Presence And Practice: Recent Episodes
John + Sungshim Loppnow
YOU ARE LOVED! - Helping people feel confident that God is present to them in a compassionate and loving way. Thousands of people all over the wold have been trained in Immanuel Journaling (IJ) and experienced the comfort, love, and freedom of God. In The Presence + Practice podcast, John + Sungshim will share stories of transformation, the background, and brain science of the IJ process. We will interview key figures in the field of spiritual and relational transformation. You will learn how to deepen your experiential connection with Christ in a way that leads you to connect with others in a heart to heart level. We integrate spiritual formation, neuroscience, brain-based relationship skills, and practices that a community of people can participate in towards transformation. We are Contemplative Marriage & Family Therapists if you are interested in that style of therapy. Learn to hear God's Big Yes to you! - YOU ARE LOVED!
0:00:10 Introduction to Interactive Gratitude and Manual Journaling
0:01:35 Embracing God's Loving Presence
0:01:50 Interactive Gratitude and Thought Rhyming Introduction
0:03:23 Living as God's Poetry and Rhyming His Thoughts
0:05:36 The Example of Exodus 3 and God's Heart Towards His People
0:07:47 God's Promise: Land of Milk and Honey
0:08:39 The God who knows our suffering and can deliver us
0:15:06 The importance of gratitude and interaction with God in good times
0:19:09 A Healing Moment of Connection
0:20:13 Encouragement to Share and Test Out with God
0:21:40 Cultivating Small Moments with God
In this episode, we explore interactive gratitude and thought rhyming. We discuss recording our thankfulness and feeling God's response. This helps align our thoughts with God's, especially in distress, fostering a sense of Jesus' affirmation and encouragement. The speaker reflects on God's care in challenging times, as shown in Exodus 3, and underscores His continual attention and support.
Thought rhyming is presented as a method to align with God's perspectives, offering wisdom and comfort. The speaker shares personal experiences with this practice, emphasizing the gratitude felt in connecting with Jesus.
Highlighting the importance of appreciating small joys, the speaker suggests that gratitude helps us recognize God's past and present role in our lives. They encourage conversations with God in all situations, acknowledging His constant care.
The episode concludes with the speaker offering support for those overwhelmed, promoting collaborative problem-solving with God. Listeners are encouraged to bring even minor matters to God, discovering His presence in every facet of life. The talk ends with a blessing, urging listeners to experiment with sharing daily experiences with God.
We integrate listening to God in our therapy, coaching and training. If you are interested in learning more check us out at:
Loppnow Relationship Center
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
Presence + Practice
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
WHAT DO WE DO?Our Life Transforming Connections Training equips dedicated Christians to gain mastery over their emotions, empowering them to peacefully and effectively reconnect with their loved ones following conflicts.
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/training
Short intro to the extremely effective Couple's Training
https://youtu.be/Y4cmB-L1glU?si=S-rBdHY4S_wTIj0U
Discover the power of interactive gratitude to strengthen our relationship with God and find comfort in challenging times. Join us as we explore its transformative benefits.
Chapters
0:00:13 The Importance of Gratitude in Relationships
0:01:38 Strengthening Relationships Through Frequency and Quality of Interaction
0:03:58 The Brain's Negativity Bias and the Need for Positive Interaction
0:05:06 Interactive Gratitude as a Way to Build Relational Connection with God
0:06:07 Pausing to Notice and Receive God's Response in Gratitude
0:08:43 Building Positive Interactions with God for Hard Times
0:09:44 Example of Interactive Gratitude: Gratefulness and Relief
0:11:57 A Moment of Panic and Despair
0:12:41 God's Reassurance and Unwavering Presence
0:13:19 Embracing Gratitude as a Path to God's Presence
0:14:14 Gratitude Allows Space for Grieving and Healing
0:15:18 Implementing Interactive Gratitude in Daily Practice
Brief Summary
In this part of our conversation, we discuss the power of interactive gratitude in strengthening our relationship with God. We emphasize the importance of gratitude as the first step in the interactive journaling process. Interactive gratitude involves acknowledging something good and beautiful, allowing God to respond. By increasing positive interactions with God, we can deepen our connection and build resilience. Even brief expressions of gratitude can be transformative. Practicing interactive gratitude opens us up to experience God's presence and find comfort in challenging times. Join us as we explore the goodness of God firsthand through interactive gratitude.
We integrate listening to God in our therapy, coaching and training. If you are interested in learning more check us out at:
Loppnow Relationship Center
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
Presence + Practice
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
WHAT DO WE DO?
Our Life Transforming Connections Training equips dedicated Christians to gain mastery over their emotions, empowering them to peacefully and effectively reconnect with their loved ones following conflicts.
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/training
Short intro to the extremely effective Couple's Training
https://youtu.be/Y4cmB-L1glU?si=S-rBdHY4S_wTIj0U
Chapters
0:00:11 Introduction to Immanuel Journaling and its Development
0:02:08 Desire to help people interact with God therapeutically
0:04:59 Introduction to IJ journaling and its differences from other practices
0:08:09 The relational and interactive nature of IJ journaling
0:08:57 The impact and benefits of practicing IJ journaling
0:15:19 Feeling stuck and immobilized in life
0:15:58 Experiencing the beauty and power of feeling unstuck
In this part of the conversation, we explore the origins of Immanuel Journaling and its unique approach to engaging with God. Sangshim noticed that people were more comfortable opening up to therapists than to God, which inspired her to create this therapeutic journaling practice.
Immanuel Journaling involves writing to God, expressing emotions, and listening for a response. We discuss its impact, including the deepened bond with God and the sense of peace it brings.
Additionally, we highlight its global reach and the surprise and delight it evokes. We also touch on the concept of feeling stuck and how IJ can help overcome it. We encourage listeners to try this interactive form of journaling and experience the freedom it brings.
We integrate listening to God in our therapy, coaching and training. If you are interested in learning more check us out at:
Loppnow Relationship Center
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
Presence + Practice
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
WHAT DO WE DO?
Our Life Transforming Connections Training equips dedicated Christians to gain mastery over their emotions, empowering them to peacefully and effectively reconnect with their loved ones following conflicts.
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/training
Short intro to the extremely effective Couple's Training
https://youtu.be/Y4cmB-L1glU?si=S-rBdHY4S_wTIj0U
Kutter Callaway - "Be Afraid" Podcast ConversationKutter is a Professor of Theology + Culture at Fuller Seminary Be Afraid PodcastThis podcast isn’t about how to avoid fear, how to leverage it, or even whether or not it’s okay to be afraid. This podcast is an exercise in learning how to fear rightly. It’s an exploration of fear, faith, and stories that scare the daylights out of us.
https://www.kuttercallaway.com/podcast
This was a fun conversation about understanding our fears and anxiety in the context of community and discernment.
