http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ Interact with the Conversations Journal Community en-US Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:49:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/search.php http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=49#post-79 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:57:10 +0000 matt 79@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>It's amazing.<br /> It's like Jesus comes walking into our world; intersectng in from a completely different reality. And yet he is bound up in our reality. </p> <p>I know that I also have been often too preoccupied to notice when this world of God shows up in my world.</p> <p>May God give grace to us all - to look up with a yielding awe when the light of God shines into our own dark rooms. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=49#post-78 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:52:21 +0000 jospangler 78@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>I agree that she did a wonderful interpretation. My favorite part is Christ and that He is portrayed as one of them, demonstrating to me that He does come to each of us in many disguises and that we have to be aware and alert in any situation. I believe that the others' reactions truly demonstrate how the world still relates to any invitation of His. Don't you find it amazing that upon seeing Christ that some pay no attention, some are merely interrupted from what they are doing and that so few actually realize that it is Christ to whom they are relating? I think about this often; how many times have I just let something interrupt me and yet not really paid attention to the matter? </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=49#post-77 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:43:05 +0000 matt 77@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>I was really impressed with Juliet Benner's interpretation of the art piece entitles 'The Calling of St. Matthew' (the cover of the most recent Conversations journal). I have never seen visual art interpreted in such a way. I will never be able to look at that painting the same way again. Reading Benner's interpretaiton made me want to go to Rome and see the original. I loved how she drew out the important placement of Christ's hand in relation to everything else in the painting. What was your favorite part of the painting? </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=35#post-63 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:16:13 +0000 matt 63@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Reading Keith Meyer's article inspired me to look up passages from Romans 12 in the Message Bible, check it out:</p> <p>So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.<br /> (Romans 12:1-3 MSG) </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-62 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:10:29 +0000 matt 62@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>And all the best to you on your journey. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-61 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:04:48 +0000 jospangler 61@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Wow, I had not checked the postings in a while so I was pleasantly surprised to see that the thread is continuing.<br /> First of all, for Pat,who encouraged me to read Joseph Girzone and Henri Nouwen, thank you. I read both those books and liked them very much. They provoke a great deal of thought, although in extremely different directions. I will admit that when I began Joseph Girzone's "Joshua" I thought it was simple and might not keep my attention. But I soon discovered that its treasure is its simplicity, much like Jesus told stories in parables. I ended up loving the book! And Nouwen's "Prodigal Son" can be chewed on for years. So thanks so much for the recommendations.</p> <p>Josiah, I have to say (if I am understanding your question) that repentance had ALL to do with it. I can safely say I spent upwards of 18 months in original repenting as the Lord brought things to mind to deal with and set aside. Repentance, to me, is the key to becoming the open person the Lord wishes all of us to be, so it is a continual process as well as a beginning event. But as I had not been taught any of this in a real way through organizational church I had a great deal of "catching up" to do with the Lord. Hence, the 18 months of repenting and studying the Word from a totally new perspective was essential for me. Also, you have to understand that I did not realize I was pretending,this was a shock to me when I understood what the Lord was saying. And I believe that this is the state of many believers who are in the organized part of the church now.<br /> Only after repentance and study did the Lord begin to allow me to explore the endless possibilities of His knowledge and wisdom. He led me to many writings that I would have never found on my own and opened a door that no one will ever close....He is infinite and we are so small; we understand so little. We need one another to grasp even a small part of who He is...that is what I really learned from my initial experience. The mind changes come, I believe, as a result of His being able to give us more and more of His mind, as Paul says, the mind of Christ. This is so astounding to think about but I have no other explanation of how our minds could change so drastically. I certainly don't imagine that I would have begun to think the thoughts I have now had He not intervened in my life. I hope this answered your question.<br /> Matt, I love your quote from Bonhoeffer. He was truly an exceptional man. And He was right, there is only One vision, only one form, Jesus Christ. Would that all professing Christians could understand that there goal is to know Christ in reality, not in head knowledge, but in actual experience with the people God has seen fit to put in their own everyday world. I desire to do a better job in those personal relationships because it is actually true that some of the people we deal with in our daily lives may only have the opportunity to see Jesus through us. If we really believed this all the time would we not act and think completely differently? I simply forget sometimes that the Jesus someone may be looking for is supposed to be found in me. He is in all of us and I know He desires that it becomes more and more evident that we are His.