Carve Out That Quiet Time When You Can

I try to be disciplined in my quiet time regimen. My ideal scenario is to get up early around 4 or 4:30 AM... Read a little bit of The Word, and write a devotional. I also love to listen to Dr Charles Stanley's broadcast at 6 AM when I can...

But when the best disciplined schedules go awry I just try to steal that quiet time when ever I can. As I'm walking to work is a good time for me, or as I'm commuting in the car somewhere. Even as I'm standing in a line at the grocery store. And even when I am getting my regular early morning quiet time, I still like to use those extra opportunities that pop up through out the day to connect with my Savior.

And I can notice a distinct tug on my heart and soul when I'm not getting enough quiet time. Especially when I've had a busy week like this past week. Or, this upcoming weekend...

Today I'm taking the time this morning to just slow down, decompress, and get my act together.

I caught up on some Christian subscriptin e-newsletters that I get regulary and was delighted to read in the Barna Report about noted Author Anne Rice, and what she's been up to lately.

I've read many of Anne's novels and she delves very deeply into the supernatural world of Vampires and Witches. I remember a few years ago taking some time aside to pray for her soul because some of the things she would write about were so graphic, I wondered how she did the research to come up with her material. Especially her knowledge of voodoo and witchcraft. I realized that she must really expose herself to some gory, explicit, and very unchristian situations, whether in person or through research.

Finally, at one point I determined that I wouldn't read her books any more, even though I enjoyed them. I really felt it was harmful for a Christian to fill his mind with so much occultic information, even if it was disguised in the form of a popular fiction novel. And I felt convicted that I was reading Anne Rice type literature and not even coming close to giving equal time to bible reading and other endevors that would have a greater impact on my eternal life.

But according to this report I read, Anne has had a change of heart about her subject matter and is currently writing a series of historical novels about the life and times of Jesus.

Here's a link to the report: http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=Review&ReviewID=17

I'd say that is a good praise report for today. Anne Rice is without a doubt tremendous writing talent. And it's awesome to see her using her gift in a more positive way. I'll look forward to buying her book, reading it, and offering my own literary critique...

Coach Sam