No Excuses

So, I've really been stressing over the fact that I've gotten behind already with my year-long journey in Bible study. I've been really praying about it and trying to come to a conclusion, and then it hit me.  God knows that I am deepening my faith and am very serious about doing so.  He also knows that it's a difficult time right now.

Here's the conclusion I've come up with: who says I had to start last week?  I've waited (anxiously) this long to begin this commitment and devotional, and it's never too late to start!  So, I've decided that I will start the journey TODAY instead of a week ago.  But everything that I hope to gain from this experience is still the same.  My commitment will still be the same.  My motivation and dedication remain the same.  I truly want to put in the effort to reap the rewards.  I want to honor the Word by devoting the right amount of time that I need to absorb and journal each day.  So, I will begin the journey today. I get several breaks throughout the day, and the daily readings can definitely be done in that amount of time.

I'm kind of worried (it's my journey, so I can be honest, right?) about Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and how those days' readings will go.  I wake up, get ready for work, eat breakfast (some days), and leave for work.  Then I'm busy throughout the day (I'm constantly busy with this job, which isn't a bad thing except when I remember it's because there's so much violence in the world...or Texas at least) and it's time to leave before I know it!  Then, I leave work and go to my second job until 9:00PM.  That's a 15-hour day - for three days (that includes NO break between jobs...I have just enough time to get there and change).  By the time I get home, as you can imagine, I'm BEAT!  I'm so utterly exhausted, it's ridiculous.  I'm praying that as time goes on and I get accustomed to the new routine, it'll become easier and way more bearable - but until then...hello BEDTIME!  Haha.  By the time I get home, I have enough time to shower, eat, and go to sleep.  Then I'm at it for the next two days!  That pretty much settles it, though.  I need to (I HAVE to) prioritize my break times that I get.  I can do it, I know I can!  I'm really excited to begin this journey, but my body is lagging behind...

But, NO EXCUSES anymore!  I say I'm going to do it, and I've got the supplies to do it, I just have to do it!  Let's face it, that's the hardest thing sometimes, isn't it?  *nods head*

No Excuses!

Hiccup

So I know that I'm on my journey to deepen my faith and apply the Word of God in my day-to-day existence, but I haven't had the time to post about it yet, and for that, my apologies! But God knows that my life has had a hiccup recently.

My grandfather was hospitalized last week and then placed in the skilled nursing unit at the nursing home. The goal is to rehab and go home, but it's completely up to him to improve to the extent that he will be released. I pray for him daily that he will have the strength and determination to make it out of there! Talk about a true test of your faith! I didn't take the news well when I initially found out. I was angry and wanted to rush home to see for myself if it was true. But responsibly, I knew better! I took the updates from my parents and continued to PRAY. I prayed for peace. I prayed for strength and courage. Not only for myself, but for Pops and our family as well. It's definitely taken its toll! What I thought was going to be a restful and relaxing weekend turned into sleepless nights, worrying, and nursing home visitations. I'm exhausted! But it was worthwhile to put in the time and effort, and I know it meant the world to my grandpa! It definitely helped me to sit with him all morning today. Not that I was helpful, but I hope my mere presence was helpful. He was able to tell that I CARE. I care so deeply, and walking out today broke my heart. It was so hard to leave! But I know he's in great hands and will follow God's path.

But with this hiccup came tears, strength, heartbreak, anger, joy, compassion, selfishness...so many emotions. It also hindered my time to study, journal, and reflect on the Scripture I have read thus far. But have no fear! I will catch up and I know that God understands, as it is He who has placed this hiccup upon my life. I just have to try to stay strong and continue to pray for His healing hand to be placed upon my family.

My Father...is amazing <3 br="br">