A BREAK IN THE ACTION

I've been MIA in Blog Land for a couple of weeks.

I feel like I need to give some explanation.

I've been blogging for 6½ years now, and over that time, many people have come and gone in the blogging community.  I've known and been close to several of them, and built a relationship, only to have them "disappear."

Often I've wondered what happened…

Why did they quit blogging?

Was it burnout or something else?

Are they OK?

With that in mind, I wanted to at least explain my absence.


First of all, I'm OK.

Except that illness has come to roost in my body…again…GRRR!

After three weeks of some respiratory illness, and a five-day round of antibiotics, I managed to feel better for about two weeks.  And then, I got hit with something else last week.

Flu.

This time I have had a fever, aches, chills, cough…blah, blah, blah.

I don't know what's going on with me, except I've been around family a lot more lately, and it's that time of year…

I think we're ping-ponging illnesses.

Evidently my family is a "giving" family?!

So, missing my regular Monday posting one week, easily became two weeks, and here we are.


I'll be honest, the time off has been nice.

I have been struggling with my writing lately.  Feeling uninspired and burned out.  Questioning my place in Blog Land, and wondering if it's time to hang it all up.

I don't have the answers yet.

Part of me wants to stop, but I don't have peace about that.

And knowing that the enemy has a vested interest in silencing God's voice speaking through me, I don't want to make a hasty decision.  And I certainly don't want to make a decision based on my current physical and emotional weariness.

Feelings must not dictate.


So, dear friends, I am taking a break for now.  

Using some much-needed time off to reflect, refresh, restore, and renew.

Praying for God's clear direction as to what HE wants me to do with my blog.

Seeking renewed fervor and inspiration if He leads me to continue.

I'd appreciate your prayers.


I will try to do some visiting in Blog Land this week.

I miss reading the wonderful things that all of you contribute to the blogging community in general, and to my heart specifically.

I am always inspired, encouraged, challenged, convicted, uplifted when I visit.

So, forgive my absentee presence (oxymoron!!) lately.  I'll do my best to rectify that as soon as I'm feeling a bit better.

And I hope that I will return to my writing and posting soon…if God so leads me in that direction.


In the meantime, keep the faith!!



What have you been up to lately?  Would love to hear all about it in a comment!

Ah yes, this is the question!! 

I just googled "God restores the weary" and the first entry referred to Jeremiah 31:25.  I have read the whole chapter, and wonder if it isn't God speaking to me.  I share the portions that spoke to me, personalized:


"Thus says the LORD:
Sharon…found grace in the wilderness;
when she sought for rest,
the LORD appeared to her from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Again I will build you, and you shall be built,
O Sharon!
Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines
and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.
Again you shall plant vineyards…
the planters shall plant
and shall enjoy the fruit…

With weeping Sharon shall come,
and with pleas for mercy I will lead her back,
I will make her walk by brooks of water,
in a straight path in which she shall not stumble,
for I am a father to her…

He who scattered Sharon will gather her,
and will keep her as a shepherd keeps his flock.
For the LORD has ransomed Sharon
and has redeemed her from hands too strong for her...

She shall come and sing aloud…
and she shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD…
her life shall be like a watered garden,
and she shall languish no more…
I will turn her mourning into joy;
I will comfort her, and give her gladness for sorrow…
and she shall be satisfied with my goodness,
declares the LORD.

Keep your voice from weeping,
and your eyes from tears,
for there is a reward for your work,
declares the LORD,
and you shall come back from the land of the enemy.
There is hope for your future,
declares the LORD…

Set up road markers for yourself;
make yourself guideposts;
consider well the highway,
the road by which you went.

Return, O Sharon…

Once more you shall use these words in the land…

For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish…

I will watch over you to build and to plant, declares the LORD…

You shall not be plucked up or overthrown anymore forever."


Yes, Lord, may it be so!



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN

Yes, they do.

Unexpected, unannounced, uninvited.

Just like last week…

So, I was down visiting family again.  "The Hub" was with all of us for a few days, but then journeyed home.

