Is your soul hiding?
This weekend I was challenged with the thought: "In silence, our soul can come out of hiding." Silence, Pastor Denny went on to say, creates a safe space for our soul to come out, for God to speak directly to the soul He created. I talk and write quite a bit about being quiet, about the value of silence. These past few months I have practiced silence more than usual. A difficult situation arose that offered me two diverging paths: one, speak up and defend myself; or two, be silent and allow God to work. And He did. He worked. He worked on ME. As I continued my silence, deep maturing truths rose to the surface of my heart. I realized the truth that God has plans for some people that do not include me - and I must release them to follow their path. I lived the truth that all who follow Jesus to the deep, deep places of faith will at some point be stripped of all friends but for God Himself. I believed, for the first time, that God Himself is enough. Forgiveness, I learned first-hand, is not for someone else, but for me -- healing in my heart as I release the hurt and anger. God used a difficult, heart-breaking situation to change not the other person, but me. He changed my perspective. He brought me to a place of realization - that even if I am truly alone in this world, Jesus is there and He knows what it feels like. That 'in quietness and confidence is your strength.' (Isaiah 30:15 NLT) -- He will give me strength and courage to continue on. His promise is that 'joy comes in the morning' (Psalm 30:5). As I have waded through the terrifying reality of being alone, each millisecond seemed like years. But at the end of each moment, joy waited for me on the other side. True friendships shone so brightly I was literally speechless in gratitude. God restored the health of the ones I depend on the most - filling my basket again with loyal supporters. True forgiveness forged bonds stronger than I've ever experienced. All brought about by the choice of silence. Pastor Denny said it perfectly: The word absurd has its roots in the word 'deafness'. In actively practicing quietness, we hear the still, small voice of God - the sound of sheer silence. When we fill our lives with noise, we run the risk of living an absurd life, deaf to the sound of God's voice. Better is a life of quietness, of peace in my heart, living with less; than a life full of wealth and 'success' accompanied by the soul-noise of anxiety and worry. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:6 (my revision) If God is the word, if God is the speaking; then mine is the silence, mine is the listening. ~ Thomas Merton
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What's the unseen in your life? In my life, the unseen is the time I need to write. I'm a wife, a mother, a farmer, a daughter, a sister, a mentor - all these things take up my time. And they're important. But last year I said to God, "God, I believe I'm supposed to write. If that's the case, will you have Nina (an author I'd communicated with twice on facebook) contact me and tell me that's the direction I should take?"
Two weeks later, Nina sent me a message: "Sorry this is so late! Two weeks ago I felt very strongly that God wanted me to tell you that you're supposed to write a book." Um. Yeah, about faith... So I do. I am. I will. Write. I write plain, truth-speaking articles, encouraging women to grow and be strong in their faith; looking for and experiencing the presence of Jesus in their heart and life. "But when you proclaim His truth in everyday speech, you're letting others in on the truth so that they can grow and be strong and experience His presence with you." (1 Corinthians 14:3 MSG) ( Courtesy of Jennifer Glosser, Salladasburg, PA)
"Aubrey is such a bright five year old," The assessor gushed. "It's amazing what she has picked up and learned all on her own! She'll have no trouble at all next year, we can't wait to see her again." Pausing, she thought for a moment. "Now, Brady... Well," she said brightly, "You have all summer to work with him, I'm sure by the time we see him in the fall he'll be all ready to go!" "Thank you so much," Jen picked up the paperwork. Standing up from the pint sized desk, she attempted a brave smile. " I'll get to work with Brady." "What a great job, you both did!" Walking out to the car, a twin holding each hand, Jen did her best to speak positively. "Aubrey, they're very excited to see you again in a few months, and Brady, they can't wait to see your great jumping skills again." "I'm just so nervous!" Jen confided in her husband later that evening. All four children were tucked into bed and they sat in the living room, Jen's concern evident in her tone. "They said that Brady just isn't where he needs to be with his letters. How do I teach him those letters when he won't sit still, never mind focus, for one minute?" The next morning, breakfast was cleared away and the children were playing with crafts at the table. "Brady, let's work on a letter today. Go ahead and pick one and we'll get to work on it." Young Brady tilted his head and surveyed the list before him seriously. Jen's heart sank at the blank look on his face. Just as discouragement was beginning to set in, Brady's eyes' lit up. "That one, Mamma!" He pointed to the page. "I know that one, it's just like Jesus on the cross! What's that one?" The sense of an arm around her shoulder was tangible. Her heart lifted and she felt the encouragement pushing aside her concern. 'Don't worry,' her heart heard, 'He'll be fine, he's going to learn and he'll be just fine.' Exhaling, she leaned forward and put her arm around Brady. "That's a T, honey. Let's try to write it..." "You know, Rosalyn," Jen mused during our phone call, " When you asked me for a story of God showing his face in my life, I had no idea what I would tell you. But then I found myself thinking about it more, and when this happened I realized that I haven't been paying enough attention. But I want to, and from now on, I"ll be looking for Him in the little moments..." "...if you seek God, your God, you'll be able to find him if you're serious, looking for him with your whole heart and soul." Deuteronomy 4:29 MSG "When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." - God Jeremiah 29:13 MSG "...Seek, and you'll find. Knock and the door will open." Luke 11:9 "Happy Birthday, Dad!" Trey yelled, running to meet Tom at the door. "Thanks for going to work today!", he added, remembering our daily routine.
