A Living HOPE---(A Road Less Traveled)

A stark reality begins to hit as you age, and it is this:  all things end. Good or bad, all events, lives and      experiences end at some point. All things, except our living hope, namely, Jesus.
I say this not to depress you, but more to point to you something better.
This verse hit me this morning as I read the Word:

"Paise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-- kept in heaven for you who through faith are shielded by God's power." 1 Peter 1:3-5

I am the first to admit that there are times in this life, that I feel hope-less. But the reasons that these feelings creep in and overtake me are based upon the reality that I have begun (without meaning to) to put my faith and hope in things that won't last.

For a long time my hope was in my children, and it was in my ability to have more of them. Once that changed for me via the circumstances God placed in my life I began the soul searching journey of divorcing the things that were stealing the platform of hope that only belongs to Jesus.

I actually discovered many things that I placed my hope in. I had mistaken this earth greatly as the source of my ability to have hope. My hope lies no where on this side of paradise. My hope lies solely in the person of Jesus Christ and the redemptive, saving work He did for me on the cross.
That is where my hope lies.
For I know that as the above verses state, there is an inheritance awaiting me that is beyond my ability to comprehend. Eternity without end, in a place where there is no more suffering, tears or pain. A place that the earth is completely restored to it's original God planned perfection (prior to sin entering in) and I get to be there. With Jesus.

My hope is found in nothing less that Jesus blood and righteousness.
He enables me to live a life that filled with hope because I know that He is holding me fast, keeping me and with me always. I don't have to be afraid of my hope "walking out on me.." or dying..or ending.
My hope is placed on something (someone) that is eternal.

Does that mean that I am spared of suffering? No. But I am promised hope through the suffering. How can this be? Because even in the midst of trial JESUS is unchanging. He is there, causing me to fix my eyes not on the pain, and sin of this present darkness, but rather, on the hope that is, and the eternal home that awaits as I rest in Jesus Christ alone.

False hope is a hope that is based upon people, circumstances, events, and things that give temporary excitement. Everything new gets old, every thing fresh will fade. Except Jesus.
I know we are a society of options, we like choices.
But with Christ there are only two things you can say to His hope that is offered, "yes" or "no."

Most of my life, I unknowingly, and knowingly, said "No." To the hope that Jesus offered.
Today I answer with a resounding "Yes!" To the hand of hope that is extended.

Think of it as a a fork in the road. At some point, we all reach it. And we must pick which way we shall go. To the right is the boldly printed sign that claims, "True Hope is found in Jesus."
The other road boasts a sign, "Find hope in anything you want."

All athletes know that the road of least resistance is not the road you take for gaining strength. The road that boasts success anyway you seek it sounds nice on the surface but will it really end well?  I traveled the wide, "easy" road for much of my life, and I promise you that my years on that road were the most tumultuous of my life.

The road I walk with Jesus by my side has been a beautiful but challenging journey. There has been some loss along the way, tears I've cried but wherever the tears fell, flowers shot up from the ground. Jesus made beauty of my sorrow, and laughter in my tears.
He holds my hand and tells me with reassurance that "He will never leave me nor forsake me."
Sometimes I'm tempted to glance over to the other road, the one that is wide and filled with people, but over there, the tears do not spring up flowers. The tears fall on rocks and stay there. The laughter although loud, is hollow. And the people, although beautiful, they are fading and the lines on their faces boast many years of covering up pain with a fake smile.

No, I shake my head, take Jesus's hand and together we continue up the beautiful, more challenging path we're on, were heading up the mountain, and I can see the sun rising between the peaks. It's treacherous,  but I feel safe. I know if I get tired Jesus will put me between His shoulder blades and carry me for a while. No, I wouldn't want or dream to be anywhere else. For with Jesus my hope is held. With Jesus my life is secure. I look up into His face, He looks down at me, and smiles. O yes. I am right where I need to be. I sigh a sigh of peace. And together we keep on walking up, up and  up...

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

Obedience is....

