Take good counsel and accept correction—
that’s the way to live wisely and well.
We humans keep brainstorming options and plans,
but God’s purpose prevails.
Proverbs 19:20-21 The Message (MSG)
“Wake up, Mama… Barney, Mama.”
He stood next to my bed, blanket in tow, his breath warm and sweet on my cheek; yet another 5 AM wake up from boy number three. My toddler was committed to interrupting my sleep and my morning time with God.
Josiah and I crept down the hallway into the kitchen and grabbed his filled sippy cup from the fridge. Then, we switched on the TV to Barney the Dinosaur as he plopped onto my lap, cup in hand. Lastly, I reached for my bible and study books. Thus, began our morning.
It was not ideal, yet, this was our routine many a day before the rooster crowed. I am not exaggerating when I say that time in God’s word and in prayer was vital to my survival in those days. It was as if I was hooked to a God-IV as His wisdom and counsel dripped into my veins before all my wild ones woke up and chaos ensued.
If it didn’t happen first thing, it didn’t happen.
Those were the days filled with cuddles and kisses and little boy cuteness. Blocks, books, and LEGOS filled our time. As well as sibling conflicts and mom exhaustion.
Oh, how different my life looks now. The Barney-watching toddler will soon start his sophomore year of college. Even though my boys are almost all grown, beginning with Him is still vital. It is my centering time as I inhale the fresh, clean air of God’s peace and wisdom.
Life can be daunting. Then, throw in a pandemic and civil unrest to the mix, each blowing gusts of angst. Added to that is the toxic air we breathe in today’s news climate as it suffocates with clouds of fear. Next, is social media, with its opinions, bloviations, and stifling negativity.
To combat this stressful force, my day must take-off with Truth. It can be a battle sometimes, even without a purple dinosaur singing in the background.
If it doesn’t happen first thing, it doesn’t (usually) happen.
There is wisdom in taking good counsel as it says in Proverbs 19:20, but It requires focus and intentionality to be still and quiet my mind. So, here are some methods I use for an intimate experience to breathe in Jesus…
~ I find a quiet spot
~ I often write out my prayers
~ I use a variety of apps, here are a few: You Version, Blue Letter Bible, and Pray as You Go
~ I put my phone on airplane mode, so texts and notifications do not come in
~ I use prayer and devotional books
~ I open my real Bible
~ I take a walk some days (if you are a restless one, moving the body can free up the mind while it gives the body something to do).
Blessings to you, friends, as you begin with Him.
This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me
Michael W. Smith
I love the sweetness of this blog so much. What a precious image of you and Josiah early in the morning ❤️ We definitely need more time with Jesus to survive these crazy times.
Those were precious days. And yes, Jesus is the answer!
SO BEAUTIFUL KRISTIN.
THANK YOU.
BY THE WAY, I AM JANET’S SISTER.
SHE WAS THE ONE WHO
CONNECTED ME WITH YOU.
GOD BLESS YOU AND HOPE
YOUR DAY IS LOVELY AS YOU
WALK WITH JESUS, WHO IS THE
ANSWER.
LOVE, BETH (CHICAGO)
Thank you, Beth! Nice to know of our Janet connection. 🙂
Amen! Jesus is truly the answer and our hope. Blessings to you.