I would say the same thing Evan. I think it’s because I’m “disconnected”. No computer, phone, iPod to distract me from what really matter. I’ve only been on one, to Mexico, but I have never felt closer to God. I’m currently in the process of going down to Haiti to help and I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me.
Evan, I would agree so much with you on this. I just got back from Cambodia and met God in beautiful way’s, or He met me (however you want to look at it).
I agree with that wholeheartedly! I love the way faith can be expressed through the arts – be it writing, music, drawing, painting, acting – I love it all.
When my 2 yr old asks me to read “Jesus stories” to him. (His current fav is Blind Bartimaeus) Father God, I pray that you would open the eyes of my child to your grace and mercy at a young age!
I need Him most…when I’ve reached the end of my rope and have remembered that I can’t do it alone. The times I feel furthest away are when I’m trying to do everything myself.
I feel closest to God when I can uplift His name through using my talents He gave me. Playing violin in our worship band, and then counseling people going through tough times.
An excerpt: “On the plane out to San Diego on my last trip, I read an article of things moms said that impacted their children. The one that stood out to me? A catholic mother, raising a daughter, repeatedly telling her “to go where you find God”, even if that led the daughter to an Episcapalian church. In the recent years, that’s where I’ve gone. I no longer feel the need to search for God in a building; instead, I find myself going where He is, where He reveals himself to me, where His glory seems the strongest. Where is that usually? The ocean. The sky above Kansas.”
… the Holy Spirit reveals to me part of the mystery of knowing Christ as I pray and read in the Scriptures. I have these moments where I’m so humbled that God would entrust such a deep truth to me, that I cannot wait to share it with others so that they might see that He is better than anything in this world!
When I have climbed to the top of a mountain. There is something about being that high where, you seem, to be away from the world. Just me, Him, and all of his beautiful creation.
In worship; during the times where I come to the very end of myself and wait on him. In the times that I mess up. When he’s burdened something on my heart to pray over someone else.
I also feel closest to God when I least expect it. Like this morning I woke up at 4:30 all Jet Lagued and sat downstairs. I lit some candles and put on some downbeat music. I wasn’t asking for it, but Jesus showed up and it was beautiful. I guess it is when I give Him room.
In late Novemeber i was in Colorado for the Wild at Heart Bootcamp, the combination of being in the mountains, the fellowship of the men there, and the teaching of John Eldridge and his team, it was incredible..
Whenever I fall on my face after trying to do things “my way” (which I do way too often). That’s when I realize He’s just waiting there with open arms for me to stop being an idiot.
Those moments in preparation for or in the midst of service where it hits me that despite all my weakness and foolishness He’s choosing to use me and enabling me of all people for service… I get to do this… WOW!!!
RAIN IT DOWN
In a foreign country, doing missions work.
Can’t wait to get back to Honduras in May & June.
I would say the same thing Evan. I think it’s because I’m “disconnected”. No computer, phone, iPod to distract me from what really matter. I’ve only been on one, to Mexico, but I have never felt closer to God. I’m currently in the process of going down to Haiti to help and I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me.
Evan, I would agree so much with you on this. I just got back from Cambodia and met God in beautiful way’s, or He met me (however you want to look at it).
when I am reminded that we have already won
THen you will have to buy my album in April. Song… Grace Already Won
That will put the record over the top.
Jesus Saves because grace already won and so we ask to be saved from our comforts. Rain it down Lord.
I’m in the wilderness, alone. I need to do this more often.
Sitting at the edge of any body of water I cannot see the other side of.
Oh my goodness yes…. as a girl who grew up next to the ocean, I’ve found my recent move to the middle of the country to be driving me a little crazy!
When I interrupt my preoccupation with myself.
When I look into my children’s faces and see the wonder at the world there…
When I am expressing my spirituality creatively.
I agree with that wholeheartedly! I love the way faith can be expressed through the arts – be it writing, music, drawing, painting, acting – I love it all.
When I sit in a quiet room and draw.
I get out of the way.
Running. Specifically on a gorgeous fall day or on the beach.
The heavens DECLARE the glory of God…
When I stop worrying about the ministry and let Him minister to me.
When I’m broken down and worn out. Then I’m forced to focus ONLY on Him.
AMEN! Me too!
I’m in my deepest, darkest times.
Alone under the stars.
a) i’m in nature, especially the ocean, but living in the midwest you learn to appreciate beauty of an open field or a rolling hill
b) i meet someone and have what I call a “God moment”
c) leading visual worship during an incredible worship service
you let Him take control over everything in your life
On the rare days that I’m able to get over myself and remember who it is that MADE ME. LOVES ME. SAVED ME.
