Welcome to the Daily Still podcast, a place to pause. Here we create space to listen for the

whispers of God. I'm your host, Cindy Helton, and I believe one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself is room to be still.

When I took a break after our last season of the podcast, I had no idea it would be for several

months.

But in the pulling away, I felt an invitation to rest from doing and to just be present

to my life.

The last two years, I've been pursuing a spiritual direction certification, and it has

been a transforming journey for me. As a spiritual director, I offer guidance to help others pay attention

to and notice the movement of God in their lives. It is the spirit of God who does the leading

and directing of one's spiritual journey.

During the season of Lent, I invite you to join me each Monday on a journey of returning to God

through meditation and personal reflection. The purpose of Lent is to intentionally draw closer to the inviting and unconditional love and grace of God.

It is a season for reflection, sacrifice, generosity, and repentance.

Whether you already began a Lent practice on Ash Wednesday, or you are beginning with us today,

a great place to start is to ask yourself these honest questions.

Where do I feel distant from God? What practices will deepen the love of God in me?

In Joel 212, the Lord says,

And yet, even now, return to me with all your heart.

The invitation in returning to God is really an invitation to divine love.

When we draw near to God, we draw near to love.

In this season of returning, I invite you to sit in the loving gaze of God and know you are dearly and divinely loved.

So pause and begin to calm the noise around you and within you.

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