The Real Me

Love Is In The Air

God Answers Prayer

My husband and I are in a time of transition; 

a decision has been made, and implemented to move out of our land of comfort,

and into the fields that are so white.

The" land beyond", where we now reside seems full of giants

and I find myself sometimes fearful and homesick .

I know that God has called me to be courageous and to carry the light that is inside me.

I will not turn back as the Israelites did in their hour of decision. 

I will seek the strength of Jesus who carries me and directs my paths.

My God will always speak to me and He will comfort me,

when I lie down and when I wake up and in every moment.

 I looked outside today and in my hour of need 

God answered a prayer and lifted my eyes to Heaven.

 I have a record of this beautiful moment, of this surprise gift

He sent to me; and of which I now share with U. 

God blesses.

My God Moment

Do You?

Prayer Journal

I started sending my daughter Rose a daily Bible verse now that she is so far away attending college in  Malibu. This morning I sent her this picture with the verse from Isaiah 40:8. She has been busy studying for mid terms and says she has little time for too much else.

I reminded her of the importance of spending time with God, and how we actually become more focused and better prepared  in our daily activities if we make the time available for God.  I know 10 minutes with God is worth more than 30 minutes of extra sleep. He will energize us supernaturally.

God warns us of the danger of living spiritually lukewarm lives; the result is that the world will conform us and that is exactly where the enemy wants us. God desires transformation through prayer, and the study of His word.  This transformation is a lifelong process and cannot be taken in part and reap the benefits full time.

Here's the cool thing God showed me. Later today I was going through some storage boxes and opened up a Prayer Journal from March 2006.  The verse I had written down to meditate on was the same message, but written slightly different in 1Peter. It was the first thing I read on the page. The exact verse I sent Rose.
"The grass withers, the flower fades..."

 I know God planned and purposed for this to happen. I have been been concerned about not being too preachy with my daughter and allowing her to seek God as her heart desires. However I also know I am called to continue to spiritually mentor all those who God has placed in my care.

I have been praying to God with an earnest heart the last few months to show me where the balance is in my discipleship role with my daughter, and today was a joy to see once again that He cares and loves me so much that he answered that prayer.

Below is a copy of the page in my journal. I hope it blesses the reader that God also leads to this page.

Living Ripe

Worship God With A Childlike Heart

John 12:1

"I am the light of the world,

whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life."

God Calling Devotion Book

I found this devotion book many years ago when I was in a season of deception and oppression by the enemy. I had turned my back on the Lord and closed myself off from listening and receiving help from my Christian friends.

I was on the precipice of spiritual bankruptcy and was barely hanging on by my own sheer will to find myself again. I had lost the joy, and peace that comes from the vine connected life with little strength to turn back towards the healer of all diseases. But God was calling and He is our strength. (Philippans 4:13)

God however had not turned His back on me, as I later realized. I walked into that Barnes and Noble bookstore that night by divine design. I thought it was for a Starbucks coffee, but I found myself glancing over the bargain books displayed on a table. There it sat, "God Calling" on top of the stack, a paperback, with a jacket design of a nighttime starry skyline.

I picked it up and began to read- two words jumped out at me- love & laughter, and as I continued to read it was like a kaleidescope of joyfulness, peacefulness and happiness , jumping right off the pages onto me. I was mesmerized by the penetrating and personally direct messages; God was speaking to me...and I was listening.

I bought this little $4.99 bargain book, a value now worth more than silver or gold. It became my life line, my way back to God and His promises. I have seen miracles in the words and moments of clarity and direction that I could only say was truly the Holy Spirit's discerning call.

Unknown to me at the time, revealed much later, that of all the books I could've found for my recovery, (other than the Bible) this was the one that inspired another book, one that has helped thousands of lost souls find the divine connection to overcome the same disease I was fighting.

Truly I can testify to Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

The authors who choose to remain anonymous; only refer to themselves as the listener's. They know that God, through Jesus, is the author and perfecter of our faith. So fix your eyes upon Him and never turn away.

Hebrews 12:2

Click below to read their amazing story ..

http://www.twolisteners.org/TheStory

The Serenity Prayer

A Prayer of Acceptance

"Father, give us courage to change what must be altered,

serenity to accept what cannot be helped, and the insight

to know the one from the other.

Living one day at a time; one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to

His will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and

supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen"

Original version- author unknown

revised by Dr Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr

Pastor & Theologian

The Call

The Gift

God Calling

God places inside everyone

a gift

a talent

a calling.

