In this fast paced and technologically advanced world that we live in these days, it is important to slow down and see God’s presence in our lives and the world around us. Continue reading “SLOW DOWN”
Tag: God
HIS EMBRACE
Something you may not know about me is that through the years, I’ve earned the title of being a good “put the baby to sleep” gal. Well, that is probably true for all babies, except my own! 😃 Of course, they were more difficult. I like to think that I earned that title from having such a calming, peaceful effect on the babies; certainly not because of being boring! Continue reading “HIS EMBRACE”
BATTLES
As I was watching my son get physical therapy, it made me stop and think about how all the people there were fighting their own personal battle with some type of physical ailment.
SIGNS OF HIS LOVE
It seems hard to believe it was about 25 years ago when I was standing in a cemetery, at the graves of my grandparents and great-aunt, and couldn’t help but be engulfed in the Lord’s presence— Continue reading “SIGNS OF HIS LOVE”
THE BEAUTY OF THE SUN
Have you ever looked at the sun when it is shining so gloriously and been so mesmerized by the sight?
Sunrise over Virginia Beach (my all time favorite picture!)
If you know me at all, you probably know that happens to me almost everyday that the sun is shining! Yes, I am forever taking pictures of the sun because it is just so beautiful and reminds me of the presence of the SON in our lives.
Continue reading “THE BEAUTY OF THE SUN”
ENCOUNTERING GOD
What are some different ways that you encounter God’s presence on a daily basis?
Is it sometimes in the beauty of nature?
Is it sometimes in the people you interact with daily….like your family, coworkers, people from church?
Is it sometimes in the people you don’t know personally….like a cashier at the supermarket, waitress at the restaurant?
Is it in inspiring music or books?
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So often, I encounter God’s presence in some form of nature while soaking up the beauty of this world that God has created. One of the most powerful ways I encounter God is in beholding the glorious sunsets or sunrises. Seeing the many changes in the sun illuminating the sky brings me such peace and awe.
Sunrise at Virginia Beach, VA
It could be the big, puffy clouds making cool formations against the bright blue sky or the beauty of a hike leading to some waterfalls and amazing rock formations. Gazing at the mountains are a way to encounter God, as well as in the fall, walking down a trail where the leaves are all different shades of yellow, red or orange.
Chenango Valley State Park
When I was a child I remember the place I always encountered God’s presence was when I was at the ocean. Looking out at the vastness of the ocean waters, listening to the rhythm of the waves crashing back and forth, and seeing miles and miles of the seashore would just be so soothing to my soul. I remember praying to God seeking a oneness with Him at the ocean. It was always heartbreaking when it was time to leave and return home.
Marco Island, FL
Almost three years ago I was very blessed to encounter God in nature and do something I’ve never done before. The encounter with God unfolded this way:
A friend and I were spending one night at Virginia Beach while it was off season (thanks to Third Day for having a concert near there!) It was the first time either of us experienced the beauty of Virginia Beach.
Our hotel was right on the beach. Directly to the right of our hotel on the beach was a horse corral where you could ride a horse right along the beach. Now, I have never ridden a horse before, and was definitely scared to attempt it, but I thought since I sky dived before and survived to tell about it, then certainly I could ride a horse! Thankfully, my friend volunteered to go too because she knew I would want to!
It was also interesting to learn that this corral had actually just moved recently to this location! It was just too “coincidental” to find that out….kind of like God working it all out for us! And, they were only providing this entertainment for another few weeks.
Thankfully, the people gave us the two oldest horses….mine was 28 years old and I noticed his gray hair mixed in with his mane. I thought we were a perfect match! Thankfully, we didn’t really have to do much and we had a lead horse go with us….just in case!
I encountered God in nature on the return trip ride on my horse. My horse was going so slow on the way back that the others were a ways up ahead, but it was really the part where I encountered God in nature the most.
Horseback riding at Virginia Beach
There my horse and I were just trodding along, next to the ocean water. Though a little cool, the sun was high in the sky, beating down with its rays piercing my arm. Listening to the waves of the ocean beat back and forth were soothing, and seeing the seagulls fly around, some with their snack in tow, just made me encounter God.
I always have felt God’s presence whenever I’m at the ocean. My mind was thinking about what it must have been like in Jesus’ day, where they spent most of their time fishing for their food. I envisioned Jesus in a boat, calling His disciples to leave everything right there and follow Him.
Sunset at Marco Island, FL
It was a wonderful encounter with God reflecting on the beauty of nature and the power of Him in our lives. I was so thankful for the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and trust that I could ride a horse on the beach! I ended up encountering God!
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In what ways do you encounter God in your family, friends, coworkers, church friends?
For me, one way I encounter God in the people I know is when they ask me how they can pray for me. Truly praying for others and their needs is a blessing.
I remember encountering God in others when I had surgery or after having my children. People would bring food to our family since it was difficult to do those things at first.
Does a coworker ever offer to help you do a task that you don’t quite have time to finish?
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What about people that you observe in your daily life that maybe you don’t know personally who lead you to encounter God?
