I thought the day would never come.
This teenage boy of mine – marked by fuzz above his lip and one in clear need of an extra dose of deodorant – no longer hangs around me every waking moment of his life.
It’s a natural transition. One that I thought I was ready for. Scratch that… one that I had longed for when year after year another toddler clung to my exhausted body. They said I would miss it. I knew I should have listened.
He’s an introspective -this one – filled up by time in books and consumed with dreams of his latest invention that has been carefully laid out in his leather journal. Researched, sketched and labeled to the very last detail. Mark my words that boy will invent something for real one day. It might flop like the pages and pages of ideas that will come before and after it, or it might just change the world. Either way, he secretly depends on me to believe in him.
While it’s true that he’s lingering less, every so often he surprises me. Like the day this week that he wandered into my office and with full confidence plopped his lanky, middle school self right on top of my lap long enough to make my legs numb. Without exchanging one single word, he grabbed my hand and together we watched out our front window as the season’s first snow gently began to fall.
Aaahhhh…
{Made for Community}.
This boy.
You…
And me.
Extroverts, introverts. Singles and Marrieds. Young and old, poor and rich. The longing to be known and loved…. to be accepted and included is no respecter of age, gender or the color of our skin.
God made us for community with Him, and with the people around us.
Intentionally living in community with God and with people has never been harder. The world is a distracting place, and we are a distracted people. Technology, social class, skin color, religion, physical appearance, comparison, and all kinds of preferences and downright sin are just a few of the things that deter us and steal our joy. Right now – what is it for you… what is it for me… and dare we even speak it out loud?
God, you know our hearts.
But God made us for more…
For more communion with Him.
For more intentional living with others.
For more peace and fewer distractions.
For more of His fame and glory.
I’m ready to turn down the noise… how about you? I’m ready for a new year and fresh starts and for God’s words to pour over the empty places so that I might be filled with Him. Because it’s only when I’m filled with Him that I can even begin to think about being poured out.
God slow us.
God fill us.
God show us through your Word what it means to be {Made for Community}, then help us to respond so that you might use us.
Eight weeks. God’s Word. {Made for Community}. Let’s do this.
Are you in?
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life
through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
~ 2 Peter 1:3
At His feet,
*LET’S TALK: What distracts you? Write a paragraph or simply one word in the comments below. You’re not alone, friend. Let’s give it to God together…
**Our formal Enrollment and Love God Greatly Community Groups are officially closed, but it’s not too late to join us!! Grab some friends and download our FREE {Made for Community} Online Bible Study materials here. Study starts MONDAY… I promise, you won’t want to miss it!!!
My wanting to be on social media is one thing as well as the needs or demands of others….at the beginning of the week when I am looking over the coming week and see one thing after another penciled in that I have to accomplish I sometimes grow resentful because I feel there won’t be any space left for quite time….Whitney you are right about the distractions and noise and that is one thing I’ve resolved to try to tune out as much as I am able to retain my sanity as well as spend the time with God that is definitely desperately needed…. SO looking forward to this study!!!!
We’re so happy to have you joining us Vicki!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Technology is definitely my biggest distraction. Because I typically read the Bible on my phone through YouVersion, I have to remind myself to go to the Bible app first when I pick up my phone in the morning. Some days I don’t use my phone except for early mornings and late night just to keep me from being distracted. I have to do this so I’m not distracted from my prayer and my family.
I’m so excited to participate in this Bible Study, this is my first one and I cannot wait to dig into God’s word.
Shawneequa, technology is my biggest distraction too! I usually have my YouVersion app open along with my Bible. I like tracking my reading in the app, but I like highlighting and making notes in my Bible too. This helps me stay focused 🙂
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Oooooh Whitney! Tears! EXCELLENT writing. You know how to speak FROM your heart TO ours. A gift.
Shari,
I shed a few right along with you. I remember those days with my son. I love how Whitney uses her gifts to bless so many. Thanks for being here.
Technology.
On a different matter, I sign up for Community study and to be connect with an email group. I never received a response. I sent an email asking if I should sign up again and never received a response. Very disappointing. Have joined your bible studies before.