Earlier in the day, Trey and I had visited a small grocery store owned by a local Amish family to buy Tom an apple tree. One of my husband's passions is our fruit orchard here at the homestead, and Trey and I talked all afternoon about our surprise for Daddy. Knowing that Trey wouldn't be able to keep the secret for long, I ran out to get the tree. "Close your eyes, Daddy," I called out. Before I could make it into the room, I heard Trey's excited stage whisper: "It's an apple tree!" The surprise was short lived, but the smile on Tom's face was awesome. It struck me that our relationship with God requires similar care to tending a home orchard. First, we need to keep our friendship with God free of weeds. Tall weeds of discursive thoughts and words: discontent, gossip, anger, harsh words and unforgiveness quickly choke out a healthy relationship with God, distracting us from focusing on God and His plan for our life. Second, we have to control the thorns of outside influences: the seemingly inoccuous diversions. What we listen to, read, watch on television or on the internet; excessive anything (food, alcohol, shopping); unhealthy relationships; and emotional issues we refuse to work through - these all can contribute to creating a useless jungle of debilitating life issues and God-less thought patterns. Lastly, ruthless pruning protects our friendship with God. Self-righteousness, legalism, over-committment, and approval-addictions can quickly take away our freedom in Jesus and weigh us down with the heaviness of 'doing it right'. When our friendship with God is healthy, He promises to send us gifts, "...much like the same way that fruit appears in an orchard -- things like: affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal (gather) and direct or energies wisely." (Galations 5: 22b-23 MSG) Dear Father God, My heart is your orchard. Teach me to recognize the weeds and thorns that are choking out my friendship with You. Please give me courage to prune the branches that are weighing me down, keeping me from the freedom Jesus promises (Galations 5:1). Thank you for the promise that you have blessings piled up and waiting for me when I worship you. (Psalm 31:19 MSG) I commit to living your way, aware of our friendship, so that you can bring the gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control into my life. (Galations 5:22-23 NIV) In Jesus' Name, Amen. (Story courtesy of Amy Pecchia, Jersey Shore, PA) "Daniel," Kneeling in front of her young son, Amy pulled him onto her knee. "Honey, it's very important that Mom and Dad that you learn to listen and do what we say.""Yes, Mommy." Squirming, the preschool boy attempted to inch his way off her knee. "Daniel, we're going to try something new." Alert wide eyes immediately focused on Amy's face. "From now on, when you misbehave, you're going to lose one of the toys in your room for a few days." "Who picks the toy, Mommy? Do I pick it?" "No Daniel, Mommy will choose the toy. You'll get it back in a few days." Slipping off of Amy's lap, Daniel tugged her hand as he walked to his room. "Not that, Mommy," he pleaded, voice quivering with tears. He pointed to the Jesus cross on his wall. "You won't take Jesus from me, will you?" Gathering him up in her arms, Amy smiled. "No baby. No one can ever take Jesus from you." "...absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us." (Romans 8:39 MSG) I heard a sermon today reminding us to keep it simple. So here it is: God loves you. God loves you so much that He sacrificed His son so that you would be free. Are you free? If you're not, please contact me - let's talk about it. Nothing, no one, can ever take Jesus from you. But first, you have to choose Him. Dear God, Thank you for loving me. Show me how to love you, how to love those around me. Teach me the meaning of love, Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen. Fueled by two cups of coffee and a determination to create order, I attacked housecleaning: dishes, floors, and dusting. Trey mirrored my focus, bustling from living room to bedroom, clutching toys and clothing to be put away.
