Adventure Time!

 

When our children were small I was in charge of adventures.  We took adventures to the zoo and the park and the mall.  Being the Adventure Administrator also meant that I did most of our vacation planning and preparation.  We had a tent trailer that we took out every summer.  My husband and I would select a destination and campsite together; I filled in the rest.  I researched a wide variety of things to do in our selected locale.  I considered the various personalities and interests of our family, aiming to find something that would delight each person.  I created a schedule for each day including meals and snacks.  Tent trailers aren’t known for their abundance of storage and space, but there needed to be room for 4 duffel bags, sleeping bags, blankies, pillows, towels, cooking items, multiple coolers, a selection of board games, brownies or chocolate chip cookies and one of those large plastic containers of Twizzlers. I not only got to plan our grand escapades, I also got to pack for these exploits which was an adventure in itself! As much I loved each excursion we took, I dreamed of going on an adventure where I didn’t have to plan or pack or cook or clean up.

Jesus invited twelve guys on an adventure where there was no planning or packing involved.  When I read in Mark chapter 1 how Peter and Andrew, James and John, just left everything to join Jesus on His adventure I am always stunned.  There was no preparation whatsoever!  They didn’t run home to grab a quick snack.  They didn’t check to make sure everything was locked up before they left. They didn’t do a quick internet search for a place to temporarily call home.  No one seemed to be in charge of meals or evening entertainment. No one put on an extra jacket or stuffed some socks somewhere just in case.

When you read Mark’s account in Mark 1:16-20 it all sounds so random.  Jesus sees some fisherman and says “Hey!  You should come with me. I’ll teach you how to really fish.”  And they go! They leave their boats and their equipment and their families and they follow Jesus.  When you read the account in Luke 5 you realize a bit more happened and yet the result is the same.  Peter, Andrew, James and John were so overwhelmed with who Jesus was they dropped the life they were living and joined him in His life.  From the very beginning of their adventure, Jesus was more important than three things to those four disciples.

First, Jesus was more important to them than their livelihood.  In our modern day culture, one’s career seems to be the epitome of who one is.  We define ourselves by what we do.   We get focused on climbing the ladder to gain importance and greater responsibility.  We seek extra hours or overtime so we can afford that swanky vacation.  We strive to be recognized and seen as impressive in whatever job we do.  Simon, Andrew, James and John basically quit their jobs to follow Jesus.  They didn’t have a clue what life would look like; they didn’t even ask!  They were so compelled by who Jesus was when He said “Follow,” they did.  In the Luke passage we learn that Jesus had just provided a fish catch for the record books.  I find it fascinating that they didn’t ask Jesus to join their fishing crew so that their business could achieve the Best Fishermen award.  Instead, they willingly let go of what provided for them and gave them significance to join Jesus and His mission.

Secondly, Jesus was more important to them than their families.  James and John literally left their dad holding the nets.  We learn later in Mark, chapter 1, that Peter had a mother-in-law, which leads one to conclude he had a wife. There is no mention of Peter running home to confer with his bride or the others in his family.  This is not an excuse for us to abandon our parents, our in-laws or our spouses.  God’s Word makes it clear that family is important (see Ex. 20:12, Eph. 5:25, Ps. 127:3-5) and God is to always come first.  Sometimes that’s difficult.  Do we trust that God knows not only what is best for us individually, but also for each member of our households?  It’s so easy to make our families such a strong priority that we inadvertently put God and His purposes in second place.  We can’t give to missions because Johnnie’s in competitive soccer and Janie wants a new phone.  We can’t participate in a weekend retreat because that would leave our spouse home alone with the children.  We can’t make it to church every Sunday because that’s the only day we have as a family.  Jesus asks us to put Him and His Kingdom first. Always.

Thirdly, Jesus was more important than their responsibilities. Did you notice: they left their stuff!  They left the nets and the boats and the fish and their hired workers.  As a mom, I would be saying, “come back here and put your things away!”  It’s so easy to put Jesus off by telling Him we’ll get around to doing what He asks of us as soon as we finish X Y Z. We all have our to-do lists that seem to control our schedules.  I know there have been many times I’ve thought something along the lines of “I should take that family a meal.” It doesn’t happen because my every day responsibilities take precedence.  I straighten the front room, I fold the laundry and I play with the dog.  I choose to do things that should be done, but could be done later, instead of listening to what Jesus asks of me and choosing to follow His leading. Jesus wants to be first priority in all of our choices.

