Inspired by . . . perseverance in prayer

I haven't written much about my #oneword365 this year.

This year has been more about perseverance than prayer.

Yet, even as I write that I realize that I've been able to persevere because of the prayer habits I've been seeking to develop in my life.

Prayer is a struggle for many Christians because in our humanness we complicate the simple. [click to tweet]

I don't believe there is a right or wrong way to pray.

We are individuals. It only makes sense that how we relate and communicate with our heavenly Father will be a little different for each of us. Certainly, there are ways to pray that will be common for all of us. But our intimate communication with Him will be unique to our lifestyle, our personality, and our faith.

There are literally thousands of books out there on how and what to pray. Read them. Many are excellent. Just remember to glean what works for you and leave the rest. Your best source is always the Bible. I recommend the Psalms. They will never stop teaching and inspiring you.

My prayer life is a far cry from what I hope it will be one day. I'm not a Daniel pray-er. I don't fall on my face for large blocks of time confessing my sin and the sin of my nation. Frankly, I'm not sure I'm ready for the response that kind of prayer might bring.

But I am learning to pray more consistently and more often. Bringing an awareness of God into more moments of my life. To learn to pray without ceasing. 

They may be short, prayers of praise, gratitude, repentance, supplication, or intercession but they are becoming more constant. They produce an increased awareness, a deeper faith, and trust of knowing He is always there. In turn, this awareness has given me the perseverance I've needed during the last several months.

If you're struggling with prayer I urge you to keep it simple. Simply talk to Him.

Certainly, we should come to Him with a humble and repentant heart. But even when we can't, what He wants the very most is for us to seek Him. Like any good Father, He will step in and do the rest.

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus

Inspired by . . . do the next thing

Sometimes I get stuck.

Overwhelmed by all there is to do or all I want to do, I end up doing nothing.

Sometimes nothing can be good. Like when it amounts to rest, stillness before the Lord. But sometimes doing nothing amounts to unproductive [mindless] activity. This is not good.

I hate days when I can't focus and go from one mindless activity to the other. You, too?

The balance between rest/stillness and mindless activity can be challenging. Especially when physical circumstances force you to slow down.

Every day, hundreds of times a day, we all make the choice to do the next thing. The motivation behind our choice is what makes it mindful or mindless.

Often we're simply responding to basic needs. Our bodies need to be fed and cared for. Financial obligations met. Houses cleaned. Yet even within these tasks, there are choices.

I know how easy it is to fall prey to allowing Life to dictate my choices. Getting into reaction mode, rather than being pro-active. Because it's easier when Life is coming at you full force. But easier is often not better.

So how do we keep our motivation pure and make the right choices when we do the next thing?

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. (Isa 26:3)

The simple answer, which isn't simple at all, is to keep God at the forefront of all we do. I'm learning that this is more about establishing a habitual discipline than it is about taking chunks of time out of the day.  We don't have to stop and go into our prayer closet for 30 minutes every time we need to make a decision. Certainly, there are major decisions that require significant prayer. But when we are conscious to involve God in our everyday routine, simply pausing to acknowledge that we need Him throughout the day, we will find ourselves breathing prayers for guidance naturally. [click to tweet]

He has given us the Holy Spirit to direct and guide us. So, why do we mostly ignore this precious gift!? Imagine running on the power of the Holy Spirit throughout the day rather than your own? I expect that sounds good to a few weary souls out there. I know it sounds good to me!

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (Joh 14:26)

These breath-prayers have been a challenge and a focus for me this year. As with any spiritual discipline, they take time and I'm nowhere close to having this all figured out. But every time I remember to seek Him and acknowledge my need for His presence during the day I am blessed and my choices and actions honor Him.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Rom 8:26)

How about you? Are you mindful of God during the day? Do you acknowledge your need for Him in the daily minutia of Life? 

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments

Inspired by . . . January: a look back

Then came old January, wrapped well

In many weeds to keep the cold away

Yet, did he quake and quiver like to quell

And blewe his nayles to warm them if he may;

For they were numbed with holding all the day,

An hatchet keene, with which he felled the wood

And from the trees did lop the needlesse spary.

Fuerie Queen & Spenser

(As recorded by Edith Holden in The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady)

* * *

This year, I'm continuing my month-end practice of looking back at the previous month in pictures - often with a few words mixed in. 

January itself is a month when we tend to look back at the year before and plan for the year ahead. I did some of that here.

January is, for me, a rather bleak month. And you can hear a yearning for spring in most of my posts this month.

Even most of the photos seem to lack their usual color.

January was a bit different for me this year in that I didn't feel the normal let down after the Christmas holiday. The wonder hasn't faded. I think the reason for that is, in part, because I haven't stopped seeking Him. His birth has given way to the manifestation of His presence and I'm intentionally seeking Him daily. [click to tweet]

One of the ways I seek Him is through prayer. Far from being an easy discipline, I know I'm not alone in my struggles to learn how to "pray without ceasing."

