iPhone

            Recently, I became an owner of an iPhone.  I have fought upgrading phones for a long time.  My old phone, what I referred to as my “dumb” phone, worked just fine.  It wasn’t a flip phone, just a small cell phone with a sliding keyboard which I loved. J  It was easy to operate, not technical for my slow-working mind, and it felt comfortable to me. However, there were downsides to it, too.

            For one, people sent me messages that I weren't able to read because my phone wouldn’t recognize the emojis.  Consequently, I missed out on some news and pictures. Another negative to my “dumb” phone was its screen size.  I admit my eyes were strained at times. J  But now, with this new phone, I receive all my messages, emojis, and pictures/videos without any problem.  I know the iPhone will be a great tool; I just need to figure out how to use and take advantage of all its features. 

            Now, as I was debating about this phone upgrade, another thought crossed my mind.  Perhaps I need to upgrade my spiritual walk as well.  Too many times I find myself taking my relationship with God, my Heavenly Father, not seriously enough.  I know He is with me no matter where I am or what I am doing, but I often fail to appreciate His activity in my life.  Even during my quiet, meditative times with Him, I am confronted with distractions. My thoughts are easily interrupted by outside influences (text messages, phone calls, gazing out a window, etc.) So how can I upgrade my spiritual journey?

            First and foremost, pray! I need to ask God to forgive my ingratitude and inconsistency and then ask Him to assist me with my upgrade. Then, I need to listen intently to His suggestions as the Holy Spirit reveals them to me.  Next, I need to keep reading His Word by selecting a passage, then pay attention to how it applies to me and my life.  I also need to keep reading devotionals/books that speak the truth of God’s Word.  Finally, I need to communicate with fellow believers and share my faith.  Those are my personal steps to upgrading my spiritual walk.  I only hope I can accomplish them at a faster rate than it’s taking me in learning how to operate my iPhone.

“You therefore, beloved, since you know these things beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3: 17-18

Hanging Out

            “Lingering with those we love, particularly Jesus, is essential to healthy living.  Far from causing us to lose our grip on everything else, taking time out with Him makes us stronger and helps us handle things more clear-minded and wholeheartedly.” Erin Keeley Marshall

            When I read the above words from the devotion book, Mornings with Jesus 2013, I was struck with the revelation that the times I had managed to escape from the pressures of everyday life while I was growing up, raising a family, and even today in my retiring years were not selfish.  They were times I was “lingering with Jesus” or as I like to say now, “hanging out with Jesus.”

            When I was a youngster, I enjoyed playing with my neighborhood friends, but I also liked being by myself.  Countless times I would quietly sit on our front porch with a book or paper and pencil.  My observations were often written in poems or plays.  Other times I would climb my favorite tree or take rest on the top of our house nook (thanks to the TV antennae tower that stood nearby). Those moments alone as a youth refreshed my soul which in those years I didn’t completely understand but now in retrospect, those were the formative years leading to my personal relationship with Jesus.

            In college, I found myself needing periods of solitude.  The challenges of school, sorority, social relationships, and other life-changing issues stacked high, at times daily.  In those moments, I found relief by being alone, but by this time I wanted to be alone with Jesus. I needed His peace.  And I discovered it in a couple of unusual places:  a designated research room on the third floor of the college library and sitting under a big cottonwood behind the sorority house where I lived.  Both provided the quiet and restoration I needed in my communication with Jesus.

            After I was married with a growing family, I continued my quest for alone time with Jesus, which was a challenge.  However, I soon discovered that “waiting” in the car to pick up my kids from school, from various athletic practices, from piano lessons, and from other related activities allowed me some quiet time.  In fact, many times I would arrange to arrive early just so I could sit in peace J  During those moments, Jesus often spoke to me through the Holy Spirit. With my eyes closed, I could sense an inner strengthening of my physical body as well as clarity of my mind.  Granted, those moments didn’t happen every day due to interruptions or other involvements, but when they did occur, they brought me reassurance of His special presence and even an attitude change that I often needed.

            Now, as an empty-nester with what seems like all kinds of quiet time, I find I still need to be alone with Jesus in a special place.  Again, my car serves as that place.  There’s something about sitting in my car beside a park or by a lake that draws me to my Jesus.  I linger and enjoy His presence, “hanging out “ together.

  Now, if by chance you need some quiet time, may I suggest finding a place where you can be alone and “hang out” with the best companion anyone could ask for, our Savior Jesus.   The benefits are worth it!!

           

           

“You, LORD, are my shepherd.  I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.” Psalm 23: 1-3   (Contemporary English Version)

“The LORD your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.”  Zephaniah 3:17 (Contemporary English Version)