July 1: IF WE ONLY DO WHAT WE'RE FAMILIAR WITH, WE MIGHT MISS WHAT WE'VE BEEN MADE FOR.

Affirmation: I am kind to myself. I allow myself to slow down and enjoy life.

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; 

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This is a great reminder to Cultivate Calm and Stillness and to Let Go of Anxiety as a Lifestyle. I have learned that just a 2-5 minute quiet time to focus on God brings me calm and stillness. I have 

made this a daily habit. (Still much to learn and grow for me.)

https://www.gathered.how/arts-crafts/art/watercolor-painting-ideas/

Another way to slow down is to cultivate your creativity. Try some watercolor painting.

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Ponder: Begin by reading James 1:5 over about 5 times as you begin to memorize it and focus on words that stand out for you. Spend time talking to God about wisdom and listen quietly for Him to respond.

1. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
   James1:5 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/jas.1.5.NIV
   

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Walk in Grace. Live in Love By Bob Goff

                        July 1

IF WE ONLY DO WHAT WE'RE FAMILIAR WITH, WE MIGHT MISS WHAT WE'VE BEEN MADE FOR.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 

1 PETER 4:10 

Before Walt Disney dreamed up Disneyland, he was fired from his job at a newspaper in Kansas City because his editor said he "lacked imagination." Can you believe it? The editor missed that one in a big way. Whenever I'm at Tom Sawyer Island, I think about what would've happened if Walt Disney had dug in his heels at the newspaper instead. The world would have never met Mickey Mouse. Failure forced Walt Disney to pursue his passion. 

Our habits shape our days, and our days make up our lives. Without much thought, we can settle into routines that keep us stagnant for decades. There's nothing wrong with staying put if you've found your passion, but many of us have a dream tucked away inside of us, a dream fear keeps us from pursuing. We fear we don't have the skills or resources to see the project through. We worry we won't be able to weather financial instability as we transition. We tell ourselves there are already other people doing it, and the world doesn't need one more voice to add to the noise. 

If we only do what we're familiar with, we might miss what we've been made for. God didn't put those passions inside of you just to give you material for your daydreams. He gave them to you because your gifts and personality uniquely qualify you to do the things God created you to do. Don't get so comfortable where' you are that you miss where God wants to take you. 

What gifts do you have that God might want to use?