Orchard Retreat Day 2

Posted on 30. Sep, 2008 by frank in ministry

I would have to say that the theme this year is authenticity. Paul set the pace quickly with sharing his Paul Williams share about multiple conversion experiences he feels he has gone through on his journey over the last 50 years. Here is a quick summary of his talk:

1. Marriage – we finally get to a place where we accept our spouse for who they are and stop trying to get them to change.

2. Children – we have children and it creates different challenges, and if we create a nurturing environment they leave us. But even when they leave the challenges are still there, they are just other types of challenges.

3. My place in the world – my place is where the world’s deep hunger meets my gladness.

4. Evangelical background – it screws us up and causes an over-active superego. When most of the world speaks of Christianity they describe us as judgmental. Do something where you don’t matter and you don’t judge others.

5. Psychotherapy – It increases power because it changes the way we view pain. It doesn’t end pain, it redeems pain.

6. Extended stay – Stay in one place. Even when you enter the dark night of the soul. You will be glad with what you find on the other side. Paul stayed in NY for 30 years – even when his temptation was to leave to feed his ego.

7. Don’t stop studying – the gain of knowledge is important. You will build new relationships in your pursuit and must keep our minds sharp.

I will post more soon.