A Good Orderly Direction

I love reading the quotes I’ve collected over the years. They remind me of the past seasons of my life and in some ways, those quotes still apply to my life today.

More than twenty years ago I picked up Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way. It was the first time I thought about nurturing my teensy weensy bit of propensity toward communicating through my writing. 

Somewhere within that book of hers were these words, “Keep Good Orderly Direction in your life.” The words most definitely resonated with my heart. If even creative people needed Good Orderly Direction, then I possessed at least that quality. 

I’ve found that reading the Bible gives good direction for my life. I’ve thought that way since the very beginning of my faith walk. Picking out my first Bible to read was not easy. I had no idea there were so many different translations. 

Years ago, I pursued the small book section of a drug store after work one day. There may have been three or four Bibles to choose from. I picked the one with the easiest language to read and understand; The Living Bible Paraphrased. 

I still use that Bible today. But I own other translations as well; The Amplified, The King James Version and the New King James Version. When I want to read a verse or passage from other versions that I don’t own, I go to a web site called Bible Gateway. There are a plethora of other versions to read at that site. 

When I first started my walk of faith, I had just graduated from college. I was in the habit of reading to learn and I still owned yellow highlighters. 

I was motivated to buy my own Bible because I was drawn to getting to know God. I believed the Bible would give me a good idea of God. 

So, with yellow markers in hand and reading with learning in mind, I began. I randomly started at Psalm 1 and read the entire book. I underlined, I highlighted, and I cried. The book expressed emotions I’d always felt, but could never put into words. The Psalms was the beginning of my education in emotional intelligence. 

Then I read Proverbs. It was and still is a good book. It gives instructions for living. 

I’ve read through the entire Bible a few times but now I find myself returning more often than not to Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Hebrews.   

Hebrews 4:12 from J.B. Phillips New Testament version of the Bible sums up why I still read the Bible “For the Word that God speaks is alive and active; it cuts more keenly than any two-edged sword: it strikes through to the place where soul and spirit meet, to the innermost intimacies of a man’s being: it exposes the very thoughts and motives of a man’s heart.” 

Have you ever tried reading the Bible for yourself? If not, you might want to shop for a version that suits you. Then, sit down and start. Read with learning in mind. 

There are sixty-six books in the Bible. It was inspired by God. But God used shepherds, prophets, a tax collector, priests, a physician and fishermen to write history, prophecy, poetry, wisdom, revelation and letters to believers. 

I’m sure there is something within the Bible that will resonate with you. 

Why Bother?

Why bother keeping a Good Orderly Direction in life? The world and its influencers are at our fingertips. Not all of it leads in a Good Orderly Direction. Having a solid source to go by will keep us from trouble.

P.S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who need clarity when it comes to understanding forgiveness. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.