Hi friends,

CLICK OVER to the http://youtube.com/@SparkmymuseYOUTUBE Channel [http://youtube.com/@Sparkmymuse] http://youtube.com/@Sparkmymuseto hear the rest: a brief piece on Paul Tillich and nurturing mature concepts of God.

Hey- What if we take this a step further: If you learn something send over a tip ❤️ HERE [http://paypal.me/lisacolondelay], my darlings.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Why we keep pre-school notions of God

THAT VIDEO IS a wee CLIP. See the rest here [https://youtu.be/ChW5_XygZOo] and subscribe to the channel for more upcoming lessons I’m learning from the road.

Hi there!

Despite my Lyme infested tick bite, and stepping on a razor blade, and struggling my post-surgery sinus issues, and getting my website hosed during a cyber attack, I’ve also started working for Diakon [https://www.diakon.org] as a driver to deliver Meals-on-Wheels.

My county (in Pennsylvania) is LARGE with a large population of elderly and 650 older people get fed three days a week (5 meals total) through the program here. But, it takes an army of volunteers to happen.

If you’re at a point where you feel disconnected from others, volunteering creates so many pathways for meaning and connection. Connect with a senior center near you if you have the margin for it!

I can tell you from recent personal experience, less time on the SCREEN and more time speaking with others and helping makes huge difference for everyone one involved.

I’ve learned that when we find a way to be of service, we are be saved from ourselves (from all kinds of torment and destruction!) ❤️



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

I got Meals on my Wheels

Hi friends,

This is going out earlier than the typical WEDNESDAY release because this post in ALSO an Announcement 😍

This clip above has a full 5 min version. Check out the rest here [http://youtube.com/@Sparkmymuse] (including the link to the David Bentley Hart session that inspired this video)

and please SUBSCRIBE when you get to the channel.

Especially, because it is subscribers that can attend LIVE STREAM EVENTS

And there is one coming SUNDAY - I hope you can come!

LIVE EVENT info!

Sunday October 19 at 4pm EST join me for a short talk about the desert elders and the chotki - Or, how to use an Eastern Orthodox Prayer Rope. Go HERE [https://youtube.com/live/9sa1Xlvowbk].

And we will have a time of desert elder inspired styled prayer as well.

WHO IS INCLUDED?It’s open to Subscribers (of at least 5 min) and totally free.

Also, if you’d like your own prayer rope and class-related materials you can get those here [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/NUFLNPTL7G9JS] for a small cost.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Why "Metanoia" means more than 'repentance' in Greek 

Hi there,

I’m revisiting theme from my book and this time clarifying distinctions in the early church that we don’t learn about in the West.

View the FULL VIDEO at the YouTube Channel [http://youtube.com/@Sparkmymuse] and please subscribe! ❤️



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

What is ORIENTAL Orthodox?

This week I’m away in Ocean City, Maryland. Today is furiously windy and the sea is tumultuous and grey. The rain comes at me sideways and I’m inside, so I want to share a few of my favorite photos from this week and three poems (see video).



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

The Art of Losing Things

Some people will tell you that without a threat of fiery eternal damnation, no one few will seek God, but the insights of a intellectual giant in our times show us that what we think of as free choice has a fatal flaw and proves to be absurd in light of who God is and how knowledge sets us free to choose the best choice.

Refinement (purgation) and Restoration are the goal of any Good God, or even a good parent. But, eternal retribution is not possible for a Good Creator, says Hart.

For Hart, God is not Just or Good either to send people to hell or to allow people to choose in a less than free state. Just like we would be a monster if we slapped a blind child for making a mistake because they could not see.

And of all beings, God would be a moral monster, evil, to punish people for what they can’t help but choose. The contradict is something most of us have not struggled with much—we may just accept the (false) idea that a Good God could hurt their creation or that only a person in bondage of some form of illness would choose against their best good.

Admittedly, few of us today will be willing to immediately accept ideas so foreign to our common understanding of choice or eternal consequences. They are JARRING, especially at first. But, hold them for a moment.

