Christ Mission Academy | Becca Sheffler | Activity https://www.christmissionacademy.us/members-dashboard/bsheffler/activity/ Activity feed for Becca Sheffler. Thu, 07 May 2026 06:59:00 -0400 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 c5caf91ddd3383cf9cf9957c16be39e1 Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Becca Sheffler-Crafting a Rule-Finances in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/becca-sheffler-crafting-a-rule-finances/#post-1883 Mon, 03 Dec 2018 00:52:29 -0500 Thanks, Maggie!

My recent challenge in this area has actually come from Chapter 39 of the Rule of Saint Benedict. It is about the proper amount of food, but the principles apply equally well to use of finances:

“Above all overindulgence is avoided.” And “in all matters frugality is the rule.”

Now to actually apply these to the vicissi…[Read more]

]]> 09d5d1d3548971ddba1742f452782c9b Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Gifts, Love, and Humility in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/gifts-love-and-humility/#post-1882 Mon, 03 Dec 2018 00:45:47 -0500 Maggie, I can identify strongly with so much of what you shared. For the last couple of years, I’ve been in what seems like a season of continual transition. Perhaps it would be more helpful for me to look at it as a season of learning to surrender.

Your image of the life cycle of the fruit tree was particularly striking for me. Am I in a s…[Read more]

]]> 92aae914f83260f605de5a2cc62237de Becca Sheffler started the topic B Sheffler- Crafting a Rule-Final Lesson in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/b-sheffler-crafting-a-rule-final-lesson/ Mon, 03 Dec 2018 00:34:14 -0500 It’s hard to believe I am at the end of this course! It’s been wonderful to pray through various areas of life systematically, and to engage with you all in the process. To wrap up this course, I’d like to share with you all my final product, which I’m sure will evolve over time:

“To pursue a life of love for God and neighbor and care for all C…[Read more]

]]> b29658e278f3ef9dc103b4f9900f89ae Becca Sheffler replied to the topic M Hoggard Lesson 7 Spiritual Priorities in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/m-hoggard-lesson-7-spiritual-priorities/#post-1859 Thu, 15 Nov 2018 04:00:32 -0500 Maggie, first of all let me offer my prayers and support as you deal with your husband’s health issues. I do hope you’ll have a restful holiday, and that the surgery goes smoothly. Blessings to both of you!

I completely identify with both the necessity of structure and with the challenges of achieving it. I personally find the offices deeply mea…[Read more]

]]> 5afc42aceb5c815a02878005441cc9d8 Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Becca Sheffler-Crafting a Rule-Spiritual Priorities in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/becca-sheffler-crafting-a-rule-spiritual-priorities/#post-1858 Thu, 15 Nov 2018 03:48:11 -0500 What a great idea! The lectionary is something I take for granted. It’s something “other people” use. I’m just the recipient of their knowledge when I attend a service or pray the offices with an audio app. But there’s no reason I can’t develop a working familiarity with the lectionary readings and their significance. Thanks!

]]> d22806395ff630e2a9fc118f4fa0f641 Becca Sheffler started the topic Becca Sheffler-Crafting a Rule-Community in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/becca-sheffler-crafting-a-rule-community/ Thu, 15 Nov 2018 03:42:22 -0500 I’ve been deeply convicted during this lesson regarding my failure to actively contribute to the unity of the local church. We all have our own ideas, and I’ve been much to quick not only to criticize, but to do my own thing. If even one of us acts this way, we can never be truly unified. And so I must take responsibility and repent. I need to act…[Read more]

]]> b9f63bd9b6b016cbb9028df14ee64b7e Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Living Without Silos in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/living-without-silos/page/2/#post-1834 Thu, 08 Nov 2018 02:59:09 -0500 Hi all! I’m on the road again. I’m doing a bit better, I think, at being a consistent me, whether on the road or at home. But life prior to this trip was very full, and I am reveling in the chance to pull away and relax. Through the centuries, men and women of God have recognized the value of retreating periodically from their everyday lives to…[Read more]