Everyone knows the song, "Obedience is, the very best way, to show that you believe." My kids sang that at school last year in their program, and it affected me deeply.
"To obey is better than sacrifice.." (1 Samuel 15:22) "The Fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom" says Proverbs...
There are more verses than I can count in His word about fearing The Lord, obeying His commands and following His will.
Jesus wants all of me. He wants my obedience, and O the peace that will flood in and does flood in, when I live out my days in the way He desires.
He does not want my sacrifices, He does not want me to say, "O Lord, I'll give away all my possessions to demonstrate my love for you.." He may say, " All I want you to do is to offer to babysit that single mom's kids..."
But in my mind, I always am trying to come up with the perfect offering to Him, to show Him my undying love. He says, "No, Just obey me. When I say don't buy those expensive clothes, then don't do it. When I say, stay up late and spend time with me, do it.."
He never makes demands of us that don't make sense in the span of His eternity. He is perfect. Wise, and all knowing. SO when He convicts us or asks us for action we ought to obey. It's not difficult in theory, but sometimes obedience is uncomfortable, or "inconvenient"  but it's best we obey.
Obedience brings life to our bodies and peace to our hearts...
He may ask you to speak up about His name in a circle of friends that does not esteem Him. That can be uncomfortable. But obey, because the blessing that follows in various forms of peace and growth, will astound you. (and me)
Being obedient does not always take great strenuous action, (although at times it may)  it usually just requires  we do what He has asked.
This is why it's important to give Him our days, He has them already, but to offer Him our days, and say, "Speak Lord, Your servant is listening." And then do what He says.
O the peace that would overtake my life if I offered Him my every moment like this. But more often than not I am too busy. I'm moving to fast, and asking Him not of His desires for my moments and days.
Let me bless others with my words. Let me speak when He says, "speak." Let me move when He says, "move." I wonder how much better my days would flow if I did this.
My guess is the change would be astounding. I've seen Him move and breath in and through my day and it makes such a difference when I flow with Him, rather than against Him.
I believe when I live with an attitude of obedience, I am always watchful. I am always waiting to hear  His voice. "Move me Lord, lest I not be moved." I want to move and the impulse of His love. Not that I am paralyzed without Him, but my peace is blacked out when I fail to listen and obey.
IF there was ever a time in your life when you said "God said No..." but you proceeded in your own way, recount your steps. Go back to the place where He said No, and start over. Isn't that amazing about Him?? His grace is sufficient, even when we first did not obey. Now, we may face repercussions from our past mis-steps, because we live in a world where consequences happen in the natural sense from mistakes made. BUT, He will forgive us, forget our sin,  and use us to further His Kingdom, taking the pain of our sins to encourage others who are in danger of falling. This is how He takes the things that the enemy intended for evil and uses it for good.
"He will keep in perfect peace the one who's mind is steadfast  because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3

"If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction." Psalm 119:92

God in His goodness, sees us in our humble estate, offers us guidance, helps and sustains us in and through every day here on earth.
If you are believer, earth is closest you'll ever get to hell. God knew this earth would be a challenging place to live for us as believers, because sin runs rampant here, so HE gave us His word, and His Holy Spirit to lead and direct us, to give us a better way.
Obedience is the very best way, to show that you believe.

"In fact, this is love for God; to keep His commands, and His commands are not burdensome." 1John 5:3

The Consistent Parent (short devotional)

Jesus, my example, is consistent by nature.
I however struggle with consistency. I don't use a cookbook, I hate plans, and routines are my enemy. So why O why does The Lord call me by name? Because He is in the business of making people who don't look like Him, look a lot more like Himself.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)

The one place I need consistency the most, is in my parenting. I need to learn from Jesus in all things, because in Him all things hold together (Ephes 4) but also because He alone can  supply me with the patience, gentleness, and kindness that I need to be the type of Mommy that He wants me to be. I need to learn from Him, glean from His word, and fill up on Him before I step foot into my parenting role. TO get His word inside my heart, I pray for protected time with Him. (uninterrupted) so that I can gather all the goodness I need to be who I know only He can make me to be, (so I don't lash out at my loved ones)
We start out each day as Mothers with the best of intentions, but truly, when 10pm hits, we're all in bad shape usually. (at least I am)
We are by nature not eternally consistent.
God can create this consistency in us. Not by any strength of our own though mind you. Rather, by His grace He supplies us strength in our weakness, and fills our empty starving souls with the strength, ability, know-how and fuel to be the parent that brings God glory in all things. Because He does after all, make all things hold together.
My two verses that I want to be IN ME, are this:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12 NIV)

AND....

