My Greatest Joy

In the short time Unforced Rhythms has been released, I am encouraged by the responses from those who have read it. The highest compliment is to know that those who read the book sense my heart to relate and understand. My greatest joy is to know that others are finding freedom in God's grace.  And, the ultimate fruitfulness is to know Jesus is making himself more at home in people's hearts. 

Here's a taste of what people are saying: 

While the idea of questioning daily devotions seemed outlandish to me, I also have struggled for my 32 years of faith to follow a daily devotional schedule. As an artist, a writer, and a creative individual, I believe that I might trend toward a more seasonal, yearly rotation, as Jackson highlights in her book. I will spend hours, days, and even weeks in a state of prayer, scripture study, or worship, and come out renewed, strengthened and restored. – M.M.

The spirit of your book so clearly reflects who you are. It may be of no surprise to you that I am a daily person, however, I love what I am reading and agree with you so much about how we often make burdensome rules for one another to carry while defining it as spiritual maturity. Thanks for taking the time to write your book and for your deep loving care for so many. – L.W. 

Great truths - practical and your vulnerability sets people free to do the same. It has much to contribute to the spiritual formation landscape! – J.L.

I am just getting into reading your book. So far, I don’t want to put it down! I, too, wrestle with the guilt of having daily quiet times. I’m excited to see how the Lord uses your words in my life. – T.R. 

Finally, someone has spoken out loud what I have been thinking/struggling with for years; I don’t do “devotions” everyday and have spent much of my life feeling like I don’t measure up. As a pastor that is an obvious wrestling match. It’s not that my relationship with Christ isn’t daily, it just doesn’t always consist of reading my Bible and spending an hour in prayer everyday. – D.B.

I would imagine any author appreciates feedback on a book they have written. I am grateful beyond measure for those who have written to express the impact of the book on their life!

My prayer for those who find freedom in the pages of Unforced Rhythms comes from Galatians 5:1 – So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law. 

It Found Me

Today I am sitting in the Budapest coffee shop where I first read Erica's email (as described in my first chapter) explaining her struggle with daily time with God. It was here, in this place, where I began to put words to paper in my response to Erica. This was the beginning of Unforced Rhythms. What began as an average email response ended up developing into an attached 5-page document. 

Coffee shops and Budapest inspire me :)

Writing out my thoughts has always been something that has helped me make sense out of life. And so, as I began creating a response to Erica, the words flowed out of years of my own angst in time with God, yet I could respond to her out of a place of freedom.  

Over the years, writing a book is a thought that crossed my mind from time to time. A few people told me that I should write a book on prayer.  In a roundabout way Unforced Rhythms is about prayer, but it took on a whole different angle than I ever saw it going.

After two decades of seeking and searching for answers to daily devotions, the truths and discoveries in Unforced Rhythms found me. They came to me through the Word, particularly Matthew 11:28–30. They came to me through the gentle voice of my heavenly father telling me to "just live" in place of striving. They came to me through others, like my friend, Dave, who shared his brilliant concept of Life Rhythms. 

I've heard it said, recently, that some things find us.  

The words to Unforced Rhythms came to me like a river flowing over granite cliffs falling to the base below where the waters just keep flowing. Though I searched for answers, the book came out of the answers that brought me freedom. They found me.

Life Rhythms and Children

Looking back on my life, I can see my seasonal/yearly rhythm playing out as early as my grade school years. The daily school routine would get the best of me. Up every morning at the same time to catch the school bus, homework every night, and the pressure to perform each day took its toll. Christmas break was never long enough. Summer gave freedom and flexibility. A routine sounded good at the beginning of a new school year, but within the first month I was already feeling the weariness of the day-in and day-out schedule. 

Recently a mom of four was sharing how her youngest has really struggled with the daily routine of school. He's having a difficult time getting up in the morning and pushing through the day. She hadn't even read the book yet, but by reading the website posts on the different rhythms, she determined her son most likely beats to the seasonal/yearly rhythm.

We talked about helping him to think in seasons to enable him to manage his little life in blocks of time. Having a beginning and end to things will help him to find a break from the routine. Giving him the freedom and flexibility to be unscheduled on the weekend would be important, a respite from the Monday through Friday drill. It will give him downtime and breathing space to be ready to get on the school bus Monday morning. 

A dad of two shared with me how he and his wife share the seasonal/yearly rhythm, as well as their teenage son. This leaves their middle school daughter who's daily often frustrated living in a household with three seasonal people. Structure? What structure? You can imagine with both parents beating to a seasonal rhythm, to-do lists, routines, and daily tasks are not a significant part of home life. This poor daughter must be going crazy living with seasonal only family members who tend to be more random than routine. Being aware of this is crucial to parenting. As a middle schooler, she can be guided in creating a routine for her days that make sense with the rest of the family. Perhaps a personal note pad where she can create a daily to-do list and check off the tasks (homework, household chores, etc) upon completion would be satisfying for her. 