I was spending a very nice evening with my youngest son, when my phone starting ringing.  I looked at the number, and not recognizing it, I did not answer.  (I've been getting a LOT of unsolicited telemarketing calls lately…GRRR!)

Fast forward 2½ hours…

At a lull in the evening, I glanced at my phone and saw that the unknown number had left a voice mail.

Hmmm, that's unusual.

So, I checked the voice mail.

That's when I heard a very familiar voice speaking:

"Hi, it's me.  Don't freak out, but I'm at the hospital…"

Yes, it was "The Hub."

I did my best not to freak out, but the word *hospital* did drive my adrenaline into overdrive!

As I listened to the rest of his message, I found out what had happened.

"The Hub" has been doing some wonderful woodwork on Manzanita branches.  

He chooses the dead and fallen branches, and brings them home.  Then he begins the time-consuming work of sanding them until they are smooth as glass.  After the sanding is done, he applies tung oil to them, and rubs them until they have a low gloss.

Oh, what beauty is restored!

Lately, he's been making chimes out of them, by adding *icicles* of stained glass.  Or he makes candleholders out of the larger branches.

This is where the trouble started.

Because, in order to make candleholders, you have to drill out little *wells* to hold the glass votives.

And that drilling requires a 2" drill bit.  (That's TWO inches round, folks...)

You do see where this is going, don't you?!

Yup.

The drill bit caught, and then skipped out of the hole.

And sliced open two of "The Hub's" fingers.

O.U.C.H.


It was over two hours before I finally heard from him again.  (You see, he had called me using someone else's phone, and told me not to call back).

I knew he was "OK" because he was chuckling.  But still…tough guy that he is, I knew the cuts had to be bad for him to decide he needed to go to the hospital.

Finally, at about 10:20 PM, he called me.

Around 4:00 PM, the accident happened.  He said that he immediately put his hand behind his back, because he knew it was bad.  One look confirmed that he needed help.

He first went to a local clinic here in town.

There was no one there except the receptionist.  And even if the staff had been there, she informed my husband that there wasn't anyone there who could stitch him up.

From there, he went to our local fire department.

They didn't have anyone to stitch him up either.  But they did help disinfect the wound and wrapped it up.  (Which was a whole lot better than the bloody towel "The Hub" was sporting at the time!).

And, since the wound was on his right hand, and his Jeep has a stick shift, he couldn't drive himself to the hospital – which was an hour away.

So, he got a personal ambulance ride to the hospital.

After getting x-rays to confirm that he hadn't done any damage to the bone (he hadn't), and getting stitched up (14 total on two fingers), he realized that he didn't have a way to get home.

So, he got a personal taxi ride back up the mountain.

(Which cost $150...yikes!)

Fortunately, he wasn't in any pain, and has only needed antibiotics as a precaution.

(For the record, I try not to think about the scarcity of medical help up here on the mountain.  And I try not to freak out that the nearest hospital is over an hour away.  Thankfully, our fire department and the local EMT's are wonderful – which was proven in this little escapade!)


When I returned home a few days later, I got my first look at his fingers.

It was brutal.

I won't go into details, and I have not included a photo of the damage (you're welcome), but let me just say this – "The Hub" is VERY lucky that he didn't lose one of the fingers, it was that deep and that bad.

He's healing well.

And I have nicknamed him "Dr. Frankenstein."  (That's Franken–"steen," in honor of Gene Wilder!)


Accidents happen.

It's just one of the hazards of living in a broken world.

And sometimes, one might be tempted to live in fear of all the bad things that could happen when we venture out the front door (not to mention all the things that could happen inside of our own houses!).

I know I am tempted to live in fear.

Some people think that things just "happen" – willy-nilly – in a world gone mad.

They speak of coincidence, or chance, or luck.

Some people think things are pre-determined, and we have no choice or will in anything.

They speak of fate, or kismet, or destiny.

What should we believe as followers of Jesus?

I begin with Scripture, and specifically this:

"Every day of my life was recorded in your book.  Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." (Psalm 139:16, NLT)


I don't know about you, but this verse puzzles me in some ways.

I know that God lives outside of time, and is completely and perfectly omniscient.

