Rules for Hidden Things
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Hidden Things- Suggested Reflection Topics during week
Hidden Things is a little different than Lenten Journey 2005. The main thing is the practice. If you feel most comfortable simply reflecting do that. There are no rules.
The suggestion is to reflect five times during the week. Since part of this practice is meant to assist one of our members discover more about these particular readings your imput would be appreciated. Below is a suggested format for reflection:
Day One: Straight Reflection- How is God Encountering you with this reading?
Day Two: How might these readings benefit the wider church if heard more often?
Day Three: What challenges do these verses have on wider church if heard?
Day Four: Give the opportunity which of the three readings would you preach on? What in it resonated with you most deeply that others need to hear?
Day Five: What connects these passages? ¶ 12:49 PM
The suggestion is to reflect five times during the week. Since part of this practice is meant to assist one of our members discover more about these particular readings your imput would be appreciated. Below is a suggested format for reflection:
Day One: Straight Reflection- How is God Encountering you with this reading?
Day Two: How might these readings benefit the wider church if heard more often?
Day Three: What challenges do these verses have on wider church if heard?
Day Four: Give the opportunity which of the three readings would you preach on? What in it resonated with you most deeply that others need to hear?
Day Five: What connects these passages? ¶ 12:49 PM
Hidden Things- What is it?
Hidden Things is a spiritual practice of reflection. Its purpose is to unite persons in their exploration of their Christianity through the practice of reflecting on Scripture. The title came out of the particular goal of the practice. It was decided to explore Scripture that is in the canon but does not make it to the Sunday Lectionary.
We will reflect for 10 weeks. Each week the readings will change and the members will comment that particular week on the readings posted. Members are encouraged to write daily to better absorb the readings prior to them changing.
Hidden Things grew out of an earlier practice (see Lenten Journey 2005 blog). Some of the members wanted to continue to grow closer to God through their practice. Some wanted to explore other areas of scripture. It was decided to take the practice on for ten weeks in order to help prepare one of the members on a potential deeper study as to why certain pieces of scripture never make it to the Sunday Lectionary in the Episcopal Church. This would be a way to make a commitment to do so and also help others discover rich scripture not often heard.
For some it will be way to deepen faith. For others it may just be the invitation to come and see. Trust that results will follow. Regardless of where you stand in your beliefs, we believe there is no coincidence in your reading this at this particular time. If you are reading this blog it is your invitation to join us on Hidden Things. It is our hope that you will join with us.
We don't necessarily have your answers but we look forward to moving forward with you.
We act because we are inclined to know Christ better. Ultimately isn't that the point?
It is not to become better writers! We act in spite of our doubts and misgivings in the hope of knowing the Living God. So we make a commitment to do something different for the next 10 weeks.That invitation is to try prayer, read the readings and write honestly.
We are inviting you to check in daily and leave a reflection on something that you connected with from these often neglected but powerful readings. (See Post -How to Use BLOG Hidden Things-Suggestions for Daily Writing)This is a meditation we can share with others. We believe that it is the discipline of continual daily contact that will produce the greatest connection not the depth or beauty of any particular daily written reflection. Even if you miss a day, a week, a month, come back and start again. No one will be counting.(Continue on the journey with Post- Daily Readings) ¶ 12:17 PM
We will reflect for 10 weeks. Each week the readings will change and the members will comment that particular week on the readings posted. Members are encouraged to write daily to better absorb the readings prior to them changing.
Hidden Things grew out of an earlier practice (see Lenten Journey 2005 blog). Some of the members wanted to continue to grow closer to God through their practice. Some wanted to explore other areas of scripture. It was decided to take the practice on for ten weeks in order to help prepare one of the members on a potential deeper study as to why certain pieces of scripture never make it to the Sunday Lectionary in the Episcopal Church. This would be a way to make a commitment to do so and also help others discover rich scripture not often heard.
For some it will be way to deepen faith. For others it may just be the invitation to come and see. Trust that results will follow. Regardless of where you stand in your beliefs, we believe there is no coincidence in your reading this at this particular time. If you are reading this blog it is your invitation to join us on Hidden Things. It is our hope that you will join with us.
