As we follow God, we are reminded of Jesus' teaching to us recorded in the Bible,
"Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” (Jesus) said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40 NRSVue
At Lakeview United Methodist Church in the original retirement community in the United States, we follow God's word and know we are called to always grow in our love for God and others. But did you also notice it says, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." And Christians, we are called to take care of ourselves and even learn to love ourselves.
Throughout our lives we face challenges and difficulties that may make it difficult to love ourselves. Our bodies may not function like they once did and our memories may fade and our souls may face some of our darkest days. But we don't give up and we don't loose hope. We know that we are loved by God always, no matter what. We know that we can have hope, because there is a new dawn coming. We know that we can find our way forward because God brings people into our lives that show up, just when we need them.
So take a few moments and reflect on how you are growing with God, others, and yourself. We have collected some of the ideas below to take a look at and get some inspiration. And maybe you could add a few of your own. We also invite you to take a look at our calendar and check out the activities you might join in to grow together with others. And maybe you might even be willing to lead a group or activity some time and use the incredible gifts God has given you? We are never too old to learn something new.
You can get involved in activities at Lakeview UMC whether it is on the campus in Sun City or where you live anyplace in the world!
"Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” (Jesus) said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40 NRSVue
At Lakeview United Methodist Church in the original retirement community in the United States, we follow God's word and know we are called to always grow in our love for God and others. But did you also notice it says, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." And Christians, we are called to take care of ourselves and even learn to love ourselves.
Throughout our lives we face challenges and difficulties that may make it difficult to love ourselves. Our bodies may not function like they once did and our memories may fade and our souls may face some of our darkest days. But we don't give up and we don't loose hope. We know that we are loved by God always, no matter what. We know that we can have hope, because there is a new dawn coming. We know that we can find our way forward because God brings people into our lives that show up, just when we need them.
So take a few moments and reflect on how you are growing with God, others, and yourself. We have collected some of the ideas below to take a look at and get some inspiration. And maybe you could add a few of your own. We also invite you to take a look at our calendar and check out the activities you might join in to grow together with others. And maybe you might even be willing to lead a group or activity some time and use the incredible gifts God has given you? We are never too old to learn something new.
You can get involved in activities at Lakeview UMC whether it is on the campus in Sun City or where you live anyplace in the world!
Caring for the Mind
Turn off the news and noise sometimes and enjoy the quiet. When you do have the news on, pray for the things going on around the world.
Open your mind to new possibilities, beliefs, and interests by reading, taking online classes, watching documentaries, and attending workshops. Your education shouldn’t stop once you’re retired.
Get enough sleep each night. And remember that you’re never too old for naps.
Let go of the little things. If something won’t matter tomorrow, don’t let it ruin today.
With Lakeview UMC, join a Bible study or one of our great groups!
Get enough sleep each night. And remember that you’re never too old for naps.
Let go of the little things. If something won’t matter tomorrow, don’t let it ruin today.
With Lakeview UMC, join a Bible study or one of our great groups!
Caring for the Body
Avoid sitting for extended periods of time. Try to stand or move around if possible. Too much sitting is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and a shortened lifespan.
Get at least 15 minutes of moderate to fast-paced exercise each day. Exercise is important for heart health, physical stamina, and mood.
Spend time outside when possible and enjoy the sky and beauty around you.
Eat a variety of colors of fruits and vegetables and try not to eat too much processed food. Your body needs good nutrients to function well.
Take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds and while you exhale, think of something you are thankful for. Repeat!
At Lakeview, join us for dinner on Thursdays or take a stroll around our campus, noticing the desert plants.
Spend time outside when possible and enjoy the sky and beauty around you.
Eat a variety of colors of fruits and vegetables and try not to eat too much processed food. Your body needs good nutrients to function well.
Take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds and while you exhale, think of something you are thankful for. Repeat!
At Lakeview, join us for dinner on Thursdays or take a stroll around our campus, noticing the desert plants.
Caring for the Soul
Get involved in a volunteer organization or activism group to do good in the world. We’re all connected, and it’s incredible to experience that connectedness when we work toward a common goal.
Reach out to a friend or invite someone new to eat with you or have coffee.
Fuel your passions. Set aside some time each day to do what makes your soul happy. It feels great to paint, dance, make music, write, garden, or swim.
Laugh often. If you take life to seriously, you’re going to miss out on a whole lot of good times.
With Lakeview UMC, consider volunteering in one of our ministries!
Reach out to a friend or invite someone new to eat with you or have coffee.
Fuel your passions. Set aside some time each day to do what makes your soul happy. It feels great to paint, dance, make music, write, garden, or swim.
Laugh often. If you take life to seriously, you’re going to miss out on a whole lot of good times.
With Lakeview UMC, consider volunteering in one of our ministries!
