Friday, January 26, 2007

Friday training......& seeking DEEPER things...

"True Godliness does not turn men out of the world, but enables them to live better in it and excites their endeavors to mend it."

- William Penn (a Quaker)

I am reading a book called the "Celebration of Discipine: The Path to Spiritual Growth" by Richard J. Foster. This book is great for several reasons. One, it comes as a time when I am needing more discipline in my life, my training, lifestyle, nutrition and business. Two, learning from great Christian spiritual giants is so enjoyable and motivating for me.

The Basic premise of the book is that the great spiritual disciplines are not just for SPRITUTAL philosophers and gurus, they are intended to be readily available and applicable to all people. The Disciplines are best expressed in the midst of our relationships with our husband or wife, our brothers and sisters, our friends and neighbors. The challenge we are all faced with in today's culture and society is the curse of superficiality. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. The need today is not for greater numbers of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for DEEP PEOPLE!

The classic disciplines of the spiritual life invite and call us to move beyond surface living into the depths. They invite us to explore the inner chambers of the spiritual realm. We should not think of the spiritual disciplines as some dull drudgery aimed at killing laughter and exterminating joy from the face of the earth. The purpose of the disciplines is liberation from the stifling slavery to self interest and fear. When the inner spirit is liberated from all that weights it down, it can hardly be described as dull drudgery. Singing, dancing, even shouting characterize the disciplines of the spiritual life.

We would call the internal spiritual disciplines' meditation, prayer, study and fasting. The outward spiritual disciplines would be; simplicity, solitude, service, confession, worship, submission, guidance and celebration.

The book is fascinating and stimulating for anyone interested. I highly recommend it!

Here was my workout today:

TGU

24kg 3 x 2/2

See Saw Press

double 24kg 5 x 5/5

Single Arm Bent Over Row

32kg 5 x 5/5

Short and sweet!

2 comments:

Pete said...

Short and sweet, I can dig it!

Sound like a powerful book. You hit it on the head, there is alot of superficiality in the world today. In fact, it seems to get ahead in many paths of business, I have come across many who have no ideals of their own, they will only follow the prevailing popoular thought, even if it conflicts with their own. A leaf that blows towards whatever direction the strongest wind blows.

Franz Snideman said...

So true Pete. Society as a whole gets sucked down the river of slothfullness, greed, and immorality. It is difficult to swim against the stream, but in the long run, it is the way to build character and inner strength.