Tag / Christian

demonstrates inner peace
by Karen Twinem

Living Today Quietly, Easily

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

"Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily.
To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully.
To wait for the unfolding of Thy will, patiently, serenely.
To meet others, peacefully, joyously.
To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously." 

- Francis of Assisi





This beautiful prayer from Francis of Assisi pairs well with advice from another of my favorite saints, Francis de Sales.

He urges us to not look forward in fear to what life is bringing. Rather, he suggests we look forward in hope, living as quietly and easily as Francis of Assisi suggested.

Francis de Sales points out that we belong to God. He will lead us safely through all things. When we cannot go on, God will pick us up and carry us through.

He cautions us not to fear what will happen. Worrying is useless, as Jesus often points out. God loves us. He will take care of us today and tomorrow.

Suffering is a natural part of life on Earth. Jesus told us we will have trouble on this Earth. But in life with him, we will have joy and peace.

That means that God will either shield us from suffering. Or he will give us “unfailing strength,” as Francis de Sales says, to bear it.

The end result is that we make the decision to be at peace. We decide to put aside anxious thoughts and imaginations, as Francis de Sales says.

When we love God with all our mind, we focus on him as the day and night go by.

This can be simple. Perhaps you recall the last Bible story you read. Or you think about a challenging point from last week’s sermon. Or you sing a worship song and really mean it.

I have Bible verses and perpetual calendars with inspirational sayings throughout my house. There are never far away. I read one when I reheat my coffee in the microwave, for example.

I also read the Bible as often as I have food. And I practice fixed hour prayer, stopping to pray at daybreak, 10 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and bedtime. Just these short breaks … often only five minutes … keep me close to God.

We cannot live today, quietly, easily, without God’s help. Lift your spirit up to Him on a continual basis. You will be shocked as how easy He can make your day.

displays likes and hearts from social media
by Karen Twinem

Be a Force for Good on Social Media During Lent

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Giving up social media for Lent? While that can be helpful, there’s a more positive goal: Resolve to be a force for good online. After all, the biggest problems on social media are the participants.

Yes, social media is problematic. Studies continue to determine social media’s impact on children and teenagers. Yet the level of usage continues to grow as this 2025 Pew Research Center report shows.

Still, 71% of adults use Facebook alone. That’s because, for adults, social media has benefits, including global connectivity. You interact with people you would not otherwise know. Even more commonly, social media connects you to far-flung family, friends and former co-workers. If you are intentional on social media for Lent, you are a force for good with all these people. How? By offering support, compassion, inspiration and laughter.

Your content and the ways you connect make all the difference. A book on habits, “Your Fully Charged Life” by Meaghan B. Murphy, suggests a strategy I find every interesting. She believes the best approach for positive use of social media is to behave as you do in real life.

That means to connect, just as you do when you talk in person or on the phone. Comment on the posts of your friends and family. Compliment a parent on their kids. Be intentional about what you post. This allows you to bring a laugh or an inspirational thought to others. And to thank those who inspire you.

To do that, you have to remember what Mother said: Be careful who your friends are. You can use mute features to stop getting posts from people who are habitually negative or offensive. The most selective you are about who you follow, the more likely it is that you will find fellowship.

The same goes for businesses, not-for-profits and organization. Keep it as local as you can. Give positive feedback when you can. If you have a podcast that has made your life better, support it on Patreon.

Think it Through

Be good to yourself (and others) by thinking about what you are writing online. This is also a “real-life” behavior. Too many people feel that the relative anonymity gives them license to be obnoxious and cruel. Before I speak, I want to ask myself: Is this true? Is this kind? That is how I act at a conference table. It should be how I act on my phone.

It’s also good to have a purpose for your social media accounts. The purposes for mine are:

  • Facebook and Instagram: I use these platforms to connect with family, friends and former colleagues. I try to respect the privacy of my adult children and grandchild. I also use the platforms to talk about caregiving, helping people with mental illness and practicing Christian mindfulness. Finally, I use it to make people laugh.
  • X, BlueSky and LinkedIn: I use these platforms to promote mental health advocacy, Christian mindfulness and laughter.
  • Goodreads: I use this to record and review the books I read. I also share book info with friends.
  • Pinterest: I do put some material from this blog and from other sources on my “From God’s Lips” board. The other boards contain information, recipes and pictures I want to keep.

