A to Z Blogging "E is for..."

...Every Day...Making God Part Of 
From the series "Lifehacks for Christian Moms" 
By Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, Nebraska Family Times

 Developing a relationship with God is much more than just attending church and saying a prayer before meals or at bedtime. The prophet Isaiah promises, "The Lord will keep in perfect peace all those...whose thoughts turn often to the Lord." (Isaiah 26:3) 


Keep your thoughts turned to the Lord by:

• Volunteering at church. Join the choir. Teach Sunday School. Organize a fund-raiser. Help with Vacation Bible School. Help decorate for Christmas. Give rides to church to shut-ins. Deliver meals on Wheels. There are opportunities that fit anyone's schedule and skills! 
• Joining a church group. MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers), ladies organizations, Bible Study, altar guild. 
• Spending time in personal Bible Study and devotions. Ask the Lord to make you desire to spend time with Him. Check out different versions of the Bible and find one that you enjoy

  

  (From Google Images)

  reading (ask your pastor what recommendations he or she recommends.) Ask your pastor or friends for recommendations for devotion or Bible study books; be discerning as many very popular speakers and authors may contradict the beliefs of your denomination. 
• Listening to Christian music. We've all had ear worms--when the words of a song are "stuck" on repeat in your head. Wouldn't you rather have positive words going through your mind? You'll be surprised at how much more positive your attitude is when you listen to positive music. 
• Starting your day by saying, "This is the day that the Lord has made! We will rejoice and be glad in it!"
• Beginning your day with at least a few minutes of prayer. I always ask God to protect my kids and loved ones, and to work through me to bless others. 
• Starting a Gratitude Journal. List five things God has blessed you with every day. Consider making this a family project; family members can share blessings at the supper table.  
• Being conscious about God's hand in your life every day; in a beautiful sunrise, protection from a traffic accident, a regular job, food on the table, a working vehicle, modern appliances, loving family, the ability to worship freely...count your blessings! 
• Making a point of saying you are "blessed" rather than "lucky". 
• Ending the day in prayer and thanksgiving. Think back to all of the ways God has blessed you. 
• Writing out your favorite Bible verses and post them around your house--on your bathroom mirror, computer, refrigerator,

  

  (Google Images)

  even on the dashboard of your vehicle. A few suggestions: "Rejoice always...in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17) "Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ". (Ephesians 5:19-20). 

How do you make God an integral part of your day?

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This post is an excerpt from the book 

“Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. 

This post is part of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1^st.

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Nebraska Family Times, with the theme, 

“Words Matter.”