We don't necessarily have your answers but we look forward to moving forward with you.
We act because we are inclined to know Christ better. Ultimately isn't that the point?
It is not to become better writers! We act in spite of our doubts and misgivings in the hope of knowing the Living God. So we make a commitment to do something different for the next 10 weeks.That invitation is to try prayer, read the readings and write honestly.
We are inviting you to check in daily and leave a reflection on something that you connected with from these often neglected but powerful readings. (See Post -How to Use BLOG Hidden Things-Suggestions for Daily Writing)This is a meditation we can share with others. We believe that it is the discipline of continual daily contact that will produce the greatest connection not the depth or beauty of any particular daily written reflection. Even if you miss a day, a week, a month, come back and start again. No one will be counting.(Continue on the journey with Post- Daily Readings) ¶ 12:17 PM
The Daily Readings
The Daily Readings
The Daily Readings- The weekly readings have been chosen by their "hiddenness" to the Episcopal Sunday Liturgy. Their use in Hidden Things was arbitrary. We thank Elizabeth F for her hard work in determining the readings that found their way into this practice.
Feel free to copy and save Readings to word program on your own PC. However, you might be more willing to reflect in a comment by going to Hidden Things daily, reading the weekly post that contains that weeks readings, and then making comment.
Remember don't keep your light under a bushel!
Your reflection might make a world of difference to another.(Of course, then again it may not. The point of all this however is that we are seeking to be encountered through the the daily practice not in the wisdom of any particular days reflection). ¶ 12:07 PM
The Daily Readings
The Daily Readings- The weekly readings have been chosen by their "hiddenness" to the Episcopal Sunday Liturgy. Their use in Hidden Things was arbitrary. We thank Elizabeth F for her hard work in determining the readings that found their way into this practice.
Feel free to copy and save Readings to word program on your own PC. However, you might be more willing to reflect in a comment by going to Hidden Things daily, reading the weekly post that contains that weeks readings, and then making comment.
Remember don't keep your light under a bushel!
Your reflection might make a world of difference to another.(Of course, then again it may not. The point of all this however is that we are seeking to be encountered through the the daily practice not in the wisdom of any particular days reflection). ¶ 12:07 PM
How to use the BLOG Hidden Things
How to use the BLOG Hidden Things
Or I've received an invitation now what do I do?(Short form: Scroll down to 7)
It's amazing what you can learn when you start doing something. For example, there is a huge gap between knowing what a Blog (Web Log) is and actually being able to navigate it. As I've stumbled around creating this thing I've learned a few things. Hopefully the same will happen as we stumble around the readings on a daily basis. That being neither here nor there let's try to make navigation of this thing a tad easier.
How to use this Blog (or any blog for that matter):
1. By being invited and accepting, you are a member. This means you have made a commitment to stay in the discipline. That commitment will be to reflect 5 times a week on the selected readings. Click on Hidden Things or read on by reading Suggestions for Daily Writing, and Rules to discover what this Blog is all about.
2. Members have an account and a link to this Blog when they sign on. Others may leave comments but we encourage all who are leaving comments to become a member. The point of this practice is to focus on three scripture readings each week. To keep this coordinated we are asking members to leave comments on a weekly post. By adding a comment only each day we'll have the ability in the future to track back to specific readings quicker.
3. The only person who can invite members to join is scottpetersen. If you would like to join or you would like to invite someone to join go to profile on by clicking on scottpetersen under contributors which is found on right hand side of Hidden Things. If you have a friend, a family member, a church friend, or all three that you would like invited to become members send me an email with their email address. I will send them an invitation.
4. Anonymous comments are allowed by any person even those who stumble upon Hidden Things in passing. If you have stumbled upon the blog and would like to join us please go to profile and send an email. If you are not from Virginia Theological Seminary or St. Benedict's Parish please let us know where you are from.
5. Blogs are not all that hard to create. If you don't like this one create your own. If you have a blog already and want to be linked simply go to profile and send an email. If it fits with the spirit of this I will gladly list it.
