Disciples Need Discipline!

Well looky here, a second post, just about a week after the last one!! I might be onto something here, but don't hold your breath!!

The title of this post was today's sermon. It was so aptly timed. As the summer winds down in all its spontaneous splendor, I hope to gain the structure that comes with the beginning of school. I have learned in my 30 years that it's easier to establish routine from the get go, than to try and create a new routine after habits are already formed.

Here's my tentative schedule:

8:00- Get back to our apartment
8:15- Leave for the gym
9:00- Home from gym, take shower
9:30- Make breakfast and eat it
10:00- Start reading and studying the bible (I love doing topical studies and want to start by reading what the bible says about toil, discipline, and desires-since they motivate what we do...)
11:00- Down time
11:30- Lunch at the Dining Hall (free salad every day!)
12:00- Nap
2:00- Get up and ready for the evening
2:30- Be back at cottage for boys to arrive home and assistants to come in

Here's the verse the sermon was based on:

1 Timothy 4:6-10

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. ⁷ Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. ⁸ For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. ⁹ This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. ¹⁰ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

Since I'm all over the place anyways, I will leave you with the song that popped into my head first thing this morning, I do believe the Holy Spirit was helping set the tone for today- one of self-reflection, change and ultimate victory!! Here's an oldie, but goodie:

Trading My Sorrows

"I am pressed but not crushed,
Persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I am blessed beyond the curse
For His promise will endure
That His joy is gonna be my strength
Though the sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes in the morning

I'm trading my sorrows
I'm trading my shame
I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord
I'm trading my sickness
I'm trading my pain
I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord
And we're singing

Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord, Amen"

Amen, Lord!!

I just want to take a mushy moment and give a shout out to my wonderful husband, Michael! He always has a smile on his face and always sees the silver lining on even the darkest clouds. He has been my sunshine during my stormiest days. I'm forever thankful for him! God has truly blessed me with the perfect life mate. Thank You, Lord!

Love and God Bless!!
Lena