Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Passionate

Call it emotional, call it passionate... call it living the Word. I feel as though I'm just "floating" above my normal life. I'm happier this week, lighter, more sensitive and aware of everyone around me.

In the last few weeks, I've really felt people layed upon my heart. And it's a strange feeling when you allow it to sink it... could it be God? I have accepted that it is absolutely and completely God talking to me! Maybe you can't actually hear his voice talking to you, but he's telling you that someone else needs you. How AMAZING is that?!?!? And whereas before I'd maybe stop and say a quick prayer and go on with my business, I'm now listening to that little push and praying hard for that person, getting in touch with them somehow, and letting them know that they are being prayed for. It's such a small gesture for those of us that are offering up the prayers, but a comfort for those that are in need. In his book called S.H.A.P.E., Erik Rees says, "We also need to have our ears tuned for cries for help, whether they are loud and insistent or subtle and nuanced." Think that those random thoughts about people in your life are still random?

Tomorrow night I will go to class and delve further yet into my heart and learn how to live the best I can for God with what he has given me. This week's study is partially focused on living "Other-Centered". "To ease another's heartache is to forget one's own." (Abe Lincoln) It's so true! When I stopped and allowed myself to realize that other people are suffering in this life, too, and that they need love and support just like the rest of us, I forgot that my own heart hurt! Something as simple as telling someone you're thinking about them, or that you love them and you're so happy they are in your life, can be enough to change the whole perspective that they are carrying on that day! I wait in great anticipation for more to be revealed to me, that my eyes would be open to His word and His love all around me.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gnetleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity" (Colossians 3:12-14)

I hope that you go through this week with silent and strong understanding that you are exactly where God wants you to be. I hope that your faith guides you in each interaction you have, each word that slides from your lips, and that you will have the confidence to reach out to even one person that has been weighing on your mind. Tell your best friend why you love him or her, tell the special people in your life that they are true blessings and how grateful you are for them. And tell God that you're thankful for all he has put in your life. I'll start....

"Lord Jesus... I sit here tonight humbled by the experiences I've lived through, suffered through, and grown through. I am so grateful that you love me despite my shortcomings, sins and failures. I thank you for the MANY you have brought into my life, whether for only a moment or for all the seasons. I thank you that you know me and my heart, and that you bring people into our lives at the perfect time to meet needs... even the ones we don't know we have yet. My heart is overflowing because of all that you have given to me. Please use me this week to lift others up to you and be an example of your consistent and unending love. I love you for all of this and especially all of the indescribable. In your name, Amen"


**Please be praying for a precious boy named Drew. He will be going in for his third open heart surgery on Friday. He is a strong, courageous, and brave little man. Keep his family close to your heart as they hold him and support him through this.**



1 comment:

Lexi and Linzi said...

You are one awesome friend! God is truly working through you to inspire others, including me! I'm sure I've told you this before but I'll tell you again! You are a GIFTED writer!!! And someday you should write a book:) I love you lots!!!! Thanks for being a great friend!!!