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Nothing New Under the Sun Part II

   Written by on January 18, 2018 at 12:05 pm
Cheryl Gowin and Dennis Gowin.  Call us at our counseling practice with your feedback, comments, issues, or questions at 434-808-2637.

Cheryl Gowin and Dennis Gowin.  Call us at our counseling practice with your feedback, comments, issues, or questions at 434-808-2637.

What is the upcoming trend for 2018? According to several TV programs, meditation is the upcoming trend for 2018. We can now download over 1,300 smart phone apps designed to help us meditate, with meditation centers classified as a growth industry in 2018. Why meditate? Meditation improves our ability to see and be aware of what is going on in our head. Meditation resets our stress and anxiety levels. Meditating sets the mood for the rest of the day. Meditation helps us completely disconnect and reset from the struggles of our day. So how do we mediate? In 1726, at the age of 20, Benjamin Franklin created a system of meditation and published it in his autobiography. He identified 13 virtues he thought most important to creating a good life; he would focus on one virtue per week completing four cycles every year. For the week, every day he would contemplate on how to enhance this aspect of his life. Mr. Franklin’s 13 virtues are: 1. Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation. 2. Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation. 3. Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time. 4. Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve. 5. Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing. 6. Industry. Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions. 7. Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly. 8. Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty. 9. Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve. 10. Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation. 11. Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable. 12. Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation. 13. Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates. Would you like a more structured meditation aid?Here are three books that will support your daily mediation. My Utmost for His Highest, updated version by Oswald Chambers.  His Highest meditations.  My Utmost for  offers 365 The book was first published in 1935 after Mr. Chambers’ death.  Gertrude Hobbs, his wife, compiled the passages from her shorthand notes.  James Reiman edited the updated edition in 1992.  The book, one of the most popular religious books ever written, is credited with inspiring people such as author Cal Thomas, President George W. Bush and Charles Stanley. Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Jesus Calling also includes 365 meditations. A New York Times best seller, it was published in 2004. Sarah Young’s devotional writings are personal reflections from her own daily quiet time. Josh Warren, Gretchen Carlson, Dolly Parton, Max Lucado, Lee and Leslie Strobel, all endorsed this book. Always Fall Forward by Todd Gerelds. Always Fall Forward was published this year. The book contains weekly sections. Mr. Gerelds based this book on wisdom learned from his father, Coach Tandy Gerelds. Todd Gerelds writing reflects his time as a football player and his years employed as a sales professional. This book is a great support for those who understand and appreciate the difference between a linebacker, a safety, a tailback, and a wide receiver. These are only a few examples of great books that can support your daily quiet time. There are many more. For 2018, find the one that most appeals to you and build the habit of daily spending quiet time, mediating. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 ppp Call us with your feedback, comments, issues, or questions; our phone number is 434-808- 2637.

About Cheryl & Dennis Gowin

Cheryl Gowin, Counselor and Dennis Gowin, Director of Discovery Counseling Center. Contact us with your feedback, comments, issues or questions at 434-808-2426 or dgowin@discoverycounseling.org.

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