Oh, to be still and to cease striving, why do we make it so hard to do?? Even as I write this , my mind is racing with so many things; all that I have to do, all that is troubling me and all of the things that I wish my Father from Heaven would come and sit right here next to me and give answers to. I forget that He is right here with me always. I forget how awesome a gift that the Holy Spirit is as I long for Him in person. I forget that all I have to do is ask for wisdom and it will be given. I forget that He is in Control of all things and I forget how AWESOME that is. I forget that He is all I need and my very best friend. A song by Bethany Dillon called "All I Need" keeps running through my head too.
"All I Need"
When the day is done
And there's no one else around
While I'm lying here in bed
You're in my heart, You're in my head
You're all I need, You're all I need
There are a million voices
Calling out my name
But You're the One I want to hear
So make the others disappear
You are all I need when I'm surrounded
You are all I need if I'm by myself
You fill me when I'm empty
There is nothing else
You're all I need
When the morning comes
And Your mercy is renewed
There's a fire in my bones
I'm not afraid to go alone
You're all I need
You're all I need
The sun on my face
I hear You whisper loud
You're still the God that opens seas
Every flower, even me
You're all I need
You're all I need
I'm drawn to everything that You do
Nothing compares with You
Though this season I am in right now feels lonely and even somewhat painful, I decided to take this time to do something I have wanted to do for awhile. I have been wanting to dedicate a day of the week to sharing my journey of counting gifts. I started this journey after reading "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. I cannot even begin to tell you how this book is changing my life. I know you have probably already heard me saying that. But I will say it again and again. Blogging has not been happening as much as I would like it to so I need a focus. I hope to at least make it here on Thursdays. Blogging is so good for me just as scrapbooking is...taking time to reflect on the many blessings I have in my life. It truly stirs my soul to see God for who he really is ,to enjoy his character and attributes.
I hesitate to give my numbers because I must confess that I struggle to be consistent in writing them down. I am grateful that I am always ( since reading Ann's book) looking for the gifts and that my eyes are being opened more and more each day despite my lack of discipline. So I will give my numbers and break free from the lies I believe...one that screams FAILURE! Ba Bye!!! :0)
I am on ....
215. For the time this weekend that God caused me to BE STILL
This a hard one..... I truly struggle with feeling like it is a curse but......
216.That people can usually tell if I am upset about something from the look on my face. I am grateful for this for a couple of reasons...1. That I am real and no matter how hard I try I cannot be fake 2. That because of this I know who my true friends are and they love me unconditionally 3. that at times it is my sinful thoughts rising to the surface. YIKES!!! Yes, I am grateful!!
217.That when I seek Him ,He is faithful and speaks to me all over the place and through everything.
218. His Word and how he has been speaking through good books that only lead me to His Word and His goodness
219. Playing in the Mud 220. Campfires 221. Roasted hot dogs 222. Yard Sales,Flea markets and Second hand and Antique Stores 223. My country home and my love for decorating ( It is still there :0) )224. Quilting 225. Scrapbooking 226.Basketmaking 227. Test scores that give encouragement 228. Healing that takes place through repentance 229. digging in the dirt and the messages that come through flowers
How like God that after I posted this , I went to read my devotion for today and this is what it said:
" Relax in My Healing,holy presence. Be still while I transform your heart and mind. Let go of cares and worries, so that you can receive My Peace. Cease striving and know that i am God. Do not be like Pharisees who multiplied regulations,creating their own form of "godliness." They got so wrapped up in their own rules that they lost sight of Me. Even today,man-made rules about how to live the Christian life enslave many people. Their focus is on their performance rather than Me. It is through knowing me intimately that you become like me. This requires spending time alone with Me. Let go, relax,be still,and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10 , I John 3:2
Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling"
230. The work that I feel Jesus doing in me through hard times.
