Dec 26, 2008

Being Still And Listening

This is the lesson the Lord has been taking me through since I've been without a computer. He has been speaking so clearly and so earnestly to my heart, I truly believe this time away from the computer has been his will for me.

My father needed my undivided attention in order for me to not only see, but to really be still, so I can hear what he wants to say to my heart. Those things I seem to have missed along the way, things I have neglected, maybe not purposely, but obviously enough for the Lord to bring it to my attention.

I sit here at the library, and I'm not used to having so many people around me as I blog, I'm not used to having a time limit, but here I sit and abide in the midst of these things that make me uncomfortable. Maybe that is what the Lord wants me to recognize, maybe I've been too comfortable. Time away from the computer has allowed me to see the big picture which seems to be getting bigger and bigger each day.

Being out of my daily routine has been very hard for me, but maybe God is telling me it is time for a routine change. I look around my home and there have been so much I have missed doing, spending special moments with my family and girlfriends, decorating my home, preparing a place of coziness and warmth my family would often compliment me on creating for them.

I've missed crafting so much, creations made with my hands and with love from my heart, I've missed sharing and giving them away to family, and friends, and seeing the smiles upon each of their faces. The joy I remember feeling within, while creating each one.

I have had time to sit, to write more poems and devotions ,in quietness and stillness as I listen ever so closely while the Lord speaks to my spirit in the midnight hours. Time to sit at my fathers feet, to be still, to listen, to pray, to be filled with more of the Holy Spirit, to be refreshed, to earnestly seek what he has in store for me to accomplish for his glory this coming new year of 2009.

I know the best is yet to come, and my prayer will be that as I get back to blogging ,his anointing will be poured more abundantly upon my spirit. I pray that in each word I write, his glory will shine ever so brightly, and his presence will be felt even more deeply. I pray that hearts will walk away even more blessed, after visiting Encouragement From My Heart.

My time is up , but I will continue to share on my next visit. I miss all of you, as well as my visits to your blogs, I pray you will continue to visit and allow me to share my heart of encouragement with you.


32 comments:

Plant Lady said...

I hope your Christmas was merry and bright. Blogging can be time consuming and I think that it's sometimes good for us to take a break now and then to collect our thoughts.

I have times that I feel that I need to just "listen". Sometimes I feel it is so important to "talk" through blogging, but it is just as important to listen to God for inspiration. My best posts come after a time of listening to God's still, small voice, which is usually heard better when all is quiet. So, don't feel bad about not blogging as much until you get a new computer. It will make it easier for you to LISTEN.

Blessings~
Plant Lady

Kelly said...

What a touching post. I think we can all get to involved with the PC - and not make time for God..or enough time.

Great writing. I'm so glad you are being blessed by your time with God!

Cathy said...

Bless your heart, Lorie, I know the computer can certainly keep us from doing things that need to be done. I was glad to see your post. We miss you too.
Love and Hugs,
Cathy

Sheryl said...

Just wanted to say "hi". I think I understand about needing to refocus. At times I wonder what I would do without my connection to the outside world through my laptop. That cannot be healthy, but God has brought me great frienships and encouragment through it. Sounds like you are listening closely to the Father! Good for you.

Andrea said...

When God closes a door, somewhere He opens a window. Your computer problems have given you a chance to refocus and listen. What an amazing post gf. Miss you!

God Chaser said...

You have been missed- I have struugled with the time I spend on the computer myself- in fact today I appear to have a block for nothing is speaking to me. Your post spoke to me it is time to let God pour into me. Thanks and be blessed I know the Lord will make a way for you to get another computer soon. Have a blessed New Year.

Kelly said...

As always you are following the voice of the Lord! many blessings to you dear friend, you know when he is speaking to you. Enjoy your time with your family, friends and all things that bring you closer to him.

love ya!!
Kelly

Juri said...

As always, I so enjoyed reading your post! Time away from the computer can be a good thing. I have found that when I spend too much time on the computer, I am not living my life to its fullest and then, quite frankly, have nothing to blog about! That said, the selfish me is hoping you do get a new computer soon, as I love reading your posts!!!

Juri

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Merry Christmas Lorie,
You've been missed. But as we know, when we are quiet, that is when the Lord can speak to us and we are able to hear His voice more clearly. Looking forward to what you learn. In the meantime, have a wonderful holiday season and surely the New Year will bring many blessings your way.

Blessings,
Sandi

Debra Kaye said...

What a precious post. I, for one, am richer for having read it. I am touched by your sincerity.

May the Lord bless you as you press in close to Him.

Blessings to you this new year, my sweet sister.

Sharron aka Sharrahug said...

It is always a joy to visit with you Sistah Lorie! You are always so full of words that touch my very soul!
I pray for much peace, joy, good health & happiness in 2009 for you & your family.
Love you,
Sharron

Leaon Mary said...

