It was a different time in my life. It was a different time in your life. It was a different time in the life of online communication – no Twitter! no Facebook!
Today, the next chapter begins. Thanks for still being here. My mission is still the same: to share a message of hope and encouragement.
Before just launching into this new series, let me just share two passages from the Bible that capture the essence of what’s on the way:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
(Matthew 11:28-30 – The Message)
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
(Galatians 5:22-23 – The Message)
Are you experiencing “real rest,” living “freely and lightly,” and having an “exuberance about life” on a regular basis? If not, then please sign up below to receive this new series via email, as I share insights and strategies and practices that have allowed me to taste what Jesus and Paul speak of in the verses above, in new ways… and I hope they’ll do the same for you.
Along the way, I invite you to share your comments — agreements, disagreements, stories, experiences — so we can make this a real conversation. And if these messages speak to you, please share them with others others who are tired, worn out and burned out so we can help them, too.
To living freely and lightly,
Shawn
Great reminder today that the Gospel is “a message of hope and encouragement”. Thank you.
Hi Elisa – thanks for reading. Glad it was meaningful to you.