Looking out the window in Trey's room, I saw Sarah laying curled up in a sunny spot, enjoying a soft bed of hay. Contentedly munching a mid-morning snack, she looked more like a cow chewing cud than a sassy pony. Our cleaning spree came to close, and as I prepared Trey's bed for his nap, I noticed Sarah outside his window. Stretched out in the sun, eyes closed and resting, she looked so peaceful and calm. I began to look forward to Trey's nap time - and my own chance to be quiet. "How blessed...the woman you instruct in your Word, providing a circle of quiet..." (Psalm 94:13 MSG) Settling our hearts and taking time to be quiet has such value in God's eyes. He wants to speak with us, and our full, busy days can leave little space for the 'circle of quiet' where He longs to join us. I wonder how many times I've missed out on intimate conversations with God because I've neglected to recognize the 'circle of quiet' He is offering to me... Seeing Sarah stretched out in the sun reminded me that God intends for me to seek out quiet as well, resting in His presence, listening to the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit, peaceful in God's 'circle of quiet'. "Relax and rest. God has showered you with blessings. Soul, you've been rescued from death; Eye, you've been rescued from tears; and you, Foot, were kept from stumbling." (Psalm 116:7-8) Be Still: Find a place where you can be alone. Insulate yourself activity by either putting on some quiet worship music or going outside where you can hear the birds singing. Take some deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling until you feel yourself relax. Read the following prayer out loud: "Come, Holy Spirit. I invite you to join me here. I ask that you enclose me in the circle of quiet that God provides. Dear Jesus, Instruct me in the Truth of your Love and open my heart to the opportunity of knowing you deeper. Thank you..." Sit for a few moments, breathing deeply, listening for Jesus' words to you. Reflection: Consider the concept that God is blessing you and wants you to take time to reflect on His goodness, His blessings. Write out the last Psalm in the devotional (Psalm 116: 7-8). Using it as a guide, list out areas in your life where God has showered you with blessings. What are you thankful for in your life? When your list is created, use it to pray a prayer of thanks. Some of my fondest childhood memories are the times my parents hosted a meal for friends or family. Company was an event in our house. Cleaning, planning, cooking - and often, my mother would bring out her very best special dishes. (We loved those dishes - they were too special for us to wash! )
Sometimes, our guest were almost unknown to us - newcomers we welcomed into our life with open arms and a pan of shepherds' pie. Jesus loved a good meal, too. Being friends with so many fishermen, he probably had the fish fry down to an art. He attended weddings, dinner parties and picnics. He regularly invited himself over to someone's house for a meal. There is a lot of emphasis in the bible on food and the role it plays in our lives, especially the act of sitting around the table in a communal setting. The earliest form of 'communion,' as we now call it, was actually Sunday dinner, shared by the congregations of the early church as a part of their worship service. In truth, a meal involves sacrifice, and while our chicken and potatoes are the fuel of our everyday physical life, Jesus' sacrifice has to do with providing us with the means to attain life for eternity. In Luke's account of what we call The Last Supper, he remembers Jesus telling the disciples how much He longs for the special bonding of sharing a meal together: When it was time, Jesus sat down, all the apostles with him, and said, "You've no idea how much I have looked forward to eating this Passover meal with you before I enter my time of suffering. It's the last one I'll eat until we all eat it together in the kingdom of God." Luke 22: 14 - 20 Jesus explains to those he's eating with, and us, that when our life is the roughest, the best we can do is share a meal with other like-minded friends. Are you facing a challenge in your life? Maybe it's time to throw a dinner party! Trey and I listen to music all day. Classical, Gregorian Chant, children's worship, adult christian contemporary and lately, Cinderella, all make up our repertoire. My family and I enjoy a weekly dose of American Idol. Trey sings along, twirling to some songs, stomping his foot to others. One memorable week, as a contestant of questionable ability sang their song, he looked up, asking quizzically, “Momma, what's that?” He has a good ear, that boy. This week, we heard the story of a contestant whose original song choice bothered him. He shared his uncomfortable feelings with the moral message of the song. So he changed it. He chose a song that echoed his convictions, his life. He chose a song that he wanted on his life's soundtrack. I was impressed. I'm always appreciative when I hear of someone who takes the moral high-ground. Celebrity or kid down the street – it takes courage, confidence and strength to stand up for what you believe. Did you know that music is important to God? Out of every option to announce the birth of His Son – God chose music: "...a huge angelic choir singing God's praises..." (Luke 2:13) Jesus' last act before taking the disciples to Gethsemane in preparation for His betrayal and crucifixion? "...They sang a hymn..." (Matt 26:30) Paul's instructions to believers? “Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our master, Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:19-20) Again, in Colossians, “Sing, sing your hearts out to God!” (3:16) Lastly, guess what God uses as a backdrop, a dramatic foil, to the unfolding events in the book of Revelation? Music. Chapter 18 begins with the following: “I heard a sound like massed choirs in Heaven singing: Hallelujah! The salvation and glory and power are God's – His judgments true, his judgments just. Hallelujah! The Master reigns, our God, the Sovereign-Strong! Let us celebrate, let us rejoice, let us give Him the glory!” (Revelation 18: 1-2, 7) What's the soundtrack of your life sound like? Journal: Take a few moments to jot down the lyrics to a few of your favorite songs, songs you listen to frequently, or a praise/worship song that comes to your mind. What do you feel when you read the words to yourself? Take some time to write about the music in your life. Be Still: Read Psalm 146 a few times. Underline a few words or key phrase that come to your attention. Taking a few moments to practicing deep inhaling and exhaling, settle your mind and your body in a quiet, comfortable position and ask the Holy Spirit to join you. If your mind begins to wander, go back to the words and phrases. Dear Jesus, Thank you for the example you gave me – that music was an important part of your life, and of the faith-legacy you've left me. Please help me to make wise choices in choosing the music I listen to, the soundtrack of my life. I want to become closer to You, to have my life reflect my relationship with You. Please bring the music into my life that will accomplish that closeness. In Your name, Amen. "Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it - because it does."
(1 Corinthians 14:1) "Trey, tell Daddy, 'I love you, Daddy.' " "What that mean, Momma?" |
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