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2 NIV)

Aren't those great verses?

And unless I pray for the strength to apply them, and infiltrate them into my life they remain His word on a page.

Dear Lord,
This day is yours and all that is in it. Bring these attributes to mind as I am reaching that place in my day where human strength begins to fail, it may be in 5 hours, or five minutes. But regardless, Jesus, I need thee every hour. You are the strength I hold too, the grace I need, the fuel that fills me up to be the parent you want me to be. 
You God are my source, and my sustenance. I need you more that anything else.
SO when the rubber meets the road, be my road. Be the highway to consistency. You are GOD and I earnestly seek you. Thank you JESUS that you are all I need. 
Amen 

(Feel free to make this little prayer yours today as well.)

The Day God Said, "No."

None of us like to hear the word no. Especially from the one in charge. Because, the one in charge has the final say, and we know that, that is the word that goes. So then we have to figure out what we're going to do with that "No."
My first response when He said no, was of course, tears. Lots of them. Then I grieved heavily for a long time. Then I got mad. Then I began to accept the no on many different levels, but continued to take the "no acceptance" back time and time again. Shaking my head and fist thinking, "this certainly could not have been for real."
But it was for real.
I look at the process I went though as I reeled around and around from that "no" and I wish I would have been able to just say, "OK Lord, your will be done. It's not my life, it's yours, do with it what you will."
I wish that had been my initial response.
But it wasn't. I know He doesn't blame me, nor is He angry with me for my response. But still, when God says no, it's hard. He must know it's hard...because He lets us process. He never shamed me or made me feel like I was less His child because I struggled with His no...( like I sometimes can do when my children real at my no's.) He just let me process and so I did.
Over the years as the "no" became my reality some would say that I just got used to my no, but I beg to differ. His no changed me.
I'll tell you what I can see as of now from His "no."
It has made me more compassionate towards others who have received a no. It has made me watch my words, and check my heart, and consider how others might perceive the way I speak of things that they do not have.
DO I appear to be taking something I already have for granted? I check my heart on that quite frequently.
I recognize that what I always want for myself is not what is best for me. Of course we know this in our heads, but getting our hearts to comprehend this is quite another thing. That is what GOD'S no, did for me. It allowed my heart and it's understanding of not "getting what I want all the time..." and to respond in a God honoring way.
Are there days I still ask God to change His mind? Absolutely. Are there days I don't beg Him to change His no to a yes?! Absolutely. And could shock me with a "yes" at some point? Yes! He's God! He's sovereign!  And His plans are perfect. But I will tell you what is different about the way I think about His "no" now. My hope does not rest in the "yes." My hope lies in the person of Jesus Christ. He is unchanging, unfading and always present. Therefore I will not fear. Though the earth quake and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, I will not fear. (Psalm 46) My God is perfect and in control and I know that He planned things for me since before the foundations of the Earth were put into place (Ephesians 1:4) and I cannot argue with His word when He tells me that He has plans to prosper me and not to harm me." (Jeremiah 29:11) God is good. Even when He says no.
The process through which we all come to understand His sovereignty is as different as we all are, and if you are currently on the heals of hearing a "no" from your divine creator, do not despair. Go through the process, but don't fight the No. Rest in His hands, rest in His twisting and turning of your broken dreams, and know that only when the Master has shaped things the way He knows they will be best, will He rest.
HE is twisting your story upside down? Have all the pieces and cards you held crashed to the floor beneath you? Do not despair. Trust. Rest. Rest in His word, that is truth. Run to His word because it will fill you with the strength you need. He is making you better, He is making you useful. Be bendable. Be mold able. Let your body fall into His hands and let Him use you as He  knows you will be used. In this place you will have the most peace, and the most contentment. It's when we fight His molding that we find real pain. The pain that will not go away.
The nights I cried with a heart so heavy it quite literally drug me to the floor, I was not at peace as I fought His will and plans for me. But when I succumbed, and trusted and then finally, rested in His plan, the peace like a river that I had always heard about but never experienced until then, flooded in.

