Tag: Goodness

Being Loved

How’s It Going?

Smitten With Goodness

What if I told you that true freedom isn’t about doing whatever you want—but about being free to live as God calls you to live? That’s what real freedom is: the ability to do God’s will, to worship Him, and to love as He loves.

And here’s the truth: many of us are held back by the comforts and distractions of this world. Too often we have a disordered amount of screen time, unhealthy food or drink habits, and/or a lack of discipline pull us away from the freedom Christ offers. We are Christians but we live as slaves.

Last year, I read the bible in its entirety with the Ascension Bible in a Year podcast. I was in tears as I finished. It was such a gift to immerse myself in Gods word, get to know his character and hear him speak to me. It changed my heart. It was tough to remain faithful but through perseverance I was able to achieve the goal. I thank my son for his nudging a few years ago who said you’re a Christian but haven’t read the Bible?

I’m certain God is stretching me this year into a deeper understanding and relationship. My mantra is:

Make. Every. Effort.

It’s hard for me to stay focused and go deep into things. All the “good” things out there are overwhelming and always seem to catch my attention. I know I’m tired of living on the surface which is where distractions lead me. Freedom is worth fighting for, once we know what it is.

Being Loved

Where is Your Star

Smitten With Goodness

There’s a reason we are to aim for the stars. Perhaps not in the way our culture expresses this aspiration. But like the wise man (magi or kings), who traveled a great distance, following a star, to find baby Jesus after he was born, what distance will you travel this year to know your belovedness?  

We plan time for daily prayer, reading scripture, slowing down enough to catch our breath to notice God but the daily stress and chaos of life always suck us into the vortex. When you find yourself in this mess, do you go it alone like our culture ingrains in us or like the wisemen do you stop and look to the stars and seek Him? 

We have a choice and this is the spiritual battle. We can be distracted by things of this world, even the good things. 

What star do look for? Am I focused on God’s will for my life, or am I  distracted by lesser “stars” of media, status, and material goods? In what ways can I better acknowledge Jesus as my King, our God, and our Savior in the coming year?

If we follow our North Star of Christ, we can rest in the chaos knowing we are loved. When we seek Him, we find Him. We find God, truth and the beauty of our faith.

Teach Us To Pray

Simeon’s Prophecy 

Smitten With Goodness
Season of thanksgiving in prayer

Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

“Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:29–32

On this, the fifth day of the Octave of Christmas, we are given the witness of the prophet Simeon.  This holy man was promised by God by a personal revelation that he would actually see, with his own eyes, the Savior of the World.  Throughout his life he would have anticipated this moment.  He would have longed for it and hoped for it.  And then, one day the moment came.  Simeon would have woken up that day, going about his normal routine like any other day.  However, the moment that Mary and Joseph brought their newborn Child into the temple, Simeon knew in his heart that this Child was the promised Savior.

Lord, I thank You for the great witness of Simeon the Prophet.  Thank You for Your fidelity to Simeon in letting him see You as a little Child.  May I always imitate his great faith and seek You all my life, waiting for You to come to me in veiled ways so that my heart may rejoice in Your presence.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Inspiration

Guidelines For Life

Smitten With Goodness
Reflections for contemplative living

There are a number of universal principles to be considered in the plan of God for our lives and there are certain things every Christian should do. God does have a plan for our lives and this plan is good. To discover this plan, we need to follow the guidelines given in Scripture: give thanks, be set apart, do what is right, and understand suffering and glorification in Christ. These are the biblical guidelines we are given to live life.

Continue reading “Guidelines For Life” →
Inspiration

Beyond The Surface

Smitten With Goodness
Reflections for contemplative living

Recently, when I was talking with a friend and asked how she would like to grow in her spiritual life this year, she answered that she would like to see more fruits of the spirit in her life, like patience. We find growth in our spiritual life through the fruits that we produce.

Continue reading “Beyond The Surface” →
Inspiration

Seeking Wisdom

Smitten With Goodness
Reflections for contemplative living

The practice of Lectio Divina allows us to discover what God’s passages in the Bible mean for each of us personally. I’m slowly working my way through the Gospel of Matthew, which is rich with wisdom. When I “Ask” (my word of the year), I usually find an answer during my time in the Word or holy reading.

Continue reading “Seeking Wisdom” →