Family Friday
I’m not usually a TGIF kinda girl. But, this week I sure am! There’s a saying that says something along the lines of “if it could happen, it did.” Well, that’s the past week or so in a nutshell.
I shared with you about my Yorkie getting attacked by a neighbor dog (Teeth Like a Quill: A Recap of a Dog Attack) Then, yesterday, I got into a fender bender which has led to a long list of frustration (waiting 5 hours for a tow truck, rental car location being moved to another location across town without notifying me, etc). Luckily, the kids and I were all fine and there is very little damage to my vehicle. So, I am trying to count the blessings within the frustrations!
By, Thursday evening, I NEEDED SOME SOLICE!
There is a nice, shallow beach that we love to go to for sunset. I gathered up the kids, a few snacks, a beach chair and a new book and we were off.
I sat and read while the kids played. I haven’t had a chance to just “sit and relax” in a while. So, it was something I really needed.
As hard as I tried to stay focused on my book, I found myself getting distracted by the smooth waves hitting the shore. It was just so mesmerizing. Watching the sun slowly set behind the palm-tree lined horizon was so calming. The sky changed from blue…to yellow…to orange…to pink…to a beautiful combination of them all!
I simply sat in awe and just SAT…
I kept singing in my head a line out of Nicole C. Mullen’s song: My Redeemer Lives
“Who told the ocean you can only come this far?”
I think sitting at the beach tonight was God’s gentle way of reminding me how small I am and how BIG He is. I’ve been trying to handle the stresses of the past week by myself rather than drawing near to Him when I need him most.
Lately, I haven’t been doing my morning devotional as full-heartedly as I should and I can tell my heart was in a different place. I was letting the devil control my emotions. I was letting the devil control ME. I’ve been angry. I’ve been grumpy. I’ve just not been myself. Usually, that’s how I am without coffee. But, I have been devoted to that so I know that’s not the issue! The issue was, I wasn’t as devoted to God as I was my morning coffee!
Think about it…some mornings, I lay in bed and dread the thought of having to get out of my warm comfy blankets and start another day. But, then I think of my coffee waiting for me in the kitchen and I jump out of bed, ready to go.
Am I THAT EXCITED to spend time in the word? Am I so excited to hear what God has for me each day that I will jump out of bed and rush to my bible like there is some kind of magnetic force?
Nope. How about you?
If you’re like me, we need to refocus. I do start each morning with reading my Bible while I drink my coffee. But, unfortunately it seems like lately I’ve been wanting to rush to check my blog before I really let God’s word sink in. Kinda like, “ok. Read a bit of the Bible. Check that off as done. Now, onto the next thing.”
My sincere daily time with God makes such a difference in my life. I strongly believe I need to put my mind on the Bible or my mind will be drawn elsewhere. This past week is proof of that!
Going into this weekend, I am going to re-surrender myself to God.
Hear that God? I’m all in. I’m all yours. And, I am BACK to being fully devoted to you!
Wow! Just saying that is like breathing in a fresh breath of air. Whatever the devil tries to throw at me this week, he will have to take it up with God first because, He is in control. Hear that devil? By Felicia!?! haha
Going forward, I’m ready for a stress-free weekend filled with family time. I have a refreshed soul and I feel this will bring me back to being the mom my kids deserve. The mom I want to be! The mom I AM! It’s amazing how fatih can do that, isn’t it?
Friend, how about you?
Do you find yourself struggling with prioritizing time for God? (Prioritize prayer bible journal post) I encourage you to take a minute and ask yourself honestly what you are placing ahead of Him. Is it your coffee? Your blogging routine? Your kids? Exercise? None of these things in and of itself are bad things. God doesn’t want us to give up the things like these which bring us joy. However, they shouldn’t come before him. Find that strength to put time in the word first and you will see the amazing impacts it has on your life! And, it’s never to late!
With Aloha,
Lacy
Thank you James for the wonderful idea in your post to share a few of our favorite posts: https://jamesclarkthenextiteration.wordpress.com/2017/07/10/byob-blog-your-own-best/
Adventures of a Busy Mom 
Wow. This deserves to be on your “Best Of” list. So personal, so timely, so true. It was a reminder that I needed as well.
I’ve been mulling a post idea over in my mind about the difference between religion and relationship. Christianity as a religion is made up of practices ABOUT God, whereas Christianity as a relationship is made up of experiences WITH God. You have provided an excellent, real-life example, so I’ll definitely be linking to this when I write it.
Isn’t it amazing how nature has a way of calming us down, soothing us, and drawing us back to Him? It’s a wonderful experience, one that I’ve been through many times myself. I tried to capture this experience in my story “Soul Spring Magic”, a post that I consider to be one of my best. I know you’ve read it and liked it, but maybe some of your other readers would appreciate it as well.
http://jamesclarkthenextiteration.wordpress.com/2017/04/28/soul-spring-magic/
It was also nice to be reminded of one of my all-time favorite songs. I have an irresistable desire to go listen to it again, but before I go pop it onto my stereo, I wanted to thank you again for all the reminders!
Blessings!
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James, you always know just what to say to brighten my day. Thank you so much! I’m still trying to get a feel for my blogging style. I like to do the different days for different things: hiking, recipes, DIY etc. But, I feel like it’s the posts like these that is where my heart is. I might be changing the feel of my blog a bit to do more of these. Thank you for your continued support! Now, go jam out to some Nicole C. Mullen!
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Oh, and I really look forward to your take on religion vs christianity. That’s something I feel passionate about too. You can say you are part of a religion. But, until we feel like God is our best friend and by our side at all times and we find ourself speaking to him throughout the day…well, I’m afraid we are so missing out on what a relationship with Christ is.
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Such a great reminder, thank you, we truly need that a relationship with God! Oh and yes, bye Felicia!
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Hehe! I thought that pet was funny too 😉
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You can definitely see your skills in the paintings you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. At all times follow your heart.
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Thank you! I write from my heart and I’m glad to hear it shows. I’m proud of my faith. It’s become such a huge part of my life. I can’t help but share about it when I write 😉
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I do consider all of the concepts you have presented for your post. They are very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are very quick for starters. May just you please prolong them a little from subsequent time? Thank you for the post.
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Can you clarify this for me? I appreciate your feed back. I’m just not sure I’m understanding what you are trying to say.
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