"Be still and know that I am God ...." Psalm 46:10

Dear Mother of Children---- Childless

As I sat in church that day I had never felt more alone. I felt like someone had placed the "dunce" hat on my head to wear for the duration of the service. It really wasn't anyones fault, and I know that no one intended to make me feel this way, but I felt so empty. I had lost a baby a the month before, and now here I sat, on Mothers Day, with no baby. Years later as I reflect on that painful Mothers Day it makes me think about all the women who are Mothers in their hearts, but hold no baby in their arms. Mothers Day is a special day, and it's nice to have a day to honor those who have labored and spent their lives caring for children, and to honor your own Mother. This is really noteworthy. Just like a Birthday. It's fun to celebrate the day that God brought you into the world. But for those who are not mothers, and want to be, Mothers Day can be very painful.
Even for those who have totally found their identity in Christ and who are wrapped up in His love, still feel. They still can experience feelings of sadness over not having children in their arms that are their own.
Mothers, you are a mother because God put you there in that place. He asked you to care for some of His creations and requestsed that you do it for His glory.
Women who are not phyiscal mothers, God also handed you a package. It was not a baby of your own, but it may have been the little nieghbor girl who's mother left. Or, the child at the grocery store that you waved to, smiled at and said Hi to. Perhaps you noticed an un-noticed child, and made that child's day.
The other possible contents of the package could be wrapped up in millions of different ways that GOD has asked you to serve Him and to care for His creations. You are not less important because you were not handed the package labeled "baby."

That dreadful Mothers Day I experienced some 9 years ago, I went through without Jesus. I was not walking with Him then as I am now, and I see how dark and sad I was. I was looking for my identity in the form of children.
We as mothers do this far too often. Our children become our everything, and we get wrapped up in them. Rather than viewing them as blessings and an opportunity to bring GOD glory with how we raise them, we build our lives around them.
Dear Mother of Chidlren please be sensitive. The woman next to you who does not have children does not need to hear about your children, how many you have and how easy it was for you to conceive them. I know you may not mean any harm, but please be prayerful about the way you carry yourself this Mother's Day. Be thankful in your heart, wise with your mouths and gracious with each word you speak.
Be a blessing. Be mindful of those around you who may be struggling.
For the woman who is not holding children, it may be the point  where her heart is given freedom if she sees a mother with children being compassionate towards her in her childless estate.
I'm not trying to be controversial, and I 'm not trying to point fingers or make any blessed Mother feel badly. You are, as GOD placed you.
But help those who are struggling. Be a servent. Even on Mothers Day.
A mother might say, "but this is one day to honor me!" And I undesrstand these feelings as well, but it's like Valentines Day for the one who is single. For the single woman on valentines day, it's more like, "curl up and cry day" than it is "celebrate love" day.
You don't know where someone's heart is at. And saying, "they shouldn't feel that way" is liketelling a   grieving person not to grieve.
Everyone is on their own road to wholeness, and Jesus will and is working on His children's heart in His perfect timing. So be careful not to hinder the gospel, even in the way you celebrate your special day. I'm not saying don't enjoy your day, I'm saying, being mindful first of other people before you consider youself.
DO to others as you would have them do to you. That is the gospel of Matthew's golden rule.
Dear Woman with other blessings, you are loved. You are not less of a woman because of your life calling. Who God made you to be is perfect just as you are. Lay yourself into the hands of Jesus. You will find you're peace and joy there. Hope is found Jesus, not in what we are or are not blessed with. Who you are to the children of this world that you come into contact with is precious.
You have spiritual children, and you are right where GOD wants you as you run after His will for you're life. You are not less of a person, or unblessed because you do not have children. Take total joy in the fact that you have  a God who is doing what is best for you, all the time.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

