Today we're talking about the many ways and places to find God outside the walls of church. In upcoming episodes we'll explore how to encounter God within our own churches and churches of other denominations but for today, let's remember the BIGNESS of God and how we can find Him in nature, music, art, and people. Here are some ways I'm finding God and some suggestions for you to find Him too.
1. Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67:2 Andante con moto - (the whole thing, but I find God from 8:34-9:00)
2. Appalachian Spring, by Aaron Copland (the whole thing, but I find God in the last two minutes, especially those three bells)
3. Marvel at produce. Seriously! I recommend cutting a full head of cauliflower in half, holding an orange or grapefruit segment up to the light, examining the beauty of an avocado or lemon, but it's all great!
4. Devotions: Selected Poems of Mary Oliver
5. Visit a museum, wonder at how God inspires and works through artists, then make art yourself!
6. Visit a forest, a beach, a park, a cave, a waterfall, or a field at night where you can see stars. Get yourself out of your everyday and appreciate the beauty that God has made.
7. My Little Epiphanies - a collection of my writing about finding God in the details and everyday parts of life
8. Journal prompts:
What can I see - hear - smell - touch - taste - right now that God had a hand in making, just for me to enjoy?
How is God working through me today to help others encounter God?
Author Elizabeth Gilbert says EVERYONE is an artist. What kind of creative "something" am I uniquely created to make or enjoy? What do I love?
9. Podcast: Abiding Together: The Power of Play and Leisure
10. Podcast: Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert: Season 2 episode 12: Brene Brown on Big Strong Magic
11. Podcast: Things Above with James Bryan Smith: Beauty, Goodness and Truth
12. Shop for, make, or purchase something tasty and delicious for one of your meals today. Really take it in and enjoy it as a gift.
