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How Do I Soak in God’s Spirit?

How Do I Soak in God’s Spirit?

As I share in my ebook, Creating Greater Intimacy with God, many years ago I started a practice that today is taking the Christian community by storm. Back then, I didn’t have a name for it; it was just my time that I spent sitting in the presence of the Lord. Each evening after everyone had settled down, I would make my way to my sofa chair in my room, door locked behind me with a do not disturb sign on my door. Once seated and comfortable in my chair, I would put on some soothing music and then close my eyes. For the one to two hours I bathed myself in God’s love and glory. Almost immediately His sweet presence would enter my room. It was like having a daily appointment with God. I didn’t do anything in particular while I sat there. I was just abiding in Christ.

During this time sometimes I would imagine myself laying my head on Jesus’s knee as he sat or resting my head on his shoulder. Other times I would envision myself dancing with the Lord in a kind of waltz fashion. I would see his eye’s intently looking into mine with a piercing and penetrating love and power.

If anything was bothering me or on my mind, I would visualize myself giving it to the Lord or even nailing it to the cross. It was a time that I could cast all my cares upon him.

Sometimes the presence of God was so strong that I never wanted to leave this place. I felt I could sit there forever. I didn’t want to go back to reality. In God’s presence everything seemed okay. It was in God’s secret place that I was sheltered from the storms and where I received my rejuvenation and strength.

Little did I know that in just a few years I would find out that believers all over the world were engaging in this practice and that some had actually given it a name: Soaking in God’s Spirit or Soaking in the Spirit.

Just recently I held a Christian Meditation Retreat in the beautiful Shasta mountains where we, as a group, experienced what it means to soak in God’s spirit or his presence. The terminology for soaking in the spirit makes is similar to soaking up all of God’s attributes like a sponge or wading in his glory. It is a time that we are just “being” with God in the same way that Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the day. The scriptures tell us that in God’s presence is fullness of joy.

Recently I have began again to incorporate the practice of soaking in God’s spirit into my Christian meditation practice and it is just as rewarding and meaningful as it was years ago. It, along with other forms of Biblical meditation, provides me with a variety of tools that help me to quiet my mind, tame my emotions, awaken my spirit, and subdue my fleshy nature. I can’t tell you how grateful that I am to be able to manage my thoughts and actions instead of them managing me. It is an ongoing process that will continue until I go to be with the Lord.

In the rest of this article I’d like to give you a few instructions or suggestions on how to soak in the spirit. I’ve given you many already, but here are a few more.

1.Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down where you won’t be disturbed for at least 30 minutes.

2.Choose a soothing music CD that ministers to your spirit or touches your heart, instrumental is best but you can alternate.

3.Set a timer for the length of time you want to dwell with God. It is easy for minutes to become hours and keeping a timer will keep you from missing important appointments.

4.Don’t use this time for Bible reading or doing anything other than sitting at Jesus’s feet. We are usually so busying doing for the Lord and trying to minister to Him and his people, that we don’t know how to let God minister to us.

5.You may use some of this time for prayer or journaling any inspirational words from the Lord to you, but let the majority of the time be just being.

6.The first 10-minutes are generally the hardest because our minds are often restless and filled with thoughts or other worries. Use this time to scan your body for any tension and use the power of deep breathing to breath into, release, and soothe away stress. If your mind won’t be still, keep it in the present moment by repeat the phrase “peace be still” or “Jesus is my peace,” (see side bar) each time you realize you’ve been caught in a mental drama.

7.If you have a particular care or worry, visualize yourself nailing it to Jesus’s cross or tell God about it and give it to him. He tells us to “cast every care upon Him because he cares for us” and “all you who are weary and of a heavy heart come unto me and I will give you rest.”

8.If you can, make your own appointment with God each day to spend quiet time with Him or make it a family affair. Soaking in the God’s Spirit has the power to transform you and your entire family.

Below are several of my very FAVORITE CDs that I currently use for my Soaking in the Spirit time. The first two CDs are by David Allan Anderson and I am so thankful that he has given me permission to carry them on my website. Both CDs are instrumental and will take you directly into the presence of God. Click on CD cover to learn more or to order.