Every post must meet these criteria. There’s no room for unsubstantiated or iffy information, political fights, vulgarity or hate speech on my social media. That is, when I do it right.

Try creating your own purposes for social media. It’s what the pros … which I used to be … do.

You also have to think about what time limits you set on your social media use. I personally do not look at social media during the day, only after dinner. This gives me more peace of mind. (Remember: Your grandparents and parents waited for the evening news to find out what was happening in the world. And they did fine. If your neighborhood is on fire, you will hear the sirens.)

Being more intentional about your presence on line can bring more faith, hope and love into your life. If you try it, I’d love to hear your results.

shows a woman waking up drinking coffee
by Karen Twinem

A Prayer for Morning Coffee

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

I found this beautiful “A Liturgy for the Ritual of Morning Coffee” on Pinterest. This morning prayer is from “Every Moment Holy, Volume One,” which you can find here. Douglas Kaine McKelvey is the author.

I had to share this one. It spoke to my needs in the morning. These days I wake up in the cold, dark winter. I am recovering from serious surgery, appalling national news and a traumatic issue in my home church. As my eyes over, I need a place to center my thoughts immediately.

This morning prayer, spoken over a cup of coffee, is a real balm to my soul.

Meet me, O Christ, in this stillness of morning.
Move me, O Spirit, to quiet my heart.
Mend me, O Father, from yesterday's harms.

From the discords of yesterday, resurrect my peace.
From the discouragements of yesterday, resurrect my hope.
From the weariness of yesterday, resurrect my strength.
From the doubts of yesterday, resurrect my faith.
From the wounds of yesterday, resurrect my love.

Let me enter this new day, aware of my need, and awake to your grace, O Lord.

Amen

For Morning Prayer and Beyond

We practice the presence of God in the present moment, which we call Christian mindfulness. The first minutes of the day can be fuzzy and even annoying. Cats beg for breakfast. Husbands and children start talking when you can barely open your eyes. You’re tired and woke up against your will. Your schedule for the day will be demanding.

We need guardrails to cause us to look to and welcome the Lord even when we don’t welcome the morning. This prayer is good for that.

McKelvey has three volumes of the “Every Moment Holy” prayers available on everymomentholy.com .and Amazon. He also offers songs, artwork and workbooks. Russell Moore, the editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, praises the worth of McKelvey’s work. He writes that he uses it often when he can’t find the words to walk with Christ in a situation humdrum or difficult.

McKelvey also has an app available at Apple or Android stores. More about that is found here.

His work is a good addition to our resources. You can find more resources for Christian mindfulness that I’ve found useful here.

Do you have other prayers or practices that you use to experience God’s presence in the morning? Please share them in the comments.

a picture of the author
by Karen Twinem

Word of the Year: Renaissance

The popular practice of choosing a word of the year can be a Christian mindfulness practice. My word of the year is Renaissance.

Stopped in my tracks by an unsuccessful spinal fusion that caused actual damage, I am facing at least two surgeries this year. So my word of the year points to the Lord’s promise that he’ll walk with me through it. After the pain comes the Renaissance. No matter the results … and I have lost significant trust in modern surgery … something new and beautiful will result in my life and walk.

Picking a word of the year can open to a deep conversation with God. But it is certainly not mandatory to any Christian practice. It’s not a magic way to get better results in Life 2026. Still, if you listen to the Lord in prayer, you may find that He has a word for you.

One of my favorite hyphenates, author/Christian/YouTube star Jennifer L. Scott did a nice job of describing her process. (That’s her family’s new puppy in her arms, by the way.)

Choosing Your Word

The steps I use to choose my word are simple. They integrate easily in my practices of practicing the presence of God.

Prayer: I practice fixed hour prayer, contemplative (or centering) prayer and examen/gratitude daily. During those times, I ask God to show me the word or phrase for the year. A word may arise from prayers I am reading during fixed hours. (Often they include meditations on scripture.) It may come as I settle into adoration and closeness to God during contemplation. And it may show up as I review my own sins and weakness in examen and gratitude practice each night.

Christian Mindfulness: I practice the presence of God in the present moment. As I’ve said before, I enter each new situation asking God’s presence and blessing. I love the people I am with, and I exit the situation offering gratitude to God for what has happened. Over and over and over again.

