It is a Monday night. The day has gone by fast as did the weekend. We did see a movie Saturday afternoon though I am not recommending it as it may be a little too unprofessional for some and too preachy. It was "I'm In Love with A Church Girl." I'm guessing that it may not even be in many markets but the Grand Rapids area seems to get Christian oriented films. We also saw the film "Grace Unplugged" which had a similar orientation. Joyce liked "Grace" better and I liked "Church Girl". We had a good time discussing them which is always a plus for our relationship. Weather has turned more fall like and we had much rain the end of last week. We have still managed to get our walks in most days. I also usually do Pedaling for Parkinson's a couple times a week. We have the Hope College Knickerbocker film series again this week after a two week break. These films are more your indie types but we have enjoyed most of them. They do five films over five to seven weeks in the fall and spring. This week's film is "Still Mine". You can google the title and get the description if you like. I also want to attend the Holland Christian High School Pops concert tomorrow night at their school. Juliana is busy practicing in the chorus for Holland High's production of "Phantom of the Opera". We are excited about that also which will be the first two weekends in December.
I've been reading Pilgrimage Into The Last Third of Life which has been instructive. The following quote from the book has led me to try that which is described and I have been blessed and enriched by the spiritual exercise described. So here it is without the full context of it:
"My friend gave me a notebook filled with letters she wrote to God. I looked at it quickly, embarrassed to read something so intimate and personal. I tried to give it back to her saying, "I've written God before. It doesn't help me much." She pushed the notebook back. "Take a good look at it. It may be a little different from what you're used to."
When I read her writing in greater depth, I realized that not only had she written her letters to God, but there were responses to her letters. I looked at her curiously. "From your skeptical expression I gather that you don't believe God writes back? You think these responses come from my imagination? I thought so at first too, but then I found myself writing, 'Who do you think created your imagination? Why wouldn't I use your imagination to communicate with you? As long as what you write corresponds to the truth of scripture, you can be confident that I am present to you through your writing.' At least give it a try," she said. "This has become the most important way of praying for me; I feel we communicate in a more personal, intimate way than in any of the other methods I've used in the past." Almost convinced, but not quite, I went home and tried it myself. It seemed a little awkward at first. I had written many letters to God in the past but never expected or even asked God to write back to me. I felt a little foolish, but I kept telling myself that my mind, my imagination were God's creations. So I timidly said, "Dear God, if you want to, I'd love it if you'd write back. I'll be your secretary!" And my winter of despair turned to spring!"
I have been a faithful journaler for many years, many years. Journaling is like writing a letter to God, at least it is the way that I do it. I always begin my daily journal by addressing God. Well I tried the above exercise of having God write me and it was meaningful, encouraging, helpful beyond description. I cannot counsel you enough to try doing this spiritual exercise. I have done it three times and each time I have been touched by the attributes of God's Spirit and more.
For your help here is how I start the process, "Dear Dave, it's me God. And then I write down the thoughts, ideas, truths, admonitions, guidance, etc. that comes...from God by inspiration of Holy Spirit. I believe this will be something that can bless many of your lives. Give it a try and if you want let me know what happens.
Remember again we are to "do what God says and say what God does!" God's love and care to each of you.
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