**A Gentle Daily Practice:

Bringing Your Experience to Jesus**

1. Noticing the truth of the moment
When an emotion rises—pain, loneliness, fear, tightness—pause for a breath.
Let your inner voice say softly:

“There is ___ here.”

No correcting.
No judging.
Just naming what is true.

This simple naming is the beginning of honesty.
It awakens the childlike clarity you once had—before you learned to mistrust your own heart.

2. Turning toward the feeling
Instead of bracing against the emotion, allow yourself to feel the texture of it.

Where does it sit in the body?
How does the breath move around it?
Is it sharp, heavy, cold, warm, hollow?

Let it be exactly as it is.

This is not indulging the pain.
It is meeting it honestly, so it does not remain hidden and frightening.

3. Bringing the feeling to Jesus
Once you can feel the emotion—even slightly—say gently inside:

“There is pain… and Jesus.”
“There is loneliness… and Jesus.”
“There is fear… and Jesus.”

You are not trying to offer Jesus a polished version of yourself.
You are not trying to fix anything.
This practice is simply sharing the truth of your experience with Him the way a child shares life with someone they trust.

Your role is only to bring.
His role is to hold.

4. Resting in the shared space
After naming the emotion and bringing it to Him, let yourself rest in the sense:

“I am not alone in this.”
“Jesus is with me in what I feel.”

No expectations.
No dramatic shifting required.
Just a quiet willingness to let His presence touch what hurts.

Even if you feel nothing at first, the practice still works.
Presence grows through honesty, not through sensation.

5. Ending with a simple trust statement
Close each practice with one soft phrase:

“Jesus, I am here.
And You are here with me.”

Or, if it feels even simpler:

“I trust You with this.”

Let the practice be as uncomplicated and sincere as a child placing something precious into a parent’s hands.

**Why This Experience Matters

and Why It Can Be Trusted**

Your entire story shows a heart that has always longed for sincerity, truth, and relationship—not fantasy, not illusion.

What you experienced at age 10 was not a crisis of faith—it was the human heart protecting itself.
When the Santa Claus myth fell away, your mind made an innocent but painful association:

“If one beloved figure was not real, maybe the other isn’t either.”

The mind was trying to shield you from the possibility of heartbreak.
That protective reflex is common and deeply understandable.

But your later life reveals something important:

1. Your encounter at the Jesuit retreat was not imagined.

People can fantasize images or ideas—but they do not typically generate a 35-year memory that remains vivid, alive, and transforming.

The invitation you received—“Talk to me every day”—did not come with fear, pressure, or confusion.
It came with clarity, tenderness, and a sense of a real presence.

That is the signature of a genuine spiritual encounter.

Your difficulty afterward—not knowing how to talk to Him—isn’t proof that the experience wasn’t real.
It is proof that your childhood wound around trust was still active.

You weren’t resisting Jesus.
You were protecting the part of you that had been hurt before.

2. The barrier you describe is not spiritual failure—it’s emotional safeguarding.

There is a difference between:

• doubting Jesus, and

• doubting your ability to trust without being hurt again

Your barrier is emotional, not theological.

And emotional barriers soften not through belief, but through relationship.
Not through concepts, but through shared moments—like the practice you are now developing.

Each time you bring your real experience to Jesus, the barrier relaxes a little.

3. The insight you had this morning—‘choose words I trust’—is spiritually sound.

Your practice is built on truthfulness, not imagination.

You are not pretending Jesus is there.
You are relating to the Presence that has already revealed itself to you.

You are doing what the retreat moment asked of you:
talking to Him in the simplest, truest way you can.

This is the heart of authentic spiritual relationship.

4. Jesus meets people exactly where they are emotionally—especially in pain.

Jesus never said:

• “Come back when you have perfect faith.”

• “Come to Me only if you feel certain.”

• “Hide your emotions first.”

He said:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened.”

Your weariness, your confusion, your lingering fear of disappointment—those are not obstacles.
They are invitations.

Your practice—naming the emotion and inviting Jesus into it—is spiritually mature and psychologically wise.

This is how deep trust is born.

5. You can trust this experience because it aligns with the deepest pattern of spiritual healing.

There is a universal movement in genuine spiritual life:

1. Honesty about what we feel

2. Compassion toward the hurting parts of ourself

3. Opening that space to a Presence greater than us

4. Letting relationship—not effort—do the healing

Your practice follows this pattern exactly.