Bible Study: You may read your word in the Bible. In fact, I know God is speaking to me when I experience synchronicity. I hear the same Bible verse multiple times a day. Especially when that happens, I pray attention.

If you struggle with selecting a Word, your spouse, prayer partner or small group could pray with or for you. They may hear what you do not. There’s also a LifeSpring word of the year generator for 2025 that could help.

Using Your Word

You may have watched Jennifer Scott’s video above. In it, she suggests writing the word scattered through the year on your calendar or organizing device. I’m definitely doing that.

You can also use your word in multiple examen and Christian meditation exercises. Do a monthly gratitude exercise to see how the word is appearing in your life. Take a mediation walk asking the Lord to show you what He would like you to do. Pray and journal over the word.

I know that my Renaissance will come in phases. First, relief. Some challenging situations are starting to resolve. And I hope some of the chronic pain will be gone. Then restoration: another surgery, definitely lots of physical therapy. Finally, regeneration. I am looking forward to a glorious new season of life!!!

May God be present with you as you find and apply your word this year.

the families of Gaza represent the holy innocents
by Karen Twinem

The Three Days After Christmas: Faith Amid Evil

The church was very careful in how it structured the period immediately after Christmas. Using Christmas mindfulness, we can meditate on three stories of faith amid evil. This keeps us grounded in the true meaning of Christmas.

The Feast of Stephen

The first day after Christmas, Dec. 26, is the feast of Stephen, the first person killed for being a Christian. Stephen was a deacon in the early church at Jerusalem, respected for his holiness. Like Jesus, he was accused of blasphemy.

In his trial before the Sanhedrin, he glowed like an angel. And he gave an eloquent speech that ended with his accusation that the Jewish leaders had just betrayed and murdered the Messiah.

He was sentenced to death. As the stones fell on him, he saw a vision of Jesus in Heaven, welcoming him.

We can meditate on our own commitment to Jesus. Is it strong enough to take us through this kind of trial?

The Feast of St. John

Next, on Dec. 27, is the feast of St. John, the apostle I most look forward to meeting in Heaven.

John identified himself completely through his relationship with Jesus. He was “the one that Jesus loved.” That’s not bragging. It’s saying that he is who he is because Jesus loved him.

That love drove a life of evangelism and suffering. He was one of Jesus’ inner circle of three close friends. He went to Jesus’ trial. He stood at the foot of the cross with the Virgin Mary. The dying Jesus asked him to take his place as Mary’s son. He took Mary home to live under his care. He entered the empty tomb. He wrote five books of the New Testament: a biography of Jesus, three letters and Revelation. As an old man, the last living disciple, he was sentenced to hard labor at Patmos.

John is, to me, an icon of faithfulness. His understanding of Jesus was unparalleled.

The Feast of the Holy Innocents

The next day in Christmas week, Dec. 28, is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, in memory of the Bethlehem babies that Herod executed. Joseph got his family out of Bethlehem just in time.

Jesus came into the fallen world as an infant to start the process of ending suffering. The world was filled with evil then, and it’s filled with evil now. On this day, we can meditate on the suffering of the innocent in our own time. Think of Ukraine. Gaza. Sudan. The unborn and the born who are hungry and cold in wealthy nations.

On this day, we think about how we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to suffering children.

This prayer, from the Catholic Household Blessing and Prayers, is a good one to contemplate: 

Heavenly Father,
your holiness revealed in Jesus
challenges us to renounce violence,
to forsake revenge,
and to love without discrimination, without measure.

Teach us the surpassing truth of the Gospel,
which puts worldly wisdom to shame,
that we may recognize as one with us
even our enemies and persecutors
and see all people as your children.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Enjoy this precious time after Christmas. It tells a story of faith in the midst of countless evil deeds.

advent candle wreath
by Karen Twinem

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Advent

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

The first Sunday of Advent is the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. Do you want a calm Christmas? A holy December? This is where to begin.

Step one is always the Christmas Pledge. I wrote it down decades ago and can’t find the source. But it has served as a pathway for a meaningful Advent.

The Christmas Pledge

  1. To remember those people who truly need my gifts.
  2. To express my love for family and friends in more direct ways that presents.
  3. To re-dedicate myself to the spiritual growth of my family.
  4. To examine my holiday activities in light of the true spirit of Christmas.
  5. To initiate one act of peacemaking within my circle of family and friends.

