Day 4 and 5 from the 31 Things class. What I'm really enjoying about this class is the simplicity of putting it together. No reinventing the wheel...just simple and fresh! I'm using October Afternoon paper and stamps from Hero Arts.
Spirit---
Keeping my spirit refreshed and connected to the Holy Spirit happens in several different ways in my life. Each morning I attempt to wake up earlier than Karsten (between 6:15 and 6:30) in order to have some quiet time with God. During this time I read and reflect on Scripture, devotionals, and whatever Bible study I’m working through at that time. I also take time to journal insights I’ve had, prayer requests I have, and/or things in my life that I’m spending a lot of time thinking about such as my purpose in life. I find that taking the time to connect with God through the power of His Spirit helps me to refocus on several things.
1. God is sovereign. He is in total control. He is the Creator and Lord of everything.
2. He loves me and has great plans for me. He desires that my life would be aligned with His will for me which takes submission and obedience.
3. He wants a deep relationship with me. He wants me to be talking to Him throughout my daily routine, about big and small things.
Another way I stay connected with the Holy Spirit is my Scripture memorization. Etching God’s Word on my heart and mind and being able to recall these Scriptures when I need to hear from God is uplifting.
This year I’ve also made spiritual accountability a priority on my life. Once a week Jessica and I share our victories, struggles, challenges, and what we’ve learned the previous week. Knowing that a trusted friend is praying for me and will ask me about certain things helps me to stay on the path of obedience and fullness in Christ.
I must also mention the power that praise and worship music has on my life. These lyrics stick in my heart and mind and have helped me through many turbulent storms. One song can refresh and refocus me on God, my God.
conversation--
Being a stay at home mom doesn’t allow for too many conversations throughout the day. I chat with Brian in the morning, but not too much because we’re both quiet in the mornings before we are fueled up with coffee. I talk to Karsten all day long…telling him about what we’re doing…reading to him…teaching him colors and words. His typical reply is “Dadada” or “Mamama”. He babbles quite a bit and I talk right back to him, in real words. I also talk to Zoe throughout my day, as she is typically near me ….if you don’t think cats can carry on conversations you’ve never met Zoe!
Brian and I may or may not talk during the day. If he has time he calls, if not we don’t talk until he gets home from work. I talk to my Mom every couple of days about what’s going on in both of our lives. We have also started texting more which is kind of fun. It seems many of my conversations with people are through texting now. It’s convenient and a great way to ask a quick question or share a random happening. I also message people on facebook occasionally or leave comments on people’s status updates. I feel that FB is a great way to keep conversations going between people who would normally never talk. When I’m out running errands I typically stop to talk with someone who comments on how cute Karsten is. The two of us rarely go out when someone doesn’t engage him in some way.
The person I talk to most throughout my day is definitely myself and God. I am constantly telling myself to focus on my to do list…work on the next thing…recall Scripture to mind…encourage myself…keep my chin up…etc. Journaling is also a way I talk to myself…a way to get my thoughts, hopes, dreams, concerns out on paper so they aren’t as apt to clutter my mind.
I also try to make a point to talk to Kelly and Jessica each week. To check in and see what’s going on in their lives and share what’s going on in my life. Having girlfriends to converse with is essential for my balance and well-being.

