For a number of reasons (excuses),  in the past four years I have not followed a strong diet and exercise program.  One can only surmise the results, but, let us just say that the weight gain has not been helpful, and, the physical results are not ones that have helped me maintain the kind of life to which I have been called.  So, within the last six weeks, I have taken stock of the situation and started my exercise program with the help of an awesome and very helpful personal trainer.  It has been a challenge but I am feeling better already.

One of the first exercises the personal trainer had me do is to stand on a device that is half of an exercise ball built onto a small platform, called a Bosu ball.  It looks simple enough, but, it takes about two seconds to realize that I have lost a great deal of my ability to maintain balance.  My 6 foot 4 inch frame (still somewhat substantial at this point) wobbles like a new born calf.  The real challenge comes because I am not only expected to stand on the ball; I am to also do squats.  The results are interesting to say the least.  I have to be “spotted” and anyone watching receives their entertainment for the day.

What the trainer is doing is helping me to strengthen my physical core.  A good solid core provides balance, prevents injury and promotes good health.  I am assured that through the training program that I am on, that I will, in fact, retrain my core and regain my balance.  A good solid core will help me with the rest of my physical training with less injury and stronger results.

Core training is also essential for our spiritual life.  The physical disciplines strengthen our physical core and the spiritual disciplines strengthen our spiritual core.  Study of Scripture, prayer, meditation and other disciplines strengthen the spiritual core and allows opportunity for the Holy Spirit to make one more aware of the presence of God which is always there.  Through the strengthening of the spiritual core one regains spiritual balance.

Core training for the spiritual life leads to spiritual balance and allows one to walk steady, in the Lord, through all the transitions, trials and tribulations that life may bring.  Spiritual direction provides opportunity for spiritual core training with the spiritual director helping one listen to that voice of God as the balance is restored.

For support in this process, contact Steve Arnold. (steve@pivotpointministries.org) 

Nothing to see here, just identifying my blog to Technorati.

The Luther Adventure Camp is for those 16 and older who like a bit more activity.  Camping in a former Prussian army camp, biking throughout Germany, learning more about the culture, exploring historic Wittenberg describes just a small part of what this adventure will be about.  Learn about Luther.  Learn about leadership.  Walk in spiritual pilgrimage.  Build bridges with brothers and sisters in the faith in a different country.

Adventures in Luther and Leadership Brochure

I went to Taize the first time expecting to learn more about how to do Taize style music in our worship settings. Everything I knew about Taize was the music and the prayer form. I wanted to experience it and learn it better so that I could lead it.

Was I in for a surprise! The music is only one part of the Taize experience.

I found a community that is centered in Jesus Christ and the call to reconciliation. I found a community that lives in the joy of praying and serving. I learned that praying leads to serving.

I found a lifestyle aligned with simplicity. The food, lodging and facilities are simple. You have all that you need and nothing more. It is simple. It is quiet. It is energizing to spend quiet time in prayer.

I found a way to connect with Christian brothers and sisters from around the world who pilgrimage to this place of prayer and reconciliation. The Scripture study as a large group and the small discussion groups allowed for intense growth as the Body of Christ. It is a joy to be with the adults (up the hill) and to also be with the thousands of youth and young adults who gather at Taize for prayer in the Chapel of Reconciliation.

I found a place of quiet renewal with an opportunity to be strengthened for mission and ministry as I rested in the Lord.

If you are interested in joining us in journeying to Taize in May, 2007 please contact Steve Arnold at steve@pivotpointministries.org.

Pilgrimage Brochure 2007

Join Steve Arnold in a Journey of Discernment and Prayer. While tracing the footsteps of Luther, participants will be led in study and scripture around the theme of discernment. Participants will also join other Christians from around the world for prayer, Scripture study and reflection.

Beginning in the Eiseleben region, the participants will join in a “Process of Inner Discernment”. Just as the boy Luther came to know himself in this region, participants will be guided in an inward journey that will lead to a Spirit-discerned awareness of self. The time here will be an exploration of identity. “Who is God calling me to be?”, will be the question for this portion of the journey.

Moving to Erfurt, participants will walk the streets where Luther made his vows to be a monk, became ordained as a priest, celebrated his first mass and experienced great spiritual and personal struggle. Participants will be guided in a “Process of Discernment of Call.” “How is God calling me to serve?”, will be the question for this portion of the journey.

The final portion of the pilgrimage will take place at the monastic community in Taize. Thousands from around the world come to join in the prayer and study at Taize. Participants will be in a “Process to Discern Reconciliation and Peace,” while living in the simplicity of the community, experiencing silence, and, engaging in Scripture study.

Dates for 2008 will be set soon!

Contact Steve Arnold by e-mail: steve@pivotpointministries.org.

A personal retreat is a time to get away to catch your breath and relax in the presence of God. A personal retreat offers a chance for praying the Scripture, listening to the voice of God in the silence, journaling and reflection. A personal retreat is a time of renewal.

You can establish a personal retreat on your own or you can meet with a spiritual director who can guide you in setting up a personal retreat.

Planning a Retreat on Your Own

If you wish to develop your own personal retreat, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Plan to go somewhere that offers few distractions. There are many wonderful retreat sites that serve the one on pilgrimage and retreat, but, a quiet place to camp would also serve you well.
• Prepare to enjoy silence by avoiding places that are filled with noise. Leave noise-makers (radio, Ipod, etc.) at home.
• Leave work at home. Plan a ritual and time of transition.
• Bring Scripture. Scripture would be the focus of the retreat but other devotional readings would be appropriate.
• Plan to stay at least two nights and three days. As one person has said, “It takes a day or two for my soul to catch up with my body.”
• Experience a rhythm of praying Scripture, walking, engaging in intercessory prayer, sleeping.
• Take time to journal and reflect upon the presence of God in your life.
• Take a nap as needed. Rest is a part of the sabbath experience.

Working with a Spiritual Director

If you wish to work with a spiritual director regarding the development of a personal retreat, contact Pivot Point Ministries and I would be pleased to work with you. You can reach me through e-mail: steve@pivotpointministries.org.

May God bless your journey.

She came into the room and sat down and said, “I just can’t think. I don’t know what to do. Tell me what to do.” She was experiencing a time of overload in her life and was unable to slow down or stop in order to figure out what was next.

What do you do when you are overloaded and feel like you are going to shut down?

• Find a quiet spot away from clutter.
• Sit with your feet flat to the floor and back straight.
• Breath deeply and feel the tension leave your body.
• Focus on the love of God.
• Pray: Lord, I am here in your presence. Fill this moment with Your peace.
• Sit quietly in God.

The word Sabbath can literally mean to “catch one’s breath. God gives the breath of life and then it becomes Satan’s goal to make a person breath-less. Tim Hansel, Holy Sweat, wrote that if “the devil can’t make you bad he’ll make you busy.”

God created us to take a rest. God has been very clear that we are not to be busy 24/7. It is God’s intention that we take one day per week to “catch our breath” and then to take times throughout the day to do the same.

The Sabbath Times throughout the day are the Prayer Hours or the Divine Office. For those who would like structure, the Prayer Hours are a true gift. Every few hours there is a time out for prayer and a chance to refocus.

It doesn’t have to be along period of time. Some take 5-7 minutes for each prayer liturgy and some take 30 minutes each time. The rhythm includes Morning, Noon, Evening and Bedtime. The idea is not to add pressure, rather to add a time of truly resting and restoring in prayer.

So, take a breather and come into the presence of God.

January 25, 2007
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Benedictine Center at the St. Paul Monastery

This seminar will be a time to explore the the distinctive elements of men’s spirituality and understanding of God.