Henri Nouwen
Henri Nouwen is my favourite spiritual writer. He was a Catholic priest who taught at several theological colleges in his home country of the Netherlands and at Harvard and Notre Dame in the United States. He shared the final years of his life with people with mental and physical disabilities at L'Arche Daybreak Community in Toronto, Canada. He was the author of more than thirty books. Sadly he died in 1996.
This is an excerpt from his book "The Inner Voice of Love."
Trust the Inner Voice.
Do you really want to be converted? Or do you want to keep clutching your old ways of life with one hand while with the other you beg people to help you change?
Conversion is certainly not something you can bring about yourself. It is not a question of will power. You have to trust the Inner Voice that shows you the way. You know that Inner Voice.
Only by attending constantly to the Inner Voice can you be converted to a new life of freedom and joy.
This is an excerpt from his book "The Inner Voice of Love."
Trust the Inner Voice.
Do you really want to be converted? Or do you want to keep clutching your old ways of life with one hand while with the other you beg people to help you change?
Conversion is certainly not something you can bring about yourself. It is not a question of will power. You have to trust the Inner Voice that shows you the way. You know that Inner Voice.
Only by attending constantly to the Inner Voice can you be converted to a new life of freedom and joy.
posted by gail @ 5/29/2006 04:30:00 PM
13 Comments:
At 7:57 AM,
Liz said…
hey Gail,
bizzy lizzy here with a quick hello! hope you had a great weekend and just busy, am house sitting. but should be on track tomorrow I hope!! so untill then let God keep you in all His joy!!
At 10:06 AM,
higgie08 said…
Gail-- I just read the 268 blog. I didn't see it before it was edited and deleted. I assume that the original post had something to do with Memorial Day and some of the bloggers chose to air their personal views on the war in Iraq, President Bush, etc, and I'm sure it was not "polite." Good for Louie for taking it down if it got out of control. Too bad it had to happen to Louie's blog, too (no more ability to post comments, as on Chris's blog.) It must be a real slap in the face to Louie when people take advantage of the blog and write inappropriate comments.
At 11:20 AM,
Liz said…
Blue I left a comment on mine, but good grief did someone ruin it again now on Louies blog and on this day of all days??? did ya read? I scimmed last night...
At 11:33 AM,
Liz said…
Gail go to 268generation to the guestbook you can comment there I am sure he reads thoses...
At 11:49 PM,
Liz said…
Oh Gail,
I did not shoot I should have . oh well just pray!
At 3:23 AM,
Liz said…
and could you also pray.. I am messing up, one of my jobs is not going well. see this women lives in a huge house like a million dollar house and she has expensive paint on her walls and I put end dust on it and she freaked out and then I got something on her carpet some siol from my feet and she freaked out it came up with carpet cleaner but she treasures her house to much, she is the one I was thinking of ditching anyway she is very disorganized and way to picky for me she is the one I was witnessing to, but It is not working I do not mean to be mean but I am so glad I do not have a house that is more imortant than .... well pray thanks.I tried to be respect full do not know if it is God or me or my sin or was ment to be??
At 10:56 PM,
zephaniah3:17 said…
Hi Gail...
I was so astonished to see that someone (you) posted to my blog, as I just assumed it would end up being my own little private online journal! Thanks for visiting and posting!!!
Matt Redman is my favorite Christian artist. He definitely has been gifted with the "gentle persuasion of authority", as he calls it on one of his books. I'm sure you have read his books, but if not you really should. He is even more gifted in his book writing than he is in his song writing. He is a man truly in love with the One he sings to and writes about!
I had to smile when you commented about "The Father's Song"...maybe someday I'll share how God used Zephaniah 3:17 and, later, "The Father's Song" to bring substantial healing to a long-wounded heart (mine).
I am seriously considering volunteering at Passion '07 too! Easier for me, since I live in the Atlanta area, than it is for you. :)
I love to see how God brings people together in fellowship, and I look forward to more online fellowship with you. He is so, so, so good!
Peace,
Lisa
P.S. I have been praying for Louie and Shelley. I did read Louie's response before he took it down, but did not see the messages that prompted it. Coming into someone's blog to talk trash is like coming into their home and starting a fight. I pray that God will replace discouragement with hope and joy for all they are accomplishing for His Kingdom. Amen.
At 9:04 AM,
zephaniah3:17 said…
Thank you, Gail. I showed your message to my son and he was so encouraged. We're grateful for your intercession and your wise words.
Thankful that He has made you part of this adventure,
Lisa
At 2:29 PM,
Liz said…
Hey Gail,
going through something right now but will keep you posted when I have more time to explain, thanks for thinking of me by this weekend will be able to tell ya all!
how are you? T ravis posted on Tomlins blog...
At 1:00 PM,
Liz said…
Gail,
please, I am anything but. that is their mom with them. I love those kids.. some day.. I hope I can have such cute kids..
At 2:07 PM,
A Captured Reflection said…
I'd not heard of Henry Nouwen before, that extract was very moving - awesome blog!
At 10:06 PM,
gail said…
Hi Karen, welcome to my blog!!!!
Henri Nouwen has been my favourite writer for years.
If you get the chance his "Return of the Prodigal' and the 'Wounder Healer" are good reads.
Most Christian bookstores stock his works.
The book i quoted in my profile as my favourite "The Inner Voice of Love" is superb. He wrote it after he had a breakdown and during his recovery. He is so authentic and really loved and knew Jesus.
At 12:25 PM,
A Captured Reflection said…
Thanks Gail I will check the books out. I have my blog addy on my profile now btw :-)
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