NEWS

Thankful Thursday 1/17/19

Contentment. Simplicity. Two words that go hand-in-hand as you go in search of either. How does one pursue these?

Action begets feelings. Feelings motivate more action. Simplifying creates contentment. A deepened contentment is nurtured by a grateful heart. An attitude of gratitude turns what you have into enough. It also helps one to see when they have been blessed with abundance. With the blessings of the Christmas season spurring us on in the new year, many feel content. Yet they boarder on that “over-blessed” feeling surrounding them.

Currently, I have seen many friends using the motivation of the Marie Kondo movement to help them simplify their belongings and homes. It is helping them move from the “over-blessed” to simplified life. While simplifying, they may ask themselves about each object, “Does this give me joy? Do I really need/use this?” When the curating is complete, the fun comes in figuring out creative ways to move this abundance forward and onto a new life.

There is joy in blessing others and contentment in the simplicity. To keep simplicity as part of your lifestyle, goals are essential. Without a goal, you will continue in your old habits. A goal gives you a new direction, a new focus to motivate you to choose differently. Making that different choice exercises your muscle of self-control (a fruit of the Spirit).  And for the parents out there that need to exercise that muscle for not only themselves, but also your kiddos who really, really, REALLY need THAT toy. Here’s a tip: use the camera on your phone to take a picture of the must-have item for their birthday/Christmas list.

Continued use of the self-control muscle strengthens your simplified living. The simple life brings contentment, peace, and gratitude. thanks be to God!

Blessings to you!

P. S. All are invited to worship this Sunday at 8:00, 9:15 or 10:30 AM. If you would like to know more about these services,  click here.

P.S.S. Have you heard? The Gravel Hill Spring 5K is a walk/run happening on Saturday, March 23rd. To learn more, click here. Ready to sign up? Register here! ( You can double your goals by sign up for both the spring & fall runs now.)

Thankful Thursday 1/10/19

Movement. It can be freeing and it can be painful. It physically puts us in a different position; thus changing us.

It is easier for some to move than others. When we role out of bed, we begin a new day, a new opportunity to go into each moment as a blessing. We provide care for God’s creation that surrounds us (and includes us!)

As we spend time with God to find His direction for our lives, He helps us discover the passions and desires He has placed within us. Sometimes we are stumped as to how the seed of a dream planted in our hearts will grow into real life. That is when we need to look around for the people God is using to give us the knowledge, the encouragement, or the direction towards the next goal that takes us toward the dream.

If you are working towards the dream of better health, consider your word of encouragement: “You CAN be healthy!” Here is your first goal to go after:

Gravel Hill Spring 5K!

The Gravel Hill Spring 5K is a walk/run that will happen on Saturday, March 23rd. (Knowledge. To learn more, click here.) Walkers send the runners ahead with good wishes and words of cheer. (Encouragement. Words of cheer are not only shared with the runners, but also will each other during the 5K.) Ready to sign up? Register here! (Direction. You can double your goals by sign up for both the spring & fall runs now.)

By completing the 5K, you will be stewarding the body God has given you with positive self care. You can seize the opportunity to cheer others on along the way (& have fun doing it!) And – you support The Caring Cupboard. Monies raised from this event go directly to help fund The Caring Cupboard and its day-to-day operations.

As we move deeper into 2019, change your movements. Shake things up! Gain the knowledge, hear the words of encouragement, and take action towards the God-given dreams that lie within your heart. May your actions fortify your God-blessed direction. Remember to be thankful for each morning you have the opportunity to role out of bed and go after your dreams.

Blessings to you!

P. S. All are invited to worship this Sunday at 8:00, 9:15 or 10:30 AM. If you would like to know more about these services,  click here.