SJP 8 Decluttering [the Soul]?

Welcome to my small corner of the world WILD web. We have been on a writing journey. If you are new to this site, you can read more here: SUMMER JOURNAL 2025.

Otherwise, this weekend we have work to do on this first day of Summer 2025. Our prompt today will be a series of questions. Your mission- if you choose to accept it- is to let the questions lead you to the place you may not want to go, but need to be.

Option 1: For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? (Matthew 16:26) If you choose to accept this writing mission respond to the question that has been put forth by Jesus in three of the four Gospels. It is your choice whether to go and read the chapter in full for context or not. Either way, how do you answer this question posed by the One who called Himself the Son of Man, and the Son of God? For further pre-writing reflection if desired, read the following passages in Scripture: Mark 8:36-9:1,Matthew 16:26-28,Luke 9:25-27. Then respond in your journal.

Option 2: Timed writing- Set a timer to 6 minutes (you can go back and write more after you stop and read if you like). Respond in your notebook or journal to the questions with a bullet list or freely write in fragments, or imprecise sentence form: What is it that is cluttering your mind? What are the things cluttering your heart? How cluttered is your life right now? After the first round of answering, if you want to write more, ask yourself if is there one thing you can do right now to start to alleviate the clutter?

Option 3: Respond to the ONE (or any) of the following questions-

What does the word declutter bring to your mind?
What is your first response to hearing the word CLUTTER?
How is your soul today?
Do your heart, mind, and soul feel in-sync?
What would it take for your heart, mind and soul to feel at peace with the Spirit of God?
How would you declutter your soul if you could do it this minute?

Thank you for being here!

Enthusiastically, Dawn