Recently a sister-in-law of mine posted a few examples of how she encountered God while running some errands….
…That cashier at Walmart that took time to mourn with a family who was on their way to their young nephew’s funeral.
…Some Target employees who noticed and helped a woman who was not coherent inside her running car.
…How about that car ahead of you who come to find out paid for your cup of coffee?
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Is there certain music you listen to or books that you read that lead you to encounter God?
Some members of Third Day whose music helps me encounter God
I know the last few years in my life that Christian music definitely leads me to encounter God. It is just so peaceful listening to certain songs especially while driving around or getting some exercise. For me, it can be great times of worship and singing to the Lord.
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It is always a blessing in my life to encounter God….even in the simple, little things! He is a great God and truly dwells in each of us and in all of nature. Seek Him and you will find Him!
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. –Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV)
YOU ARE NEVER ALL ALONE
Have there been times in your life, like in mine, where you have felt like you were all ALONE in this big world? Think of all the people you know and are in this world, yet you still felt totally ALONE?
…Maybe no one seemed to understand you, so you felt all ALONE
…Maybe you experienced a difficult time in your life, so you felt all ALONE
…Maybe you just lost a dear friend to cancer and the grief was overwhelming, so you felt all ALONE
…Maybe you just lost your job and didn’t have money to pay your bills, so you felt all ALONE
…Maybe you were physically abandoned from others for some reason, so you felt all ALONE
…Maybe you were suffering through a health issue where you just felt so awful that you could not even function, causing you to feel all ALONE.
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Isn’t it interesting to reflect on that fact that since Jesus was both God and HUMAN, in Jesus’ humanness He experienced the feeling of being all ALONE in this world too? That was when He was hanging on the cross bearing the sins of the whole world.
“About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”–which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” –Matthew 27:46 (NIV)
Though the humanness part of Jesus felt all ALONE, Jesus knew He came to do the will of God, the Father. His whole life purpose was fulfilled in this self-less act of love. God was still with Him through His suffering.
Photo credit by listentothemountains under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
The key, when we start to feel all ALONE, is to remember that though we may FEEL we are all alone, we are NEVER truly all ALONE in this world.
In spite of all of our pain, sorrow, misunderstandings and the actual feeling that we are all ALONE, God’s presence is always with us. He never, ever leaves us nor forsakes us. Once we accept Him into our lives He is forever with us.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” –Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
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When we’re feeling all ALONE, we can reach out to feel God’s presence through…..
…Reading His Word
…Listening to some inspiring Christian music
…Praying.
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I find that sometimes it helps to experience God’s presence through another human. WE are called to be God in the flesh….called to be there for others in their time of need.
Yes, we are ALL a part of Christ’s body.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” –1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)
We are called to be there for others and to bring Christ to others.
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” –1 Corinthians 12:26 (NIV)
Sometimes God’s presence, revealed through another human, reminds us we are never all ALONE. God’s presence can be felt through….
….The touch of a friend
…An encouraging word
…Knowing someone is lifting you in prayer.
Sometimes, we just don’t have the capacity to do it on our own; we need someone to lift us in prayer to the Lord.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” –Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
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Can you think of times when God revealed His presence to you to let you know you weren’t all ALONE…either through an encounter directly with Him or through another human?
What times can you recall where maybe YOU were instrumental in letting someone else know they weren’t all ALONE?
Feel free to share answers to these questions in the comment section below. It will be a blessing to see ways that God revealed you are never all ALONE in this world. It just might encourage another to reach out to others so they know they are never all ALONE in this world!
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. –Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
RELATIONSHIPS
During the last few years, God has impressed upon my heart how vital relationships are in each of our lives. We truly are all connected and need each other to share with, learn from, and encourage one another. It is important to be aware of people in our lives who need us to be there for them and those that God puts in our life for us. It works both ways!
In your life, do you make time for relationships rather than always busying yourself with checking things off your to do list? It is something I struggle with but feel I am making progress on in my life.
For those of us who are more introverted, I think this realization of the importance of relationships in our lives might take a little more effort compared to those that are maybe naturally extroverted. But I think the extroverts can help encourage the introverts of the importance of sharing with others and maybe help them come out of their shells some.
There have been three or four incidences within a few weeks where God showed me the importance of relationships. I think the main lesson for me is that, yes….
…we do need each other
…we can all help each other
…and build the kingdom of God through our relationships.
Photo credit by Celestine Chua under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
On Thanksgiving Day, I received a text from the Pre-K teacher I worked with the past two years who was just thinking of me and wishing me a nice day. This summer she moved about 1 1/2 hr away and I only saw her once since then when we were both at a funeral for a mutual friend. In the process of exchanging a few texts on Thanksgiving, we both said how great it would be to get together. I made sure I made an effort to contact her on my day off that week, and it was a day that worked for her as well.
It was neat to see how God used just that simple, little text to orchestrate our get together which was a huge blessing for both of us. She was excited to show me their new home and the church that her husband pastors, so I made the trek to their new place. It is always a pleasure to spend time with her, talk about the Lord, our families, and whatever else comes up. We enjoyed a nice lunch at a quaint little restaurant and her husband joined us for a bit. Four hours flew by and I know both of us were inspired and encouraged through our visit.
