Thursday, September 5, 2013

Things I Learned This Summer (Part 2)

Hey Friend,

Awww...not again?!  It's 4:30 am. and bing, I'm awake once more.  When will my body let me sleep in?  This has gone on for a couple of weeks and I have fought it, analyzed it and finally have come to the conclusion that this is when God wants to meet with me. 

I've always been a morning person, but not quite this early.  Even my dog looks at me like I'm crazy and she slowly saunters down the steps after I have a cup of hot java in my hands and have settled into my favorite chair.  This has been going on for most of the summer now, and I have finally stopped fighting and find I actually enjoy rising at an early hour.  The house is quiet and peaceful when it is dark outside and the rest of the world is sleeping.

It's then that I am a captive audience, without distraction, to whom God can speak.

I've learned that if I walk my dog at 5:45, I get to experience the awesomeness of God in the magnificent sunrises He blesses me with.  Now that fall is approaching, the sunrise is more of a benediction on my walk with my dog.

God's mercies are new every morning.  Great is your faithfulness.  (Lamentations 3:23)

Another thing I've learned this summer is that I need to not only drink in scripture, but I've been challenged to memorize it.  It's kind of like packing my emergency kit, because when the storms come along (and they will), I need to be equipped with God's grace on the tip of my tongue.

His word is what I cling to and the more of His word I can have tucked away the better.  Not only for the storms, but for when life calls for praising Him.  I want to be ready with scriptures to bless and praise Him.

Impress them (God's commands and words) on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your house and on your gates.  (Deuteronomy 6:7-9)

Due to extensive knee surgery that kept me immobile for a long time, I rediscovered my love of writing this summer.  Do you sense a thread here, that God has to go to great lengths to get my attention sometimes?  A reader said that they appreciate that I am honest, real and transparent.  Yep, that's me.  It isn't easy sometimes, but I feel called to do so, so that we can stand shoulder to shoulder and support one another in this difficult thing called life. In a glossed over world, we need to be a little more real.

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world."  (John 16:33)...this is the most recent scripture I have memorized.

What things have you learned this summer?  I'd love to hear from you, but at the very least, I hope you will reflect upon this season and find something you've learned and can give thanks for.

Love,

Bev







8 comments:

  1. I adore you! I really, really do!! Just coming here to read what is on your heart lifts my spirits. I'm having an emotional day so coming here was needed. I always know I can come here for a good dose of encouragement and a reminder of how deep His love is for us. What have a learned this summer? To slow down and find Him in the every day moments of my day and to cling to Him always. And I give thanks for you!
    Much love and (((hugs))),
    Beth

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    1. Oh girl, I could just hug your neck! After writing this morning, my day took an emotional plunge off the cliff and so coming here to your love filled comment was the balm my aching heart needed. We are kindred spirits and know you have been in my prayers during your husband's deployment. You were my rock today!
      Much love, Beth, and of course ((hugs))
      Bev

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    2. Stopping in to let you know I'm thinking of you and looking forward to connecting live this week. It will be so wonderful to hear your voice!! Much love and (((hugs))).
      Beth

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  2. Love this post. I've been waking up earlier than usual too. If I get on the treadmill then, I pray the whole time, and feel spiritually and physically energized and at peace. Hard to make a habit, but worth every moment.

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    1. Welcome to the early morning club. Good things can happen in those wee hours. I give you credit for having more gumption than me...my behind is snug in a chair while you are energizing God's temple. Good for you and I am certain you are blessed by your prayer time with God!
      Always,
      Bev

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  3. I can't believe i am just NOW getting to read your blog! For a "short" work week, this has been a crazy, busy and VERY exhausting one! (both physically and mentally.....) As always, your blog has lifted my spirits. God is using YOU, my friend and i am so blessed to call you friend!!

    What i have learned this summer is patience, which i used to claim that i had NONE! Don't get me wrong, i am STILL learning and will continue for the rest of my life, i'm sure. (I'm a stubborn one, for sure....) But God has shown me a lot this summer and being still before Him has only gotten me stronger!

    Love you and this blog, girl.
    Hugs to you,
    Lisa

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    1. Lisa,
      You are not stubborn...you are feisty lol! I wouldn't change one thing about you! Waiting patiently on the Lord is one of THE hardest things to do and I would say that you have been more than patient.

      I am so blessed to call you friend, as well, and I so appreciate your continued love and support of me and my blog!

      Love you girl,
      ((hugs))
      Bev

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  4. Dear Beth
    I have learned through your summer, which is actually our South Arica winters, that the cold weather of our winter does not cause as much of that excruciating Fibro pain that
    I experience during out hot, humid summers. But through it all and that whatever season we physically, emotionally or spiritually go through, His Grace is always sufficient!
    Much love XX
    Mia

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I would really LOVE to hear from you!! Your thoughts, opinions, suggestions and prayer requests mean a lot to me.