Who needs a harsh critic . . . The value of your time . . . One question that could be important for you . . . Will you help me? (I would love your comment)
Randy, thanks very much. Some of what I said in the Encouragement Note comes from so many situations where I over complicated what needed to be done. A friend of mine said to me one day, "Just start." He went on to say, "You are waiting until you know everything about an issue instead of just starting." That was helpful.
Thank you for your Encouraging Notes, Jim! Your outreach ministers to so many people and touches each of our hearts on different levels.
The first thing that came to mind when I thought about what brings energy to my life, was my family. There is so much love there and love energizes me.
Additionally I thought of the times I just up and decide I'll take a short walk outside for one reason or another... perhaps I'm stressed, feel the need to release some emotion that is blocking my peace, or I'm thinking about improving my health. It could be anything really. After I've walked for a bit, I notice that somehow I find myself engaged in what I would call 'accidental prayer'. It's prayer that just comes about gradually as I see a beautiful tree or a lovely bird, as I appreciate the warmth of the sun of summer or the cool crispness of fall against my face. I appreciate all that God has created and find myself thanking Him for Blessing me. At that time my little walk begins to evolve into a full blown conversation with God that spans from all that's going on in my life to asking God for help and healing in the lives of others. There are times my walk creates so much joy and happiness and I am energized through the gratitude and appreciation I feel and I smile and greet the occasional stranger passing by. There are other times I weep out of frustration, lack, fear, and the feeling of helplessness. Those are times I may give a halfway smile or a nod while trying to hide the tear that may fall. Either way, whether I begin the walk feeling happy or begin feeling overwhelmed with concern, as I return home, I find that I am incredibly energized by that simple little walk. I've shared my cares and concerns with God, and he has shared His grace and love with me. The God that created the beautiful tree, that provided the sunshine and crisp coolness, that same God listens to me, He hears me, and He helps, heals, and energizes me. I leave my worries on the street with God and I return home renewed.
Holly, I really like what you have written about your walks! This is very good. I like what you said about "accidental prayer" and how that often evolves into a full blown conversation with God. It sounds like your walks have blessed you in times of joy and in times of fear and helplessness. What an important and valuable practice. You express this very well. I especially like this sentence, "I leave my worries on the street with God and I return home renewed. Thank you so much for sharing what you did about your walks.
What routine makes me feel alive? After a shower, I feel alive and ready to get busy with my day when I've taken the time to shave my face with my safety razor. To really make it happen, I shave the hair on the back of my neck, and add some smell good after shave/cologne.
Thank you Jim for encouraging me to stop making things harder than they really are and start small moving in the right direction today.
I like and feel better when I take the time to acknowledge people.
Randy, thanks very much. Some of what I said in the Encouragement Note comes from so many situations where I over complicated what needed to be done. A friend of mine said to me one day, "Just start." He went on to say, "You are waiting until you know everything about an issue instead of just starting." That was helpful.
Thank you for your Encouraging Notes, Jim! Your outreach ministers to so many people and touches each of our hearts on different levels.
The first thing that came to mind when I thought about what brings energy to my life, was my family. There is so much love there and love energizes me.
Additionally I thought of the times I just up and decide I'll take a short walk outside for one reason or another... perhaps I'm stressed, feel the need to release some emotion that is blocking my peace, or I'm thinking about improving my health. It could be anything really. After I've walked for a bit, I notice that somehow I find myself engaged in what I would call 'accidental prayer'. It's prayer that just comes about gradually as I see a beautiful tree or a lovely bird, as I appreciate the warmth of the sun of summer or the cool crispness of fall against my face. I appreciate all that God has created and find myself thanking Him for Blessing me. At that time my little walk begins to evolve into a full blown conversation with God that spans from all that's going on in my life to asking God for help and healing in the lives of others. There are times my walk creates so much joy and happiness and I am energized through the gratitude and appreciation I feel and I smile and greet the occasional stranger passing by. There are other times I weep out of frustration, lack, fear, and the feeling of helplessness. Those are times I may give a halfway smile or a nod while trying to hide the tear that may fall. Either way, whether I begin the walk feeling happy or begin feeling overwhelmed with concern, as I return home, I find that I am incredibly energized by that simple little walk. I've shared my cares and concerns with God, and he has shared His grace and love with me. The God that created the beautiful tree, that provided the sunshine and crisp coolness, that same God listens to me, He hears me, and He helps, heals, and energizes me. I leave my worries on the street with God and I return home renewed.
Holly, I really like what you have written about your walks! This is very good. I like what you said about "accidental prayer" and how that often evolves into a full blown conversation with God. It sounds like your walks have blessed you in times of joy and in times of fear and helplessness. What an important and valuable practice. You express this very well. I especially like this sentence, "I leave my worries on the street with God and I return home renewed. Thank you so much for sharing what you did about your walks.
Thank you, Jim for your ministry to us!
What practices make me feel alive and fuel my life?
A visit with elderly people with faith, thanksgiving, and wisdom- both giving and receiving
Routine of Scripture, prayer, quiet, a challenging blog or two
Hiking trails in north Georgia
Reading history
Sending notes, calls, and texts of encouragement- especially when I feel discouraged
Connecting with younger people and children
This is a helpful list, Jerry. A few of these I had forgotten. Thank you!
What routine makes me feel alive? After a shower, I feel alive and ready to get busy with my day when I've taken the time to shave my face with my safety razor. To really make it happen, I shave the hair on the back of my neck, and add some smell good after shave/cologne.
Thanks so much, Dan!