“The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” — Romans 8:6

We are living in times that can feel fast-moving, uncertain, and at times overwhelming.
Just when we begin to feel settled, something shifts again.

And yet, within all of this, there is an invitation:

To pause.
To ground ourselves.
To see clearly.

To put on the glasses of awareness.

Finding Peace Through Chaos

The world may appear chaotic —
filled with conflict, uncertainty, and change.

But chaos is not new.
What has changed is our awareness.

Things that were once unseen are now being revealed.
Light is illuminating what has always existed.

This can feel unsettling,
but it is also part of a greater unfolding.

Even in chaos, peace is available to us —
when we choose where to place our focus.

Grounding in God

In times like these, grounding becomes essential.

Through prayer and meditation,
we reconnect with God —
the one presence and one power.

This connection anchors us.
It steadies us.

Mindfulness becomes our practice,
helping us return again and again
to the present moment.

Seeing Beyond Perception

Our experience of the world
is shaped by our perception.

We often believe our view is the truth,
yet every perspective is limited.

When we expand our awareness,
we begin to see beyond fixed ideas —
beyond right and wrong,
beyond judgment.

True freedom comes
when we release the need
for things to be a certain way.

The Practice of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the art of being aware.

It is a gentle, non-judgmental noticing
of what is happening
within us and around us.

The present moment
is the only moment we truly have.

When we bring our attention here,
we reduce suffering
and create space for peace.

We may not be able to change the world instantly,
but we can transform how we experience it.

Choosing Where to Focus

Every day, we are given a choice:

Do we focus on disorder,
or do we align with peace?

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” — 1 Corinthians 14:33

Even when challenges arise —
whether personal or global —
we can return to the present moment.

We can choose to center ourselves in God.

Awareness in Difficult Times

Challenges can pull us out of the present moment.
They can create fear, anxiety, or distraction.

But they also offer an opportunity:

To deepen our awareness.
To remember that something greater is at work.

Sometimes, what feels like disruption
is actually transformation.

Darkness must come into the light
before it can be released.

The Power of Stillness

Clarity does not come from constant motion.
It comes from stillness.

When we pause…
when we breathe…
when we allow the mind to settle…

Insight begins to rise.

Meditation is not about escaping life —
it is about strengthening ourselves
to meet life with clarity and calm.

The Apple Juice Lesson

Imagine a glass of apple juice filled with pulp.

At first, it looks cloudy and unclear.

But when it sits still,
the pulp settles to the bottom,
and the juice becomes clear.

Our minds work the same way.

When we are restless or anxious,
everything feels unclear.

But when we become still,
clarity naturally emerges.

Stillness allows us to see
what was always there.

Living with Awareness

As we move through life,
we are invited to ask:

What is mine to do here?

Some are called to act.
Others are called to hold space.

Both are valuable.
Both are needed.

With awareness, we respond
rather than react.

We live with intention,
guided by Spirit.

Affirmations

✨ I clear my mind from the noise of chaos.
✨ I am aware of what is mine to do.
✨ I rest in the peace of the present moment.

Closing Prayer

God, thank You for Your presence within and around us.

In the midst of chaos,
help us to find stillness.

Guide us to quiet our minds
and return to Your peace.

May we see clearly,
act with wisdom,
and remain grounded in Your truth.

We are grateful for awareness,
for connection,
and for the peace that is always available to us.

And so it is. Amen.

Sunday Message — March 2, 2026
Rev. Lori Souza