Do you exercise? Get some cardio in, lift weights?
Even if you don’t, you know it’s part of keeping your body healthy.
But what about your spiritual heart? What kind of exercise do you give it?
God says out of our hearts flows the wellspring of life. LIFE! Yet most of us race through our existence taking little thought to doing the things that keep the water flowing.
Here’s a few of the things I try to do:
- Solitude- People see me as an extrovert, but I’m really a gregarious introvert. I need time alone. Every day.
- Dirt biking- My sons and I love to get on our dirt bikes and tear through the mountains of eastern Washington. It brings adventure, community with my boys, and pulls me out of my ordinary world.
- Beauty- Whether it’s in pictures or live, I need to see beauty daily to show me God’s lavish creativity and the nature of His character.
- The Word- I read the gospels over and over again, because Jesus is life, and I want more life.
- Water skiing, playing my guitar, watching a gut-wrenching movie … all give my heart a workout.
And you? What do you do to exercise your heart? Are you intentional about it, or is life too crazy busy?
Comments 12
WOW…My daughter told me to read “Rooms” and for only the second time in my life an “aha” moment, or should I say moments. I found myself in tears more than once, as I saw so much of me in what Micah was searching for. I KNOW now that I am enough and He is always with me. And, I’m hungry for more of Him. My relationship with my mother and all that I let it do to shape who I am….the end of a 40 yr relationship and marriage (that should have ended long ago)….and recovery. Right now, I’m at ground zero, but rich in family, friends, grandchildren, God! I live on the edge of nothing, am attending school and working to survive, and the only thing keeping me going is that I want to find that passion, the direction – my purpose. I can feel it, but like your character, seeking that peacefulness and finding my life’s true purpose. Thank you for helping me find another piece to my puzzle!
WOW, I just finished ROOMS and wanted to visit your website. I agree, I too need that “spiritual exercise” and the best way I get it through solitude. I too, need it, I enjoy God’s glorious creation; whether it’s listening and watching the birds, or looking at the beauty of the Earth, listening to my cat purr, or see the love in my dog’s eyes, I need that time. Reading the BIBLE and a good book and writing, through journaling also helps me, as well as listening to praise music. But the biggest thing is being alone and quiet so I can hear Him speak to me. I converse with God daily.
My blessings go to you. My mom, aunt and grandmother all had Alzheimer’s, so I know your grief and can understand your “relief”.
God bless. ROOMS was awesome! Thank you.
My heart is a mess as I read your book “Rooms.” The book is excellent–it’s message is thought provoking, which thoughts are terrifying, confusing and exhilerating to me. Do I even have the right, as a mother of a troubled teen, to dare to pursue a deep faith-walk relationship with Jesus that would require me to sacrifice not only my worldly desires, but those of my children? Where I came from and where I’m at now — all of the past ugliness and the present struggles and successes can be used for His glory if I only had the courage to sacrifice self for Him. What holds me back? Family. A husband, a 17 year old son (both of whom are doing well) and a very confused 14 year old daughter who has already lived far too much life for her age. Will someone tell me what the right thing to do is when my heart wants me to be out there with the lost (like I was), but my responsiblities tie me down at home. Perhaps I already know the answer in the order of ministry (God, husband, family and then ministry), but encouragement or constructive criticism are all appreciated!
I just happened to read your comment, Donna, written a year ago. A lot of things have probably happened in your life since then. I believe God sees your passion for the lost. What I have done is pour some of my passion into prayer for God to soften hearts, to direct lives, to give boldness, etc. Sometimes we think it’s one or the other and we have to choose. We think it’s all or nothing. But there are probably lives in which you are already making an investment, reaching out to the “lost.” The real “ministry” is about seeing the opportunities. They weave in and out of our lives, and often compliment our relationship with our husband and children. I don’t think they need to compete. Another idea is, do ministry with your family. It’s true that sometimes we have to put our desires on hold, but God has a plan for you for this moment. Ask him to open your eyes to what he is doing. Tell him you want to be part of it.
Great word, it is so important to care for our hearts. You and i are so unique but so similar in the way we care for our hearts. One to add to your list for me is time with a soul friend someone who draws you closer to the Lord. I just finished “Rooms” it is such a picture of what this life here on earth is all about, the choices we make, the battle we’re in. Reading the book was like all of the Tuesday nights, the time in Wapato, conversations out on Lake Washington, dinners with Tanya and Darci all rolled in one, it is so amazing to see your heart in print coming to life in an amazing story, you are a blessing to me, thank you for living in freedom, keep fighting brother!
Great addition, AC! Definitely time with a soul friend should be on the list. Like the time we haven’t had together in too long.
Great word, it is so important to care for our hearts. You and i are so unique but so similar in the way we care for our hearts. One to add to your list for me is time with a soul friend someone who draws you closer to the Lord. I just finished “Rooms” it is such a picture of what this life here on earth is all about, the choices we make, the battle we’re in. Reading the book was like all of the Tuesday nights, the time in Wapato, conversations out on Lake Washington, dinners with Tanya and Darci all rolled in one, it is so amazing to see your heart in print coming to life in an amazing story, you are a blessing to me, thank you for living in freedom, keep fighting brother!
Hm, what do I do about my spiritual heart health? Spend time alone. Write. (I’ve told my children that I am a much better mommy when I have time to write. I’m not sure they believe me.) Read an enjoyable book. Lifting weights and running. Listening to upbeat, thought-provoking music. Laughing at the DJs on my favorite radio station. Playing legos with my two-year-old. Baking a cake with my seven-year-old. Those are some of my “heart workouts”.
Love it, Laura. I’m the same way. Much more at peace with myself and the world after I’ve written.
Thank you Jim. I wish I could say I pray a lot,but I do not,and why? I spend my time trying to find myself,I feel until I do I am hard pressed to know what to say,BUT, I do thank my Heavenly Father for His blessings. I am a LatterDay saint,and sometimes I feel totally overwhelmed with the; I MUST DO’S.I think I will be outside Heaven begging to be let in. Elaine
Elaine, I can identify with your words. I tend to kick myself for not doing all the things on my “What a Good Christian Should Do” list: not praying “enough”, not reading my Bible “enough”, not being “good enough.” Then I remind myself of this: I can never fulfill all the “must do’s” on this list. I’m always going to fall short of that goal.
But that’s okay. Jesus DID fulfill every jot and tittle of the law (in his heart, mind, soul and body!). When God looks at me, he doesn’t see the messed-up Laura who wrecks her life and can’t seem to get her act together enough to pray; he sees Jesus’ perfection instead. Hope that makes sense.
I’ll get off my soap box now. 🙂 Just wanted to respond because I hated picturing you thinking you’ll be outside heaven begging to be let in. Believe me, I’ve been there, too.
I think you’ll be inside. 🙂