I was going to make an end-of-the-year post about my “favorite things”, but then I started to think about it, and what I realized is that it’s more of a list of things I’m grateful and thankful for right now. So, this is my Thanksgiving post. You will find quotes that have challenged me, books that I’m slowly reading through, a list of small indulgences that help me care for myself, and regular practices that help me care for my soul.
Even though I find myself reading through similar posts from influencers and celebs, and of course I keep an eye out for Oprah’s Favorite Things, I think they are rather silly. I mean, who cares? But two things caused me to give it a second thought: One, I was challenged recently to keep a gratitude list. And maybe there’s some accountability in sharing it with you. Two, I’m currently working on updating my Rule of Life for a school project, and this exercise helps in forming that.
A Rule of Life? Well, it’s not actually a “rule." It’s more of a “way”’ or a “rhythm” of life. We all have one whether we realize it or not, and for school, I need to put pen to paper and write mine out. (More on that in another post.)
If you are interested in reading on, please do so, but no pressure. More than anything, this is a fun post. And while we are at it, I would love to hear from you. What are your favorite things? What are you thankful for? Do you have a Rule of Life? Send me a comment!
Books I’m reading, and recommend
Three Mile an Hour God (Kosuke Koyama)
Sacred Belonging (Kat Armas)
The Wall in the Middle of the Book (John Agee)
Noticing (Kobi Yamada)
The Rabbit Listened (Cori Doerrfeld)
Quotes that inspire and challenge me
“Keep on beating on the path of God’s door, because the one thing you can be sure of is that even if he does not bring you the answer you want, he will bring you himself."
~Frederick Buechner
“Fools rush to judge, while the wise watch and wait.” ~Unknown
“It is no accident that the first thing in Scripture God called holy was a day. It is almost as if God himself, from the very beginning, had to remind us that days are both sacred and significant. In fact, they are the time and the space where we meet him and know him.”
-~Jim Branch
“To finally surrender ourselves to healing, we need to have three spaces opened within us—and all at the same time: our opinionated head, our closed-down heart, and our defensive and defended body. That is the work of spirituality.”
~Fr. Richard Rohr
"We will never find what we are looking for in the things we pick up along the way. Not even the religious things. Not even important things like relationships. All of these things will leave our souls empty if we try to force them to satisfy our thirst. The true object of our search is nothing less than an encounter with the Holy One."
-~Craig Barnes
"Praise the Lord, His mercy is more; stronger than darkness, new every morn. Our sins they are many, His mercy is more."-~Matt Boswell & Matt Papa
“Gratitude goes to war against everything that opposes the Father’s heart.”
~Graeme Sellers
Social Media Accounts to Follow
Practicing the Way – John Mark Comer
Kat Armis
KJ Ramsey
Ian Simkins
Nate Bargatze (for a good laugh)
Bentley the Goldendoodle Puppy (because we all need some puppy love)
Favorite Scriptures
“For forty years I led you through the wilderness, yet your clothes and sandals did not wear out. You ate no bread and drank no wine or other alcoholic drink, but he provided for you so you would know that he is the Lord your God.”
Deuteronomy 29:5-6 NLT
“For the source of your pleasure is not in my performance or the sacrifices I might offer to you. The fountain of your pleasure is found in the sacrifice of my shattered heart before you. You will not despise my tenderness as I bow down humbly at your feet.”
Psalms 51:16-17 TPT
Self-Care
Weekly chiropractic adjustments
Monthly massage
Pilates twice a week
Daily walk (leisurely or workout)
Facial (bi-monthly)
Drinking water throughout the day
Guilt free nap once or twice a week
Soul-Care
Morning coffee
Daily confession liturgy
Daily prayer
Silence and stillness
Chocolate treats in moderation
Burning scented candles
Hangouts with family and friends
Dance party to Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay (often)
I wish I could tell you that I’m consistent about self-care and soul-care, but I’m not. Hours, days, and months get busy, and it seems those things are the easiest to set aside. Maybe that’s the real reason behind this post. Somehow if I say these things out loud they become more real, and that helps me stay the course. After all, a better me is better for others.
As I wrap this up, I want to say thank you to each of you. Thank you for reading my posts. I realize they are not very regular these days. Being back in school, a grandma, and launching a practice, it’s all made for a full schedule. I also want to give a shout out to those who have trusted me for spiritual direction these past few months. It means a great deal to me that we get to meet monthly and unpack what God is up to in your spiritual and life journeys.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merriest of Holidays!
Krista
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