You can fulfill the pledge in many ways:

  • Give a Christmas present from your family to World Vision or another charity. You can have the youngest child or grandchild pick out the gift. We gave a goat to a family in Africa last year.
  • Prepare a blessing bag with a Christmas card or other Christmas twist to give to the homeless you see. To learn more about blessing bags, click here.
  • Give a warm handwritten note to those you love most.
  • Put up an Advent wreath, lighting the candle of hope on Sunday.
  • Introduce Advent activities into your Christmas calendar.
    • Advent calendars are trendy. You can make a meaningful one digitally or with 25 envelopes. I have a refillable Advent box similar to this. I put mini Christmas ornaments on it for the mini-tree. Others put Advent activities on real calendars.
  • Go through your list of “must do” events to see if they reflect your values.
  • Reach out to family members and neighbors who vote differently than you do.
  • Find an Advent devotional to read each day during your quiet time.

We kick off the First Sunday of Advent with church attendance. Then we set up the barn in our nativity scene … empty. We add the people and animals as the season progresses. We also make Christmas cookies for tea in the afternoon.

On Sunday, I start an Advent devotional from those I have collected over the years. I rotate so this year’s devotionals include “Meditations on the Birth of Jesus: A Renovare Advent Resource for Spiritual Renewal” by Miriam Dixon and Margaret Campbell. I also may add “Hidden Christmas” by Timothy Keller. It’s first on a list of recommended Advent devotionals that you can find on Goodreads here.

Step by step, day by day, you can have the quiet holiday you crave. All you have to do is apply these ideas, based on Christian mindfulness. A holy Advent season leads to a happier new year.

symbols of thanksgiving
by Karen Twinem

Write Down Your Blessings This Thanksgiving

Parts of the world are at war. We may be missing loved ones. And the cost of Thanksgiving may be much higher than last year. Nonetheless, the Lord has been so good to us.

Today, let’s look with intention at what’s right and how God has blessed us. Listing our blessings helps us to stay focused on what is good in our lives. You can write it on a piece of paper, a computer screen or a pumpkin!

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

For example, I am thankful to the Lord for:

  • MRIs and CAT scans that finally show what’s wrong that can be fixed.
  • Our marriage that has remained solid despite everything.
  • Food, water and a warm house.
  • My granddaughter and the miracles of technology that allow us to spend time together.
  • My wonderful kids.
  • A more consistent Christian mindfulness practice.
  • My spiritual director, small group leaders and pastors.

And there’s lots more on my list. Please make one yourself and spend time thanking God for what you have. You will feel much better.

It might be fun to keep it, so you can compare it to next year’s list.

You also can create a list of unanswered prayers to compare. This year I am praying for healing, increased understanding of God’s will and visiting my family.

illustrates mindfulness in nature
by Zeeva Usman

Practicing Christian Mindfulness Through God’s Natural Healing

In a world that moves at a dizzying pace, Christians often find themselves longing for peace, presence, and spiritual renewal. The practice of Christian mindfulness offers a way to pause, to breathe, and to truly notice the presence of Jesus in each moment. But mindfulness isn’t only about the state of the soul—it also has implications for the body.

Throughout Scripture, we see that God cares deeply for our physical well-being as much as our spiritual health. From the use of herbs and oils in biblical times to the invitation to “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), there is a rich connection between faith, mindfulness, and natural healing.

This connection invites us into a holistic way of living—one that nurtures body, mind, and spirit through God’s provision.

Mindfulness as a Christian Practice

When people hear the word mindfulness, they often think of secular meditation or Eastern practices. But Christian mindfulness is different. It is the intentional awareness of God’s presence here and now. It’s about paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings while keeping your heart anchored in Christ.

In Mark 6:31, Jesus told His disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” He knew that rest and reflection are essential. Mindfulness in a Christian context can look like:

  • Sitting quietly with Scripture, reading slowly and prayerfully
  • Walking in nature while thanking God for each sight and sound
  • Breathing deeply and reciting a short prayer like “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me”
  • Eating a meal with gratitude for God’s provision

By integrating these simple practices into daily life, Christians can experience greater peace and spiritual clarity.

God’s Natural Provision for Healing

The Bible contains numerous examples of natural elements being used for healing. Long before hospitals and pharmacies, God equipped His people with plants, oils, and other resources for their health.

