Remember the noise of waves at the beach?

Hi Ladies,

This was my devotional reading this morning and I couldn't help but think of our "Nature" station last weekend. Remember the sound of the ocean? Well read this with that picture and sound in mind.

I am with you. I am with you. I am with you. Heaven's bells continually peal with that promise of My Presence. Some people never hear those bells because their minds are earthbound and their hearts are closed to Me. Others hear the bells only once or twice in their lifetimes, in rare moments of seeking Me above all else.  My desire is that My "sheep" hear My voice continually, for I am the ever-present Shepherd.

 

Quietness is the classroom where you learn to hear My voice. Beginners need a quiet place in order to still their minds. As you advance in this discipline, you gradually learn to carry the stillness with you whereever you go. When you step back into the mainstream of life, strain to hear those glorious bells: I am with you, I am with you, I am with you.

 

"Then you will call upon me and came and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will see me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jer. 29:12-13

 

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me...

My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never persih, no one can snatch them out of my hand". John 14:27-28

Good isn't it? Let the remembrance of the sound of the ocean be saying, "I am with you, I am with you!

Have a great week!

Blessings,

Meg

Reading My Prayer Request from the Retreat....

Morning Ladies,

As I pulled out my prayer request from my Bible this morning from my unknown friend, I read and reread it's heart cry. I sense the pain and loneliness you must be experiencing, I'm crying with you this morning.

I also pulled out of my Bible notes from a series Kevin recently did. Here are some notes that encouraged me and hopefully you will to feel encouraged.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

1. Shadows are always bigger than the reality.

2. Shadows cannot hurt you.

3. There is no shadow without a light somewhere.

"The good man does not escape all troubles--he has them too. But the Lord helps him in each and every one." Ps 34:19

What Should I know About Shadows?  The scary parts of life are the shadows. David didn't walk through the valley of death, but the the valley of the shadow of death.

1. Refuse to stay discouraged. "I will fear no evil" 

"God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient." Col 1:11

Can't avoid discouragement but you can choose to leave it.

2. Remember God is with me. "You are with me"

"When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up--the flames will not consume you." Is 43:2

3. Rely on God's protection and guidance. "Your rod and staff comfort me"

"The good man does not escape all troubles--he has them too. But the Lord helps him in each and every one." Ps 34:19

4. Find Grace at the Shepherd's Table. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9

THE DIFFERENCE FOR THE CHRISTIAN IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF THE SHADOW, BUT THE PRESENCE OF THE SHEPHERD!

Well I just finished my cup of tea and will officially start my day. Be encouraged today that you are not alone.

Love you all,

Meg

Welcome Home - CCF Women's Retreat 2011

Hi Ladies,

I'm sitting here this morning with my special mug  of  Viva with the heated Welcome Home rice heart on my chest, having eaten the all the cookies that were in my bag last night, and have placed the bath salts that were snuck in my room put away for a later good soaking and just finishing unpacking my suitcase, all the time I'm reliving this past weekend.  

Reading over my journal and notes from all the stations I feel His presence once again. I wrote things that I don't even remember writing, like "when He seems silent think of the sound of the ocean, connect the sound to His presence." That simple line gives me now an incredible new picture! What stones did you throw in the pail? Leave them there my dear friends, let us continue to let Jesus carry these heavy burdens.

This is a prayer I wrote while in the Sensory  room…"When I'm afraid or anxiety hits help me to remember to smell the lavender to bring me back to that place of knowing you are really in control. When I want to speak an discouraging word or speak when I'm angry or hurt, help me to taste the salt and remember how much better the chocolate tasted. When I'm tempted to hang onto a grudge or anger toward someone help me to remember the bitter taste and how that it didn't go down well at all. Help me to go the extra distance and offer encouragement to others and remember the cold water and how wonderful it felt going all the way down my throat. Just offer that drink to others! Then ending this whole experience with communion and remembering how Jesus paid the price for all of this. The wonder of his love and forgiveness to us all!

I think of so many of your stories, the cry of your hearts and openness to each other. This is community! Where we cry and laugh with each other, where we don't stand in judgement of each other where well....we no longer "fake the funk". You are all so precious and a gift to this world!

I hope you take advantage of this blog and encourage one another with it, share your struggles, prayer needs or even something goofy (not hard for many of you).

I love you all and look forward to seeing you on Wednesday nights!
Meg