Enjoying Time with God - Part Two

Howdy Family Matters family and friends! It's Thursday, October 22nd and here is some trivia of historical events that happened on this date.
 
1797 - 1st sky diver (Andre-Jacques Trim, above Paris)
1836 - Sam Houston inaugurated as first elected president of the Republic of Texas
1861 - 1st telegraph line linking West & East coasts completed
1897 - World's 1st car dealer opens in London
1907 - Ringling Brothers Greatest Show on Earth buys Barnum & Bailey Circus
1950 - LA Rams beat Baltimore Colts 70-27
1972 - Oakland A's 1st championship; beat the Reds, 4 games to 3 in the World Series
1976 - Rick Barry (SF), begins the longest NBA free throw streak of 60
1997 - Coldest World Series gameMarlins vs. Cleveland (38° F)
 
These are just a few moments in history on October 22nd. Today (YES TODAY!) can be an important date for you and your family as you spend time with God. Time just keeps on ticking…ticking…ticking…so we must be intentional in both making and taking TIME OUT to just enjoy being with God. Sounds funny doesn't it since we know that God is with us (Emmanuel means “God with us”) but in our busy lives we have to STOP and make priorities in our schedule for things that matter.
 
Here at Camp we protect our day by starting it off with either Batters Box or First Fruits; our small group or individual Bible study. It is the most important time in our day and both campers and staff appreciate it. Sure Camp can feel like a bubble and that it's a spiritual safe haven, but really it is a snap shot of divine living for our daily lives back home. Other alone times with God at Camp are star gazes, campfires, cabin huddle/tent time and just little God sightings throughout the day. These are not restricted within our Camp gates but it does take an effort on our part.
 
Let's be realistic, a Sunday visit to church "aka quick fix" cannot carry us through an entire week,  just like eating one meal cannot/should not carry us throughout the week. As a car needs maintenance, oil, and gas to run properly our spiritual life needs alone time with God to run properly. Our cars have gauges to alert us of the condition of our vehicles--so what are the personal gauges in our lives? Energy…patience…frustrations…emotions…and so on. We need time (tick…tick) alone with God to strengthen, sharpen and empower us to love well.
 
Warning:

• Don't get stuck in a rut or in dull ho hum routines -- Do be open, creative, alert and mindful of God in your daily lives.
• Don't keep Him too formal or be aloof -- Do be thankful to Him; laugh, cry and agree with Him.
• Don't be too busy or self absorbed -- Do celebrate the God sightings throughout your day-- it'll rock your world BIG TIME!

 
Two quick scripture reminders: Philippians1:6 God is at work in your life (join in and grow) and Hebrews 7:25 affirms that Jesus is praying for you right now, this very moment. Check it out - what a comfort to know that God is for you - Whoa! Prayerfully ask: Today, Lord what do you want to do in me and through me? Take the time to make time and make time to take time! It's time - -tick … tick … tick.