February 23rd, 2021
by Denee Bowers
by Denee Bowers

Tuesday, February 23
Exodus 3-4
After rereading the story of Moses and the burning bush, I realized a couple things. First, God will always find unexpected ways to guide us in our life, and we have to surrender and trust that God knows the path we are to take. Second, to always be on the lookout for God’s signs in our day-to-day. I’m a senior in High School this year and I have no clue what is next for me. Being in the unknown has brought even more anxiety into my life then I already have. I have been accepted into every college but I know I need to take time off before I start more school. What is there to do when you have no money to travel but you want to get away as soon as possible?
I soon received a text from my aunt giving me information on an organization called Neema Village located in Tanzania, Africa. I got a hold of the Woman who started this 40 years ago and we spoke for an hour. We laughed and cried about the work and tragedy she has experienced while being across seas. She invited me to go and volunteer for four months next semester and of course I said yes. I have no idea what the future holds, but reading this story over again reminded me why I don’t have to be afraid. Moses was terrified when God told him the plan of saving the Isrealites but God provided all the resources Moses needed to succeed. When we are faced with a new part of life, job, or opportunity, remembering that God is in control and knows our path lifts a weight off our shoulders. If you feel a calling in any aspect of life, remember that God has prepared and equipped you for this moment no matter how intimidated or scared you may feel.
My prayer for you today is this:
God, I pray you open my mind and heart to see you this next week. That through the anxiety and uncertainty you help me remember that I am equipped for this moment because of you. And for that I say thank you. I pray that no matter how impossible life may feel, you remind me that I am worthy to be here. Amen.
Reflection by Sophia Hays
Exodus 3-4
After rereading the story of Moses and the burning bush, I realized a couple things. First, God will always find unexpected ways to guide us in our life, and we have to surrender and trust that God knows the path we are to take. Second, to always be on the lookout for God’s signs in our day-to-day. I’m a senior in High School this year and I have no clue what is next for me. Being in the unknown has brought even more anxiety into my life then I already have. I have been accepted into every college but I know I need to take time off before I start more school. What is there to do when you have no money to travel but you want to get away as soon as possible?
I soon received a text from my aunt giving me information on an organization called Neema Village located in Tanzania, Africa. I got a hold of the Woman who started this 40 years ago and we spoke for an hour. We laughed and cried about the work and tragedy she has experienced while being across seas. She invited me to go and volunteer for four months next semester and of course I said yes. I have no idea what the future holds, but reading this story over again reminded me why I don’t have to be afraid. Moses was terrified when God told him the plan of saving the Isrealites but God provided all the resources Moses needed to succeed. When we are faced with a new part of life, job, or opportunity, remembering that God is in control and knows our path lifts a weight off our shoulders. If you feel a calling in any aspect of life, remember that God has prepared and equipped you for this moment no matter how intimidated or scared you may feel.
My prayer for you today is this:
God, I pray you open my mind and heart to see you this next week. That through the anxiety and uncertainty you help me remember that I am equipped for this moment because of you. And for that I say thank you. I pray that no matter how impossible life may feel, you remind me that I am worthy to be here. Amen.
Reflection by Sophia Hays
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Archive
2025
January
Happy New Year // M-Note 1.4.2025Cancel the Noise // M-Note 1.11.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 1The Beloved Community // M-Note 01.18.2025Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 2What A Coincidence // M-Note 1.25.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 3Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 4The Original Influencer // M-Note 2.1.25
February
The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 1Exploring New Sites…And You’re Invited // M-Note 2.8.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 2Uncovering Implicit Bias // M-Note 2.15.2025A "Flurry" of Activity // M-Note 2.22.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 3The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 4
March
Beloved Community Action Steps // M-Note 3.1.25Vulnerability & Wilderness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 1Trusting the Spirit's Lead | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 2Courageous Connection | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 3What's Your Emotional IQ? // M-Note 3.8.25The Spaces Between Us | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 4Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 1Jesus Weeps With You | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 5When Sadness Lingers | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 6Lurking in the Shadows | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 7Cycles of Life and Death | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 8Inked in Memory | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 9The Void of Grief | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 10Sending Forth // M-Note 3.15.25Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 2Journey Not Alone | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 11
2024
January
Clean Slate: Week 1 Discussion GuideStarting & Sustaining Change // M-Note 1.6.24Clean Slate: Week 2 Discussion GuideStarting Small, Dreaming Big // M-Note 1.13.24Clean Slate: Week 3 Discussion GuideTogether Towards Change...and Healthy Habits // M-Note 1.20.24Clean Slate: Week 4 Discussion GuideSlowing Down for God to Show Up // M-Note 1.27.24
February
More Isn't Always Better // M-Note 2.3.24Money Talks: Week 1 Discussion GuideAshes for Valentine's Day? // M-Note 2.10.24Money Talks: Week 2 Discussion GuideLenten Devotional 2024Money Talks: Week 3 Discussion GuideWhat's your legacy? // M-Note 2.17.24Strength in Numbers: Community in Ministry // M-Note 2.24.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week One
March
Entourage Discussion Guide - Week TwoUpdates from Clayton and Easter Invitation // M-Note 3.2.24Twenty Students Confirmed Last Sunday // M-Note 3.9.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 3How serving at Easter can really make a difference // M-Note 3.16.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 4Can You Know Joy Without Pain? // M-Note 3.23.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 5It's time for EasterSTL at The Factory // M-Note 3.28.24
April
Easter Discussion GuideScreen Time: Troubleshooting our Relationship with Technology // M-Note 4.6.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 1Springtime Reminders: Joy Comes with the Morning // M-Note 4.13.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 2Shaping the Future at the UMC General Conference // M-Note 4.20.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 3 General Conference Halftime Report// M-Note 4.27.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 4
May
Very Good News at the End of General Conference//M-Note 5.4.24Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 1Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 2Announcing The Gathering’s Church Planters Lab//M-Note 5.11.24My (Hypothetical) Commencement Address // M-Note 5.18.24Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 3Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 4
June
July
September
Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 1Transitioning...to 47 // M-Note 9.7.24Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 2Invitations Work in Mysterious Ways // M-Note 9.14.24Students Stepping Up: Getting Involved in Ministry // M-Note 9.21.24Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 3A Stressful Season // M-Note 9.28.24Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 4
October
It Doesn't Have to Be This Way // M-Note 10.5.24Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 1Love Thy Political Neighbor // M-Note 10.11.2024Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 2Fear is a Powerful Motivator // M-Note 10.19.24Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 3Why Do Bad Things Happen? // M-Note 10.26.24
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