Patricia,
Hello, I’m very sorry this happened. I will gladly help you get into a group. Please email me at [email protected] and I will get you placed in an email group. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Please know in the future, you can email me anytime you have issues connecting to a group.
Martha
Enrollment Coordinator
Technology for sure. A lot of my business is online and I am so easily distracted when I log in for work and start looking elsewhere! One day while “working” (I was really playing around on Pinterest and Facebook) I looked and saw my three year old sitting at her little table with her v-tech laptop in front of her while “talking” on a block! I knew then it was to much and have set business hours then computer is shut!!!!!
Ah yes Markeeta, same here! I work from home online and it is SO easy to get distracted. I’m looking forward to setting work ours so that I can pull away more too. Excited to have you joining us !
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
The internet… specifically Facebook. I have made a goal of limiting myself to only 30 minutes per day because I waste so much time there and have so many other things I need to be doing. I want to spend more time in God’s Word. I want to be able to spend more quality time with my husband. I want to be able to do more for my church. I want to have time to take care of dinner AND clean up afterwards. I want to have time to properly study for the classes I am taking this semester. I want to be able to read for enjoyment. My full-time job takes up the majority of my days and only leaves me with about four hours of “free” time before I have to go to sleep so I can get up at 4:30 am and be able to function. Facebook doesn’t deserve so much of those precious few hours.
Amen to that! Facebook is a huge distractor for so many of us! Praying that you’re able to stick to that 30 min a day commitment friend! 🙂
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Technology, cooking, and crafts!
I’m with you about Technology! Thanks for sharing Tiffani!
When my dad retired, he used to say he never knew how he had time for work and would even complain when he felt things were cutting into his “free time.” That always made me laugh because, from my working perspective, all he had was free time. But since retiring I have a greater understanding of where he was coming from. Life has a way of keeping one very busy whether demands of a job, a home and family or self imposed commitments and priorities. During the next 8 weeks I want to carefully examine the commitments and priorities I have and make sure I am not allowing my schedule to have priority, but rather placing my schedule before God and seeking His guidance for the use of the time He has given me.
Amen to that Carla! Love how you say: ” I want to carefully examine the commitments and priorities I have and make sure I am not allowing my schedule to have priority, but rather placing my schedule before God and seeking His guidance for the use of the time He has given me.”
Thank you for the encouragement!!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Technology and exhaustion.
There are times I look around my house and everyone including my 2 year old is on some form of technology. Last night I made the realization of how disconnected we l were from each other even though we were all sitting in the same room. I’m making a vow to myself to get plugged back in with real social interaction for my kids too.
The other distraction I have is just being worn out tired from a weeks worth of work and mommy duties. I feel like because of that I tell more people no. I’m always in a hurry and I have to make a serious effort to slow down and just breathe. Prayers to all of us as we embark on this journey. Looking forward to it.
Thank you for joining us Denae!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
My smartphone – Internet, social media and texting
YES! I ditched my smartphone a few years ago because of that exact reason! I recently got one again, but it doesn’t have a fancy data plan. I can access the internet only on WIFI, so that has helped me keep that distraction in check for sure.
Thank you for joining us Tina!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Technology! Facebook specifically. While so much of what I’m reading and looking at is about God and fellowship, I know that it keeps me from being truly “with” the people right here beside me, like my husband and my 4 year old grandson. Praying for God to fill me up, and to transform me into the me He intended me to be. Praying to be a door for His light to shine through.
Amen, Kristina!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
It’s frightening how many people have already said this…technology/social media. I’m ashamed to admit it, but need to. How many times have I said that I want to get rid of the phone that I have to return to a simpler day and time. And never have. Perhaps it is time. I see a big difference in the days when I put it aside and are present. I need to focus on making that a priority everyday….but then again here I sit, phone in hand. Smh
Praying for encouragement for you friend. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Isn’t it interesting how many people have made mention of technology and Facebook specifically? That would be me as well. I firmly believe there is good to be had in Facebook and other means of technology but man, it sure takes a lot of my time and can be a huge distraction. Lord, help me to find the right balance!
