My first morning mini-retreat went very well. I started with a yummy gluten free breakfast, turned on the fireplace, prayed, read the Bible and sat quietly to contemplate things. I never really take the time to be quiet and still. If I am in the car, I am always conversing with the kids or listening to my XM radio. At home, there is always noise. At night, when the kids are in bed, I read books, blogs and magazines or watch TV. I rarely just sit and be still.
My good friend Diana is someone I admire greatly and perhaps the thing I admire most about her is her ability to discern what God wants her to do in life. I think she really hears Him. And she not only hears Him, but she listens. In order to hear God's plan for us, I think we need more quiet in our lives. At least, I do. Go here to read an incredible story about how Diana and her husband, Jeff's faithfulness has led their family to another daughter.
A reader, Laurie, shared with me a great plan to read the Bible in a year. You can find it here. It is very doable. I have done the first 5 days and each day takes between 10-15 minutes for me. You read small passages from 4 different books each day. There are bookmarks for each section with little squares to check off what you have read. Make sure you print these out. I am not sure I will read the whole Bible this year but this program is really manageable and I am enjoying it so far. The program gives you a few days off each month too in case you get behind. It is not too late to start at all. You can start any day. You could easily do two days at a time to get caught up.
Another resource that is helping me in my goal planning is MomAgenda.com. They have downloadable checklists and goal sheets. I have printed out the personal goal and the specific goal worksheets. They are helping me brainstorm and put on paper some very mundane goals (like go to the eye doctor this year) and some more lofty goals as well. They are free and easy to print. They have lots of free checklists such as birthday party planning, Christmas gift/card lists and back to school checklists.
The photo above is one I took this week. I bought some orange tulips to brighten things up after putting all of the decorations away. Many of the tulips had a mama bloom and a baby bloom on one stem. I loved that. This photo has two textures on it. One is from my good friend Shana's Florabella Collection.
I'm re-reading the Bible this year, using the Change Your Life Daily bible. I'd have to check and see if the readings match up, but it's one old testament, one new testament, a psalm and a proverb each day. I somehow like that it's a separate bible from my regular one. I think it keeps me on track a little better, and it just works for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm envious of your mini-retreats, I think they sound fantastic. As the Psalm says: "Be Still and Know that I am God."
Blessings!
I'm re-reading the Bible this year, using the Change Your Life Daily bible. I'd have to check and see if the readings match up, but it's one old testament, one new testament, a psalm and a proverb each day. I somehow like that it's a separate bible from my regular one. I think it keeps me on track a little better, and it just works for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm envious of your mini-retreats, I think they sound fantastic. As the Psalm says: "Be Still and Know that I am God."
Blessings!
I just finished day 6 of reading the Bible in a year (It's the 6th in Australia). It's fun to see how many of your readers are having the same ideas. I like your idea of the 52 photos in a year, I just can't find the time to do one per day. If you do a link up or something that would be fun!
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me to set some goals and get quiet to figure out what the Lord wants us to focus on this year!
Blessings on your mini retreat :)
I love the idea of reading the Bible in a year. Is it too late to start or do you need to start it on the 1st?
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Since bringing Emma home, I've had to make daily lists just to take care of the "mundane" things too. My brain is so full that I can't remember or stay focused enough to take care of the easy stuff. :)
I tried to read the bible in a year several years in a row, I always failed. Life,...it always seems to get in the way. I need to follow your example. I really need to carve out time to be still...I just don't know how I'm going to make that work at this moment in my life. Do you think we can get the world to add 6 more hours to the day????
ReplyDeleteI am sure you have listened to Staci's message by now. What a small world! I don't know Staci that well yet but Brady and Matthew are the same age and both attend Heathwood, we had Scuba lessons together this past summer. I told her we first talked when you commented on my mercury glass and I have followed your blog for some time now although I have been lazy lately and only do Facebook seems like its quicker to keep up with but I am going to catch up soon on the ones I love to read. Have a great night.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you have listened to Staci's message by now. What a small world! I don't know Staci that well yet but Brady and Matthew are the same age and both attend Heathwood, we had Scuba lessons together this past summer. I told her we first talked when you commented on my mercury glass and I have followed your blog for some time now although I have been lazy lately and only do Facebook seems like its quicker to keep up with but I am going to catch up soon on the ones I love to read. Have a great night.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a blissful morning.
ReplyDeleteFound a great gluten free cookbook thought I would pass along in case you don't have it.
Gluten-Free
Quick & Easy
Carol Fenster Ph.D
Has around 200 recipes and so far have loved everything I have made. She has some great basic recipes for bread mix to have on hand or spice mixes. So far it is the best one I have found.
Love your tulips...they are my favorite flower!!
thanks for sharing shana's site. do you use photoshop? i'm just learning my new rebel! =) someday i hope my photos will look better! HA!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, Kim. I especially love the one in the post below. I am so happy to hear Diana and Jeff are adopting again - What an amazing story that only God could write! Take care! Kim and Katiebug
ReplyDeleteI am very sure those tulips would not make it from the store to the care right now here. But, they are beautiful!!! I loved talking with you today. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited about your Bible "challenge" for 2010!
