the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing

Priority Scale

productivity

Productivity

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

education

Learning & Education

Random Thoughts

there is a huge difference betwen job and calling. job is something you choose; calling is something for which you are chosen

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

A Daily Quote can provide a quick boost of inspiration and motivation, helping people start their day on a positive note. It also encourage reflection and mindfulness, allowing individuals to pause and consider deeper truths and perspectives.

philosophy

Philosophy

religionandspirituality

Religion & Spirituality

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

meditation

Meditation

Daily Random Quotes

Tommy Tenney's "The God Chasers" begins with a profound chapter titled "The Day I Almost Caught Him," which sets the thematic tone for the entire book. This chapter details a pivotal moment in Tenney's spiritual journey, emphasizing the intense, personal pursuit of God's presence over mere knowledge about Him.

Chapter 1: The Day I Almost Caught Him

The core message of this chapter revolves around the distinction between knowing about God and truly knowing God. Tenney challenges the reader with the idea that spiritual fulfillment is not found through academic or intellectual understanding alone but through a heartfelt pursuit of God's presence .

Central Theme

Tenney recounts a personal anecdote where he felt he was on the brink of physically encountering God during a church service. This experience left a lasting impact, highlighting a deep, insatiable desire to experience God beyond the conventional boundaries of religious practice .

Narrative and Personal Experience

A recurring theme in this chapter is the concept of spiritual hunger. Tenney uses his narrative to exemplify how this hunger is not easily satisfied by traditional church activities or doctrinal knowledge but by a relentless pursuit of God's presence.

Spiritual Hunger

Throughout the chapter, Tenney intersperses biblical references that support his points, particularly focusing on verses that encourage seeking God. He mentions Psalms and other scriptural passages to underline the biblical basis for seeking a more profound, personal encounter with God .

Biblical References and Implications

The chapter poses critical questions intended to provoke introspection and self-evaluation among readers. Tenney asks if they truly know God or are just familiar with the concepts about Him. This reflective questioning is designed to stir a deeper yearning for God's actual presence.

Critical Questions and Reflections

Practical advice on how to cultivate a deeper relationship with God is also offered. Tenney suggests setting dedicated times for seeking God, much like one would schedule regular appointments, thereby prioritizing this pursuit in daily life.

Practical Applications

Although largely experiential and anecdotal, Tenney’s approach in this chapter can be seen as both inspiring and controversial. He critiques the modern church’s focus on doctrine over experience, which may resonate with those feeling disconnected from traditional religious practices but may also challenge those who hold a high view of doctrinal integrity.

Theological Critique

Chapter 1 of "The God Chasers" is a compelling invitation to transition from a passive religious observance to an active, dynamic pursuit of God's presence. Tenney uses his personal spiritual journey as a catalyst to encourage others to seek a tangible, experiential relationship with God that transcends conventional religious activities.

Conclusion

"I'm not asking you how much you know about Me. ﻿I want to ask you, 'Do you really know Me? Do you really want Me?'"

Tommy Tenney describes 'God Chasers' as individuals who passionately pursue God's presence. He differentiates between pursuing the truth about God and pursuing His direct presence, stating that truth is the trace of God while revelation is about where God is at the moment.

A God chaser is a person whose passion for God's presence presses him to chase the impossible in hopes that the uncatchable might catch him. A child chases a loving parent until, suddenly, the strong arms of the father enfold the chaser. The pursuer becomes the captive; the pursued the captor. Paul put it this way: "I chase after that I may catch that which apprehended me" (Phil. 3:12).Job was a God chaser. He said, "Oh that I knew where I might find Him!" David was one; he said, "My soul followeth hard after Thee." Paul was one too: "That I may know Him..." The passionate paths of God chasers can be traced across the pages of history from Moses the stutterer, David the singer, and Paul the itinerant preacher, to contemporaries like A.W. Tozer, Leonard Ravenhill, and countless others who share one common bond: an insatiable hunger to know their Lord. These are people whose relentless, passionate pursuit of Christ often made them appear foolish in the eyes of others. Yet, having tasted His goodness and glimpsed the invisible, they could be satisfied with nothing less.Add your name to the list...become a God chaser. Who know? You might be one whom He catches.