For more info on Kutter's work and ministry
https://linktr.ee/kuttercallaway
We integrate listening to God in our therapy, coaching and training. If you are interested in learning more check us out at:
Loppnow Relationship Center
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
Presence + Practice
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
WHAT DO WE DO?
Our Life Transforming Connections Training equips dedicated Christians to gain mastery over their emotions, empowering them to peacefully and effectively reconnect with their loved ones following conflicts.
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/training
Short intro to the extremely effective Couple's Training
https://youtu.be/Y4cmB-L1glU?si=S-rBdHY4S_wTIj0U
Peter Saddington is a wonderful human being seeking to love God and empower people to live fully alive.
- What does it mean to love God as a man and husband?
- How has adoption impacted Peter?
- Interesting learning about how Peter discovered he has "high-functioning Autism"
- How Peter's education helps inform his life (Masters in Education, counseling and World Views). Very interesting stories here.
About
- Multiple Startup Founder - 1 acquisition, 3 early equity buy outs
- GP of a $2.5M Bitcoin Mining fund ('14/'15), $10M IoT fund ('18/'19), $16M (oversubscribed) Web3 fund in 2022.
- 3 books published - Scrum, Agile, Personal Branding
- 3 graduate degrees completed - Education, Counseling, Divinity
- Thousands trained in Agile/Scrum as a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) since 2009
- Racecar driver (SCCA Radical SR3 & Club Sport) and gokart Dad
WHAT I LOVE:
- Investing in people and sharing my life on video. I want to be fuel for humans!
- Agile & Scrum Training - CSM, CSPO, A-CSM, Agile for Leadership, Agile for Startups
- Personal branding and community building - I've been building communities and creating educational videos for 15+ years
We integrate listening to God in our therapy, coaching and training. If you are interested in learning more check us out at:
Loppnow Relationship Center
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
Presence + Practice
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
WHAT DO WE DO?
Our Life Transforming Connections Training equips dedicated Christians to gain mastery over their emotions, empowering them to peacefully and effectively reconnect with their loved ones following conflicts.
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/training
Short intro to the extremely effective Couple's Training
https://youtu.be/Y4cmB-L1glU?si=S-rBdHY4S_wTIj0U
Scot McKnight + Laura Barringer talk about PIVOT - book on toxic v. TOV (good) culture
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with the esteemed Dr. Scot McKnight to delve into the themes and insights from his latest work, "PIVOT." Co-authored with Laura Barringer, the book serves as a practical guide for nurturing a culture within churches and organizations that both resists abuse and fosters goodness. Our discussion navigates the pivotal practices, priorities, and gospel-centered qualities essential for cultivating what McKnight terms a "Tov Culture" - a milieu that champions goodness and opposes abuse.
Dr. McKnight elaborates on the transformative processes that challenge the quick-fix mentality often found in organizational cultures, steering them towards emotional health and goodness. Drawing from the experiences documented in their previous groundbreaking work, "A Church Called Tov," we explore the gritty, albeit rewarding journey of shifting from toxic to healthful organizational cultures.
This conversation promises to equip leaders and members of religious and other institutions with the knowledge and tools necessary for culture transformation, addressing common questions and hurdles encountered along the path to creating an environment that is, in essence, 'Tov' - good1234.
Here is some info about Jeff from his website.
Hi, I'm Jeff McCord.
My passion is the see the whole gospel of Jesus Christ impact the whole person. Soon after my conversion in 1996, the Lord laid a deep burden upon my heart to give my life over for the sake of serving His people. My story is one of redemption, of service, and of profound joy.
Beth and I have been married since 1995. We have two children, Nathan and Libby. We currently live in Franklin, TN, continuing to serve and love well.
More Than Your Number: A Christ-Centered Enneagram Approach to Becoming AWARE of Your Internal World
Have you wanted to dive deeper into the Enneagram but resisted because you don’t want to be labeled? Or do you ever wonder, Why does this part of me still get so easily stuck? What’s next? Discover a revolutionary and transformative approach to the Enneagram in this thoughtful, explorative guide to understanding all the remarkably unique ways you reflect the image of God . . . because you are more than your number.
More Than Your Number takes a deeper dive into the world of the Enneagram by moving past the quickly assigned and sometimes stereotypical Enneagram Types to consider and engage your unique, multidimensional personality that makes you so much more complex than just a number.
Buy the book here.
Sungshim serves with Soul Shepherding as a Spiritual Director and Coach. She is also a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working in private practice and as a church consultant. For over a decade she was a pastor’s wife at a Korean American megachurch.
She has an M.S. degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary and has received ministry coaching from Dr.’s Bill and Kristi Gaultiere.
Sungshim’s ministry comes out of her own story of working through emotional deficits from childhood and the challenges of being an immigrant from Korea. Through her own emotional and spiritual growth process she and John developed a method of prayer called “Immanuel Journaling.” This tool was introduced in their book Joyful Journey and has become a widely used practice. Sungshim is fluent in Korean and English and has a special focus on ministry to Asian Americans.
Sungshim and her husband John live in Glendale, CA and have two children.
https://www.soulshepherding.org/
“I’m fine,” we say. Men especially do this to be “strong” — much to the disappointment of family and friends (especially women!) who want more connection. Burying emotions is actually a weakness that disrupts life and ministry. Bill Gaultiere and John Loppnow, fellow pastors and counselors, share how they connect with their emotions and with God. John introduces “Immanuel Journaling” as a tool for self-awareness and prayer.
https://www.soulshepherding.org/
HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE YOU’RE DOING ALL THE RIGHT THINGS—YET GOD STILL FEELS DISTANT?
A RELATIONSHIP BUILT ON LOVE AND TRUST IS ESSENTIAL TO A DEEPER WALK. BUT HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN?
Book author, Marcus Warner, examines how heavily left-brained models of discipleship often miss our hearts. To know God is to experience Him. When a joy bond is formed with God, then study, discipline, and ministry can enhance our attachment.
Dr. Warner provides a model for whole-brained, heart-focused discipleship based on the gospel’s four essentials: freedom, identity, Spirit, and heart-focused community—FISH. With pastoral warmth, Warner provides a biblically balanced approach to dealing with the wounds, lies, and strongholds in our lives.
If you’re looking for a joy-filled, vibrant, mature relationship with God, then join Marcus Warner in A Deeper Walk.
https://deeperwalkinternational.org/a-deeper-walk-book/
Presence And Practice
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
Loppnow Relationship Center
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
We are building a fresh and exciting way for couples to be trained in core relationship skills. We utilize both a cohort model and a self-paced training for group coaching.
If you are interested in being trained in relationship skills for intimate relationships reach out.
