Archive for the ‘The Journey’ Category

my candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night.

Friday, October 21st, 2005

Three months from today, I am marrying Daniel. There is still quite a bit of the wedding to plan. I have about thirteen new books that I’m dying to read. My ebay stack-of-things-to-sell is larger than life. My bedtime has been quite late recently. I haven’t been drinking as much water as I need to. I haven’t completely planned out my geisha costume. Squandering time is my worst fear. Achievable goals seem like but a distant dream. One of our new offices opens in a month – with a flood of new employees. The daily grind is becoming just that – a daily grind.

It’s as though I’ve recognized burnout but I’m already charred. Burnout is caused by unbalance – but I’ve always thought it just happened to other people. Workaholics and perfectionists. But this week I’m realizing that it can happen to anyone who is concerned with the little things in life just as much as the grand things.

The moments where everything clicks, time stops and it’s perfect? I love those. The sense of peace and gratefulness is overwhelming. Sometimes I wonder if there is pride mixed in. I can’t stop wanting to repeat those experiences. In my heart of hearts, I commit to doing things perfectly which sets in place a cycle of self-destruction that smothers the joy out of my living. The pursuit of perfection is a deadly and bitterly disappointing game.

It seems contradictory to slow down when I see life picking up speed. But if I don’t slow down and catch my breath – I’m going to miss those important things. In fact, the sacred whispers are often silent when my soul is living too loudly.

So I reach out to the only One who can help me change. Taking the slower path, making the detours, asking for help – I must rely on the strength of a Stronger Power.

we serve a wild and unfettered god.

Sunday, September 4th, 2005

A few weeks ago, Daniel and I started to become overwhelmed with the decisions we are making for the future. It wasn’t which crock-pot should we buy for the kitchen or what flowers should we use for the vestibule of the church. It was more along the lines of how on earth do we make decisions when we have no idea what is going to happen. That sounds vague, and I’m okay with it. I don’t have to spill all the details.

Let’s just say that there were many nights of tears and frustration. We both prayed and prayed and talked through scenario after scenario. Then this past Wednesday night we heard a message from Pastor Jeff that struck our souls so deeply. It was exactly what we had been needing to hear. Decisions are many, choices are rampant, but what matters most is what will honor God most. I’ve been a Christian for 20 years (as of September 1), but that is still a thought that catches my breath. So, we went out to eat that night and told each other that even though it doesn’t make sense – and we don’t know how things will play out – we are choosing Choice “C.” Which is throwing everything to the wind and stepping out on faith to do something we don’t understand or even attempt to.

I slept better on Wednesday night. And Thursday just seemed to flow better. Each time I began to entertain thoughts of how on earth I would remind myself that when you choose to honor God more than anything – He’ll provide a way.

While eating with Jerica at Ruby Tuesday’s on Thursday afternoon, my cell phone rang. I thought it was odd that Daniel would call me when he knew I was out with a co-worker but I answered anyway. And then he rocked my world with the news of what the Lord had done.

I’m breathless and amazed (and yet I shouldn’t be- shouldn’t I expect the God of the universe to do The Amazing?) and barely able to contain myself.

To God be the glory! Oh, that I will remember this experience and call back to others- surrender everything over and watch how He will take your all and turn it into so much more.

he is our refuge.

Thursday, September 1st, 2005

Panic has set in throughout South Carolina. All of the gas stations in Liberty are out of gas now and most of the one’s in Easley are empty. Daniel and I found a place last night but they only had premium left and I actually paid $3.29 a gallon.

It’s weird to watch all of this happen. I’m crawling into bed late because I’m watching the Katrina coverage and I’m getting up early because I want to see what’s happened down there over night. Fascinated. In awe. Scared. Overwhelmed.

I feel as though I’m watching one of the most important historal events and my heart is going out to those people right now. Daniel and I sat last night and pondered what it would be like if The Valley was destroyed, if Easley was gone and if we had no idea where each other had last been. Pastor Jeff mentioned last night that there were most likely small congregations all throughout the area on the coast that were completely wiped out. If only I could give all that I have. I keep looking at all the clothes and blankets and food that I have and the tears just rush to my eyes.

I know one thing for sure. It’s amazing how all the petty things that bothered me a few days ago are suddenly dim. My eyes are focused on things that matter now and my heart is in prayer for so many.

May the Lord hold each one close and may His name be honored even through one of our nation’s worst disasters ever.

secret fellowship.

Tuesday, June 21st, 2005

When we are in doubt or difficulty, when many voices urge this course or the other, when prudence utters one advice and faith another, then let us be still, hushing each intruder, calming ourselves in the sacred hush of God’s presence; let us study His Word in the attitude of devout attention; let us lift up our nature into the pure light of His face, eager only to know what God the Lord shall determine– and ere long a very distinct impression will be made, the unmistakable forth-telling of His secret counsel.

Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, Secret Fellowship

the way of understanding.

Wednesday, June 8th, 2005

This hand is bitterness
We want to taste it and
Let the hatred numb our sorrows
The wise hand opens slowly
To lilies of the valley and tomorrow

This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We’d be held

How many times did I find bitterness to be the Cup I Almost Drank?

[Held, on Natalie Grant’s new album, Awaken]