It's important for parents to think about their kids life rhythm in regards to their spiritual formation. A mom of two junior-highers has been encouraging them to have their daily devotions, but after discovering Life Rhythms, realizes this might be counterproductive in their time with God.

Taking your child's unique Life Rhythm into consideration will be beneficial in helping them to connect with God in ways that are life-giving rather than defeating. If a child is daily, they will lean into the structure of a set time with God each day. Perhaps morning prayer before they head off to school, or a bedtime routine that includes prayer and a devotional book at the end of the day. If they're not daily, helping them discover the life rhythm they naturally lean into will guide them in how they spend time with God. A spiritual growth goal for the weekly/monthly child will motivate them to pursue a child-size plan that moves them forward in becoming more like Christ. Giving the seasonal/yearly child time to reflect, either through conversation or by keeping a journal, to process thoughts on life, things they're learning about God, and how they see themselves, will be meaningful to the seasonal child. 

Now, it makes sense to me that I roamed country roads and pastures on the farm I grew up on, in deep contemplation of God and life and faith. My third-grade teacher often accused me of day-dreaming, which I'm sure I was doing to take a mental break from the tedious routine of school. Even as a child, not knowing I lived to a seasonal rhythm, I found ways to experience life-giving moments in the midst of the daily. 

Discovering a child's life rhythm will empower a parent to know best how to facilitate their child's schedules. Whether a child is daily, weekly/monthly, or seasonal/yearly, understanding their life rhythm will only help them to make more sense out of how they do life.  

Hearing "Me Too" in other parts of the world

This past weekend Dennis and I had the privilege of celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation with our Egyptian friends. Sitting in the same room with key evangelical leaders from around the world was a surreal experience.  There are an estimated 250,000 evangelical Christians in Egypt, about 20% of the population.

The Great Pyramids of Giza

Though it was amazing to visit a city with rich ancient history, and to see pyramids dating back to 2,500 years BC, what I most enjoyed was the opportunity to interact with people. 

Hanan was our translator and so gracious to answer all my questions. Along the way she discovered that I had written my first book, curious to know what it was about. I told her the title and subtitle, pausing to wait for a reaction. She gave me a nod, with a knowing look, and so I continued on to share a bit more specifically about the book's topic. "Yes, we struggle with this here in Egypt, too." 

I wondered if Unforced Rhythms would be a book that crossed cultures. Did Christians in other parts of the world have the same spiritual angst that I did with daily devotions or was this just a North American thing?  

A few months ago in Africa, I spoke with our Zambian leader and pastor who oversees the church planting efforts in Malawi. He, too, asked about the book. After describing the topic of the book, I ask him if he had daily devotions. "Yes, but I do good for a couple weeks and then I struggle to stay at it." I told him I understood and that I think he would find the book helpful. He chuckled and said, "Well, you are the ones that taught us to do it!" 

Trusting God to determine the scope of influence in the message of Unforced Rhythms. 

Unforced Rhythms Spans the Generations

From millennials to retirees, the impact of Unforced Rhythms is making its mark. Much to my surprise, I am hearing from those who I thought might react to Life Rhythms.  I thought, perhaps, those who have been in the church for a long time might push back on something that goes against the grain of Christian standards. 

One retired couple reading it aloud on the 2,000 mile road trip to their winter haven in Arizona  sent me a message saying, "We are loving your book," asking to order three more copies for accountability friends. "When I read a few pages of the book before we left on the trip, I knew immediately he (her husband) would love the book." 

This is my hope and prayer, that all ages would be impacted by the message of Unforced Rhythms, and that it would be a book that both men and women would enjoy. I'm encouraged that 20% of my Instagram followers are men. And, the highest age span is 25–30. My favorite age group to connect with are young adults. Perhaps it's because my young adult years were so life-changing. It was in that season that the trajectory of my life was set.

I wrote the book with people in mind. I thought of my kids, all in their 30's, trusting that their hearts would resonate with the words. I wanted it to speak to millennials who are looking for authenticity in the church. I thought of my 86-year-old mom who suggested that I have the text font clear and crisp so she wouldn't have a problem reading it. :) I thought of my brother. who continues farming on the land I grew up on. I wanted him to believe the book worthy of a sit-down-and-read (without falling asleep) in the midst of full days on the farm. And, mostly I thought of anyone who needs to be set free from oughts and shoulds, from self-or-others imposed expectations, and those bearing heavy yokes. 

