In our fast-paced lives, even during the Summer, we often rush through tasks, leaving little room for spiritual reflection. However, as Christians, we are called to slow down and dwell in God's presence, as highlighted in Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God." This pause allows us to set aside distractions and find peace in His presence, mirroring the example set by Jesus, who frequently withdrew to pray and connect with the Father.
Taking time to linger in God's presence provides space for the Holy Spirit to guide us, offering several transformative benefits. Deepened relationships, renewed strength, and inner peace are among the rewards, as spending undistracted time with God enriches our spiritual lives. Isaiah 40:31 and Philippians 4:6-7 remind us of the strength and peace that come from waiting on the Lord and bringing everything to Him in prayer.
To foster this practice, start by creating a quiet space for worship and Bible reading, and make time to linger and listen after prayer. Recording your thoughts and insights through journaling can also track your spiritual growth. Prioritize this connection with God, beginning with small, manageable time frames, and gradually extending them as you grow more comfortable, allowing His presence to bring more intimacy, peace, and clarity to your life.
Read more...
At first, I thought it was possible altitude sickness or claustrophobia...
January 2008:
I struggled on one of our SCUBA dives in Belize which had a strong current that day
May 2008:
We were taking the kids to the Caverns outside Austin, Texas and half way though, I couldn't breathe in the humid air, saw one way out was through a small carved out hallway to finish the tour, the other was back up where I knew the path. Josh felt fine and finished the tour with the kids.
December 2008:
Toured the Hoover Dam in Vegas and from the moment we stepped on the crammed in like sardines elevator and into the cave below, it was overcome with not being able to breath and left the tour with some Angels unaware. A story for another time.
From that moment on, the breaths never returned to normal. A flip had been switched on inside me. It would be waves upon waves...eventually, we received the diagnosis "panic attacks."
“ME?!? NOT EVEN POSSIBLE” I thought....
Did I struggle with fear most of my life? Insecurity? Trust? Well, yes….
I am the most passive, peaceful and calm person you'll ever know. He replied, "For most people that's exactly true for them too."
This is the Silent Crisis Season where my tests created a new testimony of faith for me. It was in this season, I found God's Heart.
I just have to say, while the healing has come, PRAISE GOD ALMIGHTY, HE gets ALL THE GLORY in my story, I have not been able to consider caverns since that weekend in 2008. I didn't want to trigger something old.
I had some of the same fears about cruising and God recently broke off those chains, story for another time. I knew GRACE and trust. I knew scary surrender. BUT GOD! It was beautiful!
Last week, I found myself 164 ft below ground in Virginia Caverns. WOW WOW WOW. I did it....no, GOD did it but I trusted His hold!!
Was it hard, sure. Healing is such a funny thing. Courage is such a complex thing.
I am FLAT OUT Grateful & Humble. His grace is sufficient. Trust me, oh have I pleaded over many things, many times. I have begged for less of me and more of Him. He has been so faithful.
This is Livin' Where Faith Is.
I am thankful for this season of writing to bring me back to hard seasons so I can stand in great awe of where He has brought me. I pray HE is glorified, seen and pleased. How I pray I serve Him well. My heart is all His as His is all mine.
Friend, God Loves You.
He sees you.
He hears you.
He is near.
He knooooooowssssss.......grace upon grace.
Here's me, somewhere 164 ft deep in gratitude in the Smoky Blue Ridge Mountains.....more videos to come, and an actual blog, likely an entire book! heehee
Glory to God in the Highest!!! The Great I Am, Healer and Protector of our Hearts.
What can YOU choose to face today? This week?!? Something you want to, but have been afraid to? Another one of mine is walking bridges...another is hiking...another is heights...being interviewed...hosting an event...publishing my book...even holding a chicken! Yep, I said it!
What about YOU!?! Get your worship joy ON!!!! Let's Go!!!!!
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
In this blog post, the author shares her personal experiences of fear, anxiety, and insecurity when faced with new things. She emphasizes that embracing new adventures can transform our lives if we say yes to the new path and walk by faith, not by sight. The author provides three steps to overcome fear and embrace new experiences: pray for trust and surrender, partner up with like-minded sisters for support and mentorship, and praise through worship to dissolve worry and cast aside insecurities. She encourages readers to let go of the fear of the unknown and to have faith as they boldly step through open doors.
Read more...My ministry is not mothering, or panic attacks, or overcoming, or perfectionism. My Ministry is not just for women. My heart’s ministry is turning people’s hearts courageously to the heart of God in peaceful grace and trust wherever they are on the shorelines..
My ministry is being authentic, a sound voice, a listening heart, problem solving in moments of confusion. Honestly, it's not always easy for me either. I think this is why most people don't talk about it, especially in the church world. We all have thorns in our flesh, we are human. With every thorn, the enemy presses in, in return, I have learned to push my praise out.
Read more...
