Recite: To Relate in Full

My heart is overflowing with a good theme;

I recite my composition concerning the King;

My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. 

(Psalm 45:1 NKJV)

Today, let's turn up the volume a bit on our quiet times. You don't have to shout, but why not try reading or praying out loud. Two of Pam Farrel's suggestions incorporate a type of recitation of God's word. 

To recite something is to either read it out loud or repeat from memory. Reading Scripture out loud helps me to concentrate. Memorizing verses brings the truth of God to mind, especially when I am struggling with negative thoughts.

Here are some of Pam's creative ways to listen to  God's word, besides reading it out loud to yourself:

Listen while your children read the Bible aloud

Pick up a  dramatized version of the Bible on audio or video [try Bible.is online]

Listen to a family friendly series like Adventures in Odyssey

Share your faith with another person

Memorize a longer Scripture passage like Mary's Magnificat to recite at Christmas

Memorize a prayer from the Bible like the Lord's prayer or a Psalm

Reenact a Bible story with your family

Try your hand at writing a script with a storyline using pieces of Scripture

Learn a Scripture song with hand motions

Memorization accompanied with action etches the Word of God into your heart. 

Lights, camera, action!

©Pam Farrel from 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time (IVP). For more devotional books by Pam www.Love-wise.com

What are some ways that you listen to God's word?

Linking with Soli Deo Gloria Party

Paraphrase: A Restatement of a Text

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the faith and correcting error, for re-setting the direction of a man’s life and training him in good living. The scriptures are the comprehensive equipment of the man of God 
and fit him fully for all branches of his work.

(2 Timothy 3:16,17 J.B. Phillips translation)

Monotony gives birth to boredom. This is my paraphrase of the familiar quote: "Familiarity breeds contempt." To have contempt towards someone is to say that someone is not worthy or to lack respect towards him. God is totally worthy of my respect and adoration, but I must admit that sometimes I gloss over a familiar Scripture. I repeat it with little heart and not much mental engagement. 

One of the most comforting prayers for me is the Lord's Prayer. Yet at times, I just recite it without much thought. Several years ago, I translated the words based on a study of the prayer in the original Aramaic. And today, I decided to paraphrase the prayer into a colorful collage! (See above.)

Here's my translation:

Our Father of heaven--

Only so very holy is your name.

Come your kingdom, Your will to be (accomplished) in what manner, means and process of our heaven; also (likewise, in the like manner) on our earth.

Give us the bread of our need (relief or supply, necessity) today, this very day, on this present day of the week, twenty four hours, from daybreak to sunset.

Leave (take away, without interference) our sins in the same manner, that we likewise leave (let go) these sins done to us.

Protect us by not letting us enter, pass into or cause temptation (the act of tempting, or enticing to evil, seduction; that which tempts nor an inducement or allurement to evil.)

But cut through, cleave us from, separate and deliver us from evil (Satan, as well as wickedness, worthlessness and unfortunate and sinful tendencies.)

Try your own paraphrase of a familiar passage of Scripture to see how it changes your perspective.

In 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time, Pam Farrel relates a time when she was struggling with depression after a major move and life transition. She called a friend, who listened to her, then asked her this question: "Pam, what character trait, what attribute of God are you forgetting?" Pam said, "Well, pretty much all of them!" This conversation led Pam to go to her Bible to paraphrase favorite Scriptures into affirmations of God's character.

Here is her strategy for personalizing Scripture during your quiet time:

Simply brainstorm key words that might lead you to verses that would help [you or a friend]. You might need to take the key words and find biblical words that are similar. For example, stress is a very common feeling, but the word stress is not in the Bible. The words perseverance, endure, endurance, long-suffering are. Sometimes it is helpful to look for opposites. For example, if you are struggling with worry, look up peace.

What struggles are hitting your life or the lives of the ones you love? Brainstorm a list of words you can look up to find verses of comfort and hope.

