"The purpose of journeying together in spiritual friendship and spiritual community (whether there are just two of you or whether you are in a small group) is to listen to one another's desire for God, to nurture that desire in each other and to support one another in seeking a way of life that is consistent with that desire. ” Ruth Haley Barton, Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation In this episode we talk about busyness vs rest, choosing to live the abundant life, what recreates us and the pace which God is setting in our hearts. Heather also recounts her harrowing battle with a scorpion while Michelle single handedly fights off sharks in the ocean! One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One thing - Engaging Hope in Seasons of Disappointment- Melissa Hessler Michelle's One thing - Cultivate vol. iv: Creativity Unlocked Heather's One thing - So Will I (100 Billion X) Amanda Cook Group Question: 1. How do you feel about your pace of life right now? 2. Do you feel that you're really listening to your life? 3. What does an ideal sabbath day look like to you? Journal Questions: 1. What makes you come alive?    a. spiritually (prayer+sacraments)    b. socially (recreation)    c. creatively (experience god's awe and wonder)    d. physically (food+exercise)    f. community 2. What do you need to say no to in this season  of life? Quotes To Ponder: "The purpose of journeying together in spiritual friendship and spiritual community is to listen to one another's desire for God, to nurture that desire in each other and to support one another in seeking a way of life that is consistent with that desire." - Ruth Haley Barton, Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation “Present is living with your feet firmly grounded in reality, pale and uncertain as it may seem. Present is choosing to believe that your own life is worth investing deeply in, instead of waiting for some rare miracle or fairytale. Present means we understand that the here and now is sacred, sacramental, threaded through with divinity even in its plainness. Especially in its plainness." - Shauna Niequist, Present Over Perfect: Leaving behind frantic for a simpler, more soulful way of living.