July 28th
ReEnergize
"you are snared by the utterance of your lips, caught by the words of your mouth."
Proverb 6:2 (NRSV)
As I've gone through this month of devotional writing I have learned more about my faith, but more importantly about me. I've realized while I've fed my leadership I haven't always fed my self, I've allowed work to prioritize relationships, among other things. As the above passage shows I have made promises or stated things without follow up or intention of doing so. But none of these ways are me, rather I had let life get in the way of living.
Over the last few weeks we've had numerous events where my entire intention was to have low key events that highlight the awesomeness of our city. We've explored Governors Island, hung out afterwork, went dancing on the HighLine, played mini golf on Randall's Island, supported the theater camp, and had brunch with pastor Cathy. Each of these events, and the planned august ones, are allowing us to get to know each other outside of Sunday. This is so important for the church as a whole. We need to not be a people who part ways Sunday but ones who live out the relationships formed on Sundays.
I am so grateful that I got a reality check these last few weeks. I pray that you have been challenged to think about your interactions, reactions and relationships differently. Thank you for journeying with me.
Magnificent God may we live lives more fully to show your kingdom on earth. Amen.
July 29th
ReEnergize
There's something so fun about using filters on pictures. A filter can add emotion or a mood. I must admit when I started on Instagram I would spend so much time trying to find the perfect filter for every picture I posted. Over time I stopped caring about the filters used or cropping it perfectly and just cared about sharing memories. I got to connect with friends from high school and share fun moments and milestones with my family who live out of state. Now it's rare that I use filters for my photos.
In my relationships and interactions I used to think an increase of time was what was important. I would spend so much time going to things and planning multiple get togethers in a day. As I've grown I've learned that intentional moments are more important. I try to plan get togethers with nothing after so I can extend time if necessary. I try to be fully present, not focusing on other things that take me out of the moment.
In my life I hope to live fully, not adding things just to add but living as much in the moment as I can. May we each be intentional in all we do.
Holy One may we be intentional, not crowding our lives with fluff. Amen
One of my favorite thing about staying at a hotel is that they remake the bed every day. Growing up my dad was a stickler that we should always make our bed before leaving the house. I remember having to remake the bed if it wasn't made "right". In high school my daily bed making skills started to fall by the wayside since I was constantly on the go. In college I made sure the quilt was relatively straight. As I've gotten older I must say coming home to a made bed is one of life's simple pleasures.
In my faith life I've also learned that it's the simple things that are the most lasting. One of the practices I've tried to stick to is praying in the moment. It's so easy to say "yes I'll pray for you" and forget to do it. It's harder but simpler to pray in the moment, meeting someone in their immediate request.
Today I challenge you to pray in the moment, either with the person or immediately after you learn about the situation needing prayer.
Great God help me to live in the moment, turning to simpler practices that draw me to you. Amen
A friend posted on fb the other day:
There's something so fun about using filters on pictures. A filter can add emotion or a mood. I must admit when I started on Instagram I would spend so much time trying to find the perfect filter for every picture I posted. Over time I stopped caring about the filters used or cropping it perfectly and just cared about sharing memories. I got to connect with friends from high school and share fun moments and milestones with my family who live out of state. Now it's rare that I use filters for my photos.
In my relationships and interactions I used to think an increase of time was what was important. I would spend so much time going to things and planning multiple get togethers in a day. As I've grown I've learned that intentional moments are more important. I try to plan get togethers with nothing after so I can extend time if necessary. I try to be fully present, not focusing on other things that take me out of the moment.
In my life I hope to live fully, not adding things just to add but living as much in the moment as I can. May we each be intentional in all we do.
Holy One may we be intentional, not crowding our lives with fluff. Amen
July 30th
RE-ENERGIZE
One of my favorite thing about staying at a hotel is that they remake the bed every day. Growing up my dad was a stickler that we should always make our bed before leaving the house. I remember having to remake the bed if it wasn't made "right". In high school my daily bed making skills started to fall by the wayside since I was constantly on the go. In college I made sure the quilt was relatively straight. As I've gotten older I must say coming home to a made bed is one of life's simple pleasures.
In my faith life I've also learned that it's the simple things that are the most lasting. One of the practices I've tried to stick to is praying in the moment. It's so easy to say "yes I'll pray for you" and forget to do it. It's harder but simpler to pray in the moment, meeting someone in their immediate request.
Today I challenge you to pray in the moment, either with the person or immediately after you learn about the situation needing prayer.
Great God help me to live in the moment, turning to simpler practices that draw me to you. Amen
July 31st
RE-ENERGIZE
A friend posted on fb the other day:
"yesterday I was making excuses to a friend about not
having time to workout and they said to me 'there's no other way?'. So today's
message on getting to your goals: make another way. It's just that
simple."
It was a huge affirmation for me. Every time I've been unhappy or
felt like I wasn't using my potential it's because I did what I was supposed to
do, not what felt right. On the flip side when I've done what felt good in my
heart I have been happy and everything felt like it was going towards my goals
and dreams. As we continue through life making decisions about jobs, living
arrangements and relationships I hope we all make decisions that lead to the
ultimate goals we have set for ourselves.
Holy one help
me to make a way so I can achieve my dreams and goals. Amen
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