#active psalms

[marthashlyn3]

‘ Revelations’ Remix ’ featuring God’s new ideas.

[nellasbookplanet]

Book recs: robots and artificial intelligences

A note: I'm differentiating here between artificial intelligence and transhumanism (such as uploaded consciousnesses and cyborgs), which I intend to make a separate rec post for at a later date.

(Titles marked with * are my personal favorites)

Other book rec posts:

Really cool fantasy worldbuilding, really cool sci-fi worldbuilding, dark sapphic romances, mermaid books, vampire books, portal fantasies

Continue beneath the cut for details on the books!

The Outside by Ada Hoffman*

AKA the book the put me in an existenial crisis. Souls are real, and they are used to feed AI gods in this lovecraftian inspired scifi where reality is warped and artifical gods stand against real, unfathomable ones. Autistic scientist Yasira is accused of heresy and, to save her eternal soul, is recruited by post-human cybernetic 'angels’ to help hunt down her own former mentor, who is threatening to tear reality itself apart.

The Prey of Gods by Nicky Drayden

South African-set scifi featuring gods ancient and new, robots finding sentience, dik-diks, and a gay teen with mind control abilities. An ancient goddess seeks to return to her true power no matter how many humans she has to sacrifice to get there. A little bit all over the place but very creative and fresh.

17776: What Football Will Look Like in the Future by Jon Bois*

A multi-media web novel available to read freely online (which you should do!!). I don't want to give too much away as the initial punch of finding things out is part of the journey, but it's both hilarious and profound as it questions the meaning of humanity and life.

Illuminae (Illuminae Files) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff*

Young adult told through the medium of transcripts, text messages and the like (this is one of few books where I highly recommend reading a physical copy over a digital as the visual aspect is much more enjoyable like that). After their colony is attacked, the surviving inhabitants flee on space ships, attempting to avoid the pursuing killers while also dealing with a deadly madening plague on board and a ruthless ship AI seemingly losing its mind.

A Closed and Common Orbit (Wayfarers series) by Becky Chambers*

Technically part two of a series, but stands well on its own as the installments are only losely connected (though I recommend reading the first book as well, it's very good). A former ship's AI recently moved into an illegal android body tries to make sense of life as she navigates her way through humans and aliens alike.

The Quiet at the End of the World by Lauren James*

Young adult. After the spread of a global virus causing infertility, teenagers Lowrie and Shen are now the youngest humans alive as the adults around them race to find a cure. As they investigate the ruins of the world, the two come across records from the past, of how grief stricken people turned to raising artificial children in apps and how these 'children' developed, and through these records the two learn of their history. Also has a bisexual main character!

A Psalm for the Wild-Built (Monk and Robot series) by Becky Chambers

Novella. Long ago, robots, upon gaining sentience, simply laid down their work and walked into the wilderness. Long after, a tea monk looking for purpose follows after them into the wilds, where they come across one of the robots seeking its own sort of answers. While not plotless, this story focuses more on character and vibes over plot. Also has a nonbinary main character and features conversations on gender between human and robot.

All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries) by Martha Wells*

After having hacked its own governor module, SecUnit uses its small amount of new freedom to secretly download and watch as much media as it can between doing its job guarding humans. But when the scientists it’s been charged with keeping safe come under attack, it must make a choice about whether to continue keeping its freedom secret or risk it all to save them. The series features both novellas and full length novels, and balances humor with scathing critique of capitalism.

Machinehood by S.B. Divya

Prudent in the rise of AI and machine learning, Machinehood shows a near future in which humans struggle to find a place on the workforce as more and more jobs are given to AI. Status quo is shaken as a dangerous terrorist group calling itself The Machinehood starts committing attacks. A close look both at the rights of humans in a technologically changing world, and at the rights of AI as their intelligence edges ever closer to full sentience.

The Company of Death by Elisa Hansen*

A wild mix of genres, where a zombie apocalypse has struck and vampires gather up humans to keep their food source from going extinct, a robot travels across America with a young man she's tasked to keep safe, and former-vampire-hunter-recent-zombie Emily teams up with Death himself to stop the apocalypse. Features bi and ace characters! Bonus rec: the author also runs the youtube channel Maven of the Eventide, where she talks about various vampire media. Check it out!

Railhead by Philip Reeve

Young adult. In a future where humanity travel between the stars using not spaceships but a portal-connected system of sentient trains, a young thief and street urchin is hired to steal something off of the Emperor's train.

