I have probably had more free time on the world race than any other time of my life. I never thought that’d be my reality this year, but it is, thankfully! I have been able to establish essential routines, and I’ve started thinking about what that’ll look like in my life after the Race. I wanted to share with ya’ll some of the disciplines and resources I’ve used that are crucial for my walk with God, getting filled by Him, and staying that way throughout my busy days. There’s books, podcasts, meditations, music, and disciplines that have grown me or that I use almost daily to keep me sane and learning! I hope it’s the least bit helpful and insightful!
Disciplines
I know that I need to spend time with Jesus before my days start. I get up early and create that space for our relationship. This looks like reading scripture, journaling, listening to sermons, reading a spiritual book, meditating, practicing memorization, or whatever else I feel I need. It’s taken trial and error and a lot of time spent on what I need depending on my emotions and moods each day.
-Reading scripture is a must. It is the Truth of how I live my life, so I want to be knowledgeable and rooted in that so that when my emotions and life are less than constant, the Truth that I know always is. It also just deepens my relationship with the Lord and helps me know more of Him.
-Scripture memorization is a new thing I’ve gotten into. It’s kind of fun and also helps me to be conscious of living out the word as I find myself going over it in my head as my days go on. It’s also helpful to be able to know Truth when talking to people who have questions or while evangelizing.
-Journaling is a HUGE must for me. Get a pretty lined book, get blank pages, get some fun pens, get what you need, but seriously think about keeping a journal. It helps me tremendously in processing my emotions and why I feel what I feel, and then I can read it and oppose it with Truth I know and spend time listening to God. It’s also fun to just keep track of my days and events and look back and read them.
-Quiet time and meditation have been so important for me every. Single. Day. I usually start with a guided meditation to empty my mind of everything. I love the “Christian Mediation Podcast” or there is an app called “Abide” that has fantastic, super short meditations. After my soul and spirit and mind and life are emptied of crap, I have quiet time and just listen to God. I love having a cup of tea or coffee with Jesus and just being. This fills me with the things I need to hear and Truths being repeated over myself to go conquer the world.
Resources
Podcasts:
Podcasts are life. Necessary for travel days, but I can see myself listening to them in the car at home or in the shower as well. You should be able to find my fav Podcasts on most apps, regardless of Android or Apple.
-Elevation Church with Steven Furtick is my absolute fav
-A very close second is Fresh Life Church with Levi Lusko
-Passion City Church
-Daily living with Joyce Meyer
-The Liturgusts
*If you want a one – time, bomb sermon for a pick-me-up, you can YouTube:
-Jesus is Loving Barabbas by Judah Smith
-Always. Only. Jesus. By Carl Lentz
-The DNA of a Leader by Jenetzen Franklin
-Don’t waste your life by John Piper
-Jesus is enough by Matt Chandler
Books:
-Hinds’ feet on high places – hannah hurnurd
-Finding God in the Waves – Mike MaHargue
-Love does, AND Everybody, Always – Bob Goff
-Love Lives Here – Maria Goff
-Sacred Rhythms – ruth haley barton
-Emotionally Healthy Spirituality – Peter scazzero
-Boundaries – Dr. Henry Cloud
-Self to lose Self to Find – marilyn vancil
-Crazy love – Francis chan
-The Circle Maker – Mark Batterson
-5 Levels of Leadership – John C Maxwell
-Uninvited – Lysa Terkeurst
Apps:
-The Bible App – a must to download an offline version, AND it has incredible devotions and reading plans.
-Read scripture – amazing videos and explanations of all things scripture but especially when you must ask what the heck you just read in exodus when God is mad at everyone and Moses disobeys and where in the world did Aaron come from??
-Abide – meditation app. Just give it a try!
-Daughters of the King – just a daily womens devotional
These are just some of my favorites, and if you have any suggestions or would like more from me, don’t hesitate to reach out!