Lorie,
THE BEST ISSSSS YET TO COME!

This past week, I too have blogged less and really needed to catch my breath for awhile. Amazing how PEACEFUL basking in His presence can be... isn't it?!!

Holykisses my friend,
Lea

a Pocket Angel said...

Lorie, Sorry about your computer..
glad you are still able to blog a bit.
I'd like to wsih you the very best New year!
take care sweet friend
Hugs ~Mary~ :-}

Rev.Aaron Holcombe said...

I pray that you and your family had a wonderful Christmas this year. Sorry I haven't written in a while, its just been crazy around here.
Your brother,
Aaron

Anonymous said...

I felt your heart so much in this post. Time is a precious gift to us. I went through a realigning period similar to how you described. It was one of the greatest gifts He gave me. I pray your still, reflective, resting heart will find a voice that will always been well heard. I am learning to make time for mine.

Love,

Rachel

Rilda said...

Sending a [[[[[[[[[[ HUG ]]]]]]]]]] for God's will to reach you in all you do. I also have been having problems with my putter in the last several months. I use it for blogging but I create cards too and it does give me such Joy to have one. I know it all is in His hands dear one. I just read today~~ "I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still posses."
Casing my cares, rilda *U*

Toia said...

Your post was very heartfelt. I pray that God will open doors for you to get another computer. Stay bless and stay strong!!

Edie said...

He is speaking Be Still and Know that He is God to my heart this week as well. Glad you're doing well and enjoying those precious moments with friends, family, and especially Him. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Enjoy the New Year! ((Hugz))

Shanita Waters said...

Hello... I pray that your holiday went well. I also pray that this comment reaches you in good health and good spirits. It's awesome that God is able to show you a blessing in the midst of your PC not working. You have more time for Him and other things. All things work together to the good to those that love God. I'm sure that once God blesses you with a new PC you will have even more to share with us and I'm looking forward to it.

May God continue to bless you!
Shanita

Devoted said...

What a wonderful post. My desktop has gone to computer heaven as well. I am on my old laptop. Its difficult getting used to such a small computer. I have missed you dear sister. I pray God will bless you and yours in 2009!

Maxine said...

As the Lord has His reasons for everything, I'm sure that this, too is ordained of Him. I pray that you will continue to be ministered to by Him and by your home life while you are away. God bless and Happy New Year.

Sharon said...

I haven't been on puter due to the flu, i have been feeling horrible.
I have missed u
Happy New Year my friend looking forward to sharing more of God's word with you next year
God Bless
Sharon

Edie said...

Hey it was good to hear from you Lorie!

Rich blessings to you as He brings you into the New Year!

Lots of love sistah...

God Chaser said...

Thanks for stopping by and leaving me such great encouragement as you always do. I have enjoyed meeting you this year and I look forward to all your ministry will offer me in the coming year. Be blessed and have a wonderful New Year.

Joy said...

I am always seeking and when I seem that there is no hope...I am drawn to your blog and I am truly touched, inspired and filled with so much hope, love and contentment. I would love to learn to be more of a child of God. I listen, but go too fast and most times I miss the boat! I will try my best to draw closer to him and wait for his blessings. thank you for always being there. have a wonderful and blessed new year.

From the Heart said...

Thanks for your comment on my blog.
It was so good to see your face once again. I have missed you but completely understand how your using this time to get closer to God. We all need to do that. I have been praying that you will be able to get a new computer.
You are always in my prayers,
Love you, my Sistah,
AliceE.

~Pam~ said...

Hi Lorie,
Stopping in to wish you a very Happy and Blessed New Year!!

~hugs~

Leaon Mary said...

Happy New Year sweet Lorie!
I'm so thankful for you and happy we met!
GOD BLESS YOU!
ALOHA, Lea

Nancie said...

A very blessed and joyous New Year to you, Sistah! Thank God for His loving-kindness and blessings upon you. May God's love, mercies and blessings continue to surround you and your family this year.

Thanks for all your prayers and encouragements. I thank God for you. You have been a great encouragement to me. May the joy of our Lord continue to be your strength as you walk with Him and serve Him this year. Take care God bless!

Anonymous said...

Hi Lorie!
Just stopping by to wish you a Happy New Year! I'm back blogging again after taking a much need break from it. I'm so sorry to hear about your computer, I'll be praying that God provides a new one soon!
Love, Velvia

Joy said...

I'll be eager to hear how the Lord works thru this time in your life.
I know besides blogging I do all my banking and a lot of communicating with my computer. It is hard to be without it.
I'll look forward to catching up with you when you post again.
Happy New Year,

Joy

Gi said...

Great post my friend.
I trust that you had a Christ centered Christmas and I want to take the opportunity to wish you fullness in every area in 2009.

Happy New Year