John @ Loppnow Relationship Center dot com
Intro
Dr. Lou Cozolino practices psychotherapy and consulting psychology in Beverly Hills, California. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UCLA and an M.T.S. from Harvard University. He has been a professor at Pepperdine since 1986 and lectures worldwide on psychotherapy, neuroscience, trauma, and attachment.
https://www.drloucozolino.com/
Some of Dr. Cozolino's books are:
Why Therapy Works, The Making of a Therapist and the Development of a Therapist
Social Neuroscience of Education and Attachment-Based Teaching
1st Question - As you see it - what is the biggest issue people are facing these days?
He shares an interesting answer.
Shame
What is the difference between Core Shame and Appropriate Shame?
What can people do with power (Parents, Pastors, small group leaders) regarding shame?
Trauma
What is Trauma?
And, how can people identify trauma in such a way that moves them towards healing?
Spirituality
What does unhealthy spirituality and healthy spirituality look like?
Attachment-Based Teaching
What can pastors and small group leaders learn from this?
If anyone is interested in how Sungshim and John integrate the knowledge from Interpersonal Neurobiology you can find out more at our Therapy Practice - Loppnow Relationship Center.
We integrate this brain science with spirituality and shame. Just kidding about the shame, we help you understand how shame works and how to experience God's love. This is the core of our task - learning how to receive love.
Perry Marshall - Memos From The Head Office 028
I had an amazing time dialoguing with Perry. I think you'll find our conversation enlightening and fun. And, I know you'll walk away with some tangible tools.
This book delivers detailed verifiable stories of real entrepreneurs who found that listening to the Head Office goes beyond a sharp mind or brilliant strategy. In these pages, you’ll discover a superior resource for critical decisions.
You can read 3 Free chapters here
https://www.perrymarshall.com/memos/
Book from Amazon
We integrate listening to God in our therapy, coaching and training. If you are interested in learning more check us out at:
Loppnow Relationship Center
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
Presence + Practice
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
PS: We have some really exciting things in store related to ongoing training with practices in community built in an app. Including both free and for an investment.
026 - The Eternal Heart - Carl McColman
Check out Carl's really great website!
https://anamchara.com/
Carl is an energetic, kind and joy-filled human being. I had such a delightful conversation and a wonderful time with him.
The heart is where the human soul and God meet.
This is what teachings from Scripture and the mystics reveal: the heart is the temple of God within us and within the heart we hold the key to live a truly divine life. But how do we embody the tremendous love available to us, deep in our hearts?
In Eternal Heart, Carl McColman, author of The Big Book of Christian Mysticism, invites us to create an optimistic, visionary, and imaginative path to personal happiness and fulfillment. Weaving together teachings from the biblical tradition, literature of the mystics, and wisdom of the world's contemplative traditions, McColman engages us in profound, practical exercises for cultivating fuller, more abundant, and more satisfying lives.
The path of Christian Mysticism is a path of both contemplation and action. By unlocking the mysteries in our hearts, we discover a source of divine love deep within us: a power for spiritual growth, and for creating meaningful relationships and working together to change the world for the better.
Presence + Practice
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
If you are interested in Contemplative Therapy consider
Loppnow Relationship Center
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
Breath Prayer: An Ancient Practice for the Everyday Sacred Paperback by Christine Valters Paintner
1st of 3 Episodes focused on Contemplative Living.
Abbey of the Arts - A wonderful website and ministry. Please visit to get a sense of her overall work.
https://abbeyofthearts.com/
Through brief words of prayer or petition said silently to the rhythm of one's breath, this simple, meditative act combines praise for the divine with focused intention, creating a profound spiritual connection in the quiet, and even mundane, moments of the day .
In Breath Prayer, Christine Valters Paintner, online abbess of Abbey of the Arts, introduces us to this spiritual practice and offers beautiful poem-prayers for walking, working, dressing, cleaning, sitting in silence, doing the dishes, living in community--breathing the divine into our daily lives. Over time these recitations become as natural as breathing. We don't so much recite the prayers as the prayers recite us, guide us, and open our hearts to the everyday sacred.
With each of the forty prayers, Paintner includes reflections on life's ordinary beauty and heartfelt advice for discovering the sacred all around. Breath Prayer concludes with guidance for creating your own breath prayers to deepen your practice. [Taken from Amazon]
Presence + Practice
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
If you are interested in Contemplative Therapy
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
024 - Designed To Heal (w/Jennie A. McLaurin)
A doctor and a scientist reveal how to heal relational and emotional wounds by exploring the amazing restorative processes of the body.
I had so much fun dialoguing with Jennie. She is woman full of wisdom, faith and love.
I think you’ll wholeheartedly enjoy this conversation. I feel as though I gained a sister in Christ.
Our bodies are designed to heal. We fall off our bikes and skin our knees―and without effort on our part, the skin looks like new in a few days. But while our skinned knees easily heal, it can sometimes feel like our emotional and relational wounds are left gaping open, broken beyond repair. If our bodies instinctively know how to heal physical injuries, could they also help us understand how to restore painful emotional and relational ruptures?
In their groundbreaking debut book, physician Jennie McLaurin and scientist Cymbeline T. Culiat write Designed to Heal: a fascinating look at how the restorative processes of the body can model patterns we may adapt to heal the acute and chronic wounds of our social bodies. Through engaging patient stories, imaginative travels through the body’s microcellular landscapes, accessible references to current research, and reflections on the image of God, Designed to Heal offers a new perspective for healing our social divisions. By learning how the body is created with mechanisms that optimize a flourishing recovery from life’s inevitable wounds, we are given a model for hopeful, faithful, and enduring healing in all other aspects of our lives. Our wounds don’t have to have the last word. [Taken from https://www.jenniemclaurin.com/books ]
Some info about Jennie.
She has written for MIssio Alliance and Biologos
Jennie’s Website
Writing for Missio Alliance
Writing for BioLogo
Presence And Practice
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
We teach and train people in relationship skills that enable them to stay awake to the love of God and love of others.
If you are interested in online Therapy or Brain Skill Coaching
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
PresenceAndPractice
IJ #ImmanuelJournaling
Ed Khouri
https://www.equippinghearts.com/our-vision
John Barclay wrote a book Paul and The Gift
The gift that one person gave another when they wanted to have an ongoing relationship with one another. The receiving of the gift was saying yes, I want to be a part of this relationship.
Grace means...
You are my favorite.
You are special.
And, I want a relationship with you.
noun. Charis. GK: an undeserved state of divine virtue, favor or unmerited sanctification
b: the ongoing invitation to live in response to the Lord’s delight
c: the relational and practical position we have as God’s special and favorite without earning
verb. to dignify or raise by an act of favor; to honor.
