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The new year is just a few days away. As a mom, it is a time to return our kiddos to routine and raise the expectations after lax time at grandparents’.
As I think about the new year, I know that there are character areas that I want to focus on with our kiddos.
Loving each other with words and deeds. Obedience. A servant attitude.
As I watch my “little monkeys” struggle in these areas, it doesn’t take a video camera to show me that this is where I fail as well. How can I expect my kids to do something that I don’t demonstrate myself? I am in serious need of a heart makeover. I need a heart that loves the unlovable. I need a heart that serves when I am depleted. I need a heart that obeys the Spirits nudges.
So as I think about this new year, I wonder if you will join me in a challenge. A challenge of change.
For 31 days – for the month of January – would you commit with me to spend quality time with our Savior each and every morning? It’s a commitment to read Scripture, journal, and pray. This is a time to allow the Holy Spirit to speak and move in you. Then if you desire, share as little or much as you like on the SISTERS at ABCJLM Facebook Group for accountability.
For some of you, this challenge will be a new beginning. Don’t worry. We will be here to guide you through this time. For starters, I encourage you to read my free ebook “A Quiet Time, Worth the Time.” In it you will find suggestions of what to read, how to journal, and ideas to focus your prayer time.
For others, it will be a return. You used to have quiet time but got distracted with life. Welcome back!
For the rest of us, this challenge is guiding us to go deeper. Instead of reading or listening to someone else’s thoughts, we dig into the Scriptures ourselves. We journal to help keep our focus and see where the Holy Spirit is leading. Our prayers become a conversation instead of a simple wish list. We come to this time with an open heart asking God to go deep into the crevasses to do some major heart surgery.
Doesn’t that sound…peaceful. To stop trying to change myself and be better. To allow God to make the change.
Understand that I am far from perfect. This challenge isn’t because I have it all figured out. I desperately need God to move in and my heart to be cleaned. I am simply asking you to join me. To hold me accountable.
For the next few days, I will share what I am doing to make the most of my quiet time. These are ideas that the Holy Spirit has recently shown me. And they have made a colossal difference in my mornings. But I know I can go deeper.
This challenge comes with risk. You will be tempted to drop out a few days in. You will be tempted to sleep a little later or shorten your time due to other obligations. I can promise these temptations because the enemy is going to do everything in his power to stop this.
Why? Because he knows we will be changed. And when we are changed, those around us will be too because “monkey see, monkey do.”
So. Do you dare see what God could do in your life for 31 days?
Next: Learning from Mistakes and Learning to “Draw Deep“
Leave a comment to let us know you take the challenge.
Thank you for this challenge. I've been wondering where to start and convincing myself that if I don't start in the right place I'll get it all wrong and so I don't need to start at all. I'm going to read your ebook and I know God will lead me where He knows I need Him.
Welcome Mari! I pray that your time will be precious. Please let me know how I can help you through this challenge.
Thank you for this challenge!! I am seeking God's help to prepare me. I have such a short time in the mornings alone unless I get up before 445AM so this will be a challenge but one well worth the time!!!!!!
I understand the morning issue. That is why this non-morning person now gets up at 5:00. And it has been so worth it. 🙂
I know this is for moms but I am s grandma who takes care of my 3 1/2 yr old granddaughter each weekday. I want to teach her about Jesus and be a godly example in her life. Before I can do that, I need God's truth in my heart and mind to get through each day.
The Our Out-of-Sync Life blog is for women of all ages. I am happy to have you join us and thank you for investing in the life of your granddaughter. She is blessed to have you.
I need to start. I haven't been consistently spending time with God through this entire pregnancy. I am due in just two short months and need to get back into the word. I know it will impact me and my 3 year old!
Melissa – Welcome to our challenge. I pray that your morning time will be Spirit filled.
I am in!! I will be reading your ebook tonight and can't wait to dive into some time with Jesus. I know how different my attitude is when I start my day with him. Time to dig deeper.
Welcome Heather!
Excited too do this!
I am excited to see what God is going to teach all of us, Patty!
I'm in! And excited! Let's do this! 🙂
~Andrea
Happy to have you join us Andrea!
Excited to get started – read the ebook and got my prayer journal set up! I've been struggling with this issue and have been very spotty in my quiet times, so really looking forward to going deeper!
I pray that this will help you go deeper too, Dee! Welcome to our group.