One of the tools I'm using is Timothy Keller's book on Prayer. In just the introduction he tells us, 

"We must know the awe of praising His glory, the intimacy of finding His grace, and the struggle of asking His help, all of which can lead us to know the spiritual reality of His presence."

To which my soul responds, "Yes, exactly!"

He then goes on to help us in Understanding Prayer and Doing Prayer. I'm only on chapter four and already I feel like his words have had an impact on my prayer life.

Our words matter. Both the words we offer to God and the words we speak to each other. I've been struck anew this month by just how much words impact our lives. Carefully choosing the sources of the words we listen to and the frequency with which we tune into those sources doesn't mean ignoring the world around us. However, our first and last source for Truth should always be God's word. [click to tweet]

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Rom 12:2)

Shalom, 

Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments,  Life thru the Lens

Inspired by . . . 2016: a year in review

I waited until we were well into Autumn before finally opening the pages of Christie Purifoy's gem, Roots & Sky. Partly because her story begins with Autumn and partly because I sensed her words would speak deeply to me and I needed to be ready for them.

I'm reading slowly. Savoring. Meditating on the truths and emotions evoked by her words. Taking what fits and leaving the rest. I just closed the book on December. All of January, Spring and Summer lie waiting quietly between the pages.

As I look back over 2016, Christie's words from the fourth chapter keep coming back to me:

"We live so much of our lives with our hands tied behind our backs."

"Some days we have more freedom than others, but we are always, to some degree, hemmed in by weakness, by need, by lack, or by loss."

These words define much of my past year. It's true, the struggle Christie talks about has always been there - will always be there this side of heaven. Yet, I seem to be feeling the weight of it more acutely these days.

You may remember that last December I shared that I felt as if 2015 was more of an ending and that 2016 was the start of something new. Indeed, there have been many changes and new experiences this year. Some more difficult to embrace than others.

These images, my year in review, tell only part of the story.

The top image, the view from my Dad's final resting place, holds a bittersweet memory. Yet, our month-long trip to bring him home includes some of our happiest memories from the past year. It was a welcome respite after eight long months of enduring tests and finally receiving a challenging medical diagnosis. Not all new experiences are welcome.

Another new experience in 2016 was giving up our cottage to live in temporary quarters while we build a new home. A mixed blessing.

I faced 2016 like a person might face the waves coming into shore. As I stood still, they hit me one by one. The roar of their coming will forever echo in my memory.

Looking back, I feel like I could have done better. So in 2017 I want to do more than just stand against the waves.

I want to embrace them.

I want to know more days of freedom than of weakness.

More days of freedom than of need.

More days of freedom than of lack.

More days of freedom than of loss.

"If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (Joh 8:31-32)

Abiding in Him is the key to freedom. It is the key to embracing the waves of this life.

I've thrown a lot of potential words out there: stand, embrace, freedom, abide

The bottom line to being able to do all these things is spending time with Him. Real time. There is no short cut, no gadget, no app to make it time with God easier or faster.

Just do it.

My one word for 2017.

Wishing you all
JOY in 2017
Happy New Year!

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 36:52

Thank you all for your well wishes and sweet comments this past week. And for your grace with my late response. 

My view is a bit different now. And as with any change it comes with it new challenges, lessons, and blessings.

Over the last week, we have moved out of our cottage, received a challenging medical diagnosis and begun our trip to New England where we will finally honor my Dad's life and officially mourn his passing.

I'm adrift to be sure, but my Anchor is holding me fast and I know that soon my soul will find a peaceful harbor. In the meantime, I'm staying afloat in His word and trying to hear all that the wind and waves have to teach me. 

I hope you enjoy these images from my week. May they speak quiet to your soul, as it did mine.

Great White Egret

Grist Mill

Lynn Mansion

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, 

a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, (Heb 6:19)

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty

Inspired by . . . worship

Some of you may remember the book club I mentioned a few weeks ago. The book we're reading, The Yada Yada Prayer Group, by Neta Jackson, is about a multi-cultural prayer group, how it gets started, and how the group impacts {mainly} the main character of the book. 

One of the things I really liked about the book was the portrayal of the diversity of Christian worship. Most of the women attended different churches, had different ways they prayed and worshiped, and different comfort levels in doing so. 

Yet, they were all united in Christ.

From almost the first scene of the book, the main character was impacted by the style of worship at a Christian conference she attended with a friend. She was struck by the music itself, the worshiper's response, and the length of time spent worshiping, all of which were very different from her church experience. Ultimately, it was through the words of this style of music, a CD given to her by a member of Yada Yada, that God chose to speak to her heart, and she received a measure of His grace in a time of great need.

