In this week’s show, in addition to hormones and grocery budgets, we are talking about some simple ways to grow closer to God. As we read in James, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) So how do we do that? Well, I don’t think it needs to be as complicated as we sometimes make it. Here are four simple ideas:
1) Morning Offering
Give your day to God, at the start of your day, before you even know what good or bad things might happen. Then, cultivate the habit of repeating your “offering up” throughout the day, in moments of joy or sadness. Here’s the morning offering I like to pray, but you can use a different one, or make up your own!
2) Spiritual Reading
We all have that pile of books next to our beds — the ones we meant to get around to reading but never find the time. Make it easier to start reading by keeping books where you might have some down time — in your bag, on the kitchen counter, or in the car. And make use of even small bits of time, just a few minutes is better than nothing! Start small, and you will find that time to read becomes much less of a challenge for you.
3) 15 Minutes of Mental Prayer
Make time to talk with God! You can’t have a relationship with someone you never talk to. As Fr. Mike Schmitz suggests, this can be as easy as spending 7 ½ minutes listening, and then 7 ½ minutes sharing your thoughts with God each day. NOT TOO HARD! You can do this.
4) Examen at End of the Day
Make it a habit to spend a few minutes reviewing your day at the end of each day. Think of where you did the right things and where you did wrong things. Give thanks to God for choosing the good, and pray an Act of Contrition for where you chose the bad. Resolve to do better and ask for the grace to do better the next day. Then you can sleep in peace!
Feedback
This week, we also hear from listeners Melissa (about online women’s studies) and Kiersten (about finding more time for fitness).
Listen and subscribe to Girlfriends:
iTunes | Stitcher | Soundcloud
Support Danielle Bean on Patreon
Girlfriends is on Patreon! Thank you to our newest supporter, Kristin! Find out how you can pledge your support for Girlfriends and get an invite to our Girlfriends LIVE session each month!
Retreat & Speaking
The You’re Worth It! Retreat for Women– Find out more about bringing his unique event for women to your parish, group, or community. Read more and request more information here.
Find out more about having Danielle come speak to your parish, conference, or group.
Some of Danielle’s Recent Writing:
Danielle’s Blog
Her newest book: You’re Worth It! Change How You Feel About Yourself By Discovering How Jesus Feels About You
Danielle’s Books on Amazon
Catholic Digest
Get in Touch with Danielle:
Email | Facebook| Twitter | Instagram |Leave a Voicemail|Danielle’s Newsletter
More From Ascension:
Ascension Press main website
Ascension Press YouTube channel
The Jeff Cavins Show
The Ascension Roundtable Podcast
The Fr. Mike Schmitz Podcast
Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AscensionPress/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AscensionPress