Learn more about Prayer Peace #1 CD

Prayer Peace #1  and Prayer Peace # 2


Sep 30, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
Christian Meditations

Christian Meditations

Psalms 1:2 declares, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

It is obvious through the scriptures that God wants us to keep our mind stayed upon him.  In other words, God wants us to meditate on his Word, His Goodness, and His Glory.  When we come against difficult situations or circumstances, we can keep on mind and attention on the Lord to help us through. David said that he hid God’s word in his hearts so he would not sin against him. There are many benefits to having God’s word deeply rooted in our heart.  The more we are filled with God’s truth, the better equip we are to handle life’s challenges. When situations squeeze us, just like when squeezing an orange, what is in us will come out of us. Will it be faith or doubt, love or hate, patience or anger. It all depends upon what’s inside of you or what you meditate on each day. 

Below are a few of my favorite Christian meditations, passages, or inspirational text to meditate on.  You can find more by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page. I use many of these during my morning meditation which includes 30 minutes of quiet time with God, most days. If you want to take my free scripture meditation course for more detailed instructions on using these Christian Meditations, just click on the previous link.

As you sit quietly before the Lord, slowly and silently repeat one of the passages or meditations in your mind. Each time your mind wanders off, bring it back to the meditation, passage, or scripture. You can also include a variety of verses, no need to stick with just one. Continue for a period of 20-30 minutes. You can also play soft music in the background if you prefer. It may take up to 10 minutes for your mind to begin to quiet and relax.  As you continue with the meditating on the passages, they will begin to take root and grow in your mind and heart.  Once fully rooted, your heart will automatically go them when in times of anxiety or distress.

The Lord is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

1 Corinthians 13- The Love Chapter1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 3-12)3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6: 9-12)“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.

Let Nothing Upset You
Saint Teresa of Avila

Find more Christian Meditations Here.


Jul 14, 2011 | 2 comments View Post

Scripture Meditation: Hiding God’s Word in Your Heart

We become what we meditate on. The scriptures tell us that a good man out of the good treasure of his heart creates that which is good. If we become or manifest what we continually think about, it is imparity that our thoughts and meditations reflect that which is good, holy, and loving. Fortunately, we have a whole arsenal of scriptures, verses, and passages right at our finger tips that we can meditate on daily. As we meditate on the scriptures or inspirational passages, these words begin to drop down in our spirit and transform us from within, beginning with our heart. As we continue with the practice, whether it takes days, months, or years, we will be changed. This is called Scripture meditation.

Through Scripture Meditation we learn how to quiet our minds and control our thoughts. The Bible tells us that the mind is the greatest enemy of the believer. Our minds are depraved. Our minds are unregenerated. Our minds are filled with all types of evil. Our minds war against the Spirit. Our minds want to be in control and if you are not controlling your mind, then your mind is controlling you and most of us are completely unaware of it. If we slowed down our thoughts and just listened, many Christians would hear a silent message playing over and over again. If these mental messages are uplifting and positive, then we are most likely attracting the good associated with our thoughts. But for many people, our mental messages our fear-based, debilitating and often laced with worry and other toxic emotions. These thoughts which areplanted deep within ourconsciousness cause us to miss out on the peace, joy, and prosperity that God wants to provide for us.If we are not monitoring our thoughts, it can lead us astray and out of the loving provision of God.

2 Cor. 10:4-5; 11:3 “But now I am fearful, lest that even as the serpent beguiled Eve by his cunning, so your minds may be corrupted and seduced from whole-hearted and sincere and pure devotion to Christ!

Through meditation or Scripture Meditation, we learn how to:1) become an observer of our thoughts, 2) to quiet our minds and control our thoughts, 3) reduce stress, 4) uproot negative and destructive thoughts or patterns for positive and empowering ones 5) be still and connect with God, 6) be led by the Spirit instead of being lead by the flesh, 7) become more Christ-like, because we become what we meditate on, 8) subdue our flesh and reduce or eliminate compulsive behaviors or conditioning.

With all those benefits shouldn’t every Christian be a meditating Christian? Absolutely, and what can be more Godly than meditating on the Word of God. Joshua 1:8 tells us that meditating on God will cause us to have success in life.

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” – Joshua 1:8 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalms 119:11

What better way to hide God’s Word in your heart than to meditate on it everyday? And meditating on the scriptures is very different than just reading them. How many times have you read the scriptures and didn’t understand them or soon forgot what you read? By meditating on the scriptures, by slowing and silently repeating them in your mind, you are allowing the scriptures to seep deep down into your consciousness where they can take root and grow. It’s not even necessary that you think about the meaning of the words. The Bible tells us that God’s word cannot return void. As we hide God’s word in our heart, it will take root and grow a harvest of God’s kingdom right here on the earth. Jesus said I will keep thee in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on me.