mindfulness

Mindfulness

books

Books

Tommy Tenney

The God Chasers

This book is celebrated for its entertaining and spiritually enriching content, with Ajahn Brahm's ability to impart Buddha's teachings through stories that are both touching and humorous.<ul><li>Humor and Humanity: The book is filled with amusing and heartfelt tales.</li><li>Spiritual Edification: Readers gain a deeper understanding of mindfulness and compassion.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Broad Appeal: The collection is suitable for a diverse audience.</li></ul>

"Who Ordered This Truckload of Dung?"

Ajahn Brahm's second book is described as a compelling guide to profound meditation experiences, with a fresh and commanding narrative.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Engaging Voice: Ajahn Brahm's narrative is fresh and compelling.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Meditation Guide: The book serves as a practical manual for meditation practice.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Problem-Solving: It addresses common issues faced by meditators and offers solutions.</li></ul>

"Mindfulness, Bliss, and Beyond"

The books by Ajahn Brahm are highly regarded for their insightful teachings and the author's ability to convey life's lessons through engaging stories.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Powerful Insights: The teachings provide valuable life lessons.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Universal Experience: Stories relate to common human experiences.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Gentle Humor: The author uses humor to address personal flaws.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Valuable Guidance: The texts offer guidance on mindfulness and inner happiness.</li></ul>

Impact and Praise

According to this book, to overcome irrational fear, it is essential to recognize that fear is often rooted in the uncertainty of the future. By acknowledging the infinite possibilities for the future and focusing on the more likely positive outcomes, we can shift our perspective from fear to freedom. Additionally, it is important to understand that fear begins with the thought "What if" and continues with negative predictions about the future. By reframing these thoughts and embracing uncertainty, we can dissolve irrational fear.

How can we overcome irrational fear?

Furthermore, practicing mindfulness and self-awareness can help in overcoming irrational fear by allowing us to recognize when fear is taking hold and consciously choosing to focus on more positive and realistic possibilities.

what now?

The story of the chicken and the duck teaches the importance of prioritizing relationships over being right in trivial matters. It emphasizes the potential damage that can be caused to a marriage or any relationship by arguing over unimportant issues. The story also highlights the significance of empathy, understanding, and compromise in maintaining a healthy and loving relationship. Ultimately, the lesson is about valuing the connection and love between two people over the need to be right.

The Story of the Chicken and the Duck

The book is a collection of Buddhist tales that cleverly relate the wisdom of Buddha's teachings in a poignant, funny, and profound way, intended to be enjoyed by a broad audience.

“Laugh your way to enlightenment” with this inspirational and light-hearted collection of stories from beloved Buddhist teacher Ajahn Brahm. The 108 pieces in the international bestseller Who Ordered This Truckload of Dung? offer thoughtful commentary on everything from love and commitment to fear and pain. Drawing from his own life experience, as well as traditional Buddhist folk tales, author Ajahn Brahm uses over thirty years of spiritual growth as a monk to spin delightful tales that can be enjoyed in silence or read aloud to friends and family. Featuring titles such as “How to Be a VIP” and “The Worm and His Lovely Pile of Dung,” these wry and witty stories provide playful, pithy takes on the basic building blocks of everyday happiness. Suitable for children, adults, and anyone in between, this eloquent volume delivers insight and inspiration in a humorous and engaging voice. Features of this book: <ul> <li>A collection of stories full of humor and wisdom</li> <li>Useful for stress relief and handling life’s ups and downs</li> <li>Perfect for gifting</li> <li>Written in easy-to-understand language</li> <li>Delightful for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike</li> </ul> This book contains both encouraging, uplifting stories and thoughtful teachings in Ajahn Brahm’s characteristic joyful style. Ajahn Brahm helps us navigate all of life’s difficulties and beautiful moments. Who Ordered this Truckload of Dung? is certain to be an enjoyable addition to any individual or family’s most treasured collection.

loveandrelationships

Love & Relationships

Brahm

Who Ordered This Truckload of Dung?

