This season of quarantine and Corona Virus has definitely highlighted our neediness. It is in these seasons that we get a chance to refocus and reorient our lives. We talked about the resurrected life at Easter. Let’s be intentional with this gift God has given us, let’s slow down and focus on being with Jesus. Not only do we want to be with Jesus we want Jesus to reshape our life a to look more like him Here are some rhythms that we can add, grow in or be encouraged by.

1/ Start your day with prayer and scripture 

Try this simple practice of beginning your day with God in silent prayer and reading his word. It is a rhythm that will form you and your day. If you have kids make a plan to do it before they get up (hint preparing to get up early starts the night before.)  Also do this before you screens or news.

2/Evidence of God's Grace

We often forget to see how God is at work around us. Take time throughout the day to see how God is at work in you, around you and through others. Share those with friends, family, or social media. Put them on a dry erase board or your fridge. Keep adding to them daily and see how God has been at work. 

3/Exercise or go for a walk

We need to get out and breathe some fresh air, see something besides our house or yard. Get out, set some goals for walking/ running or hiking. Start small and incremental. Add prayer to your walks so to increase awareness of how God is at work around you. Pray for neighbors and people you encounter.  Maybe we need a Soma steps challenge?

4/Read and Memorize the Word

This is a great time to start or pick up a reading plan. 10-30 mins a day and you can read through the Bible in a year. Memorizing Scripture is important as well. Maybe you can memorize Philippians 4: 4-9. 

5/Relational Touchpoints

During this time of self-isolation, let's be intentional to Draw closer to others when we have to be physically distant. Driveway convos, Zoom Calls, write letters, facetime, actual phone convos.  Find a few people that encourage you, or you feel led to bring encouragement to. 

6 Limit intake of news 

We shouldn't take in news and info 24 hrs a day. We must limit sources and the amount you take in. If you find yourself overwhelmed or your heart isn't resting, you are likely taking in more news or info than you can bear. Which also makes it difficult to be hungry and thirsty for God when you are full of information.

7 Limit screen time and escapist behaviors

It's common to indulge in behaviors that allow us to escape from what's happening in our life. Make sure you are limiting your social media, television, alcohol, sugar, staying up late, etc. Do you know what escapist behaviors you have? Have you shared them with others so they can help you?

8 Prayer and Fasting

Psalm 55:17 reminds us to pray Evening, Morning, and Noon. Make some time to pray throughout the day, start with prayer( see #1) pausing at lunch and at 8:56 pm for our nightly prayer time on zoom. Consider fasting, Tuesdays after dinner till our Wednesday evening MC calls. This is an excellent opportunity to practice the discipline of Fasting. PRAYER LINK

9 Missional Community and  DNA groups

Our MC's will continue with weekly Zoom Calls or House Party App. These are needed for us to remain connected and maintain, even in a small way, to share life together. DNAs are same-gendered groups of 3 -4 that meet together to study the Bible and encourage each other. They can also be done through Zoom calls. If you are not in a DNA or MC, let us know, and we will get you connected. 

10 Sabbath and Zoom Gathering 

Keep your routine to practice Sabbath, or to start one for the first time. Gather with us online every Sunday as we learn from the Scriptures, worship through song and build up one another in Christ. ZOOM LINK