<br /> I wish you all the very best in finding your journeys filled with more and more kindred hearts and that you have those people always in your life with whom you can discuss these very important matters, as well as those in your daily lives in whom you practice what you think about. After all, the kingdom is not about words but power and that power is demonstrated in our daily lives in relationship. To me,this is what the true church is about, and no boundaries can ever stop it. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=34#post-60 Fri, 21 May 2010 09:15:24 +0000 matt 60@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>I thought Chris Jensen's article 'Thick Christianity' represents the best of what the contemporary Spiritual Formation movement has to offer the Church. What a great synthesis of various traditional 'streams'. Jensen seamlessly weaves C.S. Lewis's Anglican thought into the rich and ancient Orthodox/mystical tradition; evangelical and contemplative streams artfully coming together.</p> <p>Although passionate about spiritual formation, I keep the idea of Christian Mysticism an arm's length away (I read a lot of Barth). However, responsibly tying mysticism into the concept of the immanence and transcendence of God (with an awesome illustration of 'thick and 'clear' soup) shows that theology and piety must make room for the 'thick' side of faith.</p> <p>Does the 'thick' side of faith always manifest itself in mystical expressions of Christianity? </p> <p>As in Barth, can we have a revelation of God minus the candles and the icons? </p> <p>Hopefully there are some who are interested in having this conversation. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-59 Fri, 21 May 2010 08:55:19 +0000 matt 59@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Hi - I'm Matt and I look forward to having conversations about Christian spiritual growth. I have enjoyed reading this thread, and like many people I have been blessed by the books and resources provided through Renovaré. While thinking about ‘The Jesus Way’ I came across this quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his Ethics. “(Holy Scripture’s) primary concern is not with the forming of the world by means of plans and programmes. Whenever they speak of forming they are concerned only with the one form which has overcome the world, the form of Jesus Christ. Formation can only come from this form.”</p> <p>I have found this truth has helped me to not focus on all of the external distractions but to focus on authentic growth and change in Christ Jesus. Being formed in Christ (the Jesus Way) is the only way to break out of the forms of this world, which are ultimately forms of bondage. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-58 Tue, 18 May 2010 18:15:04 +0000 josiah 58@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Hey Jo, First of all I enjoyed reading your testimony! Did personal repentence from heart attitudes that had allowed you to become the kind of person that was "faking it" play a role in your reformation? The mind changes came across so clearly but I was left wanting more clarity on this. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=1#post-57 Mon, 10 May 2010 22:58:41 +0000 acncass 57@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>I love the magazine, but am extremely disappointed in the posts for junk mail topics. Why do you allow that type of information to be a part of your "conversations". I get my own junk mail - I don't need to come here to be confronted with more! I wanted to read something inspirational. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=1#post-44 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:30:42 +0000 Senior Editor 44@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Thanks, Jo, for your words. The visual elements of the journal are very important to us. I hope that you like our next issue just as much as you enjoyed Issue 7.2! </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-26 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:22:55 +0000 madley@cogeco.ca 26@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Jo -</p> <p>One of my other favourite spiritual writers is Henri Nouwen - he was very prolific, and wrote from intense to light subject matter. A comment was once made to me that Henri Nouwen "does not have an unpublished thought"! - so you would have lots of books to choose from. "The Prodigal Son" is one of my favourites, and can be read repeatedly, each time capturing something new for the reader.</p> <p>I would be interested in knowing what you read and discover about your faith.</p> <p>Pat </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-25 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:07:14 +0000 jospangler 25@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Pat.......I have not read Joseph Girzone but I will get the book you suggest. As far as my comments go, I always remember that there is probably not one original thought in my head. What we refer to above, the reading of accounts of others who have have gone before us in faith, is what helps me think the way I do. Almost every book I read reminds me that I am so far from where the author was when the book was written. For instance, when I read a book like RENOVATION OF THE HEART by Dallas Willard I have to force myself to continue to read because it so points out how short of the goal I have fallen. If I didn't remember that the Lord(and not me) would bring about the change needed I would be totally frustrated and discouraged. So I keep on reading because I am so appreciative of the Lord providing for all who search the material needed to renew our minds. It is essential for all the church to see the need for mind renewal, to progress in the way the Lord Himself thinks. I am hoping that we get more people interested in exchanges such as this one to help each other recognize the Lord's mind in everything.<br /> Thank you for your comments.<br /> Jo </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-24 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:08:40 +0000 madley@cogeco.ca 24@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>WOW, Jo! Your comments are very powerful, and at the moment I find myself at a loss for an appropriate response. However, one thought does spring to mind, and that is a reading suggestion for you. Are you familiar with the writings of Joseph Girzone? I think his original novel "Joshua" would be an excellent read for you. Check it out if you get a chance.