My heart at peace as I care for my husband who is in later stage Alzheimer’s. For a lift to move him, home health aides that care for him. Learning to enjoy the good (a cup of tea, a moment he connects, quietly watching the birds) in the smaller world of caregiving.
I have been in the midst of a personal crisis for the past three years, one which started during the pandemic and has deepened and worsened since then. During one Lent, God gave me the best spiritual practice, one that I have continued to this day, almost every day (since no one is perfect): Daily, I record 1. A PROMISE about God or about life or about whatever - usually after having read Scripture; 2. GRATITUDE - I try to list at least three things for which I am thankful - a hot shower, the quiet dark mornings, a person, a conversation, something God has done for me or revealed to me - you get the idea; and 3. PETITIONS for myself and others. This practice has saved my life so many times because it does, like you say, keep me grounded in the present. There are always things for which to be thankful, there are always PROMISES that keep me focused on what matters most, and there are always needs to be brought to the Almighty in prayer, for myself and for others. I think this practice is similar to answering your question of what is saving my life right now. I did, however, take a few minutes this morning to answer that question - it included my 'new to me' couch - a hand-me-down from my mom. it is so comfortable and comforting; pens that have a light in them, so I don't have to turn on the lamp next to me when I want to read and write in the quiet morning darkness. I prefer the red and green lights because they don't hurt my eyes when I turn them on.
Thank you, Emily, for continuing to shine God's light in my darkness.
I love to hear you all need tethering too much in this world right now. And I totally agree that these small things that bring us joy are like magnifying glasses that bring in even more light. The best thing this month (which already includes 1 child in hospital with salmonella poisoning) is meeting everyday with my neighbor across the yard to pray. We show up not knowing how to pray and stumbling forward but by the end I’m more renewed and anchored.
Wearing soft clothes, like flowy pants and loose sweaters, feels gentle and is saving my life these days. Somehow it balances the hard my body carries in October.
Chili is saving my life right now! It’s cold in Iowa, frost on the ground this morning. My son still has football practice, my daughter piano, when my family got home last night after a long day and the chili was in the crockpot, everyone took a deep breath and my daughter said, “I’m glad it’s chili season again!” Me too!
It’s still too hot in Alabama to truly enjoy chili in the razz, cozy way. However, I’m definitely looking forward to it. One of my coworkers and I want to have us take turns bringing in a crockpot of soup for the office to enjoy once the weather cools down!
There are so many things… my life needs so much saving right now. The sweetest surprise is pickleball. I have wanted to play for years. This spring out of the blue without knowing my desire to learn a friend offered to teach me and then connected me into a group that plays once a week. The physical goodness, the joy of companions, the outdoor air are all a sweet relief from the grief and suffering. Emily you have taught me to notice how significant things like this actually are and I am thankful. Love to all. ❤️
What’s saving my life: Saturday mornings tend me be slow mornings with little planned but a walk & sitting with a book or just my thoughts. They feel more sabbath-like than my Sundays for sure.
Honestly this is one of my faves that you and Kendra do-- it's fun and often helpful. Example: Lately my attention span has gone from (life-long) wobbly to horrible. When reading, working, I find myself drifting or wanting to pick up my phone. I've been looking into solutions and when you mentioned the stones yesterday I was like yes!! So I have something new to try. :-)
WSMLRN: Open windows (very rare treat in South Georgia), and Arnold's keto bread!
*Praying fervently for Israel and Gaza; especially for the safe return of those taken.*
Ohhh I love “What’s saving my life,” as I currently am doing 2 1/2 people’s jobs and one is leading an amazing group of 2 year olds! What a privilege! But, I need some SAVING…
1. Pumpkin Latte shower scrub gets me exhilarated for those busy 2s!
2. Crunchies for my car ride home to process stress and traffic! ( L.A.)
3..5:30 am walks with my dogs and their gal pal and my dear friend! (Co-worker)
What’s saving my life right now - lactaid helping me eat fried chicken/nuggets again (small kids plus almost all fried chicken varieties have milk of some kind 🤯); costco snack foods; my newly finished pottery pieces which are motivating me to keep practicing the craft; small groups of women I am voluntarily part of who keep drawing me out of the introverted cave I could stay in for longer than would be healthy for me; my cute and simple fall decorations.
Right now, it’s a schedule at work that allows for some quiet when I arrive. On Mondays (and other days too) it’s journaling in my Next Right Thing Journal from the week before. Then most days, I read a devotion from Kate Bowler’s “Good Enough” book. I guess those things could be considered a spiritual practice, which I didn’t realize until I read this post and wrote this comment.
I opened this email this morning with the question that’s been on my mind for a while: what makes something a “spiritual practice?” And wouldn’t you know, you gave the answer! Thanks for clarifying!
My heart at peace as I care for my husband who is in later stage Alzheimer’s. For a lift to move him, home health aides that care for him. Learning to enjoy the good (a cup of tea, a moment he connects, quietly watching the birds) in the smaller world of caregiving.
Gentle hugs as you walk this path...
Peace is such a gift of grace. Bless you, dear Sarah.
I’m so grateful you have those things and people who are saving your life right now, Sarah. Prayers.
