Reenergizing My Heart

I had an 8am appointment to try out an exercise class. The premise of the class was so interesting. The appointment was originally on Thursday night and they changed it, because the person on the phone said, "I don't have anyone available at that time." I said, "Saturday at 8am."

I did try to message to let them know I wasn't coming. I would have had to call and they open at 8am.

Instead, I grabbed my camera, my iPad, prayer book, and my water and found a place on the bay to sit and read, practice a little photography, and listen to some music. It's a gorgeous day and the air was perfect for this time to enjoy outside in the sun.

I'm trying to finish reading "The Energy Bus" by Jon Gordon, so I can finish reading the other three books I'm reading. Those are just the other two books I'm currently working through. I don't really even know how many books I'm reading right now. I flip back and forth like television series. I do what I do.

Jon Gordon's storyline in "The Energy Bus" has truly pulled me in and I read a third of the book this morning. I want to hang his ten lessons on my wall both at home and it work.

I never read a passage in a book that defined me more closely than the explanation for rule number 7. "Chief Energy Officers live and work with enthusiasm. They tap the power of their heart by getting excited about being alive, by filling up with loads of positive energy, and by being optimistic about life and work. They don't let fear stop them. No, they charge forward with positive and powerful energy and look at challenges..." I believe I let fear slow me down.

Another profound statement came from Jon Acuff's "Do Over." I have the audible version and I keep thinking I might have to buy the kindle version if not the paperback! I know I'm not the only person who owns multiple versions of more than one book.

Here's what Jon says,"Sharpening skills is about learning to outsmart yourself. Dealing with our first times. The first time you do something should be the hardest time you ever have doing it...First times should be the worst times when it comes to learning something new. Learn something new from your experience. The more we can make something routine and stop giving it brain power, the easier it is to apply that brain power somewhere else in our life."

One of the ways I over think is in my actions as a Christ follower. Do I pray the right way? Is how I do it indicative of my faith? What if I'm not doing it right? Am I living in a dreamworld where I think I'm a Christ follower and I'm really not? Am I going to get turned away from heaven's gate by Saint Peter?

What am I doing about my faith walk? I'm following Christ's teaching by reading God's holy word, spending time in quiet to hear in my heart what He has for me, and looking for ways to reflect his love and grace to those around me. We are members at a local church, however we don't know any other members. We go to mass occasionally, but that's it. I've tried a few different programs to be connected, but I haven't found the thing yet. Quarantine truly made me see my own introverted personality. I truly energize when I am alone. I am signing up for a 28 Day Spiritual Growth Accelerator to gain confidence and I am faithfully believing I will be changed for the positive and possibly even gain some godly connections online. I found the 28 day Spiritual Growth Accelerator though my new friend, Melanie Redd, who is with Women Living Courageously and Love Worth Finding. These are both great resources for strengthening ourselves spiritually.

I'm sure I will share more on my journey very soon. One day, I'm going to come up with a common closing statement, because for me that will be a way to save some brainwork. For now, I will say the work and experience of the last two weeks has served to reenergize my heart and it feels so good.

I'm closing this as Hurricane Ian is nearing landfall just south of our location in Clearwater, Florida and the wind is increasing. I wonder how long we will have power.