Inspired: Closer to Christ

Last night as I went to sleep, I said a quick prayer.  After thanking my Heavenly Father for all he has blessed me with, I asked him for something specific.  I asked for a way for me to have more spiritual experiences in my life.  I prayed for reminders to read my scriptures, and to know when the Holy Ghost was guiding me.  I ended my prayer, and then, out of habit or maybe a prompting, I checked my facebook account.  One my best friends, Alecia, had posted a blog titled 21 Days Closer to Christ.  As I read, I discovered that she too was looking for a way to strengthen herself spiritually, and had even found a way to do it.  In her post she invited friends to join her on her journey.  I don't know about you, but I have had few instances in my life where a prayer has been answered so quickly or so specifically. I knew I had to take this challenge!

Now, why am I looking for more spiritual experiences?  Honestly, I am feeling spiritually starved and disconnected.  When I am home,  I have a really specific schedule that I work well with.  I know exactly when I will have time to go to the temple, I know when I will be able to read my scriptures, and I go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, making prayer a better habit.  I have responsibility in my ward, so I love to go.  I really like structure, and in the summer, all structure goes out the window.  I have no responsibilities except to keep my house clean and in order.  I make dinner every night around 8:30 which I absolutely love, and run errands throughout the week.  As far as the rest of my time goes, it's all up to me.  So now you are saying, "Okay, Katie, then why aren't you spending more time feeding that spiritual hunger?"  Good question!  It's a pretty lazy answer;  I am an awesome procrastinator, especially when I have lots of extra time on my hands.  I can always read my scriptures later, but then end up not reading them.  I can pray when I go to bed, but then I'm too tired.  This ward isn't my ward, so I'm not really paying attention.  See the recipe for disaster here?  It's a slippery slope.  

That's why this challenge is perfect for me.  It's included in the book 21 Days Closer to Christ by Emily Freeman. (Alecia's blog has a link to buy the book, or you can buy it on your e-reader of choice like I did!)  It has a daily theme with a story, scripture to read, a prompting to pray, and a challenge to consider. Lot's of structure, and a daily commitment from me to do it.  I've decided to follow Alecia's example and blog a little bit each day about my journey.  

Already I can see the Lord's hand in my life, just by simply asking for it.  I am blessed to have a friend in Alecia, who has always inspired me since we were teenagers.  She couldn't have known that right as she posted the blog, I was asking my Heavenly Father for a way to grow spiritually; but He did, and led me to it.  

-Katie