Tuesday, May 31, 2016

My Rule

Finally!  I share my Rule of Life.  As a quick intro, to clarify the organization, I started with my life vision because that's the most important portion.  Next, the intentions, and finally the means.  The means can change. They might flex in order to remain faithful to the vision. The rhythm of my particular journey is meant to help me fulfill the vision.  This isn't about goals. Bill says vision draws while goals drive.  I don't want to be driven.  I want my vision to draw me to Jesus.  


Vision:  I desire to be a woman who pursues Jesus for eternity, adores Him, is filled with awe, and serves Him.

Intentions:
To worship God
To KNOW His love for me
To open myself up to God
To relinquish the false self
To relinquish the idols in my heart
To share my life
To hear God’s Word
To incarnate the love of Christ
To pray my life

Means/disciplines

Daily:
·      ~ say the Lord’s Prayer before I get out of bed (if I find myself doing this thoughtlessly, write it down)
·      ~ green chair time with Bill/coffee and prayer
·      ~ Bible reading (including a Proverb per day)/morning pages (journaling)/written prayers/confession, listening quietly and writing, memorize scripture
·      ~ House blessing (cleaning, arranging, preparing)
·      Noon (Divine Office)
·      3:00 pm walk or read something soul nourishing
·      4:00 Midday Office
·      5:00 Examen
·      7:00 say the Lord’s Prayer/Read the Divine Office in bed

Throughout the day:  pray for people when they come to mind, text or call the kids, go outside and interact with nature, pray before eating, move around, dedicate meetings with women to the Lord, asking Him to bathe the time in His Spirit, write letters of encouragement (1 per week), pray for Bill’s staff and donors, say the Jesus Prayer, read my Statements of Faith cards

Weekly:
Worship
Fast breakfast and lunch on Mondays
Mondays:  Use the Book of Common Prayer or The Paraclete Psalter for morning/afternoon readings in place of meals
Wednesday:  SING!  (Lutheran hymnal, praise and worship songs)
Thursdays:  Write a psalm-like prayer in the morning

Monthly:
Read one of the gospels straight through (first Friday of the month)
Write a lament (last Friday of the month)
Walk the neighborhood and pray for our community (last Saturday of the month)
Make a list of the people that I want to protect/love/know in the here and now

Now that I'm finished and have been looking at my ROL for a while, I am trying to figure out a way to put this right in front of me (a big board, notecards, phone reminders).  I'd like to say I have the rhythms well established but it is early days.   

 Honestly, I'll let you know how I do with my ROL. I'm a beginner.  

Sam's baptism was wonderful!  The kids were troopers and the parents and grandparents loved the time.
 We were able to line the wonder bugs up by age!  Yay!

 We're so thankful for family.  I'm so grateful that God gives us such hope for the future, such tender love for the grands, discernment and reflection in our own journey toward eternity.  
If you have any questions (I'll try to answer!) about a ROL include them in your comment.
Happy June!  

23 comments:

elizabeth said...

beautiful! I see you are incorporating some things that are very monastic in origin! :) did you read a book on how to think about one's personal rule? would love to know your inspiration (if you want you can PM me if that is best). I struggle a lot with written prayers (ironic in some ways, as there are so MANY in the E. Orthodox church) but am trying to slowly build a life of prayer that is workable for my new married life. It really can take a while, and I find that it is something that needs a lot of flexibility. Have you read Kathleen Norris' Cloister Walk? You may love it, based on what you are seeking to do here, that I have just read! :) have a beautiful day tomorrow and a peaceful night!

Elderberry-Rob said...

Hello Pompom, your ROL is so personal to you! thank you for sharing it. It is inspiring, putting everything that you want your days to fold around into a plan like this - quite something. What is an Examen? (time off for good behaviour?!)Your post is the first thing I have read today with my morning coffee and will be in my thoughts a lot today, it's out into the garden now to join the birds for their chorus. Betty x

happyone said...

That's a nice group of wonder bugs!! : )
What a wonderful rule of life to have.

Boyett-Brinkley said...

First off -- Love the pic of the Wonder Bugs! You are so blessed! and, I love your yard. Now, about your ROL -- it is beautiful and I think with time it will just flow and be part of you -- right now, as you say, it is early days and you are just getting your rhythm. I had to write a Rule of Life when I was studying for the DHC (Daughters of the Holy Cross). I didn't really know what I was doing but the two things I knew I was going to incorporate was prayer upon my eyes opening in the morning, giving thanks for yet another day and prayer before bed for the same reason. I find that a ROL is a living thing, it changes as our life changes but it should always be there in some form. I love reading yours -- very personal and you were so good to share, thank you.

Farm Girl said...

