BROKENNESS

2/28/12 From my neighborhood walk to my backyard patio, I saw brokenness. In the physical realm brokenness seems like such a negative. Destruction. Disenchantment. Disappointment.

Bu† God…..these last few weeks has been showing me, once again, the necessity of brokenness in the spiritual realm. Brokenness is humility---our humble response to God’s conviction of sin in our lives. It’s one of His ways for accomplishing transformation in our lives.

In the BSF lesson scripture (2 Corinthians 4:7-10) reminded me of my “treasure within.” But how do others see that treasure within? They see it through my brokenness. When the Lord’s life flows through my weak and frail jar of clay, Jesus “sticks out all over.”

In my life, brokenness first had to occur through thick walls of self-protection that kept both earthly and heavenly relationships at bay. The distance was self-induced to ensure pain avoidance. For a long while, it worked. Bu†God began to tear away at the protective seal that I had tightly woven over my heart. He showed me my sin. The words in Dr.Larry Crabb’s, Inside Out, jumped off the page at me.  He called self-protection what it was. Self-protection is a sin. A sin requiring repentance in order for my relationship with the Lord to grow.

The demand to keep ourselves safe is strong.  We look in all the wrong places for the relief our soul desires so badly, developing a style of relating designed to protect ourselves from the pain we fear.  Although our self-protective strategies are foolish (even when we get the safety we want, we realize it’s not what we want), we still cling to our ‘right’ to protect ourselves.  We demand that our pain be relieved.  That core demand must be faced before we’ll give it up through repentance and learn to re-direct our energy into love. (Crabb p.142)

For me brokenness was a good thing. Painful, yes---but worth the suffering! A yielding. A willing submission. Rising from the dust of my shattered jar was the Spirit of the Living Lord. It was His filling in my life that fulfilled me. Brokenness was my path to wholeness. A dichotomy of sorts---a broken person ready to wholly serve in grace-filled ways.

When I am broken, the life of my Lord is put on display for others. Can you see Him?

Meditation Musings

2/27/12 When meditating on God’s Word, what is most important?  Scripture selection? Time? Place? Is amount of time more important than a place with no distractions? Is a long passage better than a few verses? Does posture matter? The answers to all these questions will vary from person to person based on individual situations and often even on one's season of life. Time frame might be decided based on one’s schedule or sleep patterns.  What matters is meditation. Spending time in God’s word.

Today I decided to read only 3 verses from Colossians chapter 3. Though it’s only 3 verses, Billy Graham emphasizes that the Lord can even use only “ a few verses at a time” to “reshape your life.” (Nearing Home p. 154)

Foster, too, states, “It is better to take small portions and digest them fully that to attempt to gorge yourself and get spiritual indigestion.” (Foster, p. 131)

I began by reading this passage aloud in its entirety----somewhat along the lines on an example given in Sanctuary of the Soul. (Foster, p. 124)

After reading aloud once, I went back and prayerfully asked God to focus my attention on verses that needed my attention. I reread, underlining words or phrases that stood out to me.

I waited in “listening silence” (Foster, p. 125)

Then I "steeped" some more by reading only the underlined words. 

The single phrase that stood out was “chosen of God” and that’s the 3 words I’m carrying with me to “think on” for the next few days. Already I’m asking myself if my actions are consistent with that privilege, “chosen of God” and what kind of heart does one “chosen of God” put on every day?

12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

I’m still musing this verse. Muse with me. Let me know your meditation musings either on Colossians 3: 12-14 or whatever verses the Spirit has for you.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS; Singing a song of creation

2/26/12 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. …..Declare his glory…. the LORD made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. …..O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: …Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice (Psalm 96 1, 3. 5, 6, 9, 11, 12)

BOOK BYTES---Bits and Pieces from my current read…..

2/25/12  ….Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey into Meditative Prayer, by Richard J. Foster.

The book....

This book accompanied me on my “retreat” week ---and influenced my desire for that still listening silence that can be difficult for me, especially in the midst of the “dailies” of life---even retired life.

