Hello there, Monday! Ready or not, here you are. I feel like it's going to be a buckle up and get ready kind of next few weeks as I wrap up this first school year I've been back at work. Instead of talking about the weekend, I thought I'd talk about a recent feeling I want to remember and the art of starting over.
I don't know if you remember what I wrote about last Tuesday, but I shared about how I felt conviction over the small shift I'd let happen between me and the Lord. It started slow, and it grew...until I came to recognize it last week. I want to remember that moment of recognizing this, and having a moment with the Lord as I prayed my way through some feelings.
I've had several more instances of that in the days that have followed. I'm trying to muddle my way through, and I'm trying to get back into the habit of offering up prayers more often, and not the long and drawn out kind. I'm trying to remember that prayers don't have to be lyrical and beautiful; sometimes the most real thing I can pray is for it come out all raw and broken. I feel like it's in those moments that I feel Him near.
I also came to the conclusion that I was ready to visit other churches last week; this week I attended my first one. It was good, and it felt refreshing to be somewhere new, where I wasn't recognized (though I did recognize two people there and we spoke). It was a beautiful and very different service; I'm excited about going back next week. Starting over can be a wonderful thing! I don't know how long I'll settle at this particular church, but for now, I have a plan.
That's all I've got for today, friends. I don't know how often I'm going to post here in the next few weeks; I've stepped back from social media a lot as well, and that may spill over into the blog. I'm trying to be off my phone and I'm trying to get back into the habit of reaching for my book. I'm writing this on Sunday night; I have high hopes of finishing the current one I'm on before I go to sleep!
Tell me something good! I'd love to hear from you. Thanks for reading today, friends. Love to all!
Jenn
I think you will find that you don't miss SM much- after a day or two. I think it is on some level addicting but something that is pretty easily overcome by not doing the activity since it ultimately is soul draining not enriching. Just my 2 cents! I'm glad your church visit went well! Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteI've already learned that I really don't miss it at all! I have been reading in its place, and I'm almost done with a book. This is huge for me! I agree wholeheartedly with you, though.
DeleteWishing you a fun and successful few weeks of what is left at school! So glad you enjoyed the new parish- you got this Mama- proud of you XO
ReplyDeleteThank you! It'll be jam packed, but I'm ready. I am excited for what is to come there! It felt refreshing to be somewhere new yesterday.
DeleteLove that you attended a new church and love that you are reaching for a book. Take a break or write as you feel called! Join us for Fashion Files if you feel moved. Break out those dresses and show us your inventory!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think those are good things, too. I appreciate that encouragement! I just may join up tomorrow; I got a new dress yesterday from my mom...one she bought and never wore. I might wear it today!
DeleteI am so proud of you for visiting a new church and also for taking the time to read! That really is so much better & I know you've missed that. Remember when we were in a book club? :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, friend! I'm proud of me too, for the reading. Ha! Remember when we thought we'd be able to read books and discuss them???
DeleteI hope the last few weeks at school are a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful you visited another church and happy reading!
Thanks, friend!
DeleteI'm so glad you tried a new church! That can be daunting, but it sounds like it was a positive experience. Hope you have a good week!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It can be; it is even still just to think about it, honestly. I hope the same for you, my friend!
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