This book is about the exploration of the different facets of human love, including affection, friendship, erotic love, and the love of God. It delves into the complexities and nuances of these different typrs of love, offering a candid, eise, and personal perspective that allows readers to connect with the intimate thoughts of the author, C. S. Lewis. it provides a deep understanding of the nature of love and its impact on human relationship, offering valuablr insights that can resonate with readers on a personal and emotional level.

Four Categories of Human Love

<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Affection: The humbles, most widespread from of Love.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Friendship: A bond between individuals with shared interests.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Erotic Love: A passionate and intimate form of Love.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Love of God: A divine, spiritual love</li></ol>

Complexities and Vulnerabilities of Human Love

Affection love, also known as storge, is the humblest and most widely diffused of loves, and it is the love in which our experience seems to differ least from that of the animals. It is characterized by a warm comfortableness, satisfaction in being together, and a lack of discrimination in its objects.

1. Affection

Affection can be felt for almost anyone, regardless of their appearance, intelligence, or other qualities. It is the least finicky and the broadest of natural loves.Affection is not proud and does not expect too much, turning a blind eye to faults and reviving easily after quarrels.It is a love that can unite those who are not naturally suited to each other, and it can enter into and color other loves, becoming the medium in which they operate.

Affection_2

Affection is also the love that can make appreciations possible which, but for it, might never have existed.It is a love that can unite people who, if they had not found themselves put down by fate in the same household or community, would have had nothing to do with each other.It is a love that can open our eyes to goodness we could not have seen, or should not have appreciated without it.

Affection_3

However, it is important to note that Affection, by itself, left simply to follow its own bent, can darken and degrade human life.It is a love that can be present, causing unhappiness, and it has its own criteria, requiring its objects to be familiar.Affection is also the image used in Scripture when God is represented as our Father.

Affection_4

Affection is a love that is both humble and powerful, capable of uniting and transforming other loves, and it plays a significant role in human relationships and the human experience.

Affection (conclusion)

Friendship love, as described by C.S. Lewis, is a unique and often undervalued form of love.It is characterized by a deep connection between individuals who share a common vision, activity, or interest.Unlike other forms of love, such as Affection or Eros, Friendship is not instinctive or biologically necessary, making it the least natural of loves.However, it is a love that can enrich and enhance our lives in profound ways.

2. Friendship

Friendship arises when individuals discover a shared taste, vision, or point of view, and it is not limited by physical attributes or social status.In a circle of true Friends, each person is valued for themselves, standing for nothing but their true selves.This love is essentially between individuals, and it is a voluntary nobility, where individuals have chosen each other based on a common ground.

Friendship_2

Friendship can also be a school of virtue, making good men better and bad men worse.It can lead to the exclusion of others, creating a sense of pride and exclusiveness within the circle of Friends.However, when approached with humility and a genuine appreciation for the unique qualities of each individual, Friendship can lead to a deep and robust form of Appreciative love.

Friendship_3

Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, art, or the universe itself, and it has no survival value. Yet, it is one of those things that give value to survival.It is a love that can unite those who are not naturally inclined to be together, broadening their minds and leading to the appreciation of goodness and intelligence in others.

Friendship (conclusion)

Erotic love (Greek: Eros) is romantic love, distinct from mere sexual desire. It encompasses emotional intimacy and affection between partners.

3.Erotic Love

All-Consuming: Lovers in Eros often focus intensely on each other, sometimes to the exclusion of the world around them.Transcends Physical Attraction: Though it involves physical desire, Eros also emphasizes emotional and spiritual connection.Idealization: Partners often see each other in an idealized light, which can distort reality.Irrelevant to Happiness: It doesn’t guarantee happiness and can even lead to profound suffering due to its intensity and unpredictability.

Characteristics of Eros

Idolatry: Partners can be tempted to place each other above everything, including God, leading to possessiveness and jealousy.Addiction:  The intensity can be addictive, pushing lovers to demand exclusivity or lose their identity in the relationship.

Dangers and Pitfalls

Unification: Eros brings two people closer, helping them understand the nature of unity and intimacy.Creativity: This love often leads to creative pursuits, such as poetry, art, or grand gestures meant to express affection.

