Getting Started

Here I go into my first blog in Dave's soul work. I do not know how to send this once I get it done but if you receive this you will know that I made it at least to you (I'll get my daughter Sarah's advice about doing this). And if you do not want to receive this periodic musing please let me know and I'll remove your address without hurt.

It is a cloudy, cool, misty morning in Luverne. Probably a good day to take care of inside tasks.

Since I last wrote Nectar For the Soul in my ministry as pastor at American Reformed Church much has happened in my life in "retirement". It has been almost a year go that I did retire from full time church ministry. Evidently not having a schedule or deadline for an article has meant there has been no writing for sometime though I have wanted to do so it has not been a priority. I am hopeful that something I write might be helpful and meaningful to those who read it. At this point there is no set schedule for writing or sending this though I would like it to be at least weekly. I guess we'll see what happens.

I was prompted to start this blog today by this verse found in my journal book (journaling is a tool in my soul work). It is a way to record self-talk and God-talk.

"In quietness and confidence shall be your strength."
Isaiah 30:15

Soul work is a work, with God, developing a life which is in accord with God's purpose and will for that life. I believe it is a quiet, behind the scenes work in one's life. It is ongoing, never ending at least in this life. For me it has been meaningful to see how God has been quietly transforming my soul and life. It is important for me to have a daily "quiet" time in which I visit (commune, fellowship) with God. I am trying to figure out the confidence part of the above verse. I think the confidence is knowing that God is with you, has a good plan for your life and will complete it. I like to remind my self and others that God says God's grace is sufficient for my every need (II Corinthians 12, I believe).

That's it for now. Be glad and at peace in your soul work.