Striving

My child, – your busy-ness concerns Me. I designed you for a balance between activity, service, and replenishment. Are you as devoted to Me as you’d like to be when you are over-run with your To-Do list? Taking time out for rest and simple, pure enjoyment of your surroundings is of equal value in My eyes. Stop all your striving for a change. If you could only see and trust how deep My love runs for you…and rest in the comfort of this Goodness…you would hear My voice again. Hear it in the bird’s song. See it in the quiet light of morning. Be comforted. Strip away all the clamor in your head trying to convince you of the tasks beckoning for your attention. It’s okay to do LESS sometimes, especially if you exchange that for time with Me. Come to the well; dip your cup in and drink of Me. Know that this is enough. You don’t have to be constantly accomplishing something in order to be loved by Me. Drink in the Goodness, and know that you are part of it. Soak in My Presence, and see how this quiet sensitivity to My Presence in your environment calms you and perfects the moment. 

Not Elusive

Take time daily just to listen. I crave speaking to you as much as you crave hearing Me. My words are simple; don’t try to make complex interpretations as if I am a scheming Lord trying to trick or elude you. You do not need to pass tests to find My Love for you. Each day I will guide your steps and show you the way to walk. Greet others along the way with Holy Love. Stop pressuring yourself with perfection. Attentive listening to others is enough. Show kindness in that. Measure kindness in full back to yourself, as well. Forgive, love, and bear with one another. This is enough.

Godly Traits

I have designed you with a spark in your eye and in Mine! Flaws and all, I made you uniquely,- and I AM IN YOU.  My children often forget that – that you have MY genes!  That’s what makes you “in My image”.  Head into this day realizing you are more like Me than you’ve given yourself credit for in the past.  You “take after Me”, you resemble Me – with mannerisms, wit, grace, style, kindness.  My offspring. Take the best traits in Me and make them all part of you today.  You “come by it naturally”. It won’t be hard.  Trust Me with the truth of your Godly heritage.

Shed the Details

Hear Me: I do not “reprimand you” – I am not that kind of God! If you face challenges that seem to attack your spirit, know that I may be forming or shaping you more into My likeness, and so choose to say, “thank you”. Choose to TRUST, knowing that I will reveal Myself to you fully each step of your life.  My ways are not meant to be hard. Sometimes they call upon you to stop focusing on the details, enlightening simpler priorities and gleaning peace from it all as you learn a life of simplicity.  Stop fretting; stop “sweating the small stuff”. Release those daily annoyances that frustrate you so much, and know that My Peace is within your grasp. I’m not a punitive God trying to teach some sort of mean lesson to you. My peace will satisfy far more fully than what this world defines as accomplishment or success. My peace I leave you; My peace I give to you…Not as the world gives, do I give. Joy unimaginable! Wonder beyond belief. All of this is within your reach. Shed the unimportant details.  Seek peace, and follow after it.

Shortcomings Overlooked

Spend time with Me, – not rushed, – …focused.  Take pleasure in this sacred space. I know you are frustrated with yourself. Your shortcomings feel like they are controlling your every move. I don’t see it like that. Yes, I recognize the times when you are less-than-what-I-have-taught-you. I see the times of irritation and short temper. I also see the times of patience, kindness, and deliberate choices to serve other’s needs before your own. I see you trying to “hold it all together” or put up a strong front. I look at this whole package and love you ever-so-much. You are My beloved! Holy and chosen for Good purposes. Stop being so down on yourself. Stop worrying about appearances. People love you and are drawn to you. I need you to do My works without overextending yourself to a point of resentment and bitterness. Rest. Fatigue can make all things sour. Slow your pace today and allow yourself time to pause and recognize My Presence and My partnership with you and those around you.  

Walk You Through

Have you ever heard someone say “I’ll walk you through it” when you are learning something new? That’s My message to you today: let Me walk you through it. I have full confidence in you, and in your capacity to learn what it is I am trying to teach you. Your life is two-fold: part of you is designed for MY purposes for other’s needs; the other part is designed for your own well-being. Sometimes these two things seem to be at odds with one another, especially when you are tired and seeking time out for yourself. I don’t place one before the other. BOTH are of equal importance in My eyes and My will for you. When you face an obstacle or challenge today, let Me walk you through it, -finding the balance needed for self-care and for care of others.  Remember, you are not alone, and it’s not all up to you. 

Rest Your Head

Imagine, if you will, a quiet place.  Warm temps, slight breeze, soft light.  Comforting surroundings.  A place where ALL YOUR NEEDS ARE BEING MET.  Go there in your mind and sit down.  Now, I come along to rest next to you. There is nothing unsettling or unsafe about My Presence. We sit together, relaxing, in silence.  You are aware of My Presence and it, too, comforts you. Today, try to remove the concerns, the worries, the comments, the decisions – all vying for time in your head.  Don’t worry about answers and solutions. Let the Light surrounding you FILL you. RESTORATION will result from this exercise.  You will be restored to right-thinking, restored of energy, replenished with peace in your spirit.  My Presence is enough to heal you.  Your needs ARE being met – choose to believe this, and trust will follow.  Come to Me in silence.  Rest your weary head. Enjoy My Presence.

“Untwisted”

Go forth into this day knowing you are well-equipped for whatever tasks are at hand. I give you the tools you will need – reasoning, wisdom, words to speak, energy to accomplish what is needed.  When anxiety begins to bundle you in knots, turn to Me to help untwist them.  I know what is important; I know what is necessary and what can be discarded, -but you do not always know or see these things as clearly.  When you find yourself overwhelmed or wrestling, think to turn to Me for help.  Pause, and allow the Great I AM to breathe calm into you & give you the direction you need, ONE PIECE AT A TIME.  Do not get caught up in worry over many things: one thing, and one thing only is all I designed you to do.

Content with Life

It’s okay that you don’t feel 100% joyful today. I never intended you to experience only joy when you decided to follow Me. I do gift you with the capacity to be grateful, though, – and joy is born out of gratitude. I also offer simple peace to you, with open access to finding your fill of that. My peace is always available. It takes self-discipline to learn to set aside your worries , wishes, and needs long enough to hear My ever-present reassurance that ALL IS WELL. Return to simplicity of thought. In the present moment, practice allowing a contentment with your life just as it IS, knowing that your future is addressed by My loving hands. 

Share Your Load

Remember that you are dependent on Me. You get so caught up into thinking you must push yourself and carry so much independently. I see your fearful insides, worrying that you can’t handle it all…That’s because you’ve forgotten that I will handle so much FOR you. I see you stooped over, falling down with the weight of your world. Look to Me instead. Seek Me first. Don’t wait until you are a frazzled, stressed out, crabby mess. Let Me soothe you. Let Me carry some of that weight. See how I lift that burden from your shoulders, allowing you to stand up straighter and lift your face and gaze to the heavens, – soaking in My Light! Stay faithful to Me. Share your load. My love for you will provide abundantly.