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Minding Our Feeds OR Feeding Our Souls

January 24, 2018 by admin 63 Comments

Photo by:

Debby Hudson

We spent this past weekend with our grandkids: Hannah, 21 (on 1.21.18), and Simon, 14+ (15 on 5.28.18). To say we enjoy our time with these two is the understatement of the century! We love to. We got to Liberty University campus about noon on Saturday, picked up our girl and the four of us headed for Appomattox VA – which is about 30 minutes from Lynchburg. Before we were even out of eye-shot of campus we were discussing our morning devotion time and soul-care.

Hannah speaking, “My professor this past week mentioned how important self care is.”

Me, “I like to call self-care ‘soul-care,’ tending our souls – our minds.”

Hannah, “Yeah – like checking my [social media] feeds in the morning – I do that first thing and wish I didn’t.”

Me, “Hey! I have an idea – let’s form an accountability partnership. No social media until our souls are fed.”

Hannah, “Mimz, there’s a blogpost in this!”

Simon, “I wanna do it too.”

Me, “Let’s brainstorm a title at lunch.”

So, there we sat in a crummy little hole-in-the-wall cafe scribbling on a paper napkin and that’s how the title of this blogpost was born! We now have a three-way chat set up. Hannah wants to wake up at 5:30 to assure her of one hour of feeding her soul; I picked 6 o’clock; Simon will choose a time somewhere between 6 and 7! When Han’ gets up and settled she will text us with just one word, “here.” Then, I will do the same; then Simon. Simon suggested IF what we read/devote/pray speaks to us then we can text one another the encouragement. We have commit to Monday through Friday, this entire semester of school.

It’s our very own three-strand cord and holding one another accountable.Ā I love this!

Are we minding our “feeds” OR feeding our souls?

My friends, isn’t it easy to wake up, get that cuppa and go straight to our phones or computers?

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1.35 (NIV)

There’s no better example than Jesus Himself. IF He found it necessary to awaken early and talk to His Father – how much more do I need to? O! I desperately need to.

This, in no way, is a condemnation of smartphones, computers, or any other electronic – I love our conveniences to stay connected but I just need to rein it in and January seems a perfect time of year to do so.

Am I minding my feeds OR feeding my soul?

I am looking forward to hearing those soft purrs in my text, “Here.”

I’m all in!

Spending time with our grandkids is (possibly) my greatest delight. Now, we are binding ourselves together with accountability! #bgbg2

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xo

Don’t forget to comment to be entered for this beauty!!!

This week I’ll be linking up with:

  • Inspire Me Monday
  • Glimpses of His Beauty
  • God Sized Dreams
  • Jennifer Dukes Lee
  • Tea and Word
  • Seeking God
  • Porch Stories
  • Coffee for Your Heart
  • Tune In Tuesday
  • Heart Encouragement
  • Dance With Jesus
  • Fresh Market Friday
  • Thought Provoking Friday
  • Counting My Blessings

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Filed Under: Heart, Home, Hope Tagged With: accountability, Bible, bible reading, devote, devotions, Early, heart, home, hope, personal worship time, quiet time, social media, soul, soulcare

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shelby says

    January 24, 2018 at 6:23 am

    Well, doggone it, I just cried happy tears again, Susan. You’ve exemplified the Titus 2 woman I mentioned on FB yesterday. You are to your grandkids especially, but also to me and so many more online, what my now-dancing-with-Jesus friends Sara, Helen and Betty were to me. The very best models of Christ in a modern world, complete with love and fun and accountability. I love your three strands.

    I just removed social media stuff off my phone, except skype since I use it to keep in touch with my kids, because I too often had my face in my phone when my husband was speaking to me. As I’ve fought to stay in my marriage, to make myself more of the kind of wife the Lord calls us to be, it just dawned on me a few days how absolutely disrespectful and plain rude that was.

    Your Hannah is a wise young woman to see that she did that which she did not want to do and call foul. And Simon… I just love Simon stories.

    Beautiful post, my Titus 2 friend.

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 7:09 am

      Honored, Shelby. NOT flattered, HONORED.

      Reply
  2. Peggy says

    January 24, 2018 at 6:43 am

    Thanks Sestra. I have been trying to do this since 1/1 and was doing great until the great living room collapse, the flu and the SC Writers Group interrupted.

    Our minds get so full of other stuff, sometimes it is hard to “get away with my BFF, Jesus and my Dad”. I like to imagine a boat on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, a cup of good coffee, my journal which would record the conversation automatically, and Holy Spirit pushing the boat off with me in it, He hops in and off we go to meet in the middle where we drop our “nets” and get food for the day.

    I hear the Sea calling me.

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 7:09 am

      OOOOOOH, I like it, Sestra!