©Pam Farrel from 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time (IVP). For more devotional books by Pam www.Love-wise.com

To find Scriptures by topic, check out the topical index tab at www.biblegateway.com.

If you are just joining us for 31 Days of Quiet, click here to see the whole list of ideas to spice up your quiet times with God.

To check out all nine categories of 31 Days Of...click over to the nesting place to see the multitude of topics! Surely one will pique your interest.

Sing: To Relate or Celebrate in Verse

He has given me a new song to sing,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see what he has done and be astounded.

They will put their trust in the LORD. 

(Psalm 40:3 NLT)

I can hear some of you groaning, but Kel, "I don't have a good singing voice." Neither do I, but that doesn't keep me from relating to God through music or singing in order to celebrate His goodness. And besides, I am not encouraging you to join the choir or compare yourself to someone else. This is just another way to add some pizzazz and emotional depth to your personal time with God.

I won't go on and on about the benefits of music and singing, instead I will give you the list of ideas from 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time. Consider them to be springboards for your next musically inspired quiet-time!

Here are some ideas that Pam suggests to enhance your musical quiet-time :

• Pull out the lyric jacket out of a CD or cassette that you don't normally listen to. [Or find your favorite worship lyric online.] See if you can figure out what might have been going through the lyricist's mind or what was going on in his or her life when it was written.
• Find a hymnal. Try to sing as many hymns as you know. List your favorites. Choose ones you'd like sung at your wedding, your baptism, your funeral or other significant events in your life. Place the list in your Bible.
• Many hymns are based on a Scripture text. [Do a Scripture search based on words from the hymn and see how the Word might have inspired the song.]
• Sing a praise song until you have it memorized--especially one that is straight from Scripture.
• Try to put your favorite [Scripture] verse to a familiar tune.
• Put on a purely instrumental recording. Have a cup of coffee or tea ...while you meditate on God's goodness in your life.
• Read a book, such as A Hymn is Born by Clint Bonner...

©Pam Farrel from 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time (IVP). For more devotional books by Pam www.Love-wise.com

Share a time when God used music 

in your life to draw you closer to Him.

Quiet: Enjoyed in Peace and Relaxation

I’ve kept my feet on the ground,

    I’ve cultivated a quiet heart.

Like a baby content in its mother’s arms,

my soul is a baby content.

(Psalm 131:2 The Message)

Over the past several days, we have been exploring ways to quiet our souls. We've cataloged various techniques to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, who loves us and longs for us to linger in His presence. 

You may feel overwhelmed with all these ideas. Or some of them may not appeal to your personality or fit in with your current schedule. Please do not feel obligated to try all of these suggestions. Think of this place as a pantry to return to when you want to add some spice to your devotions. Pick and choose which technique fits you. 

And most of all, get to know God better. Know that He cares more about being with you, than how you spend the time together. Rest in His presence. Enjoy your times together. Enter the quiet and contentedness, He alone provides.

That said, today's idea is one of my favorites. I love baskets and containers, as does Pam Farrel. We are kindred spirits on this topic. As a matter of fact of all the ideas in her book, this is the one I return to over and over again.

I have my everyday basket with my Bible, a journal, pens and a favorite devotional, like My Utmost for His Highest. 

And I also like to have themed baskets such as a prayer, writing or worship basket. One time my friend Kelly and I spent a day putting together baskets accessorized with bookmarks, note cards  and other goodies that complimented the themes. I occasionally loaned them out to friends to encourage them in their walk with God. I regret to say that last year, I disassembled the baskets to inventory my books and organize them on shelves. That goal is still in progress, and I want to put the baskets back together with new, fresh themes.

Pam shares her motivation for keeping these baskets placed in and around our homes:

When I started putting together quiet-time baskets, I found myself spending more time with God. Having a quiet-time basket in nearly every room...helps me to take time to connect to God no matter where my responsibilities take me.

