Self-care is an important buzz word, and we all have different meanings of those two little words. You may consider self-care to be a mani/pedi, a vacay, a relaxing dinner at your favorite restaurant, a massage or spa time. Others of you may hear those words and cringe saying, ‘Who has time or money for self-care?’
Thankfully friend, you do, and here’s why-
True self-care is free, and it isn’t a temporary fix, but a fix that brings lasting thrive to every area of your life!
And isn’t that really what your chase is all about? Not just surviving but thriving? Not just running aimlessly, but running to hit the mark that will bring satisfaction, contentment, fulfillment?
Lasting change that brings healing and long-term solutions to your life, relationships, finances, health, everything that really matters, happens from the inside out. And this my friend, is only found through time with the ultimate Caregiver- God, and in His Word, the Bible- God’s instruction manual to humanity on how to live victoriously and successfully in every area of our lives!
It doesn’t cost you anything– except the most precious commodity we all possess, and that is time. Each of us is given the responsibility of choosing how we delegate that time.
What if I told you that all your running and striving and not spending time with God is only making you more tired, worn out, maybe sick (I hope not!), frustrated, and maybe even mad at God!! Can I tell you it’s not His fault?
Friend, it’s time to have regular quiet time with God as the priority because it will take you off the road of another dead end and take your feet to where your heart ultimately wants to end up.
Hear me! No Guilt Trip! I’ve been in that place where the struggle for time with God is R.E.A.L! I am also happy to tell you, convince you, encourage you, double dare you to prove me wrong, that intentionally taking time with God is what will free you up in all the best possible ways you are already striving to get to, without all that striving!
Everyone has to begin somewhere, so I am going to relentlessly pursue your heart to Make time with God, everyday! Here are a few steps to get started simply and painlessly:
- Pick a time-
Morning, if you can get alone or get up earlier than anyone else who may talk to you,
A quiet time during the day when you can grab at least 30 minutes to yourself.
At night, when you can be undisturbed (if you have a mate, encourage them to do the same!) Try to do this before you are too tired to engage or get anything out of it!
Do your best to stick to it, or commit to make the time up that day! It’s the daily that brings the long-term breakthroughs your heart is longing for! But that said, don’t quit if you miss a day or two, just get back into it. God is way more forgiving with us then we are with ourselves!
2. Invest in a One Year Bible (or use this free reading plan with a Bible you already have*)
I use this one: The One Year Bible Expressions, NLT, Hardcover- The One Year Bible Expressions, Deluxe (Hardcover, Pink Flowers): Tyndale: 9781496420152: Amazon.com: Books (NLT is the New Living Translation. This translation is easy to read, makes sense, and easy to remember!)
What I love about it: It is beautiful- which makes it more engaging. I can read through the entire Bible in a year, and repetition is very helpful for all of us. It also makes it easier to get through the tougher parts of the Old Testament (Old Covenant) such as Leviticus (the Law) etc. because you also get to read a portion from the New Testament, a Psalm, and a Proverb. (I LOVE the Psalms & Proverbs!) 😊
Also, it has space to write notes, and gorgeous illustrated verses you can color with pencils which I find super relaxing to the brain at times. No worries if you can’t color the verse that day… You will have this Bible for years to come, and you never know when you have extra time on your hands to pull out a beautiful pack of colored pencils!
*Free Downloadable Bible Reading Plan: One Year Bible Reading Plan Download (oneyearbibleonline.com). This Bible Reading Plan comes in large print or regular print, gives every month of the year, and is available in many different country’s language!
3. Now do it friend,
Get yourself a new journal dedicated only to these times with God. Write down verses that you feel like jump out at you… that is God speaking to you Friend! Don’t take it lightly, wow, what a privilege! Have a notepad, or scratch paper nearby for all those ‘I’ve got to do this today, pick up that, be here, blah blah’, the mind will think of everything to pull you off track. Don’t let it. Jot down the things that pop up on your to do list.It will come in handy later. Now get back to the day’s reading.
Finally, end things by asking yourself questions to jot down in your journal (or the side spaces in your beautiful new Expressions bible) you date today.
‘What stood out to me?’
‘What did I read that tells me of God’s love and care for me?’
‘What did I learn that can help me overcome a bad habit and move closer to Thrive in my life and relationships?’
Alright my friend. I promised you simple and painless and I gave you three steps to get started on this new Journey that will positively impact you and everyone in your life forever, beginning today. Of course, things didn’t get to where they are overnight, so they won’t necessarily change overnight!
Stay the Course! Rewards will chase you down in time. You are on your way to becoming a better version of yourself, and that in itself is a priceless reward!
Love you Friend. Stay connected!