Jesus Calling Giveaway
Published January 21, 2011Welcome to all of you who’ve clicked over by way of my Encouragement for Today devotion. If you haven’t read it, click here to catch up with the rest of us. Don’t forget to come back!
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After many years of writing in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to “listen” to God with pen in hand, writing down whatever she believed He was saying to her.
It was awkward at first, but gradually her journaling changed from monologue to dialogue.
She knew her writings were not inspired as Scripture is, but they were helping her grow closer to God.
Others were blessed as she shared her writings, until people all over the world were using her messages. They are written from Jesus’ point of view, thus the title of these thoughts-turned -book, Jesus Calling.
In keeping with the theme of Jesus Calling, I’m offering the following as a giveaway to one of my cyber friends:
~ The book/journal Jesus Calling with space each day for your own journaling.
~ A set of fine-tip Sharpies–my favorite kind of pen 
~ A week-at-a-glance schedule pad to write down your appointments with God & others.
~ A pair of fuzzy, shea-infused, lavender-scented lounge socks from Bath & Body Works to keep you comfy when you are spending time with God.
~ Two packets of flavored hot cocoa–one raspberry & one tiramasu.
Will you leave a comment today to be entered in the drawing? Tell us what distractions keep you from connecting with God during your day.
Or what changes you’d like to see in this area.
Or, if you’d just like the giveaway to help you in your quest to connect with God, simply say “I’m in!”
The winner will be announced Monday.
Speaking of winners, congrats to the winner of 31 Days to a Younger You. She is: Lana. Send your home address to me at karen@proverbs31.org
Happy Weekend, everyone!
180 Responses to Jesus Calling Giveaway
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Recently I’ve been struggling to make my time with God more of a priority. It seems to be coming at me from different angles too. God and I are working on it though… I’d love to be included in the basket drawing as well!
I’m in!! I have been getting up earlier in the morning to spend time with the Lord. i would love to have this basket to help me out!!
I’m in!!
Thank you!
I’m in!!!I struggle with spending time with God each day.
I’m in! Thank you Karen for the awesome devotion this morning!
This is perfect. As we are beginning a church-wide focus on prayer, my two biggest challenges are 1)making the time to be completely open and honest with God, and 2) hearing Him answer me.
Your devotion and giveaway address both of these issues. If I’m not the lucky winner, I may have to create my own basket!
I’m in! Every year I say I will make time to spend with Him everyday. Through getting the kids ready, subbing at the schools, church commitments and running a business here at home along with all the other many things to do, it gets pushed to the back burner. So I receive the devotions by email, so that I get to spend a little time with God each day. It is certainly not enough and I would like more. Thanks for the devotion, it hit the spot.
I think the biggest issue in my life is busyness. Nothing that is important but all seem urgent. I need to work on prioritizing my activities and the first on should be time with Jesus. I have been getting up before my kids and, so far, have been able to achieve this time. What a difference it makes in my day and in the kids day. I have four and they are 8,6,4, and 2. So it is important to start my day right. That book sounds like a good one for doing that!
striving for success is distracting me. Thank you for this great offer!
I would so love to win this, the journal that I use now is running out of space. One thing I would like to change is how I handle time. Sometimes I feel so much is wasted being unorganized.
My plate is so full and I am so focused on everything that I must accomplish for that day, that I often forget to include God in my day! I am a full time working mom with 4 children. Work distracts me, everything I have to cram into a few hours in the evenings with my kids distracts me. Oh, what perfect timing because I have been praying this week God will be the center of my focus and he will guide me through each day.
I’m in!! Great devotion today. We talked about making time to hear to listen to Him at MOPS yesterday. I am one of the mentors for our group! Jesus Calling was shared as a very good resource for tuning in to Him. Thanks
I used the excuse of not having enough time for a quiet time with God for soooo long. I FINALLY realized that we all MAKE time for the things we really want to do! I have been doing the ‘walk thru the word’ bible study with Wendy Pope since last summer and spending time with God every morning! Now, I cannot wait for it each day! Thanks for the encouragement with your devotion today.
