Posted in My Thoughts
As I read through my devotionals
today I can’t help but think God is trying to tell me something. Two out of
three talk about taking that very important “quiet time” out with Him. Of
course I pray, many times a day in fact. However, I am really having a hard
time learning how to sit quietly and still and just listen. Now this has been
on my mind for about two weeks even before reading these devotionals. Hmmm,
maybe He was speaking to me about this subject before today? Here are a few
tidbits from two of the devotionals I read today;
The road to heaven can get rocky and the
burdens of everyday living often seem far too heavy for our feeble frames. On
our trek toward God's perfect future, we must occasionally stop ourselves on the path to again hear
Jesus' quiet words:
"Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me. Get away with me... walk with me...
watch how I do it... Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and
lightly" (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message). With this in mind, not
only does the prospect of heaven enliven our days, but the journey with Christ
as Companion becomes one of joy.
As Jesus’
popularity grew, crowds followed Him through the streets, the hills, they
gathered along lake shores, screamed His name, touched His cloak, and even
climbed trees to catch a glimpse of Him. Everyone wanted a piece of Jesus, as a
mentor, teacher, friend, judge, healer, and most importantly, a Savior.
How did He divide His time? His Heavenly
Father was His first priority - Jesus always made time for prayer. Despite a
busy, demanding schedule, He seized solitude. Undisturbed, quiet meditation gave Him the spiritual strength and
direction He needed to carry out His responsibilities. We need to do the same.
A daily quiet time is crucial. While everyone wants a piece of us, we must first give
a piece to God. In return, we'll receive His peace and joy. As the Holy Spirit
energizes our lives, we can effectively manage daily priorities such as our
family (feeding, clothing and bonding with our kin are part of that iron clad
for better or for worse vow). Next, we are responsible for any employment
obligations, followed by regular maintenance of healthy friendships.
Now, believe me I desperately want
this “quiet time” with Him. I need to figure out how to make it happen. I need
to make this goal my top priority. Maybe
some of you would be willing to share with me how you manage to fit this most
important task into your daily lives. Do you wait until your hubby is home so
that he can assist the children? Do you wake before everyone else and devote
this quiet time in your home to Jesus? Do you wait until everyone has gone to
bed? Do you have your children have quiet time during your quiet time? I would
greatly appreciate any ideas. I will try to let you know what I work out and how
I make it work.
Comments
Sep. 23, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by ApplesofGold
The school day you posted about below sounds wonderful!! I have weeks that I feel the way you described, too-just plain blah.
It's such an awful feeling.
I agree with you about the quiet time. I struggle having one, but when I get one, it usually works best in the morning before the kids get up. It also works best when I set small goals for myself. Like, the other day I said, I will read a few verses, but ended up reading 2 chapters and then some of my devotional book and then I prayed.
But, many days, I go thru the day just saying short prayers in my mind as I do dishes, fold laundry, run up the stairs, etc. Holly
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Sep. 24, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Deblily
I have a few ways I can fit in quiet times.
1. We have a "nobody gets up before 7am rule. So if I wake up early, I could do it then.
2. Kids have a routine that includes "reading" their Bibles (they're all pre-readers) and I do my reading then.
3. I read while they eat breakfast.
4. I read while they watch a half hour tv after they eat breakfast.
5. I read while they're in rest time
6. I read when they go to bed.
Whatever works for the day is what I use. But I prefer to give the first portion of my day to the Lord, spending time with Him no later than breakfast time. My day goes much more smoothly because I've already acknowledged He is Lord of my day.
Hope that helps.
Blessings,
Deb
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Sep. 26, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Shari
This is how we do quiet time at our house. My son (8 years) does his quiet time at the same time as me. He has a devotional book for boys. He reads the devotional for that day, looks up the bible verse, and writes in his prayer journal. We have a half hour devoted to this. My 2 year old watches Dora the Explorer (her favorite show) while we do this so I know she will not disturb and will most likely not get into anything. Your two oldest are definitely old enough to have a quiet time. I also have a quiet time during nap while my oldest is working on school stuff. This is usually just prayer. I feel I need it in the midst of my busy day.
My schedule is unlike most, so I can't give you the best time. I am awake at 1am to go to work. I enjoy prayer and listening to praise music in my car. I don't have my quiet time until 8am. You need to find what works best for you.
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Sep. 29, 2006 - I'm a little late
Posted by ComfyDenim
I'm a little late in replying to this - but I thought I would share with you what has worked for me. I hope you'll be able to read it, too. :-)
I finally had to figure out that I would be plagued by nasty thoughts no matter when I did my quiet time. Mostly along the lines of: you're not doing it at the right time, you're not spending enough time -- but you know what? It's not the QUANTITY that's spent - it's the QUALITY.
I have several devotions that I keep around - and then I have a main Bible Study I'm trying to work on. "Sparkling Gems" by Rick Renner is awesome to have around - The "Upper Room" is also good. Anything that can be used just on a daily basis is fantastic like my "Bible in a year". And my main Bible Study is currently "Daniel" by Beth Moore.
Okay - remember Quality over Quantity. God knows your a mom and a mom who homeschools. Spend time whenever you can. I find that I have a happier heart when I'm consistent in spending daily time with him. I do my main Bible Study at night after every one is in bed - and hubby wants to play vid games or read.
Another thing you can do - is find a scripture and meditate on it all day. Meditate is pretty much just mentally chewing on something over and over again.
I hope these things help you -- they helped me immensely!!
Bleach Free Blessings!
Keep Seeking! He wants to be found.
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Oct. 12, 2006 - Great post....
Posted by ihopeyoudance
Hi there... I've been away from blogging for awhile due to lots of busyness going on so it was really refreshing to return and read your post!
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