I went to church for several years with a bible, a note book, and a pen. I took notes galore! I would study them sometimes. I have notebooks that line my shelves. I realized that I can study just like the next person, but what really inspires me is person to person information. I like to gain understanding through experience.
One day I took over the teen and children department of the church I was attending. I had no funds and no resources. Unfortunately, the church didn't have money for the department and I had a limited income as a single mom on a college budget.
I searched the web and found lots of free resources. Some sites had a few free things before they wanted a membership accompanied by fees. Other sites had unlimited information. I LOVE something that is FREE! So I took that info and started a teen and children group.
Shortly there after I moved, and didn't become part of a church the entire year I lived in this new place. I went to a church but it never became home. I didn't have a regular weekly teacher which was foreign to me. I couldn't afford books and classes else where so I turned on my TV and started watching different preachers. I would watch Creflo Dollar, Paula White, TD Jakes, and my favorite- Joyce Meyer. I didn't miss her broadcast once!
Every so often, she offers a book, cd, or dvd for a gift of any amount. I would give what I could and she would send me the cd, dvd, or book. I went on her website and found devotionals, articles, and lots of other information. I would listen, watch, and read. Well I moved again, this time to MD. During my first two years here I ended up having a baby and was not married. It was an emotional and spiritual struggle for me. I found two great churches i loved- but once I found out i was pregnant I limited my interaction with others. Partially due to shame and wanting to isolate myself. The other from morning sickness and fatigue! Long story short... my life began to crumble. My relationships began to fall apart. My hormones were CRAZY and I was driving those closest to me crazy too.
After having my baby, a couple months passed and I was frustrated with the state of my life and all that had crumbled. One day I looked at all those books, cds, dvds on my shelf that I bought for a gift of any amount, I looked at the devotionals that were at my finger tips, and the articles and broadcasts that were a click away. I found the Bible app by Youversion for my phone and started a daily devotional. When I missed a few days the app sent me an email to let me know I was behind! I laughed and said, "Wow... electronics and apps are my accountability partner." From there I increased study time, reading, devotionals, prayer etc... and I began to get a hold of my emotions again. I started feeling stable again. I was kinder to my children and my friends. I stopped obliging the desire to isolate myself from every one (including my kids).
All these free resources positioned me to get on track with my personal time with God. Something I was bad at for 8 years since giving my life to Christ. It isn't how much you do and how you do it. It is all about doing it and having a heart for it. Quantity and quality increases over time. However, I did notice I began to smile to myself when I read of how God loves me. It made me smile because I finally believe it!
Now I give, lend, and show these free resources to others at every opportunity. If it is free; we have not excuse not to make time! If there was a free dinner at a restaurant you love- you would make time! I WOULD!!! Because I LOVE SOMETHING FREE!!!
Ironically, these free resources have caused me to be free- Free from the limitations I put on myself and on God. Free from shame and depression. I took the time to sow God's word in my heart and to make my relationship with God personal. And wouldn't you know it! Those things that were crumbling are being rebuilt.. but this time they are on a firmer foundation!
FIND YOUR FREE RESOURCES TODAY!!
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