#Habits

The bible study group that I am participating in is called International Coffee Hour and we meet once a week on Sunday before the 11 am worship service to learn and discuss about various topics.

The series that we are in right now is called "Habits for Spiritual Growth" and so far we have covered 9 habits that are helpful for Christians to grow deeper and stronger with God and the community. Some of the habits that I can recall are: (not in particular order) bible study, worship, social justice, guidance, church and prayer. Some of these habits are familiar to me while some are new and worth pondering.

Over the years, I have started (or at least tried) to maintain some positive habits that I think helpful to discipline myself and to regulate my stress as a student. Most of the habits have morphed one way or the other as time passes to fit my needs and schedules at different semester or stage. 

But for the past few months, I have been trying to keep up with some of these habits and I could say that a big part of my effort were in vain. As a result, my stress and tension built up and I gave up easily. I gave up trying new possibilities or trying harder; plus I gave in to the temptation of binge eating, youtubing and jealousy.

I have had these lack of discipline moments before, but they were never as destructive as it is now. Realizing how serious my lack of discipline will impact every aspects of my life, tonight I decided to rededicate my daily life back to honoring God by obeying these good habits:

Sleeping habits:

1. Sleep before 12 am (latest at 2 am).

2. Wake up when the alarm rings (snooze at most once).

Time management:

3. Start my day with prayer and bible study.

4. Be responsible and diligent to work on assignment, reading and other work assigned.

5. When I face a difficult question, stand up, stretch and drink some water to relieve stress instead of go for snacks or nap.

6. Fill my gap time with reading useful materials or resting instead of surfing Facebook or youtubing.

Diet:

7. Drink more water.

8. Eat regularly : lunch at 12pm to 2pm and dinner at 5pm to 8pm. 

9. Refrain from eating after 8 pm.

10. Take fruits, vegetables or hot drinks as snacks instead when necessary.

These 10 habits covered the most important aspects of my daily life and I believe I will be more prepared for challenges everyday by maintaining these habits.

Lastly, let me end this "statement of re-dedication" with one of the verses that speaks dearly to my heart:

"Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others." - 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NLT)