Hello,
I'm HisMillennialHousewife and I am a chronic List-Writer-Note-Checker.
It's true! I like writing lists, I even JUST wrote a list about blog topics! I think it keeps me organized and as I check something off the list, I know that I am being productive throughout my day. While this may be helpful in some areas of my life, my time with God is not something I can check off a list; and as I spend time with the Lord this morning, I have noticed something about myself that has kept me from diving into the word...
With the goals of being a stay-at-home-work-at-home-wife, it is safe to say that discipline is top priority. I have to be willing to work when no one is watching and in some cases, without getting the approval from anyone else. (side note: freedom with my day job has allowed me to practice this). I know this but I struggle with the follow-thru. My husband said that I in many ways I'm ambitious but in others I am not and he's right...at least up until this point. By faith, I am saying that I create and follow "self-imposed standards for the sake of a higher goal" -Myles Munroe
During my prayer time, I wrote down "what do I need help with?" Self-discipline immediately came to mind. And it dawned on me; we are to study the word for what we need. If you're having issues with your mouth, get scriptures to meditate on about taming the tongue and self-control; if we find ourselves being fearful, we should study faith and how love casts out fear...and if you're issue is self-discipline or lack thereof, find scriptures about that. So that's what I'm doing. I found a list, jotted down the scripture and verses and read through them all. I wanted to write some down in their entirety, so I immediately thought, I'll write them all down, highlight or "check" what I like and just read through all of those again. That would mean I did something, right? Not necessarily -this is a note checker habit of mine but then Holy Spirit CHECKED me LOL. He reminded me that there is no rush; yes there were about 20 scriptures but who says I have to read (which usually turns into skimming) each one today?
Heeding the Lord's leading, I took one scripture and read through it. I then read it in different translations and wrote down the amplified version. From there I went through and broke it down in my own words, explaining what it really means and how it applies to me. This will be the scripture that I'll "chew" on today; I'll meditate on it so that it surpasses my mind and penetrates my heart.
That's today. Tomorrow, before going for the next scripture on the list, I will inquire of the Lord to see if he wants me to do that OR something different. Remember that it's okay to have a plan, we are supposed to be prepared, but don't get so caught up with working your plan that your life becomes a series of checked boxes. Acknowledge the Lord about EVERYTHING in your life and be ready to listen and act when He directs you outside of what your notes say.
-HisMillennialHousewife