I’ve always been a “Martha”.. Always, doing. I’ve longed to be a “Mary” to sit at His feet and have that Intimate relationship with Him. As this New Year unrivials I have been trying to give Him my “first” fruits. It is still a struggle, but that is my passion for this New year.. I would be so excited to be considered for the AWESOME drawing… to help on this journey.
I’m in too! A couple of months ago, God made it clear to me that I’m called to full time ministry (leaving my secular job). A few weeks ago, He showed me its in a teaching/exhorter capacity. I’ve only got a few other inklings, nothing more concrete yet. I know He and I still have some work to do first (and we’ve been through so much this past year – Praise God I’m a changing woman!).
Distractions: Tons – work, family, neighbors, errands…but I’ve been working on doing all with this verse:
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Col 3:17
I’m not sure what the next step for me is – I’m waiting for guidance from Him, but I feel like there’s something I’m supposed to be doing, taking that step towards Him, like I’m wandering around in the wilderness a little, lost but confident in Him.
I’ve heard about “Jesus Calling” – sounds like a great resource to help with quiet time!
I would love to win! Jesus Calling is on my wish list!
What a thought provoking devotional today. I know it is easy to “ignore” our loved ones and think I do not time for them today. I have a million other things to do. But, then a voice “convicts ” me and says what is more important than your loved ones? There is such little time on this earth don’t take it for grantate.
Oddly enough (maybe) it’s ministry that is most distracting to me right now. My husband is a minister and we’ve found ourselves suddenly very busy in ministry. I need to make sure that I’m not so cumbered and make sure I take time for that one needful thing.
I’m in. Thanks.
I got laid off from a job I had for 24 years, two years ago. I have really been struggling to find out “why” and been upset w/God. Now it’s finally time I start trusting God more and believing He always has my best in mind; even if it doesn’t look that way at the time!
I’m in! I have joined a group to do a book study to fill up w/ God and get back to a daily walk w/ Him. Journaling helps me focus on Him better. =)
I’m in!! & Thank you so much for the loving reminder that I need to stop & listen to what He has to say to me. I love my quiet time in the mornings but some times I feel the rush of the day pushing me. I want to spend more time trusting & listening to my Daddy!!!!! May the Lord continue to bless you & you bless others.
I’m in!
I’m in. Thanks
I’m in. I used to get up early to spend time with God. But for the last couple of months I’ve just put Him off.
I’ve decided to read through the Bible this year, which I’ve never done. I’ve already been so encouraged by the reading, but I’m discouraged trying to find the time in the morning to read. I have two young boys, and it’s not easy to steal-away by myself. When I set my alarm to wake up earlier, they join me. Doing the best I can!
I can totally resonate with your post. And the only one resolution, if you can call it that way, I made for 2011 was making my time with God the number 1 priority. I’m not even close to my goal, but like Paul, I’m pressing on.
Thanks for sharing!
I am in! Thank you for writing and sharing Truth and reminding us of our priorities; getting back to basics
Karen,
Thank you so much for the reminder to stop being so busy doing and serving that I forget to really stop and listen to God’s voice. It’s easy to rush right into what you think you ought to do. Lately I’ve been struggling with discering between God’s Spirit speaking and my brain thinking. You made me realize I must be still and quiet my heart before Him and then He’ll make it very clear to me what He wants me to do.
I can know for sure if it was simply me thinking or Him speaking. I so long to do what He wants me to do.
2010 was a year where I spent more time than ever before with God…and it has made a huge difference in my life. God had to remove some things from my life to get me there, and though I wasn’t happy about it much of the time I did grow so much closer to Him as a result.
