Good Morning Girls!  A couple of days ago I shared with you all how I had fallen in love with my Bible again.  I encouraged you all to spend some time in the Word each day getting to know the Lord on a personal level.

This morning as I sat down to write, I intended to share with you all an example of one of my Bible times that I was laughing with the Lord.  I wanted you to see that Bible time is NOT this serious, "let's find out what we are doing wrong and need to improve on" time.  It is not a time of correction (though it can be).  It is not a time to confess all of your sins (unless you feel the urge to).  It is not a time for you to look and see what areas you are not "measuring up" in. 

Jen, if it is not any of those things than what is it?

Glad you asked!  Your time in the Word is your time to spend with Jesus.  It is, in it's purest form, like sitting down with your best friend and having a heart to heart conversation.  It is a time to ask questions.  It is a time to laugh.  A time to cry.  A time to vent.  A time to praise.  A time to thank.  A time to seek wisdom and advice.  It is whatever you need on that particular day.

Think of your best friend.  Think of some of the times you have called her, needing to share something with her.  Sometimes it was something funny the kids did.  Or perhaps you were really angry about something that happened at work.  Maybe you needed marital advice.  Or encouragement on your new diet.  Or even the times when you knew your friend was going to give you advice that you didn't want to hear, but you knew she was right.....and she was giving it to you because she loves you and wants the best for you.  And then there are the times you just sit on the deck, side by side, not speaking a word.....just enjoying the time together.

I have had all of these "girlfriend" moments with my girlfriends....AND with the Lord in my Bible time!  God created us.  He knows how we relate to each other.  He doesn't expect us to learn a new form of communication for our Bible time!  He doesn't want us on the phone with our friends laughing and having a good time and then hang up saying in a most serious manner, "I have to go and turn on the heavy organ music.....it's time to go read my Bible".  No!  He wants us to be as excited to sit with Him as we are to sit with our friends. 

I'm telling you Girls, your Bible time does not have to be dry.  God is fun!  If you haven't experienced the fun side of the Lord in awhile, and are maybe even doubting that He has one, ask him to reveal it to you.  Sit down with your Bible today and say "Lord, Jen says you are fun.  Jen says I can laugh with you.  Please show me how."  Just a heads up....you may not even end up opening your Bible.  You may just have a "friend" moment where you sit and relax and share some fun memories.  Try not to determine ahead of time what your Bible time should look like.  Do you pre plan what your girlfriend coffee talks are going to look like?  Of course not.  You simply go with the expectation that you are going to have fun while you catch up with your friend.  Approach your time with the Lord the same way......after all, your experiences in life are often a result of your expectations (deep, I know......I have had 2 cups of coffee)

Psalm 100:1 On your feet now-applaud God!  Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence!

Love, thanks, and fun with the Lord to you all,
Jen