FOLLOW THE LORD'S PATH FOR YOU!

While driving to work today, a familiar thought crossed my mind: What am I doing for the Lord? Should I be doing more? Perhaps I've missed His calling for my life and, consequently, for Him. I've never accomplished anything "great," such as starting a global movement or leading large Bible Study groups in a big church or stadium.

Then I heard the Lord's whisper in my ear. Let's talk about what you have done, Loni! You have led Bible studies for small groups, helped at women's events, you post my Word on your Bible Time on Facebook, as I asked you to do. Loni, you wrote, "What If?" at my prompting, and some have started reading the Bible for the first time or renewed reading My Word because of your obedience. You have prayed for people and make yourself available to others in need. You have had a relationship with me since you were a small girl, and have never walked completely away from Me. Even when you fell into sin, you answered my call to return to Me.

He also has recently reminded me to stop striving and just rest in Him. That is a hard thing to do when all my life I have been trying to "live up" to what I have created in my mind is "working" for Him, or what I "need" to do. He is teaching me to sit in the quiet before Him, meditate on His Word, and to be still.

I am created by Him, and my journey in following Him shouldn't lead me to compare my walk with others. I am the sole person who can walk my path. Similarly, you are the only one who can walk yours.

When I look at others in leadership, take Christine Caine, as an example. She is a well-known Bible teacher, author of many best-selling books, leads large groups of women at events teaching on the Bible. Upon prompting from the Lord, she started a world-wide ministry called A21, to rescue women from sex trafficking - all because she walked her path, stepped out in faith when God called her, even when it seemed impossible!

You know what God said to me when I asked Him why my path hasn't led to something big like that? He said your path is just as important. It is reaching those I want you to reach. This is your path, that is Christine's. I need workers for the masses, yes, and I need workers for the community around them. A smaller group, yes, but it's you I have called to reach these. A more personal, one on one calling.

I'm realizing that the key to our journey and connection with God is to follow the path He lays out for us without comparing it to others. No one else can walk my path or connect with the people I can in the way I do. My journey involves building friendships, assisting those in need, and staying focused on Him—that is my path.

My calling is as significant as that of any other believer, and it is uniquely my own. Your calling is equally important and distinctive. I hope this encourages you to pursue your journey. Not sure what that is? Spend time in the Lord's presence and allow Him to reveal it to you. Practice listening for His voice to understand how He communicates with you, and then follow the path He lights for you!

Why Reading Can Strengthen Your Spiritual Life

Reading is a powerful tool for personal and spiritual growth. It opens doors to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives, allowing us to deepen our understanding of ourselves and our relationship with our Lord. The Bible and inspirational books can provide guidance, inspiration, and motivation as we navigate our spiritual journeys. In this blog post, we will explore how reading can strengthen your spiritual life and why incorporating spiritual books into your routine is beneficial.

The Transformative Power

The Bible and Bible based teachings through books and Bible studies serve as mirrors, reflecting our inner thoughts and feelings. When we engage with these texts, we often find ourselves resonating with the struggles and triumphs of the authors. This connection can lead to personal revelations and transformational experiences. For example, reading the works of spiritual leaders like C.S. Lewis, AW Tozer, or Dallas Willard, can offer profound insights into our faith and spiritual practices.

One study found that people who read regularly tend to display higher levels of empathy and emotional intelligence. This suggests that reading the Bible and other inspirational or study books can enhance our understanding of others and aid in developing our compassion. The transformative power of these books fosters a deeper connection with our Savior while also encouraging empathy towards fellow beings.

Classic spiritual literature enhancing personal growth

Building a Stronger Faith by Reading God’s Word

Engaging with spiritual literature and the Bible can significantly impact our faith journey. Books that explore theology, scripture, and spiritual practices can provide clarity and assurance in our beliefs. Through reading, we often encounter teachings that challenge our perspectives, reinforcing our faith while also encouraging us to question and explore.

For instance, books like "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis can provide rational insights into the Christian faith, offering a solid foundation for belief. When we read about historical figures who wrestled with doubt and faith, it reminds us that questioning is a natural part of the spiritual journey. This process deepens our relationship with God and cultivates a faith grounded in understanding rather than blind acceptance.

Daily reading of the Bible changes our perspective and develops a sense of calmness!

Where can I read Christian books or the Bible for free?

Accessing spiritual literature shouldn't be a financial burden. Fortunately, numerous resources offer free Christian books and literature. Here are some avenues to explore:

• Local Libraries: Most libraries have a collection of spiritual and Christian books. You can borrow titles at no cost and discover new authors.

  
  

• Online Platforms: Websites like Project Gutenberg and Open Library offer a variety of free eBooks, including spiritual and religious texts. https://www.biblegateway.com/ is an online searchable Bible!

  
  

• Church Libraries: Many churches maintain a library of spiritual resources for their congregation. Visiting your local church may open opportunities for free access to Christian literature.

  
  

• Free E-Books: Some authors and publishers share free eBooks during specific times or promotional events. Keep an eye on sites like Amazon Kindle for occasional free spiritual book offerings.

  
  

• Bible Apps: There are several good options such as Olive Tree Bible App and Holy Bible. These offer easy to search versions of the Bible, in all translations, reading plans, or Bible study plans. On Olive Tree Bible you can find many options for enhancing Bible study.