Most churches begin with a time of worship. The style of music, the nature of expression {raising of hands, or not, etc}, and the length of time spent in worship varies greatly from congregation to congregation.

But I wonder how often worship is a part of our personal "quiet" time spent with God. Up until a few weeks ago, I'm sorry to say it wasn't a part of mine.

But God is dong a new thing. I enJOY music, but it's never been a huge part of my life. As I've said before, quiet is my chocolate. But God is doing a new thing. He's changing the way I relate to Him, and to others. Breaking down barriers of tradition in my mind that have constrained brave thinking.

One of the women who shared during Jeanne Oliver's online course, Listening / Finding the Quiet shared a song by Lauren Daigle. Some of her words echo the longings of my heart. Words I've prayed, and sang back to God. Things surrendered, and proclaimed.

I've found that incorporating worship into the beginning of my quiet time is often the conduit I need to quiet and focus my spirit away from the chaos of life. 

Certainly, there is a need to, literally, sit quietly with God. But there is also a time to dance before Him, as David did, when our hearts are full to overflowing with praise.

This behavior feels awkward at times, I admit. This white-girl has about as much rhythm as a stick-bug. I'm not an overly demonstrative person, and come from a conservative church background, but there is something about praising God in song that calls to my spirit. 

[D]uring my first “quiet time” of the summer, it occurred to me that that was an odd phrase. “Quiet time.” That’s what they called it at church camp when I was a kid, what every pastor or teen group leader or Bible study I’d ever been part of had called it— that, or “personal devotions.” No wonder I had never included out-loud praises to God in my devotions, or turned up the music and danced. Jackson, Neta (2013-12-17). The Yada Yada Prayer Group: Book 1 (Yada Yada Series) (pp. 297-298). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. 

Have you ever watched the Hasidic Jews sing the psalms? I can't understand a word they're saying - but it doesn't matter. My spirit is praising our Lord right along with them!

God is spirit, and we are to worship Him in spirit and truth. We should not feel as if we have to confine our worship to a particular style or tradition. I think, too, as we grow in our relationship with God our intentional time with Him, and the way we relate to Him changes.

As individuals we all have our own way of communing with God. As children of God, we can learn and grow from watching how others, from different church backgrounds, and different cultural backgrounds praise and worship the One true God.

Do you incorporate praise into 

your private time with God?

What style or expression of worship do you feel drawn to,

that you're not currently engaging in?

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
Playdates with God, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Still Saturday

Inspired by . . . bereavement

My perpetual calendar stands frozen in time. I haven't had the heart to move it past February 3rd. In a couple of days it will be correct for the first time in a year. If I had a Delorean, this is the date I'd go back to. I'd visit dad in the evening, and stay with him through the night. I'd be with him in the morning when he took his last breath. I'd make sure he knew . . . 

I love him.

I can remember struggling to write his obituary. How do you reduce 85 years of a man's life into a few paragraphs? He was, and he remains:

A son, a brother, a friend, a student, a soldier, an American, a Christian, a husband, a mason, a mail-carrier, a school bus driver, a farmer, a board member, a neighbor, an elder, a genealogist, and a dad.

My dad. And he knew. I know he knew.

I love him.

But what's more, I know he knew Him.

And that gives me peace.

None of us are immune or strangers to loss. We've all lost something. Whether it be the loss of a loved one, or of a dream, we've all been deprived of something or someone at one time or another. The depth of relationship and circumstances of the loss can affect how well we cope. 

If you're grieving someone or something, no matter how big or small, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself. Be honest with yourself, and with others about your feelings. Don't be ashamed of your feelings. Our journeys of grief all look different. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, or a set amount of time to 'deal with it.'

Grief is not a journey into darkness. It is a process of release. Of letting go and, for ourselves, of restoration. Pray through the dark moments. Remain in the Word.

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified. (Isa 61:3)

I am learning something new: It is in death that God brings life.

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not see it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.  (Isa 43:19)

He will do it in your circumstance, too. I promise. Watch for it. Do you not see? Look for it with eyes of faith.

Sometimes, we need to learn to perceive things differently. Faith eyes.

God makes a way in the post-death wilderness. He refines us, changes us. Gives us new life.

Trust Him to refine you into the person He created you to be.

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Playdates with God, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Still Saturday

Inspired by . . . forward: an invitation

I'm doing some new things this year. 

One of those things is stepping outside my comfort zone when it comes to addressing the issues of race in our country.

For now, my first step is joining Deidra Riggs and her new book club, Forward.

Now, I admit, this is a baby step. I have my thumb in my mouth and a firm grip on my Linus blanket. But it is some action on my part, to help move the conversation forward.

It all began when Deidra decided to move the conversation forward, and suggested that we read differently for the remainder of the year. For those of you who love to read, this suggestion may speak to you. 