I have gotten so much better about my time with Him. I get up before my family so I am not distracted by the needs/desires/fighting of my children. Now, I find that I am distracted by time. Now that I spend more time with Him, I find that I want more time and the 30 minutes I used to have just isn’t enough. However, after that 30 minutes, I begin to watch the clock, wonder if I will get everything I need to do done, stress about getting the kids up and going on time, etc.
I get caught up in my never ending errand list and before I know it the day is gone. I need to schedule some God and me time first thing in the morning and then actually show up. I know God is there waiting for me!
Have a happy day
I have read several devotion’s out of Jesus Calling. They are so wonderful. I have it on my want list.
To make time for God, we just have to do it. We make time to watch the important tv show (that is really unimportant), to go to a movie, visit a friend, etc. but the most important thing to do is take time to be with the Lord. He wants it so much and is waiting for us to spend time with Him.
One thing I have done that has quieted the noise and helped focus me past the distractions is memorizing God’s Word on a consistent basis! So every two weeks (1st & 15th of the month) I choose another verse to memorize! My girls have started doing it with me. Amazing to watch God’s word transform their little lives and help them quiet the noise and distraction!
Karen, once again God is ringing my ears by using your devotion! I have started working at church as the Director of Children’s Ministries and I keep putting my own quiet time on hold and lately everytime I turn around there is another message that is pointing directly at me telling me to get going at set aside that time! The time is now! I am getting a new bible study this week and waiting no more!! Thanks and have an awesome day!!
God has been speaking to me for sometime and it wasn’t until now, reading this, that I need to be busy about my Father’s business!
Thank you for sharing,
Tammy
Good morning! It’s a beautiful day! To be honest, as a retired lady, I’m able to spend special time with the Lord early in the morning and again at night
I’m in!
A big issue for me but boy did you speak to me this morning! I am definitely in!!
Oh Karen,
I cannot believe you are talking about this book today. I was given this book as a Christmas gift from a new friend. I absolutely love it!!! In fact right before I sat down at the computer, I was gathering laundry and I looked at the book on my nightstand and had the most amazing warm thoughts and comfort, just know I was going to read todays passage later (I read my bible and do devotions before bed, long story) Anyway, here’s the link to my post that I did about this book recently on my blog http://jbozzoblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/friday-find_14.html
I would love to be able to give this book to ALL my friends, but I’d settle for the one in your giveaway and start with one friend.
Josey
I’m in. I read my daily readings every morning but have not started hearing God or journaling yet.
Good Morning to you, Karen and anyone else that reads this. I hope everyone’s day is a blessed day full of faith, hope & love.
I write a prayer journal every morning and I have grown so much doing this…I love that time spent writing to Him and my daily bible reading when He talks to me…it has become a priority in my life and I have noticed lately the things I am able to pray for have changed too.
May God Bless!
Vicki
I find that over the last few weeks that I have allowed myself to be distracted by the problems of others, specifically my adult children. I was praying for them but, I also found that I was allowing my every thought to be about them and what needed to be done to fix their problems. I was living in fear and I was not trusting that God was doing his job. I decided, on Monday this week, that God was using me to remind my kids to pray and to turn to God during their storms and, for me to cover them in prayer too. He doesn’t need me to fix it, He knows what is needed!! I should do my job and let Him do HIS!!
I have a 4.5 yr old, a 2.5 year old and a 4 month old. I am still getting up during the night and then trying to have a “productive” day. When I finally get a moment to myself, a nap is the first thing that comes to my mind! Just the busyness of kids definitely gets in the way with my time with God.
as a mom my distractions are people needing my time and attention. I’d love to win this wonderful gift giveaway. thanks
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
I’m in!
My day goes so much better when I start it with a hot cup of tea, my soft robe, my proverbs 31 devotional and my Bible, but to do that I have to first get out of bed 30 minutes early. Why is that so hard?!!! I’m in Karen. Thanks.
