PET PEEVES

Irritation.

Defined as this: the state of feeling impatient, annoyed, or angry.

Oh yes.

Ever just feel downright irritated at life…and people?

Just *bugged to death* by frustrations and aggravations?

Yeah, me too.

So, just for fun I thought I'd list some of my pet peeves, some of the things that irritate me the most:


1) Stickers on something

You know, the stickers that won't come off.

Oh sure, they fool you into thinking that they're going to come right off.  They do this by letting you easily pry up one little corner.  You start peeling, ever-so-slowly, only to end up pulling the top layer off, leaving a paper trail of the worst kind.

Sure, then you try using your fingernails.

That only succeeds in getting little bits of paper and adhesive stuck under your nails.

The next step is using a little soap and water (which, incidentally, cannot be used on a book cover, which leads to more aggravation).

Sometimes you can be successful with removing the paper, leaving only a gluey, sticky residue.

At this point I usually try the *sticky loves sticky* method of removal.  This entails rolling up a piece of tape and repeatedly pressing it against the residue. I have found that doing this slowly, applying pressure and then peeling the tape back, yields better results than quick jabs.

If none of these methods work, I usually resort to using Goo Gone – a pleasant orange-smelling oil that usually does the trick.  Of course, then you have to clean up the Goo Gone, another pet peeve.


2) Perforations on bills

OK, so you get the bills that have no perforation to aid in easily removing the payment stub they expect you to send in with your payment.  This is irritating enough, as you must dig out the scissors and do the work yourself.

As if paying the bill wasn't irritating enough.

Or, and this arguably bugs me even more, the perforation does NOT match up with the fold.  Most often the difference is about a millionth of an inch.  But that is enough to make a real mess.

I like a clean edge.

And with this perforation/fold disparity, it becomes next to impossible.

I've tried to do the fold one way, fold another way method of making the perforation more "tearable" – (which is a terrible waste of time).

Even so, most of the time I end up with a ragged edge…

…which I trim with scissors.


3) Tamper-proof seals on containers

You know the ones.

The ones that you have to fiddle with to even try to find a starting point to peel – (without tearing off a fingernail in the process).  Of course, if this is successful, you never, ever get the whole thing off in one piece.

There have been times when I've gotten so frustrated that I just pierced the top with a sharp object – (probably the scissors that I have just used on my bills).  Of course, then you have to fish the little flap out.

Don't get me started on the pinch-and-twist caps.

Or the cotton inside.


4) Exploding things 

Let me qualify this.

"The Hub" and I live in the mountains at 6300 feet elevation.

So, whenever we buy groceries *down-the-hill* and trek them back up the hill, there's a certain amount of pressure that builds up inside the containers.

Evidently, things expand above sea level.

Suffice it to say that on more than one occasion I have been baptized with yogurt.

Or splattered with soup.

Or celebrated with potato chip confetti.

(To be fair, though, the potato chip thing could be a result of sealed margins that don't separate easily – ie, potato chips, crackers, cereal – another pet peeve of mine – grrr…)


5) Slow drivers in the fast lane

No need for a lot of explanation here.  I'll make it simple…

MOVE. OVER.


6) Bike riders who don't obey the rules

Maybe I'm just a bit bitter about bikes in general after my fall a couple of weeks ago?!

But when I go visit my family, down in the *city*, bike riders are often the worst rule-breakers around!

They don't stop at stop signs, they don't signal their intentions, they cut in front of you, they zip around in their spandex like the road belongs to them.

Not all bike riders are like this.

So I'm just peeved at the offenders.


7) People who cut into line

I. CANNOT. STAND. THIS.

The only times I can remember almost getting into a literal fist fight is when people have cut in line.  In front of my kids.  Especially at amusement parks.

'Nuff said.


8) Impolite texting behavior

Two things:

One, leaving a texting conversation in the middle of the conversation.

So, you're in the middle of a conversation and all of a sudden the person disappears.  And maybe you don't hear a reply text until two hours later. Which leaves me with the whole paranoia thought that I might have said something to offend them?

Like LOL??

Two, people who text you a question and then when you start to fashion a reply, you see the little dots signifying that they're writing you another text.

Honestly, give me time to reply!!

Or, the worst is a combination of the two – they text a question and then disappear from the conversation.

Know what I mean?

I just think that it is so


9) Bending book covers or dog-earing pages

Books are hallowed to me.

I can maybe forgive you mishandling your books, but don't mess with mine!

