Building One Another  

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

Enjoy a Little Self-Examen

Dear Friend,  

To be a “Noticer” is to be aware of, mindful of what is going on around you from the weather outside to the life-moments being experienced by the people in your life.

Noticing is central to the art of encouragement because as you “notice” you may offer whatever words or actions appropriate to creating an encouraging moment.  

You may also extend your noticing to noticing your own self, to being more fully aware of how you are experiencing and responding to the moments of your own life.

One wonderful way to do that is the spiritual exercise known as Examen.

Examen is a two-step process of reflection. A great time to do it is at the end of the day.

First, reflect on moments of “consolation,” that is moments that encouraged you during the day. Second, reflect on moments of “desolation,” that is moments that discouraged you.

As you walk mentally walk through all of those moments, be aware of the presence of the Lord who said, “I am with you, always,” in every moment.

Examen is a simple process, yet it is a life-giving way to notice the encouragement of God in your daily life!

Joy to you - Stan

© Copyright 2021 E. Stanley Ott

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1. How often do you "stop" and just think about your own life, what has happened, what is happening, and your thoughts about it? Its so easy in life to just keep on from activity to activity with out pausing to reflect - and be refreshed by an awareness of God's presence in every moment.
2. Try Examen for a few days - perhaps at bedtime. Allow yourself to try it enough times to experience a new awareness of your life and of God's presence in your life.

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