A Fresh Start — For a renewing experience, journey deeper into the Word.

By Caralee Adams

When Angela Beatty, a Thrivent Financial member and mom of three in Charlotte, North Carolina, finds her world spinning out of control from trying to do too much, she knows it’s time to stop, find a quiet place and open her Bible.

It started when her children, now 10, 12 and 14, were all in school, and Beatty began devoting a significant amount of time to volunteering at church, school and a homeless shelter. “I was spinning so fast doing so many good things for other people, I wasn’t being re-energized,” says Beatty, whose husband, Charles, is a financial representative with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Beatty began questioning her identity and looked for spiritual answers in prayer and self-help books. Finally, she realized that nothing was more powerful than the simple act of reading the Bible.

“I needed to let myself off the hook and accept that I didn’t have to please God by doing so many things for other people,” Beatty says. “And the only place I can hear over and over how much love is radiating from God and how much Jesus wants to give me life is from Scripture.”

Five years ago, she made the commitment to open her Bible every day. Sometimes, it was just one verse at 11 p.m.; other days it was an entire book of the Bible. But the daily habit grew.

Beatty says her new routine made her a happier, more playful person who laughs more. “I’m getting my energy straight from Jesus, and I’m not as dependent on getting it from my kids or a best friend,” she says.

If she gets too busy, Beatty now can sense the spiritual breakdown looming and knows to refocus on her inner life. This might mean taking a long, quiet walk or even stepping away from her routine and going on an overnight retreat on her own.

“Nothing beats stopping the world and being alone. I just read how God is alive and how much love is lavished on me,” she says. When she goes away, her husband is in charge, and the family understands and supports her because they see the positive difference in her outlook when Beatty returns.

When others doubt her advice and the power of reading the Bible daily, Beatty encourages them to just try it. She suggests starting with the Gospels or reading short books, such as Ephesians or Galatians, straight through for just 30 minutes and repeating the process until God’s Word really opens up to you.

Beatty says that people need to “stop trying so hard to create more.” Instead, she suggests, “Go to where you can hear the Creator. It relaxes you in life.”

Caralee Adams, a freelance writer in Bethesda, Maryland, specializes in personal finance, education and parenting issues.

First Steps
Log on to www.lutheransonline.com and access links to uplifting daily devotions from your Lutheran church body. You also can find an online community of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members to chat with about matters of faith.