</p> <p>Pat </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-23 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:46:02 +0000 jospangler 23@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Madley....I think you make an excellent point, we have to carry our belief structure into our daily lives. But so many of us were taught that head knowledge, knowing the Word of God, was the most important thing and that it was separate from the rest of our lives, as in going to church on Sunday had nothing to do with the rest of the week! How this came about I don't know, I think time and the fact that all ideas/beliefs diminish and/or are perverted significantly as they pass from one generation to another, contributed to this misunderstanding of GOd's way. Just think what John Wesley would think of the Methodists now or Martin Luther of the Lutherans. If you go back to their original writings it is difficult to see the correlation to them and the current movements which carry their names or heritages. I think that is just the nature of things. But it is also a lesson for us to dig deep and wide for the original thoughts of those who have gone before and made significant contribution to our faith.<br /> Respect for others would be, in my opinion, of the second law Jesus proclaimed and that is "love your neighbor as yourself." You seem to have understood this early on and I think that is wonderful. But for many of us who are imprisoned by false beliefs and strongholds of wrong thinking what seems obvious sometimes is not, or may be desired but stymied by the wayward thinking. Wayward thinking makes things that should be simple not so simple!<br /> This is what I desire for the people I know, I want them to be freed from the thinking that keeps them from knowing that the Light of God dwells within themselves, that He is there always and in everything, and there is not a thought or word or action He does not know. And that they need to be aware of His Presence in every single thing so that the abundant life He promises may be actuated in them. Most of them believe that they are waiting for heaven when they die, they have no idea of "the kingdom is at hand." If they did they could, like you, operate in it at work, at home, at play, simply everywhere and at all times. May God make it so!<br /> Blessings to you,<br /> Jo </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-22 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:16:06 +0000 jospangler 22@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>My continuing journey of transformation is a road strewn with boulders and detours and re-tracings. Although an intelligent person I found that I was particularly slow in understanding the Lord. He has been very patient. The journey began in 1994 when the Lord spoke to my heart saying that up to now I had been pretending but if I would like to know the true way He would show me.<br /> I am from the Deep South where going to church was as expected as going to school( and as enforced.) Man-made religion reigns in most of our churches in the south, and I do not say that in criticism, simply as fact. I was deeply entrenched in church life, probably at the pinnacle of my involvement in church, teaching Sunday School, study courses, childrens choir, etc when the Lord spoke to me. To grasp that it all was pretending was a monumental task for me. But I did believe Him and I think that was the most important thing I did. Once we believe what the Lord is saying to us He can begin to change our lives. Of course, not having much true knowledge about how He works I immediately set out to reform myself. That endeavor took years to overcome but I did have many good things happen during that time; the Lord lead me to read wonderful books, hear some wonderful speakers, and learn to live in solitary (without the hubbub of the religious scene.)<br /> About 6 years later The Lord lead me to come out from the church I attended (there was no disagreement or any kind of hard feelings involved in this, I simply was obeying the Lord.) I thought he intended to lead me to another. That has yet to happen. I have spent 10 years of my life without what most consider a church. But during that time the Lord has been teaching me His definition of church. I have not been alone, but have had at various times one to four individuals the Lord has sent for me to teach and love. Most of these were people who always found themselves on the "outside" of everything and they needed to be shown where they are always accepted. It has been a learning experience for all of us.<br /> My relationship with the Lord has changed significantly. In the beginning of the "new beginning" I took all the things I had learned of religion over 45 years with me on the journey. I had to learn to drop them on the path because they became much to heavy to take with me. This was not easy, many times I struggled with what was of the Lord and what was not. I struggled with who I really was and what would happen if I gave up all the things I had been taught to believe. But somehow (and I think it was all grace) I was able to be brave enough to let them fall to the ground and allow the Lord to re-format my hard drive of belief. I was taught from a child that God is here for us, to help us, to provide for us, to make things happen for us. That concept was deeply rooted and tied to a great deal of other things in my life. It lead me to the erroneous belief that I could control God, expect Him to do what I wanted, and be mad if He didn't come through for me in the way I expected. My head was filled with many such thoughts and beliefs.<br /> Now I understand more clearly (although I have a long way to go in understanding) that we are here for the Lord. We cannot control Him in any way, and if we had any sense at all, would not want to! But we should know and believe that our glory is never in what we do but what the Lord does through us and most of the time we are not aware of the most important things He does through us. Our life is truly hidden, even from ourselves.<br /> I am just "an average Joe", living in an out of the way place in a economically depressed area. But The Lord came to me, showed me Himself, and the Holy Spirit spent 18 months opening up the Word of God to me. This fact is incredible just to ponder. I often asked myself "why"? Why would He spend all that time doing such an awesome thing in my life and then leave me working here, in the same profession I have always been in? All I can think of is love. His great Love for me is displayed in His dealings with me. He wanted me to know Him, the True God, the Holy One of Israel. Isn't that incredible? How many others has He provided for in the same way?