• Soulprints: Tap Your Wisdom Within

• TRACKERS: A Facebook Community of Well-being

• Psycho-paths: Unleash the Now!

• Cairns: The #1 Most Popular Episode of 2023

• Viewfinder: Istanbul’s Hagia Sofia

• TrailMix: Apricot Cordial Pound Cake

Soulprints: Tap Your Wisdom for the Challenges Ahead

When you encounter a decision point, where do you turn for help? I most often turn to research and reflection, making Pro/Con lists. I’ve known others who talk to mentors or even throw the Bible open to a random passage to find direction. In the book, God Is, Mallory Wyckoff shares her insight that we may learn to tap into the Wisdom within the Self. She writes, “This innate wisdom is a powerful coalescence of divine source and our individual, unique, beautiful personhood. It is both within us and beyond us. It is ours and it is everyone’s. It is old and new. It is our birthright as human beings made in the image of God. It requires our participation, our willingness to believe that we really are capable of possessing wisdom within and listening to it.”

The journey of connecting to this Wisdom is not a simple one. For Wyckoff it involved spirituality, therapy, failures, and relationships on the path to greater self-awareness. In this she was not a pioneer but a pilgrim on a journey many have trod. “A thread that ties the world's religions together is they consistent stream of awareness this insistence on waking up to yourself and paying attention.”

Perhaps you can remember an experience where you knew something deep inside, or realized something about yourself that helped you in a hard time? Cassidy Hutchinson’s story gripped the attention of the nation in 2022 when she detailed lying to the House January 6 Committee under the influence of lawyers loyal to former President Trump. Later, she struggled with a profound ethical dilemma, facing the betrayal of her own values and loyalty to America. Listening to this inner wisdom, she testified about the truth in bombshell revelations that led to the Committee concluding Trump was the driving force behind the insurrection riot on January 6.

This path is as old as the Book of Proverbs, which personifies God's work as the Woman of Wisdom in chapter 8. Listening to Her is vital. "Happy is the one who listens to me... for whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord" (8:34-35). God is the ever-present oracle, offering to us ways of living that bring well-being.

Process theology grounds this in the work of God which underlies every thought. Philosopher Alfred North Whitehead and David Ray Griffin posit that God provides an “initial aim” that offers to each moment the opportunity of embodying God’s essence and increased value in God’s purpose.  Though we may not consciously realize this divine influence, we choose to affirm or resist this work in our thoughts and behaviors. In more poetic terms, Mallory Wyckoff writes, “I hear a Voice that grounds me, guides me, moves me, compels me, roots me.”

To meet the challenges of today we are offered this source of well-being. Within each of us is a presence of God, active to present opportunities for positivity each moment. As Wyckoff asserts, “God is willing to reside within bodies… Wisdom has been ours from the very beginning.” How should we respond? Cultivating an awareness of Wisdom requires careful reflection on our self-understanding, our beliefs, the great traditions of faith, and the community around us. Tools to access this include prayer, therapy, mentoring, and (Ugh!) trial-and-error! We find Wisdom as we discover our “truest self” then courageously listen. In the ancient words of the Hebrew’s divine woman of Wisdom, “Whoever finds me finds life!”

CITED

Mallory Wyckoff, God Is. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2022.

David Ray Griffin, Reenchantment without Supernatualism. Cornell University Press, 2001. (p 179-181)

 A new community is born! The Tracks for the Journey network introduces TRACKERS, a community of people seeking greater well-being. I'll be seeking your companionship in growth by sharing inspiration and insight from the network. I’ll be seeking your input about your journey in spirituality, emotional, and relational well-being. Your input will be vital for helping your fellow TRACKERS. I invite you to join the group today!

Cairns: The #1 Most Popular Episode of 2023

The Tracks for the Journey Network announces the top episode on the podcast platform for 2023 was…

“My Bad, God’s Good

I introduced the episode like this:

“My bad!” It’s lingo for something done wrong. Why do we make bad choices? Debates over human nature and our relationship to God stretch back to the dawn of human history. In this episode take a new look to uncover what people who do bad things can learn about themselves and the goodness of God. The traditional Christian doctrine of original sin misinterprets reality. We find help to build well-being with progressive spirituality and community. 
Segments include: 
The false foundation of Original Sin
Owning our actions offers choices for health
Embracing solidarity with others overcomes bigotry
Renewal of meaning in God's universal love

Listen to the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/907723/12480520

Watch the Youtube here: https://youtu.be/2LD9asPOnPI

Trail Mix: Apricot Cordial Pound Cake

“I enjoy a big family breakfast. This Pound Cake is a crowd-pleaser with it’s rich fruit flavor. You can top off the bacon and eggs with a delightful dessert!” —Jan

3 c. all-purpose flour

3 c. sugar

1 c. butter, softened

1 c. sour cream

½ c. apricot nectar

1 t. lemon extract*

1 t. almond extract*

½ t. salt

¼ t. soda

6 eggs

1-12 oz. jar apricot preserves**

3 T. lemon juice

Greased and flour 12-cup Bundt cake pan. Preheat oven to 325F.

In large bowl with hand mixer at low, beat all ingredients except preserves and lemon juice for about 30 seconds. Scrape bowl frequently. Turn mixer to high and beat for about 2 minutes. Pour into pan.

Bake at 325F for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until wooden toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Cool on rack for 20 minutes, then remove from pan. Cool thoroughly.

In saucepan over medium heat, combine preserves and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until preserves have melted. Cool to lukewarm. Spoon half o preserves mixture over cake. Serve with remaining preserves and top with whipped cream, if desired.

*I omit the lemon and almond extract but added ¾ t. cinnamon to serve the cake for breakfast.

**I usually just add some lemon juice and sugar to a can of apricots and let it reduce since I don’t purchase apricot jam regularly.

Viewfinder: The Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul

The Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul is an ancient building revered by the Muslim world. The magnificent structure was completed in 537 CE as a Greek Orthodox cathedral. Except for a brief period in the 1200’s, it remained the centerpiece of Greek Orthodox faith until the Ottoman conquest in 1453. Moslems have worshipped there since, except for a period in the 20th century. Our Istanbul guide, Akin, took us inside the massive mosque, doffing our shoes and Jan wearing a headscarf in honor of Allah. We marveled at the magnificent calligraphy of the names of God and worshippers kneeling in prayer. Our guide pointed out an unusual feature: Christian art from the 13th century, resplendent with images of Mary and the infant Jesus, still adorns the wall. The Quran honors both of these. What a pity that politics and culture have driven a wedge between two great traditions of faith. It makes me think that God isn’t so interested in the names we give the Divine, but the devotion of love we live!

The ticking seconds of the clock—could they be the signal God is moving across my life and yours? My Granddad's clock is a treasured timepiece here at the Bright Star Ranch. Listening to the rhythms of the clock reminds me of time past, present, and future. Jesus never heard that sound but knew so much about time. He demonstrated every moment brings the possibility of insight, miracle, renewal, or fulfillment. As the new year unfolds, it's important to explore how we can unleash the Now-Moments for greater well-being. Listen to the podcast or Youtube episode to find the intersection of your focus and God's work in the Now.

I welcome your questions, comments, ideas, and affirmations. Join the TRACKERS community or email me directly at: [email protected]