This glimpse at the notes are there to whet your appetite for more of this book or just to use parts you can apply to your own prayer times. It is in no way an exhaustive commentary on this Richard Foster Book. Part of this disclaimer as well as his is that no one method works for everyone---if you desire to hear God’s voice

Inner sanctuary of the Heart---spiritual space

Meditative prayer opens door to heart---soul of that inner sanctuary

Divine Whispers---inward prayer filled listening—an interior knowing

1-2-3s of Worship (my label for his “group retreat” type experience)

• Center down---let go of all distractions & feelings 
• Be gathered in---into the power of God who can blend spirits and hearts together 
• Attend ---to the Holy spirit’s guidance, not running ahead (my enthusiasm to run ahead would be a “no-no”) nor lagging behind---be fully present/ silence mind from meandering thoughts & silence mouth of many words.

....the notes

3 steps to Meditative Prayer    

 I.   RECOLLECTION—“attempted meditation” will be indeed a time of warfare (E. Underhill’s quote on p. 62 ) very eloquently describes this & more) /Romano Guardini states---meditation is not easy. Unrest redoubles in intensity (similar to folks trying to sleep at night when cares of world enter head with a force they do not possess during the daylight hours. (my paraphrase)

p. 63 “Give up the need to watch out for number one because we have One who is watching out for us.”

II.            BEHOLDING THE LORD--inward steady gaze of the heart upon God, the divine Center

Richard Rolle (14^th C) “interior sweetness…spiritual flame that fed into his soul

Madame Jeanne Guyon (1685) p. 69. Guyon used scripture to quiet her mind but once in His Presence she says, “now hold your heart in God’s Presence”---by faith this can be done. Wait before Him. Turn all your attention toward your Spirit---Lord’s found within your spirit---in recesses of your being---this is where He dwells---continue to discipline mind to be quiet before the Lord---allow mind to rest…

If all this seems too hard Foster gave ways to “crack open the door to His Presence.

III.            PRAYER OF LISTENING---part of great interest t me---deals w/ discerning God’s voice---no formula given but scripture (Phil. 4:8) to understand that those nudges are from Him----the whispers of God---might lead us to simple acts of service and kindness---Portable sanctuary w/ Brother Lawrence (The Practice of the Presence of God)

Where is sanctuary? One possibility = Portable sanctuary, as answered at end of book along w/ more questions---“we are a portable sanctuary and by the power of God we can sanctify all places for meditation. (my THOTS--- Yes, but for me some places are more conducive, a place that draws me regularly)

So much more (including  list of resource books and an examples of Foster's forays into the experience)---but that’s your bits and pieces.  I would offer to share my book but I got it at my local library. Imagine that! It’s due March 1---so then it will be up for grabs.

GRUMBLE SEAT

2/24/12 This blog title had to be written in all caps because it can be a glaring problem for me. Most recently the inability to use our land line (my source of conversation) or my computer (my source of "blog" communication) had my grumblings rumbling,---thanks to a lack of perfection on Comcast's part. Aha, first clue---never expect perfection. 

This "grumbling" problem shows a deficiency in my spiritual conduct which I too often try to gloss over with a joke. But God.....is continuing to point it out so that I have to deal with it. Scripture has much to say about grumblings (Philippians 2:14) and contentment. (Philippians 4:11 & 1 Timothy 6:6) 

Even Anne Frank, who  could certainly justify her choice to complain, chose instead to remain positive. She, like Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:8, could be downcast without giving into despair.  In spite of her circumstances, Anne Frank chose not to grumble. 

• The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. 
• Go outside, to the fields, enjoy nature and the sunshine, go out and try to recapture happiness in yourself and in God. 
• Think of all the beauty that's still left in and around you and be happy. Look at these things, then find yourself again, and God, and then you regain your balance.
 
• And whoever is happy will make others happy too. He who has courage and faith will never perish in misery! (www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/3720.Anne_Frank)

My remedy is to refocus on  my Creator; to enlarge my heart with gratitude and be thankful, to find joy in the moments.

As someone recently said, so revealingly, "You (Dotsy) have no reason to complain." So, today I choose not to complain----I even choose not to "re-enter" yesterday's blog post. I don't even want to approach that "grumble seat," reminder of yesterday's frustrations and failures.

R & R Recollections #2

2/23/12 Intermittent internet service is preventing me from posting---will return when it does.

R & R = Retreat Reflections #1

2/22/12 Sanctuary. Meditation. Two words that speak loudest in their silence of what my 5 days of retreating became. With morning schedules cleared and no clocks to demand I check the time, I sought the Lord.

