Have you ever been mid-conversation with an acquaintance or a friend and they say something that sheds light on just how different they are from you? Maybe it goes back to vastly different cultures, or the way your parents parented, it might be philosophical or religious… It could even go deeper into areas of trauma they experienced… or didn’t experience. …
This blog is by Max Rankin. Max is one called to come alongside and help. He is part of the leadership of Verve Lead. His practical insights will help many. Flick a link to this to someone who would benefit. Leave a helpful comment below. “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do …
Previously – Covid’s Toll In our last blog, we began looking at the toll that Covid has taken on us over the last few years. For many of us the uncertainty and anxiety that struck us on day one are still very much there, but now we are also burnt out from months and months of this stress, especially with …
When We Join Together in Prayer Being able to talk with God through prayer is such an extraordinary gift, which we can share with others. In order to experience and develop a rich prayer life, engage with others, as confirmed in Jesus’ words: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” – Matthew …
Build a Strong Foundation Building a relationship with God on the basis of feeling obligated isn’t wrong, but if it is the sole motivator then it’s not sustainable for a healthy lifestyle. It’s like reading the Bible—I do this because I want to spend time with God, not because of duty. Sometimes religious duty can bring a sense of dullness …
To Hear God In order to connect with God on a regular basis we need to position ourselves to hear and accept his words. We often assume this means dedicating time for prayer once a day and reading the Bible. Yes, this is the place to begin—quietly praying and reading. But there are other helpful things we can do to …
Choosing Restorative Niche Activities 4 Here are my last two tips to help in choosing activities that really do replenish your soul. Choose to balance the tensions There’s tension between desiring to attain certain goals and the need to feel in control of an activity. On one hand attaining set goals can bring satisfaction that builds our health. But on …
Choosing Restorative Niche Activities 3 In the two previous blogs I’ve given three tips of six to choose restorative activities that suit you: come to Jesus and allow Him to replenish your soul, choose something that you love doing, and something that absorbs your attention. Here is my fourth tip: Choose because you will be in control. We often feel …
Choosing Restorative Niche Activities 2 As well as finding refreshment in the presence of Jesus, and in activities which you find enjoyable, here is a further thought on choosing something that restores your soul. Choose something in which you become absorbed. Choose something in which you lose yourself, become so absorbed by, that you forget to look at the time. …
Choosing Restorative Niche Activities 1 We know that it is important to do some things for ourselves to restore a balance of energy and health—emotionally, physically, spiritually, mentally. How do we decide those niche activities that suit just us and our life circumstances? Here are first two of six criteria to help you choose. Jesus said, “Come to me.” Firstly, …