Sharing different parts of our lives with each other and in more depth was truly a blessing. So often I think I am the only that is going through something, but then I learn that is not really the case. Having that support and encouragement from other people helps us get through different things and might give us a different view point that we had not thought of.
Another friend of mine texted me on a Sunday to say she bought some tickets to a Women’s Tea at her church and wondered if I wanted to go. It was a blessing to learn that because of a sermon she heard about the importance of community, she decided to go the Tea and invite a few friends. Again, it was a blessing spending time together, take time to reflect on the reason for the Christmas season, and it was powerful to see the speaker at the Tea echoed a devotional I had just read from the pastor of Third Day. God at work!
During the past year, my life has also been enriched through building community through a 32-week Bible Study and then a 10-week one. That coming together and sharing thoughts about the studies and even prayer requests builds relationships that are so vital in our lives.
Small groups are a great way to build relationships as well. I’ve been blessed to be meeting one on one with a friend who experienced the Bible study with me and then we both shared an in-depth weekend retreat. It has been a true blessing to meet weekly with her to share our experiences, pray for each other and encourage one another.
David Carr, Mac Powell, & Mark Lee, all of Third Day, with some Gomers in Fayetteville, NC 11/20/15
Attending Third Day concerts and getting to know the old time fans called Gomers shows me the importance of relationships as well. And as I’ve said many times, the guys of Third Day model for us the importance of relationships. They take the time to ask how your trip was, thank you for coming, and wish you safe travels home to show they care. The Gomers are a group of people, bonded together through their love for Third Day music, who realize the importance of relationships and are there to support one another via prayer, an encouraging word if needed, and sometimes even financially if some disaster is affecting someone.
Though not quite as vital and certainly not to replace our face-to-face relationships, social media these days can help build relationships to a point and a definite way we can encourage others. There are more opportunities to pray for others, encourage someone with a kind word, and make a difference in their life. I have been blessed to feel led to pray and encourage a few people this way, and truly have been blessed in return. You might just say one little thing that might have a huge impact on the other person. God can use even the smallest gesture or one sentence spoken in truth to change the other person or help them see something in a different light.
So, I encourage you to be aware of the importance of relationships in your life. Even meeting an elderly neighbor at the mailbox and talking with them and being really “present” for a few minutes, rather than being busy with your to do list, can make an impact on their life. Take time for those vital relationships that God puts in your path!
Feel free to share ways you have experienced how vital relationships have been in your life. Maybe helping you through an illness, providing transportation or meals for you when you couldn’t provide for yourself?
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. –1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
PRAISE TO HIM
All glory and praise
Belong to our Lord
Whose love has done more
Than we can afford.
Because of Jesus,
We can face each day
With love and peace
To brighten our way.
Since living with Him,
Life is easier to bear
Because we know
He’s always there.
His greatest deed
Is hard to measure–
For eternity with Him
Is a priceless treasure!
Photo credit by marty hadding under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long. –Psalm 71:14-15 (NIV)
COME AWAY WITH ME
“…Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” –Mark 6:31 (NIV)
I think Jesus’ command to His apostles back in His day also applies to our lives today.
Have you ever had the blessing of getting away from the busyness of life to just spend time being…being with the Lord and enjoying the many blessings that are all around?
…Maybe it was on your vacation where you experienced God’s presence in the beauty of the environment you were surrounded by.
…Maybe you had the privilege of attending some kind of retreat where you had a close encounter with God.
…Maybe you just took time to be alone with Him and experienced Him in the peacefulness and solitude.
Canandaigua Lake, NY
I know this summer I was truly blessed to attend a three day retreat at a place with a beautiful lake setting where you could commune with the Lord in a reflective way. Spending time with like minded people is always a blessing too where you can share your faith with others. It provides opportunities for making new friends in the Lord and learning from other’s stories as well.
Taking time to get away from the routine of life and spend time with the Lord is a necessity especially in today’s fast paced, technological world that we live in.
It is enlightening to read the many scripture passages that show how many times Jesus took time to spend alone with God, His Father, getting away from the crowds of people and even His disciples.
“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” –Luke 6:12 (NIV)
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” –Luke 5:15
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.” –Mark 1:35 (NIV)
“After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.” –Matthew 14:23
I encourage you, if the opportunity ever presents itself to you, to attend a retreat or any get together that will strengthen your faith. It will help you refocus and concentrate on the really important things in life once again.
Even taking time daily to go to your quiet corner and commune with the Lord will enrich your spirit and get you in tune with the Creator.
I think the most powerful story of Jesus taking time to pray with God was right before He was going to be handed over to be arrested before being put to death. Jesus knew the most important thing He could do was pray to His Father.
Photo credit by Waiting for the Word under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)
” 36Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” –Matthew 26:36-46 (NIV)
Father, may we grow daily to be like your Son, Jesus….taking time to pray continually to you and being one with you. Amen.