Being by Kevin Brooks*

Young adult. Cards on the table, I think I was about 14 when I last read this, but it made a strong enough impression that I still think of it as one of my favorite books. After having gone in for a routine exam, doctors make a stunning discovery about Robert Smith: he isn't human. Suddenly hunted, Robert goes on the run as he tries to cope with the fact of his own existence. While I love this book, it gives very few answers to its many mysteries, so don’t go in expecting full explanations.

Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie*

A space opera in which sentient spaceships can walk the ground in stolen human bodies, so called ancillaries. One of these ancillaries, the sole survivor after the complete destruction of her ship and crew, is one the hunt for revenge. This series also does very cool things with gender!

Crier's War by Nina Varela

Who says sci-fi has monopoly on robots? In sapphic YA fantasy Crier's War, artificially created automae have defeated and subjugated humans, who live as second class citizens. Young Ayla goes undercover as a servant, meaning to assassinate automae girl and Sovereign's daughter Crier. This would be easier if the two weren't quick to develop feelings for each other.

My Heart is Human by Reese Hogan

Nine years ago, all complex technology was made illegal. This complicates life for Joel, young transgender single father, as a bionic just uploaded itself into his brain without consent. Scared of losing his daughter, Joel tries to keep the bionic secret while using it to fix his life, but things quickly get more complicated as the bionic gains more and more control of his body. Makes a lot of cool paralells of bodily autonomy to Joel's experiences as a transman. Bonus rec: if you like the general concept of struggling for physical control over one's body with an AI, may I also suggest the (much grittier and gory) movie Upgrade.

The Archive Undying (The Downworld Sequence) by Emma Mieko Candon

In a world where AI gods sometimes lose their minds and take entire populations down with them, Sunai was the only survivor when his god went down. In the 17 years since, he has wandered on his own, unable to either die or age, drowning his sorrows in drink and men. But his attempts to flee his past comes to a stop as he is forced back into the struggle between man and machine. Featuring some pretty wild world building and narrative techniques, this book will definitely confuse you, but it is worth the experience.

Activation Degradation by Marina J. Lostetter

Unit Four comes to life in the middle of a war. The mine it was created to care for is under attack, and as Unit Four is activated with the memories of its predecessors, it is thrown into the task of protecting it at any cost. When the battle leads to its capture, it is prepared to do anything to stop its captors, even as their very presence causes it to question all that it knows.

Sea of Rust by C. Robert Cargill*

Years after the death of the last human at the hands of a robot uprising, Brittle travels the desert searching for machines on the brink of breaking down whose parts she can scavenge. The world is quickly falling apart as a war between OWIs - One World Intelligences - struggle to absorb every robot, willing or not. Bleak and captivating, Sea of Rust features horrible people who you can’t help but root for anyway as they struggle for their lives while questioning the very nature of said lives.

Bonus AKA I haven't read these yet but they seem really cool

Hybrid Child by Mariko Ōhara

Japanese 1990s classic. Follows an escaped AI who can take on the form of the people it has consumed.

World Running Down by Al Hess

Follows a powerful AI that has been forced into an android body against its will.

The Thousand Year Beach by Hirotaka Tobi

Set in a virtual world populated by AIs, meant as a resort for human guests who stopped showing up over a thousand years ago, leaving the AIs on their own.

And Shall Machines Surrender by Benjanun Sriduangkaew

Novella. Machines are the gods and rulers of the Dyson sphere Shenzhen, where humans live in luxury and strive to become host bodies for future AIs.

After On by Rob Reid

Phluttr is a social media and a person, potential hero and potential villain, holder of the secrets of all her users.

Annie Bot by Sierra Greer

Annie Bot was designed to be a perfect girlfriend, but as she learns all the more about being human, perfection becomes all the more distant.

Honorary mentions AKA these didn't really work for me but maybe you guys will like them:

The Lives of Puppets by T.J. Klune, Machines Like Me by Ian McEwan, Barbary Station by R.E. Stearns, The A.I. Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole, Medusa Uploaded by Emily Devenport

[blessedarethebinarybreakers]

Every September, my friend Marc Hong, a professor at Louisville Seminary, hosts Psalmtember. He invites you to join in, too!

Think "Inktober," but in September and with a spiritual focus — and with any art form welcome, from drawing to poetry to photography and beyond. There's also no pressure to create something for every day — do as many or as few as you like.

