Daily Bread

"So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."

Acts 2:46,47

Each week I go through what I like to call my "Friday ritual". I methodically scan the shelves of my refrigerator, freezer and pantry. I throw out old leftovers, check dates on items I'm not sure about, and take note of well loved products I need to replace. I make a menu for the coming week of what we will eat each night, not forgetting our breakfast and lunch meals. I have a running list as I check for needed toiletries and give Dana a quick text to ask if there is anything I shouldn't leave the store without.

I wipe down all of the shelves and clean out all of the drawers in my fridge and pantry so that they are ready to welcome the fresh produce and canned goods that will be joining the fam.

There is something to be said about being organized for the week ahead. For being prepared for what our next meal will be that will sustain us and nourish our bodies to keep us going for our daily life. To be well thought out and prepared for the week so that we can be confident in knowing our body will be satisfied so that it can take us where we need to go and accomplish and sustain us for our tasks ahead.

Each week I go to church, (Lord willing). I like to call it my "Sunday ritual". (Not to be confused with ritualism.) It's a day to recalibrate; start fresh. I walk into my Sunday School Class and give hugs and hellos to all my classmates. We talk about our past week and usually always have a few good laughs. We have an in depth lesson, some thorough insights, and we make a list of prayer requests that need to be brought before the Lord in prayer, always remembering to pray for one another. We dismiss and head into our worship service.

We then join together with the rest of our church family to worship with hymns and praise music as we listen to a special song sung by our choir or an individual. We share more prayer requests and bless our tithes and offerings. Then we are privileged to sit under God's Word given in a message by our Pastor. We are fed the Word.

I leave our church building inspired, knowing that I have a family that loves me, supports me and has my back. They encourage me and lift me up, preparing my heart and soul for the week ahead. I soak this experience up each week and let it absorb into my being. To be part of a church family is so fulfilling to me. It is life giving.

..."speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God." (Eph. 5:19-21)

I find myself in church each week, and just like the food I eat to keep my body moving, I rely on my church to help refuel me when life gets me down. Refresh me when my spirit might be weary, and restock my emotional supply closet when I need extra christian love and support.

I also look for ways to be available to love on others that need a hug, a smile or an encouraging word. To pray with someone who has had an extra rough week. Or just be there as an example of a loyal church member.

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Heb. 10:25)

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, thank you for establishing the church. We are many different members but we make up one body. I rejoice in You my Savior! Amen.