Learn how to eliminate worry, negative thinking, stress, and bring your thoughts under Christ by meditating on the Lord. Visit The Christian Meditator for free scripture meditation course & Christ-centered meditation CDs. Need a Physical and Spiritual Makeover? Visit Detox Your Life Now!


Jul 01, 2011 | 0 comments View Post

Should Christians Visualize?

Question:  As you know, I have used and shared your meditations for the past couple of years with great success. This week a lady raised a question I could not answer, so I am turning to your for help with it.

She asked if visualization is involved with your meditations? I said yes, and mentioned about seeing troubles floating down the river or leaving with balloons. When I got home I researched visualization and saw a lot of material that I know you are opposed to.

Please help me know the difference between the visualization you include in your Christian meditations and the visualization involved other forms of meditation. What scriptures can guide Christians in selecting safe forms visualization? Or is there such? Thanks in advance for your helping me with my search.

Answer: Sometimes I think we really get caught up on semantics.  We begin to want to banned any word that has been associated with another religion or movement.  We forget that words have various practices and can be harmful or helpful depending upon how they are used and who is using them. Visualize is just a more focused form of daydreaming.  In fact, visualization is much more powerful than daydreaming in that it is  a conscious act of directing our attention on what we want to achieve.

The scriptures tell us to live a life of faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. Everything that we see in the physical world was first manifested in the spiritual world. In fact, Jesus said whatever we bind on heaven is bound in earth and whatever we loose in heaven is loosed in earth. There is a direct correlation between what happens in the earth and the spiritual realm.

As Christians, God wants us to speak those things that are not as though the were. An extension of that would be to “see” those things that are not as though they already existed.  Renewing our mind also involves renewing our vision. Without a vision the people perish. God told us to write the vision on the all and make it plan. Visualization can be a positive tool in helping us to stay focused on our dreams  or alter negative or debiliating mental movies or patterns.

Yes, some of my meditations are interactive and do contain visualizations.  We all absorb information in different ways. In school, we learn that we learn things easier if we are involved in the process as opposed to watching someone else show us or tell us what to do. Visualization is like a trial run of the mind and is a powerful tool for change.

Don’t get hung up on the word because it is often associated with new age philosophy. Every concept in the new age movement isn’t bad. Let’s stop throwing out the baby with the bath water and learn to distinguish between good and evil. There are some practices that we can adopt that can transform our life and relationship with God. Meditation is one of them. I say, let’s begin to look at things at face value instead of putting a good or bad label on everything we don’t understand.


Jun 25, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
The Importance of Deep Breathing

The Importance of Deep Breathing

Deep breathing has many health benefits which include relieving stress, strengthening the immune system, accelerating the healing process, burning calories, and promoting peace of mind, among others. We don’t hear a whole lot about deep breathing unless we are practicing meditation or yoga-type postures. In fact, most people don’t know that these calm-producing practices are built on the foundation of taking deep breaths. Unfortunately, most of us are more accustom to shallow breathing which only fills the upper area of the lungs with air. And although shallow breathing is easier, deep breathing is the proper way of breathing if you want to promote overall health.

Deep Breathing Promotes Relaxation

Practicing deep breathing exercises are the first line of defense when you need help your body relax. If you are feeling really stressed out, deep breathing can help you calm your senses and hence regain composure. Since more oxygen will be flowing through your blood, endorphins will be produced which will help in bringing the calming feeling.

Deep Breathing Releases Toxins

Secondly it can help in removing emotional as well as physical toxins from your body. Many health practitioners will encourage they patients to focus on their breath in an effort to release toxins that may have built up in your bodies. In fact, through deep breathing you can release pain, anxiety, and fear. As you exhale, imagine these toxins being released from your body along with each breath.

Improves Alertness

Improving alertness is another major benefit of deep breathing. Most people lead lives in which they have to work long hours sitting at a particular place. Since there is not enough body movement, breathing patterns also start varying. Since the right amount of oxygen is not reaching your blood and in turn your brain, your attention levels will diminish. You will not be able to concentrate on the task at hand. Deep breathing exercise will increase your blood’s circulation and as a result you will not feel sleepy as more oxygen will be reaching your brain.

