Let's Be Real

Hope, it is necessary to have to live this life well. It is the very thing that helps you grieve from the loss of this life. Many go through this life without it, and it is heartbreaking, or at least it should be...will you share your hope with the hurting world around you? You don't know how? Wonder what you should even say? Come back in the next weeks as we talk about ways, and equip ourselves to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us!

People are watching us as we go about our days...what are the people you come in contact with seeing from you as you go? Light?

There is much discussion in our culture around meditation! Have you given much thought to what it is? How the world defines it and how God defines it? I'm not very good at meditation, it is slow, purposeful, and takes time. I am fast, task minded and like to get things done...not a good combination. If you can relate to the go-go-go mentality and long to grow in your depth of relationship with God, join me in focusing on the discipline of meditation.

In this episode I reference to sources I'd like to share with you, and encourage you to give a visit:
            First:  The article I reference and quote from on Biblical meditation from the CS Lewis institute can be found here.  It is a great read and I highly recommend it.

           Second: If you would like more information on Charlotte Mason and her style of education (which is lovely and wonderful) you can visit this website, as well as listen to the conversation I mentioned that I listened to, on meditation  HERE. You won't be disappointed.

Visit www.erikamconner.com to register for our retreat weekend, where we will be focusing on Discipleship.  See  you in 2 weeks! 

We have a bad habit of trying to define for ourselves what the 'good life' is by what this world has to offer. What do you consider as part of the good life? Following Jesus, and knowing Him IS the good life, not anything that we can attempt to attain, that we believe will make this life better, easier or more fulfilling, nothing on this earth will satisfy our souls. Let's redefine the 'good life.'

In this episode I mention the devotion called 'New Morning Mercies' by Paul David Tripp, and I highly recommend it. You can find it below!

https://www.christianbook.com/new-morning-mercies-daily-gospel-devotional/paul-tripp/9781433541384/pd/541384?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=christian-living-0-20%7C541384&p=1179710&dv=c&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_dWGBhDAARIsAMcYuJw8ezV7kMVyNo0suT3EacZbhTxT2yOE-liRbCnq8eLZnwcjJF1qMaUaAqNKEALw_wcB

Listening. It can be hard, it is a skill we need to practice, it is how we show people they are loved and valued. How are you doing at listening?

The metaphors that we see in nature to our spiritual life are beautiful, there is so much to learn from God's creation! Humor me as I geek out on gardening and soil, and how that relates to our heart condition and our spiritual walks. 

I struggle with living in the moment, I often wish for the next day so it will all be over. Have you been there? I'm sure you have. Let's try to remind each other there is much to learn in the moment, and to try to live in the present....way easier said then done!

Stick around until the end for a special announcement!

And I am NOT a night owl! I've been having a really hard time sleeping lately, too many thoughts, too many frustrations, too many things that I am giving my peace away to. Have YOU ever been there?

You are probably familiar with the story of Mary and Martha, and how applicable the lessons of it is. Today I needed the reminder to check my priorities and my heart condition, I'm hoping that you don't need this reminder as often as I do, but in the event that you do - listen in!

Last week of Jonah, finishing up with chapter 4 and Loving our Enemies!