6. The best way to learn is to try some things to see how this all works. If I can figure it out you certainly can.(To continue on with journey see Post- Suggestions for Daily Writing) ¶ 11:46 AM
How to use the BLOG Hidden Things
Or I've received an invitation now what do I do?(Short form: Scroll down to 7)
It's amazing what you can learn when you start doing something. For example, there is a huge gap between knowing what a Blog (Web Log) is and actually being able to navigate it. As I've stumbled around creating this thing I've learned a few things. Hopefully the same will happen as we stumble around the readings on a daily basis. That being neither here nor there let's try to make navigation of this thing a tad easier.
How to use this Blog (or any blog for that matter):
1. By being invited and accepting, you are a member. This means you have made a commitment to stay in the discipline. That commitment will be to reflect 5 times a week on the selected readings. Click on Hidden Things or read on by reading Suggestions for Daily Writing, and Rules to discover what this Blog is all about.
2. Members have an account and a link to this Blog when they sign on. Others may leave comments but we encourage all who are leaving comments to become a member. The point of this practice is to focus on three scripture readings each week. To keep this coordinated we are asking members to leave comments on a weekly post. By adding a comment only each day we'll have the ability in the future to track back to specific readings quicker.
3. The only person who can invite members to join is scottpetersen. If you would like to join or you would like to invite someone to join go to profile on by clicking on scottpetersen under contributors which is found on right hand side of Hidden Things. If you have a friend, a family member, a church friend, or all three that you would like invited to become members send me an email with their email address. I will send them an invitation.
4. Anonymous comments are allowed by any person even those who stumble upon Hidden Things in passing. If you have stumbled upon the blog and would like to join us please go to profile and send an email. If you are not from Virginia Theological Seminary or St. Benedict's Parish please let us know where you are from.
5. Blogs are not all that hard to create. If you don't like this one create your own. If you have a blog already and want to be linked simply go to profile and send an email. If it fits with the spirit of this I will gladly list it.
6. The best way to learn is to try some things to see how this all works. If I can figure it out you certainly can.(To continue on with journey see Post- Suggestions for Daily Writing) ¶ 11:46 AM
Suggestions for Daily Writing
Suggestions for Daily Writing
A beginning can only be begun. If you have not been bored yet and want to start, link back to Hidden Things and begin. The Blog is yours.
If you want some suggestions read on:
The first suggestion is that I have no suggestion as to what you should write. My suggestion is only to write. My other suggestion is that as a practice try to write every day.
What to write?
What I'm planning on doing will be to take some time in prayer and then read the readings. I will most likely try to write in the morning before the family gets going. Whatever jumps out at me will be what I write about. The readings selected are not found often as readings and never as Sunday Readings. These are hard readings. They should be respected. This Blog is a place for you to write your questions and doubts. Be creative. Be challenged. Wonder.
Maybe you want to write a word, (a sentence, a paragraph, a page ) each day on a particular reading. Maybe you will just check in. It really is up to you. I can not overemphasize that this is a practice. I will however remind that the more you put into it the more you may receive. This year a group of us reflected on the Ten Commandments, Lords Prayer, and Apostles Creed during Lent (See Lenten Journey 2005- Link can be found on Hidden Things). Last year I felt called to spend the 12 days leading up to Christmas in the Nativity Story. Both were great experiences because by making a commitment to write everyday it helped me explore our central expression of faith and Christmas at new depths. Both times I have had spiritual break throughs.
I would not have discovered that if it were not for the action and the discipline.
This is a discipline and if you are anything like me you are not very good at it. I'm not. I get all fired up and then three days later I get "busy". The one benefit to creating all this and then inviting persons to join is that this is probably the best way to remain accountable. If I stop writing certainly some may notice.I'm not a big fan of being accountable. It can be taxing. But I have also found that by taking on a commitment I'm more likely to follow through. So make a commitment.If your more daring invite a person or more than one to do this with you. Better yet decide to meet once a week to discuss the practice. Have a meal.
Ask the dangerous but exciting question, where is God leading us?Dare to believe that God is real and that by taking some time to be with Him, he'll show up.(Continue the journey with Post- Rules for Hidden Things) ¶ 11:27 AM
Suggestions for Daily Writing
A beginning can only be begun. If you have not been bored yet and want to start, link back to Hidden Things and begin. The Blog is yours.