Cleanses Waste from the Body

The lymphatic system is an important component of the body which helps in cleaning out all the waste material in the body. Because of shallow breathing, the lymphatic system does not work as effectively to remove waste materials from our lungs. Deep breathing exercises will help in reviving the lymphatic system causing it to eliminate more effectively.

How to Deep Breathe

Start by putting your right hand on you belly. As you inhale allow your belly to rise with air. If you want to use your breath to create peace and calm, hold the breath for the count of five and then release it as slowly as possible through your nose. Repeat. Studies show that just observing your breathing is known to alleviate stress. Start each day with 3-5 deep cleansing breathes before you even get out of bed for better health and well-being.

Are you ready to transform your life and live with more purpose and passion? Visit Detox Your Life Now and & Awaken Your Inner Spirit to learn about this 10-week Christian faith-based program. God wants you to be healthy and whole. Find articles and resources that promote fitness, weight loss, and relationships from a Christian perspective at Christian Health Online.


Jun 24, 2011 | 0 comments View Post

How to Soak in God’s Presence

This article I found on the internet regarding Christian Meditation and Soaking in God’s spirit is simply wonderful. The author gives a definition of Christian meditation and then step my step instructions of how to “soak” in God’s Spirit or “meditate” on the Lord.  There is an actual play on words that I see in the phrase. We can say we are SOAKING In God’s Spirit or Soaking IN God’s Spirit. I love the latter meaning we are soaking up God like a sponge as the author illustrated. I know you will enjoy the article as much as I have. – Rhonda

Christian Meditation and Soaking in the Spirit of God (On the Web)

(Excerpt from Supernatual Signs and Wonders)

Through-out our global mission work Jenny and My-self, Edward have found that the Lord moves in amazing ways. One of the most interesting insights for us has been in silence, meditation, soaking, waiting on Him to appear.

We have been witness to amazing miracles, including healings from mental disorders to cancer. It is common for angels to ‘turn up’ there have been experiences of ‘thunder’ ‘lightening’ people having visions, portals opening, and open heaven. People often receive revelation, enlightenment, prophecy and visions from God.

People lay on the floor (bring a pillow, if you want) some just sit in a chair. Quiet intimate music is played, a word may be spoken, or a brief message given, you my be anointed with oil.

All people, cultures and denominations are welcome, God has no boundaries.

What is Christian Meditation, and Soaking?

Remember you don’t have to be a ‘Christian’ to meditate on your Creator. If you don’t know God, but are willing to wait and see if He shows up then meditation is a real way to experience the intimate presence of God. We also call this experience ‘Soaking’ (or ‘Supernatural Soaking’), because it involves being immersed in God’s presence and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Intimacy with God begins when we radically pursue Him with our whole heart. King David wrote, “When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, O Lord, I shall seek’” (Psalms 27:8). God invites us in James 4:8 to “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” God is saying to us, “Seek my face! Draw near!” Our hearts are crying out, “YES!” But our flesh is screaming “NO!” The sad part is our flesh usually wins.

Click Here to Finish Christian Meditation and Soaking in the Spirit

(You’ll get instructions on how to Soak in God’s Presence)


Jun 06, 2011 | 1 comment View Post
The Value of Meditation in the Life of a Christian

The Value of Meditation in the Life of a Christian

I have been a Christian now for almost 30 years and can tell you that my Christian walk prior to practicing meditation and being still before the Lord doesn’t even compare to my life afterward.

Through the practice of meditation I have and continue to learn how to quiet my mind and free it from the mental distractions so prevalent today. I have gained greater authority over my thoughts and what I allow to penetrate my mind and heart.  I also feel much more in tuned with God through the Holy Spirit. Through meditation, I have created a greater space for God in my heart and mind because it’s not so bogged down with other stuff and a greater insight to the scriptures.

I don’t meditate because it’s a fad, in fact, on most mornings I’d prefer to do something else. Sitting in silence and meditating on the scriptures for 30 minutes in my natural mind seems unfruitful.  It’s no different than eating healthy or performing regular exercise. If I could just throw caution to the wind and live a life of self-indulgence with out consequences, I’d be the first in line. 