I find such concepts compelling as they follow logically, experientially, and scripturally.

You can find out more in his book. But, it’s for vigilant readers and thinkers—be warned. Not a quick read!

Could it be that the ideas about HELL were created to manipulate us?

Who is God REALLY? And what is possible for a Good God? Where have we been wrong in understanding God’s goodness and more importantly, how does this play out in how we treat others or find compassion for those who suffer.

I contend that if God is morally allowed to be a monster, and we find God’s torture of others acceptable, it WILL affect who we are as people and how we live our lives. Like as “little Christs” but as little monsters.

Most intriguing is the way we’ve understand free will and choice is critically flawed and Hart details why.I present his thoughts in longer video (4-5min) which you are invited to view in its entirety here: youtube.com/@Sparkmymuse [http://youtube.com/@Sparkmymuse]

I have extras for those who have a paid subscription ⬇️

Hi friends,

For those of you paying and supporting this, I want add more.

DBH’s book is TOUGH sledding and he also can be difficult to understand or follow as he explains himself. I found this out as I watched the interview video that inspired this post and video I made.

But, I want these ideas more widely available and if you have an interest, you might want to watch the interview video also. Find that here [https://www.youtube.com/live/34YSGSrAA5o?si=rGmqAFdBlnbwFftu].

Thank you for reading and watching today.-Lisa



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

No HELL, but Theosis

❇️ NOTE: The video above doesn’t include sound.

It’s an exciting day and I’m happy to tell you that…

we are on the very cusp of releasing the interactive desert seeker experience that precedes my book release:

“The Way of the Desert Elders”

But, we need YOUR HELP!

We are on “pause”…

When you help,you get access to be one of the first players to travel to the desert communities of the monastics in the 300s and seek the guidance of desert mothers and fathers—tie up your sandals and get ready for a pilgrimage through the sands!

Please, Contribute here [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/MDGZVC56DFH4U]!

New to my work? ⬇️

DESERT PILGRIM QUEST

• You begin in bustling ancient Alexandria, Egypt.

🔉There are sights and sounds that greet you with each step. You can gaze around 360º to see the sky, sand, and city, as you look in every direction.🕯️

• After you get off the boat,

you head to the Dock Master and visit the marketplace to find the help of a famous early Church Father…

…Then!

You begin to travel a desert path, across the sands—like hundreds of thousands did before you—to visit the communities of those devoted to God in the barren wilderness… 👣

Who might you meet along the way?

• As you meet wise elders, they guide on your way and teach you the ways of early Christian desert spirituality and how to renew your faith! ❤️‍🔥 Here is a gallery of glimpses of what’s coming~

🙌🏼 Ready to travel to distant lands for an experience you won’t forget?

It’s not just an encounter with history, but a chance to slow down, connect richly to the people of the period and experience new ways and practices of devotion as you encounter the wisdom and places from forgotten saints of the past. ❤️

Please help and re-stack orshare what’s happening, today ⬇️

❤️ Your support and contributions mean everything.

Thank you.🙏🏽-Lisa

Here’s more!

• Which Desert Elder do you hope to meet?

• What adventures or spiritual lessons would you like to encounter in this experience?🙂AND If you have questions—ask away!



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Press "E" for encounter!

Welcome to February everyone!

It’s my birthday month and I’ve been know to give gifts in February over the last 15 years of doing a blog and podcast.

This is one of those times.

I hope you give enjoy this. USE the discount code 2025BIRTHDAYGIFT during February

at this link [https://www.patreon.com/sparkmymuse/shop/map-your-inner-world-discovery-tool-on-858830] and you can try my new discovery tool/product for almost free. $15 off!This is LIMITED TO THE 1ST 20 PEOPLE who use the code…because I’m created these customs maps on my own, and that’s all I can handle.Help me spread the news and share this with anyone you think would like it.

Check out the details by clicking the map image below.Stay warm, and thanks for your support ❤️❤️❤️

Your satisfaction is guaranteed or you get your money back.



