Isn't it frustrating when you're watching a movie with a complicated plot line and you’re not sure what’s going on? When my daughter was little and watched a movie with us, she often asked, “Is he good or bad?” Once understanding came, it was as if someone turned on the light. "Ohhh....." She could then relax and enjoy the show. Or when you and your husband are having a disagreement, often there is a lack of understanding of the other person’s point of view. There have been times I just could ... continue reading...
Walking in the Light of Understanding
What’s Even Better than a Mission Statement?
I’d like to continue our series on Enjoying Your Quiet Time with an idea that’s been employed by many individuals and even corporations world-wide - yes, a mission statement. But my idea is a bit different. You'll see, but first I want to make something absolutely clear... This is not about ritual. This is not about working to be approved by God. This is not a gimmick or a trick to assure answered prayer. This is about committing to a relationship. It’s about purposing in your ... continue reading...
So, What Do You Do in a Quiet Time?
A quiet time, at its simplest, is some time set aside to be alone, quiet your heart, and focus on relating to (praying) and learning about (reading your Bible) God. It's totally private, between you and Him. Sometimes I have found it helpful to have something to direct my time in the morning. What I mean is, so many times I would hold my cup of tea, close my eyes to pray, and I’m out! Down for the count! Not asleep necessarily, but spaced out. Not there. Same thing with reading the Word. ... continue reading...
The One Spiritual Practice That Can Change Your Entire Life
Please note that the hero of this story is God, and if it ever doesn’t sound like that, it’s a mistake in my wording... What are some words that come to mind when you think of having a quiet time? No time I'll do it later Hit or miss (mostly miss) Guilt Frustrating Don't understand why Don't understand the Bible Don't know what to do Too distracted Fail Intimate Sweet fellowship Best time of my day Persevering - want to be faithful Grace Early morning Late at ... continue reading...
One Sure Way to Shake Up Your Quiet Time
We just spent 10 days on vacation. We visited my daughter’s family in New Hampshire at Rumney Bible Conference and also spent a few days in Maine where we renewed our love for Portland, Boothbay Harbor and the Damariscotta-Pemaquid-Round Pond peninsula. We haven’t been there in two years, so we were really missing our lobster dinner on the dock, climbing the rocks around the Pemaquid Point lighthouse and shopping at Reny’s and L.L. Bean’s factory outlet in Freeport. Just some places that hold ... continue reading...
The Easiest Way to Memorize Scripture
I have a little post-it note on my refrigerator I wrote during my quiet time one morning. It says, "God is for us!!!" Rom 8:31 The book of Romans has always been awe-inspiring and powerfully life-changing for me (when I'm believing it and living it), but particularly the eighth chapter. I've spent a lot of time there. A few years back, I underwent a momentous life change. All three of my kids (in a 2-year period) met their spouses, got married, and moved out of state. None of them was ... continue reading...
Created for a Purpose – but What?
Do you ever sit back and think, “What is the purpose of life? Why are we all here? Why am I here? What’s my purpose?” I’ve thought about this a lot. Many times in my journal, I’ve written, “Lord, what’s MY purpose?” You see, after the kids grow up and leave home and maybe even live so far that they and your grandchildren are not physically, tangibly, in your life any more, there can be a void. Or the last kid goes off to college, or a death or divorce. Your whole life can change, seemingly ... continue reading...
Healthier Fudge Pops (or Smoothie)
Last weekend I wanted to make a treat. We like special treats on weekends. That's part of what makes them so special, right? As usual, I took a "normal" idea for a recipe and tweaked it to make it healthier. Mr. B. didn't even realize there were some surprise ingredients in it. (He should have known better!) It started out to be a creamy, chocolatey smoothie. Then I realized it would seem more like a treat if I made it into fudge pops and saved it for after dinner. When I was a ... continue reading...
Your Basic Green Smoothie
When my daughter was younger, I used to pick her up from working out at the gym and she would say, "Can we have, like, salmon, brown rice and broccoli for dinner?" Why is it that when we feel like we're doing something good for our bodies like exercise, it spurs us on to do even more good things? After I exercise, especially if it's warm weather like we're having now, I crave a green juice or smoothie. Today I made the smoothie. I'll give you my basic recipe, but then you can add whatever ... continue reading...