Therefore, every moment of my life was known to Him before I was even born.

But then, we are also taught about the concept of free will.

Therefore, are my days "chosen" by God, or do I do the choosing?

Sometimes, in my mind, the truth of God's sovereignty butts up against the idea of free will – and vice versa.

I have met people, and have done it myself, who attribute everything that happens to either the devil or the Lord.

Did the enemy cause my husband's accident?  Did the Lord?  

And some people say that many things happen just because of the inherent danger of living in a sinful world.

Was my husband's accident just one of those things?

I don't know the answers.

And when I don't know the answers, I rely on these verses (which are my life verses):

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT)

And this:

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." 
(Romans 8:28, NASB)


So, here's my conclusion…

We live in a sinful world – full of disaster, disease, and death.

And yet, God is in perfect control.

And nothing happens outside of His knowledge, His permission, and His ultimate purposes.

My free will and His sovereignty somehow both exist.

And I can exercise my will to dovetail into His – continuing to yield and surrender my wishes to His plans.

Things will happen in this life, and we may not ever know "where" they originated, nor "why" they occurred.

But this is what matters to me…


God knew about it ahead of time – He is never surprised.

God is in control, even when I don't understand what's going on.

God's ultimate purposes and plans will be accomplished.

God can and will work all things for good.

God is with me, every step of the way.


And when all is said and done, that's all I really need to know!




Have you ever had an *accident* – what did God teach you from it?

Sticks and stones
may break my bones,
But drill bits
will always hurt me! 

"You keep track of all my sorrows.  You have collected all my tears in your bottle.  You have recorded each one in your book." (Psalm 56:8, NLT)

"Perhaps the LORD will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day." (2 Samuel 16:12, NASB)

"You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways." (Psalm 139:3, NASB)

"Doesn't he see everything I do and every step I take?" (Job 31:4, NLT)

"For God watches how people live; he sees everything they do." 
(Job 34:21, NLT)

"For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths." (Proverbs 5:21, NIV)

"The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." (2 Chronicles 16:9, NLT)

"I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own.  We are not able to plan our own course." (Jeremiah 10:23, NLT)

"We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps." 
(Proverbs 16:9, NLT)

"The LORD directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives." (Psalm 37:23, NLT)

"The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?" (Proverbs 20:24, NLT)

"…O LORD, you are our Father.  We are the clay, and you are the potter.  We all are formed by your hand." (Isaiah 64:8, NLT)

"Acknowledge that the LORD is God!  He made us, and we are his." 
(Psalm 100:3, NLT)

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21, NIV)

"…the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." (Psalm 33:11, NIV)

"'For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, 'My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure'…" (Isaiah 46:9-10, NASB)

"Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan." (Ephesians 1:11, NLT)

"Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens." 
(Psalm 119:89, NIV)



Linked with:

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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

OH DEER...TRACKS!

Snow.

Yup, the last few days we have had an unseasonable (but oh so welcome) Spring snow.

Curled up in my blankets, with a roaring fire going, I have enjoyed watching the big, fluffy flakes fall to earth.

One of the things I really love about living in the mountains is the snow.

It covers everything with a powdered-sugar coating.

It's so pretty.  

And peaceful.  

Snow brings a *hush* over the landscape.  There's nothing like the feeling of being tucked warmly inside during the storm.  It's like there's no one else in the world but me and "The Hub."

Oh, and the deer.

That's something else I love about living in the mountains.

The wildlife.

And I especially love the deer.

We have a watering trough just down the slope at the side of our house. And we've added a salt lick.  Reassured by the "locals" that salt licks don't interfere with the deer's natural feeding patterns, we couldn't resist.

Our salt lick looks like a boulder!

So, it's great fun to peep out the window during the day to see if we have any company!

Last year we saw one mother deer with two babies.  And another mom with one baby.  They still drop by for a visit – though the babies are bigger now. And one of the mothers looks a little "chubby" – more babies soon to be born?

But where on earth are the bucks?

I do remember "The Hub" encountering one rather majestic male deer just down the road to our house.  (His picture is down below).  Oh, what a sight he was!  Wish we saw more of those guys!!

