Well, I've been home, since all day yesterday, and all day today, due to feeling a bit under the weather. Life really completley stops when I get sick. I find it's really the only time that I genuinly REST. Yes, I still go online, blog, watch movies, try to read, watch movies, do puzzels if I muster up enough energy, but I don't go anywhere. I stay home.
Maybe if I rested more often I wouldn't become sick and HAVE to rest out of necessity. Resting should be like drinking water. It should be apart of my day. Resting goes hand in hand with reflection and quiet times with the Lord. Being still and doing nothing are completly different things (some wise sage wrote on the white board on the fridge). How true this statement is. Do we in this society know what it means to be still? To not do anything? How much more would we hear the voice of the Lord?
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Rest, just rest
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light
Luke 10
Mary and Martha-----
Be like Mary who chose the better part: sitting at the feet of Christ. Learning from His Word.
Don't be anxious or worried.
I just read a post from a friend who talked about revival. It made me think. I have been so spurred to do something with ministry and the Lord is preparing my heart NOW. He is making me ready to do what He is calling me to do. But, I can't just jump in without being prepared. Without the Lord first breaking my heart and healing it. Essentially, without being revived. :) I'm just now seeing that in order to get to that place of giving to others, I must be filled myself. Like a cup that is filled, I must pray that I am filled to overflowing, so that I can give to others from the overflow of what He has given to me. We can't revive others if we are not first revived ourselves. We as Christians must take time, seasons even, to reflect on what the Lord is doing in our lives, where we are, going to places that hurt, feeling the angquish of God. I could go into more on this but maybe at a later time.
Another thing that has been stirring in me is PRAYER. How important it is and how it is lacking in my life. Prayer is talking. Talking to God. It's relationship. How much time do we spend prioritizing our life around relationship with others when our relationship with our Creator is lacking? Is placed on a checklist at the bottom of the list? Or at the end of our day when we are exausted? We must get to a place where reading the Word and talking to God is like walking. We don't really have to contemplate it, we just do it because we have to, in order to get to where we need to go, it's essential. It's who we are. When will our lives come to a place where God is made the center of all that we do? Everything is centered around Christ! When will we get to a place where we actually walk out what His word commands us to do?
CAST YOUR CARE. COME TO ME. TAKE MY YOKE. LEARN FROM ME.
We have to come to a place where we are so in-tune, so connected to God, that He is our all in all. He is really the only one who truly satisfies our desires and longings. How much more could we give to others if we had such a relationship with our Father!!! We must know Who's we are, but fully content with who we are, relish in who God says we are, and do what His Word calls us to do.
How do we go from talking about it, penning it, mulling over it, to actually DOING it?
JUST DO IT. Be honest. Rest and be still. Being still and doing nothing are two completly different things. Focus your mind. Remind yourself of who He is and what He has done for you. Relish on who He is. Find a place to go. Don't rely on others to get you there! Work our your own souls salvation with fear and trembling. Journal. Periodically reflect on what the Lord has been showing and confirming in your spirit.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light
Luke 10
Mary and Martha-----
Be like Mary who chose the better part: sitting at the feet of Christ. Learning from His Word.
Don't be anxious or worried.
I just read a post from a friend who talked about revival. It made me think. I have been so spurred to do something with ministry and the Lord is preparing my heart NOW. He is making me ready to do what He is calling me to do. But, I can't just jump in without being prepared. Without the Lord first breaking my heart and healing it. Essentially, without being revived. :) I'm just now seeing that in order to get to that place of giving to others, I must be filled myself. Like a cup that is filled, I must pray that I am filled to overflowing, so that I can give to others from the overflow of what He has given to me. We can't revive others if we are not first revived ourselves. We as Christians must take time, seasons even, to reflect on what the Lord is doing in our lives, where we are, going to places that hurt, feeling the angquish of God. I could go into more on this but maybe at a later time.