Here's Marc's description of this artistic event:

Each year, I love to spend a month making art inspired by the Psalms. There are 30 days in September, meaning that I can evenly divide up the 150 Psalms into 5 sets of 30. So, if I do this for 5 years, I will have made art with all of the Psalms. Join me! The prompt list is in the image [as well as below the readmore]. But other words may stand out to you! Or you may try to make art that represents the wholeness of the Psalm. I encourage you to read the text of the whole Psalm each day, consider what emotions it stirs up in you, choose a medium that speaks to you, and make some art! Folks have painted, used ink, drawn with colored pencils, taken photographs, written haikus, and much more. Choose what stirs delight in you!

Tag your post with #psalmtember2023 so we can celebrate the Psalms through art together!

Marc and many others post on Facebook, but I'll be paying attention to the tag here on tumblr. If you create anything you'd like me to share on Facebook on your behalf, DM me.

PSALMTEMBER 2023 PROMPT LIST

SEPT 1 - Psalm 31 - Refuge

SEPT 2 - Psalm 32 - Waters

SEPT 3 - Psalm 33 - Breath

SEPT 4 - Psalm 34 - Radiant

SEPT 5 - Psalm 35 - Net

SEPT 6 - Psalm 36 - Mountains

SEPT 7 - Psalm 37 - Smoke

SEPT 8 - Psalm 38 - Burden

SEPT 9 - Psalm 39 - Burned

SEPT 10 - Psalm 40 - Bog

SEPT 11 - Psalm 41 - Rise

SEPT 12 - Psalm 42 - Deer

SEPT 13 - Psalm 43 - Altar

SEPT 14 - Psalm 44 - Dust

SEPT 15 - Psalm 45 - Robes

SEPT 16 - Psalm 46 - River

SEPT 17 - Psalm 47 - Throne

SEPT 18 - Psalm 48 - City

SEPT 19 - Psalm 49 - Graves

SEPT 20 - Psalm 50 - Tempest

SEPT 21 - Psalm 51 - Clean

SEPT 22 - Psalm 52 - Uproot

SEPT 23 - Psalm 53 - Bones

SEPT 24 - Psalm 54 - Upholder

SEPT 25 - Psalm 55 - Dove

SEPT 26 - Psalm 56 - Bottle

SEPT 27 - Psalm 57 - Shadow

SEPT 28 - Psalm 58 - Snail

SEPT 29 - Psalm 59 - Dogs

SEPT 30 - Psalm 60 - Cracks

[allinsideyourhead]

Seven Psalms is out tomorrow(!!!), so for no reason in particular, here’s Paul in a pink t-shirt.

[kmac4him1st]

Won't He Do It

Psalms 144:1-2 There is only one strong, safe, and secure place for me; it’s in God alone who gives me strength for the battle. He’s my shelter of love and my fortress of faith, who wraps himself around me as a secure shield. I hide myself in this one who subdues enemies before me. Get A Kingdom Perspective Don’t quit. You are seeing things through the eyes of a worldly viewpoint. God is right…

[adrond]

I drew this coloring page a few years ago for the kids in church. You are welcome to download the PDF for free from my blog. Coloring Pages for Kids by Mr. Adron: Free Psalm 91:1Print and Color Page, The Shadow of the Almighty, Bible verse (coloringpagesbymradron.blogspot.com)

[yhebrew]

Maui Tragedy 22 av - 8.9.23 - 2nd Fire IN 10 YEARS

Who is the Remnant to be saved into eternity? Maui gods. Have they blessed the nations of the world. Should they be restored?

What Is The Remnant? The Remnant will remember the dark nights of Rosh Chodesh! I bear my soul in this article of seeing God real in human tragedy. I write this on August 13 2023, my mother’s 95th birthday if she were alive. Our parents raised six children in what they thought was a safe Midwest small town. Turns out pedophiles ruined many lives then and still now. I lived amongst all that sin…

[acebean]

is anyone else suddenly being tagged in random religious stuff and getting asks about it suddenly? i cant find the account that tagged me now so i assume they either untagged me or blocked me when i didn't respond favourably, but now im getting asks talking about god or something idk im not reading all those paragraphs

'Are you ready to be drop-kicked into eternity' is fucking sending me though lmfao

[yaboiwormy]

Mmmmm clear water, lakes that you can see the bottom of, shallow puddles, slow moving rivers with pebblesSLOW MOVING RIVERS WITH PEBBLES

[dandelionsandderivatives]

As a teenager, I memorized The Cremation of Sam McGee in case I was ever called upon to recite. I know a few shorter poems and bits of poetry, but that's the longest piece I know all the way through.

