Fasting is not a popular topic, and I have to confess, I don’t fast as often as I could fast. As I examined my heart, I realize I made this fundamental practice a dreaded duty, rather than a welcomed practice. I made fasting too complicated.
Prayer and Bible study are disciplines we practice because we want to draw closer to God, and fasting offers the same benefits. A fast can enlarge our hearts, and it can be as simple as giving up coffee for the day.
Men have a man cave; women need a babe cave.
Can Christian women have a babe cave? All of us need a physical place to unwind, including me.
By the end of day, papers have multiplied across my desk, posted notes dangle from the computer monitor, and highlighted calendar dates remind me that I’m ready to head for the babe cave.
Tai Chi originated in China and provides low impact health benefits. Slower movements, deeper lunges, and the gentle integration of over 100 postures provides the physical intensity that can improve health. The movements evoke quiet energy with a focus on inner strength. Tai Chi can reduce stress and bring harmony to both mind and body.
Mayo Clinic agrees with positive research studies and offers Tai Chi classes as a form of patient rehabilitation.
Jesus included a familiar prayer model when He spoke about Christian living.
Last week, this prayer drew us toward God the Father.
Today, we’ll focus on the importance of daily petitions. Join me as we continue in Matthew 6:11-13, the Lord’s Prayer, Part 2.
(3:19)
Have a blessed week.
Marisa Shadrick
TWEETABLES
Dependence on God means to let go of independence. “Click to Tweet”
In May, we pause and honor mothers. What a fitting topic for today’s inspirational blog post, “living it out.”
Mothers reveal faith as they raise their children and after they leave home. Their subtle deeds collectively make a difference. There are no super moms; however, their love is supernatural, selfless and unconditional. Mothers become vessels that channel God’s love to their tots and adult children.
Wellness is not easy to achieve because it involves change. Our circumstances can make it difficult, even painful, to try. So how do we live well? Perhaps we can narrow our search by looking at scripture.
Beloved, I pray
that in all respects you may prosper
and be in good health,
just as your soul prospers
3 John 1:2 New American Standard
When Jesus spoke about Christian living in the Sermon on the Mount, He gave us a model for prayer.
The first two verses in the Lord’s Prayer are powerful but familiar. Sometimes, we can neglect these key scriptures for kingdom living.
Join me in this inspirational video, (Lord’s Prayer, Part 1) and we’ll focus on God’s supremacy in Matthew 6:9-10.
Next week we’ll continue with the second half of the Lord’s prayer.
Have you ever found yourself faced with a huge obstacle?
Sometimes, it’s hard to see Jesus at work when life becomes a spiritual obstacle course. Nevertheless, we know He’s there, and often Jesus will use a simple story to bring great truth.
I recently read the familiar passage about Zacchaeus, the tax collector, in Luke 19: 1-10. You probably remember the children’s song:
The first step toward living well is to treasure our lives and unique makeup.
We are one-of-a-kind creations–physically and spiritually. We’re crafted and designed by God to love Him and fulfill His purposes. But, often we question and find fault in His design, and we devalue ourselves.
Prayer is an intimate form of communication with God Almighty. Without confidence that God hears our prayers, it would mean nothing.
Prayer is our weapon against temptation. Prayer offers strength and courage when our spirit is weary. Prayer reveals God’s will for our lives.
The rewards of prayer are immeasurable because prayer is faith in action.
