For our second week of our Attitude of Gratitude Workshop we challenged ourselves to focus on the joys of the season rather than the stress. One suggestion for doing this was to make two lists in your journal. The first listing the things that cause you stress and the second things that bring you joy. Our hope is that throughout Advent we can spend less time focusing on the stressful things and spend more energy on the joyous. One person took a different take on this list making exercise. She wrote things that cause her stress in the first column and then in the second, how to deal with that stress. This was a great approach and a reminder that the journal is personal. The theme of refocusing is a jumping off point so express it in a way that is most effective and meaningful to you! If writing a list is not your style feel free to express your list visually.
The Bible passages used for refocusing dealt mainly with reminding us of Christ which is why we are celebrating to begin with.
The breath prayer used this week was: “Immanuel” on the inhale and “God with us” on the exhale.Matthew 1:23
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“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).Psalm 62:1
1 Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.
I hope your journal continues to be a reminder to breathe this season, take time stretch your muscles to relieve tension and focus on what brings you joy!
Our Closing Prayer:
Lord, as we go through this advent season preparing to celebrate Christmas, help us to see you and the true purpose of this season. Prepare our hearts and clear our minds so that we might not be distracted and discouraged by the noise and busyness. Let us find joy in this season to celebrate fully with our friends and family. –Amen
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