Becoming HIS Tapestry

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TIME

Hey friends, how are you today? How have you been? I’ve been gone awhile, haven’t I? I’m sorry, I really need to say when I’m going to take a break, this one was an intentional break though.  We’ve been in and out of our hometown, this past month.  Even now, I’m sitting in a hotel room, but I must admit, I’ve missed this space.  I’ve missed you and your encouragements and challenges to do and be better.  I’ve missed missed your introductions to new sights, topics, songs, and singers.   But most importantly, I’ve missed you.  How are you? 

One of my problems is that I usually write my blog post on the day, it needs to be published.  Ive admonished myself against this time and time again, but I keep doing the same thing.  When I’m pressed for time, then unfortunately, the blog suffers.  Please forgive me, I will do better.  Do you write your posts in advance? 

I promise you though, one of the things, I’ve refused to allow to suffer is my time with the Lord.  For what am I without Him? How can life be lived abundantly without the Lord.  Ive admitted I’m not a nice person without the Lord, everyone would know that, if I don’t walk with Him. Right now, people think I’m loving and kind.  I want to leave them with that thought about me, which means I need the Lord.  He makes me look good.  

In Joshua 1:8, we read, This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Moses had died and the Lord has selected Joshua to be his successor. Now he would lead God’s people to the Promised Land. In order to do this job successfully, he had to do two things; study and obey the Word of God. The Lord was not asking for much, right?  Just ponder on what He said and then do what He said, in that order.  Joshua was faithful to keep the commands of the Lord. As a matter of fact, he tells the children of Israel, in Joshua 24:15

And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Now in Joshua’s time, they had just the first five books of the Bible.  In this time though, we are truly blessed. God has given us a succinct insight into the past, present, and future.  We are granted an understanding about the very character of the Tri-une God and of man; of us!  

How do we then, begin a vibrant devotional life?  Well, glad you ask!  Actually, the rule has not changed. In 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  And again in 2 Timothy 3:16,17

We read, study, ponder on the Word of God, we allow the Holy Spirit to convict us, to direct our path, we obey the Word. We need Time to study the Word of God.  Growing and nurturing in our walk takes time.  In order to become like Christ, we need time.  We have to set aside that special time, just me and my God, to commune together.  Today, there are a few great study bibles.  I recommend the John MacArthur Study Bible.  He gives a synopsis of the time period and the author.  He also gives an outline of the Book, and then further breaks down the chapters, verse by verse.  Ultimately, the Holy Spirit gives knowledge, directs and He convicts.  We must allow Him to do His complete work in us.  

We must also pray.  We have to seek the Lord, and invite Him into our day, whatever that may look like at the time.  We ask Him to show us His will, to give us wisdom as we make decisions.  We talk to Him and give over our burdens to Him.  Our Heavenly Father is great and powerful, He can handle it all.  I use a journal.  The purpose of the journal is to keep track of my walk with the Lord.  I write what He reveals to me through His Word, I write my prayer requests and the answers to those requests.  I write my struggles and my desires.  I write to remember, because I am prone to forget His faithfulness when tough times come my way.  Keep a journal; we have an enemy whose job is to derail our relationship with our Heavenly Father.  

And finally, we must be prepared to surrender our will.  It has to be voluntary; we have to be willing to obey.  In order for there to be change, we must choose to do what the Word of God says, in its entirety.  We cannot pick and choose.  The Word of God is complete.  If you have neglected your time with the Lord, you should know that Your Heavenly Father desires that relationship. Ask the Lord to forgive you and start now.  

Do you keep a journal? Do you write your blogpost in advance? How are you doing? Yes.. I truly want to know!

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30 responses to “TIME”

  1. I don’t write my blogs in advance. I’ve tried and succeeded a few times. But generally that doesn’t work for me because my blogs usually come from my daily study. And yes, I have a prayer journal. I don’t write down all the things I do, etc., mostly just my prayers. It’s what keeps me where people can be around me too!

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  4. I appreciate the friendly, conversational tone of your blog, Brenda! Perhaps there’s nothing to fix–just continue what you do best, chatting with your readers and giving encouragement as it “flows.” / I usually finish the process from planning-to-editing by the day before posting (Thursdays). Often I’m praying as I go. Then as time allows on Thursday I add some images before hitting “Publish.” As for journals, I have a number of them! One is titled “God Is Faithful,” with its record since 1983 of God’s faithfulness to our family–how He’s provided and protected, guided and blessed. There are now over 1400 entries. Another volume is my daily gratitude journal, “A Celebration of Small Things,” begun in 2017. Other journals include: 1) impressions from God, 2) thoughts inspired by meditating on the old hymns (begun during Covid), 3) bits and pieces of reflection, and 4) a quote collection (2+ volumes so far). Currently I’m also journal-reflecting through a list of scriptures suggested at the end of each chapter in the book UNSEEN by Sara Hagerty. I find I learn, discover, absorb, and solidify in my mind and spirit when I write.

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  5. I have kept a journal for years. It helps me focus on what I have read in my time of study and/or my prayer requests/praises. But also I love looking back at entries in years past and just remembering those “small” moments that meant so much. Things like when a grandchild took their first steps or when my husband surprised me with an unexpected date night. I am trying to write my blogs in advance just so I can reflect a little on what I have written before I actually post it. Welcome back! Always miss your posts when you are not here.

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  6. I do all those things and sweat for none of them. I like the post that flows all at once without pause. Readers do not get to see that kind of inspiration. Sister Bren, a part of the vital spiritual experience is transparency, so let your readers see as much of your process as you are comfortable showing. It is good that no-one is throwing fiery darts in this space.

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  8. I used to publish what I wrote in the same day. But lately I’ve taken my time on writing and then immediately posting on some of my post. I have several post waiting in my drafts section. For my OFDAAT series, I have gotten several day’s post ready a head of time and then post later in succession, several days in a row. I’m now taking breaks on that series and writing/posting other stuff in between. My goal isn’t to post something everyday, but I do try to limit my posting to once per day, though I think I might have posted twice in one day, once or twice. Hope that answers your question – lol.

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  9. Wellllll……. when I was writing a column for the local newspaper, I was under a deadline, and I always met that deadline. But with my blog… not so much! 🙂 My column was fairly well-read, but I wrote an article that was “too critical” of the government and the editor refused to print it! Yet they ran columns from the most liberal big-city newspapers in the country. So we parted ways….

    But the thing is, it’s your blog. YOU are the editor, a big difference being your “Copy Editor” has way more wisdom and insight than any human editor, and HE has the best Book on writing ever written.

    It’s better to obey God than obey man – in any and all things.

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  10. You really have the freedom to be yourself on your blog. Whether you publish at the same time or when you feel like it. What is your purpose for your blog and what suits you? If you like, schedule your posts in advance or not. Personally, if I am not going to be available to publish daily, I do them in advance. Many times it is a few hours before publishing. My goal is consistency and that is what I am at and to inspire my readership. Blessings on your journey and welcome back!

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  11. Hey, this is your blog, and your summer – you get to do with it as you wish, as the Lord directs. Me, I don’t have a timetable or schedule for my blog; if I get an inspiration, I write it down. I do write ahead of time, as I am a slow processor.
    And you know I keep a journal – answered prayer, struggles, joys, overcoming in God, prayers, all to be recorded and remembered and appreciated.

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