#54 Holy Leisure: Transform Your Quiet Time from Duty to Delight with Cara Ray

#58 When a Book Becomes a Mentor: Reading as Discipleship with Sue Donaldson

On this final episode of the Spring Series, join host Lori G. Melton to explore reading as a vital piece of our discipleshipthrough a conversation with speaker and author Sue Donaldson about Oswald Chambers’ devotional My Utmost for His Highest and its impact on Sue’s life withGod for over 50 years. Sue recounts receiving the book from her sister in 1972, keeping annotated copies through major life moments, and returning to read it daily in 2021 while journaling prayers. She highlights Chambers’ central call to complete surrender and being “abandoned to God,” along with themes likehumility, worry, and “trusting God and doing the next thing.” Sue shares Chambers’ biography, including his chaplaincyin Egypt during WWI and early death, and explains how his wife Biddy’s shorthand notes and hospitality enabled the devotional’s creation and enduring influence, connecting these lessons to Sue’s own ministry of hospitality andwriting. Reading as a vital part of our discipleship — the perfect topic to complete this series focused on the practices that form us over a lifetime!   Resources: * Welcomeheart.com [https://welcomeheart.com/] to learn more about Sue Donaldson * Never Alone: Stories of Invitation & Connection [https://www.amazon.com/Never-Alone-Stories-Invitation-Connection/dp/B0FXTMGTXJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3J4R81CZH2GBA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fxJmFvcZcElrn7dqj_cHgADyoNIzQBqJ1shKDTbbFLc.FqRb8GtH27giffFIBGWTHmjK7Wn98HBHfmvm3dz1tTw&dib_tag=se&keywords=never+alone+sue+donaldson&qid=1777485057&sprefix=never+alone+sue+donaldson%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-1] by Sue Donaldson * My Utmost for His Highest [https://www.amazon.com/My-Utmost-His-Highest-Paperback/dp/1627078754/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ulaIqqpx5LuxJTVxjwAH2kiTHIml6b-85ypUJs_03MiRULzOVp-V8S_pUNfsqci4TQM206SIfNCNYwVINoVSE_0IF5gEziHn3qv3BSeBarS-pAWmv6AhJ1ZlDC8dH1nZx_sbG58KeyTKzMl6LboCSqc4PYCMqAdSUfY_RkwBRbhpRbQ-a_K7PZTjeKZ4KSHnNhsAEhGg2b-N3muFZRKBDpvhyQXjS6E2JKjJjRZxqvo.TBF9G3rr3Hf5wAojLsghdy3V_ZTGcvnySVGZzRpKsDc&qid=1777485003&sr=8-1] by Oswald Chambers * Abandoned to God [https://www.amazon.com/Oswald-Chambers-Abandoned-Author-Highest/dp/1572930500/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KYBR8G9Y1HVD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UtEDqN6leUV_cq0fI3SbVkakGO4Dll1qqPKO9nVO9G1zhHJhK4RI_OaPEVxbLHQUTBaJrtgDEKOBWKAYzNShIRb66J-VpTbDQPG_RdU0PrqGQHroagwhQgNesCNvUJLfxPp76tDSyAYbOPTohSu1njUu54CQcbmscFbk2yTCPUJMbBP6Zb03PqQC1zt7VJ8UqFXE5hAaSCz8YtnhJULmEAkT4TJ_MyOJJL5d04uxLVA.kgkJ3stj6bm2lQ2E983wMeNwVcHjrgCN2FQU7WPk8N8&dib_tag=se&keywords=abandoned+to+god+oswald+chambers&qid=1777484936&sprefix=abandoned+to+god+%2Caps%2C215&sr=8-1] by David McCasland * The Woman Who Was Chesterton [https://www.amazon.com/Woman-Who-Was-Chesterton-Frances/dp/B0BW2RKFDJ/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iKdlmmLRubXVnPpgJfkIL7GNbiwtWijyLpTYJ-wThQmrm9IXcNdzWcxSR11TyusGwTler5az7Wq1vsaiH0N9SzfksgyY2liYOkwy62KidE7nOtVjInsmSgcf9_HyvzK64alWq8yZbhcewDfxneig5etCBzLg6PE6ubDjK0lcOaSw-wAYKR0nBoClEADGuEM0b2psUjZe5OpqyBln1oodaMXNhErr7-lNGWHk47Zome4.WhtfGGpP3ZJvmO44xtNmmo4VkD16SiV2spqVfybqid4&qid=1777484887&sr=8-1] by Nancy Carpentier Brown * Becoming Mrs. Lewis [https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Mrs-Lewis-Improbable-Davidman/dp/0785218092/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eHt6UeHkgtwxHBV1sdA_cg7qi_jPjbQwOrnbtROpCvA9pHWXUwN_LwN8AADjdZqK-3kqGaIfgFY8_jspT8KZk_97vM7DXzrc9tUroH5RE41NPeioF6QRUVcopQRto4a_pf2p8F6wcEywv9rDUi9bFMhA0Qe7CJofK8OYznLi4wy2alwsv3r8omayaj1jQaBzTMql67JOYFDKkylObyj8wvOSWBK5fwnkUA2Zwk6fQuU.XsVKQICyLdZUS7YAxdn2qoFeEtB7aanDrCvDNvlbaQ0&qid=1777484825&sr=8-1] by Patti Calahan * Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God [https://www.lorigmelton.com/journey-with-a-giant] by Lori G. Melton. Take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a giant of the faith, inspired by the author’s year learning from the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America’s Favorite Neighbor. Articles You May Enjoy: When a Book Becomes a Mentor: Reading as Discipleship [http://www.lorigmelton.com/blog/o03vgsjr81co3gshlozj1vas3ue7fn] For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit ⁠lorigmelton.com⁠ [https://www.lorigmelton.com/] or ⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠ [https://www.thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com/]. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

#57 Living the Sabbath Way with Travis West

Sabbath … One of the most precious gifts that God gave to all of creation at the beginning of time. Yet, one that is misunderstood or completely missing in our lives today. It’s a gift that our world--with its incessant speed, exhaustion, search for meaning and connection, needs now more than ever. Yet, a topic surrounded by controversy and conflicting perspectives. Many of us have put it on the shelf. But something inside keeps saying, “There’s a gift here that we’re missing.” That’s why I’m so excited about this conversation with author and seminary professor, Travis West, about his new book The Sabbath Way: Making Room for Rest, Connection, and Delight.    Listen in and receive not just a day off … but a way of living that will shape your work, identity, community--and a vital key to the shalom you long to bring to the world. Resources: * Travis-West.com [https://www.travis-west.com/]to find more information about Travis, the sabbath, and slowing your life down to the speed of love. * The Sabbath Way: Making Room for Rest, Connection, and Delight [https://www.amazon.com/Sabbath-Way-Making-Connection-Delight/dp/1496476514/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OT6U9BROKV47&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4ocjp3gfGcslVxdFApL6lA.cKfZ7PcJq-jZhm9eNH-0IUxnnRUsoaEJrZ8NI23jKwA&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+sabbath+way+travis+west&qid=1776780249&sprefix=the+sabbath+way%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1] by Travis West. This book invites readers to rediscover Sabbath as a transformative rhythm meant to shape not just one day, but an entire way of life. * Design Your First Sabbath Worksheet [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/67af91bcedc0c10a7ded6579/t/67c77f50f118602ee927ab4f/1741127507625/Designing+Your+First+Sabbath-Tan.pdf] * The Sabbath = Delight? No Way ... Or Is It? [www.lorigmelton.com/blog/gv1b3yt3q8vkkkc2jyr30xwho7ipm9] Accompanying Article to this week's conversation. * The Sabbath [https://www.amazon.com/Sabbath-Classics-Abraham-Joshua-Heschel/dp/0374529752/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WMO2VJBY2PMM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.35EcHK07PWh6C0tfHfqIu_CevjEYWLd1IAtfkrD9tBT9dQtxbKa75EREixQCgzlFRm13dCxKYq7RhpRp4-B1wu7WTvN2amsm_Sic4d2Js_UFqFoTj8cmUqMXsv1O5qSjjOa2iuRzfnb-Yfv09suFjHtMDlDcAWw-oDuLLKJap_MAqqxIDX-6LQIHjIGdvgEM4ElFKlfXGtB1wwL_Kne3-8eb0T-mXG1qpA1FKdLmOppQcGA__eAylyP8dT9Y6COnWenPzbuVHxRagV8KysVRzYYkvdKc3-uspavBa2GP1uc.3l4ARzu4uarwF7_dDaZIMKRCttGQXrNL7ptJ0WG6Bf4&dib_tag=se&keywords=abraham+joshua+heschel&qid=1776704323&sprefix=abraham+joshua+%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1] by Abraham Joshua Heschel … A Sabbath classic and Travis’ top pick for Sabbath reading. * Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God [https://www.lorigmelton.com/journey-with-a-giant] by Lori G. Melton. Take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a giant of the faith, inspired by the author’s year learning from the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America’s Favorite Neighbor. Other Articles You May Enjoy: * Children of God or Slaves: Receive the Gift of the Sabbath [https://www.lorigmelton.com/blog/children-of-god-or-slaves-receive-thenbspgift-of-the-sabbath?rq=sabbath] * The Mantle Top Seven [https://www.thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com/blog/tbdrtf5o1qcc7m8jyxv7if41rb1z1o?rq=sabbath] For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit ⁠lorigmelton.com⁠ [https://www.lorigmelton.com/] or ⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠ [https://www.thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com/]. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

