Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my Shephard. I shall not want.
One of my favorite memories as a child is listening to my mother sing while she cleaned the house. Cleaning seem to be one of her favorite past times. Once we entered elementary school, we were assigned chores. These chores rotated between me and my 3 siblings. My favorite chore was washing dishes because it was always quiet, since everyone cleared out of the kitchen after meals. My least favorite was hanging clothes on the clothes line. It just seemed the clothes line went on forever and ever.
A couple of times during the year, we had to do some deep cleaning. I never looked forward to this because I knew it would take up most of the day and it had to done right the first time! We had to wash down the walls, wash windows and screens and make sure the floors were immaculate. We learned to test the floor with bare feet to ensure there was no grit.
One of my mother’s pet peeves was dirt left in the corners beneath the lower cabinets in the kitchen. So, she wasn’t satisfied that we swept and then mopped the floor. Those methods ensured we pushed the dirt further in the corners. Therefore, she instructed us to get on our knees to get the dirt we had pushed in the corners so deep you could see from afar. We would use old toothbrushes and other methods to get to the dirt.
As much as I hated doing it, the rewards were great! My mother was quite pleased at our efforts. And the kitchen floor was immaculate. The kitchens seem airy, peaceful, and clean. And it certainly was the hub of the home.
Many of us have struggled with the dirts in our lives for weeks, months, years. Depression, loneliness, anger, forgiveness, relationship issues make up some of the dirt in the corners of our lives. These issues can often fester and turn into something else when we try to do things our way or try to fix situations. We look in the mirror and the issues boldly look back at us. We drink ourselves into oblivion, the issues are regurgitated. We delete people, yet keep them on our hard drives.
When I approached the altar at church to pray, I realized my injured knee wouldn’t allow me to bow down. I stood up and held on the railing. My heart cried out and the Lord did hear my cry. Yet, I realize how important the gesture of kneeling and praying is in my life. I am thankful for yet another opportunity to Bow Down On My Knees and pray. I am grateful to Bow Down On My Knees to get in the corners!
Dirt is trying to wrestle with me and take my focus! I won’t let it. I won’t give in! I won’t quit!
We have to get on our knees, look in the corners of our hearts and allow the Lord to clean out the dirty places and replace them with His peace, His love and His joy!
Song in my heart…How Great Thou Art!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Awaiting a Bountiful Harvest
Therefore, by their fruit you will know them, Matthew 7:20
My daughter Briana, 14 and I were admiring the leaves from the patio. She knows my love of nature and quickly noted, “The leaves are changing, Mommy!” I shared in her excited and noticed just how many leaves were on the ground after Hurricane Irene.
I asked her what her favorite season was. I found her answer quite interesting. “I don’t like that question because I don’t have a favorite. I like the transitions between the seasons.” Wow, what a wonderful observation.
As I am witnessing the transition to fall, there are many green leaves on the tress. Yet acorns are falling on the patio and the tips of some leaves are turning different colors. It’s a magical time. Soon it would be cooler and time to harvest apples and pumpkins. I am looking forward to the North Carolina Mountains displaying the changing of the leaves.
But while I acknowledge what is happening in nature, the same holds true for my life. I know I am in some sort of transition. I have prayed without ceasing over the past 2-3 years. My thirst for the Word took me to new spiritual heights and I experienced the Lord in a way I hadn’t before.
I realized there were some relationships in my life that had to die. They were stressful. They were producing no good fruit. And they were sapping me of energy. Now the Lord is transitioning me to a place of peace.
I have learned my gifts belong to the Lord. So, that in all that I do, I will acknowledge the Lord. And as a result, there are gifts that I buried years ago, that the Lord had resurfaced. I can’t even keep up with the overflow of blessings!
In my season of transition, I am recognizing God’s presence and waiting to hear from Him. This new life is so foreign to me. The possibilities of the summer are slowly diminishing. I am walking into and claiming a season of harvest.
My daughter Briana, 14 and I were admiring the leaves from the patio. She knows my love of nature and quickly noted, “The leaves are changing, Mommy!” I shared in her excited and noticed just how many leaves were on the ground after Hurricane Irene.
I asked her what her favorite season was. I found her answer quite interesting. “I don’t like that question because I don’t have a favorite. I like the transitions between the seasons.” Wow, what a wonderful observation.
As I am witnessing the transition to fall, there are many green leaves on the tress. Yet acorns are falling on the patio and the tips of some leaves are turning different colors. It’s a magical time. Soon it would be cooler and time to harvest apples and pumpkins. I am looking forward to the North Carolina Mountains displaying the changing of the leaves.
