The Greater Treasure

{Continuing with the guest posts I've written in 2009. Today we are enjoying a family Christmas with my family in Missouri ... first time in 13 years we have all been together to celebrate Christmas!}

This post was written as a guest post for Collette's blog, Jesus Loves Mums, on August 20, 2009.

The Greater Treasure

"To desire only what Christ gives and not to desire Christ Himself is to be bought off by little trinkets, never to own the greater treasure of His indwelling presence."

~ Calvin Miller, Into the Depths of God

Often I find myself yearning for something deeper in my Christian walk yet filling my days with activity and busy-ness. I wonder sometimes why I feel stymied but I often fail to recognize that it was I who detoured on my walk with Christ.

My prayers are filled (more than I'd like to admit) with vain repetitions. And my life certainly lacks a consistent manner of placing others ahead of myself.

Too many times I am busy with "Christian" things and I miss the joy and peace of a Christ-centered life.

Bought off by trinkets, my faith is far too often shallow and my focus routinely strays.

But ... I don't want to settle for the cheap - an imitation of faith.

I long to jump headfirst into the deep "greater treasure of His indwelling presence."

And so, I relinquish my need for attention and busy schedule.

I lay down my dreams of doing great things.

I listen more than I talk - to God and to others.

The result is that precious intimacy ... being with "THE GREAT I AM." A treasure beyond words, a fulfillment beyond description.

Today, I ask you ... What is your treasure? And I urge you ... Bask in the very real presence of Christ.

A Quiet Time Routine

{Over the past year, I have had the privilege of writing several guest posts for different blogging friends. I've tried to give the links but wanted to repost all of them while we are on vacation ... there are six so the last two will be next week! I'm not sure how much I'll be online this week ... we're traveling to Missouri for the first part and then back to Alabama. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! ~ Teri Lynne}

This post was written for Today's Housewife and originally posted on August 14, 2009.

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." ~ Psalm 19:14

This verse is the foundation of my pursuit of Christ … that my actions (words) and attitudes (thoughts) may always be pleasing to Him. And, for me, that always begins with time spent in the Word of God. I crave that quiet time alone with my Bible and journal. I need it … just ask my husband or daughter what I’m like when I miss a day or two ~ it gets ugly quick!

Over the past few years I have had the privilege of mentoring about 15 women and each of them struggled with the concept of “quiet time” … making it work and feeling like it was useful. We all know we should spend time in the Word and in prayer but it sure is hard to know HOW to do it. The biggest issue most of these ladies have had is that they feel like they are not hearing from God … and they end up discouraged and ultimately they give up.

Perhaps you can relate to that frustration. I know there have been times in my life when I certainly felt like I was spinning my wheels spiritually. Beth Moore has said that we must base our lives on God’s truth not our feelings … and that may be no more relevant anywhere than in our quiet times with God. How often do we gauge the success or effectiveness of our quiet times on our feelings? Far too often, I’m afraid. But, how we feel isn’t the standard … God’s Word is. And Scripture is replete with admonitions to spend time in the Word and in prayer … of the necessity of knowing Scripture as a means of protection and blessing in our lives.

I usually end up sharing what I do and encouraging women to start from there. Not because what I do is the only way … but it is a starting point. So, here’s my general quiet time routine:

I get up before everyone else (at least during the school year … summer finds my rhythm out of whack!). I have a motto of sorts, “I never speak to anyone until I have listened to God.” There is something very peaceful and comforting about praying for my family and spending time with God while everyone is still asleep.

I journal first thing … whatever is going on. If I’m worried or happy or even just what is going on that day. I write out the things that are on my mind, which helps me get my heart and mind settled so I can be still and listen.

I read from a classic (preferably over 100 years old). This year I am using “Streams in the Desert” and have been greatly touched by this classic devotional. I prefer using something “old” because there is trustworthiness to these writings that have endured. I journal whatever stands out to me.

I read a chapter of Proverbs … correlating with whatever the date is. This is a Billy Graham idea and I have been doing it for about the last 10 years. Again, I journal what the Lord speaks to me. If you ever feel like you don’t understand what the Bible is saying … read a chapter of Proverbs! I can almost guarantee you’ll find something you can immediately apply.

Finally, I pray. I use my schedule for the day to lay out what each of us will be doing. I use my prayer list from church and I pray through the needs in my life.

Nothing amazing or mysterious. I usually spend some additional time during my day studying or going through a Bible study. But I start my day with Proverbs, a classic, and prayer.

Let me close with a word of encouragement and challenge from Psalm 119:10 - 11 …

“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you.”

Oh that we may be seekers of the Lord and hiders of His Word!!

Fab Five ... week ending December 26, 2009

What an awesome week! It's hard to narrow down to just five things ... but I'll try!

1. THE SAVIOR!! I am in awe of this God who wrapped Himself in flesh and came to bring my salvation. ALL praise and honor and glory be to Him alone!! {And if you didn't your copy of The Places of Christmas, please feel free to download it here.}

2. MY HUSBAND!! Scott is the very best gift I'll ever receive on earth ... and he makes every day a joy! Thank you, Husband, for all you did and sacrificed to give Casiday and me an incredible Christmas! I love you ~ Wife.

3. MY CHILD!! Sweet Casiday, who gave me a beautiful necklace for Christmas; but, the best gift was watching her tenderly serve Communion to the residents at a nursing home on Christmas Eve morning. It is a picture that is forever etched into my heart. I am so proud of you, Pookadoo, and I thank God for letting me be your mommy!!

4. SAFE TRAVEL!! We opened presents early Christmas morning then piled into our car and headed to North Alabama to surprise Scott's family on Christmas. We spent 9-1/2 hours in the car ... light traffic, good company, lots of laughter, and that (don't be jealous!) yummy Christmas lunch from Wendy's! The looks on everyone's faces made it all worth it!

5. FAMILY & FRIENDS!! We are blessed to have incredible people in our lives ... family and friends who make the holidays sparkle even more and make every day wonderful. It is a great honor to be dearly loved by so many and to love deeply each of them for their special part in our lives.

And so, I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and that your holiday was filled with good company, yummy food, and the blessed peace of Christ!

P.S. I did get my cool Pulse Smartpen from Scott ... so be ready for "pencasts" to begin sometime in 2010!! You'll want to subscribe now to Pleasing to You and make sure you don't miss any of the exciting things coming in the year ahead!!