Jesus wasn’t out to just make their lives better.  Jesus wanted to transform their lives and transform who they were.  My Pastor husband recently preached on this passage in Mark 1 and he mentioned that following a Rabbi meant you wanted to be exactly like him.  It wasn’t a matter of just copying a look or imitating some behaviors.  The goal was to be like the Rabbi in every way possible. 

To be like Jesus, to follow Him in the way He desires, means we give up what we think is significant.  Whether it is our careers, our family with their hopes and dreams, or that things we do that seem so important and necessary in the moment.  I’m not saying we don’t strive to be great at our jobs. I’m not suggesting that you ignore the needs of your family.  I’m not telling you to shirk your responsibilities.  I do believe that Jesus is saying to view those things through the filter of who He is, and what He wants to accomplish in us and through us.  Jesus invites us on an adventure of transformation. Jesus invites us to go with Him, live with Him, hang out with Him every moment of every day. Just think, on this adventure, you don’t have to plan, prepare or pack before you go. You just need to follow.

Learning to Live in the AND

 

I haven’t been writing much lately.  I admit that life threw me some curveballs and I didn’t do well with catching them, hitting them or even sloppily juggling them.  I dropped balls left and right as I scrambled to emotionally handle what was. 

 

In July, my mother-in-law began her final journey home to Jesus.  We left our camping trip early allowing my husband to get things lined up so he could leave to be with his mom.  He left and I proceeded to cancel our up-coming vacation to the coast so that we could celebrate her life.

 

In late August, we received word that my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer.  Though she was in her nineties, chemo was scheduled to help slow the cancer’s progression and hold off long-term pain.  I spoke to my boss, received extended time off and flew to be with my mother the day before my husband’s birthday.  I spent 7 weeks away from home caring for my mom while my husband fended for himself. 

 

By the second round of chemo, side-effects began to happen to my mother and serious questions about her long-term care needed to be answered.  My sister and I made the heart-wrenching decision to move my mom into an assisted living before my return home date.  My brother came and helped with the packing as we all grieved the change in my mom’s life.  

 

We moved my mom and I flew home.  Three weeks later I was back on a plane hoping to see her one last time before she died.  I didn’t make it.  Whereas we were grateful my mom’s passing came without extended pain, facing the reality that she was truly gone has been hard. 

 

God reminded me of truth found in the word “and.” 

 

When we communicate and formulate sentences we often use the word ‘but,’ such as: I want to buy a new car but it would be too expensive.  Using the word ‘but’ invalidates the first part of the sentence and creates a feeling that it is less significant than the second part of the sentence.  Sometimes that is what we intend to say.  Many times, both phrases hold equal weight, so the word ‘and’ should be used.  The truth is two or more seemingly opposing things can be true at the same time.  It may be that buying a new car is too expensive for me, and that doesn’t lessen my desire for a sweet shiny red convertible. 

 

God reminded me of a variety of truths using the simple word “and.”  I can be grief-stricken AND God is Yahweh Shalom. He is my peace.  I may feel very alone AND God is Emmanuel.  He is always with me.  I may feel overwhelmed with the tasks I need to accomplish AND God is my provider and my strength.  I may feel crushed from the weight of decisions to be made AND God is the God of all wisdom.  I may feel guilt over choices that had to be AND God is the God of comfort. 

 

My word for 2021 is the word AND.  I am seeking to see the full truth of what I experience even in the day to day.  I am choosing to see how God is showing up.  I am determined to be truthful with myself about the good and the bad, the easy and the difficult.  I am realizing that authentic life is found in the AND.  It’s in the AND I’m discovering the truth of who God is as He meets me as I truly am.  Twenty-twenty-one has not begun as a banner year AND God is already faithfully pouring out His love and grace into my life. 

 

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.  Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.  We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment.  For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”  Romans 5:1-5 NLT

Thanksgiving Really does Come First

It started on Halloween; now it’s Christmas music until January.  I don’t hate it. Growing up, the rule was no Christmas music until after Thanksgiving.  I’ve fudged that rule several times over my life for a day here and there.  Basically, I follow the rule that my father laid down when I was a child.  This year, I’ve joined with the rest of the 2020 rebels and I’m filling my home with Christmas music.   I’m anxious for the peace that Christmas heralds.

