Happy Friday Friends! I hope you are all doing well this week. I am currently taking one big deep breath. Yesterday, I returned from what felt like a month worth of traveling. Having been out of town more often than in town the last 30 days, I was excited to pull into my driveway yesterday and know I won’t be leaving any time soon. As fun as traveling is, there is definitely something to be said for being home and going on with your normal routine.
In particular, the last two weeks, I found it difficult to find time to sit down and do a page in my Bible. I had great intentions, bringing a simplified version of my travel journaling supplies (since I was flying). However, I was never able to carve out the time to actually use them. This morning when I sat down to read, pray and create, it felt like I took a deep breath after taking only shallow ones for so long.
This summer at church, we’ve been going through a sermon series focusing on John 15, about the vine and the branches. This piece teaches me that my job in life is to abide with Jesus. To remain in him. To stay connected. That’s it. And by just abiding John tells me that fruit will be produced.
Honesty Time…
It made me realize after these couple weeks how intentional I really have to be to stay connected. Bible journaling surely isn’t the only way to connect with God. It’s a way I prefer, yes, but I also have to be intentional to connect with him whenever and however I can. That means although I can’t whip out my watercolors, I can at least stop to pray. If I’m honest, these last couple of weeks, I’ve really lacked in my connection. I haven’t tried to find the time.
Sure, I was busy. I was flying to Texas and Colorado, spending time with family, eating yummy food, coming home and turning around to drive to Oregon and see family there, and eat more delicious food, attend a church conference, walk along the beach… and the list could go on. Certainly, I was busy. I also happened to be tired, easily annoyed, and just overall not the best version of myself. Coincidence? I think not.
Continually Working…
The ability to produce good fruit is directly related to how connected we are to the vine. If we want to produce good fruit we need to be willing to take a step back from busy, and prioritize correctly. Jesus first, all else after. I’ll be the first to admit this is easier said than done. But the art of abiding is one that we should continually work to perfect.
I recently looked up how many times the author John uses the word abide in his writings (and of course lost the link, sorry) but according the the site I read – John uses the word 34x in the Gospel of John and 19x in his letters. It seems that John really wanted us to know the importance of staying connected to the one who gives life, and is able to produce fruit through us.
The good thing I feel and know today, is that the last two weeks don’t matter any more. They cannot be changed. But I can choose to abide today, and tomorrow, and every day that comes after. It’s my choice, and I want to choose time with Jesus. This morning I felt the deep relief of sinking into His Word and I want that everyday. It’s the only thing that truly fills my soul.
Celebration Time…
Now friends, I also wanted to share some fun news with you all! Guess what….It’s my birthday! Woohoo! 26 years of life! I want to celebrate by sharing with all of you! So head on over to our Etsy shop where you will find all of our devotional kits 26% off today (7/28/17) through Sunday(7/30/17). These devotional kits are great aids in diving into the word, whether you are a Bible Journaler or not. They come with scripture based devotionals, memory verse cards, and cutout stickers that are all instant downloads you can print immediately from home. Check out Jeanna’s blog from last week to learn more about how to use our products if you’re still a little wary.
Blessing on you all as you practice the art of abiding. I’m off to enjoy some precious time with Jesus as well, and later some delicious tacos with friends!
