Twists & Turns

Sometimes as we choose a path, someone calls from behind us and offers us a different way. The problem is now which way do we go? Do we continue in the planned way? Do we stop and turn around knowing there is some sense of security being offered? Do we take the risk to say no to the new and hurry on with the plan because it has been planned that way?

For me, I tend to want to stay put, sit down and visit awhile with the Master Planner. I don't proceed, neither do I turn around and follow the new choice. I really do need to hear from God. I need to seek His face and follow the direction in which He is pointing.

Waiting. It is so very hard to wait when everything within you seems to want to move! Waiting for God sometimes is the most difficult. We strain to hear His voice amid the cacophony of voices from family, friends and even self. Waiting for His time always seems like an eternity. What should I expect from an Eternal God?

Life has twists and turns. The right direction is always toward God. The process starts with waiting for His call to follow.

Master Planner, You are well aware of all that is happening around me. You see me waiting and I am trying to hear Your call. Speak Lord, and I will obey. The twists and turns confuse me, but in the end You will make my paths straight.

When God Speaks

When God speaks who listens? Am I one who has hears to hear His voice? When I hear do I follow with action, or am I content to hear His voice and then do my own thing?

If I am honest I must admit that my actions do not always follow what I've heard God speak. I am not proud of that. In fact, I am deeply saddened when i look back and realize that I have failed many times to really LISTEN to His voice.

I believe that the implication of the word "listen" is that there is a response that proves the hearer heard. This year my hope is that I will listen more often than just hear. I want to listen to my husband, family and friends and especially the Holy Spirit. To see that hope be fulfilled i need help. I need the Holy Spirit. I know I will stumble , but I choose to catch myself in the falling and call out for help so that I can change.

I am challenged by Jesus who could do nothing unless He saw the Father doing it. I want to bind myself to that way of living. I want to listen and see and follow.

Lord Jesus, speak to me and I will listen. Teach me to heed your call and be quick to answer! Open my ears and my eyes to hear and see You clearly!

Hush

Shhh. Be still and listen!

By the way, how many voices do you need to hush before you come into the silence? I have quite a few. Music, TV, computer, grandchildren, children, spouse, and even those voices in my own head that are relentless in trying to gain my attention. It is a multi-level task to get them all silenced at the same time, but it is worth the effort.

What do you hear when you quiet yourself? You see, when I walk into the silence, it is then that I begin to hear the sounds of my Creator working in me, around me, and for me. It is His voice I need to hear. I must hear! It is His word that reveals myself and Himself. In the quiet I can hear clearly the only voice that is worthy to be treasured.

I love the words to a song long ago sung but never forgotten: "Speak ,Lord, I long (or love) to listen to your voice. See, Lord, here I am."

Hush, Let us listen to His voice.

Speak , Lord, I am listening!

Listen

Just listen. Listen to someone other than yourself. Listen to the voice of God as He speaks. Just listen.

When we are silent God has a chance to be heard. He must be heard, and yet we ramble on and on while we wait for Him to speak. Hush! "Be still and know that I am God!"

Listen. Can we do it? Do we listen to anyone? I confess that my own tendencies are to listen to my own thoughts even as I say I am listening to others. I think it is time to practice silence: silence of my thoughts and my voice. I just might learn something!

God, You are the great listener! You hear our prayers. You are always ready to listen to us, and yet we so easily forget to listen to You. Teach us the way to silence our own voice so that Yours may be heard.

Vacation is over

I gave a deep sigh of relief when we arrived back home from vacation. Ten days is a long time for me to be away from home, computer and my routines. I am glad to be home even though I experienced many delights on our trip.

Sharing vacations can sometimes become like home movies to those on the outside, so I will try not to bore my readers with unnecessary details. I would like to share some wonderful insights that came from my trip. These may take me a few days to unwind and express, so please be patient.

We visited with most of our family and a few of our wonderful friends while we were in Colorado. I listened to stories from the past and learned interesting things about each person. Listening with a heart of acceptance and love helped me to see with different eyes and serve with unconditional generosity. Yes, there were times I wanted to just do what I wanted to do. There were times I was miffed at what was said. There were times I wanted to say what was on MY mind, but didn't. I even stuck my foot in my mouth a couple of times, proving I was not totally selfless.

What did listening teach me? It opened my understanding to the truth that I can find joy in being silent. Voices of loved ones and the opening up of their hearts to me are treasures that I consider precious. I am certain God wanted me to hear and understand those He loves with an everlasting and deep love.

Tomorrow will bring more. Maybe you, too, can find a precious treasure by listening to someone today.