But he's been the only one.

We've seen some "teenagers" with little antlers just forming, but sightings of Mr. Stag have not happened since.  But, we have had the fun of finding some shed antlers on our property.

So, I know those guys are out there…somewhere.


I wonder…

Where do the deer go when we don't see them?

Where do they sleep?  Where do they go when it's cold and rainy and snow covers the ground?  Where do they give birth?  Where do they call home?

I know they're out there – and I've seen evidence of their movements in the snow.  Footprints galore.  And once, I saw a little guy following a bigger guy.  Little footprints carefully following in bigger footprints.

Which brings me to today's rumination.

(By the way, deer are known as ruminants.  So, clever pun, huh?!)

I am thinking about those deer tracks, and specifically about how those little ones follow their leader…

Deer have well-traveled paths that they traverse over and over.  They know where they're going.  And the little ones follow the big ones to find shelter, nourishment, water, and safety.

Such an example of how we should walk with the Savior!

He alone knows the path we should take.  He alone knows the well-worn ways. He alone is qualified to lead us.  His footprints are the only ones we should follow.


He knows when and where we sleep.

"You know when I sit down or stand up…You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.  You know everything I do." (Psalm 139:2-3, NLT)


He is the place we must run to when life gets stormy.

"You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat." (Isaiah 25:4, NIV)


He has been with us since before we were born.

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb…You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.  You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.  Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." (Psalm 139:13, 15-16, NLT)


He alone is our true Home.

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…" 
(Ephesians 2:19, ESV)



And He will eternally be our source of shelter, nourishment, water, and safety.

"He will cover you with his feathers.  He will SHELTER you with his wings.  His faithful promises are your armor and protection." (Psalm 91:4, NLT)

"Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation.  Cry out for this NOURISHMENT, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness." (1 Peter 2:2-3, NLT)

"'…those who drink the WATER I give will never be thirsty again.  It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.'" 
(John 4:14, NLT)

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in SAFETY." (Psalm 4:8, NLT)



As I enjoy this beautiful and unexpected snow, as I ponder the lessons of deer tracks, I am warmed by the thought that my Lord leads me.

All I have to do is follow…

…in His tracks.


"You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him." (Deuteronomy 13:4, NASB)

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He causes me to stand on the heights.
As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.

"This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'" (Jeremiah 1:16, NIV)

"You shall be careful therefore to do as the LORD your God has commanded you.  You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.  You shall walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you..." (Deuteronomy 5:32-33, ESV)

"I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word.  I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well." (Psalm 119:101-102, NLT)

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11, ESV)

"Your own ears will hear him.  Right behind you a voice will say, 'This is the way you should go,' whether to the right or to the left." (Isaiah 30:21, NLT)

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." 
(Psalm 119:105, ESV)

"Enter through the narrow gate...For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14, NASB)

"Therefore Jesus said again, 'Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep...whoever enters through me will be saved.  They will come in and go out, and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.'" 
(John 10:7, 9-10, NIV)

"The One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out.  Their King will pass through before them, the Lord at their head." (Micah 2:13, NIV)



How closely are you following The Leader?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONDAYS, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MOTIVATE & REJUVENATE MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, FIND STABILITY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, UNITE, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, BELOVED BREWS, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, LIGHT FRIDAY HIT LIST, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, A GROUP LOOK, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, SATURDAY SOIREE, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND BREW, TGI SATURDAYS, LIVING PROVERBS, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"LORD, I CAN'T HEAR YOU..."

"Could you please speak up?"

Do you ever say that to God?

I think we've all struggled with this issue.  Desperate to follow the Lord's leading, we frantically try to hear God's Voice.  And when we can't, we can end up feeling quite distressed.  

And at times, this distress can lead to paralyzing doubt and deep spiritual discomfort.

The *silence* of God can represent treacherous times.

I have felt it, you have felt it.

Times when you are desperate to hear God's Voice, because You desperately need His guidance.

As disciples seeking to follow Him, we want to know which way to go, which way to turn.  We want to know how to follow Him rightly.