<br /> The times have been rocky, I have made many mistakes, but He does not give up. He allows me to keep on learning and walking the path. This is what we are to do with others, allow them to make mistakes, re-direct their path, have compassion for their breakdowns and disappointments, their failings and illnesses, their disasters and heartbreaks. It has taken the Lord years to get me to see this, and I hope others are quicker learners! </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=1#post-21 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:09:51 +0000 jospangler 21@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>In response to what first caught my eye in Conversations I have to say that it was the artwork. (I am doing this from memory as I have passed the journal itself on to someone else I thought would want to read it.) I have always been fascinated how others express their devotion to Lord, especially those with artistic ability which I totally lack! So that made me pick up the journal to begin with, then when I read the article titles and the authors I just knew I had to read it! Since I am a avid reader I usually zoom through reading material but this journal arrested me. I took weeks to read it, think about it, look up things the authors referred to in their writings, read some other books recommended, etc. It was as though it took on a life of it's on, leading other places, opening up new venues, pulling me, as it were, onward toward a new understanding, a new dimension of the Lord that I had yet to discover. I was totally enthralled with what I read. Perhaps it was just the right thing for me or at the right time but what I truly hope is that every issue will be just like that! </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-20 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:06:18 +0000 madley@cogeco.ca 20@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Although I am not familiar with Richard Foster or Eugene Peterson, I hope it is ok I jump into this conversation. I found this website by "chance" i.e. by God's design.</p> <p>I have signed up to receive a journal, in which I hope to find some of what each of you has mentioned here.</p> <p>In Jospangler's post the line that caught my attention was: "only as we integrate our beliefs with the actual daily living before us can we possibly hope to transform our religious minds to spiritual".</p> <p>Integrating my beliefs into my actual day to day life, is at the core of my spirituality. Having worked in secular society for thirty years, I have had ample opportunities to let my beliefs lead me: to find the answer to an on-the-job question; to work with, and treat others, in ways that reflect my beliefs; to manage a department in a way that reflects my Christianity; to hold strong in my personal beliefs, and not get caught up in the madness that is most businesses.</p> <p>And if that is what we are meaning by The Jesus Way, I believe that we need to care in order to bring Respect for Others as a high priority in our work life.</p> <p>I look forward to becoming more involved with "Conversations", and seeing where my journey continues. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-19 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:44:11 +0000 vhyndman 19@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>I have been using Renovare's material... Linda Graybeal and Julia Roller, with forward by Richard Foster... and they too have followed in the tradition of offering more reading.</p> <p>It's a year long spiritual formation experience, and I've found this incredible way of rolling it out... it fosters (bad pun) not only knowledge, but group intimacy... and it's really the only way I've been able to get 12 men to commit and to follow through for an entire year.</p> <p>Each week is kinda exponential... at the end, there's a reading list that invites some serious digging in the topic at hand. It would be impossible for most people to engage in ALL of the reading, but for those tweaked by the week's topic, it provides an opportunity.</p> <p>-vern- </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-18 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:15:33 +0000 Senior Editor 18@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Jo... That's a great question and one I would love to hear the answer to. I know that Chris Webb, the new president of Renovare, did just what you are describing--he read everything that Richard Foster recommended. </p> <p>I'm excited to hear your pursuit of transformation, and would love to know how you've seen change over the years in yourself and in your relationship with God. (I happen to have an interest in change right now, as our next issue is "How We Change"! *wink*)</p> <p>I hope that others will join this conversation and bring their experiences to the table. Even if it's just you and I, I would love to hear your thoughts.</p> <p>Thanks so much for sharing.</p> <p>Grace &amp; peace,<br /> Tara Owens </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=1#post-17 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:12:11 +0000 Senior Editor 17@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Jo... Thank you so much for joining the conversation here quite bravely. We are excited about moving forward into the future together with Conversations.</p> <p>Do you have any input about what it was that caught your eye first about Conversations? What most touched you or held your attention?</p> <p>Thanks for your input! </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=1#post-16 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:10:59 +0000 Senior Editor 16@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Ronald and Richard... Thank you for your input and criticisms of the design of the journal. Jo has it quite right—we are working to attract new readership. That said, you are our valued and loyal readers, and we take your input quite seriously.</p> <p>I wanted to share with you some thoughts that I shared in an email exchange with a reader who was disappointed with our redesign. I hope they will help make some sense of what it is that Conversations is doing, and what we hope to partner with our readers in doing in the future. </p> <p>* * *</p> <p>First, I would like to thank you not only for writing to me, but for your dedication to "Conversations" over the now seven years of its existence. As I came on board with "Conversations" in early 2009, I was deeply aware of the quality and loyalty of the journal's readership. It humbled me then, and continues to humble me now.