6/21/06

HOST_Carolann: Welcome again everyone! And a special welcome to April Boyer who is our guest speaker for today.
HOST_Carolann: April Boyer is founder, and director for the Ashland Area Christian Writer's Guild for 6 years, has published more than 43 articles in print magazines, and more in ezines and newspapers, and has initiated interest for a Leadership Summit in Ohio, and worked with the Mission for Amish People local ministry, .
HOST_Carolann: She is the author of: Handbook: ""How To Establish a Christian Writer's Group", in progress: "Publishing for a Higher Purpose" to be self published.
HOST_Carolann: her web site is:. http://aprilboyer.com (under revisions, but fully operational)
HOST_Carolann: She is talking today about Tuning Into Jesus.
HOST_Carolann: Welcome April and I will turn it over for you.
GUEST APRIL: Thanks for inviting me. I hope everyone can get something from the topic, no matter what their struggle.
GUEST APRIL: I realize it isn't possible for some of you to use the examples, but I hope you can use something.
GUEST APRIL: When pain or grief limits your ability to plan or think clearly, perhaps your time with God is repressed.
GUEST APRIL: Have you found this so? Are there times when your words in prayer sound hollow, and insincere? Or, perhaps there are times when you cannot even find words or the voice to express them.
kp: yes that has been the experience some of the time
GUEST APRIL: Allow the gifts of senses to assist you. Arrange a quiet corner. Light some scented candles.
GUEST APRIL: . Dim the electric lights. Play some soothing music. If the sound of rain or trickling water is available, allow it to wash through you.
GUEST APRIL: Listen to your own breathing or heart beat. Sip warm, fragrant tea. Perhaps you can place a vase of fresh flowers nearby
GUEST APRIL: Place some bright, colorful scarves, or new photographs nearby
GUEST APRIL: . Bring your beloved cat or perhaps a favorite pillow or throw. Maybe even chocolate or cinnamon toast is in order.
GUEST APRIL: Already, you have invited God into your space.
GUEST APRIL: Look at all of the gifts He's given you! Recognize that even these small things are from God. Do you believe he enjoys these scents, sights and sounds? Certainly, He does!
GUEST APRIL: An example is seen in Exodus 37: 1-9 of how much God enjoys beautiful creations.
GUEST APRIL: Here in the tabernacle, wonderful fragrances were blended for God. The table was set as if for dining, with elaborate dishes.
GUEST APRIL: Even the draperies were of the finest and most pleasing textures. In II Chronicles 29: 28, it is shown how our Lord enjoys pleasing sounds
GUEST APRIL: "All the congregation worshipped, the singers sang, the trumpeters sounded until the burnt offering was finished."
GUEST APRIL: Invite Him to enjoy the music, experience the fragrances, and your new favorites in the space and time you set aside for Him.
GUEST APRIL: . Explain to Him why you enjoy them. Compare each to another song, fragrance or favorite that you've enjoyed in the past
GUEST APRIL: Can you explain how each made you feel in that moment? Tell Jesus about it.
GUEST APRIL: Do you feel more you tuned into Jesus? Have you been able to tune out your personal pain or problem for a moment?
GUEST APRIL: Read a thanksgiving psalm such as: "O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: his mercy endureth forever." 107:21
GUEST APRIL: Now, you can walk with Jesus to the throne of God. Perhaps you've gained, or renewed your strength through His promises.
GUEST APRIL: You may wish to unburden a sinful act or concern. Envision laying them at His feet.
GUEST APRIL: While the gift of music plays for you and Jesus, begin to ask what you may. Imagine that the scents and sounds carry your concerns away to Him. You can think of the warm tea and glow of candles as the warmth of God's wings about you.
GUEST APRIL: We can talk to Jesus in any circumstance, in any place, whether it is pleasantly quiet or noisily, distractedly busy
GUEST APRIL: None of these soothing devices above are necessary. Be careful that they do not take the place of your scripture reading and prayer. Think of these acts as worship given to God.
GUEST APRIL: When we are overly-stressed in our own flesh, it is easy to understand how we become weak and sometimes unable to step aside with Jesus.
GUEST APRIL: In this deliberate plan to invite God in, you can again tune into His heart.
GUEST APRIL: Allow these simple gifts to help carry you there. "Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above" James 1:17
GUEST APRIL: kp - you mentioned that its sometimes hard to form words to pray?
kp: yes April ....sometimes the 'heat of the moment' sets in a sort of disorganised panic rather than 'order'
GUEST APRIL: I know what you mean. I do have that problem sometimes too.
GUEST APRIL: God hears our hearts however, even when we cant think of words.
HOST_Carolann: I find it hard to sometimes settle down and your suggestions will help me I think April
HOST_Carolann: my mind races in different directions
GUEST APRIL: When I am rushing around like a chicken with my head cut off (sorry!) I need to schedule times like these!
kp: I like the suggestions that you have made ...... they seem to in themselves bring a feeling of 'calm' before even doing them
HOST_Carolann: yes, I agree kp, and help to just focus
GUEST APRIL: Yes, I think so. It helps me look forward to this time. I received a good notation today
GUEST APRIL: "Don't be in such a hurry that God has to hit you with a brick to get your attention."
