HAS LIFE GOT YOU RUNNING RAGGED? Hurry, hurry, hurry...that seems to be the speed that America is in today. Whether you are running to the store, running to a child's ballgame or running late to a staff meeting ... life has us all running!!Did you know that the state of "hurrying" affects our spiritual life? When there are too many things on the "to do" list, what is the one thing that usually does NOT get crossed off? Prayer and spending time with the Father, most likely.
Jesus was not in a hurry. Can you imagine Jesus jumping up and down, saying to His disciples, "Come on boys, get up! Get up, up, up! Get this camp cleaned up! Come on, we have to get going ... we have some preaching to do. Get those camels packed up boys! Come on ... Let's go, let's go!"
No that isn't the picture of Jesus at all! In fact, when I think about Jesus, I picture nothing but peace. He slowed His pace enough that He could hear from God all day long! Now isn't that a pace that we could strive after?
JOHN 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My own peace I now give and bequeth you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Today I am thankful that it is alright for me to SLOW DOWN and spend time in His presence. How about you ... what are you thankful for today? Why not share your grateful heart with us today, share your post below in Mr Linky.
(you will find THANKFUL THURSDAY here for the month of September... I look forward to being your host once again!)
Nice thankful post, thanks for hosting this month sweetie.
ReplyDeleteLaurie,
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for your post. It hit me in a good way. Sometimes we can get so caught up in what we're doing that we don't take time to just sit with the Lord. I just thank you for reminding us to slow down and spend some time with God.
Hope you're having a great week!
Karen
Laurie, I loved your "word picture" of Jesus!
ReplyDeleteI feel like I am constantly in a state of hurry. Maybe it's a whole continent!
Your post is a blessing ;)
This is a good post, too many people have a busy schedule, it's important to find the time to relax.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. I am away from work for a couple of weeks and it has been wonderful to rest and have time in God's Word.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding us to slow down a bit :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful reminder! Thanks for hosting Thankful Thursday!
ReplyDeleteIndeed I could stand a change of pace.
ReplyDeletei think God is really telling me to slow down. thank you for this reminder, laurie.
ReplyDeleteOh, Laurie - just the theme for TT I needed this week. You are right - we often run and forget to 'refuel' our soul. Thank you for the reminder that we need to slow down sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting Thankful Thursday this month.
Be blessed today and always...
Hi Laurie...seems we are on the same thankful 'page' this week! How can we be effective if we rush through the calling that God has given us?
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great reminder!
Be blessed,
Susan
I'm trying to imagine being in a place where I was so calm that I could focus on Christ all day long. That is truly something to strive for in our lives.
ReplyDeleteAwesome topic! After a couple of weeks of pure insanity with back-to-school, it's nice to remember that it's not only okay but it's good and necessary to slow down sometimes!
ReplyDeleteWhat a good reminder on the blessing of slowing down! Thank you for hosting this month.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an amazing reminder, especially since I've been up since 5 a.m. thinking about all the "Stuff" I need to do.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
You're right. We all need to schedule time with our Father just as we schedule ball practice, meetings, hair appointments. That appointment should go first in our daily planner. And not penciled in, either. I fail at this, just as you said, so often.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I know, my life runs so much smoother and I am filled with joy and happiness and able to give it back to others when I have been with HIM. Ideally, it should be the way we begin our day, before we even leave the bed.
Bless you,
Mama Bear
I love the visual of Jesus trying to hurry up the disciples. Too funny! I'm so glad Jesus was never in a hurry. May we remember to follow His example. Thank you for this wonderful reminder! I hope you have a great Thursday!
ReplyDeleteWow! We were on the same wave-length today. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on slowing down.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting Thankful Thursday and for your thoughts that made me connect with God and myself, today.
Have a blessed rest of the week.
I loved your post, Laurie! It was just what I needed to read. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteA great post... God had me on a quest this summer to be still and to rest more in Him. I have to say the lessons I learned were invaluable, and are now bearing much fruit in my life... I definitely think twice now and pray much before adding lots of things to our schedules that would take me away from my primary calling at this season in my life. There is great fulfillment in doing what God has called you to do and not being distracted from that calling by running to this and to that...
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I think that Autumn always slows us down. We go from the craziness of summer into the more quiet and home centered days. I love this time of year when we appreciate the slowness and the quietness.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post, Laurie! I am trying to intentionally slow down, focus on the where the Lord wants me and "just be" more often. What a blessing it can be to slow down!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thankful Thursday!
ITS OUR CHURCH ANNIVERSARY! GLORY AND HONOR BELONG TO GOD ALONE!
ReplyDeleteHow true is that! And how much like my normal days. Sad. I do need to stop a little more often. Thanks for the reminder, and thanks for hosting again this month!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laurie, for this precious reminder. I am sometimes overwhelmed by the list of things I need to do on my "to do list". I am thankful to be reminded that I can take time to slow down and I need to... to spend more time with God in prayers and reading His Words.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thankful heart with us. May God bless and guide you always!
Your post blessed me and made me think about some things. Hope you're enjoying the weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting this meme and giving us another opportunity to share how thankful we are for the blessings of God!
ReplyDeleteI am hosting an online Bible study for MOM on the book of Ephesians called High Stepping in Heavenly Places. Please consider joining us on Sept. 24 t;o study the book of Ephesians. And tell all your mommy friends to join in. Blessings.
Details at http://jeanstockdale.typepad.com
Thanks for hosting this week!
ReplyDeletePerhaps our economic situation is part of God's plan for slowing down his children to notice or rely on Him more and themselves less. This thought has been on my heart lately. Our activities many times may be lucifer's tactic to try and keep us out of the Word or away from things of the Lord. Distract us in one direction or 50 and then creep into the back door.
I am certain that i've jumped into that trap myself MANY times. Busy here, busy there, busy everywhere but not busy enough with my Jesus. I many times need to slow down to a near screeching halt.
Have a wonderfully blessed day!