But while I acknowledge what is happening in nature, the same holds true for my life. I know I am in some sort of transition. I have prayed without ceasing over the past 2-3 years. My thirst for the Word took me to new spiritual heights and I experienced the Lord in a way I hadn’t before.
I realized there were some relationships in my life that had to die. They were stressful. They were producing no good fruit. And they were sapping me of energy. Now the Lord is transitioning me to a place of peace.
I have learned my gifts belong to the Lord. So, that in all that I do, I will acknowledge the Lord. And as a result, there are gifts that I buried years ago, that the Lord had resurfaced. I can’t even keep up with the overflow of blessings!
In my season of transition, I am recognizing God’s presence and waiting to hear from Him. This new life is so foreign to me. The possibilities of the summer are slowly diminishing. I am walking into and claiming a season of harvest.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Celebrating A Man of God..Pastor Tacuma Johnson
But the natural man does not welcome what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to know it since it is evaluated spiritually. The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone. 1 Corinthians 2:14-14 Holman CSB
I developed a love of reading at a very early age. My favorite thing to read was the dictionary and encyclopedia. I would lie down on the couch and spent a many summer days taken away to places beyond my capacity. One of the reasons I loved the dictionary was it provided me with words to use when I was angry or sad. Those emotions had to be suppressed, so I had to find a way to express myself in my dairy.
As a result of reading almost anything in front of me, I began yearning for an understanding of the Bible at an early age, around 10 or 11. The summer of 1975 I started trying to read the Bible from beginning to end. But I soon became overwhelmed. I had so many questions. I would go to church with a head full of questions and thoughts. And I would greet my mother at the door after she returned from work with the burning question of the day. It seemed that most adults were too busy or had so many grown up things to handle that my questions got in their way.
Yet, my yearning increased. And I would spend moments crying out to the Lord asking for forgiveness because I was afraid that I wasn’t doing something he wanted me to know. I talked to my mother about baptism and joined the church. I started going to Bible study and noticed there weren’t any youth at Bible study. I walked to Bible study with my mother and was so excited to go. I felt like a big girl. But this one particular night, the elder was reading a particular text. As he was speaking from the text, I realized he was saying something totally different from what the text said. So, I am looking around at the adults and no one is saying anything. Everyone was listening with blank stares.
I raised my hands. The elder kept talking. I continued to raise my hands. The elder finally acknowledged my hand. I asked for understanding. He scolded me for interrupting and implying he may have been incorrect. I held my head down in shame. No one spoke up. The room silenced. The elder’s chest is out, proud of his moment to set things in order.
My heart was sad and I learned then not to question anything a man of God had to say…..at least out loud. I was quiet and shy and remained that way until college. I would listen to the sermons and other’s talk about the Bible and always felt as if what the saints were saying was much more complicated than what I was reading. I was convinced the Lord would not require something of my life and then make it unattainable.
At age 15, I was blessed with a youth pastor, Pastor James Parham. And he had such enormous patience with my endless questions. He was able to teach me how to study and read the Bible so that my literal mind wouldn’t be swept away. I continued my quest to read the Bible through and when I finally got to Proverbs, I was captivated. The poetic words just spoke to my heart. The lessons were clear and concise and I knew how to research by then. And my quest continued….
I never stopped studying and the Lord never stopped placing people in my path. So, let’s fast forward to 2011. This weekend we will be celebrating the 3rd anniversary of our pastor, Pastor Tacuma Johnson, a man of God. I have sat under the teaching of Pastor Johnson with rapt attention for 3 years. He has such a deep sincere desire for the people of God to experience a real relationship with God.
He has taken the greatest book ever, the Bible, that some have made unattainable and broken it in pieces to complete the many puzzles in my life. He has never once showed impatience when I gave a blank stare meaning, “What? Huh? Say that again!”
Over the years Pastor Johnson's message has been clear. That message is that “God is your source.” From the sermon “A Sit Down Anointing' to “The Deep Things” to “ Count Yourself” he has left the congregations with messages such as:
*Seek God First”
*”God begins with the end in mind.”
*”Some people try to make you powerless and make you think they are your life line. You have the power to speak to your situation.”
*”How wonderful life would be for those who have a REAL relationship with God.” (message to the youth)
*”Worship like you care more about what God thinks!”
*”Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Get to the back of the boat. And stop looking at the storm!”
*”Vison – life changes when you see it, not when you get it.”