Praying with you Leah!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Yes I have to agree Facebook, email, texting, now its blogging because I’m not familiar with it. I just got on blogging for my LGG Comm. Study group so now I’m trying to figure it out before next Monday. Oh does it ever end? Technology that is. It can be overwhelming. Praying that I get into the study without having to concentrate on the way to get the study. Praise God!!!
Praising Him with you Angela!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
All media devices I need to intentionally shut them down when family is around. It seems this replaced those moments of my childrens childhood when the only time they needed to talk was when I was on the phone or in the bathroom. It has been replaced by anytime Moms on the computer. I gladly turn it off though because I’m reminded time goes by so quickly. My babies are now adults rarely around or wanting to spend time with Mom so when they do all devices go off. I love my kids and I want them to know Im listening.
Childhood does go by so fast indeed. We need to cherish these moments. Thank you for joining us Diane!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Everything distracts me. I’ve got the attention span of a gnat! ::laughs::
🙂 Same here! I’m constantly having “squirrel!” moments hehe.
Oh how the times were simpler in the early 2000’s. How technology was helping us grow as a community and now its tearing generations apart and causing a riff. Technology has been my greatest weakness and biggest distraction. I have used technology to get closer to people and to become apart of something but its also gotten me to not enjoy the little things in life like i use to, like watching my beautiful 3 year old grow up. Like enjoying quiet in the morning. I hope to become apart of Gods community with the help of technology and to be able to make a differences off of the technology. We truly only live once and I don’t want to be distracted behind a screen but actually enjoying the moments.
I totally agree Angi! I miss the days when it wasn’t so much tech driven. The irony is that it’s all meant to help us all stay connected. As you said, we only live once so lets strive to not be distracted behind a screen and instead – enjoy the moments! Thank you for joining us!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Technology. Sin (my own and others). Noise. Wandering heart. Dreams. Illness. ADHD. Ps 55:2-3 even David suffered with distraction — thank God I’m not alone!
Stephanie,
I’m a dreamer – that distracts me a lot! Yes, thankful we are not alone!
What a beautiful blog post!! Whitney resonated my sentiments exactly! The desire to be more “involved” with God and others around me, is my heart’s desire this 2015. I find that, because I’m an introspective person myself, I am ALWAYS distracted! I catch myself constantly analyzing myself, my feelings, my motives, my actions, to the point where I’m not present and living in the here and now. It’s difficult to truly connect with the people around me, because I do this. And, yes, technology distracts me as well. It makes it so I’m not living in the “real world”, but living vicariously through others, especially since I have fear/anxiety issues. It’s just “safer” for me to sit at home, behind a device, then to go out and be involved with community. My prayer is to truly connect with God, my loved ones, and community this year! This study couldn’t have come at a more perfect time! Thank you Jesus and ladies of LGG!!
Praying for you Mistie! Thank you for being a part of this community!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
My health. I’ve had some struggles these past few months and it’s been occupying my mind.
Praying for you and your health Sherry.
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Lifting you up in prayer Sherry!
What distracts me the most is my kids or knowing I’ve just a “little bit more” house work left. I know the tv can be distracting so I’ve learned to just listen to music all day. It really helps.
Music helps me get things done faster too! I’ll just sit down and watch TV if it is on in the midst of housework LOL. Thank you for joining us this study Jeni!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Technology, for sure, is a big distraction! But it’s also such a blessing in that allows me to engage in a community like this….just praying for balance & moderation.
Praying for balance and moderation along with you Leah!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Tasks – I am a task centred person and I feel pressurise to fulfill all my tasks. I put them first before my relationships and think I’ll sit down once the tasks are done! I need to put God and others first and if the tasks are not done? Well it will not be the end of the world!
Amen to that! Thank you for being here Fiona!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Well I would say that there are so many distractions taking place in my life, technology, going to school for a bachelor’s degree, working on reading a book for a book review, and working on growing my public blog to reach out to the broken hearted. Also watching too much tv.