Ask God today dear Woman what God has for you that He planned for you long ago. Perhaps you have never done this, and maybe you have and this is just a good reminder. 
And know this:
You are perfect, precious and exactly the way God wanted you dear woman without children. 
And Dear Mother, You are precious, and perfect and exactly where God wants you. Be a blessing both of you, and in turn you both will bring GOD much glory.
 For what is it that we are to say??? IN all things, TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

Today I Stopped (my to-do list)

To be honest, I really don't like reading books to my kids. I know it's terrible. But it's not something I have made a great habit of doing. I have had much mommy guilt over this little truth But now my secret is out.
Today, it was a rainy sunday. I wanted to do many things inside. Cleaning projects, organizing, and such....
So I prayed as I often do throughout my day that God would help me to be "productive" and that I would complete the tasks He wanted me to do today.
Turns out, God's to do list for me was different that my to do list for myself.
As a mom, if you are one you'll know, there are many a task that one wakes up with in their minds to accomplish. She (the mother) sets out to do this and that, and keep her little home afloat and her children alive and if she's lucky, she gets a shower. (on a good day)
SO goes the life of a mommy.
But lists seem to grow as the children do, as I recognize that my "me time" slowly is slipping from my grasp as well. And I'd be lying if I said I am not at war with with my responsibilities at times. Today though The Lord (without my knowing it) focused me on what was really important. Today I read books. For a long time. A really long time. :) I put down my broom, (twice) and went into play Barbies.  Anyone else every been shocked by how creative their children are?! I was today. They live in a beautiful make-believe world of dress up, and daring knights and fancy dresses. I loved every minute of it. I took lots of pictures.
It was a little bitter sweet because I realize that this type of magic happens every day, and I miss it. I'm not beating myself up, because I realize that meals have to be made, and house has to stay somewhat in order in order for a home to feel peaceful, but I also realized a new truth: I can take a few minutes and play Barbies and make my girls's day. I can turn on the Disney cd, and dance around the room while I clean. I can be the Mother God can empower me to be, if only I ask.
I can enjoy the little magical moments, and it's a gift to enjoy those moments. Today was the kind of day that made me stop and think about how blessed I am. Today was the kind of day that I ended with a sense of real thanksgiving in my heart because of the miracle of life that I get to experience each and every day. I felt the spark today.
It's usually the little moment that I feel too swamped to take that would change the way I feel about the way I parent. When my children feel cared for, and loved, and important they don't nag. Or complain as much. They say things like "your the best mom ever," and "this was the best day ever." I smiled when my five year old daughter grabbed my face in her sweet little hands tonight and said, "today was the best day ever Mom!" She felt the difference, and so did I. I kissed her forehead and said, "Yes it was." because Yes, it was a great day. And because of God, and His amazing grace, every day can be the best day ever. He always takes the time to dance with me. To talk. He's always there. And He is not only my great supplier, He is my example. What HE has, is available to me, and He made that very clear to me as I prayed today, "Lord, help me to be productive." AND praise Jesus that HE told me that today, the laundry and dishes could wait. SO NO. My laundry did not get done. And my dishwasher is finally running, and I think there might still be Ketchup sitting on the table from tonight's dinner, but honestly, I really don't care. Today I felt His hand and His presence as I sat and just enjoyed my wonderful children. So tomorrow as I pray for productivity, I know He will lead me again as He sees fit, but in every productive day, I will also pray for moments. Moments to stop. TO listen and to be. Just to be still, and actually listen to my children's responses. To pay attention. TO give them focus time. TO play barbies or ninjas, or princess, whatever the flavor of the day is. Truly...I have but one life. And with Christ I can live it to the full...His way...His time. I am so thankful for this beautiful day that I almost missed because of my "to-do" list.

