Sensible Shoes by Sharon G Brown

What a terrific spiritual formation book.  This relates the story of 4 very different gals who get thrown together in a spiritual direction class which meets weekly.  What a great mix -- fearful Meg transformed by God into a bold woman who wants to make a difference; controlling Charissa who carries baggage from her past --voices that say her approval comes from other people and accomplishments; self-sacrificing Hannah, a pastor who doesn't know how to relax or pray-nor how to be vulnerable; and honest Mara, full of a past of bad choices --but wanting to dig out.  The 21 ladies that studied this book together were changed -- characters that have flaws which hit each of us right where we live.  Additionally, the author introduced us to some ancient disciplines from the early church-- lectio divina, prayer labyrinth, prayer of imagination, examen -- all practices which we attempted to use to determine if any would assist us in our walk with Jesus.  I personally faced some of my past hurts and gained understanding in why I need approval ; why I only attempt jobs/ responsibilities that I can succeed at; how legalism and judgmentalism have shaped my view of God.  One great eye-opener:  my past failure of inability to rise early to spend time w/ Jesus.  I relayed to the gals that God began waking me up at 6:15 (my old CBC failure) --one morning I rolled over and God literally spoke to my heart -- "I am inviting you".  It hit me ==the living God, Creator of the universe wants me to rise with him --He is inviting me!!  This incredibly hard discipline has now become so much easier -- it is not a hassle nor a "chore" to do!  One morning when I was extremely tired, I said to the Lord -- "I need a little more rest" and God said to me--""That's all right, Honey --we will catch up later".  It felt like an entirely new relationship, that He was not judging me or wanting me to be afraid of His disapproval!  I am feeling loved by Jesus and it has been good.  I am being reminded by the Holy Spirit to let some things go, to "lean" into Him, to not work so hard at appearances, whether mine or my house!!  Yea!!