So, how do we do that when we're not "hearing" the still, small voice – but only hearing the stillness?

I can only relate to my own life.

And here's some things that I have learned – (disclaimer…these are only my opinions).

First of all, I don't think God's will is always a matter of Choice A or Choice B.  Sometimes His will can be either direction.  Let me explain.

When "The Hub" and I were thinking about moving, I was crazed with indecision.  Was it God's will for us to move or not?  I cried desperately to hear from Him.  I started trying to interpret "signs" that I saw along the way.  And I felt panicky and unsettled because nothing seemed clear.

But then I realized something.

Maybe God's will wasn't Choice A (go) or Choice B (stay) – maybe God's will would move with me no matter which direction I chose.

I decided finally to just start going in one direction (moving), and prayed that God would be very clear if it WASN'T His will.  I got some confirmation along the way, yes, but I still think God would have been OK if we hadn't moved.

Sometimes the choice is really clear, and God has a definite direction in mind.  But, I think that other times He allows us to use our own discretion and make a decision.

God's will is not thwarted if we choose the "wrong" way – because sometimes I think there isn't really a wrong way. 

The important thing is following God along the way, putting Him first, no matter which fork in the road we follow.

That being said, God is very clear in His Word about certain things. 

VERY. CLEAR.

And we don't need to question His will about those things. 

If Choice A or B is against the teachings and revelation of God in the Bible, then it truly is the WRONG way, for it will be sin.

But if it's not that clear-cut, I don't believe that it's God’s will for us to be mired in inaction.

Ask for His guidance, step out in faith, and trust that God will lead you, as you walk along the way.

That's what I'm counting on. 

I'm counting on Him to be very clear when it matters.  And if I remain close to Him, immersed in His Word and spending time in prayer, seeking the counsel of others, and desiring to follow Him in all aspects of my life – He'll talk if it's necessary.

But sometimes I need to start the walking in order to hear the talking.

So, here's another thing I've learned.

I used to do this thing called "Bible Pick 'Ems" – basically, I would flip open my Bible to a random spot, and read the two pages I'd turned to.  I would do this when I was worried or afraid or awake in the middle of the night with overwhelming concerns and anxieties.

And goodness, how God answered me!

I would read the most appropriate, timely, comforting words.  It never failed.

Until lately…

In the past few months, I have done this in moments of need, and I've not had the same *luck*.

I have asked God for a message to speak to my anxiety, and I end up in the Old Testament.  Which is OK, except I can't count the number of times I have ended up in Kings or Chronicles.

"Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years.  His mother was Zebidah, the daughter of Pedaiah from Rumah."

Uh yeah, not so edifying.

Of course, sometimes I try to *hedge my bet* and open to where I know I'll be in the New Testament. 

Nope, that hasn't worked either.

So, one night in utter frustration I cried out to God, "Why don't You do this for me anymore?"

And yes, I heard from Him.

He said, "Because you don't need it anymore."

That stopped me.

But I've pondered that answer.  And I've realized something.  That God is right.  I have grown in my faith in this past year, and especially in the last few months.  And I don't "need" this anymore.  Maybe it's a bit of a gimmick that I've outgrown.

For the "random" answers that I sought in a "Bible Pick 'Ems" are in my heart instead.  I know the Lord better now.  And instead of settling for a "tweet" – I can rely instead on a whole conversation with Him.  Or in those times of silence, I can trust in the Truth that I know.

He is there.  He knows.  He understands.  And He's got it all under control.

Now here's one last thing that I've learned.

In my almost four years of blogging (I know – I can hardly believe it either!), I have only spoken to two people with my voice.  And of those two people, I have only met one in person.

And yet, I feel like I know so many of you in Blog Land, just as I myself am known. 

How?

By our words.

It's amazing how the written words that we post are actually windows into our souls.  Our personalities come through, as we share our aches and pains, our trials and suffering, our triumphs and our joys.   

Our words communicate WHO we are.

And so, when we feel that God is silent, we do have somewhere to turn.

His Word.

In those hallowed pages, we are offered a profound and meaningful window into the mind and heart of God.  His Presence infuses every page – (yes, even those pages in Kings and Chronicles!)

We can *hear* Him when we read Scripture.

In times when we maybe can't tangibly hear His voice, or when He's silent for a season and for a reason, we can always touch His heart through His Word.

And I have always found that when I read His words, He comes *alive* to me again.

I pray for all of us.  

I pray that we won't become too discouraged when the heavens seem "silent".  For our hearts are certainly in the right place.  A desire to hear the Voice of the Lord is certainly the right path to wisdom and guidance.

And God will honor our prayers for increased intimacy with Him.

But…sometimes when we aren't "hearing" from Him, it doesn't mean He isn't there.

And it doesn't mean that we should become paralyzed in a state of inaction.

Faith calls us to move.

Trust God, He will speak to us when we need it. 

And when He's a quiet partner, we're still walking together.  We're still in communion with Him.

Sometimes silence is a sign of deep and abiding and trusting friendship.

And voices need not be heard to feel the Love.

Let your eyes look directly ahead
And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.
Watch the path of your feet
And all your ways will be established.

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made..." (Romans 1:20, NIV)

"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son...He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature..." 
(Hebrews 1:1-2, ESV)

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."  (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NLT)

"But the wisdom from above is first of all pure.  It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others.  It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.  And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness." 

(James 3:17-18, NLT)

"'If you love me, obey my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.  He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.'" (John 14:15-16, NLT)

"They demonstrate that God's law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right." (Romans 2:15, NLT)

"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." (James 1:5, NLT)

"Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth..." 
(Psalm 86:11, ESV)

"Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight." 
(Exodus 33:13, ESV)

"Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.  Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.  All day long I put my hope in you." (Psalm 25:4-5, NLT)

"This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'" (Jeremiah 6:16, NIV)

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." 

(Isaiah 30:21, ESV)

Your turn:  What's your thoughts on *hearing* from God?  And what do you do when He seems "silent"?

(SIDENOTE:  This is a great article on the subject of hearing from God: CROSSWALK)

Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Kathy at ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL
Jen at SOLI DEO GLORIA
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at UNITE
Kathy at TITUS 2 TUESDAY
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS
Kasey at WALKING REDEEMED
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY
Beth at THREE WORD WEDNESDAY
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Lyli at THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY
Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA JAM
Julie at FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Perspective

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!


Today's word: perspective

What does the word perspective mean to you?

What is the main difference between a human perspective and God's perspective?

What are the things that blur your spiritual perspective?

How can we gain a more godly perspective on the situations and circumstances in our lives?


"He replied, "What is impossible from a human perspective is possible with God." (Luke 18:27, NLT)

"Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. "Get away from me, Satan!" he said. "You are seeing things merely from a human point of view [perspective], not from God's." (Mark 8:33, NLT)


Let me know what you think!!          


DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:

"Jesus binds us to Himself in a permanent relationship, and for it to function well, we have to have the same agenda He has...When we lift up our eyes to see the big picture in His heart, He looks much more favorably at the pictures in our hearts.  When we take up His desires, He takes up ours...Soaking in His Presence shapes your heart with His desires and brings you in line with His purposes."


*Surround me with Your Presence and impart Your heart to me.


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


(Devotional from: "The One Year Experiencing God's Presence Devotional" by Chris Tiegreen, c. 2011, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

HEAVENLY GPS

I am directionally-challenged.

I admit it.

But I do not take all the blame.

Men are partly to blame because of their very confusing way of giving directions.  

Why do they always tell you to turn east or west on this street, or go north or south?  When I want directions, I want to know whether to turn LEFT or RIGHT!  The other thing they do is to always mention distances – like "go about ½ mile before you make the turn."  I want to know how many stoplights – and please give me some landmarks.  You know, like turn at the VON'S market, the one next to the Denny's on the corner, across from that cute little gift shop!

You know what I mean.

At least I have no problem ASKING for directions when I don't know where I'm going - ☺

I am not aided by any convenient directional assistance either.

Eddie the Explorer does not have a Garmin…

So, I usually resort to using some online site for directions – (and most often, they give you the most indirect way to go, by the way!)  I actually miss those old Thomas Guides – give me a paper map and I'm a happy camper.