God recently revealed wisdom and hope as I read again my favorite passage of Scripture, Colossians 3:12-17.    “Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, ¹³ bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. ¹⁴ Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. ¹⁵ And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

First of all, we who are believers in Christ are chosen, holy and dearly loved.  Those are words I need to hear in the midst of life’s current circumstances.  My spirit is tired, my heart is grieving, the days are full and there is no end in sight.  Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not standing on the cliff of depression, life hasn’t become so overwhelming that I’m giving up, it’s just LIFE.  And I need some peace.  Hearing God whisper that He still chooses me, He still is making me holy, and He still loves me dearly gives my heart a chance to breathe, and rest.

Secondly, God doesn’t ask any action of us that He hasn’t already lived out toward us.  I know I sometimes get caught in the list of behaviors found in verses 12-14.  They become a checklist, so I vow to do better, work harder, and become more aware of others around me.  God opened my eyes to the reality that He has already lived out each of these behaviors toward all of us. His compassion is what led Him to Calvary.  His kindness reaches into our lives and beckons us to find Him.  He humbled Himself and gave up every royal right He had, dying a humiliating death so that our sins would be covered with His righteousness allowing us to enter God’s glorious presence.  He gently leads us, patiently allowing us to make choices that sadden His heart, and then He graciously leads us again. He forgives us over and over and over. He draws us closer to Himself with His overwhelming, incomprehensible love.  He has given us an example, but it’s more than that.  He pours Himself into us, and we are changed forever; He is molding us into His perfect likeness. 

Third, Christ’s peace is to be the determining factor, the over-arching element in how we choose to live.  The Bible states that God’s peace isn’t like the world’s peace (John 14:27).  The world’s peace is conditional, an if-then arrangement.  If you agree with me, than I won’t argue with you.  If you spoil me, then I won’t throw a tantrum.  If you let me do what I want, then I won’t belittle you. God’s peace isn’t like that. God’s Spirit led me to list the areas in my life where His peace was not readily evident in my life, the circumstances where I was struggling, hurting or grieving.  In His compassion and kindness, God whispered for me to go back to the truth that He has chosen me, He has made me holy, and He loves me dearly. As I focused on His truth, my spirit began to rest.  When we focus on our relationship with God above all else, when we center our hearts and minds on all that God gives, when we give ourselves permission to really see God in all His glory and goodness, when we choose to trust who He is, His peace rules over whatever we may be facing

Finally, be thankful.  When I read verse 15, I feel as if being thankful is just tacked on.  I don’t think that’s what Paul meant.  Perhaps it should read, “And identify all the various reasons you have to be thankful.”  We are chosen, holy and dearly loved.  God has treated us with compassion and kindness.  Christ humbled Himself for us, and His grace gently and patiently teaches and leads us every day.  Jesus has provided us complete forgiveness and offers us His own peace.  We have so much more to be thankful for beyond our families, a roof over our heads and a good cup of coffee in the morning.  Those are definitely gifts from our God who is the giver of all good things, and they are not the source of true thanksgiving.  A heart filled with gratitude continues to kneel at the Savior’s feet, continues to seek His wisdom, and continues to allow His peace to reign.

I am listening to Christmas music already.  And Thanksgiving really does come first.  We need to stop and be thankful. We need to recount how good and faithful God has been.  We need to truly see how God has shown up in the middles of this year’s stress and heartaches.  Being thankful is not an idea that is tacked on.  It is the attitude that brings us back around to the truth of who God is, and that He gives peace.

Motivating Truth

I kept telling myself I was doing something I loved to do. It just didn’t feel like it anymore.  I tried to psych myself up by reminding my mind and heart of all the positives I got to enjoy: I loved the opportunity to be creative, I loved who I spent my time with, I loved the camaraderie with others doing the same thing, I felt mentally challenged and I wanted to be successful. But I was exhausted.  I often found myself scrolling Pinterest for motivational quotes…

“Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit.”  ~Edwin Louis Cole

“Nothing is impossible.  The word itself says I’m Possible.” ~Audrey Hepburn

“Self-confidence is a super power. Once you start to believe in yourself, magic starts happening.” ~unknown

 

Have you been there?  Have you ever scrounged for just the right phrase that would lift your attitude and your belief above the muck you found yourself stuck in?  As a believer in Jesus I live in this tension where the world says I am to be confident that I am enough; the Bible says apart from God I can do nothing (John 15:5). The world tells me I find my value through how I match up to others; God’s Word says my value is found in Him.  He says I am precious to Him, I am honored and He loves me (Isaiah 43:4). 