You only get to experience grace in relationship.
Grace + Peace are 2 sides of the same word.
4 Deadly Ps
When special or favorite is missing.
Pleasing
Performing
(Avoiding) Pain
(Holding on to) Pleasure
It is important to get to the root of fear.
How to tell a Face of Grace story
Think about a time you felt special when you interacted with someone. Reflect on it until you can feel it again.
What happened
What emotions did you feel
How did your body feel
Relational Spirituality
Book Ed referenced and I'm currently reading.
[Taken from Ed's website....please check it out]
Grace-based resources and experiences built to last…
What would your life be like if you saw yourself as God’s favorite? Imagine how things would change. At Equipping Hearts, the lasting concepts of our resources, trainings, and coaching are designed to
· enrich your life with God
· help you develop a strong, healthy identity, and
· become a catalyst for life-giving community with others
· strengthen your leadership and organization
We center on infrastructure, not add-ons. The last thing you need is another end-all curriculum, book, or trending idea—and we know it! Our grace-based framework we share can be easily integrated into your life, leadership, small group, or organization.
Equipping Hearts teaches skills that lead to sustainable life transformation by emphasizing experience, not just information. Emotionally, relationally, and spiritually, our creative exercises are designed to train your brain. These relational methods can be applied to strengthen any life, learning opportunity, or culture—we’ve seen it over and over!
Presence And Practice
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
If you are interested in online Therapy or Brain Skill Coaching
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
EdKhouri
PresenceAndPractice
IJ #ImmanuelJournaling
022 Ryan Reger - Is Profit Good? For a family business?
My Dad has been a part of a community called Proven Amazon Course with Jim Cockrum at the helm. My dad has shared with me over the years the possibility of starting a business online. In one email that my dad forwarded to me it was a podcast with Ryan Reger.
I ordered Ryan's book and listened to the audio book.
The book is short and sweet and gave me hope and inspiration that this would be possible for me and my family. Due to my Dad's encouragement and modeling, Sungshim and I believe and want to see Zachariah & Zoe start an online business before they graduate high school.
Part of this journey is building relationships with people we can learn from. Ryan is a great guy who seeks to share what he has learned.
We had a lot of fun in this conversation. And, we integrate how God can speak to us and lead us. May you be blessed and inspired to take action on what God has put in your heart.
Remember, you are loved!
Ryan Reger
**"What if God could use me to teach people to dream again and become financially free?"
This is what I wrote in my journal in September of 2009. Since then I’ve had the pleasure of helping thousands of people create multiple streams of income.
I want to help YOU too!
Let me help YOU create multiple streams of income!**
Check out Ryan's website for more info.
https://pages.ryanreger.com/home
Presence And Practice
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
If you are interested in online Therapy or Brain Skill Coaching
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
RyanReger
PresenceAndPractice
IJ #ImmanuelJournaling
021 Abundance Unhindered Part 2
As a follower of Jesus, you can experience a life of unhindered abundance right here on planet earth. How you ask? Through a process of Christ-formation. The Apostle Paul refers to this life-long process in 2 Corinthians 3:18 and spiritual leaders refer to it variously as progressive sanctification, spiritual formation, spiritual growth, or discipleship.
Simply put, Christ-formation is the overarching goal of the Christian life. It’s the result of a partnership between us and the Holy Spirit, lived out in close relationships with others and for the benefit of others in this world. It is the practical outcome of what Jesus invited people to when he called us to be his disciples. Christ-formation is to take on the character and the quality of life Jesus referred to as abundant (Jn. 10:10): a life characterized by more love, joy, peace, and hope than we ever dreamed possible (Gal. 5:22-23).
Check out Ken's ministry here
https://idtministries.com/
Presence & Practice
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
Loppnow Relationship Center
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/blog
020 Unhindered Abundance
Do you feel stuck in your faith, like you’re just not making progress in the Christian life?
It’s discouraging because you’re really trying to do all the right things—you read your Bible, pray, and go to church—but nothing seems to change, at least not in any lasting way. You still find it hard to be patient while standing in line, you still lose it when someone cuts you off while driving, you still feel anxious about the future, and you have regrets about the past. The truth is, no matter how sincere you are about your faith, or how hard you try to follow Jesus, lasting change just seems like a pipedream.
Check out Ken's website for more resources and opportunities to learn from this wonderful man and his genuine ministry.
https://idtministries.com/
Buy the book here
Bill & Kristi Gaultiere speak with John & Sungshim about the new book - Journey of the Soul
-
Intro of Bill and Kristi
-
Intro to Journey of the Soul
-
Church Development
-
Church Leaders
-
C. H. R. I. S. T. Model
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Resources
-
Application/Goals of model
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Blending the Model
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Enneagram + Relationships + Model
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Wrap up/Benediction
Check out the book here
https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Soul-Practical-Emotional-Spiritual/dp/0800739027/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=journey+of+the+soul&qid=1612228660&s=books&sr=1-1
https://journeyofthesoul.org/
Are you feeling stuck in your faith walk? Finding it hard to hear God’s voice? Praying for a breakthrough and not seeing it? Struggling to trust God?
The healthy Christian life is one of continuing spiritual, emotional, and relational growth, but sometimes we feel stuck or stagnated at one stage of the journey.
In Journey of the Soul, Bill and Kristi Gaultiere draw on over 70,000 hours of experience providing therapy and spiritual direction to help you get unstuck and identify the next steps you need to take to grow emotionally and spiritually—no matter where you are or how long you’ve been following Jesus.
www.PresenceAndPractice.com
@soulshepherding
#JOTSbook
018 Fr. Ubald takes time to speak with John about his new book and The Center for the Secret of Peace.
You can watch the conversation on YouTube here
Sometimes it can be easier for you to understand Fr. Ubald when you see him on Video.
This podcast was recorded on July 1, 2020.
I was waiting for the right time to post it here. Fr. Ubald came to my heart a few times during the 1st week of January. I found out on Jan 8 that he passed away on Jan 7. I only spoke to him this one time, but I miss him and feel the sadness that he left us.
Fr. Ubald lived through the Rwandan Genocide.
80 members of his family and 45,000 members of his congregation were killed.
He came back to the country to lead retreats and equip people in forgiveness and reconciliation. I am inspired by him, his presence and his story.
The Center for the Secret of Peace
Forgiveness Makes You Free
Throughout the book, Fr. Ubald teaches about five spiritual keys that draw us to Christ, the only source of lasting peace:
- be thankful and have faith
- choose to forgive
- denounce evil
- decide to live for Jesus
- claim the blessing
Each chapter combines Fr. Ubald’s story with reflection questions that guide readers along their own path of healing: from fear to faith, from shame to freedom, from isolation to reconciliation, from resentment to mercy, and from conflict to peace.
