The Power of Words

Having just celebrated a birthday, I have found myself on the receiving end of many expressions of loving and caring thoughts.  I've been thinking about how that affects me, of how encouraged and affirmed I have felt because of the thoughtful words of others.  I feel loved.  I feel appreciated.  I've been reminded over and over again of  wonderful experiences shared with friends and family.  I've looked back and remembered times, places and people....some remembrances have brought laughter, some tears, and many smiles.

As I was reflecting on this, a quote came to mind.  There it was in my little book, tucked away and saved for just this moment.  Another example of a small work of fiction, easy reading, containing a gem of wisdom worth remembering and applying to life.

"A person's words have the power to create, not only on paper, but in another human being." ~ From the book "Velma Still Cooks in Leeway" by Vinita Hampton Wright

In the quiet

As the week moves on, I am still ruminating over Sunday's sermon.  My pastor gave his flock much to think about, centering his message on Isaiah 30 with a focus on verse 15 where we were reminded that through the prophet God tells His people "in quietness and trust is your strength."  The end of the verse tells us that those to whom God was giving the instruction "would have none of it."

I have been taught the great benefit of a quiet time each day and yet I often find myself filling the hours with so much activity that any opportunity for silence goes unattended.  All too often I, too, am one who is having none of it, ignoring what I know to be of great value. 

I am so thankful for this nudge from God.  I do not want to miss what He has for me, or allow that gentle whisper (1 Kings; 19:12) to go unheard.  Every day offers so many wonderful things to enjoy, most of which keep us busy, active and productive.  That is very good, but I do not want to miss the very best. 

"Deepest communion is beyond words, on the other side of silence."  ~ Madelyn L'Engle 

Hush, Be Still

After listening to my Pastor's sermon on Sunday, I have been giving a lot of thought to the subject of silence.  There is not enough of it.  Daily life is filled with activity and that is a good thing.  It is balance I find lacking in mine.  The discipline of taking time to be still, to listen, to be quiet has been crowded out and I have let it happen.  This morning, I am listening.  There is a peaceful hush, and even the birdsong outside my window seems to be more soft and gentle than usual.

From what I have been reading this morning, I am reminded that it is in the stillness that wonderful things often happen.  God speaks.   Answers come.  Peace settles deep.  How foolish it is to fill hours and even days to the brim with business and activity, however good these things may be, leaving no room or time for quiet.  I have been convicted, and when it is the Holy Spirit doing the convicting, it is all good. 

I am going to stop writing now and spend some time being still.  It will be good.

" Our religious activities should be ordered in such a way as to have plenty of time for the cultivation of the fruits of solitude and silence."  ~ A.W. Tozer

Short and Sweet

More often than not, a quote that inspires me most comes from a wise person who has spoken great truth using very few words.  I think I will follow that example today and let the quote speak for itself!

"Work and watch, never worry."  ~  Martin Luther

For Today

Quite some time ago, I copied into my quote book a small sentence spoken by a woman I have respected and admired for years.  This morning, as I was reading, I discovered that the sentence is actually a part of a prayer written by her.  I had just read from Colossians 3:1-17 and picked up a book of devotional thoughts.  The prayer, contained in a writing titled "This Day", resonated and expressed beautifully what is on my heart this morning.  "Loving Lord and heavenly Father, I offer up today all that I am, all that I have, all that I do, and all that I suffer, to be Yours today and Yours forever. Give me grace, Lord, to do all that I know of Your holy will.  Purify my heart, sanctify my thinking, correct my desires. Teach me, in all of today's work and trouble and joy, to respond with honest praise, simple trust, and instant obedience, that my life may be in truth a living sacrifice, by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, my Master and my all.  Amen."

"Give me grace, Lord, to do all that I know of Your holy will."  ~ Elisabeth Elliot

Sunday Morning

There is so much for which to give thanks.  A good night's sleep, a new morning, family and friends with whom to share this new day, freedom to worship, a church that feels like family, activities to anticipate, a car to drive, a choice of food for breakfast, the sound of children waking, air to breathe, memories to cherish......and it is only 8 o'clock in the morning!  At the end of this new day, what other blessings will cause my heart to give thanks?  God is good....all the time.

"Being thankful causes the demons of lack to flee and praise to spring forth from the core of our being."  ~ T.D. Jakes

Bane and Blessing

There are days when just about everything seems to be going well.  Smooth sailing.  Upon deeper reflection, however, we will always find a bump.  The thought that there is always something wrong does not seem depressing to me, but simply realistic.  We can be sure that, in this life, we will consistently face troubles and difficulties.  The good news is that there will also be much happiness and blessing to savor.  The following quote, I think, gives very practical advice when it comes to finding balance in the ups and downs of life.

"Make the most of the best and the least of the worst."  ~ Robert Louis Stevenson