We’re all word workers aren’t we? Some are whisperers of divine beauty, some speak it slow and draw it out, some sing poetry with tongues of angels, some pound words of anvils into shoulders. Meaning is found in your heart, not the dictionary. The definition of life is in the Book.
This weekend, may you speak words of courage to yourself that surprise you. Say them gently to a stranger, firm to the young, kind to the tender and always with love. Words you give away generously return back to you with favor, like birds carrying love letters South. Most of all, may you hear the heart of Jesus loving you through whispers while you rest on Sabbath.
Want to make rest a routine, not just something you fill in between the cracks of your busyness? Find out more here.
Favorite Blog Posts:
Finding Knives and Who I Used Them On by Shawn Smucker
It is Enough by Michelle DeRusha
Fire Your Editor and Bring Your Story by Jennifer Dukes Lee
You’re Loved by Holley Gerth
Beware Flat Holiday You by Deidra Riggs
Favorite Poems:
The Calling in What Remains of Your Life by John Blase (I might need these words inside a frame on a wall in my house.)
The Encouragement to Go by Elizabeth Marshall
Favorite Word:
Trust – I chose this word for 2014 and it’s proving to be right in more ways than I anticipated.
Favorite Quote:
“The major difference between hating and loving is perhaps that, whereas to love somebody is to be fulfilled and enriched by the experience, to hate somebody is to be diminished and drained by it. Lovers, by losing themselves in their loving, find themselves, become themselves. Haters simply lose themselves. Theirs is the ultimately consuming passion.” ~Frederick Buechner
Favorite Conversation:
I asked people to describe their week in one word, this is what they said. My word? Interruption.
Happy Sabbath Friends!
Love your list of favorites Shelly. I see our one word conversation there. I am filled with joy of late as I watch some hope restored in an amazingly God-timed, God-loved, God-gave, God-came-through in the midst of a seemingly hopeless situation. So, I have been celebrating God’s faithfulness to us even as our own faith was sometimes so weak and shaken. I am celebrating! Rejoicing on the roof-tops! Praise God! He is trustworthy! Praying your interruptions were God-ordained as well!
Hugs to you,
Kelly
Wow Kelly, that is exciting. So happy for you. And yes, many of my interruptions were God ordained and I’m grateful.
Kelly,
Our talk this afternoon was so incredible, and how I rejoice at the miracle–the amazing miracle–that God has ordained. I am praising our amazing God right along with you. I love you, and I am so encouraged by what He has done. Yes, praise Him from roof-tops and mountain tops and tree tops! You are so dear to me.
Love
Lynni
Shelly, I love this quote I literally just read on courage: “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin
I think in your year of courageous trust, your life, your world, your walk with the Lord is going to expand a thousandfold. Praying for your trust! Can’t wait to see what He does!!!!
Muchlove
Lynn
I’ll accept that generous word of encouragement Lynn, thank you. I hope so.
According to your quote, Shelly, I just might “hate” my only sister. I am feeling “diminished and drained” by our exchanges this week, via email. She is very troubled-in-mind-and-spirit, and chooses to dump it all on me. I have tried and tried to understand her, but I very nearly called it quits on Thursday. This has been going on for over 25 years, with years of non-communication taking place sporadically in this continuing drama with her. Nothing ever seems to change. Her many and varied problems are too big for me; I cannot help her. But then, she’s very clear that she doesn’t need my help–doesn’t need ANYBODY’S help. We are very clear that we really do love one another, but I’m afraid it is just too upsetting to me to try any longer. After a week of migraines, raised blood pressure, and roiling stomach, I realize this is going nowhere. Dear Abby…Where do I go from here?
Jillie, you just came to my mind and I realized I never responded to you here, I’m so sorry. I know these feelings you’ve expressed, I’ve lived them too. I think being misunderstood is one of the hardest things to deal with. And sometimes God asks us to let go of the need for being understood. I know he has done that with me. Sometimes you just have to find peace in the knowledge that God knows your heart, even if the outcome isn’t what you hope for. Take a step back, release the relationship to Him and then let go of outcomes and perhaps God will restore, repair and mend brokenness. It is only through Him that we find peace.
Thanks for the mention, Shelly. Good Fred quote, too!
Your post urges me to pray that my words do indeed offer hope and encouragement, wisdom and guidance to those around me. Above all, may my conversations be pleasing to God (Psalm 19:14). Thank you, Shelly!
I know God has answered that prayer when you come here and leave a comment Nancy. Thank you.
Shelly, how beautiful: “It’s your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to the words”! Take a look at this fresh app: FavoriteWORDS.com – it lets people choose the words from their hearts and not from the dictionary! Hope you’ll love it as much as I do.