Squirrels

My method is very similar to Rob’s.  For me it works best if I do this time first thing in the morning and I have to make sure to not turn on or check any of my electronics before this or I’m gone - down a technology, social networking rabbit trail. For this reason I use an old fashioned paper Bible for my personal devo time. 

For me, when I get to the part where I have the word/phrase/verse(s) that stands out to me, I’ll jot  down what comes to mind as I reflect on them. It can be questions, ponderings, situations (mine or others), praise or prayers. Sometimes I fill one line, sometimes a whole page. When I’m wrapping up for the morning, I try to sum up the message from this time and carry it with me through the day.  I usually try to sum it up in a word or two– something like “God’s got it”, “forgive”, “never give up”.

This time of my day has really become my favourite time of the day – the world is still quiet, the electronics aren’t buzzing, the coffee is hot, the day still has all its sparkle of potential and so far I haven’t messed up things too bad! Yet still, things often distract me during this time, not kids, but usually my distractions are things in my head – like things to do later in the day, a project idea, life-reflections, the push to get on with the day... I’d love to hear how other folks deal with such distractions. Usually I do one of three things with these squirrels: (1) write it on a post-it note for later, (2) turn it into a prayer and have a conversation with God about it or (3) become completely distracted by it and then realize it’s time to go for the day!

Looking forward to digging into Philippians.

~Renée