This Lenten season offers a special invitation. As I shared earlier, my intention during Lent will be to focus on spiritual practices that I want to keep as a part of my life beyond the 40 days. It’s an opportunity to slow down and connect deeper to God, myself and others.

This past week a friend shared a Lent reflection from Tosin Akande (Instagram @tosin_akande). It spoke to me. She focused on five practices:

1. Notice & Acknowledge

2. Cultivate your community

3. Intake Profoundly Human Stories

4. Meditate through Emotions

5. Embrace & Reconnect

The first practice, Notice & Acknowledge invites us to remember to slow down and be able to acknowledge those around us. One of the daily ways that I do this came through my phone. Each day random photos show up on my iPhone, This year, I’ve decided that these are not random pop ups, but nudges. I pray for the person/s in the photo and text the photo along with a message of encouragement. Noticing and Acknowledging also means taking the time to appreciate a moment while we are in the midst of it. It’s pausing during a conversation to let someone know how much having time to connect blesses me. It’s pausing during a meal to make a toast of gratitude for sharing a meal.

Here’s my reflection on what I practice this season,

I appreciate this practice, because it is an opportunity to let someone know that they are seen. I invite you to take time to notice and acknowledge someone today. In the midst of being distracted with so much to see and do, we should never pass up the moment to tell someone else, “I see you.”

This song randomly popped up and I have no idea how….. but I believe it was a nudge …. So I am sharing this with you today.

Today, I notice and acknowledge each one of you who is reading or listening to this blog. I am grateful for you. I notice you. I acknowledge you.

You are

They are

We are

….. God’s gift to world.

I see you ….

That’s it … that’s the blog.

Rev Sheila

Dec 30, 2024

Igniting The Fire Within: Affirmations and Purpose

“ … may we, too, speak affirmations that align us with our purpose and ignite the fire within us to make meaningful contributions to the world.”

Dec 1, 2024

The Complicated, Beautiful Relationship with Hope

My relationship with hope is still in tact. Despite the occasional “it’s complicated,” we remain connected. It’s the audacity of hope that keeps us going.

Nov 10, 2024

Brewing and Stewing ....... Journey to Gratitude

“Gratitude is not always about waiting for resolution. Sometimes, gratitude is found in the people and the moments that hold space for you, in the midst and allow you to just be …. similar to the process of brewing tea, just waiting”

Oct 26, 2024

Breaking The Myth of The Strong Friend ....

“Why does someone always have to be the strong friend? The label can feel heavy if it’s the only crown we’re allowed to wear. What if the role of the strong friend shifted within the group and became something we all shared?”

This Season I See You ....

This Lenten season offers a special invitation. As I shared earlier, my intention during Lent will be to focus on spiritual practices that I want to keep as a part of my life beyond the 40 days. It’s an opportunity to slow down and connect deeper to God, myself and others.

This past week a friend shared a Lent reflection from Tosin Akande (Instagram @tosin_akande). It spoke to me. She focused on five practices:

1. Notice & Acknowledge

2. Cultivate your community

3. Intake Profoundly Human Stories

4. Meditate through Emotions

5. Embrace & Reconnect

I appreciate this practice, because it is an opportunity to let someone know that they are seen. I invite you to take time to notice and acknowledge someone today. In the midst of being distracted with so much to see and do, we should never pass up the moment to tell someone else, “I see you.”

This song randomly popped up and I have no idea how….. but I believe it was a nudge …. So I am sharing this with you today.

Today, I notice and acknowledge each one of you who is reading or listening to this blog. I am grateful for you. I notice you. I acknowledge you.

You are

They are

We are

….. God’s gift to world.

I see you ….

That’s it … that’s the blog.

Rev Sheila

Each day is its own journey ….

“ … may we, too, speak affirmations that align us with our purpose and ignite the fire within us to make meaningful contributions to the world.”

My relationship with hope is still in tact. Despite the occasional “it’s complicated,” we remain connected. It’s the audacity of hope that keeps us going.

“Gratitude is not always about waiting for resolution. Sometimes, gratitude is found in the people and the moments that hold space for you, in the midst and allow you to just be …. similar to the process of brewing tea, just waiting”

“Why does someone always have to be the strong friend? The label can feel heavy if it’s the only crown we’re allowed to wear. What if the role of the strong friend shifted within the group and became something we all shared?”

This Lenten season offers a special invitation. As I shared earlier, my intention during Lent will be to focus on spiritual practices that I want to keep as a part of my life beyond the 40 days. It’s an opportunity to slow down and connect deeper to God, myself and others.

This past week a friend shared a Lent reflection from Tosin Akande (Instagram @tosin_akande). It spoke to me. She focused on five practices:

1. Notice & Acknowledge

2. Cultivate your community

3. Intake Profoundly Human Stories

4. Meditate through Emotions

5. Embrace & Reconnect

I appreciate this practice, because it is an opportunity to let someone know that they are seen. I invite you to take time to notice and acknowledge someone today. In the midst of being distracted with so much to see and do, we should never pass up the moment to tell someone else, “I see you.”

This song randomly popped up and I have no idea how….. but I believe it was a nudge …. So I am sharing this with you today.

Today, I notice and acknowledge each one of you who is reading or listening to this blog. I am grateful for you. I notice you. I acknowledge you.

You are

They are

We are

….. God’s gift to world.

I see you ….

That’s it … that’s the blog.

Rev Sheila

Each day is its own journey ….

“ … may we, too, speak affirmations that align us with our purpose and ignite the fire within us to make meaningful contributions to the world.”

My relationship with hope is still in tact. Despite the occasional “it’s complicated,” we remain connected. It’s the audacity of hope that keeps us going.

“Gratitude is not always about waiting for resolution. Sometimes, gratitude is found in the people and the moments that hold space for you, in the midst and allow you to just be …. similar to the process of brewing tea, just waiting”

“Why does someone always have to be the strong friend? The label can feel heavy if it’s the only crown we’re allowed to wear. What if the role of the strong friend shifted within the group and became something we all shared?”

Sheila Spencer