I find that by having devotional material in user-friendly places I can stop and grab a minute with God while putting away laundry or straightening up the the living room.

©Pam Farrel from 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time (IVP). For more devotional books by Pam www.Love-wise.com

These baskets become visual reminders of God's desire for us to linger with Him for awhile. The other great thing about quiet-time baskets is that they are portable. You can easily carry your items to a quiet place outdoors. 

What are some creative ways you

 visually remind yourself of God's love?

Pause: To Linger For a Time

The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshes and restores my life . . . 

(Psalm 23:1-3a Amplified)

Spending time with the Shepherd of our souls in a familiar place each day can be comforting, but some occasions call for a pause from the ordinary. It may be as simple as getting up and going for a walk with God in your neighborhood or as elaborate as visiting a place far away from home.

Either way, taking a break from the routine can enhance your relationship with God. Not everyone has the luxury of going to distant lands, but if you love being outdoors with the Creator take your Bible outside to sit on the patio. Or take a blanket to your local park and just lie in the grass soaking up God's presence.

Often changing up our location can be a way to commemorate significant seasons of life. Maybe you need to set aside a day to make a decision or take an afternoon to grieve a loss. 

I will let Pam Farrel speak to us today about a way she navigated a time of grief:

When my father died, traditional quiet times were not easing the pain. My friend . . . brought over a gift from my women's ministry team. It was a small rose bush. Planting, pruning and caring for that plant gave me time to talk to God about my feelings and a positive result-- a living, growing, blooming beautiful result. It felt like my dad's death wasn't insignificant but rather significant because one small corner of the world became a more beautiful place, a reminder of a life lived.

She also shares how choosing a special place or activity can enhance our relationship with God:

Some days just demand that we stop, step out of the normal pace of life and look full face into the creation so we can connect with the Creator. Of course, you can pray in your dining room at home, but somehow when pivotal prayers are uttered in poignant settings they become etched in your mind and heart.

Won't you consider this challenge from Pam today:

Look at the calendar for the coming year, is there an event you can make special by stepping into nature and feeding your relationship with God?

©Pam Farrel from 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time (IVP). For more devotional books by Pam www.Love-wise.com

List: To Listen To; to Hear

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

(Philippians 4:8)

This is our lovely cat, Maria. We call her "Kitten" most of the time. I think cats are experts at enjoying quiet. Today, she climbed on this box, which I wanted to photograph to go with today's post. Oh well . . .

Let's get back to quiet times. Why do I care about seeking quiet moments? Because it is in the quiet that I can listen. When I listen, I am tuning myself to God's thoughts through His Holy Spirit. He may bring to mind a Scripture. Or if I'm reading a book or listening to a song, I am drawn to a phrase of comfort. Another way I listen occurs while I write. I may not consciously know that God is speaking in that moment, but when I reread what I wrote, which is a form of prayer for me, I can see where God is working in my heart.

A quick way to listen, it to write down a list. Writing a list can turn a gray, dreary day into a sunny remembrance of many praiseworthy things. Scriptures like Philippians 4:8, Psalm 19 and Psalm 103:1-5 use the list as a vehicle to emphasize a truth about the spiritual bounty our loving Father bestows upon us.

Have fun in your quiet times. Today, as I thought about lists and thinking on excellent themes, I thought of the song, "My Favorite Things." I used some lyrics from the song as a springboard for my list. You could have a more serious list, but I had fun playing with the word: list.

In 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time, Pam asks a question. Her answer inspired my quiet time today.

What can break the downward spiral to negativity? 

Her answer is based on Philippians 4:8. 

When you are down, spend your quiet time thinking of things that are lovely, like a rose...[or a sweet kitten, who likes to sleep on your favorite chair]

Think of excellent things . . . creating your own list of things to remember when you are tempted to complain or think impure, unkind or just plain ugly thoughts. Post the list in a place where you are often grumpy ...

If you're a visual person, you might like this idea from Pam:

. . .create a Philippians 4:8 photo album. Put personal photos of the people, places and things you love most in a scrapbook. [This is where I would use magazines and a glue stick to make a Philippians 4:8 collage!]

Whether it's written words, pictures or just a favorite place, God wants to lift our spirits. Be silly. Be serious. Be with God. He will show you ways to improve your atmosphere on those low, gray days. (And sometimes, we just have low days, where we need to take a nap, cry or rant at God.) He knows what we need in each circumstance. Trust Him and be open to His encouragement.

©Pam Farrel from 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time (IVP). For more devotional books by Pam www.Love-wise.com

Posture: The Attitude A Person Has Toward a Subject

Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
(Psalm 95:6-7 NIV)

What posture do you most often use when you approach God? I often sit in His presence. Kneeling, bowing and prostrating myself before Him are rare postures. I am expressive, so in worship I will raise my hands, but not everyone feels comfortable being demonstrative in these ways.

So why would we change our posture during our quiet time? I think the definition of posture gives us a clue. My attitude toward God can become casual, when I sit in my chair day after day. But when I change my posture, I have to think about the position and how I am presenting myself before God. Kneeling, bowing, opening my hands in surrender and laying myself out flat before God, each represent various levels of humility. I find that kneeling tends to make me feel more serious before God. 

In some of my most desperate times I have placed myself flat on the floor, just being still before God, especially when I don't have the words to pray.

Pam Farrel asserts "Praying in a position that is not the norm for you can change your heart, not just your body position." 

©Pam Farrel from 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time (IVP). For more devotional books by Pam www.Love-wise.com

How do you think your posture changes your heart? Do you find it difficult to change positions before God? Are you willing to take the lower position to give God the higher glory?

Linking up with Soli Deo Gloria Party

Legacy: A Gift By Will

The grass withers and the flowers fall,

but the word of our God stands forever.

(Isaiah 40:8 NIV)

What does it take to leave a legacy? First, you must have something to leave behind. Second, it is beneficial to have a legal will. Yet, the most needed thing is a willingness to give it away. As we quiet our hearts before God, we not only benefit ourselves, we also are impacting others with a spiritual legacy.

A tangible way to share this legacy is to be present with others. To offer to be in God's presence with them in your every day, ordinary life. We can extend prayer for others while we are in our own solitude and we can petition God together in community.

One of the many gifts God gave to us is the written Scriptures. I used to love learning Bible stories in Vacation Bible School. And as a teenager, we had youth leaders who encouraged us to read the Bible to get to know God more. I even remember my first quiet times spent in the attic space off our bedroom, which my sisters and I made into a secret hideout. I would climb in that space with my Bible, a little quiet time notebook and my heart open to God. I would read a short passage of Scripture and write down a phrase that I liked, along with a prayer back to God about the verses.

Spending time in God's word became a sacred memory, that grew out of a willingness to set aside  the time and space, which I could have filled with other activities.

Today, in 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time, Pam Farrel reminds us that we can leave a spiritual legacy for others. Most times, I think that my quiet time is for me, but what a wonderful gift to give to others, by spending time in God's presence praying for and contemplating Scripture for someone else. 

Pam suggests this idea, which may take a commitment of your will to accomplish, but would be well worth it. (I have not done this myself, but I am asking God to give me one person to do this for as a special gift, as a legacy to encourage their spiritual growth.)

Here's the idea: 

Try reading the Bible through  and marking it up to give as a gift . . .point out the verses that you think would encourage or strengthen [another person] . . . by highlighting, underlining and writing notes in the margin. Recall verses that helped you choose a career . . .or navigate a significant transition. (She asked one son to give titles to the Psalms; for another she wrote titles for each chapter in the book of Ruth with observations or questions for the son to contemplate.)

Pam did this for each of her three boys. She doesn't say how long it took her, but what a gift! Here's how this gift of time and love impacted her quiet moments:

As I read through the Bible for my three sons (one Bible for each son), I gained a new appreciation for Scripture. I valued my time in the Word more because not only was I growing as an individual, I was building a legacy.

