Slowing Down…

It has been a busy year. But realizing that busyness == worldliness, it gives me sadness instead of joy.

Comes November I would always browse through Christian Book’s store to look a book that I could give to moms that I have worked with. While searching, a book pop up into my screen titled: Too Busy Not To Prayby Bill Hybels. The title got me and sounds like the perfect book that I would like to read. The author is not new to me. I have read Bill Hybel’s Just Walk Across the Room and it was one of those very honest book I have read. So book was ordered.

I bought other books along with it and when the order came, I was determined that this book is the one I’d like to read first. There was no turning back. I was on the same boat as the author when he was prompted to write the book. The busyness just consumed me this year that my prayer time was limited to shorter portion of an hour, and few days. It wasn’t a zero kind of prayer time because there several occasions of quality time and wonderful moments that I have shared with God this year. But then, I have had an experience about having those kind of conversations with God for one full hour or more, everyday! So this year was not good. To put a shame on it, this is one of those years when God’s blessing is at the fullest.

Don’t get me wrong. I have been active in several church ministries this year, homeschooled half of the year, tithe, generously gives to the needy, and all of those participation have involved a lot of prayer time. But it wasn’t enough. My soul was not still enough to hear more of the Holy Spirit’s prompting. And I long to see God’s grace open up like a flood gate and see mountains move through prayers. I’ve seen it in the past several times, and would like to experience more of it and others to witness it as well.

The book mentioned about slowing down by creating a journal during prayer time. The writing slows us down, thus getting our mind more focused. Writing has always been a part of me. When I was younger, I could sit down and write all day. I would fill journal after journal after journal. I would re-read them and smile about the things I have written (not believing I have written it). Must be one one of those “spirit-filled” writing that every time I read it, it never fails to remind me of God’s grace and mercy towards me.

My friend, the Holy Spirit is prompting me to gear up my prayer time. I would like to start this blog so that if you are on the same boat as mine, you could let me know and we could pray for each other. I would be sharing some of the things I have been writing in my journal. Some maybe prayer of worship, or praise report or asking to pray with me about someone else. Join me as I begin this journey of journaling with Jesus in mind. Through this, I could slow myself down, and so are you.

If you have not, I suggest grabbing a copy of Bill Hybel’s book I have mentioned above.

For today, let me share you one of the verse that I have been meditating for the past two weeks:

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Close your eyes and accept the peace of God. May the peace of the Lord be with you always!