I almost lost a friendship when I loaned a paperback to a friend, which was returned looking like it had been run over by a truck.  I asked them to buy me a new book.

Feud ensued.


10) People who can't spell my name

Even when I spell it for them.

I'm not going to name names (*$’s), but I have told them my name and spelled it, and they still get it wrong.

Is it that old-fashioned?

Or is it that we live in a culture where people spell names so weird that we don't know what to do?

I've seen Sheran, Sharron, Cheran, Sherin, Shannon – once I got frustrated and told them my name was Cindy – (which they spelled Cyndi).  I'm tempted to tell them my name is "X"…

Ex, Exx, Ecks???


These are just a few of my pet peeves.

Life is full of exasperation – situations and people that endlessly irritate, frustrate, and aggravate us.

But how we react to it is up to us.

We can let the enemy distract us, tempting us into a complaining, negative attitude, steering us into anger and bitterness.

Or we can let the Lord teach us about longsuffering.


Many people think that longsuffering means "suffering long."

But the word longsuffering in the Bible is the Greek word "makrothymía" – and comes from the two words "makrós" meaning "long," and "thymos" meaning "passion, anger."  It can properly be translated "long-passion" – i.e. waiting sufficient time before expressing anger.

To be longsuffering is to have self-restraint.  To be longsuffering means not immediately retaliating or punishing.  

God is the source of longsuffering because it is part of His character.

He is patient with sinners, patient with our failings, patient with our weaknesses.

And when we become His followers, we must follow His example.

How might our lives be affected if longsuffering was exhibited in our attitudes, our words, our actions?

How might our relationships change – with family, friends, at home, at work, at church?

Our human self-nature can be so easily peeved, so very short-fused.

We are quick to get irritated, frustrated, aggravated.

So very quick to strike out with unkind words and unforgiving attitudes.

But, when we stop and think about how longsuffering God is with us – well, do we really have any right to be any less longsuffering with others?

No, friends, we do not.


There are always going to be things that really bug me – my pet peeves will always test my patience and drive me to distraction.

But with the help of the Holy Spirit, I'm going to try to look at them differently.

Not as interruptions and disruptions, but as learning moments.

Moments when I can step into the character of God Himself…



What's one of your pet peeves?

Easy peasy?

Yeah, right...

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience (makrothymía), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…" 
(Galatians 5:22-23, ESV)

"And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, 'The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…'" (Exodus 34:6-7, KJV)

"The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression…" (Numbers 14:18, KJV)

"But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." (Psalm 86:15, KJV)

"Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you?  Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" (Romans 2:4, NLT)

"And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation…" 
(2 Peter 3:15, KJV)

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9, Berean Study Bible)

"…for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life." (1 Timothy 1:16, NASB)

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." 
(Colossians 3:12, NIV)

"May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy…" (Colossians 1:11, ESV) 

"We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love." 
(2 Corinthians 6:6, NLT)

"Always be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love." (Ephesians 4:2, NLT)

"And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone." (1 Thessalonians 5:14, NIV)




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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

A BEAGLE HEALS

Marty.

My beloved granddog.

A clown, a rascal, a soldier.

That dog teaches me so many lessons about God.  I wonder if he knows that.  Sometimes I wonder if that's his purpose on this earth.

Well, let me tell you a bit about him being a soldier.

A couple of weeks ago, Marty had to have major surgery.  He had his spleen removed.  Yes, you heard that right – Marty *vented his spleen.*  The reason for this rather dramatic occurrence?  Well, here's the deal.  It's not all that uncommon for dogs to have growths on their spleens.  Most often they are cancerous, but even when they're not, they can be very dangerous.  These nodules grow and expand, and can burst – and then, a dog can bleed to death in a very short period of time.

So, the treatment is total removal of the problem.

One hospitalization, one "cone of shame," one two-week confinement to a dog bed and pen, and one suture/staple removal appointment later, Marty is doing fine.

No sign of cancer!

I stayed with my son for the two-week convalescent period.  (Marty is actually his dog, but don't tell either one of them that!!)  Yes, it allowed my son to go to work, and continue with a normal life.  But, truthfully, it also allowed me the chance to *love on* that dog, and be a lot less nervous about the whole process.

I will never forget how excited he was when we dropped him off for the surgery.  He loves the vet!!  People and dogs, what could be better?!  (Those moments just about broke my heart…)

And, I will never forget when we picked him up the next day.

