First Posted July 2022

This has been a challenging week on many levels. There has been great sadness and confusion.

And when that happens, I have a ritual that helps me center myself in Jesus. It is intentional and focused.

Intentional Rituals

1) I begin by pouring myself something to drink – coffee or ice-cold water – and I carry it to my favourite spot.

2) I gather my Bible and my journal and settle down to adjust my attitude.

I begin with prayer – telling Jesus about everything! About friends with sick family members, friends who have pain, and the struggles I am currently going through.

Journal and Prayer

• And as I do, I write it all out – so that it stops having so much power in my mind and all the feelings and thoughts are clarified. I give it ALL to God – to help me figure out the “why” behind my feelings and begin to process them. I am honest and real with the LORD.

• And as I write, I begin to feel comfort and gratitude, and forgiveness. I concentrate on God and pause to listen to what He has to say.

• I pick up my Bible and read where God leads me and my soul finds comfort.

Feeling Grounded

And God always shows me something that grounds me. This week, it was 2 verses that were given to me when I graduated from high school. Proverbs 3:5-6: “𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐈𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬.”

It can be difficult not to lean on my own understanding. But when I acknowledge God, I begin to FEEL differently, which allows me to think differently and encourages my body to relax.

Counting our Blessings

• I connected with some amazing people who provided clear direction

• A new baby girl, Brooklyn, was born. Both mom and baby are doing well.

• We celebrated a birthday and swam in the pool

• The weather was amazing and I had some really wonderful walks and talks with God

I love this ritual of sitting with the LORD. He is so welcoming and understanding.  And it reminds me that God is faithful – no matter what my feelings are.

𝕀 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥!  I hope you have a ritual that brings you closer to Him, also.