I know God is omnipresent. I know He is with me and will never forsake me. I know I can talk to Him any time of day or night.

The trouble is, I tend to forget. I get distracted with the dishes and forget that our loving God is eager to hear from me, to interact with me, to supply me with all I need.

That's why I suggest we build into our lives multi-sensory reminders that God is near. What element can you include in your routine or your physical home to remind you of Christ?

Here are some suggestions from the book (From pages 43-47 in The Contemplative Mom, listing 21 reminders of God):

• For a utilitarian approach, post scripture on every mirror.
• Create a photo wall or tabletop display of friends and family as a reminder to pray for them--to interact with the ever-present God about their struggles or needs.
• Bring elements of nature into your home--start a pine cone, seashell, pressed flower, or leaf collection--or let a picture window frame living reminders of God: flowers, trees, cloud-scapes, stars. "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge" (Psalm 19:1-2). Let God's creation declare His majesty and remind you of His presence.
• Read to your child a Bible passage or story that is meaningful to you. Give him his choice of art medium, and ask him to sketch out or paint the story. Preserve and frame the finished work. You could include the Bible reference, print out a key verse from the passage, or let the art stand on its own.
• Change your fragrance if you wear perfume. Look for a name that seems appropriate, and let it remind you that you are to God the aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15).
• Set an extra chair at the table to represent Christ's presence. Pull an empty stool into the kitchen while you prepare the meal. Imagine Him sitting with you.
• Research screen savers for artwork or icons that could flash a reminder for you at work. Or type out a scripture to flash on your screen saver "flying message" (where words scroll down and across the screen). Change it often.

For visual inspiration, I've included some pictures of some of my own reminders. I want you to see that they don't have to be anything fancy.

The top left is simply a post-it with Scripture on it. Right now, it's "[B]e clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray" (1 Peter 4:7).

Next is a painting taken from a calendar. It's by some unknown artist, but I loved the way Jesus was leaning in so casually, comfortably, just talking with the people. It's hanging in my bathroom, reminding me to take some time to just relax and talk with the Lord.

Top right is a VBS craft, a cross made of spools by one of my daughters. We stuck it on the rear-view mirror and it's been there for two years, reminding us of Christ Jesus.

Bottom left is a basket of books in the downstairs bathroom. I've read two of those books simply because they are convenient. Our laundry room is next to the bathroom, and for awhile I had to sit on the washer to keep it from hopping away during the spin cycle. I grabbed one of those books to read while my big bottom kept the washer put.

Bottom right is a little collection of natural, found objects--some little seeds from evergreen trees in California, a pressed dogwood blossom from a hike during a retreat, a couple of sticks I found at beaches. They remind me of my Creator and of the wonderful places He's taken me.

ONLINE SENSORY EXPERIENCES AND RESOURCES

National Gallery of Art
Take a virtual tour of the National Gallery of Art (you can visit the shop, too, to buy some prints or art-related items for your home): Click here

Order Scripture Checks
A friend of mine ordered checks with Scripture on them. Hers read, "For where your treasure is, there your hearts will be also" (Matthew 6:21). I thought those were a wonderful idea for a multi-sensory reminder of God--every time we pay by check, we can be reminded to interact with the Lord! I've found several sources from which to order checks with Scripture on them, but I haven't found that exact verse. You can customize some of them, however, if you like that verse in particular, at several companies. Here is a link to "Promise Checks." I've never ordered from them, however, so I am sending you without working with them personally.
Click Here for Promise Checks