SheologieSheologie
August 2020  by

What Fills Your Cup?

From the title of this post, you might think that we are talking about your favorite brew from SOPO or that fresh cup of hot tea? No, I am talking more about your heart cup. So let’s take a different road and ask yourself … what fills your cup with joy and contentment? Sometimes it’s that gleeful feeling or maybe that deep warm contentment, but joy comes in many forms.

Taking time to reflect on what brings you joy and contentment is critical to the Christian walk and certainly in today’s times. It helps you stay focused on what really matters in the middle of chaos and helps you remain joyful and content during trials. It’s good to take an inventory of what cultivates joy and contentment in our lives.

Let me share with you some things that bring me joy.

My Faith … ultimately centering

In the morning, I rise early to set the stage for the day, to be inspired – to encourage – to readjust. Daily time in the Word and quiet conversation with the Lord helps me to be equipped for the day and bask in His love.

My Family …

Family brings me joy. Believers as family or your own family … we are joined. My children, now grown and with families, my sisters who have become my closest friends and now my grandchildren all bring me joy. All in different seasons of our lives, we bring different perspectives of joy and contentment. Whether virtual or in person, that bond between believers and family is sustaining.

My Afternoon Teas … let me serve you

One of my favorite things to do is to serve afternoon tea. Whether one to one, small group or a large function, I love to create the experience for my guests. In the planning, the preparation and the serving, it delights me to see people refreshed. It can be simple or lavish, just knowing that you feel pampered or special fills my cup. Service brings joy (1 Peter 4:10).

My Home … my sanctuary

I have moved several times in my life and in each house, I find a point of sanctuary, where I can sit and reflect. It is a place that I can have that quiet moment to think, pray, or just pause. With a cup of tea and my feet up … I take a deep breath and I find joy and contentment, a point of respite for not only myself but for others as well.

Here are your Stepping Stones …

We are all sojourners on a journey. Some with miles and years to look back. Others just stepping onto the road. But whatever the situation you find yourself in, it is important to understand what gives you joy and what fills your cup. Let’s break this into some pragmatic steps that you might be able to apply to your life.

  1. Every day, begin to set the stage with a heart of gratitude. When you wake in the morning, swing those legs over the bed, greet the Lord with, “Good morning Lord – thank YOU for this day.” (Psalm 59:16)
  2. A morning time of reflection. Spend time in the Word and with the Lord. Find that place of sanctuary, pray, connect … and listen. (Psalm 43:8)
  3. List out your blessings. Deliberately list out the things in your life that are blessings. At the end of the day while you lay in bed, go through the many blessings God has brought into your life. (John 1:16, Colossians 3:17)
  4. Learn from your challenges. Examine those challenges that we all have, learn from them and then ask the Lord to help you move on from them. (James 1:2-4)
  5. Surround yourself with positivity. Seems simple and almost offensive at times when all you hear and see are the difficult times in the world, but aligning yourself with believers lifts you up and allows you to come alongside and support each other as well. Identify those points of negativity and reframe them. (Philippians 4:8)
  6. Plan Your Day. Have a plan for your day … to whatever level of detail that you need. Idle time is not good for our souls. (Proverbs 31:27, Ecclesiastes 10:18)
  7. Remember, there is more than just me in this world. The world is big and there is pain and suffering. But we serve an awesome God, the Creator of the Universe, who is bigger than anything we are faced with. We need to keep our place in perspective … strive for God-honoring humility. Take care of yourself, acknowledge those hard times but realize that God is in control. You are special and precious in God’s sight – amazing! (James 4:10)

So today take some time to reflect and ask yourself … what fills my cup?

What Are Your Thoughts?

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Franchesca Bayne

Sheologie Director

Franchesca Bayne serves as Sheologie's program director by overseeing the daily operations of women's ministries and organizing and hosting programs/services such as prayer groups, connect groups, Bible study, retreats, outreach programs, and outbound communication. She also facilitates support services and/or performing community outreach to attract new members. Franchesca has an AS in accounting, BA in Christian Foundations, and MA in Christian Counseling.

She was born and raised in New Mexico, and is married to her best friend, pastor, and business partner. Together, they have two incredible teenagers, Maddie and Declan, who also serve in ministry. She has a heart for the people, the broken, the misunderstood, and the everyday people just like her. She loves to build community. Franchesca's spoken at many events and loves to share the light and love of Jesus in truth. Franchesca passionately lives to lead others to Christ as she follows Him and calls it "A Journey" as she lives out being a Christian in the many hats she wears: daughter, sister, auntie, mom, wife, pastors' wife, life coach, community leader, and friend. Her hobbies include, pick-up games of basketball, softball, canoeing, and international cooking styles. You can stop by her office anytime to say "Hi" and see what's next, or for prayer.

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Madison Newcomb

Sheologie Bible Study Coordinator

Madison was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has a heart for both women's and children's ministry and loves seeing them eagerly pursue the gospel. Discipling those who God calls to her brings her pure joy. She is passionate about women finding their confidence and identity in Christ alone. Madison loves teaching kindergarteners in Calvary Kids on Sunday mornings, spending time with family and friends, gardening, and brunch.

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