Another thing that has been stirring in me is PRAYER. How important it is and how it is lacking in my life. Prayer is talking. Talking to God. It's relationship. How much time do we spend prioritizing our life around relationship with others when our relationship with our Creator is lacking? Is placed on a checklist at the bottom of the list? Or at the end of our day when we are exausted? We must get to a place where reading the Word and talking to God is like walking. We don't really have to contemplate it, we just do it because we have to, in order to get to where we need to go, it's essential. It's who we are. When will our lives come to a place where God is made the center of all that we do? Everything is centered around Christ! When will we get to a place where we actually walk out what His word commands us to do?
CAST YOUR CARE. COME TO ME. TAKE MY YOKE. LEARN FROM ME.
We have to come to a place where we are so in-tune, so connected to God, that He is our all in all. He is really the only one who truly satisfies our desires and longings. How much more could we give to others if we had such a relationship with our Father!!! We must know Who's we are, but fully content with who we are, relish in who God says we are, and do what His Word calls us to do.
How do we go from talking about it, penning it, mulling over it, to actually DOING it?
JUST DO IT. Be honest. Rest and be still. Being still and doing nothing are two completly different things. Focus your mind. Remind yourself of who He is and what He has done for you. Relish on who He is. Find a place to go. Don't rely on others to get you there! Work our your own souls salvation with fear and trembling. Journal. Periodically reflect on what the Lord has been showing and confirming in your spirit.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:7
You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all of Your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
Isaiah 42: 1, 6-9
Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,
My Elect One in whom My soul delights!
I have put My Spirit upon Him
I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness,
And will hold Your hand;
I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the Gentiles,
To open blind eyes,
To bring out prisoners from the prison,
Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
I am the LORD, that is My name;
And My glory I will not give to another,
Nor My praise to carved images.
Behold, the former things have come to pass,
And new things I declare;
Before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
Last night, on my lovely drive back from the lovely home of a friend, who lives in the far distant land of newport news, I began to cry. Tears of revelation, desire, hope, and anticipation. My friend's words, "I really want you to know" really stuck out to me. I want to know what I want to do in life too. This season of uncertainty, wondering, has ultimately lead me back to a place of wanting the Lord. Desiring Him first. Wanting a schedule that reflects His rest, instead of stress. I say I don't really know, but I have quite an inkling as to that direction, which was made even more clear today when Pastor talked about the best time to pray. It's the place on the roof where you can see the people AND you can also see Christ, as the heavens are opened, and revelation-understanding-knowledge-love begins to pour out. That place where God is giving you His heart. There is a deep connection between the too, and it's the best place to be! The best time to PRAY!
God has given me such a love for His people. The brokenhearted, the hurting, the captives. What do I want to be doing in life? Ministring to these people. I want to be in a place of such close intimacy with the Father, through prayer and relationship, that His joy (which gives me strength) would overflow into my brothers and sisters. I want to be able to equip people to know the One who can "raise them up to more than they can be", to help them move past the expectations and mostly emptiness this world has to offer,
It was interesting also how marriage played into all of this....I'm resting in that place of uncertainty and realize that I'm in a place of preparation, and am content with being single. I was starting to think about being married and how this ties in with my desire to minister to the broken and hurting. I thought of two songs by Leeland:
-TEARS OF THE SAINTS-
And all Your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home
&
-FOLLOW YOU-
And I'll follow you into the homes that are broken.
Follow you into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow you into the World.
I give all myself.
I give all myself
I give all myself... to you.
The first song specifically stuck out to me..."and all Your children". As I'm reading it tonight, I didn't realize that it was referencing God's children, but when I was playing it, I envisioned MY children.
So, I'm just resting. Resting in the Lord. Waiting on the Lord. Being stirred to PRAY.
A few weeks ago, in the Prayer Room, the Lord was speaking. Luke 9. Mary and Martha. Learning to choose the better part. Sitting before the Lord and learning from His Word. Not being anxious and busy, and rushed, but pressing in. Learning and then applying.
Till next time, friends.
You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all of Your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
Isaiah 42: 1, 6-9
Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,
My Elect One in whom My soul delights!
I have put My Spirit upon Him
I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness,
And will hold Your hand;
I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the Gentiles,
To open blind eyes,
To bring out prisoners from the prison,
Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
I am the LORD, that is My name;
And My glory I will not give to another,
Nor My praise to carved images.
