Thanking God
Dearest friends and supporters,
I wanted to write a post sharing all the wonderful things God has led me to in this season. My heart is full and I am thankful beyond words as my calendar is overflowing with rich opportunities to be with God’s people. I am taking part in offerings that I could not have imagined even a year ago.
I am presently finishing up a 6-week course offered through the Companioning Center called “Trauma Informed Spirituality: Integrating Polyvagal Theory & Ignatian Spirituality.” It is taught by Tracy Busse, a PhD candidate at Fuller Seminary. I can’t begin to tell you all that I have learned. Tracy teaches several classes and workshops on similar topics so look them up if this is of interest to you.
I have also begun working on my next certification through the PAX Center for Spiritual Formation. Much of the curriculum based on the book, Spiritual Rhythms for the Enneagram, by Adele and Doug Calhoun and is being taught by the authors. It’s not about discovering a person’s enneagram “type.” Rather, it’s about helping people move beyond a “number” and providing practical ways for them to integrate their intellect (IQ), emotions (EQ), and physical body or gut (GQ) to become more like Christ - who was the epitome of a perfectly integrated human being.
As for Jesus Expedition, I have a full calendar this fall. A My Life Expedition group is underway. I also have a new offering this year - The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. This one had more interest than I anticipated so there are 2 groups starting this week. And the ongoing Monday Night Women’s group will begin a new journey of prayer beginning Oct. 3. You can read more about all of these HERE.
I know some of you are wondering about the retreat schedule. I am considering something totally different for the Advent Retreat but it should still fall a week or so after Thanksgiving. I’ll hopefully have more to share about that in early November. I plan to keep the format for the New Year’s Retreat the same but I may be offering it at churches this year, so let me know if your church or women’s group is interested.
I want to thank all of you who pray for me and this ministry. God is opening doors and bringing opportunities for me to share the good news of His great love.
Love and peace to you all in the name of our Lord and King, Jesus.
-Melissa
social image credit: @vorosbenisop