I got some sleep

...and so I'm not nearly as grumpy and whiney today. Aren't you thrilled? :)

The test went well...I think. Although I griped about how much time it took to catch up and to actually really learn the information - rather than simply regurgitating facts for an exam - I have really enjoyed the info that I'm learning this quarter. And, I love how it's all working together - the two classes (church history and theology with systematic theology) really play off of each other well. I like having to interact with the material and really come to terms with what I believe and how what I'm reading/learning affects how I do ministry and live life.

In other news - although this will seem like a no-brainer to many of you - I'm realizing afresh how absolutely vital my time and intimacy with Jesus really is. I think it was Bill Hybels (of Willow Creek Community Church) who wrote a book called Too Busy NOT to Pray. I've never read it but would said that I agreed with the sentiment. Now, I not only agree with the sentiment but am desperate to live that way....and I should probably read the book, huh?

I'm not proud to admit this but I find that I always default to putting my time with the Lord on the back burner when the rest of my life gets out of control. And, in the back of my head I find myself rationalizing it by saying that it's okay...that I'm still talking with God during the day...that a few days won't make a difference...etc.

But, then, as issues and situations arise, I find myself not trusting my own responses or I find myself having these irrational thoughts, feelings and responses to things....and because I typically am a very discerning person, I tend to really trust and believe those thoughts, feelings and responses in the moment...then I look back later and realize that I was being irrational or off the wall. And it's been happening more and more lately.

Yesterday, I was out of control...and far worse than even that last post would have seemed to indicate. And, yes, a big part of it was because I've been going non-stop and am really physically, mentally and emotionally tired. But, it's really also because I've spent zero time with Jesus lately. I've been doing a lot of stuff for or about Him but nothing with Him. (It seems I get in these patterns far too often and far too easily.)

So...here's to hoping that I've finally (begun to) get this through my thick skull for real this time. That my low key evening with a friend tonight and then an entire day with nothing on the calendar tomorrow will help me get my priorities and life re-aligned with Jesus.

I can hope, can't I? :)