Spiritual Growth

Slow Down and Be Still

/ Christine Maynor / Leave a comment

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My Daily Musings-August 22nd, 2026

I recently listened to the song by Sissel called Slow Down. Here are the lyrics to the song because I think its message is very important for us in our busy and chaotic world.

In the midst of my confusion
In the time of desperate need
When I am thinking not too clearly
A gentle voice does intercede

Slow down, slow down, be still
Be still and wait, on the Spirit of the Lord
Slow down and hear His voice
And know that He is God

In the time of tribulation
When I’m feeling so unsure
When things are pressing in about me
Comes a gentle voice so still, so pure

Slow down, slow down, be still, my child
Be still and wait, on the Spirit of the Lord
Slow down and hear His voice
And know that He is God
And know that He is God.

Here’s the link to the video of this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFe84U__kt8&list=RDEFe84U__kt8&start_radio=1

I was deeply touched by the message of this song. In this crazy, busy, and chaotic world, do we really take the time to slow down, be still, wait, and hear God’s voice so that we can know that He is God? Do we take the time to be still and study the scriptures, be still and pray, be still and just rest in the fact that our Heavenly Father is who He says He is? Or are we so consumed with our never-ending to-do lists that we don’t have the time we need for sacred things?

I think we are all guilty of not slowing down enough to listen and to pray to our Heavenly Father. Our souls and hearts need spiritual nourishment to function, just like our physical bodies need water and food. I sometimes forget to pray throughout the day and I can surely notice a difference in my day. I have a better day. I’m in a better mood if I take the time to read my scriptures, pray and just be still and know that He is God.

When Jesus Calls

/ Christine Maynor / 1 Comment

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Melodies & Musings

A while back, I wrote a poem about how Jesus is our Good Shepherd and we are His beloved sheep. You can find the link to that poem at the bottom of this post. As I reread that poem and thought about the message, I wondered if I am in tune enough with Jesus to hear His voice when He calls me?

Sometimes we get so distracted by other things in this life that we might lose track of the important things. Even though the things that we do for our home and family are important, listening for and hearing Jesus’ voice should be among the most important thing in our lives.

We should prioritize spiritual things above anything else. As we learn more about Jesus and learn from His example, I think we will become more in tune to His voice. Then when He calls us to do something, we can be ready.

What helps you stay spiritually in tune with Jesus when life becomes busy and distracting? Have you ever felt Jesus guiding you toward something you might not have recognized if you hadn’t been listening?

Here’s the link to the poem about this topic:https://faithcenteredinspiration.com/2026/01/17/the-good-shepherd/

Here’s a link to the YouTube video of me reading part of the poem:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5Kr4_vOyTvA

A Place Prepared For You

/ Christine Maynor / Leave a comment

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My Daily Musings-August 12th, 2026

I read John 14:2 again today and it really intrigued me this time.

It reads, “In my Father’s house are many mansions…I go to prepare a place for you.”

It’s always been interesting to me how I can read a scripture many times and it just hits me differently one time than any other time. I think this verse intrigued me this time for a couple of reasons.

Jesus said this to His disciples at the Last Supper. I learned that the Greek word for “mansions” is monai, which can mean dwelling places, rooms, or abiding places. Since I have been focusing on “Abide” as my word of the year, this translation really resonated with me. So basically, what Jesus is telling us is that we can abide with Him and His Father in heaven, after our lives on earth.

When Jesus was on the earth, He picked so many different people to be His apostles, from a few fishermen to a tax collector and a Zealot who had a very different political background than the others.

Then Jesus wasn’t particular about whom He blessed and healed. He healed the poor, the rich, men and women, Jews and Gentiles. So basically, all are welcome to “abide” with Him, no matter our background, our wealth, our family, etc.

But We need to do our part and follow Jesus, keep His commandments and do the things we know we should do. Then we can abide with Him and our Heavenly Father after this life on earth is done.

What does it mean to you to “abide” with Jesus? How does knowing that Jesus’ invitation is open to everyone bring you comfort or hope?

Feeding Our Faith

/ Christine Maynor / Leave a comment

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My Daily Musings-August 2nd, 2026

I really like this quote by C.S. Lewis: “We have to be continually reminded of what we believe. Neither this belief of any other will automatically remain alive in the mind. It must be fed.”

I completely agree with him that our beliefs and faith must be fed to remain alive. If you think about it, our bodies must be fed multiple times a day to feel nourished and full. Likewise, our faith and beliefs must also be nourished so they can remain alive in our hearts.

I think that’s why we have church so that our spirits can feel nourished and fed. We also study the scriptures for the same reason. We should share our beliefs and faith with others because doing so strengthens and feeds our own faith as well as the faith of others.

What are some ways you nourish your faith throughout the week? What has helped strengthen your testimony or beliefs the most during difficult times?

Because I Know Him

/ Christine Maynor / 1 Comment

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Backstory:
While watching The Chosen, I was touched by a conversation between Philip and Matthew. When Philip asked Matthew what he did before following Jesus, Matthew replied that he had been a tax collector. Philip gently reminded him that what mattered wasn't who he had been before meeting the Messiah, but who he was becoming because of Him. That conversation made me wonder: even though I can't walk beside Jesus as His disciples did, is knowing Him changing me? As I learn more about the Savior and strive to follow Him, am I becoming a little more like Him each day? 

Because I Know Him

As I strive to follow and be more like my Savior,
I must ask myself can I see changes in my behavior?
Am I becoming more kind and loving toward others
In this world that we share as sisters and brothers?

Am I becoming more patient with others on our journey?
Am I showing myself more patience and mercy?
Do I think before I speak when my thoughts are unkind?
Am I thinking the way Jesus would of the rest of mankind?

Am I seeing everyone around me through the lens of love,
Like Jesus would if He were here from up above?
Am I serving my fellowmen willingly like Jesus would?
Because He would look at everyone and just see the good.

Am I loving and giving myself more grace
As I look in the mirror at my imperfect face?
Am I becoming more faithful as I walk through every day?
Or does my faith depend on the lack of troubles that come my way?

I may not be able to see the change in my behavior,
But I hope that my transformation is visible to my Savior.
It doesn’t matter who I was before I met Jesus,
But what matters is that I am trying to overcome my every weakness.

The Takeaway: Spiritual growth is often difficult to see in ourselves. We may still notice our weaknesses and shortcomings, but Jesus sees every small step we take toward Him. The true measure of discipleship is not where we started, but who we are becoming through His grace. As we continue to know, love, and follow Him, He quietly shapes our hearts to become more like His. 

Watch my YouTube short on this topic here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/o76M3IAsMrE