| A political season awaits! In a few months, there will be a bombardment of mailings, commercials, and who knows what else. Though I hope every person will be informed and participate in the elections by voting, the political seasons normally bring out the worst in people. For this reason, consider this advice from Francis de Sales: In the addition to a mental solitude to which you can retreat even in the middle of a crowd, learn to love actual physical solitude. There is no need to go out into the desert. Simply spend some quiet time alone in your room, or in a garden, or some other place. There you can think holy thoughts or do a little spiritual reading. One of the great bishops said, āI walk alone on the beach at sunset. I use such recreation to refresh myself and shake off a little of my ordinary troubles.ā Our Lord received a glowing report from the apostles about how they had preached and what a great ministry they had done. Then he said to them, āCome with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some restā (Mark 6:31). When advertisements and communication turn dark, find a place of retreat, a place of solitude. There, you can shake off a little of your ordinary troubles.  This Week’s Readings: *Monday – 1 Thessalonians 5 *Tuesday – 2 Thessalonians 1 *Wednesday- 2 Thessalonians 2 *Thursday -2 Thessalonians 3 *Friday- Romans 1 Prayer Requests: *Children’s safety as they participate in summer activities. *An immediate end to the crisis in Ukraine. *Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. *Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. *Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. *Guidance for those seeking to find their way. *Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| āDonāt worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.ā – Philippians 4:6 |