My son and I sat in the examining room, and waited for the appearance of that beloved little face.  Well, I'll never forget seeing him as he turned the corner, wearing his cone, and walking like a snail on tranquilizers.  So slow, with his drugged-up eyes half open.  (My eyes teared up...big-time).

But, you know what?

That precious little dog wagged his tail and moseyed a tad bit quicker to get over to us!  Let me tell you, those licks of greeting and affection were the best ever.

See, he's a soldier.

As I watched Marty recover, I became determined to not let this experience pass without thinking about what I was learning through it all.  I am constantly reminded of my relationship with the Lord as I compare it to my relationship with my grandbeagle.

There's a purity of love and loyalty and devotion, a blessed freedom in total acceptance, a trust and a reliance that I receive from Marty.  He adores me, and is also happy and content in my presence.  He knows his needs will be fulfilled, and he feels perfectly cared for.  Under our wings, Marty is perfectly joyous.

Yes, Marty shows me how I should relate to my Master.

And my love for him?  It is also pure and loyal and devoted – given with total and unconditional acceptance.  Marty also has a way of bringing out the best in my heart.  I relate to him with self-sacrificing care, unmitigated joy, tender-heartedness, kind and gentle patience, big-smile delight, and can't-get-close-enough intimacy.  

And truly, isn't that just how our Master relates to us?!

So, what have I learned through this whole experience?

Here we go:

1) "Bad" things are sometimes good things in disguise

This whole odyssey started with a bad experience.  Last summer, Marty somehow got into the garbage and ate some leftover Chinese food.  By the next morning, his stomach was distended and hard, and he could barely move. A fast trip to the ER, an overnight stay, and multiple testing led to the discovery of the nodule on his spleen.

At the time, my son was quite frustrated with Marty.  (See the above-mentioned "rascal" reference).  And I was frustrated with the whole situation, too.

But, I have come to realize that the "coincidental" finding of the nodule on his spleen allowed us the chance to potentially save his life.

This really "bad" episode of beagle dumpster-diving was the circumstance that let us become aware of the growth.  We were able to monitor it, and remove it before it caused potentially life-threatening consequences.

How many times in the Bible do we read of the same sort of thing?

A seemingly bad thing, a "coincidental" occurrence, turns out to be a life-saving rescue?

Our greatest example?  

That terrible cross – the worst thing that ever happened in the history of time.  And yet, that "bad" turned out to be the best thing ever.  A life saver, in every way!

"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." 

(Genesis 50:20, ESV)

2) Sometimes the cure is painful

In the end, the cure for Marty's problem involved major surgery, and a painful recovery.  The cure was invasive and drastic – but necessary. Sometimes, our sin requires the same thing.  Sometimes the cure isn't a bandage.  Sometimes the sin is much more than a skin-deep scratch.

This is when God does the right thing, the best thing.  He digs in with spiritual surgery, and removes the problem.  Painful, yes, and drastic.  And sometimes downright invasive.  We often don't want the "cure," do we?  

But sin can grow and expand and threaten us.

God is all about giving us Life.  And becoming more like Him, letting Him live through us, well, sometimes that requires major surgery, pain, and recovery.

But in the end, we are restored.

"But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.  No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it's painful!  But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way." (Hebrews 12:10-11, NLT)

3) Accept the cage

Marty is an *allowed-on-the-couch-and-bed* dog.  My son spends a great deal of time next to his best friend, and vice versa.  But, surgery recovery required something else.  Absolutely NO jumping.  Nope, Marty needed to be confined in one small area to recuperate.

The solution?  A new dog bed, and a pen to surround him.

I'm not kidding.  It literally was like a little hospital ward!  Wanna know a secret?  I spent the first night sleeping on the floor next to him.  I started on the couch, but realized I wasn't going to get any sleep constantly wondering if he was OK.  So, a couple of couch cushions, a pillow, and some blankets later – the nurse moved into the "ward."

But this lesson centers on how willing Marty was to accept this whole change of routine.  He really just *went with the flow* – and never complained.

You know, sometimes life just brings a slew of problems.  Circumstances that jolt us out of our routines.  So often we find ourselves having to adjust to new challenges and aggravating inconveniences.   I don't know about you, but I don't do well in these kinds of situations.

I fight against them, and I complain.

Marty taught me, once again, that the best thing I can do is to accept what life throws at me, to remain unflustered by change, and to learn how to be content in the middle of every situation.

Even if I feel "penned in."