Long trips in the car, no radio.
Or maybe that’s just my stomach.
hahahaha
i feel closest to God when I’m doing the very thing I know He’s created me for. The rest falls short.
When i have a guitar in my hand
When my 2 yr old asks me to read “Jesus stories” to him. (His current fav is Blind Bartimaeus) Father God, I pray that you would open the eyes of my child to your grace and mercy at a young age!
I sing
When he reminds me he’s there through a stranger. ‘cos there’s no way they can know that!
When life falls apart and I have nowhere to go but to my knees. It is only then when I am remotely capable of looking beyond myself.
i get it
When snuggled up with my two beautiful daughters.
When I’m in the middle of a field at night looking at the stars.
Or in nature in general.
I need Him most…when I’ve reached the end of my rope and have remembered that I can’t do it alone. The times I feel furthest away are when I’m trying to do everything myself.
When I admit that I’ve screwed up.
when i let myself
running or prayer walking or on a mountain in SA.
I feel closest to God when I can uplift His name through using my talents He gave me. Playing violin in our worship band, and then counseling people going through tough times.
when i eat some chocolates / or in and out burgers / or portos.
thank God for delicious food!
When I’m alone, worshiping with just my voice and my guitar
…When I’m using my gift of music for God. Typically, every Sunday and during rehearsal on Tuesdays.
Through music, coorporate worship or just in my car or alone at home.
Even better is when my 8 year old will bust out in a song of praise & worship.
When I get to serve and care for orphans in person, that live on the other side of the world.
When I’m surrounded by his creation, unspoiled by man.
… when I am enveloped by music or take the time to marvel at His creation.
Short answer? The Ocean when I’m at home and once a year, the sky above my family’s ranch in Kansas
I wrote why God is there for me after a visit: http://iloveddeeper.com/2008/06/24/finding-god/
An excerpt: “On the plane out to San Diego on my last trip, I read an article of things moms said that impacted their children. The one that stood out to me? A catholic mother, raising a daughter, repeatedly telling her “to go where you find God”, even if that led the daughter to an Episcapalian church. In the recent years, that’s where I’ve gone. I no longer feel the need to search for God in a building; instead, I find myself going where He is, where He reveals himself to me, where His glory seems the strongest. Where is that usually? The ocean. The sky above Kansas.”
When I am weary.
… the Holy Spirit reveals to me part of the mystery of knowing Christ as I pray and read in the Scriptures. I have these moments where I’m so humbled that God would entrust such a deep truth to me, that I cannot wait to share it with others so that they might see that He is better than anything in this world!
When I have climbed to the top of a mountain. There is something about being that high where, you seem, to be away from the world. Just me, Him, and all of his beautiful creation.
In worship; during the times where I come to the very end of myself and wait on him. In the times that I mess up. When he’s burdened something on my heart to pray over someone else.
When things go my way. Right now……not so close.
I also feel closest to God when I least expect it. Like this morning I woke up at 4:30 all Jet Lagued and sat downstairs. I lit some candles and put on some downbeat music. I wasn’t asking for it, but Jesus showed up and it was beautiful. I guess it is when I give Him room.
I can’t remember the last time I felt close to God.
In late Novemeber i was in Colorado for the Wild at Heart Bootcamp, the combination of being in the mountains, the fellowship of the men there, and the teaching of John Eldridge and his team, it was incredible..
i feel closest to God when i am most broken… i keep trying to figure out how to live a broken life daily.
when i actively seek His face. which i should do (way) more often.
I feel closest to God when He is glorified through me, when I’m fueled by the Spirit and when the fruit of faith is tasted, Oh so sweat. God is good
When I remember that my life is not all about me. That unconditional selflessness.
when I stop trying so hard, and he says “I LOVE you like this.”
When I’m doing what he put me on planet earth to do
I’m in the middle of a large city, invigorated by how small I am in comparison, yet God knows every inch.
I feel closest to God when I am most satisfied in His glory and my resulting joy.
when I counsel people.
I feel closest to God in the weirdest places. It might while I am singing a song or while a teachers giving a lecture at my school.
when i paint.
When saying prayers with my 2 Girls. it’s amazing what God can do through them.
When reading my Bible.
Whenever I fall on my face after trying to do things “my way” (which I do way too often). That’s when I realize He’s just waiting there with open arms for me to stop being an idiot.
I feel the furthest from him. He’s still there. Ready. Passionately loving me.
~NickShoe
Amen
When I’m dancing!
I am standing beside Lake Michigan.
Those moments in preparation for or in the midst of service where it hits me that despite all my weakness and foolishness He’s choosing to use me and enabling me of all people for service… I get to do this… WOW!!!