]]> e9780c0df8d55ff0d699c423229f03de Becca Sheffler replied to the topic MHoggard_Lesson6_Define my Mission in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/mhoggard_lesson6_define-my-mission/#post-1833 Thu, 08 Nov 2018 02:48:43 -0500 Maggie, you have given me something to ponder. I had never considered the distinction between vision and mission. Like you, I’ve been inspired and guided by the beautiful prayer of St. Francis. But I’ve put so much emphasis on the present moment that I haven’t really given much thought to the longer view, at least not in quite some time. Thank…[Read more]

]]> e9c862a268bfe8c82b5779d46ae25dbc Becca Sheffler started the topic Becca Sheffler-Crafting a Rule-Talent in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/becca-sheffler-crafting-a-rule-mission-2/ Thu, 08 Nov 2018 02:37:21 -0500 Relationships have always been a priority for me. As I’ve aged, they’ve become even more of a priority. But also, as I’ve aged, my introversion has become more pronounced. I find I have less and less energy to invest, even as more and more people seem to want a piece of me. I hunger for solitude, and yet feel called to invest in others. Findi…[Read more]

]]> c3d8b3aef9efda79ebeb43c5f671cc6f Becca Sheffler replied to the topic On the chapter: What is the Intentional Passion God Has Planted in Me? in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/on-the-chapter-what-is-the-intentional-passion-god-has-planted-in-me/#post-1791 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 21:29:44 -0400 Ah… The besetting sin of talking too much. Thank you, Sister, for the reminder that God doesn’t generally need me to be His mouthpiece! Bless you!

]]> 14d7de52ddc97beaf1662684feb4863e Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Playing Within "Godly" Boundaries in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/playing-within-godly-boundaries/#post-1790 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 21:19:52 -0400 I’m always amazed at the extent to which I’m willing to go to rationalize in or to exert my own will. I’m so grateful for the gentle, persistent reminders from the Spirit that I need to continually submit my will to the will of the Father!

]]> 4a51fe8e637e4bc9998c4503a65a5e03 Becca Sheffler started the topic Becca Sheffler-Crafting a Rule-Finances in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/becca-sheffler-crafting-a-rule-finances/ Wed, 17 Oct 2018 21:04:32 -0400 I was puzzling over exactly how this portion of my rule should look and discussed it with a dear friend. She pointed out that a “philosophy” is different from an “action”. This clarification really helped me. I was trying to shape statements such as, “I will only spend X amount on…” or “I will refrain from spending on…” She helped me to se…[Read more]

]]> cec171336e08e21c22badd3263938700 Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Spiritual Gifts in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/spiritual-gifts/#post-1693 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 15:46:07 -0400 Brothers, I’ve missed both of you lately! Your giftedness has certainly enriched my life! I’m looking forward to connecting with both of you again soon!

Blessings,
Sr. B

]]> 271927adac928a7bc6de3008a8226474 Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Achieving Congruency in the Mind of the Heart:Discerning&Wanting What God Wants in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/achieving-congruency-in-the-mind-of-the-heartdiscerningwanting-what-god-wants/#post-1692 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 15:42:05 -0400 I just finished reading a wonderful (short!) piece that speaks beautifully to this issue of contemplation and growth: “Jesus at the Age of Twelve” by Aelred of Rievaulx. He writes so beautifully of how even Jesus had to grow, and how God brings us along the same path of growth. I’d highly recommend it!

Blessings!
Sr. B

]]> f57a71e9a9bd28fa22e0c0da0d02fda7 Becca Sheffler started the topic Becca Sheffler-Crafting a Rule-Physical Priorities in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/becca-sheffler-crafting-a-rule-physical-priorities/ Wed, 03 Oct 2018 15:30:46 -0400 Our culture seems to be obsessed with health, yet is deeply unhealthy. The information available to us on physical wellness is prolific, but much of it is conflicting. Where I live, we are in the midst of what some are calling a crisis with opioid addiction, despite public education campaigns. Health and exercise clubs and classes are widely…[Read more]

