God in Everyday Life
“The last place people look for God and spirituality is right under their feet, in the everyday activities, accidents, and encounters in their lives…the reason so many of us cannot see the red X that marks the spot is because we are standing on it.”
-Barbara Brown Taylor
Many of us are so pressed for time and pulled in so many different directions that just showing up to church feels like an accomplishment. The kids have sports and events, errands need to be done, and we are all lacking sleep. How can we feel spiritually close to God with the fast-paced life we have adopted in our current culture?
Barbara Brown Taylor makes the point in her book, An Altar in the World, that God’s Holy Spirit is with us always, we just need to look. These posts will give several different activities that each week that may or may not help you feel closer to God, even when you are sitting in a traffic jam. It is our hope that by the end of a year you feel more connected to your faith and those around you, even when you cannot be in church.
Week 1
This week try to spend some time with nature. Put away your phone and focus on the five senses. There are a few choices below and some have Bible references. You can do as many or as few as you like. Also, the Bible reference is only there if you chose to use it. It is not necessary to have a Bible to connect to the divine.
Week 2
This week try to focus on the little things as you connect with people. Every detail matters to God because he loves us. Remember to spread that love to others as you encounter them.
Week 3
This week focus on tasks you find mundane, such as cleaning. In the book The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence wrote, “I thought it was a shame that some people pursued certain activities (which, he noted, they did rather imperfectly due to human shortcomings), mistaking the means for the end. Our sanctification does not depend as much on changing our activities as it does on doing them for God rather than for ourselves.” Brother Lawrence spent his time as a monk with the duty of doing the dishes. Through this mundane work he honored God and showed his love for him.
Week 4
This week we will focus on sharing food with others. Jesus shared food with his disciples during the last supper and after his resurrection. John Roberto writes in Living Well, Christian Practices for Everyday Life, “The family meal—dinner at whatever time works for a family—is one of the few rituals that allow us to act out our concern for each other, our need and desire to be together.” You can download this book for free at https://www.lifelongfaith.com/faith-formation-in-christian-practices.html.
-Barbara Brown Taylor
Many of us are so pressed for time and pulled in so many different directions that just showing up to church feels like an accomplishment. The kids have sports and events, errands need to be done, and we are all lacking sleep. How can we feel spiritually close to God with the fast-paced life we have adopted in our current culture?
Barbara Brown Taylor makes the point in her book, An Altar in the World, that God’s Holy Spirit is with us always, we just need to look. These posts will give several different activities that each week that may or may not help you feel closer to God, even when you are sitting in a traffic jam. It is our hope that by the end of a year you feel more connected to your faith and those around you, even when you cannot be in church.
Week 1
This week try to spend some time with nature. Put away your phone and focus on the five senses. There are a few choices below and some have Bible references. You can do as many or as few as you like. Also, the Bible reference is only there if you chose to use it. It is not necessary to have a Bible to connect to the divine.
- Listen to the birds for ten minutes. Remembering that they are God’s creation and that they do not worry about anything. If you would like a Bible reference, look up Mathew 6:26-27.
- Plant a flower. Do this in a mindful matter thinking about the beauty of the plants around us. If you would like a Bible reference, look up Luke 12:27.
- Watch a sunrise or a sunset. This can be done from your car, your home, or outside in nature. Resist the urge to get a camera and take pictures. Enjoy the beauty God is providing.
Week 2
This week try to focus on the little things as you connect with people. Every detail matters to God because he loves us. Remember to spread that love to others as you encounter them.
- Drink tea or coffee with a co-worker. If it is easier for you bring them a cup of something to drink. Enjoy this time with them even if it is just a few minutes while you take a couple sips. Be mindful of the happiness and the connection you both share over the drink. Be sure to look the person in the eye and be genuine when asking about the things they care about.
- The next time you are at the store focus on the person checking out your items. Talk to them about their lives (What is their favorite part of the job?; How long have they done this?; etc.) Through your questions and comments let them know they are appreciated. If you would like a Bible reference, look up Colossians 3:12.