I haven't been asked to recite anything as an adult, but if it ever happens, I'm ready.

Since we're talking of recitations, I am curious. Do any of you have poems or other pieces by heart which are your go-to if there is need for a recitation? Or perhaps ones you learned in childhood but have never forgotten?

[thewordfortheday]

Psalm 37:5,7 'Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this..Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.

Sometimes it's hard to understand why God doesn't allow things to happen straightaway. An important lesson that I am continuing to learn each day is that God works things out in His own perfect timing.

'There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.' Ecclesiastes 3:1

Perhaps God wants you to wait for a time before He gives you your desires. Every gift that comes from God is worth waiting for. In the Bible, there are lots of examples of where we see God's children being made to wait before their prayers are answered. In 1 Samuel chapter 1, we read how Hannah had to wait for a child, she wept and prayed out of great anguish before the Lord and He answered her prayers.

Habakkuk 2:3 tells us ...'For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.'

Wait patiently on the Lord, trust in Jesus and He will work things out for you.

The most important point to remember is that God loves you and He wants the best for you.

[marthashlyn3]

My Bachelor of Science = 90 degrees

HS ⁹⁰ = 90°

To the power of 90.

↥

π/2.

MartyMeMinistry.

[heavenlymorals]

Biblical References in Both RDR games.

I love biblical references so much. When it comes to literature, it's probably my favorite type of symbolism. Like I genuinely get so happy when I connect things to the Bible which is what I'm going to do right now 😊😊 I also like the way that religion is incorporated into RDR as a whole, including the main characters' reaction to it.

So yup, here are just a few references or connections that I was able to make in no particular order.

Also, some of these are complete reaches and I'm aware of that, but fuck it, it's my blog and I do what I want 💪🏼

- The character and tragedy of Issac. In the Bible, Issac is the child of Abraham who is asked to be sacrificed by God by his father as a test of faith. God eventually intervenes to save Issac because he only wanted to test Abraham's faith. Dutch is shown as a God-like figure to the gang, as their devotion is to him. Arthur, indirectly, sacrifices Issac by not being there and by following what Dutch wanted. Arthur, Issac, and Dutch are parallels to Abraham, Issac, and God.

- Leviticus is the book that comes after the book of Exodus. After the gang's escape or exodus from Blackwater after the Blackwater massacre, they are met by Leviticus Cornwall, who becomes the next obstacle for the gang. After the gang's exodus, they get in trouble with Leviticus.

- The image of the deer and a mountain. Psalm 18:32-34 in the Bible says, "It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way blameless? He makes my feet like deers' feet, and sets me upon my high places." In Arthur's condemnation of Dutch, Micah, and their evil, he becomes steady in his identity and beliefs, like a deer's feet on a mountain, which is where he dies in the end. W symbolism.

- The mission "Sodom? Back to Gomorrah." In the Bible, Sodom and Gomorrah were two cities that were so morally depraved and evil that God decided to destroy the both of them, saying that if there was even one good person in those cities, he'd spare them, but there weren't. In those missions, you also do two evil acts, going from one and then BACK to the other. You rob the bank and then go BACK to collect the debt from Edith Downes. So you finish one evil deed and to straight to the next. This can also show how morally bankrupt Arthur's apathy made him at this point in the game.

- Micah's guns say "Vengeance is hereby mine." This could be a reference to Roman's 12:19 "vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord." Micah's violent nature makes him take his anger out on the world.

- "Your father is seduced by him with the forked tongue. It's no use hoping." The blind prophet to Arthur. Pretty straight forward symbolism, it's a nod to the snake that seduced Eve, just like how Micah manipulates Dutch.

- Dutch walking away from Arthur when he dies and though he realizes his wrong doing and feels shame, his pride forbids him from apologizing or saying he was wrong. This can be a parallel to how Adam and Eve run away from God when they feel shame over believing in the snake, but their pride won't allow them to apologize to God, hence damning them like how Micah damned Dutch.

- There were twelve ACTIVE gang members before the Blackwater massacre. When I mean active, I mean gang members who are canonically consistent (so not uncle, Swanson, Strauss, or the girls) on going on jobs for the gang. Micah, Bill, Javier, John, Hosea, Arthur, Charles, Sean, Lenny, Josiah, Mac and Davey Callender. Christ had 12 disciples and Dutch is portrayed as a savior to the gang, or a Christ like figure. And would you look at that, there is a traitor in both groups of twelve (Micah and Judas).

