Thank you for your comments. I actually used the point form format for my rule of life draft because I couldn’t figure out how to post a chart, but I think it out to be something useful for printing out as is and displaying on my bulletin board as a daily visual reminder. Having a word document of this form will also mean I can update it easily…[Read more]

Sr. Becca, congratulations on finishing the course!

I love the beauty of your personal rule of life. I mentioned in my post that I looked at samples posted at https://ruleoflife.com/myrule/ that used a graphic or poetic form for the personal rule rather than a chart or prose one. Your rule reads like a lovely work of poetry, but I can also…[Read more]

Thank you for this tip, Br. Monty. I love your advice “to absorb the full flavor of each verse.” I think you are absolutely right that this is a time-consuming process that is well worth the effort.

Blessings,
Maggie

Sr. Becca, I responded to this lesson by writing about an experience a few years ago that led to me leaving a church, so I am not sure that I can answer your question on how to bring about unity. It may well be that the critical voice you raise is in fact important to keeping the church on the right track and that what you consider doing your own…[Read more]

I grew up in a faith tradition that was strongly scripturally based and have read the Bible through several times, done my share of regular devotions readings, and study parts of it in some depth. I read something recently, though, that compared the organization of knowledge that many people have of Scripture to a bunch of post-it notes stuck on…[Read more]

Br. Monty, I agree that we should limit relationships with people who are toxic and seek out those with whom we can have the mutually beneficial contacts you describe. Sometimes, it is choice to continue in a damaging relationship, perhaps because it is the right thing to do or because there are others involved who will be hurt or left…[Read more]

Sr. Becca, I appreciate your deepening of the analogy of the fruit tree very much. You have made it even more vital for me by reflecting on what actually happens during dormant periods. I will keep this image in mind as I evaluate my progress in preparation for finalizing my rule of life. Thank you for your understanding of why the seasons of…[Read more]

Very useful advice! Thank you!

I appreciate your response very much, Br. Monty. For now, the hardest issue for me is not being able to predict when a health issue will arise, whether for me or for someone close to me. This makes it difficult to follow any regular schedule that would require me to serve at a particular time and place. I do what I can, and I have hopes that at…[Read more]

Sr. Deana, as a spiritually mature person, you provide much inspiration in your post, as well as an effective series of questions for reflecting on living up to Christian objectives at the end of each day. (“Did I meet Jesus today? Was I attentive to His presence in me? In others? Was I sensitive to the whispering of the Holy Spirit? Was I moved…[Read more]

This discussion encourages deep reflection on attitudes towards gifts, love, and humility. I feel great humility for the gifts that God has given to me, although, I admit, not always gratitude because sometimes those gifts have not always been easy to practice. Nor have they always been welcomed by other people or institutions where I have…[Read more]

Sr. Becca, I believe your rule has great power as a principle to follow for managing finances, and I will borrow your format for developing my own guideline. Thank you for walking us through the process that led you from something specific yet transient to a more universal statement that demonstrates a permanently wise and charitable purpose for…[Read more]