"…I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret…I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13, ESV)

4) Take the time to escape

Marty has this thing – he loves to bury himself under blankets.  I think he likes shutting out the light and the noise and the distractions.  I think under a blanket is his *happy place.*

Well, this special place is a little harder to reach when one is wearing a plastic cone!!  

I had to laugh as I watched Marty try to maneuver the blanket with that cone on.  Well, at first I laughed, but then I had to help.  I could hear (even though he is a silent dog) his muttering frustration.

But, again, the lesson I learned is that sometimes you've just got to cover up and escape from life – you have to get away from it all.  Sometimes you just need to give yourself some grace.  Give yourself permission to not have it all together.  

Sometimes we need to stop being so hard on ourselves or we'll implode.

Sometimes we need to just find a good blanket (emotionally, spiritually – and sometimes, literally!), curl up, and just retreat from the world to recover, revive, refresh, and restore.

We have a good example.

Jesus Himself placed a high priority on finding time to rest.  His *alone* time was precious, and He needed it.  I do believe He would encourage us to follow in His footsteps.

And sometimes those footsteps need to lead us away to a quiet place.

"He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul…" (Psalm 23:2-3, NASB)

5) Rest in the love and care of others

As I've said before, Marty is a picture of perfect trust.  He just knows that we love him, and that we are doing everything in our power to protect and nurture and care for him.

He still loved us after surgery.  He accepted the cone when we had to place it on him.  He was content in the pen.  He eagerly ate the new food and willingly took the new medicine.  He entrusted himself to us, without a doubt, and rested in our arms.

Is this not the biggest lesson of all?

I think it might be for me.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.  Don't be impressed with your own wisdom.  Instead, fear the LORD…Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones." (Proverbs 3:5-8, NLT)

So yes, this was quite an ordeal.

But how can I relate this experience to my relationship with the Lord, my Master?

And what have I learned from Marty?

This:

I can still love the Lord even after a painful event.

I can accept change when the Lord deems it necessary – even if it's inconvenient and changes my routine.

I can be content when the Lord tells me it's time to rest – and realize that sometimes "jumping through all of the hoops" isn't the best.

I can eagerly eat the daily bread that He provides me – even on the days when it's different than what I'm used to, something I might not want, or feels meager.

I can willingly take the *medicine* of discipline, knowing that it is given because it will make me well.

I can entrust myself to Him, without a doubt, and rely on His loving arms.  I can know that He loves me, and believe that He will do everything in His power to protect and nurture and care for me.

I can trust Him…and rest.

Thank you, Marty, for once again teaching me so much about life and love and God.

A beagle heals.

And so do I…

The Happy Place 

The Precious Face

"The Eternal is my shepherd, He cares for me always.
He provides me rest in rich, green fields
    beside streams of refreshing water.

He soothes my fears;
He makes me whole again,
    steering me off worn, hard paths
    to roads where truth and righteousness echo His name.

Even in the unending shadows of death's darkness,
    I am not overcome by fear.
Because You are with me in those dark moments,
    near with Your protection and guidance,
    I am comforted.

You spread out a table before me,
    provisions in the midst of attack from my enemies;
You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil,
    filling my cup again and again with Your grace.

Certainly Your faithful protection and loving provision will pursue me
    where I go, always, everywhere.
I will always be with the Eternal,
    in Your house forever."

(Psalm 23, THE VOICE)


"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation." (Isaiah 12:2, NIV)

"When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.  In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid." (Psalm 56:3-4, NASB)

"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (1 Peter 5:7, AMP)

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (1 Peter 5:10, NIV)

"Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.  For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.  Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse.  But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay." (Romans 8:18-21, NLT)

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.  And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'" (Revelation 21:4-5, ESV)

How do these lessons speak healing to your soul?



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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

LIGHT AND SHADOW - A Poem

LIGHT AND SHADOW

The light and shadows play today
One moment sunny, the next moment gray,
The wind does its work, sculpting the air
One moment gloomy, the next moment fair.

It's much like the way it is with my life
One moment calm, the next moment strife,
I'm never quite sure how the wind will blow
One moment high, the next moment low.

Sometimes I wish the wind would cease
And bring me some quiet, bring me some peace,
But it continues to blow and blow and blow
Taking me where?  I just never know.

There must be a way to control the air
So that every day dawns sunny and fair,
There must be a way to control my life
So there never exists a day with strife.

But I have never found a way
To control what happens in the course of a day,
I do not know how to harness the wind
Nor how to alter a world filled with sin.

