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

[Disa Albanese]

Hello Kimberly, What good medicine this would be for me! However, as soon as I open the page...I'm already not welcome!!! That really hurts to see something like that. Especially just home from 3 wks in a hospital and desperately looking for peace, love and prayers through sharing in a group such as this.

May I make a suggestion? If this Summer book study is closed....then close it! Take it down so no one else has to feel the way I am right now. Why would you continue to advertise something that's not available in the first place?!

OK, that's my 'rant' for the morning. Just lonely and depressed! When one is shut out of a place where they are supposed to always feel welcome, It hurts. However, I'll continue to be there for anyone who needs me. My door is NEVER closed!!!

Blessings~
Disa

[Kimberly Walker (& Donald)]

I am so sorry Disa. I never meant for this to be hurtful to anyone. The book study announcement has been posted for 5 weeks. I thought that gave plenty of time for everyone who wanted to, to sign up. Also, on Thursday I sent out a reminder that it was closing at the end of the day on the 17th.

Where as the Esther study easily was set up so someone could join in at any time, this one is not that way. Even "When I lay my Isaac Down" was the type of study that a person could simply pick up the book - read it and join the conversation. This particular study just won't do well with people coming in and out and who are not doing the entire study from beginning to end with the rest of the group. I am sorry your feelings were hurt by this.

The advertisement is up because people had until the end of the day yesterday to join. I wrote closed on it just past midnight last night. I need to get the names of the ones not yet on my list so that I can mail them the study info. Honey, registration for things like bible studies often have cut off points. And usually the sign will remain up for a week or so afterwards letting those who were simply running late know that registration is closed. If I simply pull the announcement down then I receive messages in my IN-BOX from people asking what happened to it because they wanted to sign-up. This way people know what's up with it.

Disa, LW has over 100 members and I get anywhere from 10-25+ messages in this box alone each day and often they are about things that simply take time to resolve. I try very hard to answer each one and on a timely basis. On rare occasions someone RANTS. It happens seldom - but it does happen. They say that people feel more at liberty on the Internet to "rant" and unload on another person with EASE because they aren't looking the other HUMAN BEING in the eyes. Even Christian's make this mistake. GRACE does not always abound. Regretfully, I have fallen prey to that trap.

I pray you are feeling better after your long stay in the hospital and able to just jump in around here!! It is a GREAT PLACE!! The "peace, love and prayers" you are seeking indeed are available here. We are so blessed that those things can be found all over this website. We have had two NEW Groups created since you have been in the hospital and a MORNING PRAYERS "group type" that I just started. There are lots of great blogs and discussions that you can get in on, too.

With Love and Care!
Kimberly