Some examples include:

  • Figs – Isaiah 38:21 records how a cake of figs was applied to King Hezekiah’s boil to help him recover.
  • Leaves – Ezekiel 47:12 speaks of trees whose leaves “will be for healing.” Revelation 22:2 echoes this, describing the leaves of the tree of life for “the healing of the nations.”
  • Oil and Wine – Luke 10:34 shows the Good Samaritan using oil and wine to treat wounds. James 5:14 calls for anointing the sick with oil in the name of the Lord.

These remedies weren’t separate from faith—they were often paired with prayer and trust in God’s power. Healing in biblical times was holistic, addressing both physical and spiritual needs.

Where Mindfulness and Natural Healing Meet

At first glance, Christian mindfulness and biblical natural healing might seem like separate topics—one focusing on the inner life, the other on physical care. But they share common ground. Both invite us to slow down, pay attention, and steward the body God has given us.

When we are mindful, we notice the signals our bodies send us: fatigue, tension, hunger, or restlessness. This awareness can help us take better care of ourselves through prayer, rest, nourishing food, and natural remedies.

Mindfulness also allows us to approach health with gratitude rather than fear. Instead of anxiously chasing every wellness trend, we can prayerfully discern what God is leading us to do for our bodies—whether that’s using herbal tea for digestion, applying essential oils, or simply going for a quiet walk in His creation.

Biblical Mindfulness in Daily Health Routines

Here are some simple ways Christians can integrate mindfulness and natural health into daily life:

  1. Morning Gratitude with Tea or Herbal Infusion
     Begin the day with a cup of herbal tea while reading a short passage of Scripture. Use the time to thank God for the new day and ask for His guidance.
  2. Prayer Walks in Nature
     Take a slow, intentional walk outdoors, focusing on the sights, sounds, and scents of creation. Offer prayers of praise for what you see.
  3. Mindful Eating
     Before a meal, pause to acknowledge God as the provider. Eat slowly, noticing flavors and textures, and reflect on how the food nourishes your body.
  4. Anointing and Prayer
     If you’re feeling unwell, consider anointing yourself with a small amount of olive oil while praying for healing, in line with James 5:14.
  5. Evening Reflection
     At the end of the day, take five minutes to sit in silence, reflect on where you experienced God’s presence, and release any burdens to Him.

A Faith-Based Approach to Wellness

In today’s fast-paced and highly medicalized society, it’s easy to forget that God has always been the ultimate source of healing. While modern medicine is a gift, many Christians are rediscovering the value of combining it with biblical principles of natural wellness.

This doesn’t mean rejecting medical care—it means seeing it as part of a broader picture in which prayer, natural remedies, and mindful living all have a role.

By caring for our bodies in ways that honor God’s design, we align ourselves with His wisdom and show gratitude for the gift of life.

Learning More About Faith and Natural Health

For Christians who want to go deeper into the biblical and practical aspects of natural health, there are educational opportunities designed specifically for believers.

One example is Faith College of Natural Health, which offers courses and degrees in natural health, herbalism, nutrition, and biblical wellness. These programs explore how faith and holistic healing can work together, equipping students to serve others with both spiritual and physical care.

For anyone interested in integrating Christian mindfulness, biblical healing principles, and natural wellness into their life or ministry, such training can be a valuable resource.

Final Thought:
Christian mindfulness and natural healing are not separate disciplines—they are two expressions of the same truth: that God cares for the whole person. By slowing down, becoming aware of His presence, and using the gifts He has provided in creation, we can walk in greater health, peace, and intimacy with Him.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” – 3 John 1:2

a glimmer of light represents glimmers
by Karen Twinem

How to Feel Calm? Look for Glimmers

Any one dealing with anxiety these days? Scientific research continues to validate Christian and other forms of mindfulness as a sure way to feel calm. It says we literally can feel better when we look intentionally for “glimmers” in the present moment.

What are glimmers? The term comes from the Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges in 1994. The theory emphasizes the role that the autonomic nervous system, especially the vagus nerve, plays in our health and behavior. Glimmers and triggers are cues on opposite sides of the spectrum that impact the nervous system.

