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| Movie Discussion Group (Zoom): Mon, 2:00 PM
WINGS Book Study Group (Zoom): Tue, 12:00 PM
Wednesday "Faith Lift" Meditation: 7:00 PM Table Talk Thursday (Zoom): 12:00 PM
Exodus Class (Zoom): Thur, 3:00 PM
Sunday Service: 10:45 AM
Sunday Social (Zoom): 12:00 PM |
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Happy February to all!
I am sitting down to write to you wearing my full-on Bucs Fan Gear! It was a great Superbowl Game and a great win for the home team! I understand we will now be known as “Champa-Bay”, with a nod to all four of our home sports teams. I know there are very serious and important things going on in the world, but, for one Sunday evening, many people’s focus was on something other than the seriousness of Covid or politics or whatever burdens we all may be carrying. It is also an excuse to eat very unhealthy Superbowl foods, which may include numerous types of dips and chips, lots of cheese-involved foods and, of course, those incredibly tasty wings with a myriad of coatings. At our home, it was homemade chili and fajitas!
So, yesterday morning, I was so thrilled to see the heading on the Daily Word meditation was “Joy.” Joy may have been a little difficult to come by for some folks in the last many months, but the reading reminded me that joy is an inside job. I can choose joy at any time on any day of the week! The reading also reminded me that emotions are a range and if I shut out the difficult ones, I also shut out the uplifting emotions. I don’t get to pick and choose; it is kind of an all or nothing choice. How do I unlock this key to feeling all of my emotions? The reading states that I must stay present, allowing my emotions to move through me. Our feelings take us on a journey of self-discovery, which is our journey to unlocking our greatest joy. We are told to “release all resistance and fully embrace the journey,” to “become calm and peaceful and welcome joy!” I am not sure how calm and peaceful we were when the final clock ticked down to victory on Sunday evening, but I know there was a lot of joy!!
Ok, enough sports and food. This week I am thinking about how joy, happiness, or any other emotion comes from within out. That reminds me of Eric Butterworth’s book Discover the Power within You. In the second chapter, page 19, titled “The Great Decision,” Butterworth reminds us that we must turn away from “feeding the hungers of the human,” therefore starving the soul. It means to realize that life is lived from within out.” It has been said that we could be in the happiest place in the world, but if our frame of thinking is negative, it would make no difference. To enjoy our lives, we need to be in our lives, breathing in the moment and exhaling the last moment in order to receive the next!
On another page of that same chapter, Butterworth reminds us that if we want “to go to Mt. Olympus, we must make sure that every step we take goes in that direction.” If I want more happiness, joy and fulfillment in my life, I must make sure every step is taking me in that direction. Oh, sure, I can get off track and be distracted by negative news or negative people, but the most important thing is to remember where I am going and get right back on the path.
I am pretty sure the Tampa Bay Bucs intended to go to the Super Bowl every year, but they would often get distracted by losses, injuries, criticism, and even negative press. But, for reasons only known to them this year, they kept their eye on Mt. Olympus and, lo and behold, the trophy is in their hands!
My desire for all of you is for some happiness and joy in your lives! God loves you and wants the best for you!! The Kingdom of heaven that Jesus promised us is joyful and it is right here right now!
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| | If you'd like to join us on Zoom, the login info is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81007092426?pwd=SlUrRzU3MWhpZEx2bW96NTNlbW1tZz09
Meeting ID: 810 0709 2426
Passcode: 865284
Peace, Love and Joy!
Cynthia
Jesus
reminded us that to enter the kingdom of heaven we have to become as
little children. Little children are in the moment – they are joyful!
Today’s photos are of our wonderful grandchildren! They bring us great
joy! |
| | | | | | | | | | | Your Weekly Affirmation:
“I AM ONE WITH THE INFINITE HEART OF GOD, ENFOLDED WITH HEALING LOVE.”
THANK YOU, GOD! |
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