Faith,
Thank you for sharing! TV use to be a distraction for me, finally one day I pulled the plug on it. It’s been 8 years since I’ve had TV service. But I find I just replace that distraction with something else. I need to get a handle on that. Thank you for being here and sharing.
Martha
I am going to split from the pack.
Lying. I have been working all year on not telling any lies. Not only because it is sinful, but because it separates me from having real and true relationships with those I lie to. It is embarrassing to admit. But I AM seriously working on rooting it out.
And of course technology. I used to have a popular blog that I started to speak truthfully about things (oh the sadness). But then I began being a slave to it – always having to feed it more and more. I HAD to communicate and rad others’ blogs. I deluded myself into believing my readers were my actual friends. They were amusing, they were comforting, they were insightful, but they were NOT my friends. It was just one more way to seal myself off and keep life at arm’s distance. So I quit doing it. Just stopped.
Just like I am just stopping lying. Lying being a lot harder to stop mind you. But those two things keep me separated from God and separated from happiness, a restful mind and… community.
Sorry for the length.
Thank you for your transparency Lee! We’re thankful to have you joining us!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
I feel distracted by all the things going on at home,homeschooling,keeping my four year old entertained,making sure my husband does not feel left out,he is a great man. He helps with homeschooling and sharing the load. Just being a good wife and mother, I know I have to put God first and rely on him and I can do all things in Christ Jesus.
Amen Martha. I feel distracted by those same things. Praying with you friend!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Great message and great reminder! Like many out there technology is a huge distraction. But if I’m honest comparing myself to other christian friends is totally shifting my focus from my personal relationship to God. Seeing others advancing at a different pace than me can sometimes make me question where I am going, am I running my race at the right pace? etc. But I pray that I keep focused on my relationship with God and be confident in the race that God has uniquely designed for me! ! I can’t wait to start the study! ! God bless you all
Thank you for joining us Stephanie!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
My distraction is multi-faceted, while technology and social media can be a distraction for me they are also a source of hope, communion and support. I just have to make sure I stay on the positive road with technology and social media. Probably my biggest distractor is self-doubt…and wow it rears its ugly head in the strangests of ways. Take for example a comment made about “professional dress” and I’m struck with an all consuming concern about my appearance…do I look ok, what if I wear the wrong thing and it offends, then enters the concerns about weight and it spirals out of control…so very hard to break from the thoughts that ensue…
Happy to have you joining us Patricia!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Technology…Facebook, email, games on my iPad. I can spend way too much time doing these things. I am so looking forward to this study to focus more of my time on God, and what He needs me to be doing!
Praising Him with you Debbie!!!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
For me it’s television. As I live alone I get up in the morning and turn on the tv to watch while I have breakfast. I also love to play games on fb. I have just turned off the tv and am enjoying the quiet. When I get home from work the tv goes on and stays on until I go to bed.
Netflix does it for me. I need to stop myself from switching it on some days or it’ll consume my whole day.
Thank you for joining us Denise!!!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
My greatest distraction is others. Trying to lead them pull them out of the darkness.
Thank you for sharing. Our love for others and desire for them to do right can be overwhelming. Ultimately we must trust God to work in their lives when we come to the end of our strength.
Blessings, Amy A (LGG Encourager)
I think I often most distracted by THOUGHTS. I get so lost in my head. Whether I’m thinking about everything that needs to be done, dreaming about a life I wish I had, thinking about the past, analyzing my mistakes, wondering what’s to come, contemplating my purpose, and the list goes on. I can think and think and think and think, wasting so much time when I could be ACTING instead of just thinking.
I’m so excited for this study. I have a great longing for community and have never really had it. I’ve finally found it with God, but I’d love to find it with people too.
Glad you are joining us, Amy. It is often hard to quiet our minds and really listen for what God has to say to us. Praying that God provides community with the right people for you.
Blessings, Amy A (LGG Encourager)
Technology & To-Do Lists. I am so thankful for this Bible study, all the LGG leaders, and others in this community who continue to press on with me…and most of all to our loving Father who wants us to commune with Him!
