Sharing our TOOLS...

I was explaining (defending) to my sister why I wanted to write a blog, and as only your sister can do she caused me to pause and think through why I became "A BLOGGER"....


I have been following a blog called momastery for a while now and have been really moved and inspired by Glennon's ideas and messages. She posts about the common and universal truths of life while maintaining her faith and perspective about God and her family. And... She is hilarious. If you haven't already- check her out at  http://momastery.com/blog/


I have also been following a friend's Mom who is a true leader and example of "long time faith" at http://jeaniesjourneys.com/   Jeanie does a great job at challenging me to think deeply and more fully about God and my relationship to Jesus and others. 


At church I volunteer as a "children's ministry supervisor" which basically means I try to observe classes and help teachers. Sometimes I spend time helping a teacher with a specific child, and sometimes I spend time with a specific teacher :) Because I need to be in classes I often miss my own classes, and between my toddler and supervising it is hard to get all I can get spiritually from church.


Therefore I realized about the time Wil was born that I'd have to take my christian walk to a different level. I can't just rely on attendance at church/midweek to grow spiritually (which honestly was easier for me to do in college!) Because sometimes I don't get to go into my class, or I am holding a baby, or Wil is sick and I miss church altogether.  



But truthfully this walk with God is dynamic. It changes and develop and deepens with time and effort. Blogs and conferences and women's days and sermons are wonderful TOOLS that help my relationship with God to deepen and teach me how to be more like Jesus in my mind, heart and life. But ultimately it comes down to the individual work I put into my relationship with God to grow spiritually. 


My favorite tool as a busy working mom has been flash cards... Early in the week I choose a few scriptures a week to focus on and make flash cards with those scriptures on them (usually on Sundays). Then in my alone time (the bathroom....red lights...5-45 minutes waiting for doctors...) I pull them out and pray through the words and the sentiments of God. 


I also love the "reading plans" my Bible app has on my iphone. It is a free application called youverse and the reading plans provide a few short scriptures a day. I usually read those before I get out of bed for the day (once Wil wakes up and wakes me up, I wait a few minutes to get him and use these quick moments to set my heart for the day). He has gotten up to the point where he won't expect me for at least  10-15 minutes :)


Prayer time = driving time! And walking my nutty pups is also a good time to go to God...I try to make sure to have "dates with God" as I use to do in college, in a coffee shop or in nature as often as possible to pour my heart out to God-- but at a minimum I write him letters...


Therein lies my desire to blog. I write almost everyday anyway- be it in prayer to God or in a journal. And if my silly thoughts and ideas can be ANY source of encouragement to others than I know it is my duty and privilege to share. 


Philippians 2

¹ Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Being like minded is an adjective meaning "of the same mind" or to imitate in mind and life- so God's word teaches us to lovingly hand out encouragement, comfort, tenderness, and compassion. I sincerely hope this blog can somehow bring my friends and family a little encouragement, a little laughter and maybe even another Tool to help us get a few steps closer to God. 

Please comment below on some other practical ideas you have for deepening your walk with God throughout the day...What tools are you using?