Sometime before the first of February, I decided to devote some time each morning to God. I have a devotional book on my shelf—Jesus Calling by Sarah Young—a page for every day of the year written as if Jesus himself were speaking. Each day a sentence or two leaps off the page, and I try to remember the message in its simplest form all day long. Please accept a few jewels from this month so far:
“Talk with Me about every aspect of your day. including your feelings. Remember that your ultimate goal is not to control or fix everything around you; it is to keep communing with Me.”
April 1
I didn’t grow up talking about my feelings, and once upon a time some counseling revealed my tendency to stuff them inside. At the time, I felt I had no one to talk to. Since then, I’ve opened up more. I understand vulnerability makes certain people uncomfortable, so I choose what to say to whom with care. We all need at least that one person, and God invites you to talk to Him about every aspect of your day, including your feelings. I find great comfort in an honest relationship like that.
Your deepest, most constant need is for My Peace. I have planted Peace in the garden of your heart, where I live, but there are weeds growing there too: pride, worry, selfishness, unbelief. I am the Gardener, and I am working to rid your heart of those weeds…Thank Me for troublesome situations; the Peace they can produce far outweighs the trials you endure
April 2
Oh boy, do I ever need peace? Sometimes I forget to thank God for my troublesome situations, but I’m trying so hard to remember this simple formula:
Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope
In Me you have everything. In Me you are complete.
April 3
Despite your beliefs in God, these are beautiful affirmations. I have everything. I am complete. It’s so easy to want more and to feel less than. Say it again. I have everything. I am complete.
A person who is open to My Presence is exceedingly precious to Me…I see you trying to find Me; our mutual search results in joyful fulfillment.
April 4
I’ll admit I was a little angry with God this year for just plain personal reasons, but I continued to feel His presence. It’s a comfort to know He considered me precious through my tantrum. Reading a devotion a day was a way to make peace with Him and find some balance for me. You know what they say about anger—it’s like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. I knew I had to let my bitter feelings go. I acknowledged the emotion by sharing it with God, and I’m trusting the Gardener to rid my heart of the weeds. Who doesn’t want to be filled with Love, Joy, and Peace?
Thanks so much reading my 2021 A-Z Challenge post today. That means a lot to me. This April, I’m sticking to a theme of action, mental and physical, things I might already do or haven’t attempted in years or maybe never. You know what else I’m trying for some balance? Answers found in these links: Abstain, Ballet, Cartwheel.
It brings me joy that you made it to the bottom of this post. Thank you so much for reading! For the April 2021 A-Z Challenge, I hope to stick to a theme of action—I’m thinking both mental and physical, continued current activities, those of days gone by, and possibly a few never attempted. You know what else I’m trying for balance in my life? Click links to posts so far: Abstain, Ballet, and Cartwheel.
Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope 
Hello Crystal, Goggle this song on you tube “I Talk to Jesus Everyday” by Johnny Cash Have a great day. Jerry
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I grew up on Johnny Cash, but I guess we didn’t have that album. Perfect song pairing. Thanks, Jerry! Have a good one!
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Great thoughts, as always, Crystal. Your writing reads like an easy conversation.
I can identify with every entry you shared from “Jesus Calling”—especially about choosing carefully who you are vulnerable with. Vulnerability is ok, but it does make some uncomfortable.
🙏❤️
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Thank you, David! It’s always good to know someone relates. Have a great week!
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That devotional is so simple and in such easy words that make it easier to stay with you through the day. The first one about sharing feelings with God was put so simply and yet makes one think why we do not always have a simple conversation with God.
Am enjoying these posts Crystal
Blessings 💙
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Hi Manu! Yes, I like these devotions because they are short and simple. I’ve often felt my prayers weren’t as good as other people’s. But I’m starting to realize that doesn’t matter. Just the effort in trying. Thank you, my friend.
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Your post this morning — Monday in the Easter Octave — really speaks to my heart. Since late childhood, I’ve started my day with early morning prayer, rarely hitting the floor running without at least saying a brief prayer. Now that I’m nearly 80 (really?), I treasure all these cumulative hours in the Lord’s presence.
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Thank you, Jo! That means a lot to me. Hope you have a wonderful week!
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I so needed to see this today. Thank you. I am getting the book.
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Well, that blesses me. Thanks for letting me know, SP. 🤍 I appreciate you for reading.
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Love this. Beautifully introspective and reflective. I thought of you actually yesterday as I packed up two more big bags of clothes to donate to a women’s shelter. You are a blessing in what you say ABOUT what you do. Shalom! Jane
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I love that you are still giving and humbled that I would cross your mind as you do. Thank you for sharing that with me, Jane. I appreciate your kind words more than you know.
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Deeply beautiful with wonderful insights.
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Thank you so much, Nico! 🤍
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Blessings.
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Whenever I’m testy with God, when I forsake her because I’m struggling and clearly it’s Gods fault, I read the gospel of John chapter 21, “Peter do you love me?” It restores my soul! C
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Love your perspective here, Cheryl. Thanks for sharing the ultimate restoration!
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I read that same devotional book every morning. 🙂
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This is my second attempt to make time every morning. It helps!
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