Positive Aspects

Eros is a powerful and beautiful form of love that should be embraced with caution, always aligned with higher spiritual and moral values.

Eros (Conclusion)

Love of God (Greek: Agape) is the selfless, unconditional love that mirrors the love of God for humanity.It transcends natural loves (Affection, Friendship, and Eros) by focusing on giving without expecting anything in return.

4. Love of God

Selfless: It prioritizes the well-being and happiness of others over personal desires.Unconditional: Agape is given regardless of the recipient’s behavior or worthiness.Universal: It extends to all, even those who are difficult to love, including enemies.

Characteristics of Agape

Complements: Agape enhances other loves by preventing their excesses and self-centered tendencies.Overcomes Idolatry: It aligns natural loves under the will of God, preventing them from becoming idolatrous.Unifying: It binds all forms of love together, creating harmony and balance.

Relation to Other Loves

Paternalism: A distorted form can become patronizing, treating others as incapable of self-care.Hypocrisy: It must be genuine, not used as a mask for ulterior motives or self-interest.

Dangers and Misunderstandings

Biblical: The love Jesus Christ preached and practiced, such as caring for the marginalized and forgiving enemies.Daily Life: Helping others without expecting gratitude or recognition, offering kindness even when inconvenient.

Examples of Agape

Agape is the highest form of love and encompasses all others by focusing on unconditional kindness and generosity.According to Lewis, <ul><li class="ql-align-justify">without Agape, the other loves can become self-destructive;</li><li class="ql-align-justify"> but when guided by Agape, they find their truest expression.</li></ul>

Agape (Conclusion)

"The Four Loves" by C.S. Lewis explores the nature of love, including the love between parents and children, love between friends, romantic love, and the love of God. It delves into the complexities, challenges, and rewards of different types of love, offering insights and reflections on the subject

In this candid, wise and warmly personal book, C.S. Lewis describes the four basic kinds of human love -- affection, friendship, erotic love, and the love of God. He explores the possibilities and problems of the love between parents and children; the love of men for other men and women for women; the love of men and women for each other; and the love of God that enriches all love. Lewis also explores the questions of sex, possessiveness, jealousy, pride, false sentimentality, good and bad manners in loving, and the need for more laughter between lovers. There are risks that accompany the rewards of love, the author cautions, but he recommends taking them, since "hell is the only place outside of heaven where we can be safe from the dangers of love."--Back cover.

artsandculture

Society, Arts & Culture

Clive Staples Lewis

The Four Loves

The past is like a rearview mirror in a car. It's useful to glance back and see how far you've come, but if you stare too long you'll miss what's right in front of you.

Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness.

You only lose what you cling to.

Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia.

We learn more from our failures than our successes. When we fail, we must look at the cause of the failure, learn from it, and never make the same mistake twice.

I am not a Buddhist but i love Ajahn Brahm's teachings. it's always inspiring, always refreshing 

The whole world has fallen in love with this international bestseller - hundreds of thousands of copies have been sold across 25 countries. Now it's Australia's turn to rediscover this jewel of a book on mindfulness. In times of uncertainty, words of comfort are essential, and the stunning overseas sales of this title are testament to its universal appeal. These modern tales of hope, forgiveness, freedom from fear and overcoming pain cleverly relate the timeless wisdom of the Buddha's teachings and the path to true happiness in a warm and accessible way. Ajahn Brahm was born and raised in the West and in his more than thirty years as a Buddhist monk he has gathered many poignant, funny and profound stories. He has tremendous ability to filter these stories through the Buddha's teaching so that they can have meaning for all sorts of readers. There are many thousands of Australians who don't even know that they need this book yet, but who will no doubt embrace it just as overseas readers have. It is the perfect gift book as there is truly something in it for everyone. 'Ajahn Brahm is the Seinfeld of Buddhism' - Sumi Loundon, editor of Blue Jean Buddha: Voices of Young Buddhists and The Buddha's Apprentices

Random Thoughts

Daily Random Quotes

The God Chasers

Who Ordered This Truckload of Dung?

The Four Loves

Yehuda Indra