Where has the time gone?

Wow, I just noticed that the last time I posted was in March. That's embarrassing. I wish I could tell you where the time has gone but I have no idea. Why does time go by faster when you're an adult...particularly weekends??? I feel like I have so many things to say and yet I have no idea where to even begin. There are so so many things "upon my soul" right now and I am often in the car thinking, "yes, I need to write about that on my blog." Who knows who's even still out there checking in on my blog, however, it's a great way to journal!

David and I recently took a huge trip to the Grand Canyon. We backpacked in the backcountry for 5 days and, although many of you think I'm crazy, I am still alive...and better because of it. It was a life-changing experience for me and something I will never forget. I even hope to do it again someday. It was one of the most restful vacations I've ever taken and I did a lot of soul searching and "soul rest". To be in something so breathtaking and quiet was exactly what my soul needed. If you'd like to see some pictures of our trip, click on the link on the right-hand side of my page that says, "David and Marci's Website" and you can click on the link for Grand Canyon pics. I was only a taste of what I imagine heaven to be like and the beauty encapsulated in my Savior. I was sleeping when we arrived and David said, "Marci, look, there it is." When I sat up I literally gasped out loud and could not breathe for several seconds. I've never seen something that magnificent.

Other than that, David and I have been working like crazy. Praise the Lord, we do still have jobs and ones that we enjoy. However, life is so hectic and when I do have downtime, I don't even want to go near a computer or tv.

Well, I did actually have a purpose to writing this post but felt I had to do some quick catching up before I launched into my soap box. I'm so caught up in the busyness sometimes and it frustrates me. I just started teaching the 6th grade girls at church and will be teaching 5th grade girls next year. I had a million things to do today and when I finally had some down time, the last thing I wanted to do was sit down with my Bible and prepare. Why is that? Why do I buy into the lie that time with God is exhausting and if I'm truly tired, He'd probably agree that I should take a nap. Probably 5 minutes in to getting into the Word, I felt the heaviness of my eyelids and thought a nap in the sunshine of my bedroom would be the perfect end to a Saturday. But, I just couldn't. I really needed to be prepared because these girls deserve someone committed to them and I want them to be passionate about God's Word. So, I continued on. I even spiced it up with a nice glass of wine and some crackers and cheese. Slowly but surely, my heart was at peace, the busyness of the day subsided, and I felt rested. David and I even got to sit and watch the sunset while we discussed what we were learning in God's Word and I felt like I learned some new things from him and his perspective. Why don't I do this more often? Why do I sleep in later than I should, press the snooze button a million times, in the hopes that when I rise I will be more rested than if I'd gotten up a half an hour earlier?

My eyes of my soul are set on the Lord and that brings worship to my heart. Not only do I feel that the things of this world have washed from my soul, but I feel filled with the Spirit. I feel like I've learned this lesson so many times. I never want my devotions to be something to just check off a list or wake up early because I know I "should". Rather, I want to spring out of bed because I can't wait to learn more about Christ and respond with worship. I want to crave time with Him and for my soul to ache when I am distant. There are so many things that can fill my time and I often choose TV when I have downtime. It requires nothing of me in return and I'm entertained. But I cannot name one single time I have turned the TV off and said, "wow, I'm so at peace and I feel so rested and rejuvinated." More often, I actually feel like my brain is so stuffed and over-stimulated that it's what I think about all day and all night. What a thick skull I have! Well, it's my desire to work on this this week. I want to set my heart on the Lord. When I see Him face-to-face, I want to be able to look at Him and say, "Oh Jesus, I have learned so much about you and I can't wait for more!"

Ok...I truly hope I can write more often. I apologize. Life is in a place where my head is down and I'm just pushing through! But, it's a great time to seek God above all things and cling to Him! I hope this was encouraging to you...