That suggestion was followed by a request to build a list of amazing books by a fabulous author who happens to be from a different race, culture, or ethnicity than yours.

The decision to read one of these books together and discuss it was, I think, a natural outcome. The list was compiled, narrowed, and voted upon. We begin on January 15th to read, together: The Yada Yada Prayer Group, Book One, by Neta Jackson

And, friend, you're invited to join us! 

Here's the link to all you need to know about the club and the book: http://www.deidrariggs.com/2016/01/08/forward-guidelines-for-our-little-book-club-with-a-linkup-option/

If you're like me and have been hesitant to engage about controversial issues on social media {for various reasons}, Deidra's blog and this book club, is a safe place to begin. 

This blog has always been a place to encourage and inspire you to seek and to know Him. I don't typically weigh in on current events. The only agenda here is Him. That's not going to change. That hasn't changed.

The "race issues" in this country {and around the world} are not just "current events". At their root, they are a human issue that has been around since the moment sin entered the world. An issue God cares very much about. 

The very fact that they are human issues makes them complex and, at times, difficult to understand.

I'm a long way from understanding. Perhaps you are too.

Forward, the book club, is an open door. Imagine walking into a sunlit room, lightly scented with lavender. Cozy couches piled high with pillows invite you to settle in. Lift a cuppa to your lips, crack open or scroll through Yada Yada and, listen. Engage. Or not. Your participation level is up to you.

I hope you'll consider joining us.

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Playdates with God, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Still Saturday

Inspired by . . . new and a year in review

Star Wars isn't the only story ever written that doesn't start at the beginning. I've read others, only to discover that there was a new Prequel that had just be released. Prequels often add a backstory and fill in the gaps, fleshing out characters that may not have had as prominent a role in the main story.

When God gave me the word new as my one word for 2015, I had no idea what the year would bring. Now that we're quickly approaching 2016, the word new still resonates strongly. Looking back, I feel like 2015 was the end, rather than the beginning . . . as if 2016 might be the prequel to something . . . new.

That may have something to do with how the year began. With loss.

Early in 2015 a new void was created in my life when my dad unexpectedly passed away. The loss set the tone for much of the year, and the grief still lingers.

Although there was much JOY and blessing this year, I feel as if only part of me was engaged after that fateful day in February. I don't mean to sound melodramatic, and perhaps those of you who have suffered a similar loss can relate. There is a part of me that hasn't moved on. A part of me that is not embracing the fullness of life. 

This feeling will pass, I'm sure. But perhaps I have to go back, in a sense, before I can move forward again.

Time will tell.

There were other new experiences for me in 2015, some of which I have plans to share in various ways. But for now, I'll leave you with a visual recap:

2015 in photos. (And it was really hard to choose!)

So, here's to a a new start, and

another year of . . .

new.

Are you choosing a one word for 2016?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global

Inspired by . . . golden

Was it just me, or did June seem to go by at an unusually warped speed? {pun intended}

If my understanding of Chapter IV of Laura’s book, Playdates with God, is correct then this feeling of time passing by at warp speed means that I’ve allowed things to become too familiar. I haven’t been out playing, seeking adventure, opening my eyes to God’s beauty and blessings as I should. A quick review of my calendar shows this to be true. My notes reveal that I haven’t been out adventuring for nearly a month. Not since I visited the thistle forest on the hill in late May.

 

 

What.is.the.rush?

The speed at which I devour life is not going to get me any farther ahead or hasten the day of His return. But it may, in fact, get me to That Day less prepared than I ought to be. I know this, and yet I don't act on it.

I let life dictate. There are some things out of our control, certainly. But there are many more things that we allow to have control, that we should not allow to have control.

I know this.

Allowing life to dictate - - being re-active, instead of pro-active - - leads to disappointment and disillusionment. It causes time to pass us by and leave us looking back longingly and, often, with regret.

I know this.

I also know what it feels like to get it right.

On days when I succeed, time seems to stand still. It's a euphoric feeling, similar to waking up and realizing it's first day of summer vacation - only better. It’s the feeling we get, I believe, when we’re in the center of God’s will. That golden moment.

I had one of these days in June.

One.

I ache for more.

More is possible. But it involves being intentional {my #oneword365 for last year} and obedient. And let’s face it, when life wants to pull you in the opposite direction of obedient, it’s oh-so-very-easy to give in.

 

 

So what’s the answer?

New. {my #oneword365 for this year}

To begin anew.

Every day, seek the blessing. Seek a new perspective, endeavor to see through a gratitude shaped lens. Open your eyes to the possibility and promise.

 

Every moment is sacred when we pay attention to it.

~Laura Boggess, Playdates with God

 

And when we fail, there is grace, and another opportunity to begin anew.

 

Shalom,

 

Sharing inspiration here:

#TellHisStory

#GiveMeGrace