Your's my child was placed

inside your

heart when you

were formed

by God.

You did not know why

you reached up

in your dramatic

style when you were

young.

God knew.

He has a plan

for your life.

Your calling.

He knew when the time

was right he would speak.

He called your gift

to life and placed it in

your dreams.

You

heard him and sought

out the meaning

of this dream

and you obeyed him.

You went forward that day

to the altar of God,

at the perfect time in your

life, to reach up again

and know that it

was

God Calling.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I set you apart." ~ Jeremiah 1: 5

A Poem

A Joyful Heart

Thank the Lord for little things

For they can surely grow

Into the greatest treasures

That you may ever know.

Don't covet worldly riches

That may not be for you,

Nor overlook the special gifts

That God has given you.

Let "giving" outweigh "getting"

On your scale of happiness,

And your joyful heart will bask

In the glow of Godliness.

Catherine Janssen Irwin

Dreams Are Whispers From The Soul

Dreams

To all who dream and dream you will

of love and laughter

what ignites you still.

Look deep inside your heart's strong beat

and find the rhythm

what makes you unique.

Within that longing to believe

that what you seek

divinely inspired.

Go now and dream as you know you will

click here for a beautiful video:

Dreams Are Whispers From The Soul

God Moments

Remembering Mom

I found a side note in my God Calling devotion book today, one I had written in ink over a year ago, next to that day's devotion.. I often write a note of gratitude back to God after reading a message that strikes a chord within my spirit, one that resonates deep in my soul, or to record what I call a "God Moment."  These God moments I define as a -divine space in time- in which I know God is talking to me, sharing a truth, a blessing, a revelation, or a response to a prayer request. This particular side note was thanking Him for just one of those "God Moments".

It was last Sept. 6, a day I began like many days with a walk around my little town..up the hill from my house I walk, down along the Dogwood lined streets dotted with old homes and churches. past the historic town square, and coffee shops, until I arrive at my favorite stop..the old cemetery perched on a hill with a view of the mountains of North Georgia in the distance.

Here is where I come -my halfway point- here is where I take time to slow down and enjoy the peace and quiet. The tombstones, and the lives of souls buried here give me a deeper appreciation for life and death as I read the inscriptions on the markers. There are some beautiful verses etched in marble and stone. So many saints that have passed on to glory. Here I pray, and reflect on the meaning of my own life, now passing by so quickly- it seems- as I travel back and forth in my memories.

That day I was thinking of my Mom who has also passed on and is now with the Lord. I sat down on a stone wall and  I did something I rarely do- I asked her to send me a little sign- one that would let me know she sees me from her heavenly realm, and is watching over me. I don't do this very often; I know my faith is not based on signs and wonders- even though I have had plenty- my faith is grounded in Christ Jesus and the word of God. It was just a moment of missing her I suppose.

Later that evening before sleep, lying in bed in prayer, I remembered feeling a little disappointed that I didn't receive my sign, but as I drifted off to sleep there was a feeling of peace that erased this instantly. The next morning I opened my God Calling book to read the daily devotion and instantly I remembered  that I had forgotten to read the devotion from the previous day. I turned back to it first, and there it was, My Sign, My God Moment! When I read the title of the devotion there was no mistake in God's intent to show me he hears me, and I know the Holy Spirit prompted me to look back, or else I would have missed this moment.

Here is what I read, here is what God said-

*********************************************************************************

September 6

Your Loved Ones

Your loved ones are very safe in My keeping. Learning and loving and working, theirs is a life of happiness and progress. They live to serve and, and serve they truly do. They serve Me and those they love. Ceaselessly they serve.

But their ministrations, so many, so diverse, you see no more than those in My time on earth in human form could have seen the angels who ministered unto Me in the wilderness.

How often mortals rush to earthly friends who serve them in so limited a way, when the friends who are freed from the limitations of humanity can serve then so much better, understand better, protect better, plan better, and even plead better their cause with me.

You do well to remember your friends in the Unseen. Companying with them the more you live in this Unseen World the gentler will be your passing when it comes. Earth's troubles and difficulties will seem, even now, less overwhelming as you look, not at the things that are seen but at the real, the Eternal Life.

"And this is Life Eternal that we may know Thee, the Only True God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent."

Learning to know Me draws that Kingdom very near, and in Me, and through knowledge of Me, the dear ones there become very near and dear.