      Reply
  3. Joanne Viola says

    January 24, 2018 at 7:37 am

    Truly there can be no greater joy than the 3 of you encouraging and spurring one another on! Just beautiful!

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 8:37 am

      I mean, right? Am I walking out this 3 John 4 by way of my grandchildren? YES, LORD.

      Reply
  4. Tammy L Mashburn says

    January 24, 2018 at 7:52 am

    I love this! And the book idea, spot on!
    XO

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 8:38 am

      Thanks, friend.

      Reply
  5. Debby says

    January 24, 2018 at 7:56 am

    Dear friend, you have fed my soul with this today! Everything about it makes my heart (and face) smile. xo

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 8:38 am

      Debby, now tell me when you first saw the photo did you say, “Hm, that looks familiar!” DUH!!!

      Reply
  6. Michele Morin says

    January 24, 2018 at 7:57 am

    This is just awesome. I love the relationship you have with your grandkids and now the way you are building one another up in the Lord is just amazing.

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 8:39 am

      And, you have begun this grandma-relationship with yours. It only gets richer my smart and literary friend in ME!!!

      Reply
  7. BettieG says

    January 24, 2018 at 8:00 am

    Oh, this is perfect timing for me too! I woke up early, with my mind crammed full of thoughts about this whole blog-switch-up that I’m working though, wanting to “fix it all.” But the Lord, whispered “sit with me here, first.” So thankful for His voice! And what a gift that you can spend this beautiful time with your Grands!

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 8:40 am

      GAKAT, Bettie. God Already Knew About That and has it all under control. Did He tell you that when you met with Him?

      Reply
      • BettieG says

        January 24, 2018 at 12:02 pm

        Yes He did! And He keeps saying it too! šŸ˜‰

        Reply
        • admin says

          January 24, 2018 at 12:08 pm

          Seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. ♄

          Reply
  8. Hannah Leach says

    January 24, 2018 at 8:09 am

    Nice blog Mimz! There’s nothing like feeding our souls… because how can one pour from an empty vessel.

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 8:41 am

      Tell me, how? NOT possible. xo

      Reply
  9. Helemarie says

    January 24, 2018 at 8:10 am

    Oh Susan, I love this! The first thing I do in the morning is the weather and then check to see if I have any messages. This has been on my heart also to do is not check anything till I check in with Abba first. Love ya honey, thank you for this.

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 8:42 am

      HM, I think we all get under “this” conviction. Let’s hold one another accountable. OK?

      Reply
      • Helemarie says

        January 24, 2018 at 9:48 am

        Yes honey!

        Reply
  10. Sherry Stahl says

    January 24, 2018 at 8:41 am

    Susan,

    What a wonderful time! Praying this is the beginning of life-long, life-giving habits for your grandchildren! I stopped over via Holley Gerth’s linkup today.
    ~Sherry Stahl
    xoxo

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 8:42 am

      Sherry, my greatest hope and prayer!

      Reply
  11. Kathy Walters says

    January 24, 2018 at 8:50 am

    You, my friend, are amazing……….absolutely amazing.

    Kathy

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 8:57 am

      HARDLY. BUT our God IS!!!

      Reply
      • Kathy Walters says

        January 24, 2018 at 1:31 pm

        Just stating my very own opinion. *smile*

        Reply
        • admin says

          January 24, 2018 at 2:04 pm

          And I welcome it and love you for it.

          Reply
  12. Sarah Geringer says

    January 24, 2018 at 9:07 am

    What a fun collaboration! I was blessed to be the oldest grandchild and great-grandchild, and I have a treasure trove of good memories with my grandparents. Blessings to you, friend!

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 9:35 am

      Sarah, my grandparent memories are my best!

      Reply
  13. Becky Hastings says

    January 24, 2018 at 9:23 am

    Love this! What a special relationship you must have cultivated with your Grandkids to be in this place! What a treasure!

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 9:36 am

      Becky, we only have TWO but we.have.worked.at.it.

      Reply
  14. Lois Flowers says

    January 24, 2018 at 9:43 am

    Susan! I LOVE your title and especially the way you came up with it. What a special thing to do with your grandkids, and for them to want to do it with you just shows what a wonderful influence you are on them too!

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 9:53 am

      Lois, this has been the great prayer of my heart. God is faithful, amen? Even when I’m not – HE IS. Love Him so.

      Reply
  15. Merry Geary says

    January 24, 2018 at 10:06 am

    My first text today was from our Gainesville grandson, Timmy, thanking me for the album I made recently with memories of our Wyoming trip /first time airplane/seeing snow/ Buffalo/moose. God’s creatures. He n brother Corey were 9/11. He said it was awesome. He will now have his first child in Sept and will make memories to treasure. Keep making memories for one day we will be gone and grands can look back with smiles.

