Better together
One week into the cleanse. Feeling cleaner already. : )
I hope the time has been of blessing for those of you that are doing it along with me. And if you haven’t started yet, now is a grrreat time.
It’s been huge for me. I’ve consistently started the day with the reading. Some days I get that time to read it twice, reflect, and journal. Other mornings, I just get the chapter read, and chew on it a bit as the AM continues with 2 kids.
Then, I’ve begun ending the day with reading, reflection, and some sort of journaling. I didn’t plan this, it just sort of happened. And journaling sounds fancy, but I just start thinking about what struck me and write down a few sentences about it.
And because I started and ended my day with the Lord, I notice that I’m finding Him more in between as well. I feel closer to God, and am slightly more prepared for the chaos of any given day being filled up with His word and His faithfulness as I wake and as I slumber.
Is it a great reflection of my awesomeness, my diligence, my great faith, and my obedience?
Nah, much more than any of these, it is because of YOU.
I would not have been as steadfast or consistent if it weren’t for you.
Encouraging you to do this cleanse has encouraged me.
And all during this week, you encouraged me more.
Every morning when I’m groggy and think I could just start my time later, feeling justified because my sick 10 month old was up a few times in the night, I think of you.
Every evening when I’m tired and ready to go to bed, I see an email or a facebook comment checking in with me or adding your inspiration from the day. I get excited about what God is showing us and excited to think about what tomorrow will bring.
Just knowing you are doing this cleanse with me, helps me continue doing it every day.
Truth is, when just left to ourselves, we let excuses, rationalizations, and the busyness of life creep in. Reminds me of what Paul said in Romans 7:18b-19, “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do — this I keep on doing. ”
We’re just better together.
God intended it that way, too. We are more than just Christians and Christ followers. Abram said it beautifully this week to Lot in Genesis 13:8, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me…” “…for we are brothers.”.
And we are brothers and sisters, because we are all His children…
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1a
God yearns for you, in a way like Abraham and Sarah yearned for a child. Any time you give Him is time He’s with His daughter or son. You are precious to Him. He doesn’t want you to feel guilty about missing, He just wants you back.
So, if you’ve stopped, missed a day or two, or never even started, never fear!
We are here.
Start today! A willing heart, your bible (or just an internet connection), and this guide is all you need.
Jump right in with the second week with us, as we’re hitting the Psalms.
Need accountability? Need encouragement?
We are here. Ask a friend. Find me on Facebook or shoot me an email (sundeemc@sbcglobal.net).
After all, we are family, aren’t we? : )
And, truth is, we’re just better together. – by Sundee McDonald