#56 Discovering God's Will Through Others

Faith is not always expressed in the ways we might expect--like kneeling in the Church sanctuary, reciting holy prayers, or putting money in the offering plate. Often, it’s more evident through painful acts of obedience. Tune in to this week’s episode for a story you’ll likely resonate with—one that explores how we discover God’s will not through your own thoughts, emotions, or circumstances alone, but through the voices of others. Resources: The Little Flowers of St. Francis [https://sacred-texts.com/chr/lff/lff019.htm] How to Hear God: A Simple Guide for Normal People [https://www.amazon.com/How-Hear-God-Simple-Normal/dp/0310114608/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.S_49qx7L-GNPaFRFJVQfnfl5LFB8Cr002a-9rqTPFValBD_BMWfENDIShtTgRZA4iN2ROh_DYSX8107oHgNzldizYV69LHXLs8WxRiWyEMcg2t5xqrRNGkhqh-OkO-C2q-hktLFZ010eVJjv4E0VDSeP2OsRNPxXbDfuhpHeuEXyUOOL8QXSivI0AUxajPeBuOzUkQrEWMUAqrk5OIsMIBdXjLKIzgs4V6lxObWqXAU.AotAF8SeoHU0CNGTG94fJXD1ipkyDTyXWrGaANZgaBw&qid=1776098910&sr=8-1] by Pete Grieg, pg 202 From No to Know: What Am I Saying No To? [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2qyw9P2eYPyJtxyXckLdEF] Glordinary podcast with Stacy Homes Other articles you may enjoy: And Then, There Was Francis [https://www.lorigmelton.com/blog/and-then-there-was-francis?rq=and%20then%20there%20was%20francis] For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit ⁠lorigmelton.com⁠ [https://www.lorigmelton.com/] or ⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠ [https://www.thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com/]. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

#55 The Gift of the Body of Christ Throughout the Centuries with Ben Lansing

On this episode, Lori G. Melton welcomes artist, Anglican deacon, and author Ben Lansing to discuss his book, Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era and Place, and how the lives of the saints point us to Jesus and strengthen us in the “messy” times we live. Burdened to offer what he could during the COVID pandemic, Ben began sharing portraits of the saints on Instagram—along with short histories and meaningful quotes. What began as a simple offering quickly revealed a deep hunger, as people found themselves longing for more. That faithful beginning grew into a powerful devotional featuring 52 saints from across centuries, continents, genders, and vocations—pairing biographies, prayers, and pastoral reflections, along with a companion podcast. Together, they reflect on how the saints laid a beautiful and powerful foundation for our faith—enriching the body of Christ and reminding us we are not alone in our journey. Resources Mentioned: * You can find Ben Lansing, the Our Church Speaks Book, Podcast, and Art Series on his website: OurChurchSpeaks.com [https://www.ourchurchspeaks.com/] * Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God [https://www.lorigmelton.com/journey-with-a-giant] by Lori G. Melton. Take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a giant of the faith, inspired by the author's year learning from the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America's favorite neighbor. Other articles you may enjoy: * “All Saints Day” … What Are We Supposed to Do with the Saints Anyway? [https://www.lorigmelton.com/blog/all-saints-day-what-are-we-supposed-to-do-with-the-saints-anyway] For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit lorigmelton.com [https://www.lorigmelton.com/] or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com [https://www.thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com/]. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

#54 Holy Leisure: Transform Your Quiet Time from Duty to Delight with Cara Ray

In this episode, Lori G. Melton welcomes writer and Bibleteacher, Cara Ray, to discuss moving from a checklist “quiet time” to an unhurried, Spirit-directed, joyful way of knowing God she calls “holy leisure,” drawn from a phrase Cara discovered in Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline. Cara shares how lifelong pressure to be consistent in daily quiet time left her feeling like a failure and jealous of others’ insights, until pursuing holy leisure changed both the priority and quality of her time with God through practices like journaling Scripture, slowing down, silence, and savoring God’s goodness, truth, and beauty. They connect the concept to examples such as Psalm 27:4,Mary at Jesus’ feet, and saints like Corrie ten Boom. The perfect episode to walk with you toward Easter—inviting you to experience the living relationship made possible through the blood of Jesus, and to find your time with God gently renewed as you listen. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: * The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places [https://cara-ray.com/resources/] by Cara Ray * Paths of the Righteous: Psalm 23 in the Lives of Faithful Missionaries & Witnesses for Christ [https://cara-ray.com/resources/] by Cara Ray * 5 Easy Ways to Worship Jesus This Easter Week [https://www.thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com/blog/5-easy-ways-to-worship-jesus-this-easter-week?rq=easter] Article For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit ⁠lorigmelton.com⁠ [https://www.lorigmelton.com/] or ⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com.⁠ [https://www.thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com/] You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.