(excerpt taken from September 6 devotion in "God Calling")

*********************************************************************************

Beyond the beauty of the devotion I saw another layer of how God works in his perfect timing,You see, God already knew I was going to miss my daily reading, and that on my walk I would ask for this reassurance of Mom's divine existence. How that devotion happened to be on the same day I would ask for a sign of Mom's heavenly existence is beyond my realm of earthly reasoning. All I know is that if I had read the devotion and then later asked for the same sign in the cemetery- the God moment would have been missed-. all things had to play out the way they did. Do you see this believers? This is how it works in the unseen world of the spirit.

Praise God for revelation, and giving me sight to see. He always delivers more than what I ask for. Always.
God sees, hears and knows, just what we need before we ask.

I loved how He said that our loved ones plead for us and that we are wise to keep company with them. This brought happy tears, and and reassurance that my Mom,  is very busy doing wonderful things in Heaven. I am so thrilled as well, to know God desires for me to spend more time in prayer, remembering Mom.

for Mom-

I Love You. I miss you.

Your middle daughter, your sometimes aloof child, drawing near to God and to you.

Lynn Anne

09/17/2010

Know God's Word

BEAUTIFUL

Today I meditated on Chapter 8 in Romans.

This chapter is so rich in God's character, his love, his redemption story, his plans and purpose for his children. I feel the testimony of Paul is powerful enough to bring the lost to belief and repentance, and to give them a hope and a future filled with joy.

Paul the writer, inspired by God through his own experiences and by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit so beautifully explains the relationship of God towards his people and creation. I will highlight some favorite verses and encourage you to read the whole chapter in it's entirety soon for your own enlightenment.

The book begins with a powerful statement written by Paul, the apostle. He says:

1Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

2 because the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man,

4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

Here God promises all believer's that we do not have to live defeated in our natural, sinful state, instead we can find hope in knowing he will not condemn us. Jesus took our sins as the sin offering, to set us free.

but..

We must live according to the spirit.(v4) One way to do this is to know the scripture and use it in your daily life. I find this verse 1 very powerful to memorize and use against the enemy when he whispers those lies of past mistakes, and sin, and self defeat in my mind.

Instead of listening, I start proclaiming verse 1-out loud..

..For there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus

and he will have to flee immediately. I will have the victory.

I will not be tricked by the devil's lies.

God desires for me to live free from shame, guilt, sorrow and depression.

I can know the liar is at work in my mind whenever thoughts are contrary to God's word.

How do I know that..

know God's word.

The scriptures speak only truth and life.

The mind of Christ, available as a benefit to all believers,

will set you free from these negative mind games.

however..

You must study and know God's promises. You must equip yourself with the sword of the spirit, the word of God (Ephesians 6:17) Another good book to meditate and memorize verses.

So, remember..

The scripture will strike down the wiles of the devil.

The word of God must be read and spoken.

Study and meditate, to bond yourself to the truth.

There are many other benefits to study and meditation.

I plan to share more in a future post.

God bless and be encouraged knowing..

..the battle is already won. You just have to claim it.

and that's a promise..

..from God.

The Harvest

Today God is reminding me of the principle of sowing and reaping. I know that when He calls me to look deeper there is something I need to be encouraged in. I can see the fields are white and the terms of "reaping and sowing" can mean many things.

The natural order is the farmer planting in spring for the fall harvest. He will prepare the soil in winter to be ready at just the right time in spring to drop those tiny seeds in the ground. Behind every physical there is a spiritual. Jesus knew this of course, for he was there at creation when God breathed life into everything.

When the farmer plants he has control (choices) over the type of crop he wishes to harvest, yet after planting he looses some control over the growth and direction of that seed and maturing plant. He must wait and watch the planting grow from the natural elements. His care for the crop will have an impact on the quality of the harvest. He can supplement water and weed and treat for pests that would weaken or destroy. But he cannot bring the sun or stop the wind and rain. He has to leave that to God.

I see in my natural and spirtual life that my choices are mine to make and the outcome of those choices will be my harvest. I see that I can set things into motion and then I too have to let go and see the consequence of that action. Will they be good or bad? The answer lies in part with what I did in the winter. Like the farmer, did I prepare the soil by diligently working in my field. Did I choose good seed and determine the correct time for planting?

God put the seasons in place for everything under the sun to have a time of maturing. It is very important that I learn from each season and that I know and follow this order. Did I follow the natural and good order for my harvest?