Oh, Karen, I agree with you. Too often, my lists are more important to me than the people they represent. Praying for all of us as we go through this study. Glad you are joining us!
Blessings, Amy A (LGG Encourager)
My distraction would be what’s going on around me when I just want to be who God has called me to be.
How hard it is to set aside the noise and really focus. Praying for you during this study that God will quiet your mind so that you can hear exactly what He has for you.
Blessings, Amy A (LGG Encourager)
I have been easily distracted with social media’s. My husband brought it to my attention recently. I had to delete my social media so that I would stop focusing all my attention on that rather than the important things of life. We also cut off our TV because we, too often, would rather watch tv than read the Bible and that was a problem and not okay with us.
Another distraction would be work, friends, and just life. We often get wayyy too busy with life to even remember to keep the God who created us in it. We often say: “Oh I will do that tomorrow” or only include God on Sundays when we go to church, but where does God fit in our schedule the rest of the days?
I have learned to set aside time(generally right when I wake up) to give only to God to study His Word. I also try to pray throughout the day so that I am keeping God in my day. It is most important to keep God first in our lives.
Miranda, You have made hard but necessary choices. Many people do not understand or will even judge your decisions. May God bless your time with Him and your family as you seek Him above all the noise.
Blessings, Amy A (LGG Encourager)
My health distracts me a lot. I have been very sick since 2001 and it has been a very, LONG road. God is good to me and I have been very blessed in the process, however, the distractions with lists, medications, tests, drs, etc, etc… these are the most distracting things to me.
Laura, Praying for the strength to face each day as the Lord provides. I am glad that you are joining us in this study!
Blessings, Amy A (LGG Encourager)
Worry and the pressure of never being “good enough” or “present enough” for others are distractions for me. The constant reminder in my head that there is so much to do and not enough time to do it. Social media can also be a distraction. My prayer is to wake early to do this study, before my family, before the responsibilities, and focus in that very short “quiet” in the morning.
Oh, Melissa, you speak a language I understand. How difficult it is to rest in Jesus being good enough when we are bombarded with messages all around. So glad you are on this journey with us!
Blessings, Amy A (LGG Encourager)
My main distraction is technology and watching TV. Spend too much time with both of these, when time would be better spent in the Word and with my husband. I am looking forward to getting back into a closer relationship with the Lord through His Word and spending quality time with my husband.
Susie, These distractions are difficult to conquer, but you have good motivation to focus on the right things. Glad you are joining us!
Blessings, Amy A (LGG Encourager)
We have a large family (myself, my hubby, and 5 wonderful and busy children!) so I find myself most distracted by the day to day activities that are needed to keep our house running. Time or watching the clock to make sure everything is completed each day between work and the household are my distraction.
Blessings can be distractions too! Praying that God uses this study to help you find time to spend alone with Him first. Thank you for joining us!
Blessings, Amy A (LGG Encourager)
I have to agree with many others, technology is my biggest distraction along with the busyness of life in general, work, school, family, chores. This past year has been a whirlwind. My dad passed last February and since I’ve been helping Mom pack and move, etc., etc. I’m also going back for a bachelors degree with all it’s time requirements, taking care of my family, work, well you know. I pray that I will put this study first everyday.
So glad you are joining us when it would be so easy to make excuses. Praying for God to minister to your heart.
Blessings, Amy A (LGG Encourager)
Like everyone else it’s social media that distracts me along with the pressures of life, I think we we should time ourselves to see just how much time we spend on social media, then how about turning that time over to God.
Jacky, Such balance is difficult to find. How do we seek community and yet stay focused on the right things? Praying God uses His Word over these 8 weeks to teach us all. Glad you are joining us!
Blessings, Amy A (LGG Encourager)
My cell phone is a big distraction. I’m not a phone person but it makes getting on social media and playing games so easy. I also have a few TV shows I like and although we don’t have cable or satellite and lately only 1 or 2 channels is all that come in, I still seem to waste too much time watching it. I have some verses printed out pinned to the desk in my office but I can’t see those when I’m accessing FB on my cell phone.
