Let it spill over

There are things in life that we all need to 'continue', while there are also things we definitely need to 'discontinue'. I cannot binge watch show after show and feel good about how my day went. I cannot go days on end without some physical exercise to clear my mind, regenerate my body, and get my juices flowing again. Self-quarantine certainly lends itself to the kind of 'isolate in place' kind of activities such as binge watching and incessant eating if we allow it to, but we have to make conscious choices to 'continue' in the things that help us to live strong lives. Experts tell us to rise at the same time we usually would, go to bed at similar times, engage in as close to normal activities as possible, and all should be well. I don't drive to work right now, so I try to make a few laps around the house before I settle in behind the computer monitor. I don't get to socialize with my friends, or give my BFF a big hug right now, but I can SKYPE and see we somehow dressed alike for our day! I have food at my fingertips because I am at home, but I am exercising discretion with how many trips I make to the fridge! Continue in the good stuff, so the journey is actually shaping our lives in the way it should go!

Now that you have welcomed the Anointed One, Jesus the Lord, into your lives, continue to journey with Him and allow Him to shape your lives. Let your roots grow down deeply in Him, and let Him build you up on a firm foundation. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always spill over with thankfulness. Make sure no predator makes you his prey through some misleading philosophy and empty deception based on traditions fabricated by mere mortals. These are sourced in the elementary principles originating in this world and not in the Anointed One (so don’t let their talks capture you). (Colossians 2:6-8)

The 'shaping of our lives' is a 'cooperative' thing - we allow God to shape us - we participate actively in the shaping process. We aren't doing the shaping, but we are taking steps to do the things he says will help to 'keep us in shape' spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. First and foremost is the idea of having solid roots. I have referred often to roots in my writings because I know just how important that structure is to our well-being. If we don't maintain the 'rooting', we soon find we have 'slippery footing'. We begin to take steps away from that which gives us stability and 'solidness' in our daily walk. Strong faith isn't accidental - it is 'fashioned' through consistent steps that 'shape' our faith. Look at how strong faith develops - it is through being taught. That means we take time to learn each day - first what God wants us to know, then something new that we can somehow use to benefit ourselves and others. You might learn to make a new 'shoestring budget' recipe, sharing your ideas with others. That doesn't seem like much, but when a family of four is trying to stretch their food budget right now, it could be a godsend to them!

Strong faith 'spills over' into the lives of others. Right now we aren't gathering together in large groups. We aren't able to get out to all the places we usually frequent and we aren't seeing all the people we normally 'hang with'. As hard as that may be, we still need to find ways for our faith to 'spill over' into each other's lives. I am seeing some add new things to their social media feed, like let's show each other one photo from a trip that reveals some beautiful spot God created for us to enjoy. I also am observing some ask if there are things that they can pray for in their friend's lives right now. Still others are just letting others know they are there for them - giving each other a call more frequently, reaching out in non-traditional ways, like gathering in a parking lot six feet apart, and sharing a cup of coffee while catching up on 'home matters'. Our faith needs to continue to spill over - don't discontinue that! Just sayin!