Greetings!

I recently got a chance to hang out for dinner with some of my favorite nephews and niece. (Quite honestly, ALL my nieces and nephews are my favorites! I LOVE being an aunt!) It was an unexpected due to a change of events that I was able to be at dinner. Since they have been in school all day, our visits are fewer and more time in between than they used to be. Ahhh.... the price of "growing up".

I stood in the parking lot as they pulled in with mommy. The car was barely in park before they were out the doors and piling over for hugs with loud voices (It's OK we were still outside!) "I missed you!"

Fast forward a few hours. I have quiet time. My focus is on listening to God instead of telling him what I need/want. It's been awhile since I've done one of those. My head usually tries successfully to overrule what my heart knows. God is there when I show up. I expect disappointment. I find reminders of love.

I have usually pictured myself entering God's presence with God saying I've missed you and I feel guilt and shame that it has been so long. I realize in my quiet time, I can run with excitement into quiet time shouting, "I've missed you" and I am welcomed and hugged.

I share in case you have similar fears. Too often I put human qualities on God's truth. Greetings! Go get your hugs!

Luke 1:28 (NIV)

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 

 

2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)
(Final Greetings)

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
(Final Greetings)  Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

How's Your Flashlight and a reading suggestion

John 8:12 (NIV) When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

God provides an awesome light to help guide us through the pitfalls of this life. However, it is up to us if we will walk in light or darkness. It's almost like we are given a flashlight. It doesn't matter how powerful the beam would be. If we don't put the batteries in the flashlight, it doesn't matter what we do....no light.

So, how do we get those batteries and keep them in place and charged? Jesus is the battery. Believe in him and accept him as your savior and you're on your way. Keep it charged by surrounding yourself with other Christians, reading the Bible and praying. Then our light can help others get their own flashlight.

I've heard numerous people ask lately, "Where do I start reading the Bible?" I picked up an excellent Bible quite a few years ago called the Journey Bible. They suggest a 5 alive plan by reading through these books: Genesis, Deuteronomy, John, Acts, and Romans for a general overview of the Bible. I have also heard of reading through Proverbs in a month as there are 31 chapters and 30-31 days in a month (Usually!). There are many versions of the Bible. Find the one easiest to read. There are even chronological Bibles that put the Bible in historical order without some of the repetition.

No matter what you choose, the important part is just do it. A little quiet time in the AM (or whenever you can take some time) goes a L-O-N-G way.