As Christians, we live in this struggle to balance living in this world without allowing the world to shape who we are.  It’s hard to decipher what to believe about ourselves, our dreams and our potential.  How do we go about stretching ourselves to achieve the goals God has placed in our hearts?  Where do we find the well of motivation to keep us striving to do what we believe God has called us to do whether it is raising children, holding down a full-time corporate job, investing in our neighbors, opening our homes as a place of encouragement, creating an empowering online presence, teaching a weekly Bible class, caring for an elderly parent, or doing several things at one time?

There are three scriptural truths that I am learning to lean into.  They do more than motivate me, they ground me.  They provide a solid foundation so that I can decipher truth appropriately.  The first scripture is Proverbs 28:26, “The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.” (CSB) God’s word clearly tells us not to blatantly trust our own perceptions and point of view.  Our ideas can easily be skewed or downright selfish.  Instead we are to walk in wisdom.  To me that means spending time in God’s Word, learning what God says is significant.  Walking in wisdom includes intentionally seeking to know God more and aligning myself with His character.  It’s good to study scripture for insight into a problem or conflict, and we need to remember that gaining knowledge isn’t the only thing. Building our relationship with God is always the ultimate goal.  The deeper one’s intimacy is with Christ, the easier it is to hear and follow the wisdom He reveals.

The second truth is found in 2 Corinthians 3:5, “It is not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.” (CSB) Each of us has gifts and abilities that make us shine.  Others tell us how good we are at this or that.  The truth we need to remember is that God is the source of whatever strength we call ours.  There is a song by Christian musician, Ronnie Freeman, called “The Only Thing.”  In the chorus of the song he repeats the phrase “the only thing that’s good in me is Jesus.”  None of us are competent in ourselves.  Each of us needs Jesus.  Sometimes I find myself putting expectations on myself thinking I ought to be able to do a-b-c or handle x-y-z.  Perhaps I’ve done the exact thing many times before, or maybe I’ve come to think I’ve been a Christian long enough I should know what to do.  In those moments I need to humble myself and recall this truth: my adequacy is from God.  Whatever we do, whatever we may accomplish, it is God achieving and not ourselves. 

The third truth is from Psalms 138:8, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.  Lord, your faithful love endures forever; do not abandon the work of your hands.” (CSB)  Wherever God has placed us, whatever God has laid on our hearts to accomplish, God will fulfill His purpose.  I often have to go back over truths one and two to double check that I am living God’s purpose and not my own.  When I’ve squeezed in too much of my own thoughts and ideas, or I am trying to do too much in my own strength, I’ve stopped looking for what God wants to do in me, through me and for me.  The Bible doesn’t say God will be faithful to give us the life we’ve imagined will be purposeful.  The Psalmist affirms that God will accomplish what He sets out to do.  We can trust that God always chooses what is best; He is faithful and He never fails. 

A Pinterest worthy inspirational quote is good now and then.  In each one I’ve read, there is a nugget of truth.  And we need to continually be conscious that we can’t trust what we think, our adequacy is always found in God alone, and we need to be focused only on God’s purposes. We each need to base our motivation on the truth of God’s Word, relying on His wisdom and His truth so that we are not led astray, and we are able to keep living the life He longs for us to live.

Patience over Power

I found myself in a conversation last week that made me feel uncomfortable.  The other person wasn't attacking me or saying anything exceptionally crude; I felt an unsettling attitude behind the words being spoken.  I sensed defensiveness, some anger and a lot of "I want to be right."  I didn't want to continue the conversation.  I value the other person deeply and I believe the other person values me as well.  Still, I felt bullied, though I am convinced that was not the other person's intent.  