- Both John and Arthur's graves have scripture from Jesus's sermon on the mountain (Matthew 5:1-12). John's is blessed are the peacemakers and Arthur's is blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

- The go back for the money ending. If you go back for the money and have low honor, you'll see that the camp is engulfed in flames as you try to get the money. The fight with Micah is brutal and you die faced down in the dark. This death is an allegory for going to either hell and purgatory as you choose a final evil act of leaving your brother to possibly die just so you can get money as an act of revenge. If you have high honor, you are still surrounded by flames, but you still have a chance at heaven given that you die facing up seeing the light one final time.

- The help John ending has similar connotations. If you have low honor, you die by gunshot and are shrouded in darkness, which can symbolize the absence of God's light and how Arthur's final act couldn't absolve the lack of guilt he feels for the rest of the actions that he KNOWS are evil (click here for a my interpretation of Arthur's morality). In high honor, though, you get to crawl to the mountain side and see the rising sun, symbolizing heaven, warmth, and a new purity.

- In low honor, the coyote goes down to a dark cave, representing damnation and the rejection of holy light. In high honor, the deer steps into a heavenly field of light. Love that so much to be honest.

- Just the very Catholic vibe of Arthur's redemption. Doing good deeds, feeling guilt, all that.

- John's new life is basically this: "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need." -Ephesians 4:28. John gives up his old life to be an honest laborer, a rancher, and a proper man.

- The Strange Man in RDR rides on a donkey, which is pretty interesting because Jesus Christ also made his grand entry on a donkey.

- Just the Strange Man in general to be honest. Some say he's God, others say he's the Devil, and others say he's Cain from the Bible, which is my personal favorite theory but whatever.

- Dutch's horse could be a reference to Revelations 6:8- "And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed him." Dutch's rash actions caused the death of the gang and RDR's incarnate of Hades or Hell was Micah, following him. Dutch is the only one, canonically, to have a pale horse.

- "Am I prepared for eternal damnation? Am I passed any kind of saving? Or is that just fairy tales?" Arthur in his journal. I love this line so much because of its very agnostic nature whilst still showing the Christian mindset of 1899 America. This line also shows that Arthur is canonically agnostic which is a yippee from me because it's like the only thing me and this man have in common lmao 😭

- "Bad news awaits you, sir. Sadly, sooner than you think. But beyond the news, paradise awaits. Paradise.." Blind Man Cassidy to Arthur. Sorry but I just love that. High honor Arthur lived such an awful life but he still has a chance at paradise and heaven? Love that so much.

- God (pun intended), I love biblical symbolism. Couldn't you tell?

[scleroticstatue]

So, a while back, I ran a poll about how people interpret the Bible and I really feel like I should address the elephant in the room about Scientific interpretation. Specifically: none of us are doing it. Some of y'all even think it's heretical to interpret the Bible like that and I gotta say, God is (probably) sad if you feel like that.

See, most of scientific advancement pre-1900s was done by Christians — often Monks — and a lot of it was actually based on things they'd found reading the Bible. For example, wind and water currents were discovered because a guy was sick in bed reading Psalms, which said "the fish in the paths of the sea" and "the birds in the paths in the air." He'd never seen any paths in the sea, so he went looking for them and discovered ocean currents. Likewise, the Big Bang Theory was proposed by a Catholic bishop who figured, since the Bible said the universe had a beginning, the universe must have a beginning. Many of Newton's astronomical calculations were to explain Daniel & Revelation and his Observations on them are the foundation of experimental science.

And there are things there that you probably didn't even know! Circumcision happens on day eight, which is when blood clotting for newborns is most active and most safe. Epigenetics shows that an event can change DNA for 3-4 generations, the same amount of time God gives to generational curses. The air has weight. The Earth is suspended on nothing.

I'm not saying the Bible is a road map for how science has declared the world works, but I am saying that many of us could have our scientific minds opened by the Bible if we took time to read it like that. And I'd even challenge y'all to read it like that just once and see what you can find, both scientific principles that affirm what science knows and things for further research. You might just discover something brand new.

[windvexer]

Do you know any simple purification anti negative repellants to place periodically around the home? When I was a teenager, for example, I used to visit my friend's grandma's house in Florida and I saw that she had small bowls of salt in each of the rooms and my friend at the time had told me it was to ward off negativity and bad spirits. Have you heard of any of that yourself and while using salt?

