Sat., Sept. 15, 2018

Psalm 118:24 – This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Today, my life is different than it was 10 months ago. On Dec. 1, 2017, I voluntarily stepped back from serving two churches as the pastor to focus on other things I felt God calling me towards. It has taken me awhile me to focus on this next phase of my life. Thank you for being a part of this journey. You, the readers of this blog, have become my congregation.

What “things” represent a typical day in Dianne’s life today? Honestly, these things have not changed a lot. Here are the Top 10 things I use in my daily life, why are they important and how are they represent my daily spiritual journey.

1. A bag – A bag is as much a staple to my wardrobe as shoes. I have a couple different bags; either grey or black. I take a bag with me everywhere. I have never been a backpack girl; I’ve always been a bag lady. In high school, in college, or when traveling, I stuff a big bag full of things I “might” need. Most often with the items listed below. Daily, I try and “stuff” my day full of the things God desires for me to focus on, anticipating where God “might” call me to serve this day.

2. A calendar – I have not made the jump to a digital calendar. Call me old school, but I LIKE to look at two pages with an entire month on them. A calendar is indispensable for me. Years ago, I inadvertently left my calendar at my parent’s house. My Mom overnighted it to me the next day. Seriously. A quick look at my calendar helps me see where I am serving God’s kingdom. How do I leverage my time for the glory of God?

3. A nice notebook where I keep running to-do lists. The key word? Nice. I could use a phone app for this. But it gives this girl pleasure to cross something off a to-do list. Anyone else here written something down just to cross it off? Call me guilty, at least a couple times a week. I keep lists for many things. It’s my way of keeping random thoughts captured; thoughts I pray are inspired by God.

4. My phone. As much as I would like not to include this on my list, reality says something different. I use it for contact information, checking e-mail and social media, Google and playing Scrabble (the only game I allow on my phone.) My contact list is much smaller than God’s. Yet, I feel any person on my contact list is one placed there by God.

5. My bible. See the broken spine and duct tape? It’s really, really worn. It’s been like this for months and I can’t drag myself to give it up. I bought a new bible earlier this year. It came in a nice box and sits on my desk. I’ve used it a few times. How can I squeeze all those slips of paper, cards, and little notes with the bible into the holder? Besides, it is much easier to find a bible verse I am looking for in the old bible because it’s already underlined. I pray these words guide me daily.

6. My laptop. Yes, I often spend too much of my day sitting in front of this little piece of equipment. Yet, it is amazing how I can connect and communicate and share with people via my laptop. I think of the power the letters that the apostle Paul wrote. How we refer to them over and over via the New Testament. My words will not have the same impact as Paul’s words. I pray my words will make a difference to one person today.

7. Running shoes. It’s summer, so I should have included my favorite sandals that I wear every day. The running shoes represent what I want to be doing every day; taking a walk or a run. I do this a few days a week; just not as much as I would like. These shoes are my FAVORITE running/walking shoes. A number of years ago when I was running five days a week, I bought a really nice pair of running shoes: Asics Gel Kayano’s. I think the first pair I bought was version #7. This latest pair is version #24. I have not bought every version in between but I have multiple pairs of Asics Gel Kayano’s. Worn beyond sensible running tread, they are my go-to-the-farm shoes, gardening shoes, mission trip shoes, easy walking shoes, etc. I have a pair for each purpose and maybe a couple extra. Running shoes remind me that the spiritual life is a daily journey; one I choose whether to include God or not.

8. Library card. I have a lot of books and am trying to lower my inventory. Before I buy a book, I see if it is available through the library. If it is, I check it out and decide if I want to buy it. (Yes, there are times I buy it right away.) The local library ladies know me on a first name basis. I always have a stack of “to read” books. I often “read” books by listening to them in the car. Reading is a way that I keep growing, learning and expanding my understanding. God challenges us to grow in wisdom. Reading is a way I do this.

9. Necklace. This is special to me. After my Dad died, we had pendants of his thumb print made. About the same time, I found pendants with a “D” and “V” on them. The D is for Deaton, my maiden name. After my Mom died, we had pendants of her thumb print made. I group the four pendants together on this necklace. It’s a reminder of where I came from, who I am and my foundation.

10. Grey sweater. I have a collection of grey sweaters. Long ones, shorter ones, lighter-weight ones, heavier ones. Lighter-colored grey and darker-colored grey. I wear them ALL. YEAR. LONG. When clothes shopping, where do I most often end up? Looking at grey sweaters. I love a good sweater. When I put one on, it feels like God’s hands hugging and protecting me.

After taking the photo, I realized I missed a couple items. My journal, which I use most days, writing prayers to God. And a cup of coffee, which begins every day, most often with a devotion book, bible and journal.

What are the most important “things” you use throughout your day? How do they help you connect with God? How are they part of your spiritual journey?

For things throughout the day that remind me of my relationship with God, I am thankful.

Lord God – as we think about those things that are such an important part of our day, I pray we see them as part of how you speak to us and through us. As we recall the items we use daily, challenge us to connect these things to You and Your call of us in Your kingdom. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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