Slowing Down to Listen

Today was the first time in a long time that I've gotten to enjoy the

sunshine...





It has been pouring rain the last couple of days and to be
quite honest I've missed the sunshine. Never thought I
would say that. It's absolutely incredible how God changes
the weather for us... even if He chose to let it rain for 3 years..
I guess I would never complain. But, I DO know that I am
THANKFUL for the sunshine today...

..when usually, I just take it for granted.


When I was sixteen
I would escape in my little Toyota Avalon around 6:00 pm
to chase the sunsets and take pictures of them




I havn't done that in a long time...


I think I used to have a major appreciation for
everything outside my window. Actually, I think it
was deeper than appreciation. I remember journaling
about my God's creation and how BEAