Part 5: Scripture Card Mini Clipboards

God's Words to Read:

I meditate on your precepts
   and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
   I will not neglect your word.
~Psalm 119:15-16

In my third post last year of a series I started writing called "Spend More Time with God", I shared about how I write Bible verses I want to memorize on index cards and tape them up in certain well-frequented areas in my house where I can see them often to aid in memorization.  Although having white index cards taped up all over your home can be helpful to your Scripture memorization efforts, unfortunately, they're not very pretty.  I knew there had to be a more attractive, decor-friendly way to display my Scripture cards, but I just had no idea or inspiration of how to go about this.  So for years I've had white cards taped up by my kitchen and bathroom sinks.  Boring.  Kind of messy-looking.  Not a good thing for this clean freak momma.

So while I was in deep thought and prayer about writing this series on what I do for my personal devotions and spiritual growth, I experienced a moment of sheer creativity (which rarely happens to me since I'm not very artistic, so once I got over the shock I went with it!).  Here was my creative inspiration:  what about using mod-podged mini clipboards to display the verse cards?  Eureka!

Of course I immediately got busy shopping for supplies. I found 2 plain hardboard mini clipboards at Menards - each for just over $1 (I'm telling you, you save big money there).  Add in a bottle of Mod Podge, a few sheets of pretty scrapbook paper, some coordinating ribbon, a sea shell (Say what? You'll see...), a small 3M Command wall hook, and a small suction cup hook.  And now I have 2 very cute Scripture card clipboards that match my bathroom and kitchen decor!

What follows is how I made my very own mod podge clipboards.  I found instructions online for mod-podging clipboards at two different sites (Small Family Big World and Echos of Laughter ), but incorporated the instructions from both and made some adjustments to create my own.

You will need:

- mini clipboard
- scrapbook paper
- Mod Podge
- paint brush or sponge
- scissors
- X-Acto knife or box cutter
- pencil
- newspaper or other table cover
- 3M Command wall hook or suction cup hook (for hanging on mirror or window)
- embellishments (optional)
- glue/hot glue

Step 1:
On the back side of the scrapbook paper, trace around the clipboard.

Step 2:
Cut diagonal slits from each corner of paper all the way to each corner of traced section.

Yes, if you couldn't tell by now, I'm left-handed.  Please refrain from all left-hander jokes at this time, thank you.  I've heard them all by now anyway.  You try to sit in a school desk that has the attached writing table only on the right side.  Or have random people comment on your left-handedness nearly every time you write in public.  Like, wow, it's really that noteworthy.  Oops, sorry, a little sensitive about it.  But you know you noticed it and would have commented on it had we been together in person while I was cutting.  That is, unless you too are left-handed and then it just looks normal.

When you're done cutting the corner slits, your paper should look like this.

Step 3:

Lay back side of paper over the top of clipboard and using X-Acto knife or box cutter, cut around the clip part of board.  Also cut off the very top middle part of paper above clip part.

Please notice I put the box cutter on the right side for this photo to be fair and give visual aid to all you right-handers out there.

Now the back side of your paper should look like this.

And this photo shows what the cut-out part of the front side should look like, so that it will snugly fit around the clip.

Step 4:

Okay, now you're ready to mod podge.  Yay! Open a window, though.  It has a strong smell and I'm not so sure how good it is for the old brain cells.

First, coat the top of the clipboard with a layer of mod podge.  Remember to protect your table surface.  Mod Podge is really hard to wash off (learned that from experience, folks)!

Step 5:

Then quickly paint a coat of mod podge on the back of the scrapbook paper and gently press on the top of clipboard, carefully pulling the sides of paper around to the back of clipboard.  Press paper down on all sides of clipboard, gently smoothing out wrinkles.

Step 6:

Next, gently paint on 1-2 coats of mod podge over the scrapbook paper on the top, sides, and back of the clip board.  If doing 2 coats, let dry for about 15 minutes between coats.

This yellow clipboard is for my kitchen.  Pretty!  I love tone-on-tone patterns.

Step 7:
Embellish!  I glued on some coordinating ribbon.  Make sure to wrap it around the sides of the clipboard, gluing all the way around to the back.

I also tied a little ribbon to the clip.  Adds a little extra flair, don't you think?

I wanted to fit 2 verse cards on this clipboard, so I found these amazing sticky note holders at the local teacher's supply store.  They have an adhesive side on the back that sticks to just about any surface and is completely removable and re-adjustable.  And they are designed to hold up a piece of paper as thin as notebook or printer paper, or as thick as cardstock.  Love!  What will they think of next?

Step 8:
Hang it up where you'll see it often!  I hung up my kitchen clipboard with a 3M Command hook next to the sink, where I can easily read it while doing one of my most dreaded and never-ever-ending chores:  dish washing.

Yellow and green are such happy colors.  Perfect for the kitchen where I spend countless minutes each day (and not always happily enjoying what I'm doing in there!).

Now for my beach-themed master bathroom clipboard, I used 2 pieces of scrapbook paper - one is ocean waves (or lake waves!  I'm a big Lake Michigan lover!) and the other is a sandy beach.  I mod-podged the waves paper over the clipboard first.  Then cut a bottom section out of the sandy beach paper.

I mod-podged the beach paper over the bottom of the clipboard until it looked like...

THIS!  Cute, or what?

Then I glued on a sea shell my mom brought me back from a recent trip to Myrtle Beach.

Now, simply add a Scripture card...

Hang it up on the bathroom mirror with a suction cup hook and viola!  You are ready to memorize and meditate on a favorite verse while you floss your teeth!  But watch out for flying floss shrapnel.  You don't want to get your pretty Scripture card clipboard dirty.

I guess I'm not as artistically-challenged as I had previously thought.  Wonders never cease.

So, what do you think?  Are you going to make a Scripture card mini clipboard like mine or do you have any other creative display ideas to share?  I'd love to hear about it!  Please share in the Comments section below!

In Christ,

Suzy

My Bible Basket

God's Words:

I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.  I delight in your decrees, I will not neglect your word...I will obey your word.  Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

~Psalm 119:15, 16, 17b, and 18

I try to have "quiet time" with God most days of the week.  This is when I read a little from His Word, spend some time in prayer and quiet reflection on what I've just read.  And maybe pray about the other prayer requests that are on my heart.  Some days it might only be 5 minutes; others a half hour or longer, but those are the rare days. And regretfully, of course there are the days when I don't make time for devotions.  Those are the days that tend to end up not being so good and I look back and think, well duh!

Since I am a stay-at-home, homeschool mom of three rather loud and exceptionally busy children, you are probably guessing that there isn't much "quiet time" available at our house.  Well, my friend, you are correct!  I usually find myself having to steal away somewhere that happens to be peaceful for the moment (sometimes this requires shutting/locking the door to keep the kids and my tag-along dog out).  It's all very random, time-wise and location-wise.  I never really know where I'll be for my next quiet time.  But you know me, I just live for spontaneity!  Not.

That's why I put together my "Bible Basket" so when I finally find a few minutes of peace, I can very easily and quickly grab everything I need for my devotional time and go get to it before the peacefulness is invaded once again!  Isn't it cute?  And notice the handle, so it's very mobile and, well...handy!

In my Bible Basket I keep my really, super-old, falling-apart NIV Student Bible that I've had since I was a senior in high school (please don't even try to estimate how many years ago that was, ok? I'm getting to be age-sensitive as of late).  But I love my personal Bible and just can't bear to part with it.  It has every precious highlight, note, and mark that I've made over the years since my young adult days.  Sure, you'll find that some pages appear to be completely highlighted, but each verse means something special to me!

Also in my Bible Basket are my Scripture Card File, Bible Study & Prayer Journal, and a pencil pouch with extra highlighters, pens, and pencils (ok, am I the only person that seriously loves the term "pencil pouch"?  It must stem from my adoration of school supplies).

I store my Bible Basket in my bedroom, so one day last year I decided I should decorate it to match the decor in there.  Hence the blue and green color scheme.  I found the ribbons at Hobby Lobby. LOVE that store.  Someone please help me not go there so often.  My son hates being "dragged through that place".  Hahaha.  Get ready, buddy.  Your future wife is going to love going there, too. It's a girl thang!

Some mornings I wake up before everyone else in the family and spend that precious time of tranquility communicating with my Heavenly Father.  I grab a cup of Joe and get comfy on the sofa.  I just have to make mention here that I am not a morning person, so this is very out of the ordinary at this point in my life. Someday I might turn into an early bird...  but I highly doubt it.

Most of the time I enjoy doing devotions in the peacefulness of my cozy bedroom.  Either before we start our schoolwork or activities for the day or once we're finally done with the busyness of the morning. Then the kids are off doing whatever they do when mom's not making them do schoolwork or chores. Sure, they might be making noise and quarreling amongst themselves, but that's when I make use of the door, and possibly its locking mechanism.  They know that if they knock and I say I'm doing my quiet time, that it's wise to back off and hush up for a few minutes.  Happy mom, happy life, people.  They really respect my need and desire for alone time with God. It warms my heart that they truly understand this.

But other times, I like to read my Bible while I enjoy a quick bite of breakfast or lunch. Nothing better than feeding your body and soul at the same time! And that's what I call multi-tasking.  What we moms do best!

On days when I have some writing to do or online devotions to read and need my Bible handy, it's so nice to be able to quickly grab my basket and have it nearby my desk.
















While looking through the photos of "Where is Suzy's Bible Basket Now?", did you also happen to notice the other item that is always present?  Did you find it?  I admit to maybe having read too many search-and-find books like Where's Waldo? with my kids over the years...  Hint:  I love coffee!

Anyway, I just thought I'd share how I do my quiet time and keep my devotional stuff all together, in case you also struggle with managing to steal away for your alone time with God.  What do you do for your quiet time?

In Christ,

Suzy

Persecution: A Blessing in Disguise!

God's Words:

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.  But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

~2 Timothy 3:12-15

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

~Matthew 5:10-12

A while back one of my children had an issue with a friend in which my child felt persecuted by this friend for something she believes.  Well, it wasn't actually her little friend that made her feel bad for what she believed, but more accurately the friend's parents.  These parents where upset that our child was sharing her belief about the truth of Christ with their child.

This incident left our entire family feeling sad and even a bit angry at first.  How dare they ask us not to allow our children to talk about the truth of Jesus with their child!  What is so wrong about that?  Would they really rather that their child never know about who Christ really is?  If we respect their way of life (even though we may not agree with some of what they do and believe) and keep our thoughts about it to ourselves, why do they feel free to openly criticize our beliefs and way of life?

It goes without saying that this family isn't currently serious about Christ and having a real relationship with Him as Savior and Lord.  We are fully aware of this and are always hoping and praying to be able to plant seeds of truth and faith in their lives as we interact with them from time to time.  After all, we as believers are called to be active in the world, sharing the love and truth of Christ with everyone we meet.  But it just hurts so much when this most important part of our lives is ridiculed and we are made to feel like we are the ones in the wrong.

After we talked about this issue as a family and prayed about it together, we all calmed down and began to look at things from God's perspective.  Jesus often talked about persecution.  He spoke of how He continually faced it, how righteous people before our time faced it, how all believers must also face it, and why we are persecuted. But Jesus also, and most importantly, told us about the blessing of being persecuted and how we should truly feel when it happens to us.

Jesus said we are to rejoice and be glad when we are persecuted because of our belief and faith in Him.  We should feel blessed when we are persecuted for wanting and trying to live godly lives.  Wait...  What??  How can we possibly feel good in any way when we are mistreated, criticized, made fun of or worse for believing in Christ and living for Him? 

Well I think it's only natural to feel hurt and sad (and maybe even a little mad) at first when someone treats you this way.  Those are just our natural human emotions coming into play.  But if you pray about it and try to focus on how God sees things, you will start to see the blessings in disguise!  Once you peel away the initial layers of hurt and sadness, you'll be able to more clearly see how it is actually a blessing and a reason to rejoice and be glad when someone persecutes us.

Rejoice why?  Exactly what kind of blessings are we talking about here?  Well, we can rejoice in the reasons we are being persecuted for, which are really the most wonderful blessings a person can be given in life! 

First of all, we're being persecuted for living godly lives.  That's a good thing!  That means that people are seeing Jesus in us as we live our lives; we're being an effective light and witness for Him in this dark world (Matthew 5:14-16).  We're being "the only Bible some people may ever read", as one of my favorite sayings goes.  It means you're doing things right, my friend.  We want people to see that we are different because someday they just might ask us why and then we'll have the blessed opportunity to share the good news of Christ with them (1 Peter 3:14-16)!

Yes, we might often be persecuted for our belief in the truth of God and His Word.  Well praise the Lord that He opened our eyes to see and understand this truth!!

And sure, we may be persecuted because we believe and trust in Jesus Christ, who saved us from all our sins by His perfect sacrifice and now have an eternal home awaiting us in heaven with Him forever.  Hello!  Thanks be to God the Father for this most precious gift of His Son as our Savior, and to top it all off, heaven!!!  Need I say more about the blessings?  I think not.

But now, how do we pick ourselves back up and keep on going in life, knowing it probably won't be long before we're faced with another form of persecution again?  Just look at what God's Word says in our Bible reading for today.  In 2 Timothy 3:12-15 it says to keep on living a godly life in Christ, continuing to live according to what we know to be true, which is God's Word, and which is also the one and only source of true happiness and wisdom and meaning for this life.  Not to mention the life to come!  So keep on being a witness for Christ.  The way is hard and sometimes lonely, but we have God who goes before and with us and keeps us always in His loving, all-powerful care.  Let Him comfort and build you up with His Word and get back out there and shine that Light!

The lost people of the world may ridicule us for what we believe.  Jesus told us to expect it.  So don't be surprised whenever it happens to you.  But also don't forget to remember the glorious, wonderful reasons you have to rejoice, be glad, and feel blessed!!!

A few more Scripture passages on persecution:
1 Peter 4:12-19
1 John 3:13
Acts 5:40-42
Matthew 5:44
Romans 12:14

In Christ,

Suzy

Part 2: 3 Steps to Take in God's Word So it "Sticks"

God's Words:

 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful.

~Joshua 1:8

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

~Psalm 119:11 

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.   Do what it says.  Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.  But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does.
~James 1:22-25

In last week's post, I wrote about how being spiritually healthy is vitally important for not only our overall health and well-being, but most importantly to please God, do His will, and be an effective witness of Christ to those around us.

I also promised to share in my next few posts the things that I have done, books I've read, websites I frequent and other advice and tips which I have found helpful in maintaining spiritual health and closeness with God.

But before I begin, may I first stress that God is always near to us;  He is with us at all times, never leaving or forsaking us (Deuteronomy 31:8, Matthew 28:20).  However, as we travel this journey of life with all its many ups and downs, sharp turns, blockades, landslides and those terrible, frightening times of being totally lost and alone in a dark forest, we may draw farther away from Him.  How does this happen?  When we don't seek Him in prayer and through His Word on a regular and consistent basis.

Jesus called Himself the "Bread of Life" (John 6:48-51) and the "Living Water" (John 4:10-13) because He knew those 2 descriptions would be a perfect way for us humans to understand our basic and dire need to fill ourselves with Him.  In order for us to be saved, we first needed to receive Him as the Living Bread that was sacrificed for our sins.  Then for the remainder of our lives here on earth, just as we would suffer hunger and thirst without enough food and water, we desperately need Him to equip and empower us to follow His way and do His will.  And just as we are first saved through finding and applying the Truth of His Word and seeking His forgiveness and salvation through prayer, we still need to continue that same manner of taking in His Word (through reading, listening to, or memorizing it) and communicating back to Him through prayer.

  

I will deal more with the topic of prayer in a later post, but for today we will focus on the:

3 Steps to Take in God's Word so it "Sticks"

Step #1:  There are so many ways in this modern world for us to absorb God's Word!  Let's see, you can read it for yourself, either in your own personal Bible, the "Bible app" on your smart phone (ok, I can't believe I just wrote that, as I don't even have a smart phone!  I guess I'm getting more "techie" then I realized!!).  You can listen to it read on a recording of some type - online for free, a CD, MP3 or iPod, etc.  Plus, there are so many songs, both current styles and even the "old hymns", that are filled with the Word of God.  Of course, being a music junkie (seriously never get enough of it - singing, playing, and hearing it!), this is one of my favorite ways of filling my heart and mind with Scripture.  My absolute favorite genres of music are "Praise and Worship" and "Contemporary Christian".  The gifted people who write these beautiful songs seek to base their lyrics on the Word of God.   So not only are you enjoying a catchy tune, but you're soaking up inspiring and comforting words of Scripture at the same time!  I love to listen to this music while driving.  It's so relaxing, especially when there are crazy drivers out there stressing me out!  And I love to have this uplifting music playing during the day when we're at home.  It's pretty hard to be in a bad mood when you're surrounded with the sounds of God's Word set to music!!  Plus, the best thing about this is when I hear my children singing along!  I know they are being comforted and uplifted, too.

Step #2:  Another important aspect of studying God's Word is to really think about what you read or hear, ponder it and consider how it applies to your life and what you feel God is trying to teach you through it.  Maybe a verse convicts you about a sin you've been letting into your life.  Let me tell you something, if you truly want to grow closer to God and serve Him better, He will show you through His Word how He wants you to change to be more like Him, for His sake and for your own good!  I cannot tell you how many times I've simply turned to my next devotion or planned portion of Scripture to read, and there before me is a verse or verses convicting me of something I need to change in my life or something to seek His forgiveness for and repent of.  But also, even more times than I can say, He has used His Word to uplift, encourage, strengthen and comfort me in a difficult time.

So after you are done reading a verse or portion of Scripture, let it soak in for a while.  Let it roll around in your head and heart as you go through the day and just wait and see how God uses it to bless and help you in your life!

But there have also been plenty of times when I've read my devotion for the day, given it some thought and prayer, and I'm still not really sure how to apply it to my life at that time.  Well then later on that same day or week, it turns out I really needed to read that Scripture to prepare or equip me for something that happens to either me or someone I know!

For instance, just last night as I was tucking my kids in bed, my 9-year-old daughter told me that sometimes she hates night time.  I asked her why (even though this has been a fairly common thing she tells us at bedtime lately, but I guess I just hope to maybe find out more specifically what is bothering her so much).  Well, she said she gets scared and worried during the night because she is fearful of having nightmares.  And she also worries about people (and pets) she loves dying or that something bad might happen to them.  I can understand this childhood anxiety.  I struggled with the same fears as a child.

But guess what happened as I tucked her in, trying to think of something comforting to tell her!  A verse popped into my mind that I had JUST read an hour or less beforehand while I was researching for an upcoming blog post:  Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Perfect.  And not only did that verse come to mind immediately when I needed it, but I somehow recited it by memory, when I'm not really the best at remembering verses by heart!  Ok, I know it probably helped that I had just read it shortly before, but still!  For me, that is pretty good and I know it was a "God thing" that He provided me with that Scripture verse to comfort her in her time of anxiety.  I love it when things like this happen and they happen to me all the time, but I've found that the more frequently I'm in the Word, the more they happen.  I don't think that is a coincidence.  So anyway, after I shared the verse with her, I told her to follow what it says by telling God about her fears and worries and He promises to give her His peace and guard her heart and mind from all her fears and bad dreams.

And thankfully, that story leads me to the final Step #3:  MEMORIZE IT!  "Hiding" God's Word in your heart through memorizing verses that are meaningful and powerful to you is the single most effective way to battle spiritual attacks, flee temptations, share the Gospel, bless others with His Word, and be strengthened and comforted in a time of need. When you put God's Word in your memory bank, it will amaze you how many times in your life that the Holy Spirit will bring a certain verse or verses to your mind to help you or someone you are trying to help.

As we start the new year, consider setting a goal for yourself to memorize a new Bible verse or passage each month, week, or even (for the really ambitious go-getters) each day!  To help you do this, in my next post I will show you, with photos and step-by-step instructions (yes, I'm really starting to get into this whole blog thing!), what I do to memorize Scripture.  And let me again remind you that this is not one of my strong points.  Give me a new song and I will know it by heart in a day or less, but anything that's not set to music, oy!  So I need lots of help in this area and I can't wait to show you what I've found so helpful that really works for me! 

May God bless you as you seek to take in more of His Word!

In Christ,

Suzy

My New Year's Resolution: Spend More Time with God - Part 1

Excerpts from Psalm 119:

How can a young man keep his way pure?  By living according to your word.  I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
~vs. 9-11

I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.  I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
~vs. 15-16

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
~v. 18

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
~v. 28

If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.  I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.

~vs. 92-93

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
~v. 105

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
~v. 133

May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.  

