2 1/2 years ago an amazing friend (whom I don’t see nearly enough of!) named Natalia Drumm started a Bible study in her home. We were all ecstatic, as we knew Natalia had spent countless hours writing, editing and publishing this study for us to dive into together, as #GirlfriendsInTheWord. We arrived to find sweet little bags with our names on them, inside was this precious study cover which (if I remember correctly) she stayed up into the wee hours of that morning making so they would all be ready for our 9:30 arrival.
– Me (2 1/2 years ago)
As you can see, they were absolutely beautiful and breathtaking, as I look it over once more I can’t help but notice every intricate gold stitch, each embellishment and the precision used to create just one of (25ish?) many that she crafted. Although I’ve had many of her studies come and go in this study sleeve, I have only jotted into the journal once. To re-read this today after all this time is fitting considering many of us have been “quarantined” at home for about 20 or so days now, and we’ve all been doing those rainy day tasks that we never want to make time to do (for me, it’s organizing closets, yuck)! It reads:
“8/30/17 What’s something you need to ‘pull out of the closet’ to make this study work in my life? What do I need to let go of?”
*gasp*
Umm, hello, God. Yeah, I hear you talking to me.
There it is, MY own words challenging me almost 3 years later… to pull it all out, prioritize what is most important and focus on His plan going forward in this crazy Corona season.
This past Sunday our Pastor Brian shared from one of my favorite books of the Bible: Philippians. Naturally, I’m continuing my study there this week and this passage resonated with the words I inscribed in my journal 3 years prior:
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16 ESVhttps://bible.com/bible/59/php.2.14-16.ESV
*double gasp*
Ok, we hear you in the back.
So we have to run businesses from home, HOMEschool our littles, maintain a relatively tidyish household, play peace keeper to everyone confined in our spaces, cook (or order in) more than ever, pretty much wear a hazmat suit before daring to go out for essentials – all while attempting to keep yourself together and sane.
Take this time to do the things you’ve been “saving for later”. Dust off your Bible, your devotional, your journal, or to meditate… in the midst of all this crazy, I think we can all find 10 minutes to meditate on His word, reflect on the blessings that surround us and use it to Be a Light to others. Some people are scared, maybe alone. Some are uncertain about how they’re going to make their next mortgage payment or when they’ll get the opportunity to go back to work. Time is slowing down and there’s absolutely nothing we can do to stop it (although staying home really helps).
Take a breath.
Step back.
Do the things you’ve been needing to do.
Be a light and an example to others… “without grumbling“. It will be hard, especially for me, but I’m trying!
Dust off. Take a look around and see what you may have otherwise missed in the hustle and bustle of your busy life. I’m super glad I did, as it brought me back to Natalia’s beautiful creation, this barely touched journal and beacon of light which has cast light on the fact that I need to s-l-o-w down, focus on what needs to be done around me and Be the Light to everyone around me.
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You can check out Natalia Drumm’s website and Bible study resources by clicking here!
Her Girlfriends In The Word (GITW) series and information can be found by clicking here. Be sure to follow her goodness and sign up with your email for her Free weekly devotional series.
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