Comments on: John Wesley’s Cry: Let’s Stand Apart from a Generation of Triflers https://anitamathias.com/2012/07/12/lets-stand-apart-from-a-generation-of-triflers/ Anita Mathias's Blog on Faith and Art Thu, 14 Nov 2013 01:07:33 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 By: Miss Mollie https://anitamathias.com/2012/07/12/lets-stand-apart-from-a-generation-of-triflers/#comment-18042 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 23:39:05 +0000 http://anitamathias.com/blog/2012/07/12/lets-stand-apart-from-a-generation-of-triflers/#comment-18042 The Holy Spirit and Power by John Wesley, edited and updated by Clare Weakly. Bridge Logos Foundation is the publisher.
Audio excerpts download:
http://www.bridgelogos.com/audio/holyspirit&power.htm

]]> By: Anita Mathias https://anitamathias.com/2012/07/12/lets-stand-apart-from-a-generation-of-triflers/#comment-18041 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:24:37 +0000 http://anitamathias.com/blog/2012/07/12/lets-stand-apart-from-a-generation-of-triflers/#comment-18041 What's the title of the book, MOLLIE. It sounds like something I'd love!!
Isn't it fascinating that we can be transformed by the renewing of the mind? That's so hope-filled!

]]> By: Anita Mathias https://anitamathias.com/2012/07/12/lets-stand-apart-from-a-generation-of-triflers/#comment-18040 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:23:23 +0000 http://anitamathias.com/blog/2012/07/12/lets-stand-apart-from-a-generation-of-triflers/#comment-18040 Hi Tim,

Yes, I agree there is often the danger of being “too” intense. I know people who try to pray whenever the mind is fallow, i.e. when driving, walking, tidying up, and I often try to do so myself!!

For myself, I can tell when I have had too much of spiritual things, and then I might watch a documentary, or read non-fiction or fiction. Or garden or exercise.

Having said that, the taste for spiritual things keeps deepening, and sometimes praying, reading my Bible or listening to it on a walk, or reading a good spiritual book can be as full of relaxation, joy, happiness and excitement as anything else. So then, I go with the flow a bit, but am always careful not to overdo spiritual things.

I was trained in Mother Teresa's convent, when I wanted to be a nun. Catholics stress a balance of prayer, study, and manual work, and I find that balance (substitute gardening, housework or exercise for manual work) is necessary for my long term happiness and stability!!

Basically, I can tell when I am getting too intense, and should then change the activity to something different (but not trivial or a sheer waste of time). I am v. intense, gladly or sadly–no TV, never watch sports, only literary fiction, no popular music, though I love film, and classical music. Not everyone's cup of tea:-)

]]> By: Tim Sloan https://anitamathias.com/2012/07/12/lets-stand-apart-from-a-generation-of-triflers/#comment-18039 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:48:29 +0000 http://anitamathias.com/blog/2012/07/12/lets-stand-apart-from-a-generation-of-triflers/#comment-18039 Hi Anita, interesting excerpts from Wesley's life, well put together – thanks.
I know exactly where you and he are coming from, however I suspect you will probably agree that there is always the danger of becoming too intense when 'taking yourself seriously'? Since lightheartedness and leisure time are part of being human I wonder how the right balance can be struck.
As a natural introvert who isn't big on superficial interactions and small talk aspects of this have come naturally (I've avoided Facebook altogether!) but so has the intensity associated with focussing frequently on the deeper things in life. I want people to encounter me as happy and relaxed but to have a profound inner life that can be seen and accessed when the time is right. I guess it's a lifelong learning experience isn't it…

]]> By: Miss Mollie https://anitamathias.com/2012/07/12/lets-stand-apart-from-a-generation-of-triflers/#comment-18038 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 00:22:03 +0000 http://anitamathias.com/blog/2012/07/12/lets-stand-apart-from-a-generation-of-triflers/#comment-18038 I'm reading John Wesley's book of sermons on the Holy Spirit and Power. I am fascinated by how people have not changed.
Transform the mind by reading great books.

]]> By: Anita Mathias https://anitamathias.com/2012/07/12/lets-stand-apart-from-a-generation-of-triflers/#comment-18037 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:57:45 +0000 http://anitamathias.com/blog/2012/07/12/lets-stand-apart-from-a-generation-of-triflers/#comment-18037 How interesting!! I am politically apathetic, and haven't voted, partly because I have kept moving between 3 countries. I think I would be a single-issue voter, and vote for whoever's policies would be best for the poor–both of their own country, and in the 3rd and 4th world.

You might like this little piece of mine on this subject of Christ's sovereignty over everything
http://dreamingbeneaththespires.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/christ-cries-mine.html

]]> By: LA https://anitamathias.com/2012/07/12/lets-stand-apart-from-a-generation-of-triflers/#comment-18036 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 17:08:34 +0000 http://anitamathias.com/blog/2012/07/12/lets-stand-apart-from-a-generation-of-triflers/#comment-18036 Someone from another country posed this question on a blog…why is it that Americans mix up their politics and religion? He felt it was a very bad thing, especially in the light of the whole “separation of church and state” that we Americans always drone on about :). My answer was simple. For me, God calls us to live the Christ-life ALL the time, not just some of the time. It should permeate every aspect of our lives, not just when we're in church. I was amazed that my comment was poorly received by many readers. “Religion and politics should never mix”…”You should never let your faith dictate who you vote for”.

This attitude really surprised me. I don't recall that Jesus ever talked about any exceptions to any of his calling for us to live a life of grace.

I am fascinated to hear Wesley's words because they speak to exactly why my faith colors my political decisions. I DO take God into the ballot box with me, because to leave him outside would be denying his presence in my life.

Wesley's words ring true – living a life in faith should soak into every aspect of our lives, not just the time we spend in church.

]]>