Still.....

To be still when faced before the All-Consuming Fire.

To still worship despite heart break.

To still offer thanksgiving when there seemingly is none.

To willingly walk through the fire because you know He is with you.

Still. Still it hurts. Still the tears seep out the corner of the eyes, sobs beg to erupt, but can't because one must still live, still meet the needs of the little ones who call me mama.

Still I know He cares. I know that if I still say that God is in control then i must still trust him because He who trusts in Him is like Mt. Zion which cannot be shaken. Still. To be still and let the waves of anguish roll over and over and over, to let the emotions roil and boil and be still and let it come. My God is an all consuming fire and I want the fire and I want the refining, but oh, to be still and let Him work......

Still......Still........ Still............. Be still. Find the beauty in the fire. Worship the one who loves me still. He carries me through to the other side. Still I love Him. Still I wait. Still.

Ponderings....

'Great are the works of the Lord, they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered, the Lord is gracious and compassionate.'
Psalm 111:2-4


My ponderings of late have been how absolutely amazingly creative is our God. And how if I only open my eyes to see, I see so much. Like the other night, I am lying in bed, watching the moon dance with the clouds. The following morning, I fumble around to turn off the alarm, groan, but as my eyes slowly open, the first sight I see are pristine clouds scudding across a brilliant blue sky. I am instantly awake, awed at my Creator.

During the course of the day, I pray that He would cause His wonders to be remembered, that during the squabbles of children I would see the blessings. Because it is impossible to ponder anything if we haven't taken the time to see.

As I struggle to live a life that ponders the works of the Lord, I find myself needing to be more aware of what is happening in the moments of the day because that is when my life is lived. Moment by moment. Minute by minute. Second by second. And if I cannot remember the works of the Lord then am I taking the time to see and ponder?

Yet, my Lord is gracious and compassionate. He knows my yesterdays, my todays, and my tomorrows. And if He knows, and I forget, then I will ask that He would graciously remind my heart of His works.

As you move throughout your day, loving on your littles and not so littles, may you ponder the works of the Lord. I pray you would find the little things to delight in.

Here are a few of mine:
* moon dance with the clouds
* toad hopping across the driveway
* lightning bugs
* feeling acclimated to the humidity (its only taken me 16 years!)
* french press coffee -yum
* kids running through sprinkler

Peace

This quote has been speaking to my heart:

"Behold, in the cross is everything, and upon your dying on the cross everything depends. There is no other way to life and to true inward peace than the way and discipline of the cross."
Thomas a Kempis

May your journeys today bring you closer and closer to the cross and may it bring you true peace and life for your days.


Blessings,
Jess