Check out his book here.
I listened to the Audio book.
Please share this with others.
Remember, you are loved!
Loppnow Relationship Center
Presence & Practice
017 - How your brain's secret circuit affects your relationships and how you can activate it.
The Joy Switch: How your brain's secret circuit affects your relationships and how you can activate it. -Chris Coursey
Check it out on ThriveToday.org for lots of great info
Here is the Joy Switch page
[Taken from the publisher]
WHAT SETS YOU OFF?
THE SPOUSE WHO PUSHES YOUR BUTTONS. THE CHILDREN WHO WON’T LISTEN. ANNOYING COWORKERS. REJECTION. TRAFFIC HASSLES.
All these can set you off. And, just like that, a good day becomes a bad day. Under the right conditions, all of us can be pushed too far. The trick is knowing how to “get back” to healthy emotions—to that sweet spot. What’s the secret? It’s as easy as flipping a switch.
Brain science has discovered that there is a “switch” inside your brain that activates joy—the secret of healthy emotions. When joy is lacking, when the switch is off, we can’t be our best selves. We become angry, overwhelmed, sad. The good news is we don’t have to stay that way. The Joy Switch will help you:
• RECOGNIZE WHEN YOU’RE LOSING JOY
• IDENTIFY YOUR PARTICULAR “TRIGGERS”
• LEARN HOW TO STAY IN JOY!
Packed with illustrations, expert insight, and helpful self-assessments, The Joy Switch will help you thrive amid life’s everyday challenges.
Loppnow Relationship Center
If you are seeking Therapy with a Christian Therapist check out our website.
Presence & Practice
016 Andrew Yang :: Mental Health, Spirituality, Bitcoin + EMDR
From Andrew's HEEM writing site - Substack
Coaching strength through mental health.
Former pastor and MFT student.
I also love Bitcoin.
CRYTPO
Andrew works for Casa
HEEM
Honor + Shame Culture
If someone struggles with mental health issues it could potentially bring shame
Read this post as an excellent piece on the differences between individualistic and collectivistic cultures. So good!
I encourage you to become informed and subscribe to his substack.
EMDR
What is EMDR?
Dan Siegel speaks about integration as how we move towards mental health
Check out Loppnow Relationship Center if you are interested in therapy that integrates faith, spiritual practices, EMDR and an understanding and sensitivity to Asian and other cultures.
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
015 Enneagram Therapy and Spiritual Growth - Michael Shahan
We explore how we discovered the enneagram and how it impacts our personal growth as well as our work as therapists.
Michael Shahan
https://michaelshahan.com/
https://www.facebook.com/michaelshahantherapy
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshahan_therapy/
Moving Body Scan on IGTV - https://www.instagram.com/michaelshahan_therapy/channel/
Heart Math Institute -
The Road Back To You - Season 1
https://www.theroadbacktoyou.com/podcast/
Dr. David Daniels
https://drdaviddaniels.com/
James Finley
https://jamesfinley.org/
Simple Practice
Breath In - “I love you”
Breath Out - “I love you”
— "Even in that (emotion, thought, etc), I love you."
Jim Wilder’s New book Renovated
014 AJ Sherrill - The Enneagram For Spiritual Formation
John Loppnow Interviews AJ to discuss some of the ideas in his new book.
AJ recently moved to Charleston, SC to become the Lead Pastor of St Peters.
Sneak peak at his Sermon Series he starts to preach at his church.
What drew him to Anglicism?
[He is a part of the Diocese Churches 4 the Sake of Others]
What practices help you stay grounded in this busy season of change?
What are the 4 agreements?
- Remember that you are not a number
- Refuse to become branded as the Enneagram person, church or organization
- Resist the urge to type another person
- Reclaim the Enneagram as a means, not an end
Discuss the purpose of his book.
- You are beloved
- God is committed to you in all your beauty and brokenness
- Transformation is always available
- Because the One who is renewing the world is ever present within the core of your being. (p.?)
How has the enneagram helped you in your relationships?
Evangelism
How have you seen it be a part of revealing the goodness, beauty and truth of Christ?
AJ, how can we pray for you?
AJ gives a blessing to you
Buy the book on Amazon
PREORDER so you can enjoy the FREE Workshop.
ONLY those who preorder will get access to a live workshop on October 1, 2020 led by AJ. He will unpack spiritual practices and rituals for each Enneatype, teaching you about “upstream” and “downstream” practices for your number.
Can’t make it to the live event on October 1? No problem! We’ll send you a recording of the workshop.
Author AJ Sherrill still remembers the moment when his life was forever changed by a word he didn't even understand at the time: Enneagram. A personality theory that includes nine different "types," the Enneagram has become a popular tool for self-awareness and improvement.
But in this book, Sherrill goes deeper, exploring with Christians how the Enneagram can be a pathway to profound spiritual transformation. Sherrill reveals the Enneagram as a tool to unlock new ways of viewing identity, personality, discipleship, spiritual practices, evangelism, and the Bible.
Using this fresh approach, Sherrill shows how our true identity is that of a beloved child of God. Recognizing that, we can move confidently into the world expressing this identity through our unique personality.
Through Sherrill's detailed spiritual exploration of each type, readers will emerge viewing the Enneagram as a precious gift to following Jesus more closely. Foreword by Chuck DeGroat.
If you want to find us you can find us here.
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
013 The Other Half of Church (whole-brained Christianity)
Jim Wilder, Michel Hendricks - The Other Half of Church
[with a shout out to Bob Howey]
You can buy the book here on Amazon and Life Model Works
John Loppnow invites Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks to discuss the amazing ideas in their new book THE OTHER HALF OF CHURCH: Christian Community, Brain Science, and Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation.
Topics covered include
Half-Brained Christianity
How do people grow?
The 4 Soils
JOY: The face of Jesus that transforms
Hesed: Our relational glue
Group Identity: What kind of people are we?
Healthy Correction: Stop being so nice
We also discuss the important role of a true elder in the body of Christ (Bob Howie) and how he instigated the formation of this book. Hear the stories and learn how our character transforms.
Shout out to Bob Howey for being an elder who creates these connections.
https://renovare.org/people/bob-howey
FROM THE WEBSITE
What does brain science have to do with spiritual growth?
After a lifetime following Christ and a career as a spiritual formation pastor, Michel Hendricks was disappointed: why does spiritual transformation seem fleeting? And why do Christian communities often seem shallow? That’s when he met neurotheologian Jim Wilder and discovered what’s been missing from his church community and spiritual life.
