This week we continued talking about the big P and the 3 t's. First, an overview of what the heck we are talking about.

First, the big P - The P stands for Purpose. If you don't really have a purpose or passion to develop a relationship with God, then no matter how much you know about how to get started, you just won't be able to follow through. So get that right. And don't kid yourself... just because you think about it or 'want' it does not mean you have a true passion to get to this destinations of having that relationship. Think of something you really have a passion for. Folks will have a hard time of keeping you from focsuing on that thing... it is where your time goes; your thoughts drift back to that; you hang out with folks with the same interest. But just sitting around stresssing about wanting to do something is not the same thing. 

There is a story about a chicken and a pig who were friends. They were thinking of starting ar restaurant. The chicken was in charge of coming up with a name and he did. He suggested the name "Ham and Eggs". The pig objected of the new company name stating "As a pig, I would be committed and you would only be involved". So think of your passion for developing this really great relationship along these lines. Are you a chicken or a pig? Will you give some eggs... or offer up some ham?

Now for the T's - The three T's stand for Time, Team and Technique. If you focus on setting aside time, developing some 'skills' and consider the team around you who will help make you accountable and call you out when you are not staying on track, you will have success. We discussed time management some last week. This week we talked a little on Technique. 

Technique take aways - Here are a few things to consider is you are really a 'pig' for Christ and want to learn how to get a better relationship with Him.

• Set aside a time - Just like you would with any friend you were looking to get to know better, set aside some planned time to hang out. Find a time that will be free from interuptions and a time when you have good energy. 
• Set aside a place - Think of where God might like to meet you. If you have a friend who loved nature you would likely find things to do with them outdoors. Think of where you and God can meet and talk. See if you can work that into your planning. 
• Plan a little - Don't just sit down and pray your normal short prayer, and don't just pick up your Bible and randlonly read. Look up some daily devotions on the internet; get a dedicated notebook to use as a journal to keep thoughts and notes; keep a list of folks and things you want to pray about; jot down notes throughout your day of things you are thankful for as they pop in your head. Then put a little structure to your time. Start with a prayer of worship and adoration and then ask God to be with you; then prayer thanksgiving; hit your prayer list; read over your devotional ready; and then reflect in your journal the things you are thinking and feeling and hearing and the things you want to commit to over the next few days. You pick your structure, but give it some thought ahead of time.
• A note on keeping a journal - most folks don't like to write, but it has been proven that writing something down with pen and paper is a great way to process thoughts that might otherwise go unheard or noticed. 
• Establish some rituals - So how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!! If you are starting your journey toward God, don't try for an hour a day 7 days a week on the first day. Pick just one thing you want to start doing and make that a ritual and then a habit. It could be just committing to writing in a journal every day. If that helps, keepit going. If it does not, drop it and try something else. Start building these habits and rituals so they don't require any forethought and become great habits. 

There is so much on the internet to help you in your devotions. Do a few Google searches to find devotion material, more tips on getting closer to God and to link up with others tackling the same issues. 

But remember, if you are struggling to get this going or find you just don't have the time... the first place to look is at your big P. If the WHY is big enough, then you can get past any How. 

Please comment with your thoughts for others benefit.