HOST_Carolann: yes, unfortunately He has to do something big to get our attention
GUEST APRIL: I think God must have a pile of bricks ready for me.
HOST_Carolann: hehehe, hey my name is on some of those too!
kp: I think for me ... the brick must be swinging on a rope so that it can catch me both ways
GUEST APRIL: Haha! Has anyone tried writing their prayers?
HOST_Carolann: I like your suggestions too April because we can all do something, no matter what - doesn't take alot of expense or trouble etc.
kp: Yes - I have sometimes ..... it does seem to help you to focus better
Alice: I sometimes write prays for friends who are struggling and send them by e-mail.
HOST_Carolann: I don't enjoy writing as it cramps my hand, but I can see it would be helpful
cynthia: I have had some of my best communication times with the Lord when I write.
liz4cps: Journaling helps me a lot -- sometimes I just write what I'm thinking about or what's happening; sometimes I write prayers.
GUEST APRIL: It is wonderfully comforting to set aside in a quiet place with new cut flowers, music and of course, chocolate.
GUEST APRIL: Yes, writing out your thoughts is so helpful. It's like making a list to present to God.
HOST_Carolann: yummm sounds very comfy cozy April
kp: When I was very much lacking in confidence to pray out publicly ... I wrote some ideas down ... until I gained experience and confidence
HOST_Carolann: we really should enjoy our time with the Lord!
HOST_Carolann: that's a great idea kp!
cynthia: I have good times communing with chocolate also!
GUEST APRIL: Yes, chocolate talks to me! Its also helpful to write out scripture to pray back to God.
HOST_Carolann: Our God is a Creator God and He enjoys the sights and scents and sounds He has created
HOST_Carolann: I think we forget how artistic He is
GUEST APRIL: Why shouldn't we enjoy time with our greatest friend?
HOST_Carolann: amen!
kp: I like using scripture and also some of the older hymns where the writer was able to really use descriptive language
GUEST APRIL: Oh hymns are wonderful!
HOST_Carolann: is there such a thing as Christian poetry I wonder? hymns are like poems too
HOST_Carolann: it would be a great way to use that sense of the beauty of language
GUEST APRIL: Christian poetry is what is expressed best by someone who loves God.
Alice: Yes, Carolann, there is. I write Christian poetry and Lisa Copen has published several in her HK magazine.
HOST_Carolann: neat! I would love to read some
GUEST APRIL: Does anyone else have ideas?
kp: Writing your own songs in praise and worship
GUEST APRIL: What are some other forms of worship you've enjoyed?
kp: and if you have the nerve ... sharing them with friends
HOST_Carolann: like writing our own Psalm
Alice: Lisa had one on R.Ministries page - where you can read parts of the magazine - at one time. Not sure if it is still on there or not. It was under "refreshment"
liz4cps: Many Jewish traditions are beautiful -- I think we could learn from them.
HOST_Carolann: I'll look for it Alice, thanks
GUEST APRIL: Psalm 119 is packed full of wonderful visions
Alice: I agree, Liz
HOST_Carolann: yes Liz, like April was saying about the tabernacle - the incense, the fabrics, the gold
kp: You have already mentioned it April .... but I love being 'in among' nature and being able to appreciate the diversity and detail there
HOST_Carolann: me too kp - that is my favorite
GUEST APRIL: Don't you think that sign language is a beautiful expression of love and worship?
HOST_Carolann: we could take one of the psalms and try and draw a picture of it without words
liz4cps: Exactly -- but many Jewish traditions today continue to reflect beauty. I guess I don't know how to implement that here where there is so many papers, etc!
Alice: Oh Yes, April! And interpretive dancing. Has anyone seen this done?
HOST_Carolann: I've seen that once - yes it was quite nice
GUEST APRIL: I believe we can dance for joy and express worship if only with our hands and faces.
kp: yes Alice ... I have seen some of that done very well
cynthia: The forms of worship I enjoy: writing, creating a piece of art, dance, singing. . .being still. When it comes down to it, it is a matter of the heart.
kp: It can be a real 'draw' into the presence of God
HOST_Carolann: amen cynthia
GUEST APRIL: I have seen interpretive dance; one that broke my heart - in a good way.
co-host_Debbie: I love seeing that
GUEST APRIL: Cynthia- does your church or worship group use these?
Alice: It really ministers to me - just wish I could see more of it than I do
GUEST APRIL: Our hearts are beautiful to God. I wish I remembered the verse that says so. Anyone?
HOST_Carolann: our church has drama sometimes
HOST_Carolann: not sure April, sorry
GUEST APRIL: A friend of mine who has MS, who had a very stressful time, actually set a table aside for a feast with the Lord.
HOST_Carolann: wow, what a neat idea
GUEST APRIL: She has been unable to even be quiet for a time. She fasted for a day, then came to God rejoicing.
GUEST APRIL: I remember that she said she used bible passages that spoke of the feast, and followed their examples.