1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23-24.
Jnel,
In August, it will be two years since I let go of my smart phone. I didn’t play games with it but I sure checked into social media a lot with it. But hubby and I decided to let them go and it’s been a blessing. Oh it was hard at first but then we realized we had time to do other things that we were neglecting. Praying for you as you find balance with your cell phone.
Blessings, Martha
My biggest distraction is my house. No matter what part of the house I go to, it is still there. If I sit at the computer, I see that there are papers that need to get filed. If I go to kitchen, sure enough there will be someones dish that needs to get put away or the dog needs to gout and the cat needs to get fed and the dryer is done. That’s what distracts me.
Online time is my biggest distraction! Whether it be shopping “filling my cart, only to decide not to buy anything after hours of filling it”, facebook, email, etc. I try to limit my online time to just mornings before anyone gets up. It’s part of my quiet time.
Tonya,
I really believe you are not alone in the ‘online time’ being a big distraction! I use a timer when I’m online now, to keep me accountable. Like you I try to log on only during certain times. Wishing you well in finding the balance.
Martha, LGG Encourager
God…. it’s Him at work… my kids were upstairs watching a movie, my oldest was watching soccer with his dad, and me, what started as a “I’m turning on the computer to work on the rest of January’s soccer schedule”…. ended in reading on advice for my financial future…. then I read this post and what happened when God is talking to you….happened…. it hit home. I already had brushed off my son when he needed for me to tend to his leg injury, I also should’ve been reading to my kids, which they absolutely love or at least sat next to my husband, which I see less of because of his work to support a family of six.
After reading the post, I decided that I will do the study because before that, I was thinking the opposite. God knows that I have already taken action to not allow world-connecting-technology to distract me but if just this post did its job, I’m not underestimating this study’s material.
Thank you for your commitment to God.
Lourdes.
My biggest distractions would be television, technology, and that to-do list that never
seems to get smaller.
Sara,
I use to be a BIG TV watcher – then 8 years ago I gave up my cable and now I have to pick and choose what I watch on NetFlix. I don’t even know what TV shows are on now days but I’ve found more time to complete my to-do list once I gave up my avid TV watching. Wishing you well on finding the balance.
Martha
What distracts me is television. I’ll sometimes watch it while I read and study the Bible. I’ll study the Bible during commercial breaks and sometimes during shows and movies. Another distraction, (one I’ve decided to come back to after getting a new smartphone) are the mobile games. Some of the games leave me notifications and some do not. I can respond right away to a game notification or I’ll check it out later when it’s from Facebook. I had a short period of time, perhaps about a month, where I did not play any games on my phone, nor on Facebook. Those times were the best because whenever I was bored, I was in the word. The games and my Facebook feed didn’t matter much. I still battle with television, but I’m willing to give up hours of it for something that will build up my soul.
Symone,
I pray you can find the balance in TV, gaming and social interaction with digging into the Word. I use to be avid gamer on Facebook but had a hard time being in my Bible – couldn’t find the time. I realized that I was choosing to play a game instead of reading my Bible. OUCH that hurt. I would putting Jesus second, fitting Him in when I thought I had time. Double ouch. Thank goodness He didn’t do that to me, He thought of me first. loved me first. and gave His all for me first. That put it all in perspective for me. ~Martha
Whitney, your writing spoke to my heart and brought me to tears. In fact, as soon as I begin to reflect on it to write this, tears come to my eyes. It couldn’t be more truthful. My oldest is a Junior in college, oh how I miss him! I’m watching as my daughter transitions into high school next year and will be gradually turning into an empty spot at the dinner table. Life…..we must savor every moment of it!
My distraction is every day demands such as work, laundry, dinner. I have my set schedules of knowing when things need to be taken care of. I long for the care free days and to just say “it can all wait”.
Thank you for your beautiful blog plosts and I can’t wait to begin this study today! Blessings to you and yours as well as my Community study sisters!
