It’s far more exciting to be enthusiastic about the real book that deals with life in all its particularity than to allow ourselves to be dazzled by the cheap substitute that tickles the palate for the moment but leaves us with a hangover. And all we have to rely on to tell the difference is ourselves, not a computer.~Madeline L’Engle, A Circle of Quiet
May the voice of the Holy Spirit speak with crystal clear clarity, reveal deceptive voices that stand in as substitutes when emotions teeter in circumstance. Stand amidst the mess of life strewn on the floor knowing your feet rest in the imprints of grace, the exact spot he carved out knowing this day was coming. Trust in what you know to be true despite the howl of the wind blowing the shutters open.
Welcome to the Weekend Friends!
I’ve let go of words here for the past two days to celebrate finishing 31 Days of Letting Go. I’m excited to share what I’m dreaming up next, just for you. Hope you’ll come back on Monday to join me.
A post I needed to read today, Shelly. Thank you so much. The shutters of my brother’s house have flown open wide to let in the bank that bought back his house yesterday in foreclosure on the courthouse steps. His emotions are teetering like a world reeling off its axis. Frankly, he has no place to live or to stand midst the mess that has become his life, strewn hither and yon. But I know he is saved, and like the old “footprints” story……maybe Brian will look back at God’s footprints of grace, when he’d lost his own footing, and he’ll realize that God carried him when he could no longer walk. God knew this day was coming, and He knows the day when Brian will find another place to live (even though his wife will not be with him), where he can rest secure, where the shutters are shut tight against the howling wind of adversity, where they will shut him, secure in the grace of God. In the meantime, we family members will take turns helping him and giving him a place to stay.
Oh, Lynn. Lifting a prayer for your brother. Right now.
What a special gift to receive prayer from someone I don’t know–and yet we are all connected aren’t we? Thank you, Sandra, for your prayers and kind compassion! Love, Lynn
Dear Lynni…David and I are praying for Brian and for all of you. It breaks the heart.
Thank you, Jillie and David, for your love and compassion. I so appreciate your reaching out to us in prayer, and you know I am praying for your precious Laura and Nathan !! Love, Lynni
Oh Lynn, I’m so sorry for all this regarding your brother. I can imagine your heart aches for his losses. I’m adding all of you to my prayers this morning. May His Kingdom come and his will be done. Amen.
Shelly, thank you for the shelter you have constructed here in the storm–truly an extention of the Mighty Fortress, Who is our God! I have tears spilling over here. You cannot begin to know the extent or depth of my brother’s difficult losses and all the emotional (beyond physical) help that he needs (it would take several books to write about them all, and this is not the time or place), but I so thank you for your great compassionate heart and your prayers, Shelly), and how you make a place where hearts can connect and pray, here at R’s B. I am overwhelmed with the gracious words and prayers received here and so humbled. God bless you and your friends!!! Love, Lynn
That Madeleine. She had a way with words. And so do you. Love to you, my friend. (I’m anxious to settle in a read through your 31 days with a cup of tea. Or two.)
I’ve been savoring each and every line in that book Sandy. I feel the same about your series, can’t wait to go back and read them.
Dear Shelly…I feel like you wrote this with my family in mind. The ‘winds of adversity’ have struck. Frightening, deceptive voices speaking…but striving onward to clearly hear Holy Spirit’s voice of Truth in the midst of the storm. He has always been faithful. He will always ‘be’ faithful He knew this day was coming, and He knows what He wants to accomplish through it. Praise His Name!
You know, after I wrote this Jillie, you did come to mind and I prayed for all of you. And it was similar to what you’ve said here. Continuing to do so . . .
Shelly, I cannot wait to see what you are dreaming up next.
Aww, thanks Jennifer. I’m excited and hope you’ll be a part of it.
I love your weekend words. This is the last post I am reading today. The one I want to take with me for the rest of my Saturday and into my Sunday. Love you much. I needed this reminder. xoxo
Needed that verse today, Shelly.
Oh Shelly. I just LOVE every word of this, both thescripture and yours and of course, L’engle’s. Such tremendous beauty in this my friend, and that image, I love…. Thank you for this, your writing is amazing and ALWAYS blesses me. XO
The mind, will and emotions at rest, trusting in Him…that’s what I want. Beautiful verse and thoughts here.
Beautiful post Shelly! I love, “Trust in what you know to be true despite the howl of the wind blowing the shutters open.” We know the truth… we know it will free us… at yet the howl of wind can be so very distracting at times. Blessings to you!
Yes, so true Danise. I’m really wanting to rest in Him, despite my own circumstances, knowing He is sovereign.
Yes, that paragraph–the one you wrote. I have been working through some questions that I was asking without really listening for the answers from the Word or from the Spirit. I was becoming more aware of the deceptive nature of the “self-talk” that cynically asked without seeking truth or trusting Grace who already knows where I stand now and how I will walk into the future.
The Lord has been so good to me as I have actively listened this week. Thanks for your thoughts. I wish I could explain the place the howling I am hearing this moment. Teeter now and then, but mostly standing….thankful for you…looking forward to the new thing…
Oh Dea, I do know that place far too well. The one inside my head that takes me to a place God never intended. So grateful that He spoke to you as you listened. God is good, and faithful.
Did you say “dreaming”? Now you know you have me hooked!
Look what you started, Deidra!
I needed this admonition today…the reminder to take a deep breath and remember how good He has been.
Breathing deep with you and thankful you have joined the community here. It’s a pleasure to have your words here.
Oh Shelley…this–
“Stand amidst the mess of life strewn on the floor knowing your feet rest in the imprints of grace, the exact spot he carved out knowing this day was coming. Trust in what you know to be true despite the howl of the wind blowing the shutters open.”
As I read this, tears pricked my eyes. The image of grace that you have painted is exquisite and one that I think I will carry around with me. Thank you for the gift of your words that speak life and love.
So excited it worked out for you to go to Jumping Tandem retreat Holly. Can’t wait to meet you in real life. And your words? They paint the most beautiful pictures every time.
Perfect WORD for me this morning! Thank you for bring HIS vessel ministering to this weary vessel.
Dearest Shelly,
Having a large imagination, I, all the more, appreciate yours when in description of the truth!
In thinking of mess, strewn and blowing in the wind, attempting to sway each of us every
which way, I think, too of our feet firmly planted in the Firm Foundation not flinching in our
stand for the truth. Knowing we have this omnipresent source through eternity is more than
we can adequately assimilate.
Thank you, again, for your reflections,
Joan
Joan, so thrilled you are here. I can imagine you and Lynn and I in a room together talking about our Christian pilgrimage and it brings a smile to my face.
Dearest Lynn,
Knowing the very greatest Gift is Prayer, I am committed to prayer each day, for your dear brother, Brian, as well as you and his family. I feel certain, if he can attempt to keep from
growing weary, that in God’s timing, he will receive untold blessings for which he cannot even
imagine. May he be lifted, protected, guided and loved along the way.
You all are being covered with my love and prayers,
Joan
Joanie, I am overwhelmed, tearfuly, by your great love, compassion, kindness, and prayers. I love you. Lynni
Oh yes, may we understand the deceptive voices, when we stand on territory that is rocky and shaking.
I’ve had a little bit of an emotional week, and have had to really press in to hear that voice of truth! Thank you for sharing this beautiful truth today.
Praying for you Barbie, that you find peace in the mess, assurance that He is with you in it.
Really beautiful!
Thank you, so glad you stopped by. Wondering if you have a blog too?