“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Friends, we are at that halfway mark in the year. It is time to take a moment, reflect, and regroup. I have been pondering how important our hearts, minds, and bodies are to Jesus. We live in a fast paced, beautiful, and crazy world. We are up against many things, but God made us to be here and now; He chose us for this time, “For a time such as this”, “to do good things.” Even in the chaos, we can honor him in the way we choose to live. I don’t always do this well, but it is my goal to operate in His peace, create balance, and aim for quality. I am a busy woman just like you! Busy, being a child of God, loving my hubby, raising children, parenting an adult kiddo, working, volunteering, learning, ministry, keeping space for nurturing friendships. The list goes on and on, right? And with all that goes on in life to manage, the many hats we wear, I can lose myself sometimes and I wondered if you do too? Do you need a reminder to just breathe? There are several studies done on deep breathing. Personally, I’ve found that taking a few moments to breathe and clear my mind is so soothing, while providing a calm over my nervous system. I’m learning to live in the moment means I can pause and enjoy life even in the normal every day. Ya’ll, breathing isn’t just for vacation!

So join me this summer! Here are a few practical things I purposely do that help me stay grounded when I am stressed! Pause and take some breaths, go for a prayer walk, grab a specialty coffee at a favorite coffee shop, smile at someone, get lost in the moment with your kiddos or someone you love, notice a birds coloring or a flowers beauty, go for a hike or get some exercise (10 Squats, 20 counter top pushups, 20 knee raises ), make your hair look nice, put on lip gloss, spend time in prayer, read one scripture out of the Bible, get ice cream, think of something funny, sit in the quiet with dim lights and just breathe, write down what you’re thankful for, listen to a motivational message, bake cookies or a meal for someone, learn something new, read a book to your children even if they are grown, listen to music, dance, write out goals or have a mind dump, call a friend instead of texting, think of people to pray for, make a flower arrangement, and talk in a way that speaks life.

I hope this little note reminds you that it is time to take a minute to cultivate balance in your life. We create balance by taking time out with God and taking care of the body, mind, and soul. God gave us our bodies and lives to do good works! He designed us to live with love, purpose, confidence, and resilience. I am sure you all have your list of pick-me-ups, calm downs, but there are times when it feels like we cannot do these small, uplifting gestures that can truly change the trajectory of the day. This may be the friendly reminder you need… Choose to just breathe!

 Some scriptures to meditate on:

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples 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 bodies.” (1corinthians 6: 19-20)

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:11)

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us a new in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

“For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36 NLT)

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our maker: for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.” (Psalm 95:6-7)

 Father God,

We are seeking you in the moments of our lives, help us to pause long enough to breathe and align our hearts with yours. Help us not to hold our breath for vacation but instead breathe instep with you, In Jesus name I pray.

God bless your moments and your week!