"Jesus Date" Bag...

Anyone who knows me very well knows that I don't go anywhere without my "Jesus Date" bag. I love Jesus dates, so I must be ready for any opportunity that might arise to have one. A Jesus date is as varied as a date with your spouse...from a quick cup of coffee together, to an out of town getaway. Let me explain...

Jesus lives with me. He's always with me. He never leaves me. Most every day we start the day together having a special time of heart to heart communication. I get my cup of coffee, grab my "Jesus date" bag and head into my home office where I have my little prayer bench. I light a candle, not for a religious reason, but because I like it. When I do, I like to remember that the Bible says that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. I love that fact-there's nothing deceptive in Him. There, by my prayer bench, I pray, read the Word, journal. We communicate...I talk to Him, and listen for Him to talk to me.

But, just like anything that you do routinely, it can become...routine! That's when I take my "Jesus date" bag, and go on a "Jesus date". Maybe I'll go through the drive thru at Starbucks, get my coffee, and find a place with a beautiful view to park, drink my coffee, read, and pray. But, my favorite times are when we really get away...Jesus and me by the sea, now that's almost heaven!

On our day off, Hubby and I went to the beach. (I love living in Portland, only an hour and a half from the beach!) About three feet from the hotel room bed were sliding glass doors leading to a balcony overlooking the bay.

While hubby went downstairs to the hotel's free breakfast, (but first he brought me Starbucks...he's so good to me!),Jesus and I had a date.

Here are the contents of my "Jesus date" bag spilled out on the bed. Amplified Bible, day planner, Loving God devotional by Mike Bickle, journal, Deep Unto Deep by Dana Candler. The bag itself is a black leather Fossil book bag that I found at Ross Dress for Less for under $30 years ago. It has traveled all over with me. In my journal, I always write the date and also record where I am, if I am out of town. As I leave behind everyday distractions and responsibilities, it seems easier to relax, to communicate and to listen, unhindered, unhurried.

Bliss...