The idea of a new lifestyle can be a little bit overwhelming. Especially if ones' idea of a "Christian lifestyle" is this boring, basic, very routine, no fun, stickler lifestyle! I must admit, I've struggled with the fear of becoming a "holier than thou religious crusader" who couldn't enjoy life too. But once my imagination snaps back to reality, I realize that my new lifestyle would require balance just like any other aspect of life. Tipping the extremities of either end (overly spiritual or under spiritual) is not a good thing.
If one is so spiritually wrapped up that they don't have friends who arent spiritual, then how are they suppose to minister to those nonexistent friends? But at the same time one can't do all the same things a friend who isn't fully spiritual does.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5:14-16 NLT)
Some ways I've been trying to find that balance in my life are:
'Some of Lauren's life kit essentials'
•the bible app
(With the bible always accessible on my phone, I can use it whenever I need to)
• daily devotionals
(The first thing I do in the morning is read my bible verse of the day, followed by my two daily devotional book readings and ending with verse translation and further reading in my personal study bible. I do this all BEFORE I read or respond to anything on my phone. This defiantly took some training. But if by some mishap I DON'T get my daily devotion in, my day is a wreck. So before I see that potentially upsetting text or depressing post of Instagram, I make sure my day starts with something positive because I have control over that)
•praying constantly throughout the day
(This was hard especially when naturally I first wanted to complain, but a cute and fun way I found to pray during any and all circumstances was to take the well known "Jesus be a fence" saying and change it to fit my situation. Ex. If I was having a hard time with a customer at work, I would say "Jesus be some patience" often times it would sound so silly that I would laugh to myself and all of sudden that customer didn't bother me as much! (: )
"Never stop praying." (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT)
•attending a church I absolutely love
(This is soooooo important for your growth. Your weekly attendance to church will strengthen and encourage you in ways you didn't even think you needed! I just love when I've been praying about something all week and show up and the service seems to be tailored for me! Its also important that the love church members show is apparent, you need to feel that and it makes it easier for the fellowship that God wants us to do.)
•making and spending daily quiet time with God
(This determines how well I actually know God? I mean reallllllly know him. To the point where he spoke to my spirit and told me specific details like dates & times about events in my life?! What peace would I have if God was personal daily planner? He can be and I don't know about you but to achieve and maintain that level of intimacy with God excites me so. Also as you continue to grow close to him and can discern the Holy Spirit, all the answers to the posed questions in the first paragraph will be revealed to you! You'll feel a certain way when engaging in daily activities your spirit doesn't agree with)
You will encounter many tests, obstacles, and days where you just want to give up. Even worst, you actually give up. None of this should stop you, get back up and continue on your journey! In the end, Our reward is great!
"Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven...." (Matthew 5:12 NLT)
Btw....Since I'm such a music lover, every blog will have some song or lyric that accompanies it!
Todays song of choice is "Everyday Thing" by Andy Mineo
(The first verse is below!)
My name's Johnny
This ain't a Sunday thing, a once in a while thing
Maybe if my emotions get high enough thing, it's
Everyday Thing
God don't owe me anything, I owe Him everything
They try to put Him in a box like a wedding ring
He came out, oh dear, no venison
Our sin is disease, Jesus is still the medicine
That's why these bars hard to explain,
So I calculate my rhymes, sorta like a chess game
I'm tryna balance all my art and theology
So when it comes out of me, I represent properly
Three persons, one God, no apostrophe S's
Progressing with caution, slow talkin'
Quick to listen, with sick precision Jesus fix my vision
Man I don't care if you Christian, you're wack with what you're spittin'
I ain't writin' you no mediocre pass, pimpin'
This is art, it don't have a religion, they try to pigeon-hole me
Say I'm too holy to show face
I don't come around 'cause y'all just wanna see my old ways
I'm on a new path, I'm chuckin' up the peace sign
They throw it back without the index, what could I expect
Hate my master, then they gon' hate me too
Wish death upon me, well I'm just prayin' for you
We walk it out, we gettin' it,
Ain't no days off, man we livin' it
Everyday thing, every-everyday thing
Yo it's an Everyday thing, every-everyday thing
Until next time...love,
Lauren (:
