"Relax in My healing, holy Presence.
Allow Me to transform you through this time alone with Me.
As your thoughts center more and more on Me,
trust displaces fear and worry. ...
Time spent with Me, not only increases your trust;
it also helps you discern what is important and what is not."
(Jesus Calling)
Time, and how we spend our time - these are decisions that we make every day of our lives. Sometimes the pressing necessities of life leave us with no choice, and the use of our time is dictated to us.
But in most of our days, there also remains a choice. No matter what the season of life we are in.
Will I choose to spend my hours in worry, and fretting, in rushing through life? These thieves come stealing precious moments throughout the day. Even stealing whole days. Using up our time. There are more things to worry about with each passing year, and as mothers, we are experts at worry and fretting.
But what if we could replace worry with peace? I am continuing to learn. As we center our thoughts more and more on the Giver of Peace, our worries and fears are replaced with trust.
There is a cost for this exchange. For One who gave His Life for us, it cost Him everything. But for us, the cost is minimal. The only requirement is that we give of our time. Choosing to spend time with Him, resting, and listening ... exchanging our worry for trust.
When my husband and I have extra loads of concern on our hearts, we often drive up to a peaceful hill overlooking our small town. A place that calms our hearts. And we spend time together, talking with and listening to our loving, faithful God - the Source of Love and Peace. And we drive back down the hill with our burdens of concern lifted. And with Peace in our hearts.
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| Beautiful flowers on a marker at the cemetery, photo taken yesterday as we walked and exchanged concern for peace. |
"So be careful how you live.
Don't live like fools,
but like those who are wise."
(Ephesians 5:15)
Linked to Brag on God Friday's
And linking up with others at Imperfect Prose
I'm learning to be slower, more intentional about things...but it takes bravery of the supernatural kind. Isn't it cool that he calls us to something and then he gives us the ability, so nothing is done on our own?
ReplyDeleteThe graveyard pictures are so cool with this post. Thanks for making me think!
It is odd that you would choose a cemetery as a peaceful place to think. But, in reality, it can give you a better perspective on all you need to think about: to think about them in the light of eternity and of the passing of time.
ReplyDeleteHi Cherry. :-)
ReplyDeleteI am in an era where people are always on the go. And in my generation, whenever we were given days off, my peers would prefer to spend the day going out with friends (although I think it's not a bad thing) or drinking and partying at night. I enjoyed these moments with my friends. But when I get home, I realize that I still do not have the peace of mind that I've been longing for.
Then I learned that going out, drinking, partying, etc, are nothing else but distractions. They are only transient and do not free me from reality. So I decided to go slowly, and instead of spending the remaining hours of my day going out to watch a movie, etc, I spend them for meditation and prayer. And then I finally understood what inner peace really meant. :-)
oh friend, i love this. i needed it tonight. and how beautiful, that you and your husband drive up the hill to talk and to pray. what a relationship you have... bless you.
ReplyDeleteI love this too and being one who was privileged to be in the presence of your peace amidst some of the things on your heart, I am thankful for the reminder of how it is cultivated and doesn't come naturally...thank you for being such an amazing example...you and your hubby. Praying for you right now, too:}
ReplyDelete