- Go out of your way to connect with a family member or friend you have been meaning to talk to. Call them or go see them. Tell them you miss them and find out about their lives. Be mindful of the sound of their voice, and their body language if you are with them. If you would like a Bible reference, look up Luke 6:31.
Week 3
This week focus on tasks you find mundane, such as cleaning. In the book The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence wrote, “I thought it was a shame that some people pursued certain activities (which, he noted, they did rather imperfectly due to human shortcomings), mistaking the means for the end. Our sanctification does not depend as much on changing our activities as it does on doing them for God rather than for ourselves.” Brother Lawrence spent his time as a monk with the duty of doing the dishes. Through this mundane work he honored God and showed his love for him.
- While cleaning remember that this is a gift. We are lucky to have a home to clean; we are lucky to have others to serve; we are lucky to have an opportunity to show God’s love to those that use this space. Let God’s love be shown in the work you do.
Week 4
This week we will focus on sharing food with others. Jesus shared food with his disciples during the last supper and after his resurrection. John Roberto writes in Living Well, Christian Practices for Everyday Life, “The family meal—dinner at whatever time works for a family—is one of the few rituals that allow us to act out our concern for each other, our need and desire to be together.” You can download this book for free at https://www.lifelongfaith.com/faith-formation-in-christian-practices.html.
- Work with someone you care for to make a meal, even if it is just a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Show care when working with the person, slow down and enjoy the moment. If you would like a Bible reference, look up 1Corinthians 10:31.
- Have dinner with someone using the fancy table settings. Pull out the cloth napkins, use the good glasses, and watch the mood change. Turn off the TV, set aside the phones, say a blessing over the meal and enjoy your time with the food and each other. If you would like a Bible reference, look up Deuteronomy 12:7.
- Make food for someone in need. Be aware of how the food will nourish the person in need. Let God’s love be shown in the meal. Say a prayer over the food.
"VOCATION MEANS CALLING"
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For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare, not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Download the above file to find a synopsis of Max Lucado's book, Cure for the Common Life, which gives us excellent questions to consider as we ponder and pray about changes to our vocations throughout our lifetimes. According to a press release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on March 31, 2016, the average number of job changes for people between the ages of 18-48 was 11.7. With each change and opportunity, whether chosen or not, God will lead and guide us into a deeper walk with Him and to work that suits the gifts He has given us in order to fulfill His will and purpose in our lives.
Spiritual Gifts Assessment Tool ELCA Website
Job seekers can use this occupational database provided by the US Department of Labor to accomplish the following:
- Identify which jobs match interests, skills, and experience
- Explore career growth profiles using the latest labor market data
- Research requirements for a “dream” job
- Maximize earning potential and job satisfaction
- Know what it takes to be successful in a chosen field and related occupations
ONE STOP CAREER RESOURCE
Click icon in order to explore how to write an excellent resume, cover letter and reference sheets!
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Great resource for technical assistance on the "how to's" of writing job search documents. Click to check it out!
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Check out Richard Bolles' books and his JobHunter'sBible website to discover the most effective job search strategies for a tough job market.
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Networking is the key to getting your next job; join --> |
Click to open your free account.
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Learn how to write your ELEVATOR SPEECH to effectively network!
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FINDING THE BEST MATCH IN AN EMPLOYER
After identifying the God given gifts that you bring to the employer table, research companies/organizations that match who God created you to be, i.e., find an employer that matches your values, mission, goals and needs the skills God has given you. This can be accomplished by using LinkedIn, as well as Glassdoor:
Richard Bolles recommends looking at the employers who are within the travel range you are willing to drive to see which ones match; here are some company lists that can help you identify what company and where you might desire to work:
Often employers with an international scope provide more job security due to diverse markets; check out the companies that are international in scope at this web link button:
Even though the article below was written for US News & World Report in 2011, the main points still fit job seekers in the current job market!
Please send any resources that you'd like to see added to this site to Doris Haugen at dabhaugen@comcast.net, so this page can continue to be developed!