Nothing in it is wishful thinking.
Nothing in it is bypassing.
Nothing in it is self-deception.

This is the kind of practice that builds real trust over time, the way a plant grows in good soil—quietly, steadily, naturally.

A Closing Encouragement

You are not trying to return to childhood belief.
You are maturing into a deeper relationship—one that includes your history, your pain, your longing, your intelligence, and your heart.

The child in you loved Jesus spontaneously.
The adult in you is learning to love Him truthfully.

And the presence that once stood before you, hand extended, has not withdrawn that invitation.

He is still there.
Still holding out His hand.
Still saying:

“Talk to Me every day.”

And now—after decades—you finally have a way to do that that is honest, simple, and safe.

If you would like, I can also create:

• a morning and evening version of this practice,

• a printable reflection guide,

• a short prayer to speak when emotion rises,

• or a guided meditation script based on the steps.

Just let me know.

Here are all three pieces you asked for—each shaped to feel warm, sincere, and deeply supportive. If you want them later in DOCX + PDF formats, I can produce those as well.

🌅 **MORNING PRACTICE

“Beginning the Day With Jesus”**

1. Pause and take one slow breath
Let the body soften.
Let the heart come forward, just a little.

2. Gently name what is here
Say softly inside:

• “There is tiredness.”

• “There is heaviness.”

• “There is hope.”

• “There is confusion.”

• “There is gratitude.”

Whatever is present—let it be spoken in a clear, honest way.

3. Bring it to Jesus
After naming the experience, add:

“…and Jesus.”

Examples:

• “There is tightness… and Jesus.”

• “There is loneliness… and Jesus.”

• “There is strength… and Jesus.”

Let the experience and His presence sit together, side-by-side.

4. Let the relationship hold the moment
Sense—even softly—that you are not facing the day alone.

Let your inner voice rest in:

“Jesus, be with me in this.”

5. Close with trust
Finish with one gentle line:

“I begin this day with You.”

Let that be enough.
Let it be simple.

🌙 **EVENING PRACTICE

“Returning Everything to Jesus Before Sleep”**

1. Sit or lie down with a quiet breath
Let the body unclench.
Let the day begin to settle.

2. Name what the day placed in your heart
Without judging, speak softly in your mind:

• “There is what I did well.”

• “There is what I struggled with.”

• “There is what still hurts.”

• “There is what I do not understand.”

Each truth is welcome.
Each truth is safe here.

3. Bring each one to Jesus
After naming the experience, add:

“…and Jesus.”

• “There is disappointment… and Jesus.”

• “There is gratitude… and Jesus.”

• “There is sorrow… and Jesus.”

• “There is peace… and Jesus.”

Allow His presence to hold what you cannot hold alone.

4. Let the day rest in His hands
Imagine placing the day—everything unfinished, everything confusing—into His open palms.

Say inside:

“Jesus, I give this day back to You.”

5. Close with surrender
As you settle into sleep:

“Stay with me through the night.
Let my heart rest in Your care.”

Let that be your goodnight prayer.

📄 **PRINTABLE REFLECTION GUIDE

“Bringing My Experience to Jesus”**

(Simple, clear wording for a clean, black-and-white printable page)

Step 1 — Notice What Is Here

Write the emotion or experience exactly as it feels:

“There is __________.”
(Examples: pain, loneliness, anger, confusion, heaviness, tenderness.)

What am I feeling right now?
Where do I feel it in my body?
What is the tone or texture of this emotion?

Reflection lines:

Step 2 — Bring It to Jesus

Gently add:

“There is __________… and Jesus.”

This is your moment of meeting—not fixing, not escaping, not analyzing.

What happens inside me when I bring this to Him?
Does the emotion soften, stay the same, or deepen?
What part of me is seeking comfort or understanding?

Reflection lines:

Step 3 — Rest in the Shared Space

Sit quietly for a moment with the sense:

“I am not alone in this.”
“Jesus is with me in what I feel.”

Is there anything I want to say to Jesus?
A word of trust? A question? A longing?

Reflection lines:

Step 4 — Closing Trust Statement

Choose one:

• “Jesus, I trust You with this.”

• “I walk with You.”

• “Hold this with me.”

