I arrived at Honey Rock late yesterday afternoon. The only way I made it was by following the signs. When I saw this one I thought to myself that this is what my next couple of months are going to be about ... following signs. But how?
Yesterday I read in God Calling,"You must pray. The way will open. God cares and His plans unfold. Just love and wait. Love is the Key." Then, today I read, "Cultivate silence. 'God speaks in silences.' A silence, a soft wind. Each can be a message to convey my meaning to the heart, though by no voice, or even word."
Pray and wait in silence.
God knows my requests, my concerns, my hopes and dreams. He knows that I am waiting and watching for His signs that will point me in the direction I am to go. And, in this time at Honey Rock I am to love and wait as He unfolds His plan, I am to cultivate silence and listen as God speaks.
So this evening, I invited the staff families to a short time after dinner to listen to the story of the wise men who followed that sign sent by God - the star! - to find the new king and worship him. We talked about what Epiphany was and is for us - that Jesus is our King and Priest and Prophet who shows us the way of the Kingdom of God. And, then we went outside and lit sparklers. OK, so we were a bit noisy but we heard God speak in those sparkling lights and the lights that filled the heaven above us - literally the starry host. One little girl said to me that the frankincense and myrrh candle smelled like hot chocolate and ice cream - those are the gifts she would have given to Jesus. If this is loving and waiting as God unfolds His plan... I'm in.
What wonderful news that you've safely arrived. And, WWJD...perfect!!
ReplyDeleteWe will be praying with you as you watch and listen and pray for discernment.
What a beautiful message for all of us. Your journey is our journey, too, as we seek to listen for God's call on our lives. Thank you for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteWow everything is just so.. EPIPHANAL right now! Yes I just made up that word. I too will be watching and waiting and praying for a star to lead the way. I love that your season of waiting for God to reveal his signs is in such a WINTRY place. Snow makes everything so quiet. And cold slows everything down. Perfect. I imagine you taking walks in the snow where the loudest sounds are your own breath and heartbeat and that lovely crunching sound as you step on the snow. I imagine that if God were to speak, such a quietness would make it impossible to miss his voice. I pray that your own heart will reflect the slow deep quiet of that wintry landscape. Lord God, Jehovah Jireh, give us all, especially Jean your loving servant, the signs we need to lead us along your path to your presence. ".. still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light." Joy and peace be yours THIS day Jean Devaty. We love you.
ReplyDeleteYay!!! You made it safely. Just reading your post has made me cold...still worrying about you staying warm I'm afraid. Thank you so much for doing this blog so I can share in your experience. I'm thinking I may wear my boots and jacket and scarf and gloves when I read it though. Plants say hi.
ReplyDeleteEverything is pretty "epiphanal" right now... maybe because I am taking the time to see it, catch it, watch for it! It's pretty fun and amazing and humbling. The staff here have devotions every morning and for the past two mornings I have been challenged and encouraged by the testimonies shared. Epiphanies everywhere if we take the time to be quiet to listen, to open our eyes to look and see, to catch them and hold onto them and share them with others. Fun. Very fun.
ReplyDeleteAs to the cold... Brenda Lieberman! I've already had to take off some layers because I am getting too hot when I'm out walking! One thing I am so thankful for... a bunny gave me some bunny mittens that are fantastic! Liner gloves inside and I am set! I am thankful for all the gloves and socks you all gave me before I left... they are all getting good use. I am warm and toasty.
And, thank you to the person who gave me an iPhone for my birthday... I am taking so many photos - two of which were on this first posting. And, last night I used the Star Watch App and the night sky literally came alive. "WOW!" was the response that we all exclaimed as we "saw" the wonder above us.
Thank you all for reading and commenting. Love this thread of discussion. How are you seeing "epiphanals" in your neck o' the woods?
Jean Devaty, I miss you already. I am so glad you are already being blessed because that blesses me. I know the Lord has some special plans for you. Enjoy every moment of your blissful retreat, but know that you are sorely missed by me and many! I hate knowing you are no longer down the road!
ReplyDeleteBlessings for the new year. Sharon
My second time around, don't know how to do this. janina
ReplyDeleteOkay my dear sister,
ReplyDeleteLike Brenda I have been worried that you might be cold, especially after living in the Low Country for awhile.
Thank you for blogging to all your faithful friends who are missing you terribly, but realising that God will find a way for you to do something that will be meaningful for you and the people you will help as you have helped all of us.
I'm glad you have listed your reading, now I have a permanent reading list. The pictures are great and I can feel the crunchy cold! God Bless, janina
You asked how we are seeing epiphanals.. Here's one for you:
ReplyDeleteWell friends, God revealed Himself yet again today... Three friends met for lunch, each with their own weary burdens from the morning's efforts weighing heavy upon hearts and showing on faces and postures. Each struggling to shift their focus to the purpose of the lunch meeting and to be truly present with each other. Gradually, as we read God's word and digest and discuss it, each of our countenances lift. Lift to God, lift to Lightness from drear and struggle. We each leave that meeting feeling like fresh versions of ourselves, and each email each other remarking upon the transformation! Ah God. A brief 45 minutes in your word and in your fellowship has such power to renew and refresh. So thank you Lord, for showing up at lunch today and revealing your love and power to three Epiphany travelers. Please continue to sustain us with these marvelous epiphanies, as we seek the signs to follow to your presence.
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ReplyDeleteDear Jean: I think of you when I waken early before dawn and sit by the window and the soft lights below. I pray you joy and peace as I do myself in those quiet times! Joyce Meyer said the other day that each day is an "unrepeatable gift from God" - I like that! That thought helps me to set my mind of what is special about the day and the time. I, too, sometimes feel caught in the ice but then I remember that the water is moving somewhere below me. All I have to do is sweep or chip away at the surface stuff until it begins to carry me along! Love Ya, Sue
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