I meditate, not because I want to, but because I have to if I want to maintain my peace of mind, deny myself, get closer to God, detach from worldly philosophies and renew my mind. For me, entering into God presences is much like in the Old Testament, when Moses entered the Tent of Meetings or the priests entered the Holy of Holies to dwell in the presence of God. It is said that when Moses left the Tent that his body was so illuminated that no one could look at him. When I leave the presence of God, I often feel the same. God’s peace, joy, and love overtake me and I feel empowered.

Meditation is a tool that helps me to realize God in a more intimate and spiritual way. The Bible says that God is a Spirit. If we only try to understand God with our physical mind, we are missing out on so much of who God is because our mind is only one dimensional and of limited understanding. 1 Corinthains 2 tells us that The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.  For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God…This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.

Romans 8: 26-27 declares, In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through “wordless” groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Meditating on God’s word, being still before him, and dwelling in his presence provides us with a wonderful opportunity to connect with God on a level deeper than mere words or thoughts can suffice. Just like a bike can be an instrument for promoting physical fitness- meditation promotes mental, emotional, and spiritual fitness.

As Christians, we can get caught up in the logistics of meditation, but the logistics really aren’t all that important. To meditate means to ponder, contemplate, reflect, and focus. Your objective for meditation will determine the method that you use. If you want to quiet your mind and eliminate toxic thinking, meditating on a mantra, sacred word, or passage of scripture is a good start. Meditation does not have to be a spiritual or religious experience. Many people meditate for stress relief and relaxation.

Jesus said that we must decrease so that God can increase in us. The Apostle said that we must die daily. God wants us to die to ourselves so that he can indwell us. However, if we are filled with self, it leaves little room for God to enter in. Through various methods of meditation, we can become a vessel that God can use.

Whether as Christians we meditate on a sacred word, inspirational text, the Word of God, or even just dwell in God’s presence or even use a guided Christian meditation Cd or recording, we are fulfilling God’s command to “be still and know that I am God” and to “wait upon him.” It is when we are still before the Lord that our knowledge, intimacy, and relationship with Him can grow.


May 12, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
Tips for Organizing a Christian Retreat

Tips for Organizing a Christian Retreat

It’s time for your yearly retreat. You want to plan a weekend getaway where your members can relax, unwind, and deepen their relationship with the Lord. You can easily organize a retreat that will be transformative, fun, and memorable. Just follow these easy steps.

  1. Decide upon a theme for your retreat. Begin by thinking what you want the participants to gain from the retreat. Decide whether the retreat is for fun and fellowship, spiritual renewal, relaxation, or will revolve around a portion of scriptures. For example, if your objective for the retreat is that members feel physically and spiritually renewed, you might consider a spa retreat that includes Christian meditation, self care breakouts, relaxation treatments, and silent time with God.
  2. Next, decide upon a location. There are literally thousands of retreat center in the country. Begin by asking friends and colleagues about popular centers they have attended. Next, go to the computer and google, “retreat centers” or even “Christian retreat centers” along with your location or where you want to have the retreat. Other words to search for are conference centers, Christian retreats, etc. You can also preview sites like Retreat Finder to locate a center. Bed and breakfasts can also be a great place to hold a retreat.
  3. Will you have a speaker(s) at your retreat? If so, you’ll need to determine your speaker budget and then find a speaker that will fit into your theme. Again, you will want to ask around for popular speakers in your area. You can also visit websites like Christian Speaker or Ministry Women and find the listings of literally thousands of speakers and topics of interest. Once you have made a list of possible speakers, contact them to find out their availability, costs, and more detailed information.
  4. Decide upon accommodations and meal plan. Once you narrowed down the retreat facility to 3 or 4, contact each center to find out what types of accommodations they provide as well as the price. There can be a significant difference from one center and another. Also, some centers require deposits of as much as 50% upfront. Unless you have access to funds in advance, you may need to check this center off your list. Also many centers provide meals at very reasonable costs. Be sure and ask about spaces for meetings, break out sessions, or smaller workshops.
  5. How will member’s get to the retreat?  At some retreats it is up to the participants to get themselves there, usually by car or carpooling. Other retreats will charter one or more busses and add the cost to the retreat prices. There are pros and cons to both of these. Weigh out your options by finding out the cost to charter a bus based upon the number of sign-ups. Now it’s time to add up the costs of the retreat per person based upon the information you gathered.
  6. Create an agenda and schedule for our event. Your schedule should include a start and end time and everything in between. Your agenda can also include a meet and greet session, speaker topics, meals, free-time, workshops, and additional activities. You’ll also want to create a program for attendees and other information needed for the retreat. Be sure and include an evaluation form. You can provide each attendee with a packet when they arrive.
  7. If your retreat is being hosted by a church you’ll want to promote it to your congregation. You can promote your retreat with a flier as well as in the bulletin. Many churches will also provide a display table that includes information and sign-ups. If the event is open to the public, you’ll want to write a press release about the retreat and send it to the appropriate media. Also, list your event on internet calendars like Craigslist.org, local Christian radios, and other online event venues.
  8. Relax and enjoy. On the day of the retreat if you are well organized things should go fairly smoothly; however, don’t be perplexed by a few surprises and mishaps that are sure to arise. Just do your best to rectify them and stayed relaxed, everything will work out just fine in the end.