~v. 172

God's Words to Read:  Psalm 119

If you didn't already know it, today's Bible passage to read happens to be the longest chapter in the Bible, with a whopping 176 verses.  Ok, I know what you're probably thinking to yourself right now:  "For goodness sake, why does she want me to read that much for today's devotion when it's a Monday and I have a ton of things to do today?!"  But I promise you it will be well worth your time, for I consider this chapter to be a passionate (albeit very long) love poem for God's Word and it's full of wonderful verses to inspire and motivate you to spend more time in the Bible.  So, perhaps sit down in your favorite comfy chair, grab a cup of coffee (or water, if you're trying to give up caffeine as one of your New Year's resolutions!) and take a few extra minutes today to enjoy this beautiful passage of Scripture!  Just as a side note:  Please keep in mind as you read this chapter (if you're reading the NIV like I am, that is) that the word translated "law" does not just mean "rules", but the Hebrew meaning for this word also expresses the totality of God's written instructions, His Word.  So as I read in the Bible about God's "law", "precepts", "statutes", "decrees" and "commands", etc., I take these words to be synonymous with the entirety of His Word, the Bible.

There.  That wasn't so bad, was it?  What verse or verses really stuck out to you as something you feel God is trying to teach you?  The verses listed at the beginning of this devotion are the ones that made the biggest impression on me today of how I am to love God's Word and why it is so beneficial to spend time reading it, meditating on it (which means really reflecting on and pondering over), and especially "hiding it in my heart" by memorizing it.

Well, as we begin a new year, it's a good time to start cultivating (or at least make an honest attempt at!) new, good habits.  Like many people, my most typical new year attempted-habit is making more of a concerted effort to exercise regularly.  I always aim for at least 30 minutes, 3 times a week on my treadmill, plus some strength training and toning exercises mixed in.  However, depending on the busyness of each week, I might let a workout (or two-ugh) fall to the wayside.  I hate it when I do this to myself, because I know it's not the best for me to not get enough exercise.  I am healthier in every way when I meet my exercise goals for the week - not only physically, but also emotionally.  My stress-level is significantly reduced and I simply feel more confident.  But like I said, if I get "too busy" and let other activities (and yes, that may even include blog writing!) take priority over my exercise regimen, it has a detrimental affect on my overall health.

I try to look at consistent Bible study in the same way I view the importance of regular exercise.  Just as we all need to exercise on a regular basis to maintain optimal physical and emotional health, we all need to take care of our spiritual health, too.  In order to be healthy spiritually, maintaining a close relationship with the Lord, I really need to be in His Word daily, thinking about how to apply what I read to my life and praying for Him to show me how and help me to do this.  But whenever I allow the busyness of daily life or even fun distractions (like reading my latest novel or spending time on facebook and Pinterest!) to take precedence over my Bible study time and prayer, it seems to have a negative impact on every area of my life.  I am not exaggerating about this.  When I choose - and yes, it's a choice I purposefully make - to put other things before spending time with God through prayer and reading His Word, I find I don't end up having as good a day as I could have had.  What do I mean by this?  Well, I might be more on the "grumpy-side" emotionally as I go throughout my day.  I'm probably not as patient, loving or wise as I should be in dealing with the people I have contact with.  Any bad things that happen seem to upset, overwhelm or worry me more than they would have if I had centered my focus for the day on Christ and truly desiring to follow Him and please Him in all I do and say.


But on my "better days" when I put God first by talking to Him in prayer throughout the day and mulling over a Bible verse or passage (even if it means doing this while trying to force myself out of bed in the morning, throwing in a load of laundry or getting dressed for the day!), things just seem to go much more smoothly.  I feel much more at peace and happier and that I can handle whatever the day brings, with Christ at the center of my thoughts.


In the next few posts, I will share advice, tips, books and website links that I have found helpful in staying spiritually healthy.  I think that just reading today's enormous Bible passage and then this blog post is enough for today!!!  I can't wait to share with my readers what has helped me grow closer to the Lord and maintain the "good habit" of consistent Bible study and prayer.  Until then, Happy New Year 2012!!

A few more Bible verses about studying God's Word (just in case you're not tired of reading yet, haha):

~Jeremiah 29:13


~Joshua 1:8


~2 Timothy 3:16-17


~James 1:22-25

In Christ,

Suzy