This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Giving YOU a gift for my birthday 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

For reasons I don’t understand, the video message I sent a few days ago with a post was deleted. So I redid it and that’s what you see here plus a little more. Thank you to you who commented and liked the original. ❤️

🏆 I also wanted to point you to a recent conversation I had with Sara Wolcott here [https://www.sequoiasamanvaya.com/mapping-the-inner-landscape].

We get into portions of my new book material as well. She’s created an intriguing map of her interior terrain you can download there which is based on the material of my Wild Land Within book. Don’t miss that. It may inspire you to create one also.

I’m in the process of creating an interactive tool to make that easier. Let me know if you are interested and I’ll try to get you a beta version.Stay tuned!

[repost]As you settle out the year and gather strength for the new one I wanted to come to you to wish all of you well.

Thank you for companioning with me in 2024. Welcome to all of you new folks.

I love bringing you wisdom from an elder of the 1900s, Howard Thurman and this time is in on the temptation Jesus faced in the garden. Confronting the notion of death and finality to his mission when he knew there was more he could do in the world. More life to live, more lives to heal, and more bringing of the Kingdom.

That was left to us. We too confront the finitude and the difficulties of laying down our will and plans to the bigger ones and the Will of the Father.

You are invited to reflect deeply on this message, to pray with it and let it touch you.

But also to share it with others and leave your thoughts and comments for others to read.

Leave a comment [https://substack.com/app-link/post?publication_id=555341&post_id=153686622&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&isFreemail=false&comments=true&token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjo1NDIyODc3LCJwb3N0X2lkIjoxNTM2ODY2MjIsImlhdCI6MTczNTMyMzE1NywiZXhwIjoxNzM3OTE1MTU3LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItNTU1MzQxIiwic3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.30pTrAeVJ5Rzr3lKhmHb4KKcf8uBfoenHWQUg2zSmr4&r=388bh&utm_campaign=email-half-magic-comments&action=post-comment]

Thanks for reading Little Spark Stack [https://substack.com/redirect/2/eyJlIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9zcGFya215bXVzZS5zdWJzdGFjay5jb20_dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPWVtYWlsLWhvbWUmcj0zODhiaCIsInAiOjE1MzY4NjYyMiwicyI6NTU1MzQxLCJmIjpmYWxzZSwidSI6NTQyMjg3NywiaWF0IjoxNzM1MzIzMTU3LCJleHAiOjE3Mzc5MTUxNTcsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0wIiwic3ViIjoibGluay1yZWRpcmVjdCJ9.s5Pz7jXPMaUmUPBfxl3LTJ8KYYF6K8CzZFA-obJz9GM?]. This post is public, so feel free to share it.

Share [https://substack.com/app-link/post?publication_id=555341&post_id=153686622&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&utm_campaign=email-share&action=share&triggerShare=true&isFreemail=false&r=388bh&token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjo1NDIyODc3LCJwb3N0X2lkIjoxNTM2ODY2MjIsImlhdCI6MTczNTMyMzE1NywiZXhwIjoxNzM3OTE1MTU3LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItNTU1MzQxIiwic3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.30pTrAeVJ5Rzr3lKhmHb4KKcf8uBfoenHWQUg2zSmr4]



This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

repost & update [VIDEO] End of Year Greeting, Blessing, and Prayer

Thank you for companioning with me in 2024. Welcome to all of you new folks.

I love bringing you wisdom from an elder of the 1900s, Howard Thurman and this time is in on the temptation Jesus faced in the garden. Confronting the notion of death and finality to his mission when he knew there was more he could do in the world. More life to live, more lives to heal, and more bringing of the Kingdom.

You are invited to reflect deeply on this message, to pray with it and let it touch you.

But also to share it with others and leave your thoughts and comments for others to read.



This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

[VIDEO] End of Year Greeting, Blessing, and Prayer

The next iteration of the Spark My Muse Project with Lisa Colón DeLay

sparkmymuse.substack.com [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast]

Little Spark Shorts