So each day I wonder what the wind will bring
Will I be crying, or will I sing,
Up and down I'm carried and blown
Twisted by forces completely unknown.

Oh, I am tired, and in much need of rest
I need a day when with peace I am blessed,
But where to turn, I cry out in pain
For after all, today it might rain.

Then a Voice so quiet, a Voice so still
A Voice that works outside my will,
Speaks to the wind a word of peace
And tells the storms, "No more, now cease."

The light and shadows will always play
One moment sunny, the next moment gray,
But the Voice does His work, sculpting the air
While always keeping me under His care.

Yes, that is the way it is with my life
One moment calm, the next moment strife,
But though I don't know how the wind will blow
The Light always leads me where I should go.

© Sharon Kirby
January 7, 2013

In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 

"The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.  The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes." (Psalm 19:8, NIV)

"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." 
(Psalm 119:105, NLT)

"For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." 
(Psalm 36:9, NIV)

"I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.  These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." 
(Isaiah 42:16, NIV)

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12, NIV)

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." (John 1:5, NLT)

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." 

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'"

(Isaiah 9:2 / Luke 2:9-11, NIV)

Glorious now behold Him arise,

King and God and Sacrifice.

Alleluia, alleluia!

Sounds through the earth and skies.

O star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect Light.

(Christmas Carol - We Three Kings)

How does the Light shine in your shadows?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at UNITE
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAYS
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Jacqueline at ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Beth at THREE WORD WEDNESDAY
Kasey at WALKING REDEEMED
Lyli at THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY
Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA JAM
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Leslie at FAITHFUL FRIDAY
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Salina at HEART REFLECTED
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS 


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

SAY THAT AGAIN, LORD?

God speaks to me.

He does.

He did just the other day.

But, before I begin this post and tell you what He had to say, I'd like to say something about what it means when I say, "God spoke to me."

A lot of people are really thrown off by that phrase.

Skepticism abounds.

People look at you like you're crazy, naively foolish – or worse yet, arrogant.


I see three dangers when we talk about the Lord speaking to us.


One, we can be wrong.  We can shape our personal thoughts and feelings, molding them subconsciously into our own set of priorities, desires, motives, and wishes.  All of a sudden, God "speaks" to us, and we are pleased by what He says.  Because, after all, it lines up with what we want to hear.

The second danger is that the enemy can also speak to us.  Though as believers he cannot possess us – he can harass us.  He is also capable of planting thoughts in our heads.  Why else does the Bible call him the father of lies?  Why else does the Bible tells us to wear a helmet?  He can penetrate our thoughts, and we often listen.  Because, after all, what he says also lines up with what we want to hear. Or, his words are not what we want to hear because they are demeaning, distracting, depressing, or downright destructive.

But, the third danger is almost the worst of all.  If we're not careful, we can dismiss legitimate communication from the Holy Spirit.  Labeling His words as our *own* thoughts, or simply our subconscious speaking, or just wishful thinking – we can lose a message that is correctly spoken.


Things can get tricky here.

How can we tell whether it's truly the Holy Spirit speaking?


There are three rules that I have found to be vital in discerning the Spirit:

1.  Does it line up with Scripture?  The Holy Spirit will NEVER say anything that does not agree with God's Word.  Line up what you think you're hearing with the indisputable words of the Bible.

2.  Is it self-serving?  The Holy Spirit will NOT say things to us that serve only to promote us.  His ONLY mission is to point us to the Truth, and His all-encompassing purpose is to bring glory to God.

3.  What do other trusted believers think?  The Holy Spirit often confirms His words to us through the confirmation of other believers.  Trusted counselors are integral to the discernment process.


OK, so let's move on to what it feels like for me to hear God speak.

It's really rather difficult to describe.  And I venture to say that everyone's experience is slightly different – because God is such a personal and intimate Communicator.

So, this is my subjective experience.

It's like a thought that bubbles up inside of me independently.  It's like I think it without thinking it.  Does that make sense?  It's an urge, or an impulse, or a perfectly new insight.  Sometimes it's a word of comfort, or a directive to take faithful action.  Sometimes it's something that echoes the words of Scripture.

It's definitely a voice – not an audible voice – but an inner voice.

A voice that feels like it comes from somewhere inside me, but somewhere separate from my mind.

A Spirit talking with a spirit.

And, after all, isn’t that what the Bible tells us it will be like?

A still, small voice.  A gentle whisper.  

