A Few of My Favorite Things.
Gifting is my favorite. I LOVE giving gifts that are a perfect fit. Whether the gift meets a need, a situation, or is simply enjoyable. I love giving gifts. What is most important to me is the thoughtfulness and sharing of the gifts. The amount of money spent isn't as important as the thought put into giving the gift.
Naturally, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite gifts and tools for strengthening our souls. Some cost money others don't. Below are a few of my favorite things. These can be for you, these can be for others. In the spirit of giving gifts, here are a few of my favorite things!
Journaling Bible These journaling bibles have been a practical and simple tool while reading Scripture, making observations, and asking my questions. There are spaces for note-taking and a small size that makes traveling with each journey easy. All books of the Bible are available in ESV. Here is a link to the
Gospel of John.
Lectio365 App The Lectio365 App is a beautifully created guide through Scripture and prayer. I am not one who loves listening through earbuds or my phone but what I found in this app was incredibly rich, inviting, and nourishing. Check it out
here.
Outdoor Spaces and Quiet This is likely not a shocker to anyone, but outdoor spaces and quiet spaces are an all-time favorite. To give or receive time, space, beauty, outdoors with no agenda or push for performance, is an incredible gift. This gift can be received at a retreat center or even in your front yard. Some friends have gone to
these spaces and loved them. However, whenever, and wherever, this gift takes intention. And it is well worth it.
Books There are books I come back to again and again. Each of these books ministers to, challenges, meets, and strengthens my life, leadership, and formation. If you're going to start with one, start with
The Chronicles of Narnia and read them in original release order.
Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Compassion by Henri Nouwen
Working the Angles by Eugene Peterson
Guides Coaches, therapists, spiritual directors, and mentors. Each one of these guides has a unique call and role in our formation. I have received from all of these types of guides throughout my life and I am SO VERY GRATEFUL. These men and women welcome us, help us notice our blind spots, give us courage, provide spaces of healing, help us listen for and to God, and so much more. If you don't have one or two of these currently in your life, find them. If you want to know how, please
email me. I'd be glad to give you some resources.
Retreats And last, but not least, retreats! We would love for you to join an upcoming retreat as well as one in the new year! Anyone is welcome to the monthly retreats. In addition, retreats can be gifted to teams, small groups, and friends. More information can be found
here.
Whether it is a stocking stuffer, book, quiet, or a gift of support through a guide, my hope is that you would have great JOY in giving to whoever God has called you to give.
With joy