January 16, 2025

Nothing like a little Michael in the morning,

to put a smile on my face.

It's like I have a wise quirky, fun-loving friend to

sit down with, and have a little laugh to start the day.

The dove is cooing outside my window,

the windchimes sound like church bells...

and it's sunny and mild today....

I believe I hear the lake trails 

calling my name...

'There is an outer you - your body - that is being shaped all the time

by the way you eat, drink, sleep, exercise, and live.

Then there is the inner you - your thoughts, desires, will, and character.

This is being shaped all the time by what you see, read, hear, think,

and do. We can call this inner you the spirit.

Spiritual formation is the process by which your inner and outer

self and character are shaped.

Everyone has a spirit. Everyone's inner life is being formed - for better

or worse.

We flourish when our spirits are rooted in and shaped by the Spirit 

of God - and God want's to do that in a way that uniquely fits us.'

Journal notes from this morning...

God will transform your fear into confidence.

"The Spirit He gives does not make you timid,

but gives you power, love , and self-discipline."

(2Timothy 1:7)

Face your fear and do what you have to do.

It is essential to live in the Present.

'God will help you rest in His sufficiency, depending on Him

more and more.'

Recognize your neediness and receive what God offers.

His Presence is with you always, providing everything you need.

'At times, God will beckon you to step out into the unknown.

To do the unfamiliar of go in a direction that is untried.

In His presence step into the unknown with confidence."

"If you do little things like they're big things,

God will do big things like they're little things."

"Spiritual greatness has nothing to do with being greater than

others. It has everything to do with being as great as each of us can be."

~Henry Nouwen~

be well...

xoxo

💖