TPDL-Day 14

Day 14 - When God Seems Distant

Point to Ponder: God is real, no matter how I feel.
Verse: "For God has said, 'I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.'"
Hebrews 13:5 (TEV)
Question to Consider: How can I stay focused on God's presence, especially when he feels distant?

UPDATE ~

Although God has promised he will never leave or forsake me, he does not promise I will always feel his presence. I have never looked at feeling disconnected from God as his way of developing my faith. Estrangement is not punishment, but a means to deepen my faith and worship my Lord. I need to please God through faith, not feelings.

Jesus gave up everything so I could have everything. And he died so I could live forever. What greater gift is there to be eternally thankful for.

Amazon's Kindle

I love to read ... to the extreme of not maintaining my home like I should or cooking the elaborate gourmet family meals that I plan in my head. And now with a daughter devouring books at the same speed as I inhale Girl Scout cookies, this investment makes more sense. I've also discovered that three or more 600+ page books weigh more (and occupy more space) than I choose to pack for a vacation.

This is now the number one item on my wish list. Which really isn't a list, since I have three children and all the financial requirements that go along with providing for them. A Kindle is not a necessity, just a frivolous indulgence. Someone please indulge me!

TPDL-Day 13

Day 13 - Worship That Pleases God

Point to Ponder: God wants all of me.
Verse: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
Mark 12:30 (NIV)
Question to Consider: Which is more pleasing to God right now - my public worship or my private worship? What will I do about this?

UPDATE ~

Worship accurately, based on scripture truth, not opinion or idolatry.
Worship God with your true heart and authentic self.
Praise God through specific and thoughtful worship.
Be a willing sacrifice, focusing on God, not yourself.

God wants all of me, not just the bits and pieces that I am willing to share. He wants full commitment, total obedience and all-out devotion. I need to jump in, not just dip my toes.

TPDL-Day 12

Day 12 - Developing Your Friendship With God

Point to Ponder: I'm as close to God as I choose to be.
Verse: "Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you."
James 4:8a (NLT)
Question to Consider: What practical choices will I make today in order to grow closer to God?

UPDATE ~

God expects total honesty and full disclosure, not perfection. I need to work through my "hidden rift" with God, letting go of my resentment over past pains. Bouts with doubt are normal and I do not need to hide them from God.

Close friendship with God does not make me his equal. Obedience out of love and trust is necessary for a deeper relationship with God. Simple acts done out of loving obedience are treasured by God.

I no longer need an agenda, but need to follow God's agenda. "Friends of God tell their friends about God" - simple and direct.

I choose to develop a deep friendship with God. Going through the motions is not enough anymore and I've heard God's wake up call. It's time to step it up.

My Creations Display Album

I'm creating a CTMH My Creations Display Album for my scroffice and thought I'd post the first two completed pages. The display album includes chipboard covers with 12 spiral-bound 6" x 6" page protectors. It's the perfect size for my desk area and will show-off 12 month-specific photos of my family. I'm highlighting a different family member during their birthday month and filling in the rest of the year with a favorite seasonal or holiday photo.

supplies used (all CTMH):

My Creations Display Album

Key To My Heart paper pack

Dimensional Elements - Fresh Shapes

Clear Inspirations Ribbon Slides

chocolate ribbon & natural hemp

Connections Club charm

TPDL-Day 11

Day 11 - Becoming Best Friends With God

Point to Ponder: God wants to be my best friend.
Verse: "Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him."
Psalm 25: 14a (LB)
Question to Consider: What can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to him more often throughout the day?

UPDATE ~

God desires an intimate relationship with him. "Knowing and loving God is our greatest privilege, and being known and loved is God's greatest pleasure."

Developing a friendship with God must include constant conversation and an attitude adjustment on my part. Everything I do can be done for God, maintaining an awareness of his constant presence. This will be a new habit for me.

Meditation means focused thinking. I am a worrier by nature, so meditation should be easy. I just need to switch gears and focus on God's words.

TPDL-Day 10

Day 10 - The Heart of Worship

Point to Ponder: The heart of worship is surrender.
Verse: "Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes."
Romans 6:13b (TEV)
Question to Consider: What area of my life am I holding back from God?

UPDATE ~

Barriers blocking my surrender to God:
1. FEAR - My desire to control circumstances and outcomes tells me I still have not surrendered to God. I need to fully trust that he knows best for me. And I can't fully trust him until I know him better.
2. PRIDE - I've never looked at my desire to control all aspects of my life as a "struggle with God". Taking charge is just my way of doing things. And now that I've typed-out "my way of doing things", it makes sense. It's not about my way, but God's way. Seems so simple, yet so hard for me.
3. CONFUSION - I need to "let go and let God" and trust more.

I am choosing to surrender to God, not chaos or other idols such as money. My plans (controlled situations) must be put aside in order to fully surrender to him. I am asking for Jesus to take the wheel.