Photo Credits~

(owl:donaldthompson95 on flickr, luna:BillLepidoptera/harkphoto.com on flickr, willow/fence:trensamiro on flickr, all remaining: Merana Leigh)

Psalm 25:4-5

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,


for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long (NIV)





Drench yourself in words unspoken, Live your life with arms wide open,

Today is where your book begins, The rest is still unwritten. ("Unwritten" by Natasha Beddingfield)





It matters not how long we live, but how!



Saturday, August 28, 2010

Awaiting with hope...

My dearest BB's (blogging buddies) ~

This week for me has been very challenging, frightening, and emotionally draining. It's testing my faith yet again, but God is faithful. Bear with me, friends. Ya know how when you're simmering a stew or a soup and you add things here and there as needed to build up the flavors so that the finished bowl was well worth the time invested? That's what this post is. This is a long post, I'll grant you, but you will find renewal here by the time you finish.

I spent some time here on Thursday. I needed this...
wish I could have been here as well
(photo credit Jack Freund on flickr)

And I've done a lot of this type of reflection...
(Queen Latifah in "Last Holiday", a movie I highly recommend)

but mostly this....

I admit, that for some time now, I've felt that this is my life ....
that I'm running out of time...mostly to be loved again and to give love - I truly do miss that. But now I'm seeing that the love I'm craving, too, is the kind where I give of myself to others and reach many with what He's trying to say. I feel like I've barely scratched the surface. I've done so much learning to prepare for....for what? I want to do so much more! Not for adulation, but to have someone say "I really needed to hear that today" because their spirit is hurting and they are craving what God gave them through me. Other than raising my boys, that's my purpose...I know it as surely as I sit here. And what a privilege to be His instrument to reach people for Him. I don't want that to end. Does that make me selfish?
Sometimes it even feels more like this....

So, have you ever seen or heard of the "Bucket List"? You know, you make a list of all the things you'd like to do before you kick the bucket. Well, I've done quite a bit of that this week. It's truly remarkable where you see that you place your values. What I've found is that I want to seek out those things that most bring me peace. It's not about what I can attain at this point, it's not about who I can meet, it's not about the need to "do" something. For me, it's about being with those I love most in this world, and seeing places that show His majesty, and bring me to that still, quiet place within myself where I find perfect peace.

(Lake Tahoe - courtesy of travellingboard.net)

(Crater Lake)

(Crater Lake ~ courtesy of skimountaineer.com)


(an Alaskan cruise...)

(...with whale watching...)

(...and bears catching salmon...BUT MOSTLY ....)

(...the auroras!!!)


But mostly, here.....




....here in the Great Smokie Mountains is where I find my most sacred peace. I haven't even been there yet, but, oh how these pictures, flood me with His majesty, warmth, and rest for my soul! I can only imagine what I will find when I actually experience the glory and beauty of His creation with my own eyes.


And I've spent some quality time listening to this glorious song that I truly believe is God speaking right to us...(pardon the commercial at the beginning)
So...as I await test results to determine the path my life will now lead, I reflect on this picture below. (I'm sorry the picture quality is not that great, but it's the best I could get at the time.) Upon having my lastest test completed, I went to Cracker Barrell (a place I rarely ever eat) and in the gift shop I found this. It is a picture I have always loved, but could never find or afford. I have a loving fascination with trees. And I think I somehow equate this with my life...the lone tree with no other trees around it...(like not having someone significant in my life to share this journey). Anyway, this was the last one on the shelf. Yet another 'God thing' ... where I felt Him saying "it's all going to be ok....I'm with you, you are not alone." This speaks to my very soul.


And as I reflect on what it says, Psalm 46:10 ~ Be still and know that I am God, He reminds me, with a smile to my face, how I used to always (ok, admittedly, sometimes still do) say "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know you're God, but when are you gonna....[fill in the blank]", to which He always said "ah, ah, ah....You're NOT BEING STILL!!!" with the finger wagging (I picture it in my head as I type this). I'm finding that learning to be still is a lifelong lesson ... do we ever really learn it? .... I hope one day to master!

