Habits

Have you ever noticed how habit forming we humans are? Just today for example, I put my cell phone and keys in the opposite pockets that I normally do...it drove me crazy...I felt out of sorts, just not right. As soon as I realized it, I switched them and felt better.

I wonder what others habits I have that are so automatic...that I would only notice them when I just happen to not follow the habit? There are probably many. Given habits can be either good or bad, it really got me thinking. 

What other habits do I have? What habits do I have that hinder or get in the way with my relationship with God? What habits do I have that help or enhance my relationship with God?

I know regardless of what habits I have, both good or bad that I am loved by God, that I am His. Nothing will change that. But, because of His love for me...I want to do better, I want to stop the bad and increase the good...not because it changes His love for me...but because I want to honor Him in all I do...

Temenos at Home

Our goal for our Warrior at Heart Ministry men's camp is to create what we call a "temenos" environment. Temenos is a greek word and we define it as a safe place, a sanctuary. It's a place where warriors can take off their armor without fear of retribution or attack. In our culture it's a place were we can let our walls down, where we can be open and transparent without fear of backlash. A place that could be described with words like open, non-judgmental, transparent, honest, caring, grace and mercy.

What has really been on my mind lately is how do we bring temenos to the rest of our lives? More specifically how do we bring temenos to our homes?

What would a "Temenos Home" look or feel like? It would be a place where your wife can share anything. Where children aren't afraid of talking to mom and dad about anything. Where love, grace and mercy reign. A home that can be described with the same words used above.

How do we create that at home? I think it starts by living it ourselves. It starts by us changing how we react, change how we communicate with our family. It won't be easy. Odds are it's not going to feel safe for you, let alone the rest of the family. But the longer you can stay in the temenos zone, the more those around you are going to want to hang out there with you.