It's only the 2nd week of my semester, and I'm already feeling the "crunch"...

My spring semester started last week.  That's right.  Last week.  So, this is week 2.  I'm taking one course this semester.  That's right.  One course.  But, it's a "doozy", as they say.  I'm taking "Theology of John Wesley".  We are to read 52 of John Wesley's sermons at a pace of about 5 per week.  Then we have chapters each week in and out of the 3 required books.  I am always a little nervous when required books belong to the professor, but honestly, I have been pleasantly surprised.  I am learning lots of new things from the books and I'm enjoying the writing style.  The sermons, on the other hand, are much more difficult to wade through.

As I have time, I am working on finishing an Academy book.  That is the only reading I am doing these days.

This week, I am preparing a sermon to preach this upcoming Sunday.  I wish I had written down all that was in my dreams Tuesday night as it seemed most of my night was spent on that sermon.  The sermon is still working itself out in me and it needs to get out.

Meanwhile, there is life and other responsibilities that are simply here and there.  And situations that cause concern, etc.  So, add all of this up, and I'm feeling the "crunch" here at week 2.

I turned to Jesus Calling this morning to see what might be there for me.

For February 21, the first line reads: "TRUST AND THANKFULNESS WILL get you safely through this day.  Trust protects you from worrying and obsessing.  Thankfulness keeps your from criticizing and complaining: those "sister sins" that so easily entangle you."

Yep.... those are good and helpful words for me today!  As I read on, into paragraph 2:

"Keeping your eyes on Me is the same thing as trusting Me.  It is a free choice that you must make thousands of times daily."

I think I need to make that choice more often.  In the midst of trying and difficult times and in the midst of normal busy life.

Today's words for the day are "trust" and "thankfulness".  I am going to attempt to live into these words today. 

The devotion continues: "The more you choose to trust Me, the easier it becomes.  Thought patterns of trust become etched into your brain.  Relegate troubles to the periphery of your mind, so that I can be central in your thoughts.  Thus you focus on Me, entrusting your concerns into My care."

Scripture references for today: Colossians 2:6-7; Psalm 141:8; 1 Peter 5:7

Trust and thankfulness, here I come.  The concerns, the assignments, the sermon, the situations, etc. can all be relegated to the periphery of my mind.  Easier said than done.  But, I know it will make for a more peaceful day if I can truly live in trust and thankfulness.

What about your day?  Would it be helpful for you to live into trust and thankfulness?

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

Thoughts and quotes from Jesus Calling over the last few days and weeks...

As it continues to happen, when I read the devotions from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, often the words strike and penetrate to the core of where I happen to be at that particular time in my life.  Sometimes, what I read might be more for someone else and I find that I have the opportunity to share it later.

I thought I'd go back today and jot down some of the things that stood out to me over the past days and weeks.  There might be something here that speaks to you.
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"Do not let any set of circumstances intimidate you.  The more challenging your day, the more of My Power I place at your disposal." (November 11, page 330)

"Approach problems with a light touch.  When your mind moves toward a problem area, you tend to focus on that situation so intensely that you lose sight of Me.  [....] When a problem starts to overshadow your thoughts, bring this matter to Me." (November 15, page 334)

"As you look at the day before you, you see a twisted, complicated path, with branches going off in all directions.  You wonder how you can possibly find your way through that maze.  Then you remember the One who is with you always, holding you by your right hand. [...] As you look again at the path ahead, you notice that a peaceful fog has settled over it, obscuring your view.  You can see only a few steps in front of you, so you turn your attention more fully to Me and begin to enjoy My Presence.  The fog is a protection for you, calling you back into the present moment." (November 16, page 335)

Peaceful fog in my front yard-- 11/22/11

"Not many Christians know how to live in this radical freedom, which is their birthright.  I died to set you free; live freely in Me!  To walk along the path of freedom, you must keep your mind firmly fixed on Me. [...] Be content to be a simple sheep, listening for My voice and following Me." (November 17, page 336)

"Instead of trying to figure things out yourself, you can relax in the Presence of the One who knows everything. [...] Stay in touch with Me, even during your busiest moments." (November 18, page 337)

"Leave outcomes up to Me. Follow Me wherever I lead, without worrying about how it will all turn out.  Think of your life as an adventure, with Me as your Guide and Companion. [...] Enjoy the rhythm of life lived close to Me.  You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven.  So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me." (November 19, page 338)

"You don't have to perform well in order to receive My Love.  In fact, a performance focus will pull you away from Me, toward some sort of Pharisaism.  This can be a subtle form of idolatry: worshiping your own good works.  It can also be a source of deep discouragement when your works don't measure up to your expectations." (November 20, page 339)

"Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. [...] You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances).  This is a spiritual act of obedience--at times, blind obedience. [...] Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts." (November 24, page 343)

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I don't know what in these quotes (if anything) might speak to you as you read them.  What have these things said to me?  Mostly they have reminded me to continue to trust and follow, to take life one day at a time, to live each moment to the fullest, to be thankful, to live into the freedom I've been given, to relax, to enjoy....

Blessings on your journey. 

~Debra