When I blog, it comes from the heart and when I find others who share the same passionate heart, I want to share their writings when I can ask them ito b a guest blogger. As you will remember, Donna Childre is one of those talented writers who is inspired by her faith and I think a little inspiration may come from her home place named very appropriately Huffer Haven. She and her husband Greg Childre have a menagerie of animals. Together with an inspired and devoted heart, she leads the way in down to real life spiritual messages that are instructive and filled with devotional passages. Today, we welcome Donna back to Sipping Cups of Inspiration so sit down on a porch with a glass of ice tea and listen with your heart to her message below:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
We live in a world in which we are surrounded by constant distractions. The distractions can sometimes overwhelm me. That’s when I know that I must slow down and remember what’s really important. I’ve never quite thought about it in terms of practicing the presence of God but this morning that’s where my mindset is. Practicing………
It is so easy to get caught up in circumstances and lose sight of God’s plan. It’s also very easy to feel trapped and scrutinized……..until…….you remember to practice the presence of God. He doesn’t leave nor forsake. That’s when I know that I cannot succumb to feelings of judgment from others nor hostility toward those who disagree. Practicing God’s presence relieves me from trying to “fix” others as well as measuring myself against standards set by others.
It’s a 3 step plan in my mind. (Lola Dickens Atkinson, notice the number.) First, regularly spend time in God’s Word. Next, keep your eyes on Him and remember His plan is best! Finally, remember that God is a good Father and He will not leave nor forsake. He is faithful to keep His promises.
“I raise my hands, bow my head
I’m finding more and more truth in the words written in red
They tell me that there’s more to life than just what I can see
Oh I believe.” 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
In a world riddled with pain, fear, and overwhelming distractions, I pray that I stay focused on what God wants to do in my life. I trust Him in every circumstance.” ……….written by Donna Childre
Donna followed up with the following thought for further clarification:
“For it is commendable if we bear up under pain and suffering and endure grief because we are conscious of God.” 1 Peter 2:19
🎶🎶🎶🎶 Take the name of Jesus with you. Child of Sorrow and of Woe. It will Joy and Comfort give you. Take it then wherever you go. Precious Name, oh how sweet. Hope of Earth and Joy of Heaven. 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
Yesterday, I wrote about practicing His Presence. I’ve worried a bit about possible misunderstanding of what I wrote. You see, we don’t have to practice His Presence. He’s always there. What we must practice is the AWARENESS of His Presence. It is up to each of us to recognize the source of our strength and power and the peace and comfort that comes with that recognition.
This morning, my Mama’s calendar says, “This is peace — to be able to sleep in the storm! In Christ, we are relaxed and at peace in the midst of the confusions, bewilderment, and perplexities of this life. The storm rages, but our hearts are at rest.” So, I’ll praise Him in the storm. 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
God speaks to me in so many ways. Through His Word, the devotions of others, my Facebook friends and family, and usually through music, He speaks. He speaks and I find Him because I’m always looking and listening, practicing the awareness of His Presence.
In my mind, today I have a 3 point action plan. First, seek first His kingdom. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says to do all, everything for the glory of God. Whatever we do in word or deed, do it for Jesus. Second, look for God’s goodness. “Every good and perfect gift comes from above.” James 1:17 Finally, create places of rest and plan for periods of quiet. It’s in the quiet, away from distractions, that we hear best. Be still.
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:22-23
Let us become more aware of His Presence. Practice!
****************************************************************
Note from Arline Miller, blogger of Sipping Cups of Inspiration: Choose your friends by their positivity to your life. Pray out negativity while exchanging positive encouragement and assertion to others. We will keep the door open and the light on for talented writers who will give us their insightful thoughts. Thank you Donna Childre and do come and visit with my blog’s readers.
(C) Copyright 2012-2019 Arline Miller of Sipping Cups of Inspiration with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material is sourced to original location, if known, including photos, for credit references.
