I felt prompted this afternoon to start back on the Simple Living communications. Good to be with you again!
It is feeling to me like the season of GIVING! Have you noticed it ...at church, in the stores, on your calendar.....
1. Most churches, SCPC included, are in the season of Stewardship. This is all about giving - our time, resources and energies to glorify and praise God. It is important during this season to remember how it is that we do that in our Christian vocation. recognizing what nature gives us on Oasis Contemplative Canoe Trip
2. Before long it will be Thanks-Giving. What an important practice: Gratitude.
3. And right around the corner is that season that's really not historically about giving, but in our culture it has become that. Advent & Christmas.
So, it seems right that we begin considering our giving as we move into these seasons.
Throughout November, I will post thoughts to help us to live well into our offering (giving) and celebrating. Up front, I invite you to reply and enter into the conversation. As Advent approaches, I will use this blog to offer resources that connect us firmly to the parts of the season that enrich our lives, communities, and spirit.
Today, I want to share with you an article sent to me by my canoe partner, Rev. Jim Goudie. It's in many ways about how we live into what we've been given and what we have. So, let's start here:
The article was in Newsweek: Andrew Weil's Spontaneous Happiness: Our Nature-Deficit Disorder
In my experience, the more people have, the less likely they are to be contented. Indeed, there is abundant evidence that depression is a “disease of affluence,” a disorder of modern life in the industrialized world. People who live in poorer countries have a lower risk of depression than those in industrialized nations. In general, countries with lifestyles that are furthest removed from modern standards have the lowest rates of depression.
Then, there are these simple words of Scripture that Jim shared. I use them to send us out....
- Luke 6:20: ...he looked up at his
disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." - Luke 6:24: But woe to you who are rich..
.
Peace to you. Simply, Peace.
Diana
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