Interested in hosting a Christian meditation retreat, click here for more information.


May 10, 2011 | 1 comment View Post
Visualize Your Way to Success

Visualize Your Way to Success

Much like a car, our brains are hot-wired to perform in a specific way. When learning a new skill, like playing an instrument, at first it may feel awkward strumming the strings or playing the notes, but as we continue to play, our brain actually forms dendrites or pathways that create memory.  Therefore, the more we practice a skill, the easier it gets. After a while it becomes second nature, we don’t even have to think much about it.

When learning a new skill or positive habit this often works to our advantage as new tasks will become easier and easier. However, we can also learn destructive or unhealthy habits that can work against us as well, especially when it comes to unlearning them.  Just like our brains memorize our repetitive positive actions; it also memorizes our negative ones, making it even more difficult to change. These bad behaviors are engrained into our brains or sub-consciousness and we often do them automatically and without much thought until after the fact. That’s when we become discouraged or disgusted with ourselves and ask, “Why do I keep doing the same thing, even though I make a conscious effort not to?”

One way to counteract or change negative behaviors or habits is to visualize yourself acting opposite or how you usually react or by creating a new ending to your common, reoccurring behaviors.  Let’s use food as an example. You may have a habit of eating poorly around 3 p.m. everyday. You are well aware of this and every morning you declare that today will be different. You will resist the urge to snack at 3 p.m.

Well 3 p.m. rolls around and the sensation to eat something overtakes you and the temptation is just too hard to resist. Or maybe you eat great when at home because you don’t buy junk food, but have a hard time passing up the donuts in the staff lounge or at friend’s home.  The time to control this behavior is not when you are confronted with the food, but before the temptation arises.  Here’s how:

For the next several weeks and at least twice a day, visualize yourself saying no or resisting when tempted to eat poorly and then see yourself elated about not giving in. Scientists say that the brain doesn’t distinguish imagination or visualization from reality.  It’s just like thinking about a lemon can make your mouth water or thinking about a gruesome crime can make you nauseated. So every time you say no to temptation, even in your imagination, you’re building new memorizes or dendrites to support your new behavior.

When it comes to bad habits, there are often triggers that bring out the worst in us or our deep seated insecurities. It’s helpful also if you can identify the triggers, which will enable you to act instead of react when they arise. For example, everyday at 3 p.m. you may feel a sensation of boredom and melancholy and seek out food for comfort. By knowing your trigger, you can use it as a part of your visualization to overcome specific behaviors.

Again, use your mind, imagination, and visualization to create new endings to your bad habits. Using the above example, during your 3-5 minute visualization, see yourself being overtaken with boredom and the desire to eat for comfort, and then imagine the inner turmoil you may feel. Next imagine yourself saying no to the temptation or talking to yourself, encouraging you not to give in. After that, imagine yourself replacing the bad habit with something positive like taking a walk around the block or drinking a tall glass of water. Do this several times a day for the next few weeks to give your brain time to memorize your new behavior.  You will find that the visualization will transfer to your actual reality, meaning, when you begin to feel compelled to grab a treat, your brain may reach for the water or suggest taking a walk instead. You can use visualization to curb many types of automatic responses or emotional addictions like shyness, overworking, overcoming anger, and more.

I have outlined the steps below:

  1. Identify the behavior you want to change.
  2. Identify any triggers that usually happen that prompt the above behavior.
  3. For 3-5 minutes begin the visualization by imagining the behavior, trigger, and the inner conflict that arises within you.
  4. Visualize choosing a different response than normal or the complete opposite.
  5. In your imagination follow through with the new response or behavior.
  6. Imagine how good it feels to be successful. See others congratulating you.
  7. Repeat often.


