of our Virtual Bible Study Room. I'm so looking forward to seeing you there!

PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME IN THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO SIGN UP!! This study will registration will close the end of the day on July 17th.

PASSIONATELY CELEBRATING LIFE!
Kimberly Walker

"Like a child exploring the attic of an old house on a rainy day, discovering a trunk full of treasure and then calling all his brothers and sisters to share the find, Richard J. Foster has 'found' the spiritual disciplines that the modern world stored away and forgot, and has excitedly called us to celebrate them. For they are, as he shows us, the instruments of joy, the way into mature Christian spirituality and abundant life." -- Eugene H. Peterson, Author of the Message

"Celebration of Discipline has quietly asserted itself in the lives of multitudes around the globe, and has taken its place as a guide to the uplands of the spiritual life for the late twentieth century. Everywhere I go I meet those whose lives have been changed by encountering it. It places us on the path of life with those who have succeeded in walking with Jesus in every circumstance and shows us accessible patterns of action through which interaction with his Kingdom is assured to us. This is the secret of its power. If you wish to know in your self the reality of the gracious life of God seen in the Bible, you may find no better counselor than Richard Foster." -- Dallas Willard, author of The Spirit of the Disciplines and The Divine Conspiracy.

PREPERATION FOR OUR FIRST DISCUSSION: READ THE INTRODUCTION and CHAPTER 1

[Jan Lyn Lewis]

Sign me up! I am so excited to walk through this book again as it has been a LONG time since I read it last. It is the kind of book you can read again and again throughout life and continue to glean more. I'm thrilled as it gives such liberating, simple ideas on the disciplines--no heavy guilt and stresses joy, joy, joy! I trust Foster as an author that points the way to guide our hearts and help open our minds to the experience within the blessing of these disciplines. Can't wait to see who will join us!
Love to All,
Jan Lyn

[debbie]

Im there as well, although I may be in and out as we are suppose to be on holidays, cant wait been a long while snice I did this book/

[Kimberly Walker (& Donald)]

KIMBERLY WALKER I'm in!! And I can hardly wait!

[Miriam]

I am in. Got my book at the library. Will likely renew it before the study is over.

[LINDA SLOAN]

I am also in! I have NEVER done a book study before so this is new ground for me. Ordered my book from Amazon last night so eagerly awaiting delivery in the next couple of days.
Jan Lyn's comment is SO positive and encouraging it does look to be a good book choice.... I'm sure the key is CELEBRATION of Discipline.
Looking forward to starting.

[Kim F]

Please sign me up Kimberly :) I look forward to this study, what a great one it will be. God bless you!
Kim F

[calliope]

Count me in! Please let me know if anyone comes across an audio version of this book!

thanks
Cali

[calliope]

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAudiobook?id=...

Just in case anyone else needs this book in audio format.....

Can't wait to get started!
Cali

[Kimberly Walker (& Donald)]

WONDERFUL Cali!! Thanks for posting it. Although, I don't necessarily NEED it in audio format...I think I will play it while I read along for the "DOUBLE WAMMY" effect =)

[Coach Marla]

I am signing up!! =)

Much Love & Respect,
Coach Marla

[Patti G.]

I'm signing up too. I guess I forgot to post a note here. :^)

[Tammy]

I am almost too late, but sign me up please!! I need this so much!
Tammy