HOST_Carolann: that's very creative
GUEST APRIL: Now, she plans this once a year retreat.
cynthia: I grew up dancing. As I have faced chronic illness these past four year, the way I look at dance has changed dramatically. My body cannot do what it used to, but my heart doesn't realize it. My spirit soars as I worship. I feel that my dance has been purified, can't say it is about looking good. I know He is pleased with whatever we have to offer that comes from our heart.
craftingrama: my grandmother used to go talk to God under the oak tree. Even in winter she would run out and touch the tree and whisper something. We always knew not to bug her when she was at the tree, cause she was getting her gift of peace to put up with us hehe
kp: It would be good to sometimes have some worshipful music on and just 'run free' with a paintbrush
HOST_Carolann: amen Cynthia - that is wonderful
GUEST APRIL: What a wonderful picture of your grandmother under an oak tree. I like it.
GUEST APRIL: Oh, I like the idea of random painting too.
kp: yes that sounds wonderful craftingrama
cynthia: My church is open to dance. The Lord recently inspired me to start a "dance ministry" at my home. Basically I sensed that God was calling women into more intimacy through dance. So, I open up my home on Thursdays for "A Time to Dance" , turn on the worship music and let God do as He will!
GUEST APRIL: I have a vision of your smiling face, craftinggramma, and your eyes are dancing!
HOST_Carolann: sometimes craftingrama we need to "get away" so we can focus on God's presence
GUEST APRIL: Don't you think that some kinds of yoga and slow movement are like dance? They would be wonderfully calming.
HOST_Carolann: slow stretching exercises can be
kp: Sometimes ... just to take a familiar bible verse and paraphrase it so that it becomes 'yours' ... can draw you closer to God
Alice: April, in that case, I would really think it important that you heart and mind be cantered on Jesus - completely!
GUEST APRIL: Has anyone heard of prayer walking?
HOST_Carolann: I've done that too kp and really find that a great way to get a grip on God's truth
Alice: Yes, our retreats do a prayer walk.
craftingrama: yes my church that I used to belong to did that all the time every spring summer and fall we had regular prayer walks
HOST_Carolann: I do prayer walks every day when I go for my walk
kp: I have gone 'walking' with the specific purpose of praying ... and it can be very liberating ... I don't know if that's what you mean
Alice: Amen - Carolann
HOST_Carolann: I can even pray out loud because we live in a rural area
GUEST APRIL: What if you can't get out? Will you plan an inner retreat with music and scent?
HOST_Carolann: yes especially on a cold winter's day
TeaRowes: Folks I use to do prayer driving in my early days of Christianity.
craftingrama: I can't go out walking now so I sit at the window and talk to God looking up the clouds
HOST_Carolann: I know people who do that TeaRowes
GUEST APRIL: Even on a hot day, a retreat with iced peach tea is nice.
Alice: Driving time is a perfect time to pray and praise our Lord.
HOST_Carolann: April that sounds lovely
co-host_Debbie: I also do that now TeaRowes. I drive for a living
GUEST APRIL: Would anyone like a vanilla cookie with their tea?
HOST_Carolann: yes please = pass the plate!
GUEST APRIL: I find that holding hands with other prayer partners helps me absorb the attitude.
TeaRowes: Prayer driving is good. Just get a good worship tape... er uh..........oops CD and worship and communicate with the Father.
co-host_Debbie: Yes, I have Christian music on when I am driving
Alice: Yes, April - my husband and I always hold hands when we pray - at home, at restaurants, et.
GUEST APRIL: We can always ask God to hear our voice through those of our friends.
Alice: So, do my friends and I/
cynthia: I love to worship in the car, just have to be careful not to get in an accident. I find myself getting so excited that I start speeding. Sometimes I want to close my eyes and raise my hands. The "temptation" to worship!
HOST_Carolann: hehehe, be careful then cynthia!
GUEST APRIL: Some of my most precious prayer times are when sharing them with others.
HOST_Carolann: I love to listen to others pray
co-host_Debbie: I am not good at praying out loud.
GUEST APRIL: Debbie, God hears our hearts!
HOST_Carolann: amen
HOST_Carolann: well April our hour is just coming up to the close - any final comments?
HOST_Carolann: it has been a lovely time of letting our minds stretch to see how we can focus on God's presence in new and different ways
GUEST APRIL: I am looking forward to visiting here again! Its a wonderful place of refreshment!
HOST_Carolann: I'm glad you have enjoyed it April, it would be great to have you back again
HOST_Carolann: Thank you so much and may God continue to bless you in your writing and other ministries
GUEST APRIL: I'd like that. Please visit me on my website!
GUEST APRIL: Thank you very much for helping Me stretch!
TeaRowes: I love the word pictures you left us.
kp: It has been very good to be introduced to some new ideas and to be reminded of some older ones also
HOST_Carolann: yes TeaRowes
HOST_Carolann: and thank you all for your input - it's been great!
GUEST APRIL: God bless you all!
GUEST APRIL: Goodbye!
HOST_Carolann: bye April