Dear Family of Love,
Happy You Matter Monday! I hope everyone took time to get your journal and your calendar page ready if not you still have time. We finally have a title for our journey throughout Lent: It is Journaling your Journey. This week's focus is taking on and laying down and today's key word is prepare:
In your first page of your Journal or on a piece of paper, let's write down the following :
The title of this series Journaling your Journey;
This week's theme: Taking on and laying down
Today's Keyword and concept: Prepare
_____
Your Homework after tonight's prayer and meditation:
Remember this week's Theme is :
Week 1: Taking on and laying down.
Your Assignment for tomorrow is: Shrove Tuesday : Clean out the cobwebs in our spiritual selves and get it ready for Ash Wednesday. This is the annual Carbo Load before we take on tight control of the carbs in our lives.
Our Seven key words for the week:( Place these words into your calendar page and journal)
Monday: Prepare
Tuesday:Sweep
Wednesday:Dust
Thursday:Being Thoughtful and Thankful.
Friday: Heart Home
Saturday: Love Energy
Sunday: Worship
_______________
Each of us must begin deciding what we are going to take on or lay down (give up) this Lent or if you aren't especially religious our time of refocusing and self-evaluation. This is a good time to work out the kinks of our New Year's resolutions but by the same time we have the honor of becoming dialed in with all that is good, holy, and more importantly with God. When we dial in with all that is good, holy, and with God wit become better people and family members one to another and yes even our enemies. We also learn how to love and be lovable. We must extend that courtesy to ourselves as well as our family members/ neighbors both nearby and far away. This Lenten Journey that we are preparing to embark upon will not only enliven us but will help us to be enliveners to those who are walking in dark and uncertainty. I feel that all this hatred, racism, fear, animosity, and negativity comes from a place of our own darkness and lack of understanding of ourselves and others. We must during this time shine a light and be the Light of the World that God is calling us to be. We must be light, love, and CALM this season and beyond. So tonight let us dwell on the word prepare.
Prepare means to make ready.
What do we need to do to make ourselves ready for Lent?
Do we need to get a separate worry Sabbath box just for Lent so that we can meet the daily stresses by letting them go? Do we need to do this before we meditate and pray?
Let us take time to ponder these questions and on the word prepare.
But first let us use our "Be Stills " to settle us in!
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Slowly inhale.
Hold.
Slowly exhale
Pause. Count to 10.
Repeat 4 times!
Now let us consider the questions from above and sit quietly and if you have your journal or piece of paper write down the answers. Don't take too long on each question. Let's see how quickly our early gut instincts are when we answer these. After you finish repeat the "Be Stills" and make yourselves ready for prayer.
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Family of God and Love it is time for our Virtual Candlelight Prayer Vigil. Let us light our candles and be at prayer. Let us begin to prepare ourselves for Lent and make our heart homes ready to deepen our relationship with God, each other, and ourselves. Let us remember the least of these who are our family members and neighbors. We pray for all who will be leading the various studies this Lent and those who will be taking on studies, new assignments, service projects, and laying down of things as acts of self-denial.
God as we prepare for Lent and our yearly period of life and soul enrichment, guide us to what we should do.
God we pray for all who are struggling with mental and chronic illnesses. May they receive healing and help.
God we pray that we may be forgiving towards our enemies, friends, and ourselves.
God we pray that we my practice random acts of kindness and pay it forward.
God we pray for our nation and all nations of the world where there is division and hatred. May we sew seeds of love, mercy, justice, and peace.
God we pray for all who are in abusive situations that they may find sanctuary and courage to leave dangerous relationships. We pray for their family and friends and especially children who are forced to witness terrible abuse.
God we pray and give thanks for families and our friendships that light up our world when our world seems dark.
God we pray for new normals that give us courage to live out our new normals with grace and love.
God help us to know when to speak and when to be quiet.
God may we seek to love others as you love us and not be afraid. May we love authentically and as we really are.
God help us to know what our faith truly stands for and what it does not and freely speak truth to power lovingly and speak and spread the Good News boldly as Jesus did.
God we pray for__________________
God we lift up our prayers in the Name of you only Son Jesus. Amen.
Good Night Lovies! I love you! You Matter! I Give God Thanks for you this day and always!
May the love and peace be always yours!
Sara
Here is tonight's musical selection: Illumination; Peaceful Gregorian Chant- Dan Gibson
Lovely
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