I also see that if I fail to plant and instead harbor the seed I will fail to see any fruit. My self centered action will not bring a harvest of any kind. I will be empty handed while other's will be bringing their yield to the market. How would I then survive the next winter?

I see the deeper meaning now revealed in this principel of sowing and reaping. The partnering with Father God, the giver of all good gifts. The guidance of the Holy Spirit for strength and knowledge to carry out this daily sowing. The time of trusting and waiting for all good things that come to those who wait for the promise of the harvest.

Hope Now by Addison Road (With Lyrics)

Emmanuel

The Cross in Our Bodies

This is a pretty neat story and an interesting thing that few

of us know. It's brief, so please read...

(FROM A DOCTOR)

A couple of days ago I was running (I use that term very loosely)

on my treadmill, watching a DVD sermon by Louie Giglio...

And I was BLOWN AWAY! I want to share what I learned....

But I fear not being able to convey it as well as I want. I will share anyway.

He (Louie) was talking about how inconceivably BIG our God is...

How He spoke the universe into being... How He breathes stars out of His

mouth that are huge raging balls of fire... etc. etc.

Then he went on to speak of how this star-breathing, universe creating God

ALSO knitted our human bodies together with amazing detail and wonder.

At this point I am LOVING it (it's fascinating from a medical standpoint, you know)

And I was remembering how I was constantly amazed during medical school as

I learned more and more about God's handiwork.

I remember so many times thinking, "How can ANYONE deny that a Creator did all of this?"

Louie went on to talk about how we can trust that the God who created all this,

also has the power to hold it all together when things seem to be falling apart -

how our loving Creator is also our sustainer.

And then I lost my breath. And it wasn't because I was running my treadmill, either!

It was because he started talking about laminin. I knew about laminin..

Here is how Wikipedia describes them: 'Laminins are a family of proteins that are an

integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes in almost every animal tissue.'

You see.... Laminins are what hold us together... LITERALLY. They are cell adhesion

molecules. They are what holds one cell of our bodies to the next cell.

Without them, we would literally fall apart. And I knew all this already.

But what I didn't know is what they LOOKED LIKE..

But now I do. And I have thought about it a thousand times since (already)...

Here is what the structure of laminin looks like...

AND THIS IS NOT a 'Christian portrayal' of it... If you look up laminin in any

scientific/medical piece of literature, this is what you will see.

Daniel 2:20-23

Daniel's Prayer

20"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever; for wisdom and might are his:

21And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings and setteth up kings:

he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness

and the light dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and has made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter.

Mercy Me - Word of God Speak (w/ lyrics)

Word Of God Speak - MercyMe

Are You Listening To God Today?

A message was given at church last night by one of our Pastor's spiritual mentors. An Evangelist who has given his whole life to deliver the word of God all over the world. This man of 70 years spoke God's wisdom over the 1000 or more attendees.

His question to all was "are you listening for God?" in the quiet moments as well as the big moments. During his message he would stop and be quiet for a moment, as if he was losing his train of thought, then he would softly ask God for the words to continue. This wise pastor did not lose his way. He was letting God lead. Fifty years in the pulpit, he knows that the message is the Lord's.

Then he would continue on in great strength and fullness of speech receiving an exuberant response from the congregation. I am so blessed to be a member of a church that is alive and excited to gather, to sing, praise and listen for God to speak.

The church diverse in it's people; full in the body and filled with the Spirit. The fruit of this giving congregation feeds millions yearly. As a result thousands and thousands are accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and lives are healed and restored to God's plan for them. That's the reason for all messages from God, that's what He is saying in that still quiet voice...follow me and feed my sheep.

Let the word of God speak to you right now. Today.

Today's Feature Story

Jerusalem Times

"Capture the Joy"

Breaking news flash, this just in..

A crowd of thousands listen to a man along the way. He drew a crowd it was reported by stating:

"People we do not have to live a life of toil and trepidation. We can have joy even when the economy is depressed and work is scarce."

This wayfaring man dressed in a white robe and wearing sandals continued on with such radical words as "humble men are very fortunate" and "love your enemies".

The peaceful crowd gathered at the base of the mountain listening to his words and stories of enlightenment and encouragement. The people reported that he spoke with such authority that you could hear the wind carry his words all the way down the mountain."

A reporter was called to the scene and this is what he heard.

"Do not worry about things-food, drink, clothes. For you already have a life and a body- and they are far more important than what to eat and wear. Look at the birds! They don't worry about what to eat-they don't need to sow or store up food-for your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Will all your worries add a single moment to your life?"

