Where Are You Lord?

Some days can seem just ordinary. We awaken at a designated time with a head full of tasks, have-to and what ifs. We might check our phones and devices, getting info for the day that ranges from the weather, stocks, politics, and messages to "Alexa, turn on the coffee pot." Somehow, this probable routine has become normal. Somehow, this may be how we prepare for an ordinary day with the intent that we might be ready and safe to greet the day with some level of pleasure and success. All this actually sounds reasonable. However, it only takes one traffic jam one late bus, one unexpected phone call, one breaking news alert, and this seemingly reliable system can easily crumble into dust carrying all positive goals and expectations with it. We would falter into distractions, upsets, frustrations and fatigue before noon, because of "something" or "someone" that knocks us off our purposed day and all without warning. Uncertainty bubbles up everywhere. Local and global news are filled with violence and upheaval on a regular basis. We are bombarded by the media on all our tech devices, and we now are even further conflicted with what has been phrased "Fake news." We have access 24/7 to split-second, ongoing information, yet we don't really know what is valid and what isn't. We may feel the media, government, philosophies, dreams, goals and faith have all failed us. Whom or what can we trust? We do our best to analyze, understand the rapid pace of present lives, and somewhere deep inside we perhaps all want similar goals. We desire peace, prosperity, healthy bodies and relationships, and the opportunity to make some dreams come true personally and professionally. It all sounds reasonable. However, the biggest challenge may be how to bridge what we desire from inside our hearts with a world outside that feels often unsafe, biased and unfair. If we have ever tried to make clear sense of our lives, we probably have said, or even shouted, "Where are you, Lord?" Regardless of the mood we were in, asking or praying this plea may have mostly resulted in more quiet tears and confusion. I say this from my own experience. In fact, this missive is the result of my own confusion, pain and earnest desire to know the truth of God on a daily basis. I used one guiding Light based on one single truth: "Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33) I wanted to know and feel a reliable relationship with God that was not slanted by my ego needs or imagination. I wanted to trust His truth, and then be guided to live with a practical spirituality that was rooted in joy, love, peace and wisdom that could serve everyone. This book is my personal encounter. It is not meant to be blindly accepted or rejected only shared. Each reader is encouraged to find his/her own way, so to speak. These pages are meant to provide a practical way to hear the inner Voice that is within all of us and to learn how to trust it and follow it. This inner Voice is always a gentle whisper of love and peace. It is steady and unwavering. It is reliable. It is permanent.