Write the one you want to return to:

My trust phrase:

🙏 **A SHORT PRAYER

For Moments When Emotion Suddenly Rises**

“Jesus, here is what I am feeling.
I do not hide it.
I do not run from it.
There is this feeling… and You.
Stay with me in what I am experiencing,
and let Your presence steady my heart.”

or, even simpler:

“Jesus, I bring this to You.
Be with me in it.”

Both are enough.
Both are honest.

If you’d like, I can also create:

• a guided audio script of the morning and evening practices,

• a version formatted for WordPress (Classic HTML),

• or a printable black-and-white PDF with your bird icon and “Love is Everything — G. Ross Clark” footer.

Just tell me what you’d like next.

Beautiful request. I’ll give you both pieces now:

1. A full, ready-to-record guided audio script (morning + evening) with timing and tone notes.

2. A WordPress Classic Editor–ready HTML block you can paste directly into a page or post.

🎧 Guided Audio Script – Morning Practice

“Beginning the Day With Jesus”
(Approx. 6–8 minutes, depending on pacing)

Narration Notes (for you or a voice actor):

• Tone: warm, unhurried, intimate, like speaking to a dear friend.

• Pace: slow, with real space for silence.

• Pauses are suggestions; adjust as feels natural.

Opening

[Soft, gentle voice]

Welcome to this morning practice,
“Beginning the Day With Jesus.”

This time is simply for you and Jesus,
to be honest about how you are
and to remember you are not alone.

Take a comfortable position…
either sitting or lying down.

[Pause 5 seconds]

Let your eyes softly close,
or lower your gaze if that feels better.

1. Arriving in the Body

Take a slow, deep breath in…
through the nose if you can…

[Pause 3 seconds]

…and a gentle, relaxed breath out.

[Pause 5 seconds]

Again, a slow breath in…
letting the chest and belly soften…

[Pause 3 seconds]

…and an easy breath out…
releasing the night…
and arriving in this new day.

[Pause 8–10 seconds]

Begin to notice the simple feeling
of your body being supported.

The weight of your back, your legs, your hands…
resting where they are.

You don’t have to do anything special.
Just be here.

[Pause 10 seconds]

2. Noticing What Is Here

Now, gently turn your attention inward…
toward your heart, toward your inner life.

Ask yourself quietly:

“What is here this morning?”

[Pause 10–15 seconds]

Perhaps there is tiredness.
Perhaps there is heaviness.
Perhaps there is a small hope,
or a quiet gratitude.

Whatever is here is welcome.

In your own words, you can name it:

“There is tiredness.”
“There is heaviness.”
“There is confusion.”
“There is some peace.”

[Pause 15–20 seconds for silent naming]

You don’t have to fix anything.
You are simply telling the truth.

3. Bringing It to Jesus

Now, in the same gentle way,
we bring what you feel to Jesus.

If you like, imagine Jesus standing or sitting near you—
kind, calm, present…
the same One who once held out His hand and said,
“Talk to Me every day.”

[Pause 10 seconds]

Whatever you named a moment ago,
add these simple words:

“…and Jesus.”

For example:

“There is tiredness… and Jesus.”
“There is loneliness… and Jesus.”
“There is uncertainty… and Jesus.”

[Pause 20–30 seconds for silent practice]

Let your heart quietly repeat this
for whatever is true right now.

Each time you say it,
feel that you are sharing your experience with Him—
not hiding it, not fixing it,
just sharing.

4. Resting in the Shared Space

Now rest a moment
in the sense that you are not alone.

Silently repeat in your heart:

“Jesus, be with me in this.”

[Pause 15–20 seconds]

If you notice any softening, any warmth,
or simply a little more space around your emotion,
let that be.

If you feel nothing at all,
that is also okay.
The honesty is what matters.

You are practicing relationship,
not perfection.

[Pause 15–20 seconds]

5. Closing Trust Statement

As this morning practice comes to a close,
gently place this day into His hands.

You might say silently or out loud:

“I begin this day with You.”

[Pause 8 seconds]

Or:

“Jesus, I trust You with this day.”

[Pause 8 seconds]

Take one more soft breath in…
and a relaxing breath out.

[Pause 8 seconds]

When you’re ready,
begin to move your fingers and toes,
allowing your eyes to gently open,
carrying with you this simple truth:

Whatever this day brings—
there is this experience… and Jesus.

