Dear Yogis, Friends and Supporters of Shalem,

We aren't meant to run this race alone. God is with us - whether we acknowledge his presence or not. April and May are a time of closure and birth. The seasons are getting us back outdoors to new growth and, depending on your season of life, attend graduations, prep teens for proms and showcases and host meetings. We are trying to close deals before summer vacations roll in, finalize our hot weather trips, wrap up school years and mail taxes! And then there are layers of grief, loss, addiction and pain that still sit underneath these busy times. No wonder we call May the new December: aka Mayhem. April seems like it's dating May and it feels overwhelming for some.

When the author of Hebrews explained: "start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus--the pioneer and perfector of our faith" the Jesus-follower did not want us running a race that would drive us to exhaustion or break down. I suspect the author wanted to underline we are in this life with Jesus - that he was the one that showed the way, is the way and will be the way. We do not need to busy and run ourselves needlessly. How on earth do I do that? How do I follow? I'm not an expert, Biblical scholar or minister; but I have been "tired, worn out and burnt out on religion" before.....

My hope and prayer for us this April/Mayhem is to follow Jesus. Linger with Jesus. Carve out nothingness time to hang with Jesus. It will be boring in an age of iphones, streaming and 24/7 news. It has, it does and it will get me uncomfortable enough when I practice just hanging with Jesus. It's in that awkwardness or discomfort that I realize I need it all the more. I have to admit I'm bored with Jesus to Jesus. That right there is a starting point the pioneer and perfector of our faith can work with. He was on earth--a human--and experienced boredom! I do not think he was entertained on earth 24/7. So maybe I'll keep meeting him there---on my mat, in the early am on my couch and in the Word that I resist? Maybe we can be bored together long enough for the slow work of his love, grace, creativity and compassion to take hold so I come back? Yes. Lord help us, yes. Amen.

If you're mapping out quiet time with Jesus and need a nudge (aka accountability--it's what I need!) you are welcome to join us Wednesdays 930-1030am April 23 & 30 and May 7 & 14. Grateful for this community that helps me be accountable (and admit boredom in quiet time!:) because the worldliness is strong--BUT GOD.......

Warmly,

Brooke

All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and the saving." (Ephesians 2:7-9 MSG)

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

Email: brookelovelace@me.com
Website: www.shalemyoga.com
Phone: 615-521-5722