Behold, the former things have come to pass,
And new things I declare;
Before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
Last night, on my lovely drive back from the lovely home of a friend, who lives in the far distant land of newport news, I began to cry. Tears of revelation, desire, hope, and anticipation. My friend's words, "I really want you to know" really stuck out to me. I want to know what I want to do in life too. This season of uncertainty, wondering, has ultimately lead me back to a place of wanting the Lord. Desiring Him first. Wanting a schedule that reflects His rest, instead of stress. I say I don't really know, but I have quite an inkling as to that direction, which was made even more clear today when Pastor talked about the best time to pray. It's the place on the roof where you can see the people AND you can also see Christ, as the heavens are opened, and revelation-understanding-knowledge-love begins to pour out. That place where God is giving you His heart. There is a deep connection between the too, and it's the best place to be! The best time to PRAY!
God has given me such a love for His people. The brokenhearted, the hurting, the captives. What do I want to be doing in life? Ministring to these people. I want to be in a place of such close intimacy with the Father, through prayer and relationship, that His joy (which gives me strength) would overflow into my brothers and sisters. I want to be able to equip people to know the One who can "raise them up to more than they can be", to help them move past the expectations and mostly emptiness this world has to offer,
It was interesting also how marriage played into all of this....I'm resting in that place of uncertainty and realize that I'm in a place of preparation, and am content with being single. I was starting to think about being married and how this ties in with my desire to minister to the broken and hurting. I thought of two songs by Leeland:
-TEARS OF THE SAINTS-
And all Your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home
&
-FOLLOW YOU-
And I'll follow you into the homes that are broken.
Follow you into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow you into the World.
I give all myself.
I give all myself
I give all myself... to you.
The first song specifically stuck out to me..."and all Your children". As I'm reading it tonight, I didn't realize that it was referencing God's children, but when I was playing it, I envisioned MY children.
So, I'm just resting. Resting in the Lord. Waiting on the Lord. Being stirred to PRAY.
A few weeks ago, in the Prayer Room, the Lord was speaking. Luke 9. Mary and Martha. Learning to choose the better part. Sitting before the Lord and learning from His Word. Not being anxious and busy, and rushed, but pressing in. Learning and then applying.
Till next time, friends.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
What is HE doing?
It's been several months, yes, that I've posted to you my public audience, however, I have been journaling on a semi-regular basis my deeper personal thoughts......yeah for me!
Wow. ALOT has happened since my last post.
To sum it all up it just two words: Relationships and Love
lots more to come soon, just letting you know I'm breathing and doing well...
Wow. ALOT has happened since my last post.
To sum it all up it just two words: Relationships and Love
lots more to come soon, just letting you know I'm breathing and doing well...
Saturday, January 30, 2010
It's been a long time
I have no idea who reads this and honestly I don't care that much.
It's been a terribly long time since I've blogged so hear goes.
Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. He keeps bringing to my memory a guy I met in one of my classes last semester. When I'm driving, I seem to notice the car he drives, though it's not him. Take these times and PRAY. It's probably the Lord. It's been several weeks, maybe a few months ago, but randomly I was thinking about my old Math teacher from high school. Only days later, I found out that she had been hurt badly, and could have died. Yes, I believe the Lord was calling ME to pray for her! He laid her on my mind for a reason. Not simply to reflect on memories with her but to pray for her. Our ways are not His ways, nor are our thoughts HIS thoughts.
I have been strengthened and challenged in my faith since my return home from Illinois. Engaging in very in-depth conversations with a Catholic friend, I have had to really look into what I believe and why I believe it. To say the least, it has been an excellent opportunity. I pray that God fully opens the eyes of his understanding for there are many cloudy areas that need to be worked out. Rush in like a mighty wind Father!
God has been showing me that I need to live in the world but I am not of the world. That He is calling a generation who will not compromise but who will stand out and be different from the world. A people who is there to offer the hope and love of Christ (among many, many other things).
I'm feeling really stirred to take care of the temple God has given me. My physical body. I'm feeling the lack of care and something has got to change! I must not just talk about it. It will take action on my part along with a willing spirit. Die daily to the flesh. It's hard but it's doable. I'd like to get our family eating healthy foods. Buying good foods are expensive but if we start eating in moderation (portion sizes) --eating less of good so to speak, I think it will be to our benefit.
