In the beginning...

For a while now, I've been struggling with my journey in Christ. I believe in God, have faith in what He can do, wholeheartedly believe in the power of prayer and can see Him moving in other people's lives. Shoot...I can even see Him moving in my life. However, I know that I am not as close to Him as I would like to be. I've tried reading the Bible...I've tried reading devotionals...but I just never seem to follow through. I get confused, frustrated and honestly...just flat out bored. I start out like a champ...but within 2 weeks...I'm over it. 

I've decided that it's time to change that. I'm going to use this blog as a way to hold myself accountable. If you're reading this, I encourage you to hold me accountable as well. 

I've decided to attend a small group that has started at my church (Ravenna Church of the Nazarene - if you don't have church home or are looking for a new one...come see us! Shameless plug, I know!) called Experiencing God. I'm really looking forward to this series because it's supposed to teach me different ways to get closer to God. 

I'm also starting a devotional. My pastor and his wife gave me a book to use. It's titled "Unglued Devotional: 60 Days of Imperfect Progress" by Lysa Terkeurst. http://lysaterkeurst.com/unglued/

So basically here is the purpose of this blog: To read a devotion every day, the scripture that goes along with it and then write what I got out of it in here. So yep...post something everyday. I've even going to make sure that I put a link on my Facebook page. I plan on being completely honest and even blunt. Feel free to comment as I welcome any comments that will help me grow and learn. 

Well...here we go! 

Day 1: Scripture - Isaiah 41:13 (I actually read the whole chapter...it's hard to get the context by just one verse.)

Today, the author talks about becoming unglued. Being on an emotional roller coaster where she is nice and happy one day...then completely swinging in the other direction and being frustrated, angry and out of control the next day.

Hmmm...sure sounds like she's talking about me! I can totally relate to this. (I'm sure my hubby and kids would agree!) While I think I've gotten better over the past couple years, I can feel myself slipping again. Stress from work, outside organizations I'm involved in, and the general busyness of life has really started to take it's toll on me and I do feel like I'm losing that self control a little more each day. 

It's not fair to my family, my co-workers, my friends...or for that matter...me. 

So...what I got from the scripture was that God is with me all the time. He is there to make a way for me, to support me, to take care of me and to protect me. I  just need to not doubt Him. As my friend April says...God's not up there wringing his hands with worry. He knows exactly what's going on and I need to trust in Him and stop trying to control everything in my life. Honestly, when I try to get control everything...that's when I feel even more out of control. 

Here's my prayer for today:

Heavenly Father, please help me see the areas in which you are working in my life. Help me develop a passion for reading your Word and a desire to learn more about You. I love You and thank You for all that You have given me. Amen.

So there's day 1. Hmm...it wasn't that hard. Let's try this again tomorrow. Same bat-time, same bat-station. :)