Today’s Reflection
Life … is a dance. In our relationship with God, we move forward, backward, left, and right, sometimes with rhythmic grace, sometimes resisting the One who would lead us. In relationships with family and friends, our choices, thoughts, and actions complement others or inflict pain; we move in harmony, or we step on toes.
—Gerrie L. Grimsley & Jane J. Young, Contemplative by Design: Creating Quiet Spaces for Retreats, Workshops, Churches, and Personal Settings (Upper Room Books, 2008)
Today’s Question
When have you danced or moved your body as an expression of praise to God? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Then the prophet Miriam, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand. All the women followed her playing tambourines and dancing.
—Exodus 15:20 (CEB)
Prayer for the Week
Dear God,
Come now and feed my body, soul; come now, infuse the hungry whole of me.
—Jane J. Young
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Discover embodiment this Advent with our newest devotional and interactive online experience, Fully Human, Fully Divine. Over the course of four weeks, author Whitney R. Simpson encourages us to embrace the season of Advent fully, with our whole selves, and remember that Jesus showed us what it means to be both fully human and fully divine. Learn more here.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
4 Comments
Um, never, I think. Though I do see this practice described in the Bible numerous times.
I spent yesterday morning at the Pittsburrgh Botanic Garden at an event that is called Walk and Talk. We walk around the garden grounds with the executive director and a local gardening celebrity. We discuss various items growing in the garden. This time we focused on fall foliage not only on trees but also in plants and bushes and grasses. Then we have a wonderful lunch together. Sadly this will be the last one as the director is burnt out from doing these after 20 of them.
Prayers for Ally and David and Lewis, may all receive God’s healing as needed. Prayers for Jill and her family. Prayers for Robert and Erich as they continue to work on their relationship using CBT.
Despite the Bible references and seeing it done at services, this is a a tough thing for me. As much as I WOULD like to dance, I’m surely not made that way. I’m very awkward at that.
Hopefully some one new will take up the Walk and Talk at the Pittsburgh Botanical Garden. I understand burn out, but new blood could revive this experience.
The stand out every year maple tree here had it last colorful day yesterday, It stilol has some leaves but bare branches are visible and the leaves are tired. Frost again this morning, it was 28. Blue skies and temps up to the mid 60s today.
Am learning things in Basic Lay Servant class I think Methodists should have been taught back in the 50s and 60s. While they are certainly Wesleyan, I think many members will find them quite new and if they are set in their ways, will have a hard time to change. It seems obvious to me that we got away from Wesley’s “methods”, perhaps that action has led to the steady decline we have experienced. Well trained and functioning laity is a necessary part of Methodism.
Our lay pastor in training is trying to use some of the methods Wesley used and members of the congregation say, “that’s not my thing” and refuse to come. At a time when this church is definitely struggling, it’s not helpful.
Prayers for healing, whether pets or people, encouragement, and blessings to all. Thankful for your prayers. There is help, improvement from the CBT, have to keep at it. Thank You, Lord.
About as adventurous as I get is raising my arms in praise. Or possibly playing the “air drums” when listening to worship music. I enjoy music much, but not able to sychronize with it well. Very much looking forward to church tomorrow morning – the worship music so prepares me to receive the Word.
A wonderfully relaxing day at home. Unhurried, grading, running an errand, treating myself to a pizza and a long walk on a mild evening before it got dark. It was good to just be around home without concern for time.
Thinking of Ally and her little kittie friends. I am ready to get another one or two – but will be traveling during the holidays as well as back to Florida in January. I am reluctant to get any prior to these trips, but find myself thinking of a pet adoption center right by my school. It is where I donated all of Roger’s food this summer. May have to stop by there and look in the cages.
I’m not much of a dancer, but I sway to music in church as I worship sometimes. Music moves me deeply. I love to sing for the Lord.
I am trying to express my thankfulness to God several times a day, focusing on our blessings.
Lewis came home today and I’m trying to get him to eat. He ate fairly well at the vets, but hasn’t been interested since he got home. He’s definitely better, but needs to eat and stay hydrated. Thanks so much for your prayers for us.
Julie, I hope somehow the Walk.and Talk.will be revived. Robert, I am in agreement that we Methodists need to get back to the methods. Praying more members of your church will become more open to the idea of being a lay servant. Jill, prayers as you consider adopting another kitty or 2.
We’ve had beautiful days here in middle Georgia, but I would love to see some fall color. Fall is my favorite season.
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