s l o w i n g VERBS NEEDED

Wordsmith Wednesdays seem to frequently have me exploring verbs. I have spent several years focusing on dance in both the verb and noun parts of speech. However, the last 2 years I have focused on a single "action" verb each year. I know because in 2017 I logged over 200 "choose" blog entries. Sunday, I reread a "choose" entry on nearness of God as I was praying for others through Psalm 73. 2018's verb focus has been "consider" and I've learned in all my actions, it's important to "consider" Him first! (Hebrews 12:3) 

I might need to focus more on Him today as I seem to be  growing weary and losing heart, as the rest of the verse states. Lysa Terkeurst's Embraced, stated, "We run at a breakneck pace to try and achieve what God wants us to slow down enough to receive. (p.19)

Maybe I need to focus more on "to be" verbs ----verbs of being, not action.

Maybe for me, a compromise is needed---action verbs indicating a slower speed.

Amble. Linger. Relax. Soak. Be still. Bask. Be refreshed.

Pause before speaking.

Pause before seeking.


Slowing verbs might be just what I need. How about you?
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CHOOSE: NEARNESS

Growing up in the Methodist church in Hoptown, one tid-bit I recall is analogous with sitting near a roaring fireplace. If one doesn't feel the warmth, guess who moved away from the fire. Similarly if one doesn't feel the warmth of God's presence, guess who moved? Not God. He is Emmanuel, "God with us!"

Psalm 73:28 reminds us "it is good to be near God."

The verse continues, "I have made the Lord God my Refuge." Psalm 46:10 expands the thought giving understanding of the resulting strength that comes to one who chooses the nearness of God as a refuge. When I "move away" from that nearness, I suffer, as do others around me.

I know because I have chosen my own strength these past weeks and thus failed miserably! 

Control. Dread. Fear. Insensitivity. Ire. Irritability.  By-products of my own life when I move away from the warmth of His love,  

As a new year approaches, I hope to change my direction moving closer to Him.  May I allow that nearness of Him, to not only give me refuge but His strength as well. 

Nearness to Him is the essential for Christ-like living. 

Donning.....

12/20/12 ....for first time in days. Underwire. Deodorant. Real clothes. (TMI, I know) Feeling somewhat better----of course I am, since I'm headed to the doctor. Hope to take a grateful spirit with me ---after all, he is "working me in." It helps that hubby was once Doc's racquetball coach. 

I need to focus on what God has taught me through this "extended" illness (day #11) & be grateful.

Life lessons: 

• Being a complainer  is NOT a good thing----it doesn't help anyone, especially me. 
• I need to cry out to the Lord and not to others. 
• Focusing wile praying without an open Bible is very difficult---almost impossible for me for any length of time. 
• My heart is easily overwhelmed by by tragedy of recent days and I need godly direction on absorbing such info as well as any action to be taken. 
• I need to seek His truth in all physical and emotional suffering. 

I know that joy and suffering are two halves of  the wholeness of my faith. Psalm 61 is where I'm starting to keep this thought at the forefront of my meditation. Psalm 73 also comes to mind. Can't wait to see what the Lord teaches me when I don my prayer shawl, come out from "under the influence" of meds and allow Him to "restore" me.

N is for Nigh

12/30/09 The Lord is as close as our “breath prayers.” He has said He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) So why sometimes does it “feel” as if He’s distant??

A couple of days ago I wrote that I had trouble wrapping my brain around God’s love. After meditating on His love for me, I’ve decided that I can wrap my brain around it; it’s just my heart that has trouble. Sometimes it’s easier for me to figure scripture out theologically and to “spout” it than it is to move those truths a few inches southward to my heart and “feel” it as I live it out. Ever had that problem?

God is near---all the time. Billy Graham once said, one doesn’t feel the heat of the fire when one moves away from it even though the fire is still there." It’s the same in our relationship with the Lord. If we don’t feel the warmth from that relationship---guess who’s moved?

Want the warmth? Want to “feel” His presence? Get back into the Word! “But the Word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that you mayest do it.” (Deuteronomy 30:14)
Start with Psalm 73---especially verses 25-28a.

Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;

Extinguish your lights tonight with “Taps” knowing He is indeed nigh.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Thanks and praise, for our days,
'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, neath the sky;
As we go, this we know, God is nigh.