Okay, so I know I've gone alittle post happy this week (smile), but I was so excited when I read my Joni E. Tada online devotional today, I just had to take a moment and record what God is doing. There's a recurring theme this week, oh goodness, let's just say this is an area God needs to work on me and it has to do with keeping life simple.
When your schedule seems too hectic, when you're feeling like you're on activity overload, when you're feeling like you don't know where to begin, maybe it's time to draw back and focus on what's important.
Joni says this about King David's priorities in Psalm 34:12-14.
"If we want to have a life (not activity but life) and enjoy our days and the length of them, there are four things that we must do:
Keep our tongue from deceit.
Depart from evil.
Do good.
Seek peace.
This list represents a life of simplicity, devoid of deadlines and calendars. Take today, [February 29th], this extra day, and cultivate the habit of placing David's list on your agenda."
Somehow that brings me release, that no matter what is on my schedule, God will have the final say. He may add. He may take away. But whatever happens, I don't have to worry. Living life's adventure doesn't have to be at a frantic pace. All God asks us to do is follow Him, take it a step at a time, and enjoy!
Live the adventure,
Susan
Friday, February 29, 2008
Simplicity
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15 comments:
To moment, by precious moment He gives us, to be led by Him.
Susan
So true Susan. I just want to slow and quiet things down in my life and I started by devoting some time each day to reading the Bible. This was an area where I knew I was lacking. So item 1 for me was devoting some time each day to my God. Item 2 for me is devoting some time each day to my family. No matter what, I spend some time each day just talking to my family and passing along some words of wisdom to them. Item 3 is to devote some time to me. I make it a point to do something that pleases me. Most times it is pleasing someone else but that is what pleases me so I devote some time to that. It is my "simple" three step plan to happiness. May you have a Blessed day Susan and please keep posting. I look forward to reading your posts every day.
Well, I for one am ecstatic when you are post happy...but I do know that you are desiring to put first things first!
What a great scripture and also the bullet points of what should be comprising our lives...keeping our tongues from deceit...those little mistruths that we don't think matter...looking at what is really evil in our lives that we may not even be aware of but God is...doing good...it may not always be what I think it should be...what does God say would be doing good for this day...and to seek peace...my forever quest but such a worthy one.
Bless you today...this extra day as you put it...just realizing that gives a fresh outlook for the day...
Helen
Susan- I hear you on the frantic pace thing. Today did not have to work at all. (Friday) Boy does it feel great!
Oh simplicity! We do need to slow down so much in this fast paced world!
Much love,
Angela
Sometime we can complicate the simplicity. Lovely little post :]
Sometime we can complicate the simplicity. Lovely little post :]
Oh Susan! I literally felt my shoulders relax while reading the last paragraph of your post! Oh to live His adventure and to realize the last thing I want to do is live it at a frantic pace! Thank you for your "simple" and restful insights!
Susan, yes, every moment from our Lord is precious!
Greg, and I do believe you have the key. Devoting time to spend with God in Bible reading and prayer has made a difference in my life. And it frees us to be who God wants us to be with our family and friends and other areas. I like your 3 step plan. I think it sounds like the makings of a post on your site! And thank you for your kind words Greg.
Helen, you're too funny my dear. I just knew I had to share that wonderful insight from Joni. It went right along with what God has been showing me lately. The Lord does give us a fresh outlook!
Ah Colleen, I'm so glad for a day off for you. I hope you had a nice and restful day!
Angela, yes, from one busy Mommy to another, I hear you!
Stephen, so aptly put. We do have a way of complicating things, don't we?
Yes Kim, me too about the relaxing part. We're on journey that has many rest stops along the way. God knew we would need them!
God is so good. He's been speaking these very things to me.
I also get Joni's devotionals. They're always so good. (So are yours!)
I have soooooo loved reading all about you... what an awesome journey and testimony....I'm glad you stopped by and I will love getting to sit at your table and have tea more often...
You have a beautiful family...and I like how you have arranged your website...
Look forward to more time together
Blessings,
Connie
Susan this is so true! I keep trying to remember to ask God each morning "OK God what do YOU want me to do" I forget somedays...probably most days...but if we would just spend time with Him asking Him what's on HIS agenda to get done I honestly think it would be less hectic for us all!
Stop by I've given you something. :-)
Angie, isn't that cool? And thank you.
Thank you Connie for stopping by. What a lovely comment you've left for me. It has encouraged my heart for sure.
Sharon, yes, His agenda isn't hectic :) I'm still learning that... And thank you for the award. I finally followed the link to who started that award. What a pleasant surprise!
I used to live at a frantic pace - rush, rush, rush. My life is much more simplistic now. Maybe a little, too much. I'm trying to appreciate it though. It's exciting to see what God can bring out of a boring day.
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