*”Count yourself, Count Yourself New, Count Yourself Alive”
*Again.....”Seek God First” Matthew 6:33
Many of us are uncomfortable when someone speaks about how the Spirit is working through men and women of God. Please don't be distracted by my words. Celebrate with me an honorable man of God who has submitted his life to the Most High. A man who loves, honors and respects his helpmeet , Lady Dr. Michelle Johnson and father of a wonderful little girl.
When someone passes away, sometimes there are lines of people waiting to say things they never said when the person was alive. Today has presented me another opportunity to say something kind to a wonderful person.
God bless you , Pastor Johnson and thank you for allowing God to lead you.
~Blessings
I developed a love of reading at a very early age. My favorite thing to read was the dictionary and encyclopedia. I would lie down on the couch and spent a many summer days taken away to places beyond my capacity. One of the reasons I loved the dictionary was it provided me with words to use when I was angry or sad. Those emotions had to be suppressed, so I had to find a way to express myself in my dairy.
As a result of reading almost anything in front of me, I began yearning for an understanding of the Bible at an early age, around 10 or 11. The summer of 1975 I started trying to read the Bible from beginning to end. But I soon became overwhelmed. I had so many questions. I would go to church with a head full of questions and thoughts. And I would greet my mother at the door after she returned from work with the burning question of the day. It seemed that most adults were too busy or had so many grown up things to handle that my questions got in their way.
Yet, my yearning increased. And I would spend moments crying out to the Lord asking for forgiveness because I was afraid that I wasn’t doing something he wanted me to know. I talked to my mother about baptism and joined the church. I started going to Bible study and noticed there weren’t any youth at Bible study. I walked to Bible study with my mother and was so excited to go. I felt like a big girl. But this one particular night, the elder was reading a particular text. As he was speaking from the text, I realized he was saying something totally different from what the text said. So, I am looking around at the adults and no one is saying anything. Everyone was listening with blank stares.
I raised my hands. The elder kept talking. I continued to raise my hands. The elder finally acknowledged my hand. I asked for understanding. He scolded me for interrupting and implying he may have been incorrect. I held my head down in shame. No one spoke up. The room silenced. The elder’s chest is out, proud of his moment to set things in order.
My heart was sad and I learned then not to question anything a man of God had to say…..at least out loud. I was quiet and shy and remained that way until college. I would listen to the sermons and other’s talk about the Bible and always felt as if what the saints were saying was much more complicated than what I was reading. I was convinced the Lord would not require something of my life and then make it unattainable.
At age 15, I was blessed with a youth pastor, Pastor James Parham. And he had such enormous patience with my endless questions. He was able to teach me how to study and read the Bible so that my literal mind wouldn’t be swept away. I continued my quest to read the Bible through and when I finally got to Proverbs, I was captivated. The poetic words just spoke to my heart. The lessons were clear and concise and I knew how to research by then. And my quest continued….
I never stopped studying and the Lord never stopped placing people in my path. So, let’s fast forward to 2011. This weekend we will be celebrating the 3rd anniversary of our pastor, Pastor Tacuma Johnson, a man of God. I have sat under the teaching of Pastor Johnson with rapt attention for 3 years. He has such a deep sincere desire for the people of God to experience a real relationship with God.
He has taken the greatest book ever, the Bible, that some have made unattainable and broken it in pieces to complete the many puzzles in my life. He has never once showed impatience when I gave a blank stare meaning, “What? Huh? Say that again!”
Over the years Pastor Johnson's message has been clear. That message is that “God is your source.” From the sermon “A Sit Down Anointing' to “The Deep Things” to “ Count Yourself” he has left the congregations with messages such as:
*Seek God First”
*”God begins with the end in mind.”
*”Some people try to make you powerless and make you think they are your life line. You have the power to speak to your situation.”
*”How wonderful life would be for those who have a REAL relationship with God.” (message to the youth)
*”Worship like you care more about what God thinks!”
*”Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Get to the back of the boat. And stop looking at the storm!”
*”Vison – life changes when you see it, not when you get it.”
*”Count yourself, Count Yourself New, Count Yourself Alive”
*Again.....”Seek God First” Matthew 6:33
Many of us are uncomfortable when someone speaks about how the Spirit is working through men and women of God. Please don't be distracted by my words. Celebrate with me an honorable man of God who has submitted his life to the Most High. A man who loves, honors and respects his helpmeet , Lady Dr. Michelle Johnson and father of a wonderful little girl.
When someone passes away, sometimes there are lines of people waiting to say things they never said when the person was alive. Today has presented me another opportunity to say something kind to a wonderful person.
God bless you , Pastor Johnson and thank you for allowing God to lead you.
~Blessings
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Finding Peace in the Night's Storm
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
I sat across from yet another doctor giving me an explanation for the pain and discomfort I have been suffering for months. I felt myself rushing trying to get to the end of the visit. I was so tired of being probed, touched, pushed and pulled. I must have had a distinguished look on my face when the doctor said, “How are you feeling right now?” I was trying to find the words, yet none of the thoughts in my head would stop long enough for me to verbalize what I was feeling, thinking.
I was completely numb and couldn’t rap my head around more than one issue going on at a time! Then I noticed something about how my physical body was reacting. There are times when I feel stress or anxious, I can feel my heart racing and I become irritable. Yet, this time was different. I recognize that I couldn’t capture my thoughts because most of the time that is my reality! Lol That’s one of the reasons I write.
But all morning I was singing and praising. I knew the Lord was with me. I was assured he had heard my cries in the night. I was certain he wiped my tears at the altar. And I was certain he said, “Trust me!” while in the prayer circle. Therefore, sitting across from the doctor, my mind was blank and full at the same time. The words had wings flying in head. I felt peace.
I could hear the angel the Lord sent to me after Bible study saying, “You are whole”. I have owned those words. “I am whole! I am whole! I am whole!
When sleepless nights seem to reign in my life, I try to focus my mind on something in nature that makes me feel close to the Lord. The think about long nature walks in the woods, making note of smells of the wood and the earth, the sight of tall trees; some broken some standing strong. I am in awe of how some leaves are smooth and others have rough veins throughout. There are some wild flowers and berries that are edible. Note the location. I may need them. And lastly, in my mind’s eye I can hear the glorious sounds of the birds while dashing from limb to limb.
Nature connects me with God. And closing my eyes takes me to a place where I can commune with Him and find peace.
I sat across from yet another doctor giving me an explanation for the pain and discomfort I have been suffering for months. I felt myself rushing trying to get to the end of the visit. I was so tired of being probed, touched, pushed and pulled. I must have had a distinguished look on my face when the doctor said, “How are you feeling right now?” I was trying to find the words, yet none of the thoughts in my head would stop long enough for me to verbalize what I was feeling, thinking.
I was completely numb and couldn’t rap my head around more than one issue going on at a time! Then I noticed something about how my physical body was reacting. There are times when I feel stress or anxious, I can feel my heart racing and I become irritable. Yet, this time was different. I recognize that I couldn’t capture my thoughts because most of the time that is my reality! Lol That’s one of the reasons I write.
But all morning I was singing and praising. I knew the Lord was with me. I was assured he had heard my cries in the night. I was certain he wiped my tears at the altar. And I was certain he said, “Trust me!” while in the prayer circle. Therefore, sitting across from the doctor, my mind was blank and full at the same time. The words had wings flying in head. I felt peace.
I could hear the angel the Lord sent to me after Bible study saying, “You are whole”. I have owned those words. “I am whole! I am whole! I am whole!
When sleepless nights seem to reign in my life, I try to focus my mind on something in nature that makes me feel close to the Lord. The think about long nature walks in the woods, making note of smells of the wood and the earth, the sight of tall trees; some broken some standing strong. I am in awe of how some leaves are smooth and others have rough veins throughout. There are some wild flowers and berries that are edible. Note the location. I may need them. And lastly, in my mind’s eye I can hear the glorious sounds of the birds while dashing from limb to limb.
Nature connects me with God. And closing my eyes takes me to a place where I can commune with Him and find peace.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Embrace The Possibility Of Something Different
I was listening to the discussion in Sunday School and the teacher’s word caught my attention. “Embrace the possibility of something different by making a different decision.I think there was a quiet chuckle because we all have heard that before. Yet, I carried those words with me. I soon realized why the words had now camped out in my mind. It was because years ago I had made a commitment to get to church on time. And yet, this was the second week I had been late. And though it was health related, I still felt convicted.
For me, this was a poke from my spirit reminding me from where I’ve come. I remember coming to church just in time enough to hear the sermon. All of the things that were going on before the sermon were a distraction for me. That is where I was in my life. It had gotten to a point, I wasn’t consistent in my worship life. Becoming a part of a church family would have placed people too close to me, ensuring another church hurt.
Therefore, I created space and built a wall for each person, place or thing that violated me, made me mad, hurt me; betrayed me, made me uncomfortable and list grew and grew. People from my childhood had a wall. Family members had a brick. Friends had bricks. The wall was so tall and wide, I couldn’t see anything but the wall.
One day a sister from the church, Donna, called me. We had met briefly. But I knew who she was. She spoke to me about my absence. “Who would have noticed, but my family?” I thought. She encouraged me to return and worship and to pray constantly. Her most powerful words were, “The longer you stay away, the harder it is to come back.” I knew her word were true because I was missing the fellowship less and less. Yet I knew my heart was empty and broken.
One morning, I awaken with tears in my eyes. What was I dreaming about? I tried to hold back the tears. But the dam of my heart gave in and all I could do was cry out to the Lord. I thought in the end I would be sick. But that morning, I decided to do something different.
The wall was greater than me. But I know the very wall that I thought was keeping me in, was keeping the Lord out. I was constantly in turmoil trying to convince myself that the wall was a good thing. All of this conflict! No peace!
The Lord knocked down the wall and used the bricks to create a path to him. I had tried every other path. Why not try this path….again?
I knew this time things would be different. I realize all the issues I was running from were inside of me. So, whether I went to church or watched Charles Stanley, the issues were with me! Looking in the mirror allowed me to look inside of my heart. And I owned how broken my heart was and Turned It Over to Jesus! I let it all go!!!
So, when I had the audacity to do something different, I got very different something in return.
So, I acknowledge the nudge of the spirit. In order to get all that God has for me, I need to be in place and be On Time!
For me, this was a poke from my spirit reminding me from where I’ve come. I remember coming to church just in time enough to hear the sermon. All of the things that were going on before the sermon were a distraction for me. That is where I was in my life. It had gotten to a point, I wasn’t consistent in my worship life. Becoming a part of a church family would have placed people too close to me, ensuring another church hurt.
Therefore, I created space and built a wall for each person, place or thing that violated me, made me mad, hurt me; betrayed me, made me uncomfortable and list grew and grew. People from my childhood had a wall. Family members had a brick. Friends had bricks. The wall was so tall and wide, I couldn’t see anything but the wall.
One day a sister from the church, Donna, called me. We had met briefly. But I knew who she was. She spoke to me about my absence. “Who would have noticed, but my family?” I thought. She encouraged me to return and worship and to pray constantly. Her most powerful words were, “The longer you stay away, the harder it is to come back.” I knew her word were true because I was missing the fellowship less and less. Yet I knew my heart was empty and broken.
One morning, I awaken with tears in my eyes. What was I dreaming about? I tried to hold back the tears. But the dam of my heart gave in and all I could do was cry out to the Lord. I thought in the end I would be sick. But that morning, I decided to do something different.
The wall was greater than me. But I know the very wall that I thought was keeping me in, was keeping the Lord out. I was constantly in turmoil trying to convince myself that the wall was a good thing. All of this conflict! No peace!
The Lord knocked down the wall and used the bricks to create a path to him. I had tried every other path. Why not try this path….again?
I knew this time things would be different. I realize all the issues I was running from were inside of me. So, whether I went to church or watched Charles Stanley, the issues were with me! Looking in the mirror allowed me to look inside of my heart. And I owned how broken my heart was and Turned It Over to Jesus! I let it all go!!!
So, when I had the audacity to do something different, I got very different something in return.
So, I acknowledge the nudge of the spirit. In order to get all that God has for me, I need to be in place and be On Time!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Being Still and Hearing from God
I have been experiencing some medical issues and was scheduled for a procedure. I scheduled the day off from work and was prepared to “get this over with.” But the procedure had to be rescheduled to another location and time. I decided not to cancel my day off, but to work on some projects at home.
But when I woke up, my spirit was saying something different. I was restless and couldn’t focus on the jobs I intended to start. So, to wind myself down I decided to exercise. I began on the exercise bike. I carefully placed my water to the side and began my ride. I had a book in my hand on the subject of nutrition. But for the life of me I couldn’t concentrate and focus. I tried and tried and finally gave in.
I moved over to the treadmill. I started noticing a calmness coming upon me. I thought it was knowing my exercise session was coming to an end!
It was about 8:00 am and the house was quiet. I had no music on. Just quiet…..and I started thinking about the decisions I have made recently and relationships at work, church and with family. I began with why questions and answered honestly. Some answered were uncomfortable. The Lord was speaking to me softly, gently yet very clearly and firmly. And I realized had I turned on the music and started “working” in the house, I never would have heard that message. I was trying so hard not to be still.
My talents, my time, my family, my life all belong to God. Period! And I am to honor Him and to be honorable in all of my relationships. Otherwise I would be like the dogwood that use to be in my front yard, standing tall year after year, a blossom here and there, branches never full and certainly no fruit! I would rather be like the might oak tree towering over my patio in the backyard. The nuts are bountiful and provide nourishment for some and the leaves are hearty providing shade for others.
I was preparing in the evening to take my son back to college. He had decided the day before to take his twin siblings out to have a heart to heart talk with them before they enter college later this month. I thought that was great.
We decided to go eat no fat yogurt at a local shop. And then more confirmation! He said one of the things I told them was to “constantly be aware of the friends and associates you keep in your space. Pay attention to the things that their lives are producing and more importantly , pay attention to that restlessness in your spirit that lets you know 1) You aren’t where you are suppose to be and 2) You aren’t with the people you are suppose to be with.
I just wanted to jump up and run around the yogurt shop! First the Lord kept me still to hear a powerful message. And then he sent the same message from my older son to give to his siblings. And now these words are posted to Alabaster Woman Ministries!
My God! My God! I am full all over again!
But when I woke up, my spirit was saying something different. I was restless and couldn’t focus on the jobs I intended to start. So, to wind myself down I decided to exercise. I began on the exercise bike. I carefully placed my water to the side and began my ride. I had a book in my hand on the subject of nutrition. But for the life of me I couldn’t concentrate and focus. I tried and tried and finally gave in.
I moved over to the treadmill. I started noticing a calmness coming upon me. I thought it was knowing my exercise session was coming to an end!
It was about 8:00 am and the house was quiet. I had no music on. Just quiet…..and I started thinking about the decisions I have made recently and relationships at work, church and with family. I began with why questions and answered honestly. Some answered were uncomfortable. The Lord was speaking to me softly, gently yet very clearly and firmly. And I realized had I turned on the music and started “working” in the house, I never would have heard that message. I was trying so hard not to be still.
My talents, my time, my family, my life all belong to God. Period! And I am to honor Him and to be honorable in all of my relationships. Otherwise I would be like the dogwood that use to be in my front yard, standing tall year after year, a blossom here and there, branches never full and certainly no fruit! I would rather be like the might oak tree towering over my patio in the backyard. The nuts are bountiful and provide nourishment for some and the leaves are hearty providing shade for others.
I was preparing in the evening to take my son back to college. He had decided the day before to take his twin siblings out to have a heart to heart talk with them before they enter college later this month. I thought that was great.
We decided to go eat no fat yogurt at a local shop. And then more confirmation! He said one of the things I told them was to “constantly be aware of the friends and associates you keep in your space. Pay attention to the things that their lives are producing and more importantly , pay attention to that restlessness in your spirit that lets you know 1) You aren’t where you are suppose to be and 2) You aren’t with the people you are suppose to be with.
I just wanted to jump up and run around the yogurt shop! First the Lord kept me still to hear a powerful message. And then he sent the same message from my older son to give to his siblings. And now these words are posted to Alabaster Woman Ministries!
My God! My God! I am full all over again!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Resting in the Lord
After many weeks of scorching heat, it finally rained over the weekend. It was a soft and steady rain. It reminded me of the rain showers I experienced as a child. I was standing in the kitchen and I could hear my mother in the back of mind saying, “Sit down somewhere, while the Lord does his work!” As a child I never understood what she meant by that. But I was obedient and sat in silence.
In my mind’s eye, I imagined the Lord always rearranging his living room, the thunder. Then he took a bath and once he let out the water in the bathtub, it rained on Earth. Yes, I had an overactive imagination!
This weekend when I heard that voice, I heard it differently. I was concerned about a family situation and my nights were restless. The voice said, “Be still and I will give you rest.” I immediately knew I was to sit down while the Lord did his work.
I had prayed about it, wrote about it and talked about it. Now, I have to release it and lay on my Father’s pillow and rest.
In my mind’s eye, I imagined the Lord always rearranging his living room, the thunder. Then he took a bath and once he let out the water in the bathtub, it rained on Earth. Yes, I had an overactive imagination!
This weekend when I heard that voice, I heard it differently. I was concerned about a family situation and my nights were restless. The voice said, “Be still and I will give you rest.” I immediately knew I was to sit down while the Lord did his work.
I had prayed about it, wrote about it and talked about it. Now, I have to release it and lay on my Father’s pillow and rest.
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