Do you ever feel like you are feeling things more strongly than usual? Things just seem to impact you more. I felt that way for the past couple of days. For example, today, while I was waiting for the crossing guard, aka, the little flashing man/sign, I found myself staring off into space. The rain was coming down, more than a drizzle, but it didn't really matter b/c it was warm outside (is this what they mean by "global warming?"). So, there I was, staring off into space. Watching the cars pass by, their tires whipping through the puddles. I wasn't thinking of much of anything, but I was at peace. Peace with myself and the world around me. And I was thankful-for the simple pleasure of walking to school, in the rain.
Over the weekend I was sitting in a coffee-house trying to work on a project for class. Across the room sat three men , a father and his two grown sons maybe? They were enjoying a friendly game of dominoes on a Sunday afternoon. The men spoke in Spanish so I'm not sure what exactly they were saying (nor did I understand their game having never played dominoes), but I could read their body language pretty easily: they were just enjoying life. Enjoying being in each others company. They were thankful that they had the day off of work. In fact, work was the last thing on their minds. One of the sons would make a joke. The other two would laugh. This is why God gave us the Sabbath: I thought to myself. It's a time when we can catch up with friends and family, laugh, go to church...and play dominoes. Sigh. I didn't have much motivation to finish my project after that.
Last night my co-workers and I were outside for our break. As we were making small talk about the gorgeous and warm weather, the wind blew. It wasn't a big gust of wind. Just a soft breeze. And it just felt "right." Once again, I was at peace. Peace with myself and at peace with the night sky. Work was a blur after that, but that feeling of peace and wholeness stayed with throughout the night. Sometimes, I wish I felt this deeply all the time. Would I have a different perspective on life? Would I be more sympathetic toward others? What about love? gratitude? Would I love others with a more gracious heart ? Last post I wrote that I was thankful for love- for being loved and for loving others. Tonight, I will go to bed with a heavy heart. A heart that is full of awe, wonder, love and hope. Hope that tomorrow will bring new blessings. Do you ever feel like you are feeling things more strongly than usual? As we were praying in Bible Study night, I realized, once again: tonight is one of those nights.
10.12.08
8.12.08
Gratitude..
24. I am grateful for all the love in my life. I know that I loved by others and that means everything. I am thankful that I am able to show others that I love them.
25. I am thankful for good conversations. For the chance to speak my heart and listen to the hearts of others - for conversations both in person and over the phone. For laughter. For tears. For love.
26.It's probably the PT in me, but I am amazed by a guy's physical strength. His strength to carry a heavy box without wincing. Like it were as light as a feather.
27. I am thankful for a voice to sing and ears to hear the sounds of the Christmas season!
28. I am proud to be a JMU Alumni. The Dukes are heading to the FCS Football Semifinals this weekend.
29. Once again I'm thankful for men. For their ability to problem solve , understand spatial things, and even diagnose my car problems! So grateful for that last one!
30. I am blessed by the hospitality of others. That they would open up their homes and welcome me with warm hearts.
25. I am thankful for good conversations. For the chance to speak my heart and listen to the hearts of others - for conversations both in person and over the phone. For laughter. For tears. For love.
26.It's probably the PT in me, but I am amazed by a guy's physical strength. His strength to carry a heavy box without wincing. Like it were as light as a feather.
27. I am thankful for a voice to sing and ears to hear the sounds of the Christmas season!
28. I am proud to be a JMU Alumni. The Dukes are heading to the FCS Football Semifinals this weekend.
29. Once again I'm thankful for men. For their ability to problem solve , understand spatial things, and even diagnose my car problems! So grateful for that last one!
30. I am blessed by the hospitality of others. That they would open up their homes and welcome me with warm hearts.
4.12.08
I'm a guest blogger...
This is my post for tonight (or visit Angie's blog at www.springofjoy.org).
What is prayer? Why do we pray? Often we think that prayer is when we ask God for things that we need. And I know how superficial that sounds. But sometimes we ask God to watch over our families, to keep us and those around us safe and healthy, or we even ask if God if He will reveal himself to us. But I think prayer can be so much more.
Prayer can be asking God for things...I think this is okay as long as do not have our own expectations about how God will answer our prayers. But prayer can also just be a time of sitting and reflecting in the presence of God. Really desiring to feel His presence. Prayer can also be a time when we are talking to God and then we start listening to ourselves. I often find myself praying, "God, I am tired. and I am lonely. I know you are good, but I still feel alone..where are you?" If we listen to ourselves as we pray, we might just realize that we've got it all wrong! Prayer is not about ME. Rather it is all about GOD! It is all about our AWESOME and WONDERFUL FATHER.
And so, maybe the best kinds of prayers are when we acknowledge say just that: "God, you are amazing, You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. (Psalm 77:14) How awesome! Yes there is power in prayer. Sometimes praying is about talking to God. Yet sometimes, the best times, are when we pray and remember that our GOD IS GOOD.
This is my prayer for tonight: Dear Father, You are more awesome than I can ever know. It is because of your great love that I can ever love others in return. Tonight, I pray Father that I would trust in Your love for your people, especially your daughter Angie. I love you Father. You are so good and so strong. Be our strength tonight and always.
What is prayer? Why do we pray? Often we think that prayer is when we ask God for things that we need. And I know how superficial that sounds. But sometimes we ask God to watch over our families, to keep us and those around us safe and healthy, or we even ask if God if He will reveal himself to us. But I think prayer can be so much more.
Prayer can be asking God for things...I think this is okay as long as do not have our own expectations about how God will answer our prayers. But prayer can also just be a time of sitting and reflecting in the presence of God. Really desiring to feel His presence. Prayer can also be a time when we are talking to God and then we start listening to ourselves. I often find myself praying, "God, I am tired. and I am lonely. I know you are good, but I still feel alone..where are you?" If we listen to ourselves as we pray, we might just realize that we've got it all wrong! Prayer is not about ME. Rather it is all about GOD! It is all about our AWESOME and WONDERFUL FATHER.
And so, maybe the best kinds of prayers are when we acknowledge say just that: "God, you are amazing, You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. (Psalm 77:14) How awesome! Yes there is power in prayer. Sometimes praying is about talking to God. Yet sometimes, the best times, are when we pray and remember that our GOD IS GOOD.
This is my prayer for tonight: Dear Father, You are more awesome than I can ever know. It is because of your great love that I can ever love others in return. Tonight, I pray Father that I would trust in Your love for your people, especially your daughter Angie. I love you Father. You are so good and so strong. Be our strength tonight and always.
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