Competitive roller skating. It’s not well known; it never took off like ice skating. But those same jumps and spins, dance and figures we see with ice skaters, roller skaters do that, too. When I was a girl, that’s what I did.

I spent hours practicing. Not sure there was a night I wasn’t at the rink, including multiple lesson days and club nights. I practiced and practiced. I’m sure I had a permanently bruised tailbone for four and a half years – because jumps are hard to learn. Whether a concrete floor or a wooden one, falls hurt. Ice may be nice (my nod to Real Genius with Val Kilmer) but falling on it hurts, too. But falling is inevitable when trying something new; when learning a new skill. So we practice until we get good at it, and the steps to accomplish the task come effortlessly and automatically. Distraction may come once in a while to detract our focus and make us fall or stumble, but we get right up and move forward.

This is true in life, as well.

“If we say, ‘We have fellowship with Him,’ yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth.” 1 John 1:6

Walking in the light of Jesus’ truth, with fellowship with Him, takes a conscious choice on our part. We must actually practice living in truth – through time in His Word, prayer with Him, study, discussion, and even fellowship with others choosing this same path. We must choose wisely, of course, but that is probably a different discussion. But choose, we must. And do.

This world we live in now is filled with more distractions, time wasters, more entertainment, and more opportunities and encouragements to sin than ever before. Yet, there is nothing new under the sun. Our enemy simply finds different ways to package his enticements. “Escaping” the everyday and the desired path has truly never been easier. From movies and TV shows, to books and games; reels, videos and posts – straying from His truth is effortless.

The good news is that the opposite is also available – shows, movies, books, activities that nurture and encourage and feel life and truth are readily at our fingertips as well. So we must be diligent. We must choose to “practice the truths.” We must choose to steep ourselves in His Word, in prayer, and in encouraging and edifying fellowship. Choose those encouraging videos, books, movies, activities – not boring or dull, just encouraging and edifying.

Let no one be able to call you a liar. Let not the darkness attract you. Recognize God’s voice and His truths, and dive into fellowship with Him and the encouraging and edifying activies He had made available.

How are you practicing the truths? An equally important question – how are you choosing to stay clear of the darkness? Take charge of your time (what you see, what you read, what you listen to, what you do). Do life and #loveonpurpose. Every day. Be diligent in your stride to walk in His light. #LiveYourFaithBoldly and #discover all the blessings of a life with Jesus. In doing so, you will experience such a full joy and peace as you walk through this life.

Until next time.