May 10, 2011 | 2 comments View Post
Becoming a Spiritual Christian

Becoming a Spiritual Christian

Aren’t all Christians spiritual? That seems like an odd question. Most would equate spirituality with Christianity, yet it’s possible to possess one and not the other. So what are the differences and what characteristics follow the spiritual Christian?

To be a spiritual Christian means to be lead and to live by the spirit of God. It means allowing God’s spirit, that is living inside you, to guide your decisions instead of relying mostly upon your logic and intellect. Galatians 5:16 says that if we are lead by the spirit we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

It takes quieting our minds and stilling our hearts to a spiritual Christian. Too often we can’t hear God’s spirit leading us because our own thoughts and compulsive thinking gets in the way. We are constantly thinking about our past, our future, our worries and cares, and everything else in-between. Because of this, our thoughts often choke out or conflict with the Word of God.

Being a spiritual Christian requires spending time with God in solitude and silence. It was Jesus’s custom to go to a solitary place and pray or abide with God. The relationship built on abiding created a spiritual connection between God and Christ. Jesus said I and my Father are one. In fact, Jesus said, I only do and say and what the Father tells me. Their spiritual union created unity of thought and purpose.

Unfortunately, many Christians have never learned to nurture God’s spirit within them. They don’t trust what the spirit is saying, especially if it goes against natural or logical thinking. They don’t think God talks to them. They have more faith in the pastoral staff than in the Holy Spirit.

In many churches, Christians are not taught how to be spiritual. Instead we are given rules and formulas to live by. It is like going to a Christian seminar. We receive a one size fits all message. However, this does not compensate for our differences- differences in purpose, in personality, and in-style. It also does not account for our uniqueness.

Jesus told us that when it comes to God and being spiritual, that the spirit of God is already within us. He told us not to go on a mission to find God, because when we open our heart to Him, we already possess Him. Just as in the day of Pentecost, when we wait on God, He sends us the tools and the power we need to carry out His mission. In fact, 2 Peter 1:3 tells us, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

Therefore, being a spiritual Christian has more to do with building a genuine and personal relationship with God that is germinated in the soil of “being” and “abiding in Christ,” and as a result of this intimate fellowship, the direction, guidance, power, and instructions we need to fulfill God’s ongoing purpose in our lives will emerge.


Apr 28, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
Delight Yourself in the Lord

How to Get Your Prayers Answered

Delight Yourself in the Lord

Delight Yourself in the Lord 

Psalms 37:4 declares, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”  What better way to receive what we want, than to receive it as a gift from the Lord for putting our trust in him. When we don’t trust God to meet our needs or fulfill our desires then we go on a desperate search to do it for ourselves. By doing this we miss out on what God wants to give us freely and easily and instead spend countelss time striving to make things happen. However, striving doesn’t guarantee success. Often the very thing we strive for alludes us. A perfect example is when the disciples were fishing all night and caught nothing at all. Then Jesus comes along and tells them to drop their net on the other side of the boat and there were so many fish that they had to give some away. 

When we delight ourselves in the Lord, when we spend time with Him, when we fellowship with God and quiet our minds, we put ourselves in the position to hear the still small voice of the Lord. It only takes one directive from God to turn our whole world around. 

The Bible says that the blessings of God come without sorrow. When we allow God to bless us, we don’t have to worry about holding onto the blessing either. And if by chance we lose it, we don’t have to fret because if our confidence is in God, he can do it again. 

Yet when we make our own way prosperous, instead of letting God increase us, the onus is always going to be on us to maintain it. 

Proverbs says, better is a little with peace than riches with anxiety, worry, and fear.  And unless the Lord builds a house (wealth, success, prosperity) those who build it labor in vain. God doesn’t want us to be like the unbelievers who spend his or her life and efforts to accumulate. Jesus told us in… a man’s life does not consist of what he possesses. God wants us to pursue those treasures in heaven where moths and rust do not corrupt or where thieves do not break in and steal. Instead, God wants to make it easy for his children. All we have to do is delight ourselves in him, pursue him, love him, and he will bless us with enough that we won’t have room to store it.