It's a book about freedom, celebrating each other's differences, and mostly, about God's love and grace.

A Year of Psalm 91

Early in January, Dennis and I had the opportunity to meet up with Global Partner leaders In Barbados. I know, not such a bad place to go in January! It wasn't the first time we had been on this gorgeous island. On a previous visit, we ask the National Superintendent (of the Wesleyan Church) and his wife if they used Fahrenheit or Celsius for their weather reading. They looked at each other considering the question. "We don't know. We never have to think about the weather." For those of us who live in the seasonal changes of summer to fall and fall to winter, can you imagine?! This little island, 21-miles long, 14-miles wide, stays a summery 70 to 88 degrees all year round. 

Since we were there over a Sunday, the leadership team spread out to preach in a number of churches across the island. Dennis and I enjoyed the vibrant Caribbean-style worship, and then I was so intrigued by what the congregation did prior to the message. The worship pastor had the congregation stand to recite a passage of scripture on the screen at the front of the church. One passage was from the Old Testament, and the other from the New Testament. These passages, he explained, were chosen as a declaration of their faith for the new year. They planned to read them every Sunday. 

As I took in the words of their Old Testament selection, Psalm 91, I decided right then and there, this was a passage I wanted to put to memory. Seasonal person that I am, I first thought I would memorize it over a 3-month period. Early on though, I decided to be creative with the passage, sketching an image that represented a set of verses, using my watercolor pencils to complete the picture. 

It has been a meaningful way to take in this Psalm, and it's going to take me the entire year to get through it. So, rather than a Psalm for a season, it has become the Psalm for 2017. That's a seasonal/yearly person for you. 

Which trail would you take?

One of Dennis' and my favorite pastimes is hiking, and one of our favorite places to hike is Yosemite National Park. The majestic granite cliffs and roaring water falls get me every time.

A few years ago we took the 5,000 foot climb up to Half Dome, the park's icon. In order to make it back before dark, we started our ascent in the early morning hours. After hours of hiking, we reached the sub-base, cautiously climbing the rock-hewn steps. The last 400-foot ascent took work gloves and upper-body strength to pull ourselves up the cables to make the 45-degree climb to the top. 

At dusk, we walked back to Curry Village, our tent area in the valley, more exhausted than exhilarated about the fact that we had made it to the top. We literally crawled into our bed that night with aching muscles that Ibuprofen barely touched. 

Half Dome from Yosemite Valley

If you were hiking and came to a fork in the trail where a sign post gave you two options, which trail would you choose, the trail of Pleasing God or the trail of Trusting God? 

It's easy to make the Christian life about what we do, striving to please God, comparing ourselves to others, making our way to the top with the effort to please. 

Years ago while reading the book, Truefaced, I learned that there are two trails we can hike as believers. For years, I joined the many hikers on the trail of Pleasing God. It was about effort, validation, and measuring up. 

My perspective changed when I realized I could take the trail of Trusting God. This trail had its challenges, but it was different. Pleasing God led to perfectionism, self-condemnation, and discouragement. But, taking the trail of Trusting God turned my focus from me to him. 

When I realized the difference between the two trails, I made a U-turn in my Christian journey, retracing my steps to arrive at the trail of Trusting God. I could trust him with my life. I was free to be who God says I am without the burden of striving for perfection in order to please him or earn his approval. I hiked empowered by the truth that I am already loved and accepted. I hiked knowing he is proud of me, his growing child. My journey became about maturity, not perfection. 

For those who hike the trail of Pleasing God, it's time to change course. You'll find God's love, grace, and mercy abundant on the trail of Trusting God. I'd love for you to come over and join me on the trail. Because, you see, it's in trusting that we please. 

At the top of Half Dome

What would love have me do?

We know Jesus engaged in spiritual practices, such as going away to quiet places, spending all night in prayer, and taking time to rest. Yet these practices are not the focus of the gospel writers. The stories that fill the pages of the Gospels tell us more about how Jesus loved and showed compassion than about his spiritual practices. He offered healing, extended forgiveness, and cared for the poor. Most of Jesus’ teachings and parables were about God’s generous love and forgiveness. The stories about Jesus tell us how he loved. 

Loving others in the spirit of Jesus may be the most significant of all spiritual practices. Without love of others, the spiritual practices have no value. That may be difficult for some to hear, but living for God is so much more than spiritual practices. Many of us have made the spiritual practices themselves the measurement of our spirituality, so much so that some don’t know how to have a spiritual life apart from the practices. 

What if this became the measure of our Christian faith – What would love have me do today?