Hi everyone!

Sorry I've been gone for 2 weeks. I have been doing some spiritual warfare and didn't feel like writing.  All through that time the Lord was teaching me a lot, but I wouldn't stop long enough to get my strength back up.

It wasn't until Friday at a youth gathering with 5 churches in my town that I was able to be still!

We had just finished our game time and worship started. There were 2 guys talking behind me that were distracting, the room was bright and I was surrounded by a lot of people that I didn't know; but I knew the One we were worshiping! So I closed my eyes, and pictured just me and Jesus and oh that moment was so sweet! I needed that time of 'noise' so I could close my eyes and spend that one on one time with my Lord.

Sure I have been praying at home and reading the Word, but I still felt distracted. I think it's because I was in my room where there are projects that I need to complete and it's full of my stuff that I think about once I step through my door, so it made it difficult for me to push all of it out of the way and just focus on the Lord.

Some years ago my mom bought me a prayer shawl and when I place that on my head it is like a tent and I feel like I'm in another room to meet with my Lord! I stopped doing that and I shouldn't have. I treasure the time when I go to be with the Lord and when I go to Him this verse comes to mind a lot:

But when you pray, you should go into your room and close the door. Then pray to your Father. He is there in that private place. He can see what is done in private, and he will reward you. Matthew 6:6

It is so important for you to find that place where you can go to be alone with the Lord and be distraction free. It can be outside under your favorite tree, by a stream or in a tree house. I know many people who have actually made part or their whole closet their prayer closet. 

I had the idea to make a tent in the corner of my room by hanging pretty dark cloth from the ceiling and having my prayer tent. I made it with a white cloth, but since I made it over my bed it didn't work out as well as I planned and I took it down after a month. 

I realize now how I best do my warfare/praying and I have set my tent back up! Find that spot where you meet with Daddy and when you are going through the rough times, hide yourself in there and rest in His arms. Let His presence come around you like a blanket and get renewed and get your strength again! And when you have times of peace go in there and praise Him, read from the Word and go deeper in your relationship with God. 

Whenever you have the chance encourage your bothers and sisters in Christ to run towards their alone time with God and to see the beauty of it! 

Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]. James 5:16