Lessons From My Quiet Time...

It's been SO long since I've spent time reading my Bible, praying, and listening to God each day. Like...since college! I've read my Bible and I've prayed (I'm not so good at the listening part), but haven't been deliberate about a QUIET TIME in a very long time. I've started a new journal (because the blog is great, but not everything needs to be said) and have recorded scripture that's spoken to me each day. I made a list of goals on the first page and I've tried to do something toward each goal every day. For instance, one of my goals was to dig in to my Q.T. I've used my Bible in a Year (on my Kindle) and written down those scriptures. I want to lose weight so each day that I exercise (and I try every day!) I record what I did as well as my weight (bleh.). It's been SO wonderful to do this again! I hope it's helpful in getting to my goals!

Another New Testament selection this week...

Matthew 14:28-31

Then Peter called out to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." "Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over to the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"

Wow! This spoke to me a LOT this week. I'm so guilty of A) telling God what I want him to do ("...tell me to come to you, walking on the water") and B) not trusting him. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. No, we may not always want to hear it, but I truly believe that God has his eye on us, watches us, and protects us, even when the "worst" has come. Can we always explain it? No. But I think when we don't understand why the "worst" has come, that's when we truly have to hold on to our faith and believe that God is protecting us. That being said, I have NOT endured what some others have. I've never lost a child or gone through a divorce or been desperate for money. I've lived a pretty "drama-free" life. My prayer is that if and when I go through a hardship, I am able to keep my faith.