©Pam Farrel from 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time (IVP). For more devotional books by Pam www.Love-wise.com

As I look at the magnitude of this gift, I think I could never do it. I would have to adjust my expectations and dedicate my Bible reading to mostly preparing the gift Bible for the recipient. I think it would be an interesting way to invest my time with God and for the other person. 

If going through the whole Bible seems like too much, brainstorm with God for other creative ways to leave a Scriptural legacy for someone special in your life. Maybe a journal with special verses that you are praying for them or a scrapbook with pictures and favorite verses to encourage them at a certain season of life or on a special occasion. 

Have you ever had anyone leave you a spiritual legacy? 

If so, how has it impacted your life?


Here's another creative way to leave a Scriptural legacy that I read about over here. This is the second time recently that I have heard about Journibles. My friend, Lynn, directed me to Healthy Spirituality by Jean Wise, who also reviewed the Journibles. And today my friend, Kelly, showed me the post at New Nostalgia.

Victory: The Overcoming of an Enemy

If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we've never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.

(1 John 1:8-10 The Message)

What is the main enemy of quiet? What robs us of a calm, unwavering faith?

 The psalmist warns,

 "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,

the Lord would not have listened. " (Psalm 66:18 ESV) 

Cherishing sin over  God makes for  very quiet, quiet time. If  sin prevents communication between us and God, then seeking reconciliation through confession and trusting God's forgiveness is paramount.

It's easier for me to focus on emotion filled praise sessions and passionate intercession, than quiet, simple confession of my weaknesses, my faults and my sin tendencies. 

Time after time I have read that confession heals, but do I practice this discipline? Not often enough. 

Today, I am going to share Pam Farrel's ideas about dealing with our "dark sides." She gives us some practical techniques and principles for victory:

To win a victory over the dark side [our weaknesses and our sin nature], we must be very deliberate. Make a list of weaknesses, then go to the Bible to find verses to equalize your life. 

Here's an example from the book:

[Her] list of weaknesses included fear, feeling inadequate, feeling stupid, feeling overwhelmed . . . Next to each weakness she listed traits of God that can counter the weakness. For example, next to "stupid" she wrote "all-knowing mind of Christ." Next to "overwhelmed" she wrote "able." Next to "inadequate and spineless" (she was hard on herself) she wrote "adequate, strong, fortress." By using a good concordance she located verses that included those key words. 

Pam offers this technique to deal with nagging guilt:

Write all those nagging sins down, then write the test of 1 John 1:9 over it--right over the top, ink over ink! This creates a picture of how God blots out sin. You may then want to destroy the list. (A fireplace can come in handy here.) It is such a relief to see that all our ugly thoughts and selfish actions are cremated by God's powerful love.

©Pam Farrel from 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time (IVP). For more devotional books by Pam www.Love-wise.com

It felt so freeing to see my sins covered by God's word and then burned up by His "powerful love."

If you don't have a concordance  to look up more victory verses, you can look up Scriptures online for free at www.biblegateway.com. Once you gather them, write them down to post around your house or in your car to help you to combat the darkness with the light saber of God's love and forgiveness.

Which Scripture will you post to combat the darkness?

Dance: To Move Your Body

Let them praise his name in the dance: 

let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: 

he will beautify the meek with salvation.

(Psalm 149:3-4 KJV)

This old photo was on some mail I got from the St. Louis History Museum,
 thought it fit well with our theme today.
 It was either this or a video of me dancing! I figured you'd prefer this!

Dancing may be the last thing on your mind when you think of quiet. If you have no rhythm, like myself, you may  want to skip this idea completely. But even as I admit that I am rhythm deficient, I still like to dance unto the Lord! I love to crank up the praise music when no one is home and just move as the Spirit leads. But dance is not the only kind of movement that draws us closer to God. 

