I really like the idea of exploring the tenants of Quakerism through the SPICES ideology. The previous two blog entries are reference material as I prepare to spend 2019 looking at my own life through the lenses of
Simplicity: What does it mean to my life? How can it improve my life, relationships and ministry? How do I implement it in thought, word and deed?
Peace: To promote peace is to be at peace but being peaceful isn't being complacent, nerve or weak.
Integrity: Honesty and transparency with myself and others. Trustworthiness, humility and gentleness of spirit.
Community: Building community where I am. in this case it means my work, friends, spiritual and home communities as well as the church community I've been Led to. There's a lot of intersection, but they are also separate.
Equality: Straightforward respect and empathy and understanding that all are equal in the sight of God.
Stewardship: Of the Earth, of what God has given me and of my friends and neighbors. A spirit of serving and doing so gladly. I've been blessed in order to serve others, not myself.
................ so, as I read the writings of George Fox and others, I will also use the Episcopal/Catholic traditions of Advent and Lent to reflect and anticipate. I will explore how God is Leading me through the lense of these six principals and endeavor, each week, to make sure that they are implemented in meaningful and thoughtful ways.
