This year I’ve decided to take the discipline of contemplation a little bit more seriously. To do that, I’ll be slowing down at the end of each month to reflect – to look back at what I learned in the last 30ish days as a means of sealing them in. As I do, I’ll be linking up with Emily P. Freeman, a fellow Jesus-seeker whom God often uses to speak straight to my soul. Join us, will you?
#1: Poison ivy never goes dormant.
We had some pesky poison ivy growing in our backyard, so I made sure to wait until it had all died up and died back after the winter to cut down the vine and dig out the root.
NEWS FLASH!!!
It never goes dormant. That means that the {evil} oil is in the roots and stem too. I learned this the hard way. As it started popping up, I covered myself in calamine lotion and dealt with it for a week until I noticed new, red bumps spreading across my body. HIVES!! Turns out my skin really doesn’t like poison ivy.
After itching my way through too many sleepless nights, I finally had to give in and go to the doctor {on Day 8}. Bring on the steroids!
Here it is people. Poison Ivy – you are not my friend.
#2: A new way to study the Bible.
While speaking at a Oklahoma youth girl’s retreat, the girl’s leader began Saturday morning with these words, “Today I’m going to teach you how to study the Bible on your own”. While the girls listened with eyes glazed, I sat at the end of my seat, soaking it all in.
It’s no secret around here that Bible study is my happy place. I’ve found life in the pages of the Word. I love to study it, find so much joy in writing studies about it, and live to share what I’m learning.
So, with these new Bible study tools in my belt, I bring you …
For 4 weeks, I’m going to be walking through 4 different methods of studying the Bible on our own. My prayer is that these methods will become useful tools in your hands. And as we practice these methods together, I pray that we all gain more confidence in approaching the Bible on our own.
You can read about the 1st method HERE.
#3: I really like listening to fictional accounts of Biblical stories.
On my way to Oklahoma, I listened to another really good book on Audible. It was the first book of a series which gives a fictional account of the Biblical stories of the Kings of Judah. {More on that book in my April favorites post, coming soon!} Based on scripture from 1 and 2 Chronicles and 1 and 2 Kings, the author makes ancient Judah come to life and gives great insight into what life may have looked like during the rein of the kings.
I have the tendency to read the Old Testament as flat instead of 3D. Books like these help me to “see” the scriptures come to life. It makes their stories real – their struggle, their tension, their faith and their fear. Although definitely not the Bible, these stories grow my view of God and my understanding of scripture. I call that a win-win.
#4: I need to stop trying to tie bows.
I’m not much of a bow kind of girl, but when I read this quote from Jess Connolly, I realized I like to tie bows more than I thought.
Don’t trade in the fullness of what God might be doing, the abundances of His healing and His truth and His freedom for the urgency of wanting to tie a bow on your day, your season, your story. – Jess Connolly
I can see my mentor smiling a slow head nod at this one.
I admit – I’m prone to move too quickly. I’m ready to move on to the next lesson, the next project, the next season. But this quote hit me right between the eyes. As I chewed on these words, the Lord confirmed the message in my heart.
“You’re running ahead again – so quick to tie the bow and call it good, but I’m still here unpacking. Don’t trade the fullness for urgency.”
Anyone else need this encouragement too?
#5: We are that family. {Middle school sports are FUN!}
Our family is navigating uncharted waters with our Big in Middle School sports, and we’re having a blast doing it!
When our girl made the basketball team, we were all in. Rogers family – cheering section of 4. We went to every game. But let’s be honest, the boy-child only went because he had to. Plus there was a concession stand.
Towards the end of the season, I started noticing that our full-family-affair at these games was the exception and not the rule. It made me even more grateful that my husband and I can both be there and present to cheer on our girl. And as long as we can do it, the other kids will be there too, standing by and cheering for their sister. We travel in a pack, and I like it that way.
So yeah. We are THAT family.
We’ve transitioned into track season now. Who knew track could be this much fun?!? And you can bet we’ll all be there. Rogers family – cheering section of 4. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What did you learn in March???
Rose says
Looking for the website tool for Christian training to read the bible tabs for kids .. Could you help . Blessing to you and your family . Thanks again very informative helpful tips. Love & prayers Rose John 3:16
admin says
hi Rose. I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about. Are you looking for something like this … http://www.childtrainingbible.com/
Hope that helps!