What a blessing the past couple of days have been to me! I love it when the LORD surprises us with unexpected blessings. The past two months, I have been working Monday-Saturday. I feel as though I haven't had time to do much of anything other than work, sleep and eat. I have been looking forward to this day because I actually have the day off work. Aahhh!!! Blessed Quietness!! :) Also, this is the last week that I have to work Saturdays. I am super excited to go back to being a Monday-Friday kind of girl!

I have been desperately trying to keep up with the spiritual disciplines in my life such as time in Bible study, prayer, memorizing scripture, reading and solitude. I must admit that this has been quite a challenge over this past month. I almost felt as though I was performing a "duty" instead of savoring my time with the Savior. I have been looking forward to spending the day with Jesus! I am happy to say that my time with Jesus yesterday and today has been so wonderful! GOD IS SO GOOD!! I love to hear His sweet voice speaking into my heart and spirit as I worship Him.

Yesterday, as I was going to church, I was able to spend some time just praising the Lord! When is the last time you have just praised Jesus for who He is and not for what He has done for you? It is such a wonderful blessing to Praise Him!!! My husband and I began to sing and praise Him on our way to church and the tears began to flow. GOD IS SO GOOD!

Today, I have been reflecting on this past year and the healing that has taken place in my life. God has done such an amazing work in me and I just want to give Him praise and shout it from the mountain tops! I love Jesus and I love how He loves me! Oh, how HE loves you and me!

Recently, I had the opportunity to become a part of a wonderful organization that helps at risk young people. With this opportunity, I have a spiritual coach who has been speaking into my life. She spoke about the importance of solitude. Sometimes, we just need to get alone, turn off everything and focus on God. Think about who He is and all His attributes. It is amazing how when you set aside time for Him, HE SPEAKS!! I had been attempting to do this and was really struggling. I couldn't understand why I couldn't hear Him speak. Was He just not speaking to me? Was I too tired? Too stressed? Too distracted?

I have been reading a book by Wayne Cordeiro, The Seven Rules of Success. In the book, Wayne says that "The real question is not 'Is God speaking?' but rather 'Am I listening?'" He goes on to say that God's voice is all around us speaking, warning, coaching, coaxing and correcting. We must take time to listen!

Finally I realized, maybe it wasn't that He wasn't speaking, but I had too much going on to hear Him. Today, I have turned off everything. It's just me and the Lord. (Well, my dog Barnabas is here too, but he is sleeping!) What an awesome day I have had with Jesus!!! He has been speaking to my heart and I have been so blessed. I listened and then went to His Word and began to receive confirmation on what He was telling me. The Holy Spirit is so powerful and mighty! I love it when God speaks!

I just want to challenge you to spend some "Solitude Time with the Savior!" Set aside some time in the midst of the chaos and just focus on Jesus. Allow Him to speak to your heart. You will be so glad that you took the time to listen.

Listening and loving it,
Elisabeth