Sunday Supplications

Yesterday was the first day I didn't write something to create a post.

First time in 390 days.

I let the day flow without totally shoulding all over myself and let God lead me without too much controlling rigidity or shame, which seems fitting since the whole vibe of this year is "Following Forward."

As I've mentioned before, in 2024, I finally finished the daily posts that will become part of Journey From the Ashes, a book I have wanted to write for over 10 years.

I'm now working through the organizing process to get to editing and publishing.

Of course, that's all much harder than I had anticipated.

Most things worthwhile are, I suppose.

But one thing is for sure: I love writing and connecting with all of you, so I'm going to keep going and posting here even though I'm not sure where this new Following Forward is going (ironic, I know).

Anyhoo, back to yesterday.  

I started the day sipping coffee with a friend as we immersed ourselves in deep talks, tears, and laughter, sharing experiences of how we hold ourselves back and encouraging each other to get out of our own ways and follow where God is leading us.

Weaved into our deep discussion was a powerful chat about laser hair removal, a critical conversation for menopausal women like me who are slowly developing a 1990s-style goatee.

After our time together, I went for a nice long walk in two of my favorite parks as it was a beautiful blue sky, sunny and balmy 30 degrees winter day (I should have worn shorts like some people I saw - not).


Then, I spent hours with friends and family, caring for each other and basking in the time we had together instead of rushing through thinking of everything I had to do.

It was a glorious day.

I'm so glad I listened to God's still, small voice that told me to go and have a good day.

I need to listen more often and silence the critical voice that tells me I must always be at the highest level of productivity.

I'm telling you all this as I'm sure that yesterday you were searching your inbox for my email or refreshing your social media feed, asking, "Where's Erica?" Well, now you know!

Now that I have caught you up on this very important update, I will end with a prayer, as is the new Sunday vibe for our time together as we Follow Forward.

Dearest God,

Thank you for knowing what we need. You know when we need to work and when we need to rest.

Please help us follow your lead and listen to your voice instead of getting pulled into all the overwhelming worries and to-dos that overload our minds. Help us to rest in your arms and revive our weary souls.

Thank you, God, for this life you have given us.

Head to toe, we are more blessed than we know.  

Today, help us rest and appreciate all the blessings surrounding us rather than focus on what is wrong or missing.

Help us remember and thank you for all that you have done for us and how you made a way when we couldn't see a way.

Help us follow you forward and listen to your instructions on where to go.

Amen.

Matthew 11: 28-30

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Psalm 119: 105

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.