The conversation came to mind the following morning as I read the designated passage for my quiet time.  Proverbs 16:32 says, "Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city." (NLT)  I wondered if I have made others feel as I had felt: bullied, unheard, someone to vomit on without regard for their opinion or feelings. I'm sure I have. I'm sure I've treated my spouse in such a way when I am overwhelmed and agitated. I suspect my friends have wondered at times what's really going on inside of me as I've unloaded. I understand that there are moments we need to voice our frustrations and all the mess that is associated with our less-than-pleasant emotions.  I am aware of the benefits of "getting it all out."  And I can't help but be convinced I've hurt someone in the process because it sounds like I'm bashing them instead of just verbally cleansing my system.  

The verse in Proverbs gave me pause.  I noticed several key ideas

• Patience is valued.  Waiting and biding time is a plus.

• Power is not always the answer, nor is obtaining "the best position."

• Controlling one's emotions or one's spirit is valuable.

• Controlling one's emotions or one's spirit is better than winning the battle at any cost.

As I looked over those key ideas I was reminded of something my husband says to me periodically: You don't always have to say what you are thinking.  It's been a lesson I've found hard to learn.  At times, my words are so desperate to be released; they clamor ever louder in my mind daring me to spit them out. The lie that I  will feel better when my ideas are set free is hard to silence.  I forget I am often left with a relational mess to clean up after my words have viciously tumbled out.  Winning really isn't everything.  My value isn't determined by the arguments I win, or the conversations I think I control.    

The proverb is timely wisdom for me as I'm scheduled to head back to work after spending 7 weeks caring for my elderly mother.  I'm not in control at my job.  I'm a happy "the buck  doesn't stop with me" employee.  And yet I know that I like things done a certain way; I feel frustrated when I sense others are doing what I determine to be a slip-shod job.  God whispered to my soul to be  patient, with others and with myself, as I venture back to my routine.  He reminded me that I am to be representing Jesus in everything I do and everything I say.  Christ is the real power in my life, and His power is what I want to lean into.  God reminded me to listen, really hear the heart of those around me. He reassured me with the truth that my value doesn’t come from my job, God alone determines my value and He loves me overwhelmingly.  He told me to work in such a way as to honor Him and give Him pleasure, releasing my desire to control how others behave.  He told me to stop judging others by how they work, or don't work, in my opinion.  He brought back to mind the conversation I had previously endured.  I put the faces of my co-workers in my place and I knew I didn't want to treat them in such a way. 

I admit this challenge from God felt overwhelming. My selfishness reared her annoyed head at the idea of continually  choosing to put myself aside and consider others so intensely.  God's Spirit redirected me back to the Proverb: be patient.  I sensed His sweet Spirit reminding me I needed to be as patient with myself and the learning curve, as much as I needed to exhibit patience with others. Again, He whispered His love and acceptance of  me, He reminded me of His grace. He opened my heart to the truth that Proverbs 16:32 is manageable because I have Jesus.  He has poured His grace on me.  He pours so much grace on me that it overflows; I know I have more than enough to extend grace to others. I stand in grace, and I can be patient, my sinful nature can be held in check as I fix my eyes on the one who has all the power.  

To Him be all the glory.  

Reach Out

 

She reached out and grabbed for my hand.  It was an unusual move for my elderly mother; she thrives on her independence.  She had spent two and a half days in the hospital for a blockage in her colon.  The doctors and hospital staff had solved the issue, but she hadn’t eaten or moved for her two days of incarceration.  She was strong of mind and weak in body.  She must have felt very unsteady to have reached so quickly for my strength. We moved slowly to the car.  I was careful to match my pace to what I felt she was capable of handling.  Her steps were more shuffle than walking.  She knew where she was going, she knew how to get there, and she couldn’t get there on her own. 

We’ve all been there haven’t we?  We want to do things on our own.  Our culture encourages us to be individuals with independence.  We fiercely declare: I can do it!  We’ve been shouting our independence since we were toddlers.  And yet all of us have those seasons when we need to count on the strength of others. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9 & 10 says “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.  For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.”  (CSB) Paul in Acts 20:35 challenges us “…to help the weak…” (CSB) Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works.” (CSB) Romans 15:1-4 talks about strengthening others when their faith is not as mature as our own.  As believers, I think we are so aware that we are to be strong for others, we forget to acknowledge our moments when we need others to step in and steady us. We struggle to admit we need to grasp someone else’s hand so we can take the necessary steps forward.  

