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.

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.

Perhaps take off your shoes, for this is holy ground.

And now let's settle in and begin.

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