SOAP.

Well, today was day 2 of my much needed, new and improved, time set aside for God, SOAP method... based on what I read in The Divine Mentor...  It hasn't been easy finding "alone time" with one of my children home sick and my husband working bizarro hours, but it's worked out ok, and I'm really super excited to have a "plan" again.

Just a quick recap: S-scripture, O-observation, A-application, P-prayer.

I think perhaps I am not that great at observation...  I'm having no problem "hearing" a particular passage jumping out at me from scripture... I definitely am able to come up with an application to my life... and surprisingly, I haven't had any problems with the prayer part either; in fact, having the focus of a particular area to pray about (plus adding in the 10min of prayer for Hub City Church) has made my special time set aside for prayer so much easier.  Normally I have tons of trouble with my mind wandering and pretty soon I am planning dinner or looking at the cheerios under the futon and thinking about all the other things I should be doing.  But the "P" portion of this method has really helped me to concentrate on a specific prayer and I think that is a good start!

Maybe I'm not clear on what I am supposed to be observing.  I find myself simply restating the scripture, which doesn't seem very... observant... of me I don't think.  Oh well.  I'm just planning to continue plugging along and see if something doesn't start coming a bit more naturally over time.

Here is one of the reasons why I am so determined to draw near to God on a daily basis and really listen to what He has to say to me... to be taught by Him...  It's something I read that just really jumped out at me:

God isn't looking for someone loaded down with churchy buzzwords and Christian cliches.  He doesn't need someone with a Master's degree in marketing or a PhD in public relations.  Nor does He need public speakers who manipulate people with guilt or shame into praying more, giving more, doing more.

God is calling for a spokesperson---a man or woman who will deliver His very heart.  He's looking for someone who will speak in such a way that a light will turn on.  He is searching for those who will know His heart and His passion for the lost.

I want to do that!  (not the public speaking part, let me clarify!)  I want to be able to give a voice to God's heart.  In my marriage, my family, my church, my community... in every chance I have to speak with someone... Not in a churchy, preachy, fake-"well God bless your sweet little pea-pickin heart" kinda way that we see so much of here in the south... Just in my real dealings with people.  I'm not a good pretender anymore, so if I don't know God's heart, I'm just not going to speak for Him.  But I'd like to.  I love people.  I love relating to people.  I love when you can feel a connection, like what I am saying actually matters... So, how better to learn God's heart than sitting with Him every day and giving Him my undivided attention.  Not just reading the Bible and praying, but listening and responding... changing.  It's a thrilling prospect actually.  And NO, I have not been living in a cave somewhere.  I know this is nothing new.  But perhaps I am not well practiced in acting out  what I know.  I'm glad for the opportunity.