It's not surprising that sometimes I get myself turned around, or find myself having to backtrack to get where I need to be.

Lately, it's not so different with my life.

The last couple of weeks especially, I have been overcome with unrelenting anxiety attacks.  The familiar tingle of adrenaline has greeted me each morning – frantic insomnia has accompanied me most nights.

My mind has felt like a rat caught in a maze – turning here, running there – always trying to escape the sense of impending doom.

I've always been a Nervous Nancy – but this latest storm of anxiety has been particularly intense.  Disturbing.  Overwhelming.  Unnerving.  (LOL!)

It started with my introduction to the new role of being a part-time caretaker in my parent's life. 

For one thing, I am physically exhausted.  I have made so many trips down the mountain and back – each trip taking 2-3 hours, one way! – that I can almost drive in my sleep.  A few times I have had to fight against that sleep, let me tell you!

But it's the onslaught of emotions that I am greeted with when I arrive that's the most tiring.  Emotions from the past stirred up into flames.  New emotions to fan the flames.

These emotions are not easy.  They aren't comfortable.  They aren't familiar.  

They aren't godly.

Sure, I understand that they're probably very human.  But we all know that human feelings often spring from a sinful nature.

And that's the battle.

I have found myself taken away by negative thoughts, ugly feelings.

Getting lost in them.

Zooming off on the highway of jealousy.  Getting sidetracked by anger.  Finding myself getting all turned around on the freeway of fear.  Ending up at the dead-end of selfishness.

Lost.

The enemy loves giving directions – false directions.  He's like a crazed crossing guard, or an evil traffic cop – a detour that delights in sending us off on wild goose chases.

But, the saving grace is exactly that – the Saving GRACE.


So many mornings I have pleaded, "Lord, lead me today."

So many nights I have cried out, "Lord, help me find my way."

That's why I'm turning to the Lord's GPS…God's Positioning System.

I need His heavenly eyes.

For I have never needed His guidance, His direction, His perspective more.


The Narrow Way is narrow indeed.

And it's so easy to get waylaid, to get turned around, to get lost.

But, that's why we need to trust The Way, The Truth, and The Life.

He is the only One who can lead us away from our sinful nature, back into the folds of the Spirit.


Yup…

Recalculating.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

"My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.  I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths.  When you walk, you won't be held back; when you run, you won't stumble.  Take hold of my instructions; don't let them go.  Guard them, for they are the key to life." 
(Proverbs 4:10-13, NLT)



How do you need the Lord's *direction* lately?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAY
Jen at UNITE
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Holy Spirit

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!


Today's word: Holy Spirit

How would you describe the Holy Spirit - His character, His purpose, His work?

How would you describe the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit?

How does the Holy Spirit work in your life?


Let me know what you think!!


"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26, NIV)


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

STURDY STOCK

No, this is not a post about a particularly hearty bowl of chicken broth.

It's about me.

About the *stuff* that I'm made of.

*Sturdy: healthy, strong, vigorous, stalwart, rugged, tough
*Stock: lineage, family, ancestry, descent

When I moved to the mountains I thought I would fit in just fine.  After all, I reasoned, I still go tent camping, sleeping right on the ground.  I have an inner *pioneer woman* whose heart loves the wilderness.  A new mountain home should be a piece of cake.

I thought so…

However, to my great dismay, I have found that there lurks within me a remnant of *Off the Hill*, California, "DIVA girl" behavior.

There's no other way to explain the hissy fits I've been having lately.

When you live in a remote(ish) area, there are many challenges to face. Most are just a matter of convenience.

Like living in a two-story house for the first time - (I've fallen twice).  Like busing your own trash to the dump.  Like driving into town to get the mail. Like having to drive down the hill to go to the bank, or CVS, or a mainstream market.   (Or any sort of "chain" place…I mostly miss Subway).

Yes, we do have a gas station in town – if you want to spend around 30 cents/gallon more.   (I don't…)

And the snow.

Beautiful, and fun to play in – not so much fun to travel in.  Just ask Eddie, my car.

