Just Today…
Happy Hump-day, friends!
I wanted to share something with you that I hope will encourage you like it has encouraged me.
I’ve been feeling really stressed lately with all that we have to do around our house and in life in general. Because of that, I seem to be complaining more than I should.
I am guilty of not “living in the day.”
My boys have the children’s devotional, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, and I loved the devotional for today, April 11th.
This devotional book is written from the point of view of Jesus. (I made a few insertions of my own in red.) 
Just Today
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
I press on toward the goal to win the prize
for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
I have made this day for you. Be careful not to complain about anything in it ~ not your English test (or unwritten post), not your frizzy hair (or the unwanted pounds you’ve put on), not even the weather ~ because I am the Creator of this day. Instead, decide to be happy today. Open your eyes, and choose to look for all the blessings I have hidden in this day.
Then live today ~ just today. Don’t think about mistakes you’ve made in the past. Don’t worry about what will happen tomorrow. You will only end up wasting today. I want you to enjoy abundant Life in My Presence ~ today!
I pray today, that you and I will look for God’s blessings and enjoy the day that He has created for us.
Jesus Calling has been such a blessing to us. Do you read the adult version’ too? It’s sweet doing them in tandem!
Wow, Jesus MUST be calling. Not 3 minutes before I opened this post, someone on Facebook suggested in a status this very devotional. This entry was great. Might have to pick up a copy!
Thank you so much for posting this! I have been struggling the last few weeks with worry and fear because of some major changes that have been occurring in my family’s life. I know that I’m wasting the days away because of it. This was a great post to read at the start of a new day!
Love this! We have that same book { and I have the grown up version} and just love it! Soooo needed this today! :)
Just my 2 cents but….. we should be very careful about attributing things to Jesus that He never said. The Bible is the inspired word of God…God breathed, and we can trust that those are the wods our Lord spoke. The words contained in the Bible are the words we trust as truth. We should not take someone elses thoughts, interpretations, “point of view” or writings as those coming from the Lord. The best thing we can do for our children is to read them the very words of Christ. I think it is dangerous spiritually to start to condition our children or anyone to take someone elses words as those spoken by God. I’m just bringing this up because the book is written in the first person as if Jesus is speaking. I don’t mean this in any mean spirited way…. just as “iron sharpening iron”.
I am careful what I read, but have found no problems with “Jesus Calling”. The referencing scriptures are given at the bottom of each day. The speaking from first person basically just substitutes “I” for “the Lord”….it doesn’t alter any of the meaning or message. For me, it is especially comforting, and makes me feel closer to Jesus. I find it hard to argue with that. The best scenario is to read the days’ devotion AND the referencing scriptures. All bases are covered that way.
Enjoyed this post. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Hey Traci, I just found your blog on Twitter. :) I want to get this book for my little ones! Thanks for sharing! I believe that as we continue to learn to forget ourselves we find more of Him, and His fruits, in ourselves… in our day! Thanks girl! -Blessings, Amy Alves
We have been reading through the Bible this year, and I have been impressed with how often and how plainly God exhorts us to actively remember what He has done for us. It’s in the Old Testament, it’s in the Psalms… and why? Because as soon as we take our eyes, ears, and memories away from Him, we “exchange our Glory for an image of a bull {or fill in the blank}” (Psalm106:20), and that complaining spirit seems to rise faster than we can blink. I’ve been trying to make a really conscious effort to daily remember what He has done for me by writing those things down in my prayer journal.
My 12 year old has been reading this book and it is amazing. I have seen a change in her attitude just over the past few days of starting it. What a great way to start the day! Thanks for sharing this!
I love this!! That is so great! I may have to pick this book up! I always try to remind myself that each day is a new one and not to worry about yesterday or tomorrow because its not going to change anything- when I do this it always seems to help! Happy Wednesday! ;)
I was given Jesus Calling as a Christmas gift. I’ve been reading it every morning and absolutely love it! It has been a true blessing and reminder of things that I sometimes forget. I often read sections to my family so that we can all be aware of God’s presence throughout our day!
I needed that today – thanks!
Good stuff! Looking up the book(s) now! Hope your day is loverly!
Thanks, Traci, for this uplifting post. I am on my third year of reading the adult version of Jesus Calling, and I know many others who also receive encouragement from Sarah Young’s book. I enjoy reading a variety of devotional books, along with my daily Bible reading first thing in the morning. It’s the best time of my day and, combined with prayer, so prepares me for whatever the day may bring.
Another favorite of mine is the classic, Streams in the Desert, compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman. I enjoy the writings from people of the past, so two others by Nick Harrison have also enriched my life: His Victorious Indwelling and Magnificent Prayer.
The books that feature a hymn for every day, like the ones by Robert Morgan, also have blessed my days; I enjoy learning the background behind the hymns and singing the ones I know. I could go on and on, but I better quit before I write an epistle!
Blessings on you and your precious family!
Thanks for your encouragement it really helped me to do something I’ve been meaning to do. Keep sharing the word!
Thanks you so much for sharing, I really needed this today :)
Love Jesus Calling…read it everyday :)
The adult version is my favorite devotional. I know some people don’t agree with the first person writing, but it is all based directly from Scripture, just personalizing it. Very powerful. And I beleive God still speaks to each of us personally.
“believe” – I hate when my fingers get dyslexic. :)
What a great reminder. I need to remember this devotional nearly every morning!
Thank you for sharing exactly what I needed to hear today. You are a blessing.
I think God loves us no matter how we learn as long as it is positive in His name and that it brings us closer to Him. So many of us hav a problem understand the Holy Bible and need a little help. So any means of learning how to be closer to God will please Him… Love your blog and keep up the great job. It shows that you are a terrific mom and in the actions of your children and you are super in my eyes. Thans for sharing and I will be buying the book.
Sorry for some missed spelled words. I just get a little upset when I think someone is not open minded enough to know you are a God loving Mother.
so funny – I just bought this for my girls last Thursday and thought it might be just as helpful for me as for my kids. Thanks for sharing!
Take care,
Laura
Thank you Traci…. I needed that post. I lately have felt overwhelmed with every closet and drawer I open that needs organized. Instead, I am savoring the beautiful weather and going to the park, for walks, or playing catch with our two little ones. Thx for the reminder that our 2 lil’ precious ones are more important and not to sweat the small stuff. I will be praying the same for you, dear Traci. God bless the rest of your week!
I just wanted you to know that I read this post at around 1am this morning and forwarded it to my three daughters. Little did I know how much those words would be needed later in the day. My oldest daughter had a routine physical scheduled and the Dr. found a very suspicious mass. She is scheduled for a biopsy first thing tomorrow. The words in your post kept her mind in perfect peace and she said it meant so much to her. Jesus always has perfect timing doesn’t He? Thank you for the post.