Real Life, Real Talk

​It is my hope that by sharing some of my experiences, others will benefit and shorten their learning curve. It has taken me several decades to realize the importance of consistently spending quality time with the Lord. I would get so lazy early in the morning and so busy throughout the day or so tired in the evening, I would not spend quiet time with the Lord. I would cherish sleep more than spending time with the Lord. I would say I am too busy to sit still. I would get bored with sitting still—I would just make up all kinds of excuses. Although, I could find time to do whatever I really wanted to do and express my desires and dreams to the Lord. As I am writing, I must repent for being so disobedient and selfish. 

27 He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27

I still do not have it all together. I have more time to read the Bible, pray and spend quality time with the Lord. I even have time to get additional sleep after waking up early to meditate and pray. But still, I struggle with maintaining a daily meditation, praise and worship schedule. So, rather than dwell on what I am not doing--I choose to focus on what I am doing. I have learned that this is how the Father operates as well. He loves me unconditionally—he knows all my faults—he knows all my thoughts—he knows my heart. 
 
After much trial and error, I have found that talking with my heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit throughout the day works best for me. You might ask, how can you do that? I talk in the shower, throughout the house, in the car, at work, while walking, shopping, and wherever I am. It is not necessary to be in a specific place to have these special and intimate conversations. I listen to inspirational music and messages. I also work hard at being quiet too throughout the day. As women, we love to talk, but you must listen as well. You must be quiet to hear the still small voice that speaks from within. This is the way I cultivate a true relationship with the Lord.

Since I am not a morning person, this type of dialogue works well for me. However, I have found that quiet time early in the morning, around 5AM, before the day gets hectic or problems arise is the optimal time to listen. During this time, I obtain the strength to tackle the day with clarity in thought and focus. So, I encourage you to try meditating on the Word each day, along with praise and worship, and see what a difference it makes—find your individual rhythm. These routines are more important than exercise, checking social media, watching TV or worrying. Spending quality time with Jesus is like touching base with a significant other who knows all your concerns, needs, and desires. The difference is—he is truly the one who can help you resolve problems and fulfill your needs.

When we love the Lord our God with all our heart and soul, we spend quality time with Him!
 
​Yours In Christ,
 
Phyllis Baskin
Office Manager