One of the things that I'm really enjoying about being in the States again is FALL! Having been away from the changing of the seasons for a few years, I'm anticipating this welcome change, all the more!
Just a few things I've been able to observe:
*cooler temps
*frost on the roof this morning (SOOOO not Fall :-/)
*apple cider
*apple crisp
*Fall festivals
*pumpkin pie
*scented candles
*football game
*crunching on fallen leaves in the woods while jogging
*falling leaves
*a few colored leaves
*fields of pumpkins
*mums
*planning fall science activities
... and on I could go... I'll try to add some pics, soon!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Intentional
I've returned to my blog numerous times over the past few weeks, often intending to write... but never knowing quite how to get what I want to say on "paper".
When I was living in Honduras, I was intentional about carving out times (somewhat consistently) to spend with the Lord. I was purposeful about looking for ways in which I saw the Lord working in my life. A good friend of mine calls these moments "faith builders".
Now that I've been back in the States for a few months, I've found that there are so many more distractions that 'vie' for my attention. More often than not, I seem to give in to / or focus on these other things that aren't bad things... but just not God's best for me. Simple put, I often find it very challenging to carve out quality time to spend with the Lord.
All of this being said, I recently started a Bible study that will meet one day a week. It is Beth Moore's "Stepping Up - a Journey through the Psalms of Ascent". I really enjoy the depth that Beth puts into her studies. After watching a video and meeting with a small group of ladies, there are 5 lessons of 'homework' to complete. I've started this week's work - and it's GREAT 'stuff'.
Here are a few quotes/ ideas from the first week's video:
*Beth suggested that we get on our faces before even starting our daily study - and wait to hear from God! Her response to the question, "How long should I be on my face?" - "Long enough! I'll stay here til' I hear God speak!" (This is as a posture of humility before God.)
*When asked if it had been a good day, Beth responded, "if I've heard God speak through His word, then yes!" She was reflecting on how, more than anything, she wants to be more head over heels in love with Jesus today than yesterday!
*Beth was commenting on being nervous before starting the evening talk - and said she was praying that she would be released from the pride that was overtaking her - pride that she would say something wrong, etc... A friend told her, "You're not good enough to mess God up!!!"
*The study focuses on 15 psalms - psalms 120-134... and focuses on journeying "up" - from wherever you are... realizing that by God's grace we don't have to stay "down" - or in strongholds.
When I was living in Honduras, I was intentional about carving out times (somewhat consistently) to spend with the Lord. I was purposeful about looking for ways in which I saw the Lord working in my life. A good friend of mine calls these moments "faith builders".
Now that I've been back in the States for a few months, I've found that there are so many more distractions that 'vie' for my attention. More often than not, I seem to give in to / or focus on these other things that aren't bad things... but just not God's best for me. Simple put, I often find it very challenging to carve out quality time to spend with the Lord.
All of this being said, I recently started a Bible study that will meet one day a week. It is Beth Moore's "Stepping Up - a Journey through the Psalms of Ascent". I really enjoy the depth that Beth puts into her studies. After watching a video and meeting with a small group of ladies, there are 5 lessons of 'homework' to complete. I've started this week's work - and it's GREAT 'stuff'.
Here are a few quotes/ ideas from the first week's video:
*Beth suggested that we get on our faces before even starting our daily study - and wait to hear from God! Her response to the question, "How long should I be on my face?" - "Long enough! I'll stay here til' I hear God speak!" (This is as a posture of humility before God.)
*When asked if it had been a good day, Beth responded, "if I've heard God speak through His word, then yes!" She was reflecting on how, more than anything, she wants to be more head over heels in love with Jesus today than yesterday!
*Beth was commenting on being nervous before starting the evening talk - and said she was praying that she would be released from the pride that was overtaking her - pride that she would say something wrong, etc... A friend told her, "You're not good enough to mess God up!!!"
*The study focuses on 15 psalms - psalms 120-134... and focuses on journeying "up" - from wherever you are... realizing that by God's grace we don't have to stay "down" - or in strongholds.
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