I’ve been learning practical lessons about leaning on others as I’ve made myself available for my mom to lean on me.  The first lesson is to ask for help.  It’s okay to say you can’t do it all.  God doesn’t expect us to do everything; we are the body of Christ and not the individuals of Jesus (Romans 12:4 & 5). Second, don’t make everything all about you.  It’s easy when circumstances are hard to fall into the pattern of complaining and focusing only on what we are experiencing.  Sadly, this clouds our perspective and positions us to be unaware when someone reaches out to steady us (James 1:2-4). Third, open your eyes to how you can still meet the need of someone else. Often, those we reach out to for help are also struggling with something.  Remember we are Christ’s body, working together, supporting one another for the purposes of God.  There is comfort and power in knowing you are standing in strength together (Philippians 2:1-4).

Galatians 6:2 tells us we are to carry one another’s burden.  Sometimes we help someone carry their load; sometimes we are the one who is weighed down.  It doesn’t make any difference; we are to be in it together.  We were not created to journey alone.  God is gracious to bless us when we serve, and when we are the one being served.  Reach out your hand. 

Disciple over Discipline

 

For years I labeled myself undisciplined.  I couldn’t seem to exercise with any consistency at all.  My diet was whatever food was convenient.  My house appeared clean, but it really was a well-played illusion.  I’m ashamed to admit I’m bad about changing my sheets every week, and washing my face every night.  For the majority of my 50 some odd years, having a regular quiet time was hit and miss with a distinct lean toward a miss.  I figured it was the bane of my existence, being undisciplined.  I concluded that being disciplined was out of my wheelhouse.

I put on a happy face about my limitation.  I laughed it off, or mentioned that I was “more creative” or “I thrive on being fun!” They are true statements and they covered up what I perceived to be a major point of failure in my life.  After all, successful people, people who are winners, are disciplined.  Right?  I beat myself up, and figured God could never use me in a powerful way.  I spoke lies to myself.  I called myself a bad Christian.  I put silent pressure on myself to match up to some standard that was written nowhere but in my own mind. 

I’m often intrigued by the fact that the word disciple is hidden in the word discipline.  To me, the word disciple speaks of learning and growing, of failing and relearning, of discovering new ideas and erasing old concepts.  It doesn’t scare me like the word discipline.  So I’ve learned to change my perspective.  I’m a disciple and I’m learning.  I’m learning of my desperate need for Jesus.  I’m learning that when I focus on listening to His voice, I become more aware of how He is moving in my life.  I’m learning to give myself grace when life interferes with what I think is the ideal. I’m learning to not be concerned about checking items off a spiritual to-do list, but to engage in a journey with the One who created me and loves me more than I can fathom.

I am continually learning the truth of Proverbs 4:21 and 22.  “Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep within your spirit.  They will impart true life and radiant health into the very core of your being.” (The Passion Translation) Throughout my journey I’ve learned a variety of ways to fill my thoughts with God’s Word.  

• First of all, I journal; I actually journal a lot!  I write which scriptures, phrases and ideas jump out to me as I have my quiet time.  I jot down questions or fresh insights from the Holy Spirit.  I often look up passages in various translations and write down the differences I notice.  I make a point to identify each day how the scripture passage I read applies to the events and responsibilities on my schedule.  My journaling is my response to how God’s Word is speaking to my heart and my need.  
• Secondly I write verses on 3x5 cards that I recognize I need to remember for the day or for a circumstance I am facing.  I often carry the verse in my pocket as a reminder, or I set it up wherever I am working: by my computer, propped up in the kitchen, or used as a bookmark while I read. 
• Third, I write out my prayers.  Some people may consider it journaling, but I’m actually writing out the very words my heart is speaking to God.  I write out my requests, and concerns. I list the names of people I know with needs. I pour out my struggles and beg for wisdom. And I write what my heart hears God saying and my response back. This helps me stay focused as I talk with the Lord. 
• Lastly I set reminders on my phone to stop what I’m doing and check in with Jesus throughout the day.   I check a brief devotional on an app, or I take a moment to breathe out a prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to speak into my immediate circumstance. I’m setting myself up to connect with Christ continually because I am His disciple.

Discipline looks different on different people because God created each of us to be unique disciples.  He calls us to look at Him (not everyone else!) and follow.  We begin by filling our thoughts with His Word; rest in the assurance that they will bring true life.