The Other Half of Church invites you to join Jim Wilder and Michel and revolutionize your spiritual growth by understanding how the brain works. Learn the roles of the brain’s left and right sides and how they’re both critical to experience lasting, full-brain transformation. You’ll then learn the four ingredients necessary to develop and maintain a vibrant, transformational community:
- TRUE JOY FOUND THROUGH CONNECTION AND RELATIONSHIPS
- HESED LOVE OF SECURELY ATTACHED COMMUNITIES
- WELL-DEVELOPED GROUP IDENTITY BASED ON THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST
- A CULTURE OF UPLIFTING, HEALTHY CORRECTION
MEET THE AUTHORS
Jim Wilder (Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, and MA Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary) has been training leaders and counselors for over 40 years and is the author of eighteen books. He served as executive director of Shepherd’s House Inc. and founder of Life Model Works. Dr. Wilder has extensive clinical counseling experience and has served as a guest lecturer at institutions such as Fuller Seminary, Biola University, and Talbot Seminary.
Michel Hendricks (MDiv, Denver Seminary; BS, University of Colorado) has been a teacher and trainer for more than twenty-five years. He is the former pastor of spiritual formation at Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette, CO. He has also served and trained people in Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda. He is the author of Basic Training for Walking with Jesus and Intentional Apprenticeship. He and his wife, Claudia, have three adult children.
www.PresenceAndPractice.com
012 John invites Pastor Dave Roberts into a dialogue about the ideas in his new book HEALING CONVERSATIONS
Join Dave & John as they dialogue about how we can participate in creating a place for healing conversations to take place.
Pastor Dave Roberts shares about his new book HEALING CONVERSATIONS.
Dave Roberts is the lead Pastor for the Montrose Church which has made great waves in global communities with recent partnerships in Bolivia, Mexico and a current partnership in Eswatini, Africa. He earned his Master of Divinity at Nazarene Theological Seminary and began serving the Los Angeles Community in 1988. For over 30 years, he has been a practitioner of relationships, community building, and long-term partnerships. With a front row seat to the very real struggles faced by couples, families, and people, Dave has seen how the power of real authentic conversation transforms loneliness and divisiveness into genuine affection and connection. He brings years of practical help and support to people who long to connect spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and relationally. Dave currently resides in Glendale, California.
FROM AMAZON
Healing Conversations brings to life the seven elements of how to have deep and fulfilling conversations so that people can connect in a world with many conversational obstacles.
Conversation is the way human beings connect. Great friendships are defined by the way one speaks, listens, and flows through the joy of effortless conversation. As the divisions in culture deepen due to politics, generational misunderstanding, the complexity of gender, the struggle to be politically correct, and every other possible human condition, conversation is becoming more and more dangerous. Most people feel an ever-increasing need to be careful with their words. It may be good to be thoughtful of language, but this is a new kind of carefulness. The anxiety of culture is leading people to communicate less and that leads to isolation and divisiveness.
Healing Conversations is a simple way to revolutionize communication. It offers practical help to allow readers to talk their way out of conflict and loneliness. Within Healing Conversations, Dave Roberts helps readers to learn, gain perspective, grow, accomplish real work, come together for a greater good, but even more, helps them to feel intimately connected to the people around them again through the power of conversation.
Presence & Practice
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/blog
Loppnow Relationship Center
John & Sungshim are Contemplative Marriage & Family Therapists
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
011 - You are going really like this conversation. Chock full of hope.
On March 6, 2020 I had a Zoom conversation with Dr. Benjamin Hardy. I wanted to support Dr. Hardy in getting the word out about the ideas in his book Personality Isn’t Permanent
Take a listen as we had a meaningful, fun conversation. I feel like Ben is my brother. Check it out for yourself.
Psychologist and bestselling author Benjamin Hardy, PhD, debunks the pervasive myths about personality that prevent us from learning—and provides bold strategies for personal transformation
In Personality Isn’t Permanent, Dr. Benjamin Hardy draws on psychological research to demolish the popular misconception that personality—a person’s consistent attitudes and behaviors—is innate and unchanging. Hardy liberates us from the limiting belief that our “true selves” are to be discovered, and shows how we can intentionally create our desired selves and achieve amazing goals instead. He offers practical, science-based advice to for personal-reinvention. [From Amazon’s description]
Medium Blog where I discovered Benjamin Hardy
https://medium.com/@benjaminhardy
Personality Isn’t Permanent - https://benjaminhardy.com/
Gaping Void - Career Hierarchy
Foster All
https://www.fosterall.org/
Sungshim and I attended a Gala to raise awareness and money for Foster All. Thanks to Anne Bierling
The Body Keeps The Score - Basel ven der Kolk
Trauma keeps a personality frozen.
Trauma shatters imagination.
Gabor Mate
Personality is a way to cope with trauma.
SOME NOTES from the episode
Hope Theory - You can’t have hope without a different or better future.
Expectancy theory - You can’t have motivation without a clear goal and path to get there.
Imagination is the key to learning.
You can’t learn without imagination.
“Mental flexibility is the basis of imagination” - Basel ven der Kolk
“If you really want a goal, you better start telling it to everybody.”
“People don’t typically admit what they want.”
A fixed mindset often comes from trauma and leads to a fear of failure.
The more honest and explicit you are the more your environment (people) will support or oppose it.
I think identity is far more important than personality. Personality flows out of our identity.
Fasting is amazing
Fasting is like prayer on steroids.
A personality typing system helps create an identity and removes a lot of ambiguity.
…can limit yourself from imaging a future self.
“They set goals to confirm the label.”
Want to become like Christ?
Define that reality, go for it!
Let's do it together.
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
If you are looking for a Contemplative Marriage & Family Therapist you can find one here.
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
010 Episode -- Toni Daniels shares the impact of vibrant families of Jesus and the new book she co-authored.
Joy Fueled - Catalyzing A Revolution of Joyful Communities
Toni Daniels - Training Champion
Toni is passionate about seeing relational restoration in every level of society by awakening, inspiring and training emotional, spiritual ninja warriors.
God-given Design: Toni takes risks and spearheads experiments to find and implement the best pathways to fuel Jesus’ revolution of Joy.
TONI DANIELS
- Missionary for 18 years Uraguary - Social Entrepreneur / Relational training
- Mom of 4 (10-30) / Wife - 26 years
- Wrote a book Back To Joy: An Intimate Journey Into Emotional Health and Maturity
- Part of LK10 Ministries - https://lk10.com/
The Mission
To start vibrant families of Jesus within reach of every person on the planet.
Our 5 Core Values
In short, Lk10 is characterized by joy-fueled, Jesus-led communities of practice, training spiritual moms and dads to nurture ecosystems of grace. Here’s a closer look at each of these values:
Joy-Fueled
Joy, that feeling you get when you are “glad to be together no matter what” is what fuels and motivates us within LK10 (John 14:10). Instead of living out of shame, guilt, or duty, we take time to connect heart to heart with each other. We also ask God, “how do you feel about being with us?” This question gets at our root motivations and consistently brings relational peace as it reveals God’s deep enjoyment of us fueling us to move into our world full of life and presence.
