Marc Alan Schelske

A Guilt-Free, Non-Intimidating Guide to How Journaling Will Change You Over the centuries, journaling has emerged as one of the most consistently transformative practices, recommended by leaders across spiritual traditions, therapists, coaches, and others. Why, then, are so many people intimidated by journaling today, while others try it?only to give it up, feeling frustrated or guilty that they couldn?t maintain the practice? Author Marc Alan Schelske experienced the same feelings of frustration and guilt. Through personal experience, research, and working with others, he has compiled proven ways to develop and maintain a wholehearted and fulfilling practice of journaling?which he?s now kept up for over twenty-five years. Journaling for Spiritual Growth is different from other kinds of journaling. Its focus is getting to know yourself better, with an expectation of God?s presence in the process and a commitment to listen. Incorporating both ancient spiritual wisdom and current neurobiology, Marc explains how to be present to your life and hear what the Spirit is doing within you. Although based in the Christian tradition, this material has been used successfully by people from a wide variety of backgrounds and traditions. Through a step-by-step process over six weeks, you will gradually learn and grow in the practice of journaling through empathetic instruction and prompts infused with ?gracious flexibility.? The author shows you: What mindsets and questions are most helpful for lasting growth Which journaling pattern is the best fit for you What expectations undermine?and enhance?journaling?s effects How to create a sustainable habit for your individual life and temperament As you are guided by this encouraging book, you will find journaling to be a vital and life-changing spiritual practice for you.

Perhaps you've been captivated by Jesus for a long time or are newly intrigued by him. You already know it's possible to be a Christian and not be very much like Jesus, but that's not what you want. Whether through your own study or your spiritual intuition, you sense that following the way of Jesus ought to be transformational for you and for the world you inhabit. The urgent drive of our time-to always be moving upward and forward-has already taken its toll on you. You suspect an inward focus is necessary for personal healing and growth but wonder if it makes any difference for others in the world around you. And you definitely don't want to go backward, whether to past ways of thinking that were destructive or back to a world that is more hierarchical, violent, and exploitative. Perhaps you feel homeless spiritually and wonder which way you should go. The gospel narrative of Jesus' life suggests a path. Walking Otherward is a forty-day devotional that follows the Gospel texts of Jesus' final weeks before his crucifixion. Each entry invites you to try on Jesus' attitude, setting aside self-centered, ego-defending ambition in exchange for other-centered, co-suffering love. Rather than climbing upward, retreating backward, or withdrawing inward, Jesus' path invites us to walk otherward. Walking Otherward is suitable for use during Lent or any other season of spiritual introspection.

Spiritual and personal growth is possible. Over the centuries, journaling has emerged as one of the most consistently transformative practices, recommended by leaders across spiritual traditions, therapists, coaches, and others. Why then are so many people intimidated by journaling today, while others try it only to give it up? Incorporating both ancient spiritual wisdom and current neuro-biology, Journaling for Spiritual Growth teaches you how to be present to your life and hear what the Spirit is doing within you. Through a gentle step-by-step process over six weeks, you'll learn: Why diaries and goal tracking can't transform us, What expectations undermine journaling's effects, What mindsets and questions are most helpful for lasting growth, How structure can be a gentle friend, How to create a sustainable habit for your life and temperament.

Do you need core values? More than you know. If you want to make a change in your life, moving into a more life-giving future, having clear core values is an essential tool. Discovering Your Authentic Core Values walks you step-by-step through the process of identifying your authentic core values. These are not your aspirational values, the ones you wish were true of you. These are your authentic inside-out core values that already have played an enormous role in shaping your life. You live in a world where other people's agendas are competing for your time and resources. In the same way, you often live in reaction to other people's values. You've learned to use a schedule and a budget so that your time and money are used intentionally. Why wouldn't you put the same care into thinking though your own core values? This little book is guide that will walk you through a journaling process where you can discover these important motivations. Depending on your speed, it's an approximately 10 hour process. By discovering and naming these essential motivations, you can begin to align your life with who God made you to be. Once you've done the work of articulating your core values, you have an invaluable aid for an intentional life. In this concise step-by-step guide, you will learn: Why core values matter. What the two different kinds of core values are. How to discover your authentic core values in your own story. What to do with negative core values. How to actively use your core values. If you are a follower of Jesus, how your core values connect with your spiritual journey. Table of ContentsWhy Core Values? Two Kinds of Core ValuesGather Your ToolsFind the Clues in Your StoryConsider the WhyGet the Outside Unvarnished ViewGather and Refine YourselfLook Past the Shadow to the LightShape the Words that Shape YouLetting Your Core Values WorkA Final Word