</p> <p>Thank you, also, for your words of criticism for the change in format to the journal. I am deeply sorry for your disappointment, and would hate to lose you as a subscriber because of it. It would be an honor if you'd be willing to stay with us through this time of challenge and transition. I hope that over the next two issues, perhaps with your help and feedback, you might find both reason and meaning in some of the design elements. And as we continue to refine and respond to our readers concerns (just such as yours) that your disappointment with the layout of the journal might ebb and you will continue to have access to some of the incredible writers that we're honored to work with here at "Conversations."</p> <p>If you might allow me, I'd also like to share a little bit of our reasoning behind the redesign. </p> <p>Unfortunately, while "not broken" may not be a phrase that had applied to "Conversations" at the beginning of 2009, "unsustainable" truly was. At the beginning of last year, "Conversations" was at 30% of the readership needed to continue to sustain the journal's existence into the next three years. As you may have noticed, much larger and more financially robust publications in the Christian marketplace have been closing their doors. Over the course of last year, the periodical industry lost not only "Discipleship Journal" and "Pray!" but also a number of the "Christianity Today" publications as they were consolidated, closed or taken purely digital. One of the few other spiritual formation journals that competes horizontally in the market with "Conversations" stopped publishing a print edition entirely.</p> <p>In this environment, "Conversations" was facing a bleak future. The founders and the editorial board spent a good deal of time in discernment, talking to God about whether it was His plan for us to shut our doors. In a series of confirmations, it became clear that this was not the path to be chosen. One of our Executive Editors, Gary Moon, calls the manner in which God led us forward the "parade of providence."</p> <p>The path God leads us on is not always easy, and "Conversations" has a great deal of challenge still ahead. In order to survive and continue producing the content and conversations on spiritual formation that we do, we need to grow our readership by approximately 50%. While we have maintained a steady base of readers over these past years, we decided together that something needed to be done both to reduce our costs, and to reach out to a younger readership. We hoped and prayed in the process that we would not lose or offend our loyal readers such as yourself. For the most part, the feedback from our readership has been overwhelmingly positive, but we take the feedback of "charter" readers like you very seriously.</p> <p>Some of the changes that we made over the course of last year included hiring me on as a new Senior Editor to oversee and steward this process of growth. We've also brought on a (largely volunteer) board of section editors that is ecumenical in scope—we have editors who are Roman Catholic (such as our dear Emilie Griffin) and editors who are part of the evangelical movement (such as WCA member Mindy Caliguire.) We have listened to their voices and the voices of those they represent in seeking to communicate in a way that neither waters down the quality of the articles that we publish nor alienates those who might otherwise pick up the publication.</p> <p>We cut down the size of the journal by 1/8th of an inch in order to move to an entirely different (and less expensive) form of printing press, which allowed us to print the interior of the journal in full color at no extra cost. This addition of full color might be part of what you find distracting and difficult—I would love to hear specifically what parts of the journal you like and don't like. However, the addition of full color has also allowed us to increase our advertising revenue by offering full color ads to our advertising partners. And with a budget like ours, every dollar saved or earned helps!</p> <p>By all accounts, the redesign has been a wonderful success so far. We have increased our year end subscription rate and gift-giving by approximately 20%, and orders continue to come in. Renewals, in an economy when renewals across the industry are dropping precipitously, have remained steady. We still have a long way to go, but we are standing on firmer ground than we were at the beginning of 2009.</p> <p>All of us at "Conversations" are deeply grateful for your loyalty, and for your desire to contact us and express your opinions about the redesign of the journal. We are a small staff (three full-time), and I have passed along your comments to Executive Editor Gary Moon and Managing Editor Joannah Sadler.</p> <p>It would be a great encouragement to us to have you "stick with us" through this change, and continue to provide your voice in the "Conversations" conversations.</p> <p>I also invite you to write back to me with specific criticisms you may have. As we move forward with Issue 8.1 (which will have excellent content that I'm excited about, including a never-before-heard interview with Dallas Willard on theories of the Atonement, and an article by Seeds of Faith author Jeremy Langford), your comments will be helpful to us. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=1#post-15 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:04:40 +0000 Senior Editor 15@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Roger, Michael and Keith... I hate to lump you all together, but I wanted to thank you for telling us how Conversations has made an impact on you and your walks with God. It's so encouraging to hear those stories and know that God is at work through the pages of the journal.</p> <p>Harry... You're right, we've had some technical difficulties getting links right, and placing them on the site in a way that neither clutters the pages of the journal, nor clutters the pages of the website. I really appreciate that you persevered here, finding the forum, and making that comment. So far, I freely admit that our work with the website has been one of our weak points. While it may not be obvious up front, the technical redesign of the site from the back end (the side that you can't see) has been such a quantum leap forward for us that we're still learning ourselves. Thanks for your patience as we work to provide an even better Conversations experience for us all. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=3#post-14 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:58:23 +0000 Senior Editor 14@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Charles, thanks for your comment. </p> <p>Hearing Juanita share her experience, through tears, at the Renovare Jesus Way conference in San Antonio was a deeply moving experience for me. Reading and editing her words for this issue of the journal gave me great hope that her story would touch and encourage others through the pages of Conversations.</p> <p>Thank you for sharing the impact of the article, and bringing out that very valuable quote. Your darkness will serve not only for your own growth, but will help companion others who come here in search of hope.</p> <p>Grace &amp; peace,<br /> Tara Owens </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=1#post-13 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:22:31 +0000 jospangler 13@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>This was the first Conversations Journal I have received, or at least remember receiving. It was the "new look" that apprehended my attention and lead me to be interested in the inside. What a great gift! So perhaps part of the reason for all of this is to "catch the eye" of those unfamiliar with the quality of writing awaiting. It served me well so I thank you for all the hard work and effort. I immediately subscribed after reading this copy. And I find it completely fascinating and a little scary that we could "join in the conversation." I am all for it. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-12 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 02:58:19 +0000 jospangler 12@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Who could ask for a better question presented to millions of professing Christians aorund the world? So many of us have struggled to uncover the reality of Christ-living hidden among the mountain of millenium old man-made religion. It is an awesome task and one that cannot be done solitarily. Eugene Peterson brings to the forefront the unmistakeable conclusion that only as we integrate our beliefs with the actual daily living before us can we possibly hope to transform our religious minds to spiritual. This makes us dependent on one another in a very vital way. In America,especially, dependency on one another is not popular while independence is lauded. What a way we have to go!<br /> When I read something that impresses on me the importance of truly understanding what is being said I pursue every avenue to bring that understanding closer to me. Eugene Peterson recommended 3 books to read to acquire a sense of where his thinking is coming from. I immediately read the 3 books as I read probably 50-60 books recommended by Richard Foster when I read Celebration of Discipline and Prayer years ago. I have never regretted pursuing those foundational thoughts, although I seem to have gotten stuck at various times in differnt areas. The foundation remains and now has added more new perspective. Has anyone else followed his recommendations? </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=4#post-11 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 23:40:58 +0000 Barry Pearman 11@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>I read the wonderful article by Joshua Choonmin Kang about Abraham and Issac and enjoyed the ideas brought to the table. I have been sitting with this story for the last 6 months, thinking about it, chewing it over and over as i will be doing a sermon series on it in the next few months. The Lord has also taken me on my own private journey up the mountain of sacrifice. </p> <p>I believe Abraham's obedient sacrificial gift was done in absolute secrecy. In the Sermon on the mount Jesus talks about when you bring your gift to bring it in secret. Issac certainly didnt realise what was happening till on the Mount and the servants certainly didn't know. Abraham carried this heavy call all the way up the mountain. The scriptures dont give any direct lead as to whether Sarah was told by Abraham or not. We might like to think he did tell her and not kept secrets, but can you imagine the response if he had, she most likely would have told Issac to run, your Dads gone delusional! We are also called to be more obedient to God than to our husbands or wives. Much like we are to obey the governing authorities, but if they choose to make laws contrary to Gods law, then who do we obey first, God or man. </p> <p>This passage raises so many great questions. I feel I could preach from it for the whole year. Jesus said There is no greater love than this, than to lay down your life for a friend. Abraham was willing to lay down his life, all that he had wrapped up within Issac, because of love and obedience to the Father. What would be 'life' for you? would you be willing to 'lay it all down'? </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=1#post-10 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:57:49 +0000 Richard Foot 10@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>I agree with Ronald. The new format is exciting in graphic design terms but for me does not make it easy to follow or find articles. Some of the print is very small for those of us who are getting a little older, and in places there is insufficient contrast between the type colour and the background.</p> <p>I have been blessed in the past by the works of art which have been included and am pleased to see that this "tradition" has been retained.</p> <p>I look forward every time to receiving Conversations. It has blessed me in so many ways, deepened my faith and encouraged me in my walk with our Father. I find it so helpful, and refreshing, to read a journal which provides both intellectual stimulation and food for the spirit. