life before my beautiful son was filled with “black and white” assumptions on some things, I remember thinking that devotionals were “less than” reading the WORD by itself. I wouldn’t put anyone down if they studied “devo’s” it was just in my pre “mother” state not quite sufficient enough, not meaty enough I guess, but I’m about positive that I know who made up devotionals….had to be a busy mom….or a busy dad….I don’t really know where it all came from (that would be an interesting hunt to find the genesis of the Devotionals verses just scripture tellling, reading, or listening too). I guess devo’s are like “written” mini sermons.
Well, my need for God’s Word hasn’t changed, but my time in it has. I like devo’s. It’s about all I can do. Sometimes its reading short parables about things, other times a verse or two to simmer all day, and frankly some days my Bible collects dust. I pass by it all day, as i chase, feed, clean, change diapers, play with, clean house, sometimes shower, do cares stuff, etc. etc. etc. and deadlines take precidence over what used to be a sweet visit with the Lord in silence, in stillness….there is not much by way of those two words in my life….(I know I know I only have ONE kid!! LOL anyway, that’s the Honest truth about that area for me for that past year and a half)
So here I am wondering if I can devo my way back to the Word somehow….
here is an honest attempt at this mom’s desire to love and know her God intimately, vibrantly, and newly today:)
Beautiful post, and one I can relate to. For a while I was reading Joyce Meyer’s Starting Everyday Right Devo. I like the the small package that the devo offers. It gave me the chance to chew on and meditate on a specific thing, so for me, the devo is focused learning. I’m thinkin God wants me to chew my food longer, we always eat so fast and miss the flava. Even reading the Word has turned into a devo since I only get it in small doses these days. I fill in the gaps with the Christian Satellite Network while I buzz around the house. I’m thinkin what matters most is the desire to seek. The Word is just as powerful in small doses as it is in large ones
Hey Amy,
yeah it is, and I think there are seasons, i just relish the word, “season” because it means that it’s ok to be where i am now, and I can walk free of guilt and condemnation, if there is anything i’ve learned from not spending time with Jesus the way I used to and the way I’d like to is that He is sure a BIG God and way bigger than me trying to spend time with Him the way I want to….I’ve found that we converse, we fellowship, He speaks to me, and i’m just amazed at how He still uses me, Blessed be His Name. Being a parent has really helped me see God’s unconditional, patient, non-religous Love that He has for me in a new way. John loves to make those parallels regularly and it just makes me want to cry at the BIG Love of God. When “daddy” comes home, there is nothing sweeter than just experience his son wanting to be with him, jump on him, play with him, just be in whatever place he is but be “WITH” him….is more than enough….sooo swweeet the love of Jesus.
Me too Trish, me too. Learning about God through my babies is so Big and Overwhelming. I don’t think I understood just how much God loved me until I had my boys, cuz my own daddy is a Vietnam Vet and I don’t know him very well. I like what you said about “season”, very cool, thank you for that thought. You were (when you were here) and still are (in cyber space and thought) a blessing to me. I’ve learned so much from so many.