Sunday, August 22, 2010

Stopping Long Enough

This past week I enjoyed being on vacation for a few days. It actually was a "stay-cation" since we just stayed home and relaxed. A few weeks ago I mentioned to hubby that we needed to plan our vacation. I mean that's what the "official family planner" does, right?  Hubby thought it'd be kind of silly to plan anything since we weren't going away.  Ok, so whatever, I'll plan on my own. Being the planner is sometimes a lonely job.

Of course, you guessed it, I started with a  list.....
~ spend time in blog land
~ organize my coupon folder
~ maybe out to eat just once
~ go over to my parents and use their pool
~ maybe rent a movie
~ perhaps play some mini-golf
~ do a little yard work

About a week before my time off was to start I felt that I needed to add something to my vacation list. This was confirmed the Friday before I started my vacation as I read a post by Bonnie who writes over at FaithBarista .  These two sentences in particular really spoke to my heart: "If we were to stop long enough to really want Him, He would be the prize we’d dump everything for. Just to savor His touch and His words”

Something in my spirit cried out "Yes!"  How I would love to love spending time with Jesus.  As much as I enjoy being busy, Bonnie's post that day helped me realize I needed to “stop long enough”.  I just knew that - spending time with Jesus - needed to be on the very top of my list. I’m talking quality time – not the usual quick “good morning Lord, please be with me today” while I brush my teeth time.

And I kinda hate to admit it,  but I made another list. A little mental list of what me and Jesus needed to talk about. And if you too are a "list maker" I know you'll understand.  If you aren't, well, don't judge. Just love me and pray for me. :)   Anyways, my list basically consisted of a few things I needed to have some direction on.

As I prayed , read and simply spent time with Jesus an awesome, but not surprising, thing happened.  I didn't get to go over much of anything on my list. I didn't get specific answers to any of my questions. No direction to do this or go there. No insight whether I should try this or stop that.  As great as getting answers and direction concerning my little list would have been, I got something so much better.

He again became the one I wanted to spend time with each day.  I stopped long enough to pour out my heart to Him. I stopped long enough to feel His love for me. During  those times this week I recommitted all that I had to Him. And let me tell you that it wasn't easy (I promise to explain a little more in detail real soon). But once I did, it was freeing and brought me to tears. Tears of surrender which turned to tears of joy, peace and love.

So friend,  here is what I discovered - when we "stop long enough", when we desire a relationship with Jesus than the answers don't matter so much. He becomes our answer. Feeling His love becomes our comfort. Knowing He is with us no matter what becomes our peace.

And hey friend, I'd like to encourage you to stop long enough each day. You may or may not get what you're seeking, but you will get what you need.

BTW~ Don't forget to take a minute and stop over at FaithBarista. Bonnie is a great host and I just know you'll really enjoy your visit.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Yes He does!

Hello friend!  I'm glad you stopped by.  I really want to just sit a bit and share something from my heart with you today.

Do you know I truly care about you?
And, even more importantly God cares about you.
Oh yea. He sure does.
So, do you have a minute?

I'm all ready for a chat - got my coffee with vanilla & caramel creamer (my new favorite flavor) and am all comfy here at my computer with our dog, Lacey.  Actually, she's hiding at my feet and under the desk because there's a thunder storm rumbling overhead right now. She has anxiety attacks when there are loud noises like thunder or fireworks. As long as she doesn't hide too far under there and pull some of the wires out of the CPU we'll be fine.

Anyways,  like I was saying, God cares for you.
Yes He does!

Yea, I know...... life is just really tough sometimes isn't it?  It's more than tough sometimes. And we don't always get the answer that we desire when we pray. 

But friend,
He knows what you're going through,
and He sees you as you worry and wonder,
and He hears you as you cry,
and He feels the pain as your heart breaks.
And He cares about all of it.
Yes He does!

Oh, yes He does care, friend. I know it's true because the Bible tells me so. And because I've lived it.  In the darkest hour of my life - He was there.  Time and time again as I have lived through the process of grieving He has been there - comforting, helping, strengthening and loving. He cares - yes He does!

In fact, earlier today, as I was reading my Bible I read a verse that encouraged me. I'd like to share it with you. Pretty cool I just "happened" to read it today don't ya think?!

Take a look at this:
"And the God of all grace,
who called you to His eternal glory in Christ,
after you have suffered a little while,
will Himself restore you
and make you strong, firm and steadfast."   
I Peter 5:7

Now, at first I didn't like the part of this verse that suggests we're gonna suffer. But after taking a second and third look at it (sometimes I'm slow - or umm, stubborn) I realized what an encouraging verse this is.


Do you see it? He loves you! 
God Himself will restore you!
God Himself will make you strong and firm and steadfast!
The pain, the hurt, the storms - are just for a little while.
God is already there. He is waiting and ready to step in.
He will take care of  us through life's storms.

Now, I don't know about you....... but I'm ready to shout AMEN & Yes He Does!
(and that's not the caffeine speaking).

Oh friend, I don't know your circumstances. But, I do know that throughout the pain, storms and disappointment that I've experienced - He has been  faithful.
He has held me close and brought me through it all.
I know, that I know, that He loves me and cares for me.

I really want you to know it, too.
If the storm is too scary right now go ahead and hide at His feet.
Believe ~ the storm will pass.
Wait patiently ~ He will restore you.
Yes He will!

So friend, I hope you're encouraged from our little chat. My coffee is gone, the thunder storm has passed and Lacey should be coming out from under the desk any minute.

I leave you with a {{HUG}}
and the hope that as you go through your day you will say
~ God loves me! Yes He does!