Posted on Jan 03, 2008 under Time |
He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.
Proverbs 19:17
I’m a list writer. When I have things to do, I write lists. I always feel so good about my lists, and I love marking things off of them. And yet, I complain that I just don’t have enough time to do all the things I’d like to do. Just one problem with that.
I spend an awful lot of time doing things that are not on any of my lists. In fact, I spend more time doing the things that aren’t at all deserving of placement on my lists than I do on the lists themselves. That sure does make me wonder how much more I could get done if only I’d stop doing the things that are just not important.
Yes, I blog and I write that activity on my list. But why must I take time from my blogging to read over the celebrity gossip sites or eavesdrop on the latest forum fight? Isn’t watching a football game with my son more important? Or playing with makeup with my daughter? They’re not on my lists, either but they ought to be.
I want to give my time to those in my community touched by addiction but I’m always “too busy.” I want to get to Mass a few mornings each week but I never seem to get moving in time. All those things that aren’t important enough to put on my list are keeping me from the things that are important. It isn’t that I don’t have enough time; it’s that I don’t manage my time properly. It’s that I waste time doing things that do not enrich my life and sometimes actually bring me down.
Today, I’m going to try to eliminate as many of the time wasters from my day as I can. I’m going to spend time really listening to my sons and daughter about how their day was and I’m going to sit down and really talk to my husband. Today, instead of doing the things that bring me down, I’m going to do at least one thing for someone else. I’m going to reach out and make some kind of difference, even if it just means making eye contact with someone who is trying to share their day with me.
I’m going to let God guide my priorities.
Posted on Jan 02, 2008 under Time |
It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.
Psalm 92:1-2
For quite some time now, I’ve been setting aside time each day to specifically pray. It’s true that I pray throughout the day – little prayers, quick prayers – but I’ve also made a habit of praying every morning when I wake up and every evening before I sleep. But what do I pray about?
My typical morning prayer is a plea to God to keep me and those I love safe this day. I pray for special things I know will be happening and for God’s guidance and safety. At night I pray that tomorrow will good and then I throw in a quick thank You for prayers that were answered.
And all that sounds like a monologue from one very spoiled child.
I know that God wants me to be happy and to prosper. God wants all good things for His children. God also wants His children – us – to praise Him. I do great in the praying and asking for stuff department but I’m failing miserably in praise for my Heavenly Father.
God has given so me so much already that the fact that I’ve neglected to praise Him is a point of shame. From this day forward, I intend to praise Him each day for all that He is and all that He has already done for me.
Please join me in praising God and let me know how your day is different when you remember to give praise.
Posted on Jan 01, 2008 under God' Plan |
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jerimiah 29:11
I’m not alone. God tells me that I’m not alone and that He is right here, waiting for me to ask Him about the wonderful plan He has for my life. That’s comforting and exciting and frightening all at once.
I look back and I see that I have had plans, too, but most of my plans have been lost by the wayside. I plan and then life happens. And I realize all too often that if my own plans had not been overridden by God’s plans, I’d be in one huge mess right now.
I know that God isn’t keeping His plans hidden from me. I know that it’s up to me to take the time and make the effort to listen to Him. God is waiting to share His plan for me if only I’d be open to His voice.
Today – and every day – I hope to sit quietly with his Word and listen for God’s plan to be revealed to me. One day at a time, I will walk the path that God has set out and I will be open to all that He is waiting to open up to me.
Posted on Jan 01, 2008 under Introduction |
I haven’t done anything with the design here, yet. I guess it’s everything as usual, with me running terribly behind schedule. The design will come soon enough, though. The important thing is that I make a commitment to write on this blog every day, no matter what. That is my New Year’s Resolution.
My intent for the year 2008 is to track my spiritual journey here. My inspiration will likely be a book by Carolyn Larson, One-Minute Devotions For Women
. I’m not sure where this will take me but I invite you to follow along anyway. Maybe you can even join in. We can help each other along the way.
So now, without further ado, I will start off my New Year with my first step along this spiritual path. Let’s see what happens.
