The Joy Challenge

It can be hard to understand why the most difficult day could be called Good? It seems illogical. But we can trust that this was a much bigger divine plan than it seemed at the time. Looking back gives us clarity... seeing the prophesies fulfilled..... realizing that it was actually for us. Our soul benefits from Jesus' suffering and without it, we would still be hopeless. Soul healing leads to joy.... soul healing takes root at the cross.

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Jesus modeled for us servanthood, humility, love and prayer. He is the one we can mimic and be graced with strength and grace for the calling we are called to. Prayer helps us face our life with peace and is a place to wrestle with our fears. Kneeling before others, kneeling before God... it's powerful.

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I share with you my first big encounter with Jesus on the cross. It is a vital part of my life with him today. We all have a story and it's good to revisit the ways God has gotten our attention, and called you into relationship. I encourage you to review your stories of faith and share them with others this week. Real encounters with our heart is where faith becomes real.

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Let's do the big picture overview of the Story of Easter. The Story of JESUS. Zooming out over history and getting the big picture story is a great way to capture some of the depth of what happened and why. Understanding the history of God's love helps us experience it with understanding. We are building foundation to capture the joy that relates to us through Easter. Keep coming back.

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This week is a great week to appreciate how others celebrate and invite others into your own celebration. It isn't a party if your heart isn't celebrating. Notice and enjoy the beauty of this holiday... dare to try something new to increase your joy at Easter time.

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Palm Sunday or any day to begin celebrating the story of Jesus. A significant week is upon us.. an opportunity to savor Holy Week.. where every day leads us deeper into the story of what Jesus did for us. This event in history deeply impacts our joy for those in faith in Jesus. Will you harness the joy of Easter this week by taking time to celebrate well and embrace the reason for the season?

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Annual time carved out is something really special and memory forming. When we put forth the time to plan ahead, budget it in, pursue a retreat for our soul, it has the potential to become some of your most precious memories, foundation markers, and bonding seasons in your heart. Even if it doesn't end up being perfect, it's still a opportunity for growth and awareness. Not to mention having something your heart can look forward to and anticipate. Experiment with what works for you and your personality, budget, family, and situation. I'm praying for you as you dream and pray about what it looks like for you. Try something different every year, or stick to exactly what works for you. God bless.

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The transition from month to month give us opportunity to pause and make sense of our lives. Instead of rushing from week to week and letting life become a blur, lets create margin to identify what is actually happening. How we are reacting, and what do we need to move forward with our best selves? A monthly date with Jesus for soul care, regrouping, and stewarding our life? Yes please! Even if it isn't every month... when CAN we set aside time for our heart? Jesus wants to have coffee with you. And more!

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Establishing weekly space to cultivate joy is amazing. It's an opportunity for rest or f un or pause or reflection... what does your soul and body need and how can you intentionally carve out space for joy habits on a weekly basis? We explore the idea of Sabbath Rest and open up the box of ideas to expand from there. It's a persistent call from God to slow down and take some time. He is patient while we learn his ways.

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This is a guided prayer time to reflect on your day. It's a great evening tool to reflect before sleep, but can be truly be used anytime. It's patterned after Ignatian Examen Prayer. It's been around since the 16th century. Follow along the prompts, pause the audio where needed and repeat every evening until you have the steps memorized. Then practice making this a habit to cleanse your heart and rejoice in the gift of each day.

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