Social media, my own thoughts, people, tv, games on my phone (I love the game 2 dots lol). Basically any and everything, ADD much? *raises hand*. I am working on that by creating to do lists and in between allowing myself for some relaxation and fun (however that may look at that moment). I also am turning off my devices or putting them on silent while I do bible studies or am praying. To be honest this is one of the reasons I am glad I was invited to do this 8-week study with your website by a friend who is facilitating an online group as it combines one of my recreational activities (social media/blog reading) with my want to grow closer to God!
Mealee,
I love how you are setting limits by turning off your devices or putting them on silent. We are trying to do without social media in our home on the weekends. It’s not easy and we have not gone the entire weekend without checking in but we are slowly getting better with how much time we spend on social media. I love the online study format too – I can log in when I have a free moment and it’s 5 days a week. So helps me to stay in the Word!
The distractions in my life are my career (I’m a teacher), working a second job to create additional income, trying to be a good homemaker and wife, technology, and social media. I hate that I’ve allowed myself to be stretched so thin. Sometimes I wonder is God in any of this! I work so hard everyday and I’m tired. I was once a creative, artistic, vibrant woman. Now I just strive to exist from day to day. Please don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for my life and my husband, but I always thought God had more planned for me.
Looking forward to this study. Hoping to slow down long enough to hear what the spirit is saying to me. All I know is that my heart is open.
Dina,
Lifting you up in prayer for hear God’s plans for you. My heart breaks to hear that you are striving to ‘exist day to day’. I feel that pain, I’ve witness it in myself and I’ve seen it in my husband. My husband was working a really good well paying job and in 2013 – and a really stressful one. Long, long hours. They took him away from home, family and church more and more. We both prayed for months and felt God leading him to quit his job. It was a tough decision. Long story short, we have opted to take early retirement and to live on less. Who knows, he might go back to work in a year or two but we will see where God leads us next. Praying that you can slow down, have a rest and a renewed spirit. Blessings, Martha
Things that distract me are my wonderful grandchildren I am blessed with being able to care for while their parents work.,my husband when he returns from work. Then there is self doubt and thinking I don’t measure up. But I am looking forward to this study and growing in God’s word, and to see what He has in store for me. I am also ill, and believe God is using this time for me to gain knowledge of Him,and His word ,so He can take me to a new level. And use me in ways in can’t begin to imagine. But I’m willing.
Peggy,
Thank you for being here with us and we hope you really enjoy the study. I’ve been living with chronic pain for 15+ years and in the beginning I was hopeless but through this journey God has taught me a lot about myself and I’ve learned a lot about Him, and His ways and His thoughts. It’s been an amazing journey, one I would not trade for anything. Praying for you as you go through this season! Blessings, Martha
FOOD
Kathy,
Ooh I’ve so been there! Thank you for sharing!
Martha
My biggest distraction is my anxiety. Some days the idea of interacting with anyone terrifies me, every time the phone buzzes the knot in my stomach gets a little tighter. Then the vicious cycle: because I was too anxious to answer the phone initially, Im now to worried that theyre upset with me for this or other prior anxious behaviors and am then too afraid to call back. Or I do go see whoever it is and Im strained because Im tense the whole time, my anxiety makes me want to keep me moving. Its hard for me to just sit and be present with them. I have a muscle disorder worsened by the anxiety because it increases the muscle tension, so by the time I get home Im exhausted. Then every little thing I did wrong, might have done wrong, or might have been perceived wrong, runs through my head. By the end of it Ill just be crying, feeling that Ive completely let the other person down. Its a crazy way to be. I just have this deep fear of disappointing people or that theyll never know how much I care about them which ironically has made both things happen.
Instagram is my greatest distraction!
Always the phone.
Wanting attention and approval from others
I’m late to the party since I started from the very beginning, but my mind is a huge distraction. Right now it’s filled with to do lists, phone calls I need to make, projects I need to get done, lessons I need to plan. I’m planning a wedding that’s four months away, I’m planning my kids homeschool year, a garage sale before the wedding, and I have so many things to do without planning these big events that I have a hard time focusing on anything else besides getting through as much of my to do list as possible.