DAY 1: 365 DAYS OF DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD

I spent this weekend at a women's retreat with my church. Despite being physically tired, I find that spiritually I am wide awake and inspired. The weekend was spent learning about the Sabbath and how we bring the practice of observing Sabbath in our lives. There were no techniques shared but rather a simple explanation of it being a choice. We have the spirit of the Creator of the Universe coursing through our veins so our rest lies in choosing to rest in his spirit within us. The gateway to resting in the presence of God is gratitude. Expressing our thankfulness to him opens us up to hearing, seeing and feeling his spirit within us and allowing us to just be with Him. So, I invite you to join me on a 365 day journey of resting in the presence of our God and drawing closer to Him more than ever before.

Psalm 22:25-26 I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you. The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 320

I took my daughter to Boo at the Zoo this weekend. By the end of the evening, I was saddened by the actions of my daughter. While she did exercise self-control in eating the candy, her attitude had me thinking candy has become too important in her life. It was all about the candy. Can you worship candy? Yes, anything that takes your thoughts away from the Lord has become too much a priority in your life, too much an obsession, too much on your mind. So, while I have to pray my prayer for my own self-control, I need to pray with my daughter for her to turn away from the candy is everything attitude to thank you God for the blessing of these sweet treats and help me to exercise self-control and respecting the body you have given me.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 268

If you break down the meaning of arrogance, it comes down to selfishness. All of us have an unhealthy dose of arrogance within us at times. It happens when we get too busy to spend some time with the Lord. Selfishness started in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve wanting to know what the forbidden tree of knowledge could give them. They were not thankful for what God had already given them. This is where thinking too much of ourselves begins to take us away from God; when we are not gracious and thankful to God for all he gives us. But thankfulness is more than just a quick “thank you, God!” True gratitude is shown by our actions. God created us in his likeness because he wanted to be in fellowship with us. He walked in the garden with Adam and Eve and he wants to have some alone time with us, too.

Isaiah 2:17 The arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day, and the idols will totally disappear.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 149

Everyday at my job is a struggle to be patient and to not fall into the complaining mode that is so easy. It is so easy to fall into the trap of complaining right along with the crowd. Thankfully today is a new day and another chance to get it right. Complaining is really just anger at not being in control and complaining with the crowd is just trying to be on their good side. So no matter the rules at my job, the lack of communication or direction, I have to let go of it all and know that God is ultimately the one in control, not a boss with too much on her plate or an owner who doesn’t really understand. Humbly, I must do my job with joy and thankfulness.

James 5:9 Don’t grumble against each other, brothers or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 243

Easily one of the best parts of my job is knowing that I have helped an alarm company get off on the right foot when it comes to how they need to proceed to be in compliance with the law. It is especially delightful for me getting emails back from alarm companys with an excited thank you in it. Appreciation is a funny thing. The more you receive it the better you feel and the more you give it the better you feel too. Being thankful is more than a one day thing which is why I started this whole challenge on Thanksgiving last year. It is amazing how some appreciation can make you feel both in giving and receiving it. I am so thankful to God for the gift of appreciation people can give to each other and am thankful for the reminder that it goes both ways. Take the time to say the words, send an email, make a phone call, make a card and send it. In whatever form you choose, challenge yourself to share your appreciation for others everyday. It really does make you shine and will make the one who receives it shine too. Check out this mini study on appreciation that I found at http://www.discipleshiptools.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=37155&columnid=4166

Ephesians 5:20 Sing and make music inyour heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.