He continued speaking with such conviction that no one spoke as they listened to his every word..

"And why worry about your clothes? Look at the field lilies! They don't worry about theirs. Yet King Solomon in all his glory was not clothed as beautifully as they. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you, O men of little faith?"

"So don't worry at all about having enough food and clothing. Why be like the masses? For they take pride in all these things and are deeply concerned about them. But your heavenly Father knows perfectly well what you need and He will give it all to you if you give Him first place in your life and live as He wants you to."

"So don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time."

He spoke for over and hour and then left by way of boat.

The man was called Jesus.

A Dream Comes True

ROSE

I dedicate this post to my beautiful daughter Rose.
I wrote a poem on Dec. 14, 2009 about her dream to go to the
West Coast and study film making.

May 1, 2010
Her dream came true as she was accepted to one of the top colleges.
During the months of waiting she was active.
She prayed, she read God's word, she worshiped.

God answered her prayer to follow a mission to help the lost
and misguided world see Christ through film.
God spoke to her spirit and told her to reach up to Him
and to believe.

When you believe - Prince of egypt

The Stand-Hillsong

I Stand by the Door

by Sam Shoemaker

I stand by the door.

I neither go too far in, nor stay too far out,

The door is the most important door in the world-

It is the door through which people walk when they find God.

There's no use my going way inside, and staying there,

When so many are still outside and they, as much as I,

Crave to know where the door is.

And all that so many ever find

Is only the wall where a door ought to be.

They creep along the wall like blind people,

With outstretched, groping hands.

Feeling for a door, knowing there must be a door,

Yet they never find it ...

So I stand by the door.

The most tremendous thing in the world

Is for people to find that door--the door to God.

The most important thing any person can do

Is to take hold of one of those blind, groping hands,

And put it on the latch--the latch that only clicks

And opens to the person's own touch.

People die outside that door, as starving beggars die

On cold nights in cruel cities in the dead of winter—

Die for want of what is within their grasp.

They live, on the other side of it--live because they have not found it.

Nothing else matters compared to helping them find it,

And open it, and walk in, and find Him ...

So I stand by the door.

Go in, great saints, go all the way in--

Go way down into the cavernous cellars,

And way up into the spacious attics--

It is a vast roomy house, this house where God is.

Go into the deepest of hidden casements,

Of withdrawal, of silence, of sainthood.

Some must inhabit those inner rooms.

And know the depths and heights of God,

And call outside to the rest of us how wonderful it is.

Sometimes I take a deeper look in,

Sometimes venture in a little farther;

But my place seems closer to the opening ...

So I stand by the door.

There is another reason why I stand there.

Some people get part way in and become afraid

Lest God and the zeal of His house devour them

For God is so very great, and asks all of us.

And these people feel a cosmic claustrophobia,

And want to get out. "Let me out!" they cry,

And the people way inside only terrify, them more.

Somebody must be by the door to tell them that they are spoiled

For the old life, they have seen too much:

Once taste God, and nothing but God will do any more.

Somebody must be watching for the frightened

Who seek to sneak out just where they came in,

To tell them how much better it is inside.

The people too far in do not see how near these are

To leaving--preoccupied with the wonder of it all.

Somebody must watch for those who have entered the door,

But would like to run away. So for them, too,

I stand by the door.

I admire the people who go way in.

But I wish they would not forget how it was

Before they got in. Then they would be able to help

The people who have not, yet even found the door,

Or the people who want to run away again from God,

You can go in too deeply, and stay in too long,

And forget the people outside the door.

As for me, I shall take my old accustomed place,

Near enough to God to hear Him, and know He is there,

But not so far from people as not to hear them,

And remember they are there, too.

Where? Outside the door--

Thousands of them, millions of them.

But--more important for me--

One of them, two of them, ten of them,

Whose hands I am intended to put on the latch.

So I shall stand by the door and wait

For those who seek it.

"I had rather be a door-keeper ..."

So I stand by the door.

The Revelation

It Is Finished

Do you know the incredible gift that God gave to you when His son Jesus cried out His last words "It is finished"?

The heavy veil inside the temple tore in half from the top to the bottom the moment after Jesus took his last breath -the veil that separated the priests from where God resided in the Holy Of Holies.

A very sacred place that would bring instant death to anyone who entered for God's holy nature could not look upon man's sinful nature. Only once a year, the High Priest could enter beyond that veil on The Day of Atonement.

