Part Two

Random Quote: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him." 

~Matthew 4:1-11 (IV)

Part Two:

   First, I loved everyone's responses to Part One. Thank you for reading and responding!! I may be touching base on some of the comments my readers shared throughout this new blog post as well as continuing with my own train of thought. Always feel free to share! You may post via FB where I have added these posts or you may post below in the comment section by hitting the button that says: "no comments" or "two comments" or whatever the case may be. Then it will open to a new page, scroll you down to an open comment box, and you can comment there or you can reply to others via this same format. It's awesome. 

   Suzy responded and told me her church looked at particular verses and found out what jumped out at them. They each shared their perspective of what the scriptures meant to them and what grabbed their own attention first and foremost. I like that we all can take the same quote, saying, song, scripture, or anything really and apply it to our own life. That's mainly what this blog is about. When we hear and look at something new or old, we take on a whole new perspective about what it could mean. Occasionally it means something different to every person who reads or hears it. At other times, minds connect and think along the same paths. 

   I've read this scripture several times, but because of where I am in life right now (and I know quite a few friends and family members who are at the same place), I focused on the 40 days and 40 nights. Perhaps because my spirit needs rest. Maybe because I am wondering how to get back on the same page with the Lord. Then again, it could be that I really want to find out how to bring peace and ministry to my soul and learn more about Christ and His walk on Earth. Really find my connection to Him. Or it could be that I just need a break from life. Doesn't everyone feel that way at least one time in their life? If you never have, then please post me what your secret is. 

   Ralph responded and said that he equated the 40 days and 40 nights to our 40 years of hard work. That we wouldn't get any of that rest and time away from this daily world until we reach retirement. That then you'd reach the "Promise Land", hopefully. Then rest and peace would be ours for the taking. I liked this perspective and could see where it matched up in various ways. Life is a constant temptation, work, and unexpected craziness. There are the happy times and the sad times. I can see where 40 days and 40 nights could be lengthened into the 40 years of our work life and how it is a continual battle of good and evil. Or whatever we consider good and evil. I suspect those definitions would change from person to person as well.

   If I relook at the 40 days and nights in the context of working my way through the wilderness until my Promise Land is in sight, then I can see how it may take until retirement to have a few days off and to myself to replenish my soul. However, I keep thinking that there must be a way to step outside the mainstream and have 40 days and nights away from the chaos of our daily life and world.

   So, I've been thinking. I know. You're all astonished. I'll wait for the gasps to end. Those who know me best know that my mind never stops. Well, maybe we can have 40 days and 40 nights to recharge. We just might not be able to take it all at once. Yeah, it'd be nice if that could happen, but until we're either all rich or dead or retired (as Ralph pointed out), I don't believe we will get there anytime soon. Sorry about that.

   The alternative is to carve out time that helps you keep that 40 days and 40 nights in perspective as a time to draw closer to God (Yah), give peace to your soul, or just take some time to rest your mind from the overwhelming tasks at hand. Some of you may be doing that already but may not see it as such.

   Take a moment to really focus on what you do for you. Are you taking time to keep your life refreshed? What do you do to renew your spirit?

   I have friends that exercise not only to stay healthy but to work out their frustrations. Others dance, some write, many read, a few sing, some watch television or movies, many visit family or friends and just talk things out; I know of a few that take bubble baths or draw, paint, keep to themselves on their days off. All of these are great ways to take time for yourself. There are several that pray, meditate of God's Word, or go to church to visit with other saints. I personally do several of these activities but at different times. Sometimes it just feels like I'm feeding my spirit whatever it needs at the time it needs it. Ya know?

   What do you like to do most when you are in desperate need of 40 days and 40 nights to yourself? Feel free to let me know below! I'd like to hear if you have anything new to add that others could try.

   Have a HAPPY week!! Remember to re-energize each day!!

~Love and Hugs!! :)