In your hands are a variety of ways to help you reflect, slow down, and listen to God. One of the things people love about a trip with Back2Back is the intentional time set aside on the fringes of the busy days.
• Time to start the morning quietly, alone - just you and God • Time to reflect with others about what you are learning. • Time to debrief at the end of the day; to stop and think; to share your “picture of the day” and listen to others share theirs.
But you don’t have to travel half-way around the world to feel the power of that time, you can do it right where you are. God doesn’t just speak on mission trips. He’s available 24/7.
There is no special way to use this journal. You may want to go through page by page, starting at the beginning. Or simply open it up to whatever catches your eye each day. The choice is yours. We pray you grow in new ways in the next year. We can’t think of a more valuable gift to give you. Time with the Living God who loves you and wants to be involved in your daily life.
Tools for Your Journey Picture of the Day
It all starts with you taking the time to think through your day. What one experience comes to your mind that stands out above the rest? This is what can be called your “picture of the day.” It doesn’t have to be Instagram worthy or something you’d share on Facebook. It might be something more subtle or something no one really “gets” but you. Take that experience, your picture of the day, and run it through the debriefing cycle.
Lectio Divina
Latin for “divine reading,” this ancient ritual has been used by Saints, Christian mystics, and common followers of Jesus for over a thousand years. The practice is an invitation into a personal conversation with God through the reading of a selected passage of scripture, meditation, and prayer. It sounds intimidating but it is actually a simple and meaningful way to engage with God.
Be Inspired
A great quote always has the ability to inspire. Soak in that inspiration and respond to the question, “Why does this resonate with me today?” No structure to follow, just the opportunity to think deeply about something that moves you.
Freeform
Sometimes the best way to use a journal is blank pages so you can say anything you want. No prompt, no technique, no other tool necessary. With that in mind, there are dozens of blank pages waiting for you to express anything you want – in whatever form feels right to you!
Debriefing Cycle
Reflect on why this particular picture stuck out and ask yourself, “What can I learn about myself in this? About God? About other people? Don’t hurry...take the time to listen to that still, small voice that is revealing to you the importance of your experience. Such reflection often leads to recognition - an urge to make a change...a belief, an attitude, a behavior, a habit. Something is off. What do I need to change? Don’t be harsh or judgmental. Resist that voice that says, “You could never change that.” Instead, breathe deeply and thank Jesus that He wants to help you become the person He’s created you to be. The good news is that even a small change can result in new actions. You can sense momentum building. “I need to act on this. I need to do – to be – different.” This is how we grow. This is how we become more like Christ. This is how we become His ambassadors to the people around us. We take the time to examine the experiences of our lives. We allow Jesus to reveal to us, through reflection, how we can change. And, ultimately, we can become more like Him in a world that desperately needs us to do just that. It all starts with taking the time to think through your day.
“I think this is how we’re supposed to be in the world present and in awe.” Anne Lamott
View from the Back2Back Monterrey, Mexico campus facing the Sierra Madres Mountains
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day. Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out? It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people who have a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of . . . F. Scott Fitzgerald
View from the top of the rock formation surrounding the Back2Back Igmin Kibe Education Center in Jos, Nigeria
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day. Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out? It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
There’s a sunrise and sunset every day. You can choose to be there for it. You can put yourself in the way of beauty. Cheryl Strayed
View from the beach along the boardwalk in Mazatlan, Mexico
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day. Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out? It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. Fred Rogers
View down the road of a rural village near Hyderabad, India
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
TAKE A MOMENT. Think back through your day.
Who did you see? Where did you go? What did you do? Was there something great? Perhaps something hard? What sticks out?
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or something you would share on Facebook - although it could be. What is one important experience that comes to mind that stands out among all the others? Don’t overthink it . . . And there it is. Voilà. Your picture of the day.
my picture of the day
Spend time discovering why this experience stuck out. Describe it anyway you like below.
reflection
Why did this particular “picture of the day” stick out?
What did I learn about myself? or about God? or about other people?
change
Reflection on important experiences often leads to the recognition of a need to change. What belief, attitude, or behavior can I change to become more like Jesus?
action
As I change and grow I may recognize action steps to take. Here is what I am going to do differently...
Every time you take a new action it leads to new experiences. The cycle of experience, reflection, change, and action continues. God uses it to make us more like Him.
If you see something beautiful in someone, speak it. Ruthie Lindsey
A day in the life at the Community Center of Tres Reyes in Cancun, Mexico
LECTIO DIVINA
An invitation to personal conversation with God
Numbers 6:22-27 The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “‘“The Lord bless you Through God’s own words, Lectio divina is an invitation to personal conversation with God.
and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
read
Read through the entire passage very slowly. Take time to notice words or phrases that catch your attention. Repeat three times. Circle, underline, or write down below whatever stands out to you.
meditate
Think deeply about the specific passage that caught your attention. How is it relevant to you? Ask God to reveal to you the meaning.
pray
Take all those thoughts and feelings and talk to God,
like you would a good friend.
listen
Sit silently and enjoy God’s presence. Practice just “being” with God.
LECTIO DIVINA
An invitation to personal conversation with God
Isaiah 43:1b-3a Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; Through God’s own words, Lectio divina is an invitation to personal conversation with God.
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
read
Read through the entire passage very slowly. Take time to notice words or phrases that catch your attention. Repeat three times. Circle, underline, or write down below whatever stands out to you.
meditate
Think deeply about the specific passage that caught your attention. How is it relevant to you? Ask God to reveal to you the meaning.
pray
Take all those thoughts and feelings and talk to God,
like you would a good friend.
listen
Sit silently and enjoy God’s presence. Practice just “being” with God.
LECTIO DIVINA
An invitation to personal conversation with God
John 15:5-12
You can practice Lectio Divina with any passage of the Bible.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
read
Read through the entire passage very slowly. Take time to notice words or phrases that catch your attention. Repeat three times. Circle, underline, or write down below whatever stands out to you.
meditate
Think deeply about the specific passage that caught your attention. How is it relevant to you? Ask God to reveal to you the meaning.
pray
Take all those thoughts and feelings and talk to God,
like you would a good friend.
listen
Sit silently and enjoy God’s presence. Practice just “being” with God.
LECTIO DIVINA
An invitation to personal conversation with God
Mark 6:30-44 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”
But he answered, “You give them something to eat.”
They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages[e]! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.”
When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”
Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
read
Read through the entire passage very slowly. Take time to notice words or phrases that catch your attention. Repeat three times. Circle, underline, or write down below whatever stands out to you.
meditate
Think deeply about the specific passage that caught your attention. How is it relevant to you? Ask God to reveal to you the meaning.
pray
Take all those thoughts and feelings and talk to God,
like you would a good friend.
listen
Sit silently and enjoy God’s presence. Practice just “being” with God.
You know how every once in a while you do something and the little voice inside “You know how every once in a while says, ‘There. That’s it. That’s why you’re here.’ you do something and the little voice . . . and you get a warm glow in your heart inside says, ‘There. That’s it. That’s why because you know it’s true? you’re here.’ . . . and you get a warm glow Do more of that. in your heart because you know it’s true? Jacob Nordby Do more of that.” Jacob Nordby
View after a morning rain near Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Beth Guckenberger
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Curt Thompson
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Shauna Niequist
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Won’t You Be My Neighbor (2018) Documentary
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What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family. Mother Teresa
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Ann Voskamp
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IIdon’t don’thave haveto tochase chaseextraordinary extraordinarymoments to find happiness - it’s right in- it’s front of me moments to find happiness right in if I’m paying and practicing gratitude. front of meattention if I’m paying attention and practicing Brené Brown gratitude. Brené Brown
Early morning view of the skyline of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Every child you encounter is a divine appointment. Wess Strafford
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You have one life.
And every day, you choose how to spend that life. Some days you sacrifice for your family, or pour into friends, or serve your community. This brings meaning to your days and depth to your life. And some days you feel a holy desire to invest in something out of the ordinary, making you feel alive, and confirming you can make a difference anywhere. After all, commitment leads to lasting change in all of us. Together let’s live out a commitment to give a voice to orphans and vulnerable children by deeply investing in their future.
Learn more at back2back.org