Monday, I will be reconnected to the world. Because this whole wireless wilderness experience has been fraught with irony, I suppose it is only fitting that we will be out of town on the day I could actually surf again. When I return home, it will have been 4 weeks since I had Internet access at home.
Despite all of my whining and sarcasm, there have truly been some great lessons. It is amazing what you can accomplish with a little more free time. (Or in my case, how the forced removal of distractions allows you to reprioritize some things.) One of the activities that has replaced some of my “surfing time” has been a renewed commitment to daily Bible reading. I am embarrassed to admit what a struggle this simple essential has been for me. I am such a "doer" that sitting and listening or reading is really a challenge.
My accountability partner and I decided we needed a practical reminder of the importance of daily time in the Word. So ammending a housekeeping tip I once read from the Fly Lady, we decided to set kitchen timers for 15 minutes each day of uninterrupted time reading the Bible--not books or studies ABOUT the Bible, but the real deal Word of God. What a treasure this time has been!
Last night, I read Galatians 5 in the Message. It really encouraged me, so I wanted to share. “What happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. (v. 22-23) “Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves to each other as if one of us were better and the other worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.” (v. 25-26)
Such treasure when we slow down to look for it. Happy weekend!
6 comments:
Great way to do to, Jen! Good for you! I've used a timer for the kids to transition between activites and to potty-train "Flicka" but I suppose it could work for me too! *wink* LOL
One other thing...I wanted to send you an acknowledgment for what a great job you are doing parenting, living for God, and blogging about it. I'd like to give you a "Mercy Drop" award like I was given on my site. Is there a way we can get in email contact so I can send it to you?
That dear Jen, is what I needed to read today! Thank you!!!
Jen, regular time in the Word is a struggle for me as well. I like the idea of setting the kitchen timer for 15 minutes. Thanks for that idea!
Jen - I passed along a little something for you on my blog.
Seems to be your day for getting things...
We all must have missed you!
This is a great idea. I, too, have trouble making myself sit down and read from the Bible
That is such a great idea! I will have to borrow it.
Love reading Galatians 5 in The Message. It really brings the fruits of the Spirit alive in a way that the traditional list doesn't, don't you think??
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