Scripture Writing

Scripture writing. What's that? That sounds a bit strange, doesn't it? No, I am not rewriting the Bible. I'm not even writing a new one. But, what I am doing, is following a plan to write down Scriptures on a daily basis. This website, www.swtblessings.com , publishes a monthly Scripture writing plan. Each month has a theme. This month the theme is "God is My Comfort."

When I first returned to the US, I needed something to help me keep focused during my prayer/quiet time with the Lord. I can always find a zillion other things to think about. But, this, this keeps me focused. Each morning, sometime during my prayer/quiet time with the Lord, along with drinking my morning coffee, I write down the Scripture for the day in a journal. Then, I reflect on it. I make it personal. I make it my prayer. I learn things from it. And, I write my prayers. It's amazing to look back to see where the Scripture for the day takes me. I seem to be able to be more honest with God, to go into the depths of my heart and soul when I journal as I meditate on God's word. There's a lot of "stuff" that comes out. A lot of heart prayers, not surface stuff. Prayers for myself and others. Praise to God my Lord and Savior and gratefulness for all He does.

There were a few months that life got busy or I was traveling or I was sick, whatever the excuse, I didn't write the Scriptures for the month. There was definitely something missing in my life. I needed to get back to it. Some days, it can be challenging. Yet, everyday it is life giving.

Do you need to "up" your quiet time? Try a Scripture writing plan. You will be glad you did!

What I Want

Some days are easier than others, aren't they? No matter what stage of life you are in, no matter what the circumstances, most people have good days and bad days. Even in the midst of crisis there can be a good day or maybe a good hour. And even on bad days, if we ask ourselves, "Where is God in this?" we can find an answer...eventually.

I have been in my new apartment for a month. It has been relaxing, at times and crazy at times. I am unpacked and have hung most of my pictures on the walls. I finally feel as if I have reached the place where I can work on renewal and refreshment and eventually a new start. Ghana took a lot out of me. I didn't realize that at first. During the last 14-18 months there, I was sick once a month. It was my new normal. I wasn't sick enough to be in bed, but, something wasn't quite right. Now I know most of my problems were sinus related. This past year, those issues have been addressed and hopefully resolved. 

This past weekend, I drove to Carolina Beach to visit my niece and her husband. It was a GREAT visit, once I got there. Let's just say that Interstate 40 is not my favorite road. I haven't been up to Erie to visit family and friends since last November, although some have  come to visit me. I feel that I should drive up to western PA before the snow falls and I feel guilty because I don't want to. I feel as if I should, but I don't want to. Why? That question is not real easy to answer. I'd love to see my family and friends before the snow comes. In the past year, I wanted to take care of myself. I wanted to develop some healthier habits, physically and spiritually. And, the emotional roller coaster of being back in the US after being in Ghana for so long. It is a HUGE drain on a person.

 There are parts of life in general that I don't like. For example, driving all over God's creation. I like staying home. I don't like driving. I drove all over because I had to for my jobs. That trip to NC? I was almost a basket case when I arrived. I took the "Old Lady Going for a Sunday Afternoon Drive" route on the way back home. That was much more relaxing. I wanted to do something special for myself for my retirement. It didn't happen because the challenges of life happened instead. I wanted to go to The Martha Inn to celebrate my birthday and Christmas and to the Barter Theater to see all four of their Christmas plays. That didn't happen. The challenges of life got in the way again.Ghana took its toll on me. and I am finally in a place where I don'have to even think about moving. I can take time to recover. I loved it there. I love it here. I want to see my friends and family there. I want to see my friends and family here. But, I need to take care of myself first. I'm tired. I'm weary. 

So, today starts a new month. I have a person who will "coach" me on my physical health and keep me accountable, too. I'm planning on going to The Martha Inn and the Barter Theater to celebrate my birthday and Christmas. It will be the farthest I will drive for months. I used to follow a daily Scripture writing plan but haven't done in for several months or more. I started back today. The theme for the month is, "God is My Comforter." There was only one verse to write today: 1 Peter 5:10. The second half of that verse says, "After you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation." THAT'S what I want!