Scripture often likens our relationship with Him as a walk or even a race. I think dancing, walking, running or any exercise can give us a focus that clears our minds, placing us in a posture for deeper listening to God.

Pam Farrel agrees. Listen in as she relates her experience with dance and exercise as means to connect with God in the quiet of our hearts. (If you are kinesthetic learner, you're gonna love this. If you're not, you should still give this idea a try. See if God shows up in a way you never experienced before!)

Pam does admit that she is a trained dancer and gymnast, but still there is value in trying a new experience even if you're not an expert:

I took a Jewish folk-dance class and the holiness of dance became real to me. As the teacher explained the meaning of the dances and their steps, I began to grasp the full picture of God's plan. One dance had a step for water . . . I thought about how Jesus said, "I am the living water."

At the moment my feet were moving to the music and doing the steps  that meant water, I knew that for me the living water is what I needed for survival . . . I had intellectually known that for years  and years, but in that moment my whole body could respond to the truth of that one simple phrase in Scripture.

If dancing doesn't appeal to you, try taking a walk or jogging with praise music or riding your bike with the intention of listening to God.

Pam shares some research and  her experience with exercise:

Professional counselor Earl Henslin says that often it is after intense exercise and rest that our minds think clearest. I also have seen that I am most creative after I have exercised and prayed. It is as if those two activities serve as an eraser on the chalkboard of my life, wiping away the superfluous noise of busyness.

©Pam Farrel from 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time (IVP). For more devotional books by Pam www.Love-wise.com

Can you share a time when physical activity 

helped you to connect with God?

Correspondence: A Direct Relationship To or With

Then He who sat on the throne said,

"Behold, I make all things new." 

And He said to me, 

"Write, for these words are true and faithful." 

(Revelation 21:5 NKJV)

God is in the process of making all things new. This was such an important concept, He directed John to write it down, letting us know that God's word is faithful and true. A crucial aspect of our relationship with God is reading Scriptures. He uses correspondence to communicate with us about His relationship with all of creation.

The Bible doesn't specifically say whether anyone kept a diary or journal, but several times God invites His prophets and scribes to write down a message. I believe writing things down can transform us. So, I keep a journal. And I find this practice one of the most beneficial means of connecting with God. 

Not everyone embraces this practice, yet I think writing your prayers of various kinds, your responses to God's word and even questions that you ponder are great ways to experience God's presence. Another benefit of a journal is having a written account of your journey with God.

Pam Farrel explains how this practice enhanced her quiet times:

I remember the encouragement to to close down the windows  of responsibility of my life just like we close down the windows on our computer programs. As I slow down . . . I then find I have better reception to what God is saying. Sometimes I do this by freewriting in my journal, logging random thoughts as they enter my mind. I record turns of phrases, poems or emotions as I need to release them from the confines of my heart. I find that if I close down my frenzied activity, I have much I want to journal back to him!

©Pam Farrel from 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time (IVP). For more devotional books by Pam www.Love-wise.com

If you find it hard to journal, why not just start with Dear Jesus . . . or Hello! Write a short note to God or lavish Him with a love letter written in long hand or type Him a missal on your computer. God loves to hear from us whether it's through mental, verbal or written expression.

What benefits have you experienced while keeping a journal? Have you ever thought of the Bible as God's journal? If so, how would thinking of the Bible in this way effect

 the way you read it?

Linking up with Random Journal Day

Treasure: To Hold or Keep as Precious; Cherish

Who is a God like you . . .?

(Micah 7:18a NIV)

Children are precious. We treasure their tender hearts and we learn from their curious minds. Their laughter is contagious. Their quiet moments are rare, but when they are still, we usually find them nestled in their parent's arms or curled up under the covers sleeping sweet dreams.

Jesus celebrates and welcomes the little ones. He encourages a childlike faith. In your quiet moments do you ever act childish? I don't mean those spiritual tantrums, I am thinking about approaching God with wonder. When is the last time you got out a box of crayons and colored a Bible story? Or gathered some scissors, old magazines and a glue stick to make a collage?