I just love that picture of them all lined up by age. What an incredible blessing. I also loved what Bill said, " vision draws while goals drive." So profound, I will have to write that down.
I love your ROL. It is very inspiring. I love that you really had to do some deep thinking to write that out.
I like that you are a lifetime learner.
Have a lovely day.

Gigi said...

Good grief Pom -- you're soooo disciplined -- yay you! My prayer/devotional/daily schedule is not so much ��. You are definitely a brave light shining in this (often dark) world. I don't read blogs much anymore (I blame Instagram ��), but I'm so glad I dropped in to your happy home today -- must do so more often!

��������

Gigi said...

P. S. LOVE the pic of the littles -- so cute! I can't seem to get mine all together at the same time & in the same place.

Anonymous said...

I am intrigued and impressed with ROL! Looks like a great exercise to do. I like that idea of your Friday ideas, reading a gospel and then a lament. I'm thinking having a plan helps with a good follow thru. Congratulations to Sam and his baptism. What a sweet thing for the family to enjoy. You are blessed dear Pom Pom!

Lisa Richards said...

Pom, your ROL is amazing! I may copy it down, not so I can "copy" you, but to remind me of some good ideas. I have The Cloister Walk, which was mentioned in the comments, and I'm not intrigued to read it. Your ROL is full of so many rich things. I must ponder it! Thanks for sharing. It's an inspiration to so many of us.

What a sweet bunch of kiddos! You're so blessed to be able to spend so much time with them! (And they're blessed, too!) :)

Granny Marigold said...

You have composed a wonderfully inspiring Rule of Life. I intend to reread it a few times because there's a lot to take in. I find a lot of my prayers come from The Book of Alternative Services ( which you no doubt know is the 'updated' Book of Common Prayer.)
Your row of grands is also impressive. Lucky Pom.

Heather LeFebvre said...

Oh so glad to be able to peruse your Rule of Life!!! Have you read Tim Keller's book on Prayer? So excellent and it seems like a lot ideas you have are suggestions he gives.

LOVe the pic of all the little ones lined up from Saturday! So glad you had good weather and a special time!

Nancy McCarroll said...

You have set superlative goals. Your life is full of the Spirit, and you will achieve your daily goals. God bless you and your family, PomPom. Thank you for your prayers.

I will go to my Paraclete now. Hugs.

Danette Bartelmay said...

Ahh Pom Pom... You Bless me so.

GretchenJoanna said...

Your Rule was worth waiting for. I can see why it took a while to formulate -- it needs to reflect your vision and be realistic. It makes me want to take some time to gather together all the scattered thoughts I have about improving on my poorly kept rule...

Thank you, Pom Pom!

Fat Dormouse said...

Not sure what I want to say about your RoL - I need to ponder! - but I didn't want to leave without making a comment! May God bless you as you walk closer with Him.

Marcie said...

Your Bill is a wise man, Pom. I love that "visions draw while goals drive." I love how dedicated you are to being drawn to Jesus.


Plus, your Wonder Bug crew is so wonderful. I look at them, all in a line with colorful clothes and bright faces, and I see Life celebrating itself.

Debi said...

Beautifully written. It is very obvious that you have given this a great deal of thought. I love the photo of your Wonder Bugs... grands are grand!! Have a great weekend!

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

I enjoyed reading about your rule of life! Praying that each day draws you closer to the Lord, it is a wonderful thing to be able to walk and talk with Him daily!!! Enjoy all those precious grandkids! Many hugs to you today :)

Gumbo Lily said...

I really liked reading about your Rule of Life. I wonder, how did you come up with it? And how did you choose the books (besides the Bible) to use? I have the Book of Common Prayer. I sometimes read it, sometimes not. What is the Examen? And what are the Midday Office and Divine Office?

I was raised part of my upbringing in the Lutheran Church, so I have an old Lutheran hymnal. I really love it. I like to sing from hymnals.

Thank you for sharing this. It challenges me. I want a closer walk with Jesus too.

~Jody

handmade by amalia said...

The children are adorable, all lined up. I see mischief brewing...
Amalia
xo

Anonymous said...

It's nice to see all the kids enjoying the day. Nice to worship god daily.

Left-Handed Housewife said...

I really like your Rule and look forward to hearing about how it affects your life. I so like the Book of Common Prayer! Are you familiar with Phyllis Tickle? She writes wonderful prayers.

The grandbabies are gorgeous and getting so big! I know you're enjoying them.

xofrances

M.K. said...

I think your Rule of Life looks quite amazing, and rather daunting (to me), but I think you may be at a time of life (no kids to raise, done with teaching) that will allow for it. The more thought you've put into crafting that list, the better you will do it. It looks like a daily devotion to loving God and others. Keep us posted on it. It looks like a wonderful blessing for everyone around you!

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