It Is Well With My Soul
Scripture: Psalm 23:1-3, Luke 5:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Ice Breakers
Mingle Bingo (See attached pdf Bingo Card)
Two truths and a lie – Share three “facts” about yourself – except one will be completely made up. The group has to guess which of your “facts” is a fib.
Worship
“You Say” by Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaT8Jl2zpI
CRAFT
Epsom Salt Bath Crystals
What you’ll need the following, which are available at Amazon
Coarse Grain Epsom Salt
Essential Oils
Dried Florals
Glass Vials With Corks
Directions:
- Fill vial halfway with Epson salt and add 5 drops of essential oil of choice
- Add a pinch of crumbled dried florals
- Replace cork and gently shake vial so Epson salt and essential oil mix together
- Fill vial with Epson salt, leaving room at the top
- Add 5 more drops of essential oil and a pinch of crumbled dried florals
- Replace cork and shake gently
- Enjoy by emptying contents into a warm bath and relax!
Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser:
Territorial Project Video – Watch: https://youtu.be/by-spGEUD8Y
(This could be done for any corps, divisional or territorial project)
- Decide on a goal (a. How much do you want to Raise? b. How many people would you like to attend? c. How much should each ticket cost?)
- Decide on a date. Be sure to check your local, divisional, and territorial calendars to ensure your availability.
- Decide on entertainment.
TIPS:
- Make sure the vision is well-articulated and guests are aware of where their support is going.
- Consider offering an opportunity for local restaurants to sponsor the event and provide the food and beverages.
- Entertainment is important! Consider making it a community talent show!
GROUP CRAFT/SNACK
Budget-Friendly Charcuterie Board
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Blackberries
- Grapes (red or green)
- Sliced Salami
- Block of White Cheddar Cheese
- Brie Cheese
- Blue Cheese Wedge
- Green Olives (Stuffed with pimento, garlic or jalapeño)
- Chocolate Bars
- Crackers
- Nuts
Not sure how to make a charcuterie board? Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12M588-jT4w
It Is Well With My Soul
When is the last time you asked yourself, “Hey self, how are you?” What would your honest answer be to this question? Sometimes when we are asked, we might reply with a simple response such as, “I’m fine.” But are we fine? It is common for women to run on fumes.
Havre you visited the zoo and seen a flamingo that is a lighter in color than all of the other? That lighter colored one is a mother flamingo. She is lighter in color because she has young ones that she is caring for and she has given all that she has to them. All her energy, nutrients, time, and care have gone into meeting the needs of the ones who depend on her. She takes this role very seriously and gives all that she has to attending to their needs. It takes a very long time for the mother flamingo to get her pink color back. This is one of the very few instances in nature where God presents us with a physical illustration of how depleted women can become while caring for others. She gives happily and freely, because God has created her to give life, nurture and protect her young. Caring for those she is entrusted with is a great privilege she is honored to fulfill. This is part of how we, as women, are made in the image of God, our creator, sustainer and protector. But are we forgetting to rest, recharge and prioritize self-care? Why is it important to protect our own mental health and wellness?
Often, we are left feeling like we are falling short. Have you thought, “I am trying so hard, but it is never enough.” The truth is, we are not broken. We are tired. God has intended for us to rest and recharge. Psalm 23:1-3 says it best: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along right paths.” He doesn’t intend for us to be depleted creatures who are always thirsty, but never drink, or always tired but never rest. Sometimes, we confuse self–care with selfishness. Caring for yourself and taking time to refresh your soul is not selfish. It is your obedience to Him. It is evidence of you being a good steward of some of the greatest gifts he has given you—your mind, body and soul. When you care for yourself, you are equipping all parts of you; your entire self, to be available for God to use for the good of other people and for His glory.
Did you know Jesus often practiced self-care? The gospel tells us when He got tired, He resisted the temptation to run on fumes, and He rested. Luke 5:16 says “He would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” He knew the power of recharging.
Have you ever had a piece of technology stop working? What is the first thing tech support typically says to you? “Have you tried restarting it?” It’s amazing how that works! Nine times out of ten, if something is not working, unplugging it, waiting a moment, and then plugging it in again is all it takes. People are no different. When we are depleted, exhausted, empty and feeling like we are just at the end of our rope, rest is sometimes all we need. But how do we incorporate this as a spiritual discipline in our lives so that we do not get to the position of burn out in the first place?
Here is a simple daily plan to keep you in a place of peace and pouring from an overflowing fountain of blessing.
Pray – Upon waking up, spend a few quiet moments in prayer and do not “hang up the phone.” Meaning, do not end your prayer at all. Speak to God in the morning when you wake, listen to Him, and then keep the phone line open and live the day as if you are walking around with Him on the line with you. You can check in with Him and He with you. Live your day in a constant state of prayer.
Enjoy – Do something that brings you joy. Maybe it is journaling, going for a walk, or reading a good book. Give yourself permission to spend time every day doing something that brings you joy.
Ask – Ask God to fill your cup if you notice it getting low. He wants to sustain you. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 says “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
Create Space – So many of us feel that time is not on our side when it comes to self-care and our mental health. We can all make this excuse. We all have the same number of hours in our day. But we must realize that we can have excuses, or we can have results. We cannot have both. Give yourself permission to create space for you. You are not selfish. You are obedient. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.”
Escape – Take breaks! Jesus encouraged his followers in Mark 6:31 to come with Him and rest when they were all exhausted, even when there was more work to do. Their job was not finished, but they needed rest, so He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” If you feel the need for a break, take the break. God keeps the world spinning, not us.