Coloring and pasting appeal to my curious nature. I like to see what comes together with the images and colors. And often, I discover a topic that God wants to dialogue with me about. Like in the above collage, I sensed God asking me and possibly you: 

What do you treasure? 

And the reason I know this is a question God may be asking is that the Bible also speaks of this topic. (See Luke 12:34)

In 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time, Pam Farrel suggests, we approach our time with God like a child, literally. She suggests reading a children's Bible, or reciting a child's prayer or coloring a Sunday School paper or even having a quiet time with a child.

Here is what happened when she took her own advice:

 . . .one Sunday morning, I asked our eight-year-old son what he learned from Daddy's sermon. Waiting for the typical, "Jesus loves me" answer, I was pleasantly surprised when he said, "You shouldn't make up excuses not to obey God." Wow! 

©Pam Farrel from 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time (IVP). For more devotional books by Pam www.Love-wise.com

What youthful activity will you incorporate 

into your quiet moments today?

Thrilling Guest Thursday: Tracy Flori

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way ; walk in it."

(Isaiah 30:21 NIV)

Please welcome my friend, Tracy Flori. Her devotion to Jesus marks every aspect of her life. In our conversations, I experience God's quiet confidence, wisdom and love flowing through her. She is a gifted listener and asks powerful questions.

As we spend time contemplating new ways to encounter God in our quiet moments each day, I encourage you to ask questions. I challenge you to take Tracy's questions to heart and see how your answers may lead you into new adventures with God.


Here's Tracy!

Curiosity and Intuition: Friend or Foe?

How curious are you? What level of comfort do you have with gut feelings?

Imagine the adventures that might open up for you by embracing curiosity and intuition in your relationships and your world.

What do curiosity and intuition look like?

Curiosity is an eager desire to learn by calling attention to what might be. Intuition is an immediate knowing without the connection to reason or logic. It is a hunch, a quick insight, a gut feeling.

Curiosity and intuition foster openness, learning and growth in relationships. It believes there is something worth discovering in another person or experience.

What might be the hesitancy?

For some, this comes more naturally than for others. Some of us are born with an innately curious nature and a driving desire to test the hunch we often have, while others are more comfortable with the obvious and observable.

For myself, as a Christian coach, experiencing intuition and curiosity in the coaching process brings freedom for me to be willing to let go of what I think I know in order to join the Holy Spirit and client on a journey of exploration. There is excitement in embracing the idea of not knowing and trusting in the One who does.

How did Jesus use curious questions?

Jesus often asked powerful questions that invited his followers to test their beliefs and search for meaning and truth. He asked, “Who do the people say that the Son of Man is?” This question elicited discussion and exploration of common views and possibilities.

But the next question, “Who do you say I am?” was a marvelous question that allowed his disciples the opportunity to explore what drove them to be his followers, what they truly believed about him and what they were willing to sacrifice.


Can curiosity and intuition be increased through practice with amazing results? Absolutely!

Ask yourself the following…

What makes you curious?
What captures your attention?
How likely is it that you will pursue a hunch?
What holds you back?

Exploring and practicing this approach to life and relationships will open new opportunities to you.

What steps will you take today 

to develop curiosity and intuition?

2012 Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Tracy Flori.

Tracy Flori is a professional coach, speaker and trainer. She is the founder of TrueWay LLC, (truewaycoaching.com) a life and leadership coaching organization. Tracy is professionally trained to administer and debrief various behavioral temperament and emotional intelligence assessments. Her passion is equipping leaders, teams and families with understanding and skills to advance their lives.

She can be reached by emailing, tracy@truewaycoaching.com.

Please visit Tracy at her newly launched website, which is chock full of inspiration and free resources to advance your life, your family and your walk with God.

Feel free to leave Tracy your comments here today.