Good morning…
As my fall schedule began to fill in, a friend sent me this quote: “You are exactly where you are meant to be.” What a empowering word of encouragement.
Living into my twentieth year at Northside Church, I love the cyclical nature of our ministry to women. Every year, the summer season ends and a new fall semester begins. Last Tuesday, we hosted our first Mission Circle meetings, one in the morning and one in the evening. We enjoyed an inspiring devotional message from our new Associate Pastor, Dana. Then, participating in the Helping Mamas September Diaper Drive, we donated 2,446 diapers PLUS feminine products PLUS baby wipes to help families in need, we signed up to create weekend snack bags for middle school families who struggle with food insecurity in our community, and we created a plan to make period poverty kits for PAWkids over the next few month.
Thank you to all who pitched in their gifts.
The classes I facilitate will begin this week, combining loyal regulars with several new faces on our rosters. Yesterday, we returned to our longstanding commitment to volunteer at PAWkids on Monday afternoons and our small group from church, which has been meeting regularly for about eight years, gathered at our home for dinner and a discussion last night.
How good it feels to be back together with people I’ve grown to love.
Shared with permission, do you notice the guidance hanging on the wall in the PAWkids pictures?
“Slow down. Love life.”
Those things that are hidden are meant to be revealed, and what is concealed is meant to be brought out where its light can shine (Mark 4:22, VOICE). For God’s truths to be revealed over time, we need to slow down, to listen well, to be guided toward the people and the purposes God intends for us to love.
As the fall begins to fill, might the Spirit be inviting us to slow down, to learn to love the life that is ours to live, and to trust God t0 shine light on our personal pathway forward?
Here and now, what thoughts and emotions does this quote bring up from inside of you?
How might those inklings turn into your morning prayer?
…Sue…
P.S. In your slowed down state, if you feel drawn to join us at Northside Church in a Mission Circle group the third Tuesday of the month, attend a weekly or monthly women’s ministry class, or grow with us as we partner with PAWkids in their new “Makers Market Monday” program, please reach out to me personally and I will help you to connect. There are several other ways to serve in the Grove Park neighborhood of our city. Check out the link and sign up if you feel nudged.