Distractions: children, dishes, Arrested Development, laundry, shopping, SNL. Pride and Prejudice, texts from last night, spelling words, and scones. checking the mail, Checking the casserole, pulling dirty sheets off the bed. Entering in points from weightwatchers, messaging a facebook friend. Watching a movie, sweeping the floor, calling my grandma at nine. crawling in bed, watching the mentalist, snuggling and falling asleep.
I’m like most of us who get caught up in life, too busy to get all the home stuff done, much less spend time with God and my Bible…it has to be a priority, and I regret and admit that I haven’t made it one in a very long time.
The devotions online and P31 sisters’ writings are great, but are no substitution to good quality time spent alone with God…
I’m in! Thank you!!
I am in. Great devotional today. Thanks!!
Karen, making an appointment to spend with God is a necessity but oh the good intention get shuffled without meaning to the back burner. I get up and pray and read my bible in the mornings before I start to get ready to go to work but a time scheduled during the day does not happen. I need to start making an appointment with the Father just as how I would schedule any other appointment. This is so thought provoking. Thanks for the devo.
I’m in. I have been wanting to start journaling during my morning meditation with Christ. I would love this!
So true…!!!!!
I keep postponding “God appointments” and keep “Doctor appointments”……
He is there “Waiting” for me and I’m “lgnoring” Him.
This devotion is definitely an “eye opener”.
Thanks!!!!!……”I’m ln” too.
I’m in. I love the devotional, I tend to run hot and cold and go for months doing great with my devotional time and then battle the “busy” call. Thanks for the encouragement!
The devotional today was such a blessing! Often times, I get so caught up in my to-do list that I even have anxiety. Between working, caring for my husband, helping my family, attending church (several times a week), being involved in several ministries, giving advice to friends, taking care of my home, and battling with health issues….I am exhausted! I needed the reminder to stop and spend time with my Father who can help me handle my crazy schedule
Schedules! I feel like I’m always running to the next thing. My time with God is often hurried too. I need to slow down and take the time to listen and learn!
Rebecca Ann
Karen,
What a wonderful devotional!! Caring for others is my #1 distraction from calling or returning God’s calls. But, I’m getting better. It’s just that the circumstances allowing me to say that are very sad. I know you are very busy but please pray for my marriage of 30 years. You are so sweet to offer such a great give away.
May God Bless You Greatly,
Dana
I’m in!!
For years I have had my times of drought when it came to quiet time and my time of plenty. When life is fairly normal and in a routine, I have my time in the mornings after the kids are at school. However, when life gets flipped upside down such as having 7 snow days in a row right after 2 weeks off for Christmas break(which means my 3 boys are home ALL DAY)…my quiet times gets pushed to the back burner. I crave time alone with the Lord and when I have it, I come away feeling refreshed. I feel so guilty when I don’t have my time with Him and very disconnected. Thank you for this devotion today. It touched my heart and challenged me once again to do better. He deserves nothing less than 100%.
Distractions…ugh, hate ‘em!
One of the new tools of the enemy, I think, is social media. He knows that he can keep us distracted with what is going on in everyone else’s life from spending time in prayer and the Word. It’s brilliant really — pretty much the same distraction he offered Eve in the garden — knowing EVERYTHING…
Hmmmmmm……
Blessings,
Dori
I have an appointment with God first thing every morning for about a half hour. Such as wonderful way to start the day!
I’m in!
The distractions that keep me from God include everything – sometimes even things that I wouldn’t even think of. But your have to keep going and do your best and not beat yourself up over it. I used to put so much guilt on myself for not getting up early to spend time with God. I started asking Him for help because I WANT to spend time with Him not because I have to.
Distractions: everything can and will be used as a distraction against spending time with God. Isn’t that what the Enemy wants? For year, I’ve wanted to be able to get up earlier, use my lunch break, or spend time once the kids go to bed to spend time with God. Something else always got in the way — too tired to get up, errands to run at lunch, or other family needs that kept me away. This year, my husband’s schedule changed, which meant we had to get up a half an hour earlier. As hard as this change has been, I’ve looked at it as a blessing because that extra half hour has given me the time I wanted to start spending with God. While it’s only a few minutes right now, it’s a few minutes more each day that I wasn’t spending last year and I know that the time will increase as I get more into it. Thank you!