I love the way you are absorbing God's Word! Your questions inspire me to learn more!!!!
Thank you for your post.. I am humbled and not so sure I am worthy!!! I have loved sharing my walk with you my sweet friend!
Love ya,
Diana
I think I need more quiet time too. Time to rejuvenate with God. I am so worn down. This has been a horrible year. We have had so many deaths and family problems. I am just exhausted from it all. You know how it is when your soul is tired? That is where I am. I need a quiet time with no crisis.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Kim!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are starting off your year with some pretty great goals. So glad that you are trying to find some time for a little "retreat" now and then.
I went to the store the other day and thought about buying some fresh flowers to boost my spirits. Spring cannot get here fast enough.....
Have a great week!
Lisa
I also have Florabella but think I must have a heavy hand with opacity or something. Should definitely go more subtle.
ReplyDeleteI read Diana's story this morning (before work - yikes) and cried like a baby! What a goosebump story!
Oh how I wish I could retreat...
ReplyDeleteKim, you are so talented in so many ways- I know I'm always telling you that. I can't wait to see what comes of your retreat. I just know this is going to be an amazing year of success and fulfillment for you!
The photo is gorgeous, and thanks so much for mentioning my collection- you are so sweet. ♥
Talk to you tomorrow...
xoxo
Shana
I love your idea of a retreat at your own home in the mornings!! I am so behind from being gone for 2 weeks, but I look forward to doing something similar when our house is a bit more in order. Right now I would not be able to relax and enjoy myself. Plus, I am usually chasing our youngest, who turned 3 Christmas week! Happy 2010! I love your blog.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo and love the MomAgenda!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know they had free templates to use--going there now!! Thanks!
That photo is so beautiful. Sounds like you had a wonderful morning. Setting aside that quiet time is a huge struggle for me, I need to work on it this year. Thanks for the bit of inspiration.
ReplyDeleteKim
ReplyDeleteSounds like that you are right on track with the what God would have....:)
your priorities are cetainly in line, although they have never been nothing but that.)
so love to hear that people are trying to read the Bible in a year!
It's great to have those place to go to to help, i use those myself!
With three children quite time is so much needed, but as organized as you are you are ontop of 2011 already!! (LOL)
your tulips were beautiful and spring could not come quickly enough.Any tips for the rest of us please pass them on, I am getting ready to get clutter free myself!
Have a great week!
Blessings!
Cindy
Kim, Thank you so much for the note you left at my blog this week. Your words were encouraging and a comfort. !
ReplyDeleteLove to you and your 3 peanuts!
xx
You are truly inspiring! Love the flowers...how uplifting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration here to set some goals this year! I love your quiet {retreat} in the morning time!
ReplyDeleteamy
Sounds like you are off to a great start! Thought of you and Kate while at Target. I could just picture her in their super cute bathing suits and eyelet cover-ups :0 The yellow and white striped one piece $9.99 and coral eyelet cover-up too cute. PS I have 5 kiddos, I think you lost count LOL!!
ReplyDeleteI think your retreat sounds like a fabulous idea! Stillness is something we could ALL benefit from!
ReplyDeleteI just listened to a sermon yesterday & the pastor was talking about the difference between AMUSEMENT & AMAZEMENT. We live in a culture that LOVES to be amused. Vacations, blogs, television, shopping, movies, "things" - sure, we love it. When was the last time we really stood AMAZED? I am envious of the crowds who were AMAZED at Jesus' teachings (Matthew 7:28) and I want to be AMAZED too.
One of the reasons I love blog world is that so many people share what God is doing in their lives (like Diana & Jeff) - clearly, I stood in AWE and AMAZEMENT at what God has done/is doing in their lives. Diana said it right - THAT red thread to Sienna could NOT be orchestrated by anyone BUT God. AMAZING.
I know that not every day will be mountain top - and not every day will I feel the CLOSENESS of my Savior. Sin separates from having that complete intimacy with God. Our fallen world assures us that even in the midst of being in love with HIM, we will not always be AMAZED.
But I am hoping & praying that we all be a little more amazed in twenty ten. Take the time, be still and know. Not just the things God does for us - but His Character - Who He is. It really IS AMAZING.
Hugs to you, friend!
Sara
2010 is the year for looking after oneself. I am in the same boat - trying to find time to make peace with myself. Glad to hear you are doing it. :) Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI just love your posts when you offer tips for daily living. Since we have moved out of the country and are learning a new language...I have changed my quiet time to 4:00 in the morning...yes...that is too early but I have found that I look forward to this time with Him and it gives me an hour with no one else around. Just me, Him and my bible. I think you are right about your friend....the more time we spend with the Lord...the easier it is to hear what He has to say.
ReplyDelete