Recent attention to mindfulness through the popularity of prayer and meditation apps reminds us how important it is to stay in the present with God. Our perspective is transformed when we are more able to recognize God in each moment. Scripture backs up this premise with the statement “pray without ceasing.” [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV]. When we open our hearts to the presence of God in every moment, we begin to look at life differently. Today's guests both pay special attention to the present by emphasizing the importance of a daily walk with Jesus. Both wrestle with conditions that require ongoing attention. Jim Sonefeld, drummer for the rock band Hootie and the Blowfish, addresses his alcoholism on a daily basis, noting that his spiritual growth blossomed, "When [he] made that decision to practice a daily surrender, a daily prayer, [and] a daily devotion." Our second guest, Sara Gruber, deals with chronic disease. After the initial and very scary discovery, she has found that the daily impact of an ongoing illness presses her into a complete dependence upon God.

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: John Hill

Upcoming interview: David and Tamela Mann

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Jesus Calling app

Jim Sonefeld

Hootie and the Blowfish

Contemporary Christian music

Proverbs 26:12 NIV

“Not Waiting on Sunday”

Swimming with the Blowfish

Remember Tomorrow

www.jimsonefeld.com

Sara Gruber

Dysautonomia

Blessings of Chronic Illness

Interview Quotes:

“My first experience meeting Hootie and the Blowfish [was] a great enactment of love—unconditional love, giving, and using their position on stage to influence--giving to somebody who really needed it.” - Jim Sonefeld 

“In a rare moment of motivation, I decided to face the truth, the truth that I was not in control of my life. And I needed to ask someone else for help.” - Jim Sonefeld

“I needed to go out and follow Jesus. And that led me to bringing my spiritual music to audiences—smaller audiences than I was used to—and giving them a message of hope and redemption.” - Jim Sonefeld

“All of that busyness, I couldn't do it anymore. And it was just me and God and John and the girls and we had to figure out a new life, a new way to approach things, a shift in our household.” - Sara Gruber

“Nobody understands what it's like to live inside my body except God and I, and it led me to this complete dependance on God. I could explain all of my symptoms. I could explain what I felt and what I was going through. But I felt like God was the one I was living it with.” - Sara Gruber

“I've spent a great part of my life being a caretaker and now I have to learn how to receive care and receive it with grace and know that in some way I am gifting others by allowing them to care for me.” - Sara Gruber

“Isn't it so amazing when you have those moments, those little brilliant moments where you have these small miracles that maybe aren't so small, and you realize that God worked this just for you, all these little things that we take for granted?” - Sara Gruber

“I absolutely believe