Skip to main content

Thoughtful Thursday

Inspiration

Let me start off by saying that I did not intend on this blog being entirely about prayer, but the response that I got from everyone on my last post really flattered me and it got me to thinking. What else can I do to be more deliberate with my prayer life?

Making Time

For those of you who don't know, I love music. Love might be an understatement. I love to sing, I love to listen to good music, I have complete appreciation for someone who can really play an instrument of any kind (I can still play my very first piano recital piece and that's it), I have an appreciation for people who can write music. I LOVE music. My ipod has anything from Les Miserables to the Beastie Boys on it. Did I mention that I love music? So, riding to and from work is one of my main music times. I go through phases, so it's really cool to have XM Radio which offers me some variety. Sometimes I get on an 80's kick, sometimes I listen to an old CD, sometimes I listen to whatever play/show I might be involved in at the time. Whatever the choice, car time means music time.

Last night I thought, what if I turn off the radio tomorrow and use that 20 minute drive to work as God time? I mean, really, I am in the car a minimum of 40 minutes a day. What if I used that time to concentrate on talking to God. No radio, no phone; just me and Him. If you're like me, you have trouble with getting distracted while praying/studying, so I thought surely I can devote this 20 minutes solely to God.

So, this morning I got in the car, almost forgot about my promise, but quickly turned off the radio and started talking to God. Now this wasn't my normal "please God get these slow people out of my way so I can get to work on time" kind of prayer. This was meaningful time of asking God to bless my day, and that of my family. I prayed for each family member, for my co-workers, for my church, for my friends. Let me say that it was a great way to get my day started right. I've decided to make it a weekly event and call it Thoughtful Thursday, because I've got to be honest with you, to me music is a gift from God, so I will continue to enjoy that gift as well! But, for now Thursday car time means God time.

Maybe you can try something like this too. I know many of you have kids and you are lucky to have any quiet time, especially in the mornings! So, try it after you drop them off. Or, maybe you can use the time to talk with your kids about God and prayer, or share their celebrations or concerns about the day. Heck, maybe you can talk one of them into praying for you all!

It doesn't matter what you do, just pick a time that you can begin to devote solely to God. After all, He gave His Son for us, and all He asks of us is a committed relationship with Him. We have all heard that successful relationships take work, so give this one the work it deserves.

Friday morning addendum

I had trouble getting this to post last night, so I am posting today. While we are talking about prayer, I ask that you pray for a sweet family who lost their husband and father last night. Mr. Ronnie Osteen was a good man and he will be dearly missed. Singing at church just won't be the same without him.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

I get by with a little help from my friends

Ok, so I realize that I haven't posted in a while, and I have a pretty good excuse (other than the fact that I had a little lack of inspiration). Since some time last fall I have been very busy with our local community theater group and most recently our production of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." My friend Truman chose this show as his directorial debut. I decided to sign on with him as assistant director since it was his first show and I knew this one would be an undertaking. Also, it just happens to be one of my all-time favorite stories. I have read the book and watched the movie countless times. (The 1995 BBC version, mind you. Colin Firth is Mr. Darcy!) I wanted to make sure it was done right! :) The show closed Saturday night, May 4th, and I must say this has been one of my favorite casts of which to be a part. Each show becomes a little family of sorts as you share this common experience. No one else can fully understand your bond, your jok...

Remembering Papa

My father's father passed away two weeks ago today. My mother's father passed away 22 years ago this week. Both of these men were big influences in my life and I am so very thankful to have had them as long as I did. I've thought a lot about both of them lately, especially with father's day coming up. I bet this one will be a little bittersweet for Dad. Papa battled Parkinson's and was in the nursing home for the last 7 years. It was a struggle to watch a man that was once so active slowly dwindle away. Although it's tough to say goodbye, there is so much comfort in the fact that he is so much better now. I decided that I wanted to share a little bit about the man I called Papa at his funeral. I wasn't sure if I could do it, because I'm pretty sentimental and tend to cry pretty easily, but I prayed about it a great deal and I definitely felt God with me as I spoke. I thought I would share my words from that day with you all. To most he was John, to som...

New Life

Spring Has Sprung! In this neck of the woods, Spring has officially arrived. It has been cooler this year than most recent years, but that has not stopped the buttercups from poking their little heads out and the dang Ornamental Bradford Pears from blooming (they KILL my allergies!!!). I love this time of year when life begins to show itself anew. Friday night was date night and I spent a little quality time with the husband. It has been so busy at our house since before Christmas, so we took the opportunity of the rare Friday night off and went to eat with some friends at John T's Barbecue in Winchester. If you live in this area, you should give them a try. We love the ribs! This was a weekend full of activity. Early Saturday morning, the husband and I traveled to Franklin Co. to purchase a couple of heifers to add to the herd. These young girls are so gentle! I stuck my hand in the trailer and the one on the right rubbed her nose all over my hand. Most cattle ...