My Daily Coffee Date

We just got home from a family vacation in Disney World over the kids' Spring break.  We enjoyed Mickey and friends with my husband's family and celebrated my father-in-law's birthday while we were there.  It was a week of nonstop excitement, thrilling rides, and kid friendly entertainment.  We made lots of memories.  I return to reality absolutely exhausted and especially thankful for the uninterrupted time we were able to spend together as a family just having fun.

Did I mention that Disney was nonstop?  That magical place is a very busy hot spot, and it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of getting from here to there.  Then again, that's how most days are around here with a house full of boys (big and small).  So from that standpoint, I guess life at home can be like a day at our favorite amusement park!

For sure, life can take me for a ride.  Before I know it, I have landed in the fast lane, bounced around on bumps in the road, and thrown myself for a loop or two on an unpredictable roller coaster.  All the more reason for me to get my day off to a good start and wake up on the right side of the bed.  I've already mentioned that my morning routine has become a huge part of my everyday faith.  I am very intentional about my coffee date with God first thing each day, PJs and all (see my blog post "We Can't Make Time But We Can Take It").  I spend part of that time reading the Bible.  It's my therapy and life coach.  But even before I do that, I like to read a daily devotional, Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace In His Presence, by Sarah Young. 



This book is available at amazon.com, and it's a great way to start the day.

When Mom was first diagnosed with cancer and still in the hospital, a dear childhood friend gave her this book.  Mom, my sister, and I read this book together through some very rough times.  It helped us focus our thoughts on the certainty of God and his love for us instead of the uncertainty, fear, and pain that was all around us.  Even now, this book quiets my analytical, problem solving, list making mind as I face the day ahead and awakens my soul to the peace and joy of being with God.  It is written to help readers experience the quiet, still presence of God. 

"Be still, and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10 

 I don't know about you, but in my rush, rush, rush life, I need some help sitting still and being quiet.  And the Lord knows, I need stillness to really know Him and what it is He is calling me to do each day.  That's why I love this book, Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace In His Presence.  It reins me in, helps me let God in, and nurtures a more intimate relationship with Him.  Trust me, I need all the help I can get!


A prayer for today-

Dear Heavenly Father and Comforter,

Thank you for your nurturing presence in my life.  Help me to trust you and experience more and more of the joy and peace that comes from inviting you to be with me in all that I do.  Please, Lord, show me ways to quiet my mind and awaken my soul to you.  Draw me closer to you.  May I feel and know the power of your presence in my life everyday.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

Love in Christ,