Asking for Me to talk to you is not weird, or ‘just magical thinking’. I am your Creator, and it’s natural and good to communicate with me often and fluidly. I want words and thoughts to flow easily and genuinely between us. My love for you is REAL. Our connection is true and valid. Prayer is not a fake thing. Try it again, if you haven’t done it in a while. Stop the worldly pace long enough to be still, and know that I am God. I want to calm your anxious thoughts, and soothe your worried mind. I want to listen and help soften your edges. I know the big picture of your life. Bring your thoughts to Me, – every one of them. I am here! Learn to recognize that I am listening, always. Listen for My voice, and learn to recognize My love and tenderness for you. Seek Me with all your heart, and find Me already with you. You don’t have to face the world alone. Talk to Me about it. Listen, and watch for evidence of My reassuring response to you. I am a trustworthy confidant.
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Take a Nap
Do you find yourself feeling exhausted or unsettled? Somewhere, somehow, – in the next 24 hours, – take a nap. Carve out time for yourself this way. My design is for you to include times of rest, for it is only in physically slowing down that you can hear Me and gain perspective. I know you crave a slower pace, and less demands on your time. You may be thinking “How on earth am I supposed to just stop and take a nap?!” It may feel like a ridiculous request. I won’t define how long it needs to be, nor will I expect you to fall into deep restful sleep. This may or may not happen as a result, but the point is to conscientiously SLOW DOWN. Be tender and attentive to your need for rest, giving yourself permission for a time out. Use this time of your choosing to quietly observe and absorb your surroundings. Place whatever comes to the surface of your mind intentionally into My hands. Hand it all over, and listen for a response. You need Me in this way far more than you need to be constantly productive. In seeking and in rest, you shall be renewed.
Lighten Up
Find something to make you laugh, or at least chuckle about, today. Anything, – except negative or destructive humor. You could use a little lightening up! Being so serious all the time can weigh you down. It weighs Me down just to see your furrowed brow. I notice how hard you are concentrating, giving evidence to the pressures you carry. I so desire to change your outlook. Let Me brighten the view for you. Think back to some place or experience that made you smile or belly laugh. Try to recall what your face looks like when deep laughter takes over. I am still a playful and joyful God, you know. When you find yourself under a heavy blanket of grief, depression, responsibility, or anxiety, I will rest there with you; – but I still call My people to places, moments, and glimpses of joy. Laughter equals the sound of hopefulness. Seek this lilting sound somewhere in your day. Be that ray of hope for others, even if all you can muster up is a half-smile. That’s a start. I am truly a God of hope, with the promise of Goodness to arise out of ashes. Join Me, if you can, in a moment of giddiness to ease and delight your Spirit.
I’ve Got This
You don’t need to be so afraid. I’ve got this. The day ahead may have unanticipated pressures, but I already know about them and how, together, we will resolve them. Move with Me, deliberately and intentionally aware of My companionship and might. With confidence, speak holy words of wisdom and thoughtfulness around others. When things come up and stressful tension starts to rise, pause, close your eyes, and envision My loving face reminding you, “I’ve got this.” I will help you figure out answers, responses, and next steps. Before you know it, the day will come to a close. All which needs to be addressed or accomplished will have been taken care of for this day by My Grace, and the rest is meant for another day. Pause often. You need Me, and you will find Me already in your midst.
My Voice
My voice is mighty, although you do not always hear it. It is powerful enough to mend your broken heart. It is resounding enough to cover the extent of your concerns. My voice rises above the waters, – ALL waters, – whether they are peaceful and still or rising with torrential waves. Stop. Listen. I call you to recognize first and foremost how much you are LOVED. Dip your toes in this soothing water, hearing My blessed reassurance. Turn to face Me, and find that I accept you as you are. Once you do this, listen for My call to guide you into the day. It may be a simple message, or I may ask for bold and courageous action. Either way, you are fully Mine and I am yours.
Down a Notch
Why are you so hurried all the time? The pace you drive is not always helpful or important. Teaching yourself to slow down would be a good thing, for it allows My hand to be more at work in your life. When you are rushed from place to place or activity to activity, it becomes too easy to overlook that which is essential in the moment. It also builds anxiety and stress, and My ever-present call to you is for peace. Bring life down a notch, even in the middle of this busy holiday season, purposefully. See how much more aware you become of needs, and of My brilliance surrounding you. You can then respond accordingly. Take secret pleasure in recognizing this spiritual accomplishment. My ways are not the world’s ways.
No Aimless Wandering
Do you find yourself feeling anxious already today? Don’t deny My Presence with you. I long for you to acknowledge Me. Actively seek to be communing with Me. Avoid wandering aimlessly into your day, – busy with tasks galore but absent-mindedly unaware that I am always with you. This kind of self-reliance will trip you up. Start your day with Me instead, asking for guidance. Be receptive to all I have in store for you. Familiarize yourself with My soothing voice expressing love for and confidence in you. This is not just “all in your head”. My love for you is real, and is the greatest truth you can ever know! I say it again: Don’t deny My Presence, both with you and in you. The richness of right relationship with Me has endless Goodness in store when you choose to be aware of Me and My purpose in your life. No more aimless wandering; come with Me into your day.
Holy Desire
What are you hungry for? Attention? Prestige? Stability? Excess? Find your ultimate security and pleasure in Me first. When you fix your eyes on Me, something happens to the appeal of other things. You realize these things alone won’t satisfy you, – or bring you peace, – like being in relationship with Me does. Your desires can be for Good when brought into focus by My Lighting. You may need to release your grip on what you are striving toward for a while, allowing Me to take away that which is unhealthy for you, and to reorder your priorities. Be hungry for Love first, and for the good of all. Stand ready to take notice of times when you need to retreat into the background. I will organize for the greater Good, and you will find satisfaction as you see it unfold. Be filled with holy desire. We are One.
God Can Take It
Posture yourself in such a way that you can remove distractions. Physically place your feet on the floor, and imagine them embedded in My word. If anything is uncomfortable, simply take note and acknowledge it, picturing Me receiving it. Physical discomforts, emotional distress, thoughts, concerns, worries…pile it on Me. I can take it, – all of it. Petty annoyances, too. It is these things that cloud your mind and weigh down your shoulders. I want to help lift the weight of the world off of you. I want your wellness, your balance; I need your right-focus. As you hand these items to Me, clear your mind to recognize My guidance. Breathe. Really, – breathe deeply and find calmness settling in. No matter what the day has in store, I am ready for you, and I am readying you for it, as well. Steady yourself this way as I equip you to deal with whatever comes your way.
Turn the Handle
I give you this day. Notice Me in it. Something will speak to you – perhaps in a bird’s song, in the quiet & stillness, or maybe through a voice speaking words you long to hear. Listen for Me. Look for Me. Beauty is all around if you take time to get the right perspective. I know your pains, your worries. I AM attending to them, you can rely on that with certainty. You can still find peace, even when all does not seem “right”, by focusing on TRUST in My Goodness and My help. Ever constantly, I stand at your door waiting for you to turn the handle to open it. I AM there. I will wait.
Spoken to Me 