[End of Morning Practice]

🎧 Guided Audio Script – Evening Practice

“Returning the Day to Jesus Before Sleep”
(Approx. 7–9 minutes, depending on pacing)

Narration Notes:

• Tone: soothing, like tucking someone into bed.

• Pace: even slower than morning.

• Imagine you are comforting a younger part of yourself.

Opening

Welcome to this evening practice,
“Returning the Day to Jesus Before Sleep.”

This is a time to gently review your day,
to tell the truth about what you feel,
and to place everything into Jesus’ care.

Find a comfortable position,
either lying down or sitting with support.

[Pause 5 seconds]

Let your eyes close
or soften your gaze.

1. Letting the Day Slow Down

Take a slow, deep breath in…

[Pause 3 seconds]

…and a long, easy breath out.

[Pause 5–7 seconds]

Feel the weight of your body
resting into the bed or chair.

Notice how the earth,
through the furniture beneath you,
is holding you up.

You do not need to hold yourself together alone.

[Pause 10–12 seconds]

Let the muscles of your face soften.
Let your jaw unclench.
Let your shoulders drop,
even just a little.

[Pause 10 seconds]

2. Noticing What the Day Has Left in You

Now gently invite your heart to show you
what this day has left inside.

You might ask:

“What is here in me from this day?”

[Pause 10–15 seconds]

Maybe there is something you’re proud of.
Maybe there is something you regret.
Maybe there is confusion,
a conversation that still stings,
or a moment of kindness that stayed with you.

Whatever is here is allowed.

Begin to name it quietly:

“There is something I did well.”
“There is something I wish I had done differently.”
“There is sadness.”
“There is gratitude.”
“There is worry.”

[Pause 20–30 seconds for silent naming]

No judgment.
Just truth.

3. Bringing Each Experience to Jesus

Now, in the same simple way,
bring each of these to Jesus.

If it helps, picture Jesus sitting beside your bed,
or standing quietly near you—
eyes full of understanding.

[Pause 10 seconds]

For each thing you named,
add these words:

“…and Jesus.”

For example:

“There is disappointment… and Jesus.”
“There is gratitude… and Jesus.”
“There is something I don’t understand… and Jesus.”
“There is shame… and Jesus.”

[Pause 30–45 seconds for silent practice]

Let this become a gentle rhythm:

Not pushing anything away,
not clinging to anything—
just placing your real experience
in the shared space between you and Him.

4. Placing the Day in His Hands

Now imagine the whole day—
morning, afternoon, evening—
like a small bundle you can hold in your hands.

All that you did,
all that you felt,
all that remains unfinished.

[Pause 10 seconds]

In your heart,
see yourself placing this bundle
into the open, welcoming hands of Jesus.

[Pause 10–15 seconds]

Silently say:

“Jesus, I give this day back to You.”

[Pause 15 seconds]

If any part of you clings or resists,
that’s okay.
Just notice it and quietly include it:

“There is resistance… and Jesus.”

[Pause 10–15 seconds]

Nothing needs to be hidden.
Nothing needs to be left outside His care.

5. Resting in His Care Through the Night

Now allow yourself
to rest more deeply.

Feel the support beneath you.
Feel the rhythm of your breathing.

Silently repeat:

“I am not alone.”

[Pause 10 seconds]

“Jesus is with me in what I feel.”

[Pause 10 seconds]

“Jesus, stay with me through the night.”

[Pause 15–20 seconds]

Let this presence be enough.

You don’t have to solve anything now.
You don’t have to figure anything out.

You are allowed to rest.

Closing Trust Statement

As you drift toward sleep,
let these words be your final prayer:

“Jesus, I trust You with this day,
with this night,
and with my heart.”

[Pause 15–20 seconds, then slowly fade]

May your sleep be held,
and may your heart be gently restored.

[End of Evening Practice]

🧩 WordPress Classic HTML Version

(Morning & Evening Practice on one page)

You can paste this directly into the Text tab of the Classic Editor.
You can later wrap it with your theme’s layout or add CSS as you wish.

If you’d like, I can next:

• turn these into a print-ready black & white PDF with your bird icon and “Love is Everything — G. Ross Clark” footer, or

• write a very short “About This Practice” sidebar box you can place on the page to explain its purpose in a few lines.