I have been in the midst of a personal crisis for the past three years, one which started during the pandemic and has deepened and worsened since then. During one Lent, God gave me the best spiritual practice, one that I have continued to this day, almost every day (since no one is perfect): Daily, I record 1. A PROMISE about God or about life or about whatever - usually after having read Scripture; 2. GRATITUDE - I try to list at least three things for which I am thankful - a hot shower, the quiet dark mornings, a person, a conversation, something God has done for me or revealed to me - you get the idea; and 3. PETITIONS for myself and others. This practice has saved my life so many times because it does, like you say, keep me grounded in the present. There are always things for which to be thankful, there are always PROMISES that keep me focused on what matters most, and there are always needs to be brought to the Almighty in prayer, for myself and for others. I think this practice is similar to answering your question of what is saving my life right now. I did, however, take a few minutes this morning to answer that question - it included my 'new to me' couch - a hand-me-down from my mom. it is so comfortable and comforting; pens that have a light in them, so I don't have to turn on the lamp next to me when I want to read and write in the quiet morning darkness. I prefer the red and green lights because they don't hurt my eyes when I turn them on.
Thank you, Emily, for continuing to shine God's light in my darkness.
I love to hear you all need tethering too much in this world right now. And I totally agree that these small things that bring us joy are like magnifying glasses that bring in even more light. The best thing this month (which already includes 1 child in hospital with salmonella poisoning) is meeting everyday with my neighbor across the yard to pray. We show up not knowing how to pray and stumbling forward but by the end I’m more renewed and anchored.
Wearing soft clothes, like flowy pants and loose sweaters, feels gentle and is saving my life these days. Somehow it balances the hard my body carries in October.
Chili is saving my life right now! It’s cold in Iowa, frost on the ground this morning. My son still has football practice, my daughter piano, when my family got home last night after a long day and the chili was in the crockpot, everyone took a deep breath and my daughter said, “I’m glad it’s chili season again!” Me too!
It’s still too hot in Alabama to truly enjoy chili in the razz, cozy way. However, I’m definitely looking forward to it. One of my coworkers and I want to have us take turns bringing in a crockpot of soup for the office to enjoy once the weather cools down!
Warm* not razz 🙄
But now I feel like we need to make 'razz' a thing!! 😁
There are so many things… my life needs so much saving right now. The sweetest surprise is pickleball. I have wanted to play for years. This spring out of the blue without knowing my desire to learn a friend offered to teach me and then connected me into a group that plays once a week. The physical goodness, the joy of companions, the outdoor air are all a sweet relief from the grief and suffering. Emily you have taught me to notice how significant things like this actually are and I am thankful. Love to all. ❤️
Early morning quiet, strong coffee, lists, hope.
Those 3 are mine too. Also, over-sized pretty yellow jacket just dropped in my lap by a friend.
Sorry--those 4, plus the jacket.
What’s saving my life: Saturday mornings tend me be slow mornings with little planned but a walk & sitting with a book or just my thoughts. They feel more sabbath-like than my Sundays for sure.
Honestly this is one of my faves that you and Kendra do-- it's fun and often helpful. Example: Lately my attention span has gone from (life-long) wobbly to horrible. When reading, working, I find myself drifting or wanting to pick up my phone. I've been looking into solutions and when you mentioned the stones yesterday I was like yes!! So I have something new to try. :-)
WSMLRN: Open windows (very rare treat in South Georgia), and Arnold's keto bread!
*Praying fervently for Israel and Gaza; especially for the safe return of those taken.*
The stones and hand crosses have helped me a lot for the very reason you mention. May it be so for you as well. 🤍
Ohhh I love “What’s saving my life,” as I currently am doing 2 1/2 people’s jobs and one is leading an amazing group of 2 year olds! What a privilege! But, I need some SAVING…
1. Pumpkin Latte shower scrub gets me exhilarated for those busy 2s!
2. Crunchies for my car ride home to process stress and traffic! ( L.A.)
3..5:30 am walks with my dogs and their gal pal and my dear friend! (Co-worker)
4.Fall Hallmark movies
5. God’s amazing GRACE
Thank you Emily!
What’s saving my life right now - lactaid helping me eat fried chicken/nuggets again (small kids plus almost all fried chicken varieties have milk of some kind 🤯); costco snack foods; my newly finished pottery pieces which are motivating me to keep practicing the craft; small groups of women I am voluntarily part of who keep drawing me out of the introverted cave I could stay in for longer than would be healthy for me; my cute and simple fall decorations.
Oh and moving grocery shopping from Fridays to Mondays! One small shift makes a big difference.
Right now, it’s a schedule at work that allows for some quiet when I arrive. On Mondays (and other days too) it’s journaling in my Next Right Thing Journal from the week before. Then most days, I read a devotion from Kate Bowler’s “Good Enough” book. I guess those things could be considered a spiritual practice, which I didn’t realize until I read this post and wrote this comment.
A most beautiful spiritual practice. 🤍
With the start of the in between to fall weather my ponchos and wraps are saving my life right now!
Love a wrap, feels like a hug.
Knitting a baby blanket for a yet to be born grand baby. Latte’s with a extravagant splurge of an espresso machine. Visiting my grown boys.
I smiled at the phrasing “extravagant splurge of an espresso machine” and wholeheartedly agree!
My autumn gifts:
🍁a group of high school girls sitting at a coffee shop, with their BIBLES open, highlighters out,
r e a d i n g those Bibles, in perfect contentment and quiet.
🍁the struggle of waiting and the joy of witnessing, all of the pieces coming together in ways I could have n e v e r imagined
🍁wildflowers, perfectly pink, yellow, purple, and white
🍁cozy-cute sweatshirts
🍁coffee, always.
I opened this email this morning with the question that’s been on my mind for a while: what makes something a “spiritual practice?” And wouldn’t you know, you gave the answer! Thanks for clarifying!