Podcast: Play in new window

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

Do you remember when you first fell in love with God? When your heart was on fire and you did everything you could to draw close to Him?

The moments of getting to know someone are so special in the beginning because you understand the value of spending time together. But after a while, the intention can fade, leaving you feeling disconnected from the true Source of peace, joy, and love. 

This is especially true during the holidays. Between navigating family dynamics, purchasing the perfect gifts, and attending every holiday party known to man, there’s little time to plug into the Source and recharge. 

With all of the distractions competing for your attention and added responsibilities as you grow older, it’s no wonder that dedicated time with God can become a thing of the past.

I’ve learned that if I want to continue to grow in my relationship with God, then I have to take care of my spiritual health, even when life is pulling me in every direction. 

It’s deeper than taking care of your physical body and emotional health. Of course, that’s vital. But you also need to prioritize your soul care. 

That’s where spiritual disciplines come into play. They are the practices that keep you consistent in your journey with God. It’s easy to fall into the mindset that it’s the major moments that shape who you are, but it’s truly your daily habits that help transform you into who you will eventually become. 

For me, mindfulness and gratitude are two specific practices that help me align my mind and my heart with the promises and principles of God. And while the world may have its own interpretation of those practices, I consult the Word for what it really means to be mindful and aware of my blessings.

You see, mindfulness is really about getting in solitude and silence. Shutting off all of the noise and being quiet in the presence of God. When you surrender your time and your thoughts to make room for what God is trying to tell you,  prepare to be surprised by what you’ll be able to hear.

And the beauty of it is that you can make room for mindfulness during a stroll through your neighborhood, while in the shower, or during those few minutes you get right before drifting off to sleep at night. 

As God brings things to mind in your moments of solitude, I want to encourage you to write it down. When you practice getting your thoughts out and communicating with God, be sure to include anything and everything that you are grateful for. Meditate on God’s faithfulness in your life. This practice will help you approach your life through a lens of gratitude. 

According to an article by UCLA Health, there are several health benefits to being thankful, including improved sleep, better heart health, and less stress and anxiety.

If you find it difficult to think of anything to be thankful for, then start there. You’d be surprised how your perspective will shift as you focus on the good in life. 

These spiritual practices have the power to transform your thoughts, which will in turn alter your actions. Before you know it, you will find yourself becoming more of who God called you to be. All because you listened more to what He had to say and less to what the world tried to throw at you. And because you choose to reflect on the good, the bad will have to take a backseat. 

There’s no time like the present to meditate on who God is and what He has done in your life and the lives of others. 

The time that you set aside to meditate on the goodness of God and share your heart is sowing seeds for a new thing to take root in your life. 

Here’s to cultivating the spiritual discipline necessary to thrive and abide in God.

 

Highlights from Today’s Episode

  • Slowing down this holiday season
  • Paying attention to your life
  • Learning to abide in God
  • Starting a gratitude journal

Related Resources

Click to Post

 

Other Stuff to Check Out

Let’s Talk!

  1. What can you do to intentionally slow down this holiday season?
  2. When is the best time for you to prioritize solitude and silence each day?
  3. What are three things that you’re grateful for at this very moment?

 

Connect with me…​

Follow: Instagram| Twitter | Facebook| YouTube​

Listen: iTunes | Android | Google | Spotify| Stitcher​

Support: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation | Swag

​

How to Listen to The Podcast

If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!