I’m in. I try to spend time in God’s word everyday, but sometimes I get distracted from everyday life.
So exciting! I have another of Sarah Young’s books and love it.
I absolutely LOVE the devotion Jesus Calling – I use it often! The thing that is most getting in the way of my quiet time this week has been a sick child. All my attention and energy (day and night) has been focused on this. So I haven’t had much energy to wake up early in the morning for my quiet time. And I can tell – I’ve just felt down and discouraged all week. I know time with my Jesus is what is missing. Hoping to get back on track now!
Thanks for the great devotional on Proverbs31.org this morning! I really needed to here it again. I have struggled with making Him my priority my whole life. Just in the last 2 months I’ve made a whole hearted committment to our Lord and He has been faithful to his promise: Seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) Praise the Lord!
Jesus is calling me every day indeed, but I don’t “stop” enough to be still……I need to get up before my children in the morning and LISTEN to Him…..makes all the difference in my day. Thank you for this great devotion!
There are so many things Satan uses as a distraction for me. But I’ve been convicted about this for some time! They are just excuses, the same thing children use to get away from their work. But my family is one of those distractions. I’m one of those women who feel really guilty if I take time for myself.
What a great question to get you thinking!! Blessings!
A too short attention span!
I’m in.
I’m in – homeschooling, projects, and sometimes just laziness creeps in to distract from my relationship w/God.
I’m in! I have put Jesus way far down on my to-do list for too long and He deserves better!
I’m in and I’m guilty of putting my daily time on the back burner. I do talk to God a lot during the day, but I don’t faithfully dedicate time each day, it’s something I’m working on though!
I am in !
I am so guilty of not setting time with God aside along with setting time to work out aside for other things for other people. I find that “good for me” time hard to just take. I have been trying, though, and this morning while reading an A.W. Tozer book I realized that I wasn’t struggling as much to understand what he tries to convey in his writings. It was a “thank you, God” moment for me. I feel that God has opened my eyes a bit more so I can understand His word and writings like Tozer’s……which makes me want to read, learn and connect with Him even more. This song has been running through my head and out my lips all morning……..Give me one pure and holy passion, give me one magnificent obsession. Give me one glorious ambition for my live, to know and follow hard after You. To know and follow hard after you. To grow as your disciple in the truth. This world is empty, pale and poor, compared to knowing you, my Lord. Lead me on and I will run after you. Lead me on and I will run after you.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Brenda Schiesser
I am totally in! My big distractions? Other books I’m reading & just feeling tired, exhausted mentally, from all of the everyday to-do stuff.
Thank you Karen!! This devo was very fitting for my life right now. As the kids get older and more involved in activities I find less and less time to spend with God. What a great reminder that He is always there for me and how important it is to schedule time with Him!
Karen- I read with great interest your blog on Distractions with God. I would like to enter your drawing for the Gift Basket with your book in it.
My distractions have been many, and I am desperately trying to carve time out for God and live the He is calling me to live. My husband had a stroke at 57 last august. He was in facilities for 113 days – I was juggling a job, and 2 teen girls at home, and advocating for his care. My youngest daughter has Cystic Fibrosis and in Sept & Nov she spent a total of 4 weeks at the hospital as well. Daughter is now doing well, husband is home, but I am his full time caregiver. I am hoping he gets to a point where he does not need full time care, as I need to return to work for health insurance purposes.
God has sustained our family through this time, but I am not fully connected with Him like I want or need to be. I am really touched by your entry today and making it a priority to spend time with God even DURING all the distractions….. please pray that I can do it.