The High Priest had to be very meticulous in preparing himself , rituals of bathing, proper clothes worn, incense burned to create a smoke barrier so that he would not look upon God. I have even read that if any unclean thought entered the Priest's mind he would die instantly.

His purpose was to bring to God a blood offering for atonement for the people of Israel.

The tearing of the curtain the moment Jesus died was from the top down to the bottom. This act was God reaching down to man again with His plan of salvation. Jesus is the temple now and we can enter into the Holy of Holies through our believing that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that He lived, died, and rose again for the atonement of our sins so that we can have an eternal relationship with God.

God has always known that man would lose his way, fall from the garden, and wander around the desert seeking refuge. Jesus is that refuge, that rescue from our own self.

Man cannot lead man through, to the promised land. He will turn in the wrong direction every time. We need access to what lies within that Holy of Holies, and that is God. Jesus is the way.

God's Garden

Easter

There is nothing sweeter than waking up to a beautiful Easter morning.

Today there were over 5000 people in my church.

Jesus is alive and his spirit is calling God's people back to the garden.

Spring brings us back to the garden.

May we seek Jesus in every morning.

May our church be out in the world of thousands.

May Jesus come alive in every seekers heart
and bring them all to the garden.

Listening Prayer

Lord Speak To Me

Today, I asked the Lord to speak to me and He answered. I love the God moments when I take the time to listen for Him.

I sat down in my lounge chair with my husband by my side. The dogs settled down and lay beside us on the deck. We were all so happy to be outside.

The sky was a cloudless azure blue, the warmth of the sun on my body helped me to relax in my recliner. I looked out into the yard and said to my husband "I wonder when the hummingbirds will be back." No answer as he had drifted into his own dreamworld.

I closed my eyes and took my mind to a listening place. Today I envisioned sitting on a bench next to a small tucked away stream fed pond my husband and I discovered Christmas eve day on a walk in the woods with our dogs. That day we stopped and rested and prayed... it seemed so right for the peace and quiet of the setting and the beauty of the moment.

So today, I rested my mind within that moment and used the imagery to clear my thoughts and pose a question to God... and then I listened...

There was a short time of quieting my own thoughts and then Psalm 23 begins... it is as though I am being drawn close to His voice. I reflect on the words and then quiet again...

I drift a moment and upon waking I very clearly heard .....

....but they that wait on the Lord will renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles....

.... and I knew God was speaking . Excited, desiring more I went inside and looked up Isaiah 55 thinking the verse was in this chapter. I knew the verse but where was it. I did a search on my computer. Then I found it in Isaiah 40:31. The search led me to a very insightful commentary. God's answer in detail. Here's a synopsis :

The symbol of courageous strength is the eagle. In Isaiah 40:31 we see a metaphor of a bird used to describe how with God, we can soar through difficulty.

There are three different types of flight used by birds.

1. Flapping: Keeping their wings in constant motion to counteract gravity. Hummingbirds flap up to 70 times per second. The writing went on to say that we are like humming birds, we flap a lot but get nowhere. Wow, God really had my attention...wasn't my last thought about the hummingbird!

2. Gliding: Going up high and heading back to earth. Unfortunately when we do this , we often hit the ground.

3. Soaring: Now this is interesting... Only eagles and hawks, etc. do this. Taking advantage of the air currents and heat riser to fly with little of no effort. Some eagles have been clocked at 80 miles an hour with no effort on their part, they just soar. They ride the columns of air currents.

Isaiah 40:31 says ....they shall mount up with wings like eagles.

So how do we stop flapping and start soaring?

The passage began with the answer... They that wait on the Lord will renew their strength. The answer lies in the waiting.

To wait means to pause, to consider our own limitations and God's all sufficiency, and to remind us to seek His counsel and help. Waiting means submission to the word and letting God be the updraft over which we can mount up our wings.

This reading lead to many passages- Psalm 25:4-5,Psalm 33:20-21, Psalm 37:7, that spoke to me about letting God provide the perception, the perspective, the provision, and the power for the answer to the question I brought to Him today.

The article ended with these lines:

God is in the business of transforming us from hummingbirds into eagles.

Driving to our class tonight I wondered what our teacher's message would impart regarding our transformation... Want to take a guess?.... yes.. your right, waiting and trusting!

She concluded in prayer asking God to give each of the students a passage to claim and meditate upon... Wow, how cool, I'm already there... all because... I waited, I listened to hear from God and .... He waited, He listened and He spoke.