You’ve probably experienced triggers: cues that activate our fight-or-fight response or flee response. Triggers can be very subtle, even unconscious. One example would be the impact of the smoke from a barbecue on a person who survived a burning house. Our triggers automatically make us anxious, fearful or even angry.

Glimmers are the opposite: positive cues that tell us we are safe and connected. They bring us back to calm and happy. Glimmers include petting a dog or cat, laughing with a friend or sniffing your late mother’s favorite perfume. Do you have a happy place? It’s surely filled with glimmers.

Christian mindfulness brings the joy of the Lord into the picture. Enjoying God’s presence helps us slow down and find glimmers all around us. And the glimmers spark gratitude, which makes moods even brighter.

Glimmers Defeat Anxiety

Elle Studio + Wellness reports that, for every trigger, we need three glimmers. In today’s world, I think we need all the glimmers we can get.

The Simple Things, a British magazine I love, had a story on glimmers in its February 2025 issue. The article’s author, Lottie Storey, talked about the importance of “glimmer hunting.” We all have different glimmers. We can look for them in nature, music, friendships and scents. Giving up some time scrolling on the phone will allow us the quiet we need to find more of them.

Some suggest keeping a list you can use to counter triggers. Here’s a few of my glimmers:

  • Petting and snuggling Bert and Ernie, our cats
  • Decorating my Grandma Corbett’s bookshelf for the current season
  • Stickers of affirmative sayings on my to-do list
  • A beautiful blue sky with white clouds
  • Pictures of my kids and granddaughter
  • Trees changing color in autumn
  • The scent of a rose
  • A funny book
  • Sarah Young’s series on “Jesus Calling”

Each person’s search for glimmers requires mindfulness. As always, I recommend Christian mindfulness, the practice of the presence of God in the present moment. Stay in the present moment with God, paying attention to your senses. What do you see, hear, touch or taste that brings you a glimmer of joy? Can you talk about that with God? Can you bring it into your life more intentionally?

Once you know what makes you feel peaceful and joyful, you can bring more of it to your day. Sharing these feelings of joy with God in gratitude brings you closer to the source of peace.

It’s an ugly world out there. We need glimmers in our lives every day.

A Bonus Glimmer: Trini-T Ministries

Stickers and T-shirts with inspirational, message-based designs are important glimmers for me. I recently found Trini-T Ministries, which creates gifts, apparel and devotionals to encourage believers and spark conversations of faith. Each product reflects the presence of Jesus in our everyday lives. Check out trini-t.com and use our one-time discount code PRESENTINCHRIST to get 15% off through October 31, 2025.

For more thoughts, check out this post How to Find Lasting Joy

by Karen Twinem

Resource: What Would St. Francis do?

“What Would St. Francis Do? A Guide to Simplicity, Compassion and Peace” interested me in multiple ways. Lisa Talarico’s book is the rare examination of St. Francis’ values written by a non-Catholic. Neither does she practice the Christian faith. But she deeply admires Francis of Assisi and wants to incorporate his values into daily life.

This is a quick read that can become a well-used handbook. It presents the case for living out Franciscan ideals in the modern world, with specific ideas for how to do that. Ms. Talarico covers Francis’ ideals in seven components:

  • Simplicity
  • Environment Stewardship
  • Compassion and Social Justice
  • Peacemaking
  • Gratitude and Joy
  • Faith
  • Unity and Inclusion
  • Embracing Change
  • Cultivating Inner Peace

For each value, she provides “a Francis-inspired action plan.” Some steps are similar ideas applied to various target audiences, yet all are good suggestions.

For example, her suggestions for expanding simplicity in your life include:

  • Building a habit of gratitude.
  • Creating giveaway boxes and filling them with those things you don’t need.
  • Scheduling a no-spend week.

I’ve studied and admired St. Francis for decades. I often use material about his life as meditation verses to open contemplative or centering prayer. Still, this book gave me some new ideas that I’m planning to try.

Francis, who believed deeply in the value of poverty, would approve of these steps. The book could be an excellent addition to expand your spiritual practices. It also could be a fine companion for a retreat or a year-long resolution.

For me, the best way to implement the ideas would include deep prayer and the Holy Spirit. Francis would approve. And it certainly would make the changes easier. But, using this book in daily (or weekly) reflection and practice would make anyone, Christian or not, a better person.

The book is available on Amazon. Enjoy it! Other resources for Christian mindfulness are found here.