Thank you for your encouraging words,
Tammy Wallace
I’m in tku
This devo really hit home! Lately, I’ve set God on the back burner, I’m ashamed to say, and I have gotten too caught up with my “list”. I feel distant from God and I KNOW it’s my doing. I’m so thankful that He is willing to push “redial.” I pray for God’s strength and willpower to put Him first because my flesh wants to put ME first!
~Amy
Distractions are an easy thing for me. Whether it be a phone call, kids needing something or just the many things that need to be done each day.
I usually try to start my day by reading devotions online. My husband and I try to say a short prayer together before leaving for work but somedays like this morning it is forgotten in the rush of things. I would like to be able to say we do it every day. The devotion today was good!! I have tried to start journaling but I do great for a few days then I seem to forget. I’ll have to work on that one! Thanks
Ouch…that devotional stepped on my toes a bit…both my Heavenly Father and my earthly father. I am really trying to listen to Him when he talks…I am so a work in progress…Help me, Lord to listen more.
I am going through a tough time for the last two months and a friend’s link on facebook led me here. This past week, I have made it a point to spend time with God and pour my heart out to him. The devotions are so encouraging and has made the difference in continuing to live rather than just mere existing.
Dear Karen,
The distractions that keep me from keeping my appointments with God is multitasking. Sometimes I set aside time with just me and God, but these are short times. Most of the time I plan to pray in the shower or when I’m driving (with my eyes open of course
) Sometimes this works, but more often than I’d like it doesn’t. And doesn’t He deserve better than that?
I’m In!
I’m in!!!!
I am in –and I hope I win!!! Have a great weekend and thank you!!!
It’s a busy, busy day gearing up for a busy weekend, but I’m in. Thanks!
I’m in. How true we “hear” or “feel” God nudging us, trying to get our attention, or just wanting us to spend some time with, we immediately think of the “immediate” Pressing”, forgetting that the most pressing thing is our relationship with Him
I just recently completed a bible study group that was focused on Journaling as a devotional tool. It was wonderful. Unfortunately I’ve not continued with the journaling but it is a goal of my to start up again. I major distractions are time (work full time and have a great family). My goal is to start journaling/doing devotions during my lunch hour at work. I just need to close my door and make the leap! Wish me luck!
I have really begun to make spending time with God a priority…and then life happpens. I have 8 children that I care for each day, so life can be a bit exhausting. I also have a hubby and I am going to school to get my Masters in Special Ed. Even with all of this chaos, I am grateful for each second, but long to spend QUALITY alone to with the Lord each day…
Busy, busy, busy life, Husband, Kids, house, family, work never feeling like I can keep up. In my head I know that if/ when I make time for God first the other things take care of themselves. I need to make an appointment and keep it. Thanks Karen and P31
My brain stays so busy with a to-do list and the kids needing my attention that I often don’t have the peace and quiet I need to truly be still and listen to and for God’s voice until it’s the middle of the night, and the whole house is asleep. It’s worth sacrificing sleep, but I function better when I can meet with God AND still get regular sleep. Trying to find that balance is a challenge.
Distractions for me: dogs in the morning, having to go to the pool for exercise before work at 8:30am, wanting to watch Joyce Meyer and Creflo Dollar and Marilyn Hickey who are all on tv from 5:30am to 7am, looking at a million housework things that need to be done…then in the evening after work at 5pm…tired, worn out, easier to just veg out on the couch or in front of the computer. I would love to win this basket because I know it would help me get my priorities straight…my heart longs for Jesus, my flesh is weak….
Blessings,
Kelly
I love this idea and I would really like to start writing down what I hear God saying to me. It would make me stop and challenge myself not to get so caught up in the everyday “necessities” and to remain focused on God.
HI Karen
Thank you for your post today at P31! I turned on my computer this morning and listened to Wendy’s vidoe at Read Thru the Word then over to P31 for the daily devotion and I feel renewed, able to go on with the day with a full, loving heart. I wasn’t feeling so positive in walk with God when I stepped out of bed this morning but you have helped to bring me back to His Word this morning and feel His Love! Have a wonderful day!!