Are you burned out? Tired of church as usual? Looking for deeper connection with others and with Jesus?Then you’re in the right place. Lk10 trains people like you to start Jesus-led, joy-fueled communities. We’re re-imagining church as a simple, organic, and participatory family.
Visit us at https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
If you are interested in Contemplative Marriage & Family therapy find out more here.
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
009
Jim Wilder is our friend and mentor and one of the people we've learned a tremendous amount from over the years. This book is life altering. I encourage you to pick it up today.
Jim and John sharing in conversation about his new book. We had a lot of fun talking, sharing and discussing the ideas.
Renovated: God, Dallas Willard, and the Church That Transforms* Jim's hope and dreams for the book * Why loving our enemies is the litmus test for our apprenticeship to Jesus * What is enemy mode? * What does it mean to have God speak to us? And, what it doesn't mean.
The book proposes that
1) Salvation is about attachment and uses the human attachment system to grow a new identity
2) We can experience mutual mind with God
3) Mutual mind without attachment will not change character
This conversation will also be released on our YouTube channel.
I'm hoping someone would want to list the topics and time stamps we discuss them on Youtube. If you are interested please let me know.
He is the neurotheologian of Life Model Works.
Dr. Jim Wilder (Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, and M.A. Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary) has been training leaders and counselors for over 27 years on five continents. He is the author of multiple books with a strong focus on maturing and relationship skills for leaders. His coauthored book Living From the Heart Jesus Gave You has sold over 100,000 copies and is printed in eleven languages. Wilder has published numerous articles and developed four sets of video and relational leadership training called THRIVE. He is the founder and chief neurotheologian of Life Model Work, a nonprofit working at the intersection of brain science and theology that is building contagiously healthy Christian communities through equipping existing networks with the skills to thrive. Dr. Wilder has extensive counseling experience and has served as a guest lecturer at Fuller Seminary, Biola, Talbot Seminary, Point Loma University, Montreat College, Tyndale Seminary and elsewhere.
BIBLE APP with writing from Jim Wilder
I'm reading the @YouVersion plan '12 Ways God Loves You: Practices That Form Strong Attachments To God And God’s People'. Check it out here:
http://bible.com/r/52k
VIDEO
Jim introduces Dallas from the conference (story told in the book)
https://lifemodelworks.org/renovated/...
To Listen to the Podcast go here
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
008 Breath prayer :: Let It Be : Done Unto Me
To complement this week's sermon theme "Challenged", we will use the phrase, “Let it be done unto me!” as our breath prayer. We will breathe IN, “Let it be” and breathe OUT, “Done unot to me”. Our hope is to see our heartbeats pulsate with Mary’s surrender as we engage in this week’s breath prayer.
Mary was an human like you and me living an ordinary and yet well-ordered life. However, one day she was greatly challenged and her heart was gravely troubed with Gabriel’s visit. Gabriel brought a ‘good’ news that would change her well-ordered life into complete disorder. She knew that her well-ordered life would be called into a complete disorder if she let His order land on her heart. And yet, she welcomed that disorder.
How did Mary’s heart begin beating with a new rhythm?: the rhythm of letting go of her order and letting in of disorder; empyting order and welcoming disorder. Did she somehow know that God would not end with disorder but bring reorder?
This seems like a perennial truth: order-disorder-reorder.
We do not know how Mary did? One thing we know is that we would not let go of our well-ordered life unless we have to; we would not accept God’s invitation for transformation unless disorder sets in. Suffering in the course of our life - mental, physical, emotional and relational suffering - bring us disorder and challenges us to accept the fact that there are things that we can not easily fix, control, change or explain. It seems like we find ourselves or the whole world in disorder and destabilization.
What if we pause and receive this disorder as God’s invitation to follow Him in bringing ‘reorder’ in our life and the world? It seems like the ‘oder’ that once worked nicely was built upon many private and separate selves who constantly in competition. It seems like the ‘reorder’ God desires to bring will be built upon collective body that continually in cooperation. God is inviting us to become a kind of people who let go of our order and welcome this disorder as a necessary suffering to bring reorder into our life.
Jesus said to us, “Come, follow me!”
Let ‘I-Thou’ encounter take place as we closely follow Him today!
Let Jesus’ face reflect back to us who we are! We have Jesus’ DNA in us.
Notice what Jesus said at the end of his life, “Not my will, but yours, be done”
Those who are drawn to use Jesus’ phrase as this week’s breath prayer please feel free to use it as an alternative one. Mary’s phrase in the beginning of her life and Jesus one at the end of his life both share the same spirit of complete surrender and trust in God!
- Pause and set your intention to become fully present to God who is with us in this moment.
- Breathe IN and say, “Let it be”
- Breathe OUT and say, “Done unto me”
- Repeat three times
- Notice the effect this prayer has on you.
If you want to study this passage more check out biblehubto get some background on the original language.
Please visit our website.
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
If you or someone you know is interested in Relationship Coaching or therapy visit
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
We love to teach, train, equip people in the relationship skills they need to live a fulfilled life.
All relationships are built on learnable skills.
The question becomes, do we want to learn skills in community?
007 John and Sungshim dialogue about rest during "Safer at home" in CA.
Go Deeper with Rest (optional):
- Set your Intention to grow your capacity to rest in God’s love. The life-changing information related to COVID-19 comes at us quickly. It demands us to stay alert; it urges us to move into action; it commands us to master our protective skills. The idea of rest - lowering our alertness, slowing down our action, relinquishing our mastery - sounds unrealistic, irresponsible, and even foolish. And yet, we are urged to “make every effort to enter into that rest” in Hebrew 4:11.
The challenge we face is that we rarely experience a sense of completion. Rather, more often than not, we experience a sense of incompletion and lack, which causes us to be in a physiological state of fear and a physical condition of weariness. This makes it almost impossible for us to obey God, by enter into that rest. What we need first is to enter into an honest conversation with God, who sees our weariness with great compassion and restorative power. Listen to Jesus’ initiation of this honest conversation and step by step instruction on how to find rest:
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me -watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” - Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
Let us see the deeper reality where God’s love and power flows in us and through us and never ceases. Real rest begins when we have an honest conversation with God. Real rest is found in the context of real conversation/relationship!