  
  

These resources make it easier to explore spiritual books without financial pressure, allowing readers to enrich their lives with valuable wisdom.

Creating a Reading Routine

To derive the most benefit from spiritual reading, incorporating it into your daily routine is essential. Here are practical tips to help you establish a fruitful reading habit:

• Set a Reading Schedule: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading. Whether it’s in the morning to start your day with positivity or in the evening to reflect, consistency is key to fostering a habit.

  
  

• Start with Short Reads: If you're new to reading, begin with shorter books or articles, or in the Bible start Psalms and Proverbs. This can make the process less daunting and encourage you to explore more extensive texts over time.

  
  

• Join a Book Club: Engaging with others who share similar interests can enhance your reading experience. A spiritual book club can provide community, encouragement, and diverse perspectives on the material.

  
  

• Take Notes: Keep a journal to jot down thoughts, insights, and quotes that resonate with you. This practice not only solidifies your understanding but also creates a personal reference for future reflection.

  
  

By structuring reading into your life, you can ensure that you are consistently exposed to the wisdom and teachings embedded in the Bible and inspirational books. .

Create a cozy reading space inviting reflection and peace

Finding the Right Spiritual Book for You

Selecting the right spiritual book can greatly impact your reading experience. Here are a few tips for choosing the right material:

• Identify Your Needs: Consider what aspect of your spiritual life you wish to develop. Are you seeking comfort, guidance, or encouragement? Identifying your needs can steer you toward suitable authors and texts.

  
  

• Read Reviews: Online platforms and book communities often provide reviews and recommendations. Reading others' experiences can significantly inform your choices.

  
  

• Explore Recommendations: Websites like Christian Book Amazon can provide curated lists of popular spiritual reads, making it easy to find treasures that resonate with you.

  
  

• Sample Before You Buy: If you are unsure about a particular book, consider sampling it first—many platforms offer a preview of the content. This helps you assess whether the writing style suits your tastes.

  
  

Selecting the right book can help you cultivate a rewarding reading practice that resonates with your personal and spiritual growth.

Embrace the Journey of Reading!

Celebrating My 60th Birthday: Reflections on Life and Growth

Today marks my 60th birthday, and I’m still astonished at how quickly this milestone has arrived. Time has flown by, and now I find myself at this age. I recall when my parents turned 60. I never considered them old. I always knew I'd reach this point myself, thinking, "this isn't old!"

Health and Wellness at 60

Thankfully, I'm in good health. I exercise regularly, though I could always do more. I eat relatively well, but I have a fondness for dark chocolate, ice cream, and lattes! Overall, I don't feel 60. I'm not sure what I expected it to feel like.

I've noticed some changes: my knees often crack when I stand, and I don't get up as quickly as I used to. My short-term memory sometimes leaves me puzzled. I often find myself wondering why I entered a room or searching for the name of someone I was just talking about moments earlier. (Anyone else?)

Embracing Change

My hair is quite gray now, and my skin is drier and less firm than before. LOL! My patience for certain things has diminished, while my empathy has grown. I’ve realized that I often misinterpret others' words. I think they mean something different than intended.

This realization has taught me valuable lessons. I've learned to listen carefully and ask questions. It’s important to repeat what I think I've heard. This way, I avoid jumping to conclusions that might lead to misunderstandings.

The Importance of Rest

I’m learning to rest more. Giving myself grace is crucial when I feel tired, stressed, or in need of a prayer break or nap. I strive to stop the constant stream of thoughts when they begin to overwhelm me. I’m also working on leaving space in my schedule for the inevitable interruptions that life throws my way.

When the need arises, I cry and tell God how I’m feeling—whether it's anger, sadness, uncertainty, stress, happiness, calm, or a need for rest. Acknowledging these feelings helps me process them. If my emotions are irrational, taking the time to regroup allows me to move on without saying or doing something I might regret.

Spiritual Growth and Connection

My relationship with my Savior is continuously growing. I cherish my time spent reading the Bible and studying it. I also value the moments I spend praying and sitting in silence. Starting my day with Him gives it a positive boost. It sets a tone of calm and readiness. This preparation helps me handle disruptions or unexpected events with grace.

I often find myself praying for others, most of whom don’t even realize I’m lifting them up in prayer. I pray they find the Lord if they don't already know Him. I ask for healing, help, and protection in their lives.

Embracing the Later Years

In reality, I’m in the later stage of my life. However, this doesn’t worry or scare me. Instead, it motivates me to live better and help others more. I understand that time passes quickly, and we can’t predict the future. Life should be lived fully, with few regrets, and filled with love from family, friends, and a Savior!

In this journey of life and faith, I aim to make each moment count. I want to cherish the beauty around me and spread positivity to those I encounter. Celebrating my 60th birthday is not just a reflection on the past; it’s also an opportunity to look forward to the years ahead.

As I embrace this new decade, I hope to inspire others to value life, relationships, and their journey. After all, age is just a number, and it’s the memories we make that truly define us. Whether it's sharing laughter, tears, or moments of peaceful silence, let’s make each day count!

In summary, remember that growing older brings wisdom and strength. Embrace the opportunities ahead and cherish those around you. Today, I celebrate both my journey and the many adventures yet to unfold.