Prayables | purposeful and deliberate

Published: Mon, 02/12/24

Monday, February 12, 2024

I know now, Lord, why You utter no answer. You, Yourself, are the answer.
C. S. Lewis

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers. Philemon 1:4

Dear God, I return to You now in prayer. You reward me with a respite from stress, and a peaceful calm comes unto me. The cycle is complete. In You, I trust. I rely on the promises of Isaiah 30:15: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.

It is not natural for you to be down or depressed. You will be surprised, even shocked, to learn you are blessed. God's help is all around you. Reach out and be touched.

BEING PURPOSEFUL AND DELIBERATE

Mrs. Farmer Jones blogs about winter, time and its distractions.

February is a major birthday month in our household. In a few days, my daughter will be 17, followed by my son who will turn 15. Sometimes, when I look at them, a wave of panic sweeps over me: they’ll be on their own soon! Have we made the most of our time together?

We often blame work for the time it takes away from the family. However, parents have worked hard for generations. Getting food on the table takes hard work and time. A good work ethic is an incredible example to our kids about how to serve others. No, it’s not our time spent working.

We are losing the healthiest version of our families due to the time we spend distracted. Distractions disconnect us from our purpose and prevent us from embodying our most influential and powerful position: Parent!

The most damaging distraction comes from an enemy we carry around with us in our pocket. That thing that incessantly dings, buzzes and rings, vying for our attention, promising something more interesting than the face right in front of us. It’s a tool turned tetrarch, dictating our moods and values.

As parents, as humans, we must fight the ease and lure of this digital age. The discipline it will require is more intense than avoiding carbs and sugar. I think the way back is to reconnect as much as possible to the physical world around us.

Let the sounds of our household be the noises we make when actually doing life together rather than watching it on a screen. Let our amusement be from the stories and laughter we share together around the table, face-to-face and shoulder-to-shoulder.

For our family, the fight began when we relocated and connected to land, nature, and the lessons found in growing food and nourishing hearts and bodies around a table. We trust you’re on a journey of your own, fighting for the family life you desire too.

We pray right now that you never give up on each other or give in to anything that stands in the way.

My hope for my soon-to-be 17 and 15 year old is for them to understand how important it is to fight for their purpose, guard their time and attention, and live out the abundant life they were created to experience.

Until Next Time,

Mrs. Farmer Jones

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10

1051 Perimeter Drive
9th floor
Schaumburg IL 60173
USA

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