Ponder on the questions below for your conversation with God: + In what area(s) of your life do you seem unable to trust in God’s love where you find your ultimate belonging? + In what area(s) of your life do you hear loud voices like these? You better hurry, for there is not enough to go around! You better worry, for you are not good or worthy enough yet! You better be tough, for the world is harsh! You can't stop, or you will fall behind! + What keeps you from enjoying the awe and wonder of life? + What keeps you from welcoming each morning with gratitude? + What keeps you awake at night? * Have a conversation with God about your struggle. Share what came to your awareness with God, in a conversational way, and ask Him to help you to hear His voice (My child, you belong to me; You are safe in my hands.) * Engage yourself in a posture of rest. When you are finished interacting with God, engage in a posture of rest by actually entering into stillness. For this process, we will use the key line from Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” + What do we do? You are invited to recite the key line from Psalm 46:10, “Be still and Know that I am God” 5 times. Each time the line is recited, the key words are taken away and you will find yourself simply ‘being’ in His presence. + How to do it? Recite/chant/sing as follows: - Be still and know that I am God, (pause) - Be still and know that I am, (pause) - Be still and know, (pause) - Be still, (pause) - Be + If you desire, linger in the silence.
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
006
In this episode John leads you through a simple breath prayer using Brennen Manning's Abba, I belong to you breath prayer.
A fitting prayer at this time.
Brennan Manning years ago: “Abba, I belong to you.” This breath prayer is known to have brought healing to many in suffering by restoring their true identity as the beloved child. Let us remember that it is God who breathed His spirit on us (John 20:22) and enabled us to call Him Abba (Romans 8:15-16).
In Ephesians 3:2-13, Paul describes how God initiated our belonging to Him, included outsiders in His family, and invited you and me to carry the message of inclusion (belonging to God) to the world.
Let us begin the journey of bringing the message of God’s inclusion by appreciating our Father for establishing a way HOME, where we find rest and strength in times of uncertainty and insecurity.
To learn more about Brennan’s teaching on “The Abba Experience”, check out his book “Abba’s Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging”.
Use today’s breath prayer to ground yourself into a deeper reality. First, remember that you as an individual belong to God as His beloved child. Second, think about how all humanity belongs to God as His beloved children.
Thus we encourage you to engage yourself in this breath prayer twice as follows:
1st round:
- Pause and set your intention to become fully present to God who is with you in this moment.
- Engage in Breath Prayer
- Breath IN and say, “Abba”
- Breathe OUT and say, “I belong to you!”
- Repeat by taking three intentional slow, deep breaths to ground into this deeper reality.
- Notice the effect this prayer has on you.
- Original version
- Breathe IN: Abba
- Breathe OUT: I Belong To You
- Short version
- Breathe IN: Abba
- Breathe OUT: Belong
2nd round:
- Pause and set your intention to become fully present to God who is with us in this moment.
- Engage in Breath Prayer
- Breath IN and say, “Abba”
- Breathe OUT and say, “We belong to you!”
- Repeat by taking three intentional slow, deep breaths to ground into this deeper reality.
- Notice the effect this prayer has on you.
- Original version
- Breathe IN: Abba
- Breathe OUT: We Belong To You
- Short version
- Breathe IN: Abba
- Breathe OUT: Belong
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
005 John introduces you to a breath prayer integrating scripture from this week's sermon from Montrose Church.
We will use Ephesians 2:4-8 as the basis for our breath prayer: “My Grace Makes You Alive!”
“ But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
- Pause and set your intention to become fully present to God who is with us in this moment.
- Breathe IN and hear God say your own name, __________, in the most loving and joy-filled way, then continue by saying the following phrase, “My Grace”.
- Breathe OUT and hear God say, “Makes you alive!”
- Repeat by taking three intentional slow, deep breaths to engage in listening to God.
- Notice the effect this prayer has on you.
- Original version
- Breath IN: (Your name) My Grace
- Breath OUT: Makes You Alive
- Short version
- Breathe IN: Grace
- Breathe OUT: Alive
For clients who are open we share breath prayers with them as a resource. Considering sharing breath prayers on our website
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/emdr-trauma-therapy
As always we share on our ministry website at Presence And Practice.
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
Remember, You are loved!
004 John and Sungshim dialogue about breath prayer as God's Big Yes to you!
The things we learned teaching breath prayer at Montrose Church.
Pray in the Spirit on all occasions [Eph 6:18]
Pray continually or pray without ceasing [1 These 5:17]
Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, [Phil 4:6]
The Big Brain Question from Mark Brady.
Brother Lawrence - The Practice of the Presence of God
The Way of the Pilgrim
Prayer - Richard Foster
“Life from the Center is a life of unhurried peace and power. It is simple. It is serene. It is amazing. It is triumphant. It is radiant. It takes no time, but it occupies all our time. And it makes our life programs new and overcoming.” - Thomas Kelly
BLESSING
God bless you
May we become the kind of people who experiences
**The God
who sees us**
who hears us
and knows the depth of what we experience
so that we know that He is with us
and He is doing something about this
by strengthening our spirits.
May we become the people of love.
For more info on Presence And Practice
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
Our private practiceLoppnow Relationship Center
https://www.loppnowrelationshipcenter.com/
003 - Breath Prayer Practice
In this episode John leads you through the breath prayer practice using Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my Shepherd (IN breath)
I have everything I need (OUT breath)
***Note: If you have listened to the entire episode and want to jump to the beginning of the practice you can head to 4:15.
002 - John & Sungshim Loppnow do a quick review from their 4 week class at Montrose Church. They discuss the VISION of life in and with Christ. Name a few key mentors and the Big Brain Question we are all asking one another.
For additional info about John & Sungshim’s ministry, Presence and Practice, visit this site.
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
We think you will enjoy this conversation as you can see how we learn to podcast and in the midst of sharing you can learn with us and from us. We want to share all the good things and good people we learn from and with.
Join this community of practice and hit subscribe!
If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode head to:
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/blog
We learn that anyone who rates the podcast and leaves a review helps us get seen by more within the Apple (and other) podcast Universe. Would you be up for helping us be seen by more people as we participate in Apple's Algorithm?
John Loppnow, Sungshim Loppnow, spiritual formation, neuroscience, brain science, relationship skills, meditation, breath prayer
Thank you!
That would mean a lot to us.
001 - Spiritual Formation enthusiasts, brain science fans and relationship skills seekers unite! John + Sungshim Loppnow seek to bring together people who want to grow in love by connecting to God in effective ways as well as relating to people in loving and kind ways.
For additional info about John & Sungshim’s ministry, Presence and Practice, visit this site.
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/
In our first episode we share a bit of our story; where we were born, how we met and a few of the things that shaped our core values and vision for what we sense is the good life in Christ.
We think you will enjoy this first conversation as you can see how we learn to podcast and in the midst of sharing you can learn with us and from us. We want to share all the good things and good people we learn from and with.
Join this community of practice and hit subscribe!
If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode head to:
https://www.presenceandpractice.com/blog