Apr 26, 2011 | 0 comments View Post

How to Do Centering Prayer Instructions & Video

Recently, more and more people are becoming interested in learning how to do centering prayer. This is a prayer technique that is based on the traditions and teachings of the Christian church. In this method of prayer, participants attempt to let go of all thoughts, emotions, memories, and sensations. The goal is to quiet the mind in order to better experience God’s presence within. When this state is achieved, one is said to be “resting in God”. Here are the basic steps of centering prayer.


Jul 30, 2010 | 0 comments View Post
How to Create a Meditation Prayer Room or Quiet Space in Your Home

How to Create a Meditation Prayer Room or Quiet Space in Your Home

creating a meditation prayer room  by Guest Writer Lynnis Woods Mullins

Having a quiet place within your home where you can go and meditate, pray, write in your journal, and just have quiet time is important. If you have some extra space in your house or an actual room you can use, try some of these ideas to create your “safe haven” of peace and tranquility.

Things You’ll Need:

  • space within your home that will allow for quite time
  • a spare room you can use
  • candles
  • chair
  • pillows and throws
  • personal items that have significance to you
  • a small table
  • CD player
  • your favorite books on personal development, prayer, meditation, poetry, or other books that bring you a sense of peace
  • shelf for your books
  • plant

1.      A comfortable chair or small sofa is inviting and relaxing.  Select a comfortable chair or an easy chair to place in the room or space you have identified. If you have room a small sofa is always nice to have in the room for lounging or even a quick doze. The furniture you place in this room should be comfortable for reading and journaling also.


Jan 25, 2010 | 1 comment View Post
Developing a Closer Relationship with God Takes More Than Going to Church

Developing a Closer Relationship with God Takes More Than Going to Church

developing a closer relationship with godMy love affair with God is growing and growing. Although my new love for God started in church almost 20 years ago, it wasn’t until God separated me unto himself and took me through a desert experience that I began not to just know of God, but truly experience Him on a personal level.

As new or immature believers in Christ, our walk is generally characterized by what we do for God. Although the gift of salvation is free, it’s hard for our natural minds to comprehend that we can get something for nothing. Our church leaders also weight us down with a litany of what good Christians do. Good Christians never miss a Sunday Service, attend weekly bible study, volunteer in several ministries, read their Bibles everyday, and the list goes on. As a result, when we fail to meet these standards, guilty feelings surface and fear sets in. We may even question whether we are saved.

The irony is that going to church doesn’t necessarily constitute a relationship with God just as not going to church suggests a lack of one. The first time I stopped going to church I was guilt-ridden. I must be in a back-slidden condition I ponderedt, although my heart was just as devoted to God as ever.  Scriptures like, “do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together,” surely meant I was on my way to hell. Yet at that time in my life going to church left me feeling empty. It was just a weekly ritual, a habit that I had been doing for years and I was tired of putting myself through its misery.


Jan 23, 2010 | 3 comments View Post
Overcome Negative Emotions By Casting Every Care on God- New Video

Overcome Negative Emotions By Casting Every Care on God- New Video

“Come unto to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”- Matthew 11:28

Overcoming negative emotions and eliminate fearI truly believe that depression is the result of internalized fear. Fear can take many forms such as anxiety, worry, guilt, regret, jealousy, and even anger. Usually we fear a loss or unwanted situation.  For example, fear of losing a loved one, wages, health, or even face can cause great anxiety. These situations, if not properly dealt with, steal our peace of mind and well-being.

As Christians, it’s important not to mask or deny our fears. Often we will try to cover our fears and insecurities with faith words. We often put on that Christian happy face and tell others we are blessed or everything is fine, even though there is deep pain in our heart.  In solitude, we may earnestly pray and ask God to take our pain away or sing songs of worship and praise, only for that heavy feeling to return again and again.

Though heartfelt, prayer and praise alone may not help in eliminating our negative emotions.  Instead of releasing them, they are buried further down into our subconscious mind, where they gnaw at us and weigh us down creating a perpetual dark cloud over our heads. 

If we look at this from a logical standpoint, if we focus only on the emotion, its like implementing solutions to a problem that has not been properly identified. In almost all cases, our negative emotions are not the problem but only a symptom of it. The presence of negative emotions is the indicator that something is wrong. Feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, fear, or sadness is our body’s way of saying we are out of alignment with God’s perfect plan for us or His spiritual well-being. If we stop only at the negative emotion or try to eliminate the emotion without going deeper, it’s like putting a band aid on cancer.


Jan 22, 2010 | 3 comments View Post
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