I have a really great blog brewing, but apparently today still isn't the day to post it. Instead, I want to share what just happened to me and apply it to our lives. Its kind of a rabbit trail of a lesson, but it does have a point! :)
Jeff and I are the very layed-back, easy going type. A great trait in many ways, but in others it can be a hindrance. The kids run and play and make their messes, and we just remind them it will take longer to clean up at bed time. Dec draws a mural on the wall, and I shake my head as I grab the magic eraser. Those are positive sides to being layed-back, but I've come to realize that some of our easy going ways are actually causing more stress in our lives.
We live on a single income and have for many years, but we have had a very difficult time adjusting from living in the southern part of the state to being here in the northwest corner. Northwest Arkansas is so completely different from the rest of Arkansas that it could almost be its own state. Cost of living is ridiculous. Activities are abundant, and gas is guzzled.
We try very hard to be frugal and live well within our means. Unfortunately we've been here almost 6 months, and we're still trying to figure this out. This last couple of months I've been exploring a new way to save a little extra. There is an abundance of sites that help crazy moms (and dads) like me figure out how to use coupons and rewards to save money. I've read and watched for a while now, and I think I'm starting to figure them out. Now comes the time to do it myself. Now comes the part where I get very anxious.
I have spent the last couple of hours trying to make my menu and plan my shopping trips according to the principals the women use. I haven't gotten very far. Just at the point when I thought I was going to pull my hair out, throw the coupons in the trash and say forget it, I noticed a tab for the first time on a site I've grown fond of visiting. A link for newbies!!! Where has that been all this time? I felt saved from failure as it explained some of the things that the others talked about as if I should know what they meant.
Then came the God-thought...you know that little thought ties mundane life back to spiritual life.
Christians have no small amount of 'spiritual growth' books and blogs. (That is what people may see this blog as) Our book shelf has plenty on it as well, but I'll tell you a secret... God's Word has all the answers we need. I would never speak against God's anointed, but I do wonder sometimes if we're missing the point. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy a really good devotional or bible study, or reading testimonies and sermons. I just wonder if some of the other books go a little too far.
In going too far, do we confuse the would be follower or new converts? I fear that we do. One of the earliest verses I can remember memorizing was Psalms 119:11 "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might now sin against you." There has been a longing stirring in me to just put away all the books and focus on my bible. Jeff and I have discussed it. My friends and I have discussed it, and God and I have discussed it. He is drawing my focus back to where is should be.
Would you like to take this challenge with me? No, I'm not going to tell you to read the bible through in a year...definitely not in ninety days. Here is what the challenge. Lay aside all the 'extras' and for the next month, study just from the bible.
Here are some tips.
-Get a few different translations. Use your computer if you need it. Biblegateway.com is a great place to find all the different translations. Check out the amplified when you don't understand a verse.
-Find a good source for discovering the Greek and Hebrew usage for words. (sometimes words we use to mean more than one thing comes from a very specific Greek or Hebrew word)
-If you find you have questions or you don't understand, ask someone. Funny thing about ministers...we like to talk about the Bible. Ask your Pastor or a person who knows the Bible well. You can also send e-mails to titus2mentoring@Gmail.com if you would like.
Are you up for the challenge???
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