Waiting.... a theme in the journey that never goes away ☺

Yesterday was Monday.  In every sense of the word.  It was the first day of the school/work week.  Then, I took off for my mentored ministry internship without my notebook, calendar, and computer--unknowingly.  I realized it when I pulled into the parking lot upon my arrival.  Oh, well.  I was still able to get some things done, just not all the things on my list. ☺

Then, since it was my husband's day off, we planned to meet up at the gym to work out.  So, I called him as I left my internship.  When I pulled into the gym parking lot I realized I had my tennis shoes, socks, shorts, and sweat pants, but no t-shirt.  The t-shirt was right where I left it, on the back of the bar chair so I could grab it on my way out.  If that weren't enough to deter me, my stomach was growling since I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast.  But I decided to go ahead and work out.  We had a light lunch afterwards.

What does this have to do with "waiting"?  Not a whole lot, except that in the waiting times, I don't always know what to expect.  In the waiting times, there is reliance on God to show me what is going on, what are the next steps and when, etc.

I read yesterday's devotion yesterday afternoon when I got home... and the theme was "waiting" [ah.... now, that's where she's making the connection, you say].

It was a perfect devotion to meet me where I am.  I am waiting on God to provide clientele and volunteers for this ministry for which I'm interning.  When there are more volunteers covering the "office", two people can go out and distribute more brochures into the community.

I was reminded that God is in charge, has been all along, and will continue to be-- if I will submit. ☺ 

My waiting periods tend to be long ones.  It seems that God has lots of work to do in me and through me in order to make it through these cocoon waiting times.  It's often a 2 year birthing process of an idea or ministry or whatever..... Thank goodness that's not what real-life birthing is like.  Whew! 

So, I'm waiting.  For what am I waiting?  I don't really know.  And, that really isn't important.  What I do during the waiting is.  That I continue to serve God, grow in my relationships of loving God and loving others-- those are the important things.  Figuring out the next steps, understanding the next steps, etc.-- well, that can wait. 

Here is yesterday's devotion from Jesus Calling that got me thinking about "waiting" all over again:

"Waiting on Me means directing your attention to Me in hopeful anticipation of what I will do.  It entails trusting Me with every fiber of your being, instead of trying to figure things out yourself.  Waiting on Me is the way I designed you to live: all day, every day.  I created you to stay conscious of Me as you go about your daily duties.
     I have promised many blessings to those who wait on Me: renewed strength, living above one's circumstances, resurgence of hope, awareness of My continual Presence.  Waiting on Me enables you to glorify Me by living in deep dependence on Me, ready to do My will.  It also helps you to enjoy Me; in my Presence is fullness of joy." (Jesus Calling, page 89)

Scripture verses: Lamentations 3:24-26; Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 16:11
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There were several things that stood out to me in the devotion: trusting with every fiber of my being instead of trying to do things myself, renewed strength, living above the circumstances, resurgence of hope, deep dependence.

Remember, waiting is not passive, it is active. 

Blessings on your waiting times during your journey, whenever they may be,

Debra

Lessons from The Lorax-- Part I: "Let it Grow"

I went to see The Lorax today, the movie based on the Dr. Seuss book.  It's not one of the books I remember ever having read or had read to me.  So, I really didn't know what to expect.  Click here for a link to The Lorax official site.

I took my daughter and her twin friends, I dub them the "triplets".  The three fish that sang together in the movie reminded me of them. ☺

I was reminded of the movie that starred Jim Carrey with the walled-in city, The Truman Show.

I almost wished I had brought in a notebook with me because there were SO many things that caught my attention that warranted further thought and application to spiritual formation.  I could sense blogposts and a sermon coming together as I watched the movie.  I promise that was NOT my intention as I entered the theater.  My intention was to give my brain some down time! ☺

I'll start with the lesson at the end of the movie.  It included a song, "Let it Grow".  What struck me here was that one seedling was all that was needed to give new life a chance.  Of course, there were other things involved prior to that point that included risk-taking, going against the flow, being willing to take a stand for your beliefs.  Those are some of the positive lessons.  There are also lessons on greed, going back on your word/covenant, living in a false world.  There is a great theme of taking care of our environment and "going green".  And, there is a great quote at the end.  If I were to continue on, I might come up with more.... but I'll save my lists and thoughts for other blogposts.

