Time alone with God -- it’s essential…

I am amazed at how many people who claim to be “Jesus-followers” overlook the necessity each day of spending focused time centered on their relationship with God. Even Jesus, God in the flesh, made it a priority. In my own life, I struggle to keep a balance like anyone else, and when life pitches out of balance, centered devotional time with the Lord may suffer.

 

Here are a few pointers to make your time with the Lord effective:

Place- Have a place where you can be alone for this important time each day. The New Testament referred to a prayer closet.  So be creative, but make sure it is a location that helps you focus on the attributes of our great God.  When you were in pre-school, I’d make sure I was in a room where you weren’t playing, asking me questions, or wanting me to see you. The best places are void of distractions.

Posture- Your posture makes a difference in the act of meditating. Walking while you pray may aid your concentration more than reclining in an easy chair. Prostration or kneeling can express your humility before God almighty.  Choose what you sense points your heart and personhood toward full surrender to Jesus.

Period- A chosen time in each day helps with continuity and prioritization. If a devotional time is important to you, it will be in your schedule. If I don’t set a time each day during the week, it is amazing how other activities make it to the top of “to do” list. 

Plan- It’s nice to have a plan when you embark on a meaningful, scheduled time. Whether you read through the Bible in a year, concentrate on a few chapters or verses, or follow a study written by a Christian author, it should be a blueprint to grow in knowledge of God and how you relate to Him. Essential in making it meaningful is a way to record your insights for future reference and review. I’ve used a journal for years, just to write down insights, prayer requests, and strong impressions from the Lord through His word. 

Provisions- The supplies you need are up to you. I prefer a study Bible with a journal and pen. You may have a Bible downloaded on an electronic device. Some like meditational music in the background or have books of historical hymns or prayers from Christian history. As you endeavor to make this period effectual and meaningful, your list of materials will change to meet your needs.

Presence- When you enter into your time, you need to be fully present. Turn off the distractions and focus. And remember -- the Omnipresent One is with you. I think faith in Jesus allows for the verses from Scripture and impressions on your spirit to connect with your life and its circumstances so that you and your perspective are transformed. You will be better prepared to meet the day as you believe that you’ve met with the Lord.

 

Adequately expressing the kind of joy or comfort of a word from God to the heart of my soul is beyond me. When you are sure that, “God must have meant that, just for me…,” when you are spending time focused on Him, there are few inspirations in life that surpass it. Make your time with God a discipline. It will pay off in dividends.

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (Luke 5:16)

“God’s acquaintance is not made hurriedly. He does not bestow His gifts on the casual or hasty comer and goer. To be much alone with God is the secret of knowing Him and of influence with Him.” E. M. Bounds

Christmas Letter 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

Life is moving at breakneck speed, and these are days to treasure! Pictures capture feelings and stories better than words for many of us, so we decided to share a few with you to recap our year.

All our kids are growing up too quickly, but we continue to parent them with prayer and love, despite our own shortcomings, and trust God with the outcome.

 

 

Jace is a creative, sensitive, and energetic boy who loves school and life. We are proud with what we see him accomplishing academically. He continues to be involved in a smattering of sports throughout the year, first year of piano lessons, and more recently singing with a kids' choir through College Park Church.

Gwyneth is a powerful little personality we have nicknamed “Sarge”. When she is sick or out with a friend, her absence is felt. She is forthright about what she wants, ready to serve, and sappy sweet with an edge. She is loyal and dedicated to friendships, and I’m sure we’ll be hauling her to parties someday. Everyone is a friend. Though we’ve had her in gymnastics and dance, we tried soccer for the first time this year. She is excited for kindergarten, and we are confident she is ready and will devour the opportunity to learn and be with other kids.

 

 

Quinn is a determined, industrious, spunky little lady. She parrots what her older siblings say and tries to copy every action, whether she is ready or not. She loves to move her body, deposit her belongings and ours all around the house, and we have to caution her about all the challenges for which she is not ready.

We are so thankful for how Sarah’s job has provided for us in these years. She has continued to develop professionally, and the practice is led by talented doctors who have administrative gifts in their arsenal. We are so happy that she can spend ample time at home, enjoying family life while still being able to provide. John continues to care for the kids during the day and works four to five nights at Home Depot, getting to bed around 2 a.m. and then up at 7 to get Jace out the door for school. Recently we found a small group we feel encouraged about through our church. We help with the Sunday School program for our kids and have found our church to be a blessing.

