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To submit a question for James, Richella, and Nate to consider discussing on Friends in Formation, email friends@renovare.org.
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In this month’s episode of Friends in Formation, Nate, Richella, and James answer listener questions about training in joy, how to be a "friend in formation" to a spouse with dementia, and knowing when to confront someone's sin.
[1:13] I’ve been a (hopefully) honest apprentice of Jesus for over 50 years, but I've always struggled with a lack of joy in my life. I recently came to the thought that perhaps experiencing joy is something that needs training, much like learning how to live in the constant flow of grace. If this is true, what spiritual disciplines might be best to allow a person to enter into a greater experience of joy. Thank you again for your willingness to share your tremendous expertise in Kingdom living in this setting. I feel as though I'm getting to know the three of you in an interesting, very pleasant way. I look forward to actually meeting you in about 50 years.
[15:22] Three years ago, the love of my life came down with dementia. Her dementia has progressed to the point where she's unable to communicate verbally. And a little while ago, her safety and my own health, led me to place her in a home. I visit her on a regular basis and want her to know that she's not only loved by me and our family, but that our heavenly Father loves her as well. I know there is a communication of the heart. So I try to sing to her simple love songs, like “You are My Sunshine,” as well as hymns that she grew up with, as well as holding her hands while I pray for her. I want her to know the peace that will sustain her as we journey together through this horrible disease. Do you have any suggestions? How can I be a “friend in formation” to her?
[25:49] It sounds like you hold to a reticence in confronting, except when absolutely necessary. Can you flesh that out a bit, in light of Galatians 6:1, Matthew 18:15-17, and other passages that seem to instruct us that part of love is to kindly address others. How do we discern when it is necessary, good and loving to address someone else's sin?
Resources
Stages of life and faith · “Disturb me Lord” · Knowing when to pause
Sabbath · Reading Protestant and Catholic Authors · Praying for One Another
Trials vs Temptation · What Trips You Up · Measuring Spiritual Progress
Image Bearing · Exploring Church Traditions · Stability in Times of Discontent
QE II · Injustice in the Church · Prayer Labyrinths
View of God · Reading habits · When to pray for healing
Streams · Fasting · Spiritual Conversations with Adult Children
Saying No to Good Things · Faith of Origin · Bodies and Formation
Easy Yoke • True Freedom • Formation in Marriage
Discipleship vs Formation · Transforming Thoughts · The Role of Rootedness
Streams, Spiritual Formation Groups, and Building Friendships
Living in the Tension
Spiritual Practices for Busy People · Why Go Back to Church · Judging Family Members
Losing Faith · Contentment · Spiritual Practices 101
Women in Ministry · The Trinity · Spiritual Direction
Treasures · Struggles With Church · Accountability Without Legalism
Solitude · Sabbath with Small Kids · When Grown Kids Leave the Church
Humility · Disappointment with God · Feeling Like a Square Peg at Church
How to Read the Bible + Its Tricky Parts, and Understanding Spiritual Abuse
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