Blog
The Prayer of Examen
Since we have the Spirit within us, we too can expect God will meet us where we are in the throes of daily life with all its joys and challenges. Even if the life we have right now is not the one we would choose, God is right there in our midst. Since we aren’t necessarily good at recognizing him in the ordinary, examining our day with him can be a help. The Prayer of Examen, a spiritual practice developed by Ignatius of Loyola in 1522, allows us to discern his presence and promptings and gives us insights into living and responding with grace.
3 Things I Remembered from My First By Design Retreat
After over 25 years in ministry author Kim Findlay attended her first women’s retreat with By Design. Initially excited, she soon felt nervous and insecure, unsure how to simply “be” instead of lead. Encouraged to let God minister to her, she was reminded that God desires her heart, not just her deeds. God showed her three important things:
“But I’m Not a Leader” - By Design’s Philosophy of Participation
Have you ever considered attending a By Design Ministries event but hesitated at the sight of the word “leader” or a registration question asking you to list the position of leadership you hold in your church or organization? Wherever God has you right now, you are leading and influencing others for the Kingdom.
Why I Stopped Praying for Clarity
We’ve all heard the admonitions “Be careful what you wish for” and “Never pray for patience.” But more problematic for me is my tendency to ask God for clarity in unclear situations … and my ensuing frustration when it doesn’t come.
When my oldest was in high school, a well-meaning adult encouraged her not to worry about her future by reminding her it was in God’s hands. As my daughter said to me later,