Yeah, sometimes God sounds a little stronger, a little sterner.  But when He speaks like that, I pretty much know it's Him.  How?  Because I do NOT usually hear what I want to hear!


So, the other day I had a minor emotional meltdown.  (Will someone please explain to me why I am STILL having PMS symptoms years after "The Change"?)

Looked it up in Sharon's Acrostic Dictionary:  

P retty
M uch
S enseless


Sigh.

I digress.


OK, picture me sitting on a boulder in the backyard, freezing cold in shorts and a thin sweatshirt.  The sun is setting over the valley, the giant granite mountain above me is turning pink, the wind is blowing gently.  It's a picture-postcard Kodak moment.

And I am crying.

I talk to the Lord, desperate to hear from Him.

"Lord, what is wrong with me?  I really and truly want to love living up here. It's beautiful.  It's everything I've ever dreamed of.  Why can't I embrace all of this?"

And then, the independent Voice, the still, small whisper spoke…

"Because you STILL don't understand why I brought you here."

(Insert confused pause…)

"I brought you here to rest."


I was stopped in my tracks.  Astounded.  Greatly moved.  Convicted and comforted all at the same time.

To rest?

My Word for 2013 is DIRECTION.  And all year long, I've been (frantically) searching for what direction God wants me to go.  What is the purpose for me being here – specifically here, in the mountains?

DO, DO, DO…What does He want me to DO??

And, this word from God has stopped me.

I can't tell you the joy that began to wash over my soul as I pondered what He said.

He wants me to rest.


I have always loved the mountains, always felt like they were my *soul place*.  And here I am – in the place that has always felt like *home* to me.

But, as you all know, I've been struggling.

However, now it is becoming so much clearer to me.  I have been struggling because I've been focusing on what I've LOST – not on what I've GAINED – by moving here.

I have been looking back – (I'm surprised I haven't turned into a pillar of salt yet) – instead of looking around.

I have agonized over the GOP – Grand Old Purpose – that I thought God was making happen in my life "down the hill."  Only to lose it all when my life came to a screeching halt up here.

But now I am pondering.

What I have defined as "stopping" – God has really been trying to tell me is *resting*.


Yes, the other day God spoke to me and gave me permission to rest.

I have been contemplating the many seasons we go through in life.

Seasons of blessing and abundance – seasons of dryness and depletion.  Seasons of great ministry opportunities, and seasons of waiting.

But I don't think that I have ever really considered the idea that resting has a purpose.

Resting sounds like laziness, inactivity, complacency.

It sounds like a cop-out.

But I am beginning to realize that a season of rest has a purpose all its own – a God-ordained purpose.

IF we stop and recognize it.


God wants me to rest.

I feel a weight lifted off of my shoulders – I feel like I have been given permission to let go of striving.

I feel an invitation to go outside – to explore His creation.  I feel an invitation to dig into His Word – for no other reason than just to bask in His love.  I feel an invitation to speak to Him, to listen to Him – strictly for the intimacy of communion.

I feel an invitation to meet Him in the relaxation of my spirit.

Oh Lord, thank You.

It took almost the whole year for me to finally hear what HE meant by the word *direction*.

It meant to do what He was directing me to do.  Not an end result, not a tangible path, not an action to take.  Not direction like where to go – but direction like an actor receives – the management or guidance of someone.  

Yeah, direction like that.

God has been directing me to rest...

And I am so grateful.

Grateful that He is graciously providing me with the time to process life.  To filter and understand the many emotions that have hit me in the last year and a half.  To ponder Him and His creation.

To take a spiritual deep breath – to inhale His Spirit – and to be content with only that.

To serve Him in stillness.


Rest.

Blessed rest.

And now I get it – because God spoke to me – and I listened.


An unexpected message…that bubbled up inside…that spoke to my heart…

…and I have finally heard Him.

My Yoke Is Easy 

"'Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.'" (Matthew 11:28-30, NASB)

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:3, NASB)

"And He said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.'" (Mark 6:31, NASB)

"...'I see that the LORD is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope.'" (Acts 2:25-26, NLT)

"For we who have believed enter that rest..." (Hebrews 4:3, ESV)



What has God been trying to say to you this year?



(Note: I'll still be blogging, as I feel led to continue that - but in other areas of my life, I'll give myself permission to just enjoy my surroundings!)


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at UNITE
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAYS
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAY
Jacqueline at ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Nannette at WISDOM WEDNESDAY
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA JAM
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Leslie at FAITHFUL FRIDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Salina at HEART REFLECTED
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"