Quiet Time Advice

As the New Year approaches, many of us will make resolutions in an effort to eliminate bad habits and develop better ones instead.

As Christians, our resolutions may not only apply to our physical lives, but to our spiritual ones. And for me, my biggest resolution needs to be related to the amount of time I spend alone with God-talking to Him and reading His Word.

But I always seem to get hung up on how to begin. Where should I start reading? How much should I read a day? What should I be looking for/thinking about as I read?

So Starting Point peeps, I am looking to you for advice. Is there a devotional that you just love that really helped you get your quiet times going? Are there certain books or authors who have helped you learn how to carve out that space and time devoted only to Him? Maybe a reading strategy or guide shared with you by a pastor or teacher?

Let's blow up the comment section with suggestions so that we can all make good on our spiritual New Year's resolutions!

More Christmas Party Pictures!!!

It was a full house at the Starting Point Christmas party! Standing room only!

Everyone is always so friendly!

Katie loves presents and she was giddy about the selection.

Jaime loved her prenatal pilates DVD.

An electric carver is always a winner.

Rebecca and April dressed for the occasion.

Chris loves snowman socks with black and red stripes. Unfortunately they were stolen...twice.

Who doesn't love a good puzzle?

Kyle couldn't contain his excitement.

Ashley was blessed with statuettes of bunnies playing sports...until they were stolen.

April and Joaquin were obviously joyful to receive such a shiny cookie jar.

Thief! He stole the bunnies playing sports.

Nicole and Jerry investigating what was in the gift they selected.

Anna was excited to unwrap the Clapper Josh has always wanted.

Lots of love to the Starting Pointers who were present and those who weren't able to attend! "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Christmas Party!!!

Friday night was the perfect time to gather for a Christmas party after the snow flurries we had during the day.

We enjoyed good food and great conversation before opening presents.

Katie thoroughly examined the pile of gifts before making her selection.

Jake and Jodi showed that they still know to properly open gifts as a couple. ( I apologize for the dark pictures. My photography skills are amateur at best and no one likes constant camera flashes.)

I know we have plenty of funny people in the group...but everyone was really on a roll that night!

Jerry and Nicole next to the gorgeous Christmas tree.

Kyle loved his vintage atlas. This is when my camera died. If Rebecca took your picture in front of the Christmas tree she has those posted on her facebook page. If anyone else took pictures at the Christmas party I would love for you to send me a few good ones to share with everyone. Chances are your photography skills are better than mine!

Zoo Day!!!

Last weekend we took a trip to the zoo. Here are just a few of the many pictures that were taken.

Everybody loves a giant lizard.

I wonder if the giraffes appreciate their custom barn. Check out those doors.

Elephants are always a must see.

Who loves getting Chris in trouble...I do!

Love her face in this one.

Sea Lions are very trainable.

Sweet girl!

Pretty but stinky.

Everyone was very interested to see all the animals.

This one seemed very interested in seeing us.

Why are the lions always asleep?

What else do you need when you have a ride and a snack.

Lunch time.

After lunch we started to go our separate ways. It was a great day and many of us enjoyed a nap afterwards.

Lunch!

A small yet jovial group met for lunch after church today. As you can tell from the pictures, we were quite cozy.

I swear we were happier to be there than we appear. Chris said he was taking a picture of Josh waiting in line...liar.

Gotta love Sean...so photogenic!

I know people aren't fond of seeing pictures of themselves eating but it is hard to avoid when lunch is the event.

The food was of course very tasty.

An atmosphere that shows a sense of humor is always appreciated.

Chris talking as usual.

Candid pictures are great...

We were impressed with Josh's eating ability but he assured us he could do better.

He was correct!

Watch out! Burritos don't stand a chance!

More Party Pictures...

Someone shared their Halloween Party pictures with me...can you tell who?