Anyway, I don't know how it was that I found this video below & most importantly, this song - other than to say that it's another one of those 'God things'. But please watch it ... and do some reflecting of your own.



BB's, I ask you to do this for me, please - I know, within the depths of my being, that God is using this experience for me, to put it into words to wake people up and come to take stock and really "get" what's important in this life. None of us are promised tomorrow. Please link back to this post on your blog. I don't have enough followers for this to make the significant impact I know He's wanting to make, the way that it could with all of your followers to read as well.
Satan wants me to believe that I'm being nothing but a drama queen, but I know different. God's speaking...and I'm listening. Even if all is well...this experience has changed me, and in that...through my words here, I pray God causes a change in you as well!
Always remember...there's a reason the rearview is smaller than the windshield! Always look forward to where God is taking you, with only glances to what's behind.
Blessings ~ Merana
PS - Please visit Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays to read inspirational posts &/or link up/share @ www.bloggerspirit.blogspot.com

11 comments:

  1. Hi Merana,

    I've included a link to this post on my blog. Please let me know how else I can help you sis.

    Please know you are in my daily prayers.

    Blessings and peace.

    MTJ

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  2. I'm praying your test results are fine. Yes, your post really spoke to me. I have felt like the lone tree most of my life! I'm trying hard to be still myself after many years of the same questions, "Lord, when?" And I agree it is a privilege to be able to impart some God given words to someone who needs it. Beautiful video and photos on your post! Take care and God bless!

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  3. Hi, I stopped by from Spiritual Sunday. I'm praying for positive results on your tests and for you to be surrounded by the power and presence and love of God to lift your heart and encourage you! Loved your power cards full of the encouraging Bible verses. What a lovely idea! :)

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  4. This has touched me on so many levels! ...
    and, I'd be remiss if I didn't admit to having been there -- watching that giant hourglass like the proverbial "elephant in the living room."
    Please hang strong; you're in my heart and prayers!

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  5. Such a beautiful reflection, of a soul crying out and the Lord replying, "Be still and know I am God." I am praying that you continue to experience peace. No matter what the results, God is with you! You will never face anything alone. So be encouraged, and have no fear, dear one. God bless you.

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  6. Thank you for sharing your heart on such a transparent and genuine level.I will be praying with you especially for God’s wisdom, joy, peace and restful times ahead..
    Sweet Blessings,
    Virginia

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  7. Hello Merana Sweetie...
    The Miracle Weekend brought me to Spiritual Sunday and I decided to visit each of the blogs listed today. Yours spoke to me sweet friend. I am so touched by your write.

    My Moma always told me: "Fear not tomorrow, for God is already there." I do not know what tests results you are awaiting, but fear not sweet friend. You are NOT alone. He is already there waiting. I will be checking back to find out how things go.

    I also love your lone tree, but then we all know we are never alone. God walks with us, and he talks with us. Listen to him sweet friend. Just listen.

    I wanted to sign up to follow you but for some reason my computer is giving me an error message and not allowing me to follow anyone today. How original it would mess up on Spiritual Sunday. I will try again next visit sweetie. I would like to stay in touch with you.

    Please stop by Country Wings In Phoenix, my blog. Guideposts magazine is donating a dollar towards our next miracle makeover for each comment left and I want to make enough for several more makeovers. I know they are out there just waiting to be found.

    Country hugs sweet friend, Sherry

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  8. These are all such beautiful and inspiring picture. I would love to sit and reflect at the smoke mountains as well. I will keep you in my prayers.
    Blessings,
    Ginger

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  9. Thanks for sharing what God compelled you to share. Being vulnerable and obedient takes tremendous faith. I will be praying for your test results. Blessings, Patty

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  10. I'm sure you have more influence than you realize both in the blogging world and the "real" world. God is using you. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I'm praying for you.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  11. I'm praying too that you get good results from your tests!
    This post was beautiful! Made me tear up.
    Life is so short and reading this makes me think about it even more!

    ((Hugs))
    Java

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