Everyday Ways to Choose the Better Part

Two things most women wish they had more of are time and energy. From being Super Business Woman to Super Mom to yes–even Super Christian, we secretly yearn for a Superman to rescue us from our too-much-to-do in not-enough-time days. We all know the answer lies in spending time with the Lord. If we know this, why do women struggle with it? Same two issues–time and energy.

Everyone is in a season of life with different demands upon our time and energy. Whatever your season–young mother, empty nester, caregiver–recognize, embrace, and work with it.

First, think in terms of blocks of time. Move past thinking in hours , think in increments of 5, 10, and 15 minutes.

Second, become pro-active and creative in your relationship with the Lord. Jesus said Mary “chose the better part.” We have a choice too–a choice to rush daily through or to spend time daily with the Lord. Choice also includes variety–prayer and Bible study does not mean a certain spot at a certain time.

Third, leave nothing to chance or the famous phrase, “if I can find the time.” Spending time with the Lord is the most important time in our daily lives–more important than brushing our teeth and we’d never consider it okay to go without that on a daily basis. Why do we find it okay to go without prayer?

Now, with resolve in place to intentionally carve out blocks of time, here are everyday ways to choose the better part:

Put together a portable prayer / Bible study basket or tote. As a young mom, my basket sat beside my rocker, a place where I spent a great deal of time. Take along the basket for car line or during your lunch hour at work. In the basket place a journal, Bible (easy to read translation such as The Living Bible), a daily devotional (The Updated My Utmost for His Highest), Christian book in an area of interest and a pen. In the morning read the devotional for the day and pray.

During the next block of time, read from your Bible and pray. In the following block of time, journal for a few minutes and so on. Take pockets of opportunity all throughout the day to pray. Jesus is real and He isn’t giving gold stars to those who journal the most or read their Bible in a year. He is looking for those who want to spend time daily getting to know Him better.

Technology can help: IPODs / MP3s, the internet, and radio are creative ways to ‘choose the better part.’ Download praise and worship music along with sermons to your IPODs / MP3s. If life is too hectic to sit and read — put your earplugs in and listen! A good site for online teaching is www.oneplace.com. Two favorite online radio stations are KLOVE (music) and WWEV (music and teaching).  Visit church or ministry web sites for sermon and conference downloads, many of which are free.

Life is busy and change happens daily to our schedules and to-do lists.  It’s all about not leaving the “better part” behind when a change is made. Make time with the Lord a daily priority. Look to the Lord and He will guide you in finding what works best for you and your schedule.

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Lord, like the virgin Mary, help me to be utterly willing for You to use my life in whatever way You choose. This year I want to have a very “Mary” Christmas.
~ Vicki Huffman
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Sister Chick Flicks Party

Sisterchicks on the Loose, Sisterchicks Series #1

Invite girlfriends over for a movie and an evening to get to know one another more.

No major preparations are necessary, just provide popcorn and sodas. Ask each gal to bring her favorite cinema candy. Choose a fun movie everyone will enjoy.

Purchase one of the Robin Gunn Jones Sister Chick books to read ahead of time. Be prepared to laugh often! Sign your name in the inside cover of the book along with the date and have it ready for your movie night.

As friends arrive, have them prepare their “nests” for the movie and get popcorn and drinks. Once everyone arrives, thank them for coming and let them know you hope this is the beginning of many fabulous times together. Explain that a sister chick is a close friend who you want to have fun with and develop a lasting friendship. Invite each woman to read the Sister Chick book you bought, sign their name, and pass it on to the next sister chick. When all of you have read the book or are just ready for some fun again get back together. There are several books in the series, so this could lead to many fun opportunities. You don’t have to read the books to participate, but once everyone hears how much fun they are, they will want to.