I learned that being still is hard and learning to listen is harder still. "Divine whispers," as Richard Foster calls prayer-filled listening, require both. (Sanctuary of the Soul, p.12)

My first morning, I learned in Nehemiah 9, that when the Israelites cried out.... , you (God) heard from heaven. (v.28) Yet they refused to listen (v.29) and weren't paying attention (v. 30) I chose then to make listening a priority and to pay attention to cultivating a spiritual place in my heart---an inner sanctuary of sorts where I could hear from Him.

  

Lots of time was spent in the psalms with meditation and praying the scriptures. Lots of time was spent searching out songs in an old hymnal as well as singing from memory. I sought sanctuary with changed venues, but always it was the place where I would meet God. I was drawn to it. I carried my sanctuary in my heart. 

I journaled---lots. I left tracks of my mornings with marginalia throughout my Bible. I even wrote a poem/prayer to the Lord.

Draw me, Teach me,
Show me Yourself behind my earthly eyes.
Close my ears
...that I might listen with my inmost being.
Still my heart that I might hear Thee from heaven
...loud and clear in the silence.
Open my ears
...only to the whispers and nudges of Your Spirit.
Open only the eyes of my heart, Lord
...and send me out.
Send me out
... filled with quietness and trust of these moments.
Send me out
...to refresh others with the refreshing that has come from Thee.

Meditation began. I was drawn near to the Lord. To that place of quiet confidence and rest. Where is that place? "Near to the heart of God." Sanctuary.

MEDITATE TODAY!

2/20/12 Plain and simple. It's Monday. I meditate. How about you? Have you gotten into the "Monday Meditation" habit yet? January 26, 2009 was this blog's first introduction to that daily designation series. Even on February 20 of that same year, I shared the BSF questions that can aid meditation? Somewhere along this blogging path, I must have decided not to veer from that alliterative requirement. Of all the days of the week, it's the one that has me blogging the most. Meditation on God's word is that important to me.

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide. (Genesis 24:63)

Do you have a special place that "calls" you to meditation? Do you have a particular time of day? Maybe establishing those factors might help you be consistent. For me, it's been establishing THE day. It's not always the only day but it is my one sure day. What's important is taking God's Word to heart and mulling it over under the guidance of His Spirit. That's meditation. It works for me.  What works for you?

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: LONGREEN LADIES

2/19/12 This sign says it all. So grateful that young parents on our street have chosen to raise their daughters in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. My Saturday's list of little "A" ladies---how special (and adorable) they are. My prayer privilege. 

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs: 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs: 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs: 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs: 22:6

A #1

A #2

A#3

GONE BIRDIN’ (GBBC)

Hubby would be birder in back w/binoculars & the glow in the dark white hair. 

 2/18/12 Hubby and I went birding yesterday. Daughter  says joining that type of group activity makes us officially OLD!  We joined folks from the Tennessee Ornithological Society for a brown bag lunch and training for this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count. These folks are serious birders. They count as much by sound as by sight. It was a real eye-opener for me----which says a lot because even with hubby’s 10x magnification binoculars---as “strong” as our leader’s, I could never quite focus in time to see the birds. Luckily some gorgeous wood ducks swimming lazily on the lake were most cooperative.


Of course, when an immature red-shouldered hawk was mistaken for a red-tailed, I was aghast! Yea, right. Though eventually I did find him in the top of a tree, I saw only a big hawkish type bird. They “heard” a red-shouldered hawk. We do have, according to hubby, a “resident” Cooper’s hawk, that preys on the songbirds at our feeders.

SMILE, Mr. Cooper's Hawk

Am I a birder? No. Have I ever done this before? No, though I did plan our summer trip around birding areas and it was an adventure.  Why did I go? It’s hubby’s thing and after my “retreat” week, I felt turn about was fair play. I enjoyed watching him watch his birds. Pop-Pop’s birds, his grands call them. 
Birding is a quiet activity. It’s a way of entering creation’s sanctuary. 

Yesterday was a way of seeing dwelling places that the Lord has created, especially “for the birds.” Plus, we were trained to “count.” Official certificates confirm our expertise. I even got to enter 5 American goldfinches that I saw at our feeder Friday morning, the first day of the “count.”

Not only did I get to see my husband in a new light but I also was able to experience quietness and reflect on the LORD. 

So…..birdin’ is a good thing.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place, 
 LORD Almighty! 
2 My soul yearns, …… 
for the courts of the LORD; 
…… 
3 Even the sparrow has found a home, 
   and the swallow a nest for herself, 
   where she may have her young— 
a place near your altar, 
 LORD Almighty, my King and my God. (Psalm 84:1-3)