Spiritual Growth...

I have started something new.

I have committed to spending more personal time with the Lord.

I want my relationship to grow deeper with Him.

I spend time with Him throughout the day.

I am in prayer each morning before my feet ever hit the floor!

We study scripture and pray throughout our daily lives.

It is our way of life.

Yet I have been longing to have a specific time.

A time that I set aside personally, alone with God.

Some find time before anyone else wakes. Others find time in the evenings or at bedtime. In our home, Caterpillar is our alarm clock! He is up every morning at 6:00am. So early morning before anyone rises has not worked for me. However, I have found a good fit. After breakfast and chores, I do enjoy a cup of coffee before we start our school day. I usually utilize that time to check email or do other computer things. Well, that time has been kicked to the curb, and now it belongs to God! I have started reading Face to Face: Praying the Scriptures for Spiritual Growth by Kenneth Boa. A dear friend and sister in Christ recommended it and I thank her from the bottom of my heart. It has changed my days. It has changed my life. It has changed my heart. Devoting this time has reminded me to keep my focus and center on Christ daily, and throughout the day. It has renewed my thoughts, my heart and my desire to follow His will.

The book is laid out in a simple format, with scriptures to read and reflect on daily. The first part of the book is done in a daily format with five short sections of scripture: The Attributes of God; The Works of God; My Relationship to God; The Character I Want to Cultivate; and My Relationship to Others. After reading through the scriptures and reflection in part one, I turn to the second part of the book, which is in a topical format. It takes each of the five sections of the first part into a topical format with more scriptures for a deeper study and reflection. These Bible passages bring you face to face and heart to heart with God in relationship and prayer. It has been the best 15-20 minutes of my day. It has been a wonderful blessing.