At one time or another most of us have difficulty sleeping. I'm not talking about the "baby's awake AGAIN" difficulty, but rather the challenge of drifting off to dreamland or remaining there.  Over the years I've tried various methods to fall asleep or remain in slumber or at the very least achieve a relaxed state.  Some of my friends get up and clean; nope, not going to happen.  Here are a few tips that have sometimes worked for me and other times, well, not so much.

• Yahweh breathing. Slow deep breath in "YAH;" slow deep breath out "weh" 
• Pray a repetitive alphabet prayer such as, "May your mercy and grace surround Anna this night, O Lord. May your mercy and grace surround Bob this night, O Lord.... May your mercy and grace surround Queen Latifah this night, O Lord..." 
• Meditate on Psalm 4:8. "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe." 
• Make up a story and live there for a little while
• Get out of bed and draw/doodle
• Get out of bed and write repetitive statements such as, "May the light of the Divine fill me with peace, acceptance, and wisdom this night." 

What works for you? 

This week there are no services at Ridgeview as there is community worship  at 10 AM in the park for Heritage Days. Gap Men's Choir will be singing. 

May God's blessing pour out on Kelsey and her new little baby, Keith Michael! :) 

Prayer for today: 

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like a mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O Lord, you preserve both people and beasts. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among people find refuge in the shadow of your wings. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. (Psalm 36)  May your love and blessing rest upon Kelsey and her sweet baby. Come Kingdom of God. Be done, will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!

Love and Light,
Carol

Ridgeview Mennonite Church

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd