Metanoia

Two thoughts I had that prompted me to post:

1. I wish tea didn't make my face break out.
2. I'm glad I don't have a problem with sleep.

Last week I started reading Good Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith. 
Tracy reccomended it.
I had never heard of it or the author.
I was suspiscious.
The first chapter was great, and I'm not saying that just because I already had the soul training exercise mastered before trying it.
It is nice to go through a book and the big challenge of the week you don't actually have as an issue.
At different times in my life I have even wondered if sleep was an idol in my life.  Right now, at least, sleep isn't an idol but food very much is.  Matter of fact right before I started writing this, I had a very fresh pita that was so good I wanted to eat the whole bag of pitas immediately. Even though I didn't eat more than I should this time I could spend the rest of this post talking about it.
Back to the book..
I am excited about this book because it carries on some ideas that Gloria and I discussed with Made to Crave. 
"The will is more like a beast of burden that simply responds to the impulses of others."
"Change happens when these other influencers (mind, body, social context) are modified."
"We cannot change simply by saying,'I want to change.' We have to examine what we think (our narratives) and how we practice (the spiritual disciplines) and sho we are interacting with (our social context).
So the first soul training exercise was the spiritual discipline of sleep training. This week exercise is to spend 5 minutes a day in silence.  I think I can do that. My problem is that either I fall asleep or my mind is not silent...that's why I need this training exercise I guess.
One of my favorite parts of chapter 1 was when Smith introduces how change has to happen in our minds. He quotes Jesus in his first sermon, "Repent (Metanoia), for the kingom of God is at hand."  Smith then goes on to say "Metanoia refers to the changing  of one's mind." He then references:

1. Romans 12:2  "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God --what is good and acceptable and perfect
2. Colossians 3:2 "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
3. Philippian 2:5  "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus"