Practical

Still moving forward in this clarified direction from the Lord, I find it so easy to be distracted – pulled back into the old ways of daily living.  But I am determined to live a more disciplined lifestyle!

The latest opportunity came when I answered a call from Meals-on-Wheels, asking me to switch my normal Thursday delivery to later this particular morning.  After a quick mental back-n-forth, I said no.  My main reason was due to this being the first week I would really be able to get into my new routine without interference.  If I changed my whole schedule around on the very first day, when would I ever get started?

I needed some help here.  No matter how much writing, planning, or praying I need to do, I do know that people – real, flesh-and-blood people – are the whole purpose.  I don’t want to get caught up doing my thing and miss those people moments the Lord wants for me (see It’s About the People).  At the same time, I also know the devil would like to distract me by offering non-stop people moments.  I asked the Lord how to know which were from Him and which were distractions.

His answer was so simple and practical.  He reminded me of what He spoke to my heart at the writers’ conference.  “Use the answering machine.”

We don’t have caller ID on our home phone, so I don’t know who is calling unless I answer or let the answering machine pick it up.  When the machine answers the calls, I can decide if I’m to take the call right now, have a God-directed change in plans for the day, or return the call at a more convenient time for me.  With this simple machine, I have time to pray and discern His direction more clearly, without the pressure of the moment possibly steering me off course.

What simple thing would remove a continual stress-inducer from your daily life, my busy sister?  Could it be as practical as letting voice mail or an answering machine take your calls so you can handle them in God’s chosen time for you?  I’d love to hear what He shows you.

Gone Fishin' – NOT!

I’ve been away from writing for a time, but definitely not to go fishing – ever!  Though I had no intention of taking a week off from even attempting to write, as the days passed by rapidly, I realized it was exactly what I needed to do.  Tom was away visiting his mother, so I had thought I would write not only a current post, but even write one or two ahead.  Can I tell you what I did that kept me from it?  If I knew, I would.  What I do know is that every time I had this pressing thought that I “needed” to write, Holy Spirit made it clear that wasn’t from Him.  So, I would go on doing whatever else I was doing, thinking it would be later that day or the next.

I finally understood the Lord was not giving me an anointing to write, but an anointing to be out of the routine, even though I was still in my same surroundings – almost like a vacation.  It was the same with my normal YMCA workouts.  Now that the week is over, however, I recognize the unction coming on me again to write – so write I will.

Why do I share this seemingly simple thing with you?  Maybe it’s become really hard to do some of your normal activities.  It’s not that you sense the Lord calling you to stop forever, but there just seems to be no grace to do it right now.  Perhaps Holy Spirit is trying to give you a breather from the routine, as He did me.  Once the brief respite is over, you will find yourself once again able to proceed, but you’ll find a freshness you didn’t even realize was lacking before.

This is being led by the Spirit.  Oh, how I thank Him for helping me learn to follow Him more and more closely.  Learning to sense His gentle nudges in all areas of my life is where I find true freedom in Christ!  It’s for you as well, my precious sisters!