• TRAILMATES: Building a Stronger We

• SOULPRINTS: Finding a Spiritual Rhythm

• Faith Groups Fight Trump’s Refugee Order

“I do,” is the traditional response in the ceremony of marriage. Each partner makes a pledge that connects the individual “I” to a shared “we.” That’s a life-changing moment! Keeping that “we” as strong as possible is vital work.

Psychologists measure a quality called “inclusion of others in the self.” When a person feels emotionally close to another, deeply interested in the other’s experiences, attitudes, and events, they are high on the IOS Scale. The “we” factor is strong, linking one with the partner’s life in many ways. With this in place, couples weather difficulties better, have higher sexual satisfaction, and live longer.[1]

The lovers of the Song of Solomon declared, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” The intertwining of passion, devotion, and hope in this Hebrew poetry has captivated millions across the millennia. A close reading finds a testimony to what now would be called the IOS Scale.  

Laura Pietras highlighted ways to build couple closeness, “It’s very simple: Spend time with your partner. Do something together that’s novel and interesting.”[2] It doesn’t take much effort to be curious about what your partner is thinking, the feelings of the day, or to engage in a game together. These simple actions can draw the circles of “I” together into a greater “we” for better well-being.

Sharing some answers to these questions may build the “We” for a stronger relationship:

What do you remember about your first date?

What attracted you to your spouse?

What 5 strengths does your marriage possess?

What qualities in your spouse have helped your marriage?

What would you say if you wrote a brief note of appreciation and affirmation to your spouse?

If you could create the setting for a romantic evening, what would it be like? 

 Building a stronger “We” is a path for greater well-being!

[1] https://sparqtools.org/mobility-measure/inclusion-of-other-in-the-self-ios-scale/

[2] Grant H. Brenner, “The Power of ‘We.’” Psychology Today, June, 2022

WASHINGTON (RNS)—An executive order President Donald Trump signed on his first day in office appears to keep all but a few refugees from entering the country, saying that the United States lacks the resources to absorb them.

Leaders of these faith-based agencies were quick to condemn Trump’s new executive order and rejected its claims, saying the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, created under the Refugee Act of 1980, partly in response to the refugee crisis after the Vietnam War, is designed to address the concerns the executive order raises.

“Refugees undergo rigorous vetting, including multiple background checks by national security agencies, before ever setting foot on American soil,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, head of the Lutheran group Global Refuge.

Matthew Soerens, vice president of advocacy and policy at World Relief, an evangelical Christian group, said the order runs counter to the values of Christians who voted for Trump.

“They did so heartened by pledges that he would secure our borders and protect Christians from persecution, but most did not anticipate that he would halt a long-standing, legal immigration program that offers refuge to those persecuted for their Christian faith,” he said. “We hope and pray he will reconsider.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE FROM THE BAPTIST STANDARD

Intentional effort makes a difference in many areas of life. Teachers demand the intentional effort of study from their students. Coaches get in the face of athletes who are not putting their all on the field or court. Is it possible for us to have intentional effort for our spiritual progress?

In her book, Spiritual Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation, Ruth Haley Barton, leader of the Transforming Center and trained spiritual director, brings some clear teaching about developing greater intimacy with God through intentional practices. She explores some of the traditional disciplines, such as study, solitude, examen, and sabbath yet adds some new angles on respecting the body and discernment. She writes, “The disciplines are basic components of intimacy with God that feed and nourish the soul, keeping us open and available for God’s surprising initiatives.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE WITH HELPS FOR YOUR RHYTHMS OF FAITH

What was your favorite book of 2024? Folks in the TRACKERS COMMUNITY want to know!

Most of us have enjoyed several books during the past year. We may have been inspired, informed, shocked, or thrilled with the story woven by a skilled writer. Was there one that really stood out? Let others know!

The TRACKERS COMMUNITY is a Facebook group following this TRACKS FOR THE JOURNEY NETWORK. We are interested in all resources that promote well-being! I’ll be sharing the results in future issues of TRACKS EXPRESS.

Don’t use Facebook? Just email me at the address below with your title and what you liked.

Click the link below to share a comments about your favorite read in 2024.