And it's really, really cold.  I'm just not used to having to bundle up in my own house.

You see, we're trying to save on heating costs – propane is WAY more expen$$$ive than natural gas, by the way.  (Yes, I hear you people in the Midwest and back East - or anywhere else with snow - chuckling at my naivete…)

So, I have been confronted on a regular basis by things that are just downright inconvenient – including a remodeled kitchen that isn't quite done yet.  (Oh, boo hoo).  And then, there are some things that are frustrating, difficult, bothersome, and challenging.

I thought I was a pioneer woman.

I have come to find out – I am a wimp.

I am very dismayed about this.

I really, really thought that I was NOT a typical prima donna diva…

I don't get my nails done, I don't wear much makeup, my hair is colored but not immaculately styled.  I don't wear designer clothes or high heels – in fact, mountain clothing is one of my favorite things up here.

But, I am evidently a convenience junkie – who is woefully challenged when challenged.

I am not Abraham – who left his homeland with faith and fortitude.

I am an Israelite, whining about the meat back in Egypt.

On a semi-regular basis, "The Hub" asks me:

"What is wrong with you?"

And all too often I reply:

"It's hard living up here."

The Lord and I have had many talks about this.  About why He has brought me up here.  I'm still struggling with it.  Wrestling with the struggles. Trying to "make peace" with my new home.  Especially with the fact that it does NOT feel like home to me.

At some level, I feel like this is a spiritual battle.

Evidently I am also a bit of a faith diva, too.

When the going gets tough, I want to get going…in the opposite direction.

(Jonah is my soul brother).

I don't think the enemy wants me up here.  I'm not sure why.  But I know that God prompted this move.  And that fact alone accounts for the spiritual warfare.

That's part of what I'm learning – if God wants you somewhere, Satan will fight against you.  First he'll try to keep you from going.  And if that doesn't work, then he'll try to keep you unhappy and ineffective where you are.

Hmmm.

I'm thinking about those Israelites again.

Yes, they moved when God said move.

But then they spent years grumbling about it.  They fought against His clear direction, they did not appreciate His constant presence, they missed His blessings for want of something else.

Wow.

I am convicted.

Another thing about those Israelites.  They never saw the Promised Land.

I am reminded of a certain scouting report:

"After exploring the land for forty days, the men returned…They reported to the whole community what they had seen and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land.  This was their report to Moses: 'We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces.  But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak!  The Amalekites live in the Negev, and the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country. The Canaanites live along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and along the Jordan Valley.'"


(translated into Sharon-speak): "It's so hard here."


"But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. 'Let's go at once to take the land,' he said. 'We can certainly conquer it!'

But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. 'We can't go up against them! They are stronger than we are!'  So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: 'The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge.  We even saw giants there…Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that's what they thought, too!'"  (from Numbers 13, NLT)


(translated into Sharon-speak): "It's so hard here."


Those ten spies were divas, in my opinion.  And they got the whole bunch of Israelites complaining.  A bitter spirit is easily spread.  And it grows once it is given a foothold.  I know – I've got some bitter roots that have taken hold in my heart.

Only Caleb and Joshua saw the possibility in the new land.

Why?

Because their eyes were firmly fixed on the Lord's presence and power – not on the obstacles.

Whining is for wimps – courage is for conquerors.


So, I'm praying…hard.

Because I want to see the Promised Land up here.  I want to see God in all of this.

I want to be made of sturdier stock.

I want to be one of the two spies who looked to the future and said with spiritual faith and fortitude:

"We will surely conquer the land."


Lord, please help me to focus on You.  Take my eyes off the difficulties, and show me the opportunities and blessings that are just waiting for me up here. Give me direction this year.  Uproot my bitterness, quiet my complaining, melt my stubborn and stony heart.  Grant me the courage to be a conqueror.

Make this mountain my home.


"'The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.  If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us.  Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.'" (Numbers 14:7-9, NIV)

Sharon of Sturdy Stock

(YES!  That is a knee brace - my version of sturdy!  LOL!)

What's keeping you from entering your Promised Land?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"