'Podcasts' tagged sermons
Have you ever had to compete for someone’s attention or affection? You are together, but it feels like they are a million miles away. They may even look like they are listening to you but you sense that they are somewhere else. It’s easy to do these days. Watch people in a restaurant surrounded by TV screens and it is hard to keep your focus on the people you are with! Our hearts have a tendency to be captivated by something. Sometimes these affections or distractions can be all consuming and it can feel like a battleground in our hearts and minds. We’re going to talk about the root of such things in a 4-part series called “gods AT WAR.” Join us for this discussion. It might make all the difference between a well balanced life, and one that can feel out of control.
There is a popular practice in business to help people prioritize their work. Employees are asked – what can we stop doing – what can we keep doing – what can we start doing? Among other things, it’s meant to weed out activities that take time but which would not be missed if they were stopped. And it is meant to help people manage their often heavy workloads so that energy, time, and resources are devoted to doing the right things in the right way to be successful. Interestingly enough, people often find it hard to let go of things that they have become so accustomed to doing. So how do you start to stop? Over the month of August, we’ve been looking at the Art of Rest – understanding what it is, and the many physical and emotional benefits associated with it. Join us as we close this series with a focus on why it’s important to Start to Stop.
People take a vacation for many reasons. Sometimes you don’t need a real reason. It’s just a good idea. One movie showed couples taking a vacation at a retreat to help mend and restore their relationships. Newlyweds take a honeymoon not only because it’s tradition but it allows them to reconnect and relax in each other’s presence after what could be months of intense preparations and activities. Counselors suggest times away to rest to get back in touch with what matters in your life. Sometimes even a leisurely walk on a sunny day clears the mind, or gives you a chance to have more meaningful conversation with those who are close to you. In the ebbs and flow of life, and the many pressures we face, relationships can suffer – especially the most important ones. But how do we draw close again? It’s worth talking about. Learn more about how Rest Restores Relationship.
Have you ever tried to resist having that extra slice of cake or piece of chocolate sitting in front of you? What helped you decide, for better or worse, or helped you make a choice that you were happy with? Or has there ever been a time when you could not stop thinking about something – maybe a new car that seemed out of reach, something you believed was essential to do your work, or even a new relationship? There are times when our thoughts can overpower us and we may do or say things that seem out of balance. We might start stressing about it or giving it more importance in our daily lives than needed. You might think you just need extra will power to keep the right perspective. What if the ability to resist comes from rest? We’ll explore that concept as we talk about Rest is Resistance.
If you’re like a lot of people, you love a good celebration. Canada Day. The 4th of July. Easter. Christmas. Your wedding anniversary. Your birthday! Those are days that we typically stop to acknowledge something important. We break from routine. We take time out. We remember. One memory and aging expert says that when we overextend ourselves – always having too much to do – it makes it harder to concentrate and remember. What are some of the things that we can’t afford to forget… because if we do, it can change our lives? In fact, we can easily become discouraged. Getting up in the morning can get harder. You might start to wonder when was the last time you actually felt good about anything. We’ll talk about how rest allows us to remember… and get back on track.
We practice many things. We practice how to play the piano. We practice how to drive a car. We practice how to cook. We practice how to play a sport. When was the last time that you practiced how to rest? That almost seems contradictory. You normally practice an activity… not a supposed non-activity. We live in a fast-paced city. In a fast-paced country. In a fast-paced world. But during the month of August, in a sermon series on the Art of Rest, we are going to give ourselves permission to seek and practice rest – as a lifestyle. You might be surprised to learn just how much importance the bible places on the idea of rest… and for many good reasons. Join us each Sunday to hear more about why rest might be different from what you’re thinking it is, and more important than you’ve probably every imagined.