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 10:41 am

      THAT is absolute TRUTH, Merry —

      Reply
  16. Elizabeth says

    January 24, 2018 at 12:21 pm

    Thank you, Susan for this wonderful reminder. Its so important to feed our souls and it has to be first in our priority list. Your post really helped me. Blessings to you!

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 1:07 pm

      Elizabeth – IT HELPED ME!!! Thank you for your kindness.

      Reply
  17. Gayl says

    January 24, 2018 at 12:40 pm

    Susan, what a wonderful idea! This is going to be a blessing to you and your grandkids and a special bond. I love it!
    Blessings to you, my lovely friend! xo

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 1:07 pm

      And to you, my lovely friend who encourages me to write poetry!!!

      Reply
  18. Mary Geisen says

    January 24, 2018 at 1:22 pm

    I seriously love this. Such an easy idea to get started and to hold each other accountable. In fact, I might use this same idea with the ladies I’m discipline. I’ll keep you posted.

    On a side note, I love the relationship you have with your grandkids. What a blessing!

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 2:04 pm

      Mary, the little “here” check-in is working quite well with our three stranded cord!!! Our grandkids are easy to love and bless — they are so appreciative. We are greatly blessed.

      Reply
  19. Lesley says

    January 24, 2018 at 3:33 pm

    I love the title you came up with and it’s great that you and your grandchildren are doing this together and encouraging one another!

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 24, 2018 at 4:02 pm

      Thanks Lesley… how did I miss you today as I made the rounds?

      Reply
  20. Anna Smit says

    January 24, 2018 at 6:56 pm

    Love this!! Accountability is so so important. So very thankful for those the Lord has gifted me to be accountable to (thank you, Bettie ). Love that your grandkids are pursuing God like this with you. May God continue to strengthen your bond in HIM.

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 25, 2018 at 9:42 am

      Anna, BettieG is your accountability partner? How blessed are you!

      Reply
  21. ~Karrilee~ says

    January 24, 2018 at 10:27 pm

    Gah! I love this so much!!! For all the reasons! And that line about forming your very own three-strand cord… pow! Right in the feels!

    xoxo

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 25, 2018 at 9:41 am

      POW! xo

      Reply
  22. bethany mcilrath says

    January 25, 2018 at 9:26 am

    Wow!! How precious that you and your grandkids have this kind of relationship. What a blessing that must be to all of you!! Thanks for sharing about this!

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 25, 2018 at 4:53 pm

      Bethany, I know how blessed I am and I do not take it for granted. It’s everything to me.

      Reply
  23. Lisa notes says

    January 25, 2018 at 4:16 pm

    Such a beautiful thing to do with your grandkids! I absolutely love this. I pray that it will go well and much fruit will come out of this, both in your vertical relationships with God and your horizontal relationships with each other. A great bond!

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 25, 2018 at 4:54 pm

      Lisa, I love the imagery of the vertical and horizontal relationships — rich!

      Reply
  24. Lureta says

    January 26, 2018 at 11:06 am

    Wonderful post. I know I’m guilty of this and struggle at times with disciplining myself to feed my soul first. I love the relationships with your gran kids… so beautiful. Great job!!
    Blessings

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 26, 2018 at 11:52 am

      Thank you Lureta, it’s been worth the building!

      Reply
  25. Bethany says

    January 26, 2018 at 2:48 pm

    It could just be my kids getting older, but I LOVE this! The idea that you are CONNECTING with them for accountability! There is SO much of my heart celebrating over this. Love your heart sweet friend! Can you adopt me too??!! šŸ™‚

    Reply
  26. Stacey says

    January 26, 2018 at 10:06 pm

    This is absolutely beautiful. Your grandkids are very very blessed. This post serves as such an encouragement! Thank you for sharing. šŸ™‚

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 27, 2018 at 8:13 am

      Stacey, thank YOU for visiting and reading!

      Reply
  27. Paula Kiger says

    January 27, 2018 at 8:43 am

    It sounds like that time with your grandchildren was precious AND productive.

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 27, 2018 at 4:03 pm

      Paula, it always is!

      Reply
  28. Anita Ojeda says

    January 27, 2018 at 9:08 am

    What a beautiful relationship you have with your grandkids! May God richly bless and encourage the three of you as you feed your souls each morning!

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 27, 2018 at 4:04 pm

      Anita, and you are working on a great relationship with yours already. It only gets better!

      Reply
  29. Carol Sickmeier says

    January 27, 2018 at 11:49 am

    I commend your resolve. I know that God delights in us when we put Him first. Great read – love that your grandkids are joined with you in this!

    Reply
    • admin says

      January 27, 2018 at 4:05 pm

      It’s been a successful first week!

      Reply
  30. Emily Swanson says

    January 29, 2018 at 10:51 am

    Wow sister. That is powerful. Am I minding my social media feeds or feeding my soul? I need to ask myself this every morning. Thank you!!!

    Reply

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