For now, click on the link below and listen/watch the video of Ester Dean singing "Let It Grow".  The lyrics are included below.  As you read over the lyrics, what stands out to you?  What words or phrases catch your attention? 

"Let It Grow" by Ester Dean
Plant a seed inside the Earth
Just one way to know its worth
When we celebrate the world
Celebrate the world
Come on and
Celebrate the world
Celebrate the world

All you gotta do,
All you gotta do is live your life
Be true, live your life, be true
And never be afraid, never be afraid to grow, grow

It don’t matter how you got it
It’s your now, don’t you hide it
Let it grow, let it grow

Let the love inside you show it
Just one way you know you’re worth it
Let it grow, let it grow

Just believe and you’re almost there
Use your heart to show you care
Come on and celebrate the world
Celebrate the world
Come on and
Celebrate the world
Yeah

All you gotta do,
All you gotta do is live your life
Be true, live your life, be true
And never be afraid, never be afraid to grow, grow

It don’t matter how you got it
It’s your now, don’t you hide it
Let it grow, let it grow

Let the love inside you show it
Just one way you know you’re worth it
Let it grow, let it grow

It’s your turn now
To show your world now
Open up your heart and let it grow
It’s your turn now
To show your world now
Open up your heart and let it grow

It don’t matter how you got it
It’s your now, don’t you hide it
Let it grow, let it grow

Let the love inside you show it
Just one way you know you’re worth it
Let it grow, let it grow

Now that you've heard the song and read the lyrics, what is it in your life that you need to let grow?  How can you show the love inside of you?  Are you ready to live your life and not be afraid? 

Be bold and courageous!  Remember that there are others on the journey as well.  Talk with them about whatever it is in your life that you are ready to "let grow". 

Blessings on your journey!

~Debra

What do you do when there seems to be no time?

Do you ever feel like there's no time to reflect, to contemplate, to think about where you are in life, where you are going, where you have been?  Do you find it difficult to make those times to "be still and know..."?

As you might guess from my one and only post from February and my lack of posts so far into March, that's me right now. 

My time is filled with reading commentaries, Scripture, books for my Mark class.  Oh, then there are the books for the mentored ministry class and the Academy books.  With all the reading and assignments, plus the hours for the internship this semester on location, and attempting to stay on top of work, life, etc.  Well, I've put off writing. 

Writing is a way for me to process what is going on spiritually, however.  So, what do I do when I don't have time to write?  I make "fire-pit" time.  I get outside by the firepit and have quiet time outside.  Sometimes, even without a fire.  Just listening to the sounds of nature, feeling the cool breeze.

If I had the luxury of time to go out on a hiking trail, I would do that.  I would immerse myself in the Creator's creation and soak in the beauty of the surroundings.  But, right now, I settle for the beauty of my backyard.  I can see the mountain range through the trees.  I can hear the birds singing.  I can hear and feel the wind.  It helps bring calmness and peace to my soul.

I try to read some devotion and Scripture for reflection, along with quotes from various authors.  When there doesn't seem to be lots of time, the short quotes and the short verses are the ones I grab and hold on to throughout the day. 

I listen to the radio or CDs, in English or in Spanish, to songs that inevitably seem to share words and thoughts that meet me right where I am. 

I rest.  Or, I try to.  Some days my body makes me rest.  I have learned to listen more to my body and rest when it says rest. 

I try to find time for sheer relaxation, fun, laughter, fellowship.

All this when there is no time?!?!? ☺

Balance.  Spinning the plates.  Juggling the balls.

As I am so focused on trying to do all things well to the Glory of God and for the Audience of One, I hope and pray that I don't miss the moments of opportunity that come my way.  So, in these days of no time, I also try to be open to whatever it is that God brings my way.

I'm learning and growing.  This journey continues to be amazing, difficult, painful, joyful, insightful, and full of mystery.

I don't know how you do it on your journey, but this is how I'm doing it.  Right now.  At this time.  I'm hoping for some more time in the future.  Time to reflect more on the things I'm hearing and experiencing, time to process the puzzle pieces that are being revealed..... Time to worship and praise, time to "Be still and know...."

Blessings on your journey!

~Debra