Let's Be Real (For Real)

He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. (Hebrews 11:25 NIV)

Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11:16 NIV)

“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ (Matthew 11:16, 17 NIV)

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, (Ephesians 6:7 NIV)

The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 6:5-8 NIV)

All these scriptures are verses that ought to make us think. You are here, I am here on earth for a few years. God created us. This truth we know. You and I are not here by chance or accident. Your parents did not accidentally conceive you even if they said it was an accident. It was not. God planned you. SO this begs the question of "why?" Why did He plan you? Why did He put you here?

Let me jump ahead, now you are 20, 30, 40 something...have you figured out why your here? To work a good job...to raise a family? To find love, to be love...what? What is your purpose...

Skip ahead again...
Your on your death bed... What is your "claim to fame.." are you comfortable in saying, "I lived a good life, I worked hard, and now I'm dying and that is all there is?" I'm going into the ground and there I'll stay. I cease to exist. I have no soul. I have no aftermath. I have no life to look forward to after death?
And if you believe you are going to an after-death place..where did you get that idea? What do you base your belief on? Where did you find your truth to base your confidence in as your life on earth slips away from you?
Good questions.
If you don't know the answers to these questions, no matter how old you are right now, it may be time to start questioning and seeking these answers.
I know, as I read Gods word, (the absolute truth) (how do I know it's the absolute? because I choose to believe that Gods plan is the only plan. All the other plans fail because they are human based. If you were trace them back to their beginning, they are based on human origin, and man is flawed, since the time of Adam.) Gods word tells me from start to finish all about His plan, man's sin and our way out, our escape.
Jesus, the nails that would be pounded through His hands, His life that was given for mine, and then, His  raising from the dead, ascension into heaven, His GIFT of the Holy Spirit and His plan for us depicted on all the pages of HIS word.  Tell me, beyond my ability to comprehend, that He in fact has a plan for my life, one that makes sense, and is learned, and followed a day a time.
I just find myself astounded that we as humans would rather live for ourselves for a few meaningless days and pleasure filled ways, than trust in a plan that has been set in place since before the foundations of the earth were laid. Before the earth was, Gods plan for YOU was already in place. Think about that. NO. really. THINK ABOUT THAT. Isn't that astounding?
Maybe you want to take a second and ponder in your heart how you really feel about all this.
Do you live a life that is centered on what YOU will do for that day, how YOU will make yourself feel good that day, how YOU will do nice things for other people based on how YOU feel about things? Or do you start your day asking GOD who made you, what HE wants for you, what HE has planned for you that day, how HE will have you impact the lives of those around you.
The bare reality is this: One day YOU will die. Your breath will cease to flow through your lungs, it will stop providing your body with life blood and life as you know it, will end. Just like that.   Is this thought alarming to you?
It doesn't scare ME one bit.
IN fact, it excites me. "Death is just a doorway to take me to my Faithful Lover. The lover of my soul." says a line in one of my favorite rap songs.

I think in the rush of each day, we live our every 24 hours based on emotions we have, feelings we go through and confusion that ultimately ends in many disappointments. I absolutely know these feelings because I lived my life this way for 24 years. Now on the other side of the coin as I have put my trust on Someone greater than myself, I see the polarizing difference of a life wrapped up in Jesus, Vs. a life wrapped up in myself.
I just feel like saying, "Let's be real!" Think about life in terms of your 80 to 90 years and consider, who your' living for, why and what the point of life is. What is the point?
My Point is the hope I have wrapped up in The Lord JESUS Christ. The one who guards my life, runs my life and set me free from fear of death.
O the hope that lies in just that one line.
If you have not thought about the things I am writing about, then perhaps you should. But I challenge you, to pray. Pray about these things, to the unseen God, and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. It is as simple as this. You can do it anywhere, anytime, and you can pray just as you are. With a sincere heart, wanting to hear from GOD.
You and the creator of the world can have a relationship. He will encourage you, give you life and grant you guidance hope and peace as you walk this earth.
You need only to call upon His name, and listen.
There are no magical words, no secret formula, no chant, no book that will tell you "this is the way you get God to hear you."
He only asks we come to Him with a sincere heart. One that is waiting upon Him.
Do so today. DO so right now. Ask Him.
Your life depends on it even though you may not know it.