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=1#post-9 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:03:09 +0000 harry 9@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>I love the new look ... I appreciate the 'new' artistic emphasis, and while I understand some criticisms about the layout, I didn't have the same problem as other readers did in identifying authors or such. But I did agree with Ronald's assessment of the website ... I'm still trying to figure it out. Links indicated in the magazine don't seem as easily discovered online ... at least as of yet. :&gt;) Content is AWESOME .. and I appreciated the new interactive links and exercises in the magazine. Keep up the GREAT Work ... this is my new favorite magazine!! </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=1#post-8 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:33:38 +0000 Ronald Anderson 8@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>The content of the articles is truly outstanding! If this content is what is meant by the "new look," there is every reason to be highly pleased. I suspect, however, that the "new look" refers to matters of design and formatting. If such is the case, I don't think it succeeds. It is not READER friendly. It gives every indication of being designed by persons who want to display their artistic competence more than to enhance the readers' experience as a READER. One must search to learn who the author of an article is; the author is sometimes identified in footnote sized type and there is no uniformity in placement of the author's name. When one first looks at an article, it is hard to tell at first glance what is the title, a subtitle, abstract or opening sentence. When one refers back to an article that was appreciated, the article does not have a readily identified appearance to distinguish it; it is just one of many with an unusual pattern of text and colors. As a person who reads a lot--maybe 20 periodicals and multiple books each month, as well as daily forays on the internet--I want to get to the reading as expeditiously as possible. I want to enjoy art, but in a context where art can really burst forth. I want to spend lots of time on the journal, but I want this time to be spent in meditating and reflecting on the superb content found in tne articles.</p> <p>The interactive goals of the journal are truly important and in this regard the connection with the printed journal and other content on the internet is important. Making this connection, however, still needs more work. On page 38 of the article by James Bryan Smith, for example, reference is made to more detail on "four components of transformation" found on the website. When one goes to the website, however, it is not easy to find. I finally found it buried within the pdf file of the article. It was a portion of the manuscript that had been omitted from the print version of the journal. I was only able to find it by reading through the article and finding it hidden in the text with no indication that this would be the place to find it.</p> <p>The content of the journal is absolutely outstanding and that is the foundation as well as the core of a great journal. The "look" and interactivity, however, need more attention. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=3#post-7 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:22:30 +0000 charles42 7@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>I am enjoying this issue very much. While reading Juanita's article, I was reminded of a statement by John of the Cross in The Dark Night. When you go through such times you should "just" ". . . calmly and lovingly direct your attention to Him." God is still trying to teach this to me after reading this many years ago in a dark period. I think this fits much of what Juanita is telling us. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=1#post-6 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:39:58 +0000 keithflaming 6@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>I'm still reeling from the discernment issue and hope that this issue is just as insightful. I'm finding that my desperate need and desire to walk in the Spirit has led to a narrowing of my focus on what I talk about and what I read lately. I'm so frustrated with Christianity as usual and am looking for something that will catapult me into new levels of character and clarity. Conversations has been a helpful resource in doing just that and I hope that these new aspects of conversation will provide even more practical and encouraging support to our journey. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-5 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:16:31 +0000 Anonymous 5@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>In the Fall/Winter 2009 issue of Conversations, we published our "Join the Conversation" feature. Below is the entire article. We'd love for you to comment and discuss this feature. Please, be our guest, join the conversation!</p> <p>Grace &amp; peace,<br /> Tara M. Owens, Senior Editor</p> <p>* * *</p> <p>DEAR READER,</p> <p>Our vision for every issue of this publication is to create the kind of environment in which you’re not only invited to listen in on a conversation about spiritual things, but also feel free to pull up a chair and enter the discussion. The guiding image for the journal is the inspiration for this kind of conversation: seven large leather chairs arranged in front of a large wooden table before a crackling fireplace. That’s where we believe true transformation begins, when God is invited into conversation—with us and through us. This regular feature is just one way that you can “join the conversation.” We hope that through it, we will all be transformed more deeply into His likeness.</p> <p>This particular topic, A Call to Spiritual Formation, is of obvious interest to us—and we’d love to hear what you think. Facilitated by a small group in Denver, Colorado, this document was originally drafted by 150 people across the Church and then crafted by approximately 50 individuals at the RENOVARÉ International Conference in July 2009. Its purpose is to bring to the forefront “the absolute necessity of an intentional process of spiritual formation for each and every Christian.”</p> <p>Read the document below, and let us know your thoughts. How do you respond to this call? Does it encompass all that it should and exclude all that is unnecessary? We encourage you to pull up a chair, get comfortable, and join us in conversation about this very important topic.</p> <p>How do you do that?</p> <p>Well, like our friends over at Metamorpha.com, you could take the text and blog about it. (In fact, you could check out the conversation that Kyle and his friends are having on their site as a jumping off point.) Or if you’d like to join us by the fireplace, you can start a discussion here on our website (just make a comment in the comments section) or on our Facebook page, talk about it on Twitter, send us an email, or drop a us a line with thoughts and questions, using the good old-fashioned pen-and-paper method. We’ll publish what we can, both here in the pages of the journal and on our newly redesigned website (on which we’d also love your feedback!)</p> <p>So, please, come join the conversation.