May your Christmas be filled with true Peace. May 2015 be a year full of blessing for you and those close to your heart,

John, Sarah, Jace, Gwyneth, and Quinn

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Is. 9:6 NIV

 

In March, Mason, our "pure-bred Frisbee dog," was laid to rest. We admired his companionship, his love of life, his ability to clean food on our kitchen floor, and his passion to chase down Frisbees.

Our  two night campout to McCormick’s Creek State Park was a ton of fun, even though we got rained out and broke down our camp at midnight to head home.

Sibling love…

 

On Halloween this year, Mary Poppins, Burt, and Minnie Mouse showed up.

 

11th Anniversary, Just BE... HERE...

Romantic preparation for our 11th Anniversary has not gone as I envisioned. When I awoke from a four-hour sleep to prepare breakfast for the family on Saturday morning, I was aware that something wasn’t right. I willed myself out of bed and had good reason to return to it in an attempt to grab a quick nap before a neighbor’s birthday party. Fast forward to Sunday morning: I knew I needed to miss church.  I was feeling lousy.  As I creaked down the stairs, I saw that Sarah had all the kids huddled around the laptop, watching the morning online worship service at our church, while eating their cereal. My temp would stay in the 100’s for most of the day.

On Monday morning, it was 104! I would wear a long sleeve T-shirt over the top of a short sleeve T-shirt just to keep from having the teeth-rattling chills. I’d wake up to the realization that I needed to shower and put on some fresh shirts.  I thought I’d kicked the bug when my temperature dropped down to around 98 after a shower and another shirt change, but by 6:00 p.m. on Monday evening, it was back up to around 102.

In the midst of this, Sarah’s demonstrations of love were clear and visible. The kids were encouraged to keep the noise level down, and I was able to rest in our bedroom. She would check on me, empathetically inquire about how I was feeling, bring fresh water, sometimes wipe my forehead, and bring samples of food that seemed appealing. She tried to pick up where I would have led the charge by making sure the kids were bathed as well as assuming other responsibilities that I carry. She chose to sleep in the same bed with me, even if it was the flu, just to be close. She was a companion as I cleared my throat in the mornings, or coughed to breathe clearly in the evening. On Monday, she had a huge day of work, but she was aware of my high temperature. I prepared Jace’s lunch, got him on the bus, then retreated to our room, hoping the two girls, Gwyneth and Quinn, could care for one another. I texted Sarah about how I was doing, and she immediately planned to come home to get lunch for them. I planned to close out the morning with them watching the “Frozen” DVD. When she got the girls fed, she proceeded to ask me what I would love to eat and I off-handedly said, “Soup....” She prepared homemade chicken-vegetable soup and brought it to my bedside. As the day progressed, Sarah arranged for a lady who watches our children to come over before Jace arrived home from school. Our friend, whom we call Aunt Jerri, prepared the evening meal and got the kids ready for bed. Sarah arrived back home right when the kids went to bed. She’d been active for over 12 hours at work while covering at home where she could. Then, she came into our room and took me to the doctor while Jerri stayed with the kids. We were relieved to receive a diagnosis of bronchitis and prescribed antibiotics.  We breathed a sigh of gratitude that our kids hadn’t been exposed to something quite as contagious as another type of virus.

In a way, this week was deeply romantic. Confined to my bedroom for two days, I missed the usual touch of my kids and Sarah.  I felt disconnected from “life” as I know it. But, the gratitude for this servant and life partner beside me, whose love shows in tangible ways, was more powerful than ever. I had a new appreciation for her, a new love for all that she shouldered in just a few days. I had new hunger for just being with my kids. And I’m starting to feel what it is like to be in a healthy body again.

I have friends who are dealing with terminal illnesses, who’ve struggled against odds for months and years, and at times even ended up in hospice. What an incredible blessing if they are surrounded by a presence in the form of a person who really cares. That’s love we all crave when it matters most. Someone who will care, who will be there, who will go the extra mile -- often shown in the least expected ways. We want the kind of love that will just be there. It’s really romantic isn’t it? Great practice for the next 25 years…. Just BE… HERE…!