We are weeks into the Fall Quarter with midterms quickly approaching. We are trying to stay caught up on readings, papers and all the assignments. Bryan is juggling time with his classes, studying, working at Calvary Lutheran Church and volunteering at the Seminary. Keah has been working her new job steadily trying to balance all the hours; work, class, study, family along with home. The season has changed blowing in much cooler weather. This brings out all the jackets, coats, sweaters, and the ever present need for pants for those children who out grew theirs! Field trips to farms, birthdays, and visiting Grandparents (Agogo and Papa).
This isn't a bad thing! Why do we say this? We should add this is not a bad thing IF you refill! With gas prices as high as they are it may be frustrating but we must refill in order to keep going. Refiling your vehicle with gas means you have transportation, places to go, places to be. It is the same with our own personal gas tanks, of which we have several including our bodies, minds and souls. If you are running on E that means you have given, done, or used that area of yourself, but you must refill! The Bible is a great place to see this in both Old and New Testaments! Jesus Himself did this. Let's see a couple examples.
God encouraged His prophets to rest and eat, let us look to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:5-18. Elijah was done, he even asked God to just take him away, but then Elijah rested awhile. He was awakened by an angel who gave him food and drink and then he rested more before eating and drinking a second time which prepared him for and sustained him through a 40 day journey!
Jesus needed rest too. He fell asleep to the rocking of the boat in Mark 4:38. Jesus also removed Himself from the crowds to pray or to teach His disciples. Look here at Luke 5:15-16 "But now even more the report about Him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear Him and to be healed of their infirmities. But He would withdraw to desolate places and pray." Jesus always turns to God to sustain Him as should we. So what are some ways that you refill? Or what are some ways you spend yourself?
We gave a brief example of what is going on for us here at the beginning. Ways we refill are getting rest, going to church and receiving God's gracious gifts! We also spend time just after dinner almost every night as a family around the Word of God and in prayer. Even the kids are thrown off if we leave the table without doing our evening devotion. We also do Friendship Fridays, where we host or go to another Seminarians home to eat and spend some time together. We would love to hear some ways you refill.
Now for a Quick Family Update!
As of September 12, Dalton is now 6!
Agogo and Papa Visited!
As of October 1, Keah is now 40!