I feel such a peace about this semester. I'm still working on prioritizing time, finding that I'm eating on the run alot more than I need too, getting on face book entirely too much...but there is a peace. I see God at work in the little things. I might not have the big picture yet, and I may never have it, but God knows the plans He has for me and I shall rest in Him.
It snowed today. Just thought I should document this somewhere in addition to my calender and face book. It snowed a lot.
Greatly enjoyed reading Rachel's blog. I can't WAIT to be somewhere like that---I loved it. I hope that Costa Rica works out for me in the summer or sometime soon.
I love how I'm desiring to have my own home. I see beautiful things when I'm out shopping that I'd love to have but don't really have the room for them. Can't wait till I can decorate my home.
I'm glad that God made me want to obey my parents. That He gave me a desire to do what's right, to love seeking Truth. I ask that He give me a heart for those who don't see. Ah, God's showing me to love people for who they are, no matter what color they are, no matter how they talk or act, love them for them, love them because God loves them. Love because it's the right thing to do.
I've been consistently washing the dishes. That's a good thing.
I'm encouraged, so encouraged, when God brings people in my life "for such a time as this". One particular person blesses me so. We connect so well. Thank you Lord.
"Cast all your care upon Him for He cares for you."
It's been a terribly long time since I've blogged so hear goes.
Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. He keeps bringing to my memory a guy I met in one of my classes last semester. When I'm driving, I seem to notice the car he drives, though it's not him. Take these times and PRAY. It's probably the Lord. It's been several weeks, maybe a few months ago, but randomly I was thinking about my old Math teacher from high school. Only days later, I found out that she had been hurt badly, and could have died. Yes, I believe the Lord was calling ME to pray for her! He laid her on my mind for a reason. Not simply to reflect on memories with her but to pray for her. Our ways are not His ways, nor are our thoughts HIS thoughts.
I have been strengthened and challenged in my faith since my return home from Illinois. Engaging in very in-depth conversations with a Catholic friend, I have had to really look into what I believe and why I believe it. To say the least, it has been an excellent opportunity. I pray that God fully opens the eyes of his understanding for there are many cloudy areas that need to be worked out. Rush in like a mighty wind Father!
God has been showing me that I need to live in the world but I am not of the world. That He is calling a generation who will not compromise but who will stand out and be different from the world. A people who is there to offer the hope and love of Christ (among many, many other things).
I'm feeling really stirred to take care of the temple God has given me. My physical body. I'm feeling the lack of care and something has got to change! I must not just talk about it. It will take action on my part along with a willing spirit. Die daily to the flesh. It's hard but it's doable. I'd like to get our family eating healthy foods. Buying good foods are expensive but if we start eating in moderation (portion sizes) --eating less of good so to speak, I think it will be to our benefit.
I feel such a peace about this semester. I'm still working on prioritizing time, finding that I'm eating on the run alot more than I need too, getting on face book entirely too much...but there is a peace. I see God at work in the little things. I might not have the big picture yet, and I may never have it, but God knows the plans He has for me and I shall rest in Him.
It snowed today. Just thought I should document this somewhere in addition to my calender and face book. It snowed a lot.
Greatly enjoyed reading Rachel's blog. I can't WAIT to be somewhere like that---I loved it. I hope that Costa Rica works out for me in the summer or sometime soon.
I love how I'm desiring to have my own home. I see beautiful things when I'm out shopping that I'd love to have but don't really have the room for them. Can't wait till I can decorate my home.
I'm glad that God made me want to obey my parents. That He gave me a desire to do what's right, to love seeking Truth. I ask that He give me a heart for those who don't see. Ah, God's showing me to love people for who they are, no matter what color they are, no matter how they talk or act, love them for them, love them because God loves them. Love because it's the right thing to do.
I've been consistently washing the dishes. That's a good thing.
I'm encouraged, so encouraged, when God brings people in my life "for such a time as this". One particular person blesses me so. We connect so well. Thank you Lord.
"Cast all your care upon Him for He cares for you."
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