If you want some suggestions read on:
The first suggestion is that I have no suggestion as to what you should write. My suggestion is only to write. My other suggestion is that as a practice try to write every day.
What to write?
What I'm planning on doing will be to take some time in prayer and then read the readings. I will most likely try to write in the morning before the family gets going. Whatever jumps out at me will be what I write about. The readings selected are not found often as readings and never as Sunday Readings. These are hard readings. They should be respected. This Blog is a place for you to write your questions and doubts. Be creative. Be challenged. Wonder.
Maybe you want to write a word, (a sentence, a paragraph, a page ) each day on a particular reading. Maybe you will just check in. It really is up to you. I can not overemphasize that this is a practice. I will however remind that the more you put into it the more you may receive. This year a group of us reflected on the Ten Commandments, Lords Prayer, and Apostles Creed during Lent (See Lenten Journey 2005- Link can be found on Hidden Things). Last year I felt called to spend the 12 days leading up to Christmas in the Nativity Story. Both were great experiences because by making a commitment to write everyday it helped me explore our central expression of faith and Christmas at new depths. Both times I have had spiritual break throughs.
I would not have discovered that if it were not for the action and the discipline.
This is a discipline and if you are anything like me you are not very good at it. I'm not. I get all fired up and then three days later I get "busy". The one benefit to creating all this and then inviting persons to join is that this is probably the best way to remain accountable. If I stop writing certainly some may notice.I'm not a big fan of being accountable. It can be taxing. But I have also found that by taking on a commitment I'm more likely to follow through. So make a commitment.If your more daring invite a person or more than one to do this with you. Better yet decide to meet once a week to discuss the practice. Have a meal.
Ask the dangerous but exciting question, where is God leading us?Dare to believe that God is real and that by taking some time to be with Him, he'll show up.(Continue the journey with Post- Rules for Hidden Things) ¶ 11:27 AM
Rules for Hidden Things
Rules for Hidden Things
1. There are few.
2. If you would like to invite someone to this spiritual practice of reflection feel free to do so. Simply click on scottpetersen under contributors. My email address is listed on my profile. Of course you could bypass this and email me directly at spetersen@vts.edu. Since this is a ten week practice invitations to become a member of blog will be extended through June 10th . (11th hour rule applies.)
3. This is a practice. What is written on this Blog should come more from the heart than the head. I'm not suggesting that we should leave our head at the door but that the goal of the blog is a daily practice. It is not to be "theologically, philosophically, and doctrinally" correct. It's to reflect. Please check your motives with your comments . If a Comment seeks to "educate" or "fix" another members comment it runs the risk of being deleted. I'm not suggesting that truth is relative but what someone writes (and myself for that matter) is how they understand something that moment. The point of this Blog is in the practice of daily encounter not the responses themselves.
4. Any comments or Posts that appear to be out of the context with the spirit of this Spiritual Practice of reflection may be deleted at the discression of the Blog Host. It is my prayer that this will never be enacted. ¶ 11:09 AM
Rules for Hidden Things
1. There are few.
2. If you would like to invite someone to this spiritual practice of reflection feel free to do so. Simply click on scottpetersen under contributors. My email address is listed on my profile. Of course you could bypass this and email me directly at spetersen@vts.edu. Since this is a ten week practice invitations to become a member of blog will be extended through June 10th . (11th hour rule applies.)
3. This is a practice. What is written on this Blog should come more from the heart than the head. I'm not suggesting that we should leave our head at the door but that the goal of the blog is a daily practice. It is not to be "theologically, philosophically, and doctrinally" correct. It's to reflect. Please check your motives with your comments . If a Comment seeks to "educate" or "fix" another members comment it runs the risk of being deleted. I'm not suggesting that truth is relative but what someone writes (and myself for that matter) is how they understand something that moment. The point of this Blog is in the practice of daily encounter not the responses themselves.
4. Any comments or Posts that appear to be out of the context with the spirit of this Spiritual Practice of reflection may be deleted at the discression of the Blog Host. It is my prayer that this will never be enacted. ¶ 11:09 AM