</p> <p>Warmly,</p> <p>The Editors</p> <p>A Call to Spiritual Formation</p> <p>San Antonio, 2009</p> <p>Christian spiritual formation is the process of being shaped by the Spirit into the likeness of Christ, filled with love for God and the world. God calls us all to become like</p> <p>Jesus. Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”* We experience this abundance of life—here and now—as our passions, character, understanding, and relationships are increasingly aligned with those of Christ. This lifelong transformation within and among us is the continual gift of God’s Spirit. We are called to be renewed into the likeness of Jesus—but we do not always fully embrace this calling. Sometimes we seem content to be known as “Christians” without intentionally engaging with this work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Other times we desperately long for a new way of life, wanting to grow in our walk with Jesus, but needing help and encouragement. We, therefore, commit to pursue passionately and to receive joyfully God’s grace to be more fully transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.</p> <p>As we are rooted in Jesus and in the kingdom he proclaims, we are progressively transformed. Jesus is the center of all life and history, both the source and goal of all creation. God shaped this universe as a place where the love and life of Jesus Christ might flourish. Because we are formed in the divine image, we have the capacity to receive and express this life and love. Although human disobedience corrupts the divine image in us, God still forms a people able to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love their neighbors as themselves. Jesus makes this possible through his life, death, and resurrection. In him we experience a restored relationship of love with God and one another, and continual transformation into his likeness. We are becoming a reconciled and renewed community—which is both the goal and the substance of life in God’s kingdom. This is the good news we proclaim with joy to the whole world.</p> <p>Our engagement with God’s transforming grace is vital. Renewal into the image of Christ is not a human attainment; it is a gift of grace. God mercifully uses all our experiences, including our suffering and trials, to teach and transform us. Even so, transformation requires our involvement and effort. We need to make ourselves available to the Holy Spirit’s work in all our life experiences, particularly through intentional engagement with historical Christian disciplines, including Word and sacrament. These practices open us to the presence and grace of God. As a result, we become, through time and experience, the kind of persons who naturally express love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.</p> <p>Spiritual formation happens in community. As we long to know and follow Jesus and be formed into his likeness, we journey with those who share this longing.</p> <p>God is calling the church to be a place of transformation. Here we struggle to fulfill our calling to love. Here we learn to attend to the invitations of God’s Spirit. Here we follow the presence of God in our midst. Spiritual community is the catalyst for our transformation and a sending base for our mission of love to the world.</p> <p>Spiritual formation is, by its very nature, missional. As we are formed into the likeness of Christ, we increasingly share God’s infinitely tender love for others.</p> <p>We deepen in our compassion for the poor, the broken, and the lost. We ache and pray and labor for others in a new way, a selfless way, a joy-filled way. Our hearts are enlarged toward all people and toward all of creation.</p> <p>We invite all people, everywhere, to embrace with us this calling to become like Jesus. By God’s grace, we will seek to become lovers: lovers of God, lovers of people, and lovers of all creation. We will immerse ourselves in a lifestyle that is attentive and responsive to the gracious presence of God. We commit ourselves to the community of Christ’s beloved, the church, so that we can learn this way of love together. We entreat you to join us.</p> <p>• • •</p> <p>Letters should be no longer than 500 words and should be sent to the Managing</p> <p>Editor via e-mail at <a href="mailto:joinus@conversationsjournal.com">joinus@conversationsjournal.com</a> or surface mail at:</p> <p>Conversations</p> <p>McCarty Building</p> <p>2055 Mt. Paran Rd. NW</p> <p>Atlanta, GA 30327</p> <p>Contributions may not be acknowledged, and not all will be published. Those used must include your full name as well as city and country of residence. They may be edited for length and clarity. So, please, join the dialogue. Responses do not have to be limited to the latest issue. Simply let us know how you react to the ideas that are shared, and tell us where they take you on the journey.</p> <p>We have a chair reserved for you, and you will be missed if you do not take your place.</p> <p>Editor’s Note: To read more about A Call to Spiritual Formation, you can visit the website at <a href="http://www.acalltospiritualformation.info" rel="nofollow">http://www.acalltospiritualformation.info</a>. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=1#post-4 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:39:11 +0000 michael.sanders 4@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>I can't wait to get Conversations, and then I can't put it down. This issue has been no different. I like the new format. Keep up the good work. </p> http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/topic.php?id=1#post-3 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:17:46 +0000 RogerButner 3@http://conversationsjournal.com/forum/ <p>Just started reading it last night, and have read Tara's introduction, Gary's story about inviting the angry alcoholic to share, and Chris' article about telling the truth. Loving every bit of the experience! I honestly wouldn't have guessed you could significantly improve the quality of your journal so much, but I truly believe your new changes have done just that. I have eagerly recommended Conversations Journal to many, via face to face and online interactions, over the past couple of years, and I have been so thankful to be able to "follow" the Conversation. Now, I am grateful for the opportunity to more fully engage in the Conversation. </p> <p>Tara, Gary, Mindy, Cindy, Jan, Emilie, and Joannah - Thank you for faithfully seeking and obeying The Spirit's voice as you produce this rich resource for fellow seekers and conversationalists on the journey with Christ. And thanks for genuinely inviting and hearing my voice. </p>