Thank you!

Yes, these kinds of "ambient" spells (thanks again to @aesethewitch for the term) are common. Exactly what is prescribed is very cultural and really depends on your beliefs.

It is my belief that most anything you place out, including something as mundane as a dish of salt, should be worked over in some manner. Reading Psalms, prayers, enchantments, or energy work are examples of how to "activate" these charms.

Salt in dishes is a fine way to get it done. An onion, quartered and placed in the corners of the room, is also said to be purifying. (During the pandemic lockdown era, my coworkers apparently thought quartered onions in a room was a scientifically proven way to purify the air and limit infection... I imagine they also would have thought highly of four thieves vinegar).

A white candle burned by the front door can cleanse energies that come into the house. Or, a living rosemary bush (or I imagine, any plant able to protect and cleanse) by the entryway can be assigned to purify energies going into the house.

A wide variety of constructed talismans and charms can also serve this purpose, and they can be very simple. Especially look into religious or spiritual symbols. A solar cross, pentacle, Jesus t, crucifix, triskelion, etc, can all be used to protect a space from unwanted energies.

Purifying powers can be combined with normal cleaning routines for an especially potent outcome.

Although protecting from unwanted energies isn't the same as purification, I find it's pretty danged helpful.

Other folk charms, like horseshoes and brooms hung over doorways, are said to limit intrusion.

For animists or monster lovers, figures of protective animals or monsters (including beings of myth, such as Medusa) can be placed near entryways and asked to guard against unwanted energies.

[thatgentlewife]

Living a Slow and Purposeful Life as a Christian 🍲✨☕️🌷

In today’s world, we are often told to do more, achieve more, and be more. Social media can amplify this pressure, showing us glimpses of others’ seemingly perfect lives, accomplishments, and busyness. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’re falling behind or not doing enough. But as Christians, we’re called to live differently. Our purpose isn’t found in worldly achievements but in living a life that glorifies God and reflects His peace.

Here are some ways to live a slower, more purposeful life centered on Christ:

1. Prioritize Time with God

Start and end your day with God. Spend unhurried time reading the Bible, praying, and meditating on His Word. This sets the tone for a day that’s focused on Him rather than your to-do list. Jesus Himself often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16).

Tip: Use a physical Bible instead of a Bible app to avoid distractions from notifications.

2. Focus on Relationships, Not Tasks

It’s easy to get caught up in rushing through our days, but Jesus teaches us to prioritize people over productivity. He stopped to heal, listen, and minister to others, even when He was busy. Make time to truly connect with others—family, friends, coworkers—and show them Christ’s love.

Tip: Schedule margin into your day so you have time to respond to others without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Simplify Your Life

Examine your commitments and let go of activities or responsibilities that don’t align with your God-given purpose. Overcommitting often leads to stress and distracts from what truly matters.

Tip: Ask yourself, Does this glorify God or bring me closer to Him? If not, it might be time to let it go.

4. Be Intentional with Social Media

Social media can create a false sense of urgency and comparison, making us feel like we’re behind in life. Limit your time online and follow accounts that inspire your faith, not your insecurities.

Tip: Set specific times for social media use and consider a day of fasting from it each week to refocus on God.

5. Embrace Rest as a Gift from God

God created us to rest. He rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3) and commands us to do the same. Rest isn’t laziness; it’s obedience and trust that God is in control. Take time to slow down, enjoy creation, and recharge.

Tip: Create a restful Sabbath routine that includes worship, prayer, and activities that refresh your soul.

6. Live in the Present Moment

Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow because each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). When we rush through life, we miss the beauty of the present. Ask God to help you be fully present, whether you’re spending time with loved ones or doing mundane tasks.

Tip: Practice gratitude by pausing throughout the day to thank God for His blessings.

7. Let Go of Perfectionism

We often rush because we’re striving for perfection or trying to meet unrealistic expectations. Remember that your worth comes from Christ, not your accomplishments. Rest in His grace and allow yourself to slow down.

Tip: Replace thoughts of “I should be doing more” with the truth: God’s grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Final Thought

Living a slow and purposeful life as a Christian isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing what matters most. When we make God the center of everything we do, we can step off the treadmill of busyness and embrace the abundant life He offers. Let go of the rush, and let His peace guide your steps.

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

With love,

Thatgentlewife