]]> 19dd76c431e9efc01c81b511cc95fdb6 Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Gifts, Love, and Humility in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/gifts-love-and-humility/#post-1678 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 03:16:23 -0400 Sister Deanna, your words are a great encouragement to me. I’ve always struggled with a desire for approval. Right now there are one or two situations that come to mind where an others centered attitude could only benefit all parties concerned. How might these “difficult” individuals repond if I treated them with respect? How might relat…[Read more]

]]> 27db7c16bb8e77608d516085f88a3c6d Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Becca Sheffler-Crafting a Rule-Spiritual Priorities in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/becca-sheffler-crafting-a-rule-spiritual-priorities/#post-1677 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 03:07:58 -0400 Something relatively new to me, which may help to shape that annual rhythm, is the observance of the feast days of saints. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been using an audio version of the Daily Office which incorporates information about the saint(s) whose feast is that day. It’s a beautiful, regular reminder about our history as God’s peopl…[Read more]

]]> 5dc98be455e727bcea5dd6dfb36fe50c Becca Sheffler started the topic Becca Sheffler-Crafting a Rule-Relational Priorities in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/becca-sheffler-crafting-a-rule-relational-priorities/ Fri, 21 Sep 2018 02:58:26 -0400 An action that I have been taught is crucial for relationships to flourish is forgiveness. Christ commands it and taught us to pray that we would be forgiven as we forgive.

But I’ve sometimes struggled to forgive. Often I’m not even sure what forgiveness looks like, especially when the offender is not repentant. Recently I’ve begun to wonde…[Read more]

]]> 8c9d57859394f5029ec191c43289df14 Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Becca Sheffler-Crafting a Rule-Vision in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/becca-sheffler-crafting-a-rule-vision/#post-1670 Fri, 14 Sep 2018 15:22:18 -0400 I have found such joy in the contemplative life, even though I feel like a rookie! The dark quiet of the early morning in Vigils and Centering Prayer is lovely beyond words! Tom and Monty, you are both such an encouragement to me! Bless you, brothers!

]]> 99256903cf9f76bae045a8caab6a30d9 Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Focus on gifts also brings focus on doing. in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/focus-on-gifts-also-brings-focus-on-doing/#post-1669 Fri, 14 Sep 2018 15:18:35 -0400 Monty, I’ve been thinking about your post this week as the couple of volunteer jobs I was doing have seemed to dry up and I’m wondering what to “do” next. I’ve been taught from the cradle, at least by implication, that recognition is a good thing. But Jesus had a few things to say about putting stock in the recognition of men. What does that say…[Read more]

]]> 696056c9b2a0df4b7c82e1a5c0f28880 Becca Sheffler started the topic Becca Sheffler-Crafting a Rule-Bonus Thought:) in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/becca-sheffler-crafting-a-rule-bonus-thought/ Fri, 14 Sep 2018 15:12:06 -0400 I read the following this morning in relation to beginning the day with Vigils. It was so lovely, I just wanted to share:

“We are such efficiency experts that we think there’s no room for the superfluous; whatever is extra should be cut out. And yet it is superfluity, overflow in the word’s literal sense, that gives spark and glory to our lives…[Read more]

]]> ad05ce6ce2a58d0698fb287c2614d2f6 Becca Sheffler started the topic Becca Sheffler-Crafting a Rule-Spiritual Priorities in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/becca-sheffler-crafting-a-rule-spiritual-priorities/ Fri, 14 Sep 2018 15:09:15 -0400 In terms of time, my daily and weekly rhythms are pretty well established. But monthly, quarterly, and annual rhythms are still being formed. The church provides some structure in terms of annual rhythms, but my personal rhythms need to be defined and incorporated. What are you all including as priorities in your monthly, quarterly, and annual rhythms?

]]> 0bb26975ff3543cb365720fb9930623f Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Spiritual Gifts in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/spiritual-gifts/#post-1656 Fri, 07 Sep 2018 21:41:58 -0400 I’m curious about something. I’ve generally (not always) heard that we’re given at least one gift when we come to faith, and that this is our gift for the rest of our earthly lives. But my experience and observations of others’ lives over the years don’t necessarily bear this out. Nor do I see strong Biblical support for this idea. The other tea…[Read more]

]]> a89c980571af056fad597cf3545830ac Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Gifts, Love, and Humility in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/gifts-love-and-humility/#post-1654 Fri, 07 Sep 2018 21:31:38 -0400 Here’s some of what Simon Tugwell has to say about humility’s close cousin, meekness: “We know so little of the divine intention in what we do that it is foolish to have more than the most provisional purposes in mind while we do things. But this surely makes it much more possible for us to act. If heaven and earth depend on what we do next, we sh…[Read more]

]]> 3175e35650c9c1990e7ffd427196907b Becca Sheffler started the topic Becca Sheffler-Crafting a Rule-Mission in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/becca-sheffler-crafting-a-rule-mission/ Fri, 07 Sep 2018 21:18:40 -0400 Keeping in mind that this is still a very rough draft, here’s my current mission statement:
—To seek the Lord via a life of prayer and study
—To follow the Lord’s daily direction in one-on-one service to others
—To pursue a life characterized by serenity, simplicity, and service

]]> 82bf568dc25a7afd1e6b2ad3cbb190e5 Becca Sheffler replied to the topic David & Relationships in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/david-relationships/#post-1635 Thu, 30 Aug 2018 12:56:50 -0400 I’ve also experienced my share of hurt within the church. Much of it I’m still working to resolve. And I’ve encountered several barriers along the way to resolution. But I’m starting to wonder…

Is it possible that I’ve been navel gazing too much? Could it be that, when I have considered others, I’ve only been considering THEIR false selves? Wha…[Read more]

]]> 7cc378856571fc3e2374ddb9736398c9 Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Crafting Relationships in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/crafting-relationships/#post-1634 Thu, 30 Aug 2018 12:43:04 -0400 Emanuel, your comments encourage me greatly. Christ, the Great Physician, always points us in the direction of healing for both ourselves and others. Our Benedictine Rule speaks clearly regarding discipline, that it is always to heal, not to punish.

If I am honest, I must admit that there are several relationships in my life where I have not…[Read more]

]]> 0755029c90835b9234e9608943bd62d5 Becca Sheffler started the topic Becca Sheffler-Crafting a Rule-Vision in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/becca-sheffler-crafting-a-rule-vision/ Thu, 30 Aug 2018 12:30:34 -0400 “Being” is a word that has come up frequently for me in recent months. I’ve spent a lifetime “doing” and believing this was how life was best lived. Now I’m learning a different way, and it feels so…right! But it’s taking some practice.

Moses’ story has given me much to ponder. I recently heard that when God called Moses up on the mountain, w…[Read more]

]]> b833202066d7624bacd89fe664cd6098 Becca Sheffler replied to the topic David & Relationships in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/david-relationships/#post-1619 Fri, 17 Aug 2018 01:19:29 -0400 David was so blessed to have Nathan! Before Nathan confronted him, how aware was David of the depth of his sin? Surely he had some awareness. After all, he did try to get Uriah to sleep with his wife and then essentially had him killed when that plan fell through. Without Nathan, would David have been able to repent? I don’t like the Nathans in m…[Read more]

]]> df01c8169f6cd40ddadf6bf1d64a1746 Becca Sheffler replied to the topic What roles can we play in humility? in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/what-roles-can-we-play-in-humility/#post-1618 Fri, 17 Aug 2018 01:09:33 -0400 I’ve observed an interesting phenomenon in this season of life. I used to really struggle to fulfill the roles I thought were mine. I always felt that I somehow fell short, likely because I couldn’t force others to respect me, like me, listen to me, etc. These days, I don’t try so hard and it seems to have resulted in my taking on roles I never…[Read more]

]]> 665fcecb66a68aa5afc8f20d1a4ed745 Becca Sheffler started the topic Becca Sheffler-Crafting a Rule-Desires and Values in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/becca-sheffler-crafting-a-rule-desires-and-values/ Fri, 17 Aug 2018 00:54:10 -0400 Did anyone else struggle to identify with Peter and Ockenga in connection with identifying desires, passions and goals? I found this entire lesson to be very beneficial. In fact, I had a few rather profound insights, I think. However, although Peter and Ockenga were certainly passionate and focused, I realized I am more inspired by monastic types…[Read more]

]]> 7abddfcfa552ec6fd0f85659feeff9c7 Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Living Without Silos in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/living-without-silos/#post-1403 Fri, 20 Jul 2018 16:15:12 -0400 Had a great conversation with a dear friend last night about how we tend to identify our “gifts”, usually via some sort of spiritual gifts inventory, and then turn ourselves into spiritual pretzels trying to “live into my gift”. Meanwhile we neglect to do the needed things right under our noses because “that’s just not my gift”. (She sees a good b…[Read more]

]]> 2b3a0a05dcf3f392ac81776914550664 Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Welcome! in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/welcome/#post-1402 Fri, 20 Jul 2018 16:07:21 -0400 Br. Monty!! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts in this forum. Welcome, Brother!

Blessings,
Sr. B

]]> b03625a10ab3e199c0d1a1b29d180132 Becca Sheffler started the topic Gifts, Love, and Humility in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/gifts-love-and-humility/ Fri, 20 Jul 2018 16:05:27 -0400 What are your thoughts on the relationship between love and humility in the exercise of our gifts? Is it possible that, in our time, we are putting undue emphasis on the gifts themselves and neglecting the question of the posture we adopt in the use of our gifts?

]]> 077d9ff9ae9b61eee84b152a056091ac Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Living Without Silos in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/living-without-silos/#post-1238 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 17:04:57 -0400 Hi Br. Monty! The Lord has a way of getting our attention one way or another, doesn’t He? If we won’t slow ourselves down, He tends to arrange our lives so we have no other choice! 😉 Blessings on your recovery, brother!

]]> 75c16f8341317ed169af7eb73444e2e2 Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Living Without Silos in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/living-without-silos/#post-1237 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 17:01:06 -0400 Welcome, Emanuel! I hope you find being a part of the order as much of a blessing as I have!

This business of having to plan for the future makes it a bit tricky to simply live in the present, doesn’t it? Blessings on your preparations…and on your “being” and learning to listen!

Sr. Becca

]]> 50488ec9e2e31f56814e702c1c4a5ab7 Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Living Without Silos in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/living-without-silos/#post-1236 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 16:56:18 -0400 Vacation presented me with a challenge. The different environment gave me an excuse to allow my regular rhythm to be disrupted. I became my “vacation self”. Then, when I returned and resumed my regular rhythm, everything felt sluggish, like the spiritual plumbing was clogged. Lesson learned!! I need to be the same “me”, wherever I am, whatever is going on!

]]> 82e21490f9befd832c883248a683db62 Becca Sheffler started the topic Considering King David’s Story in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/considering-king-davids-story/ Wed, 04 Jul 2018 16:50:30 -0400 I am struck by how thoroughly David owns his sin, and yet does not wallow in guilt. By relying on the mercy of God, he still sees a future for himself and for Israel. And so this is not about David’s own goodness, but about God’s goodness. David’s sin is not minimized in any way. But God’s mercy is the remedy for even the worst of sins, which a…[Read more]

]]> 9a90da93755f75b411061611c97012c1 Becca Sheffler started the topic Living Without Silos in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/living-without-silos/ Tue, 19 Jun 2018 22:57:55 -0400 One of the greatest benefits of monastic life for me so far has been developing a rhythm that links all the various parts of my life. But old habits die hard. What are some challenges others have faced in seeking to live without silos?

Blessings,
Sr. Becca

]]> 557805c853602a1f93f14c5c771e18ab Becca Sheffler replied to the topic Welcome! in the forum Crafting a Rule of Life Forum https://www.christmissionacademy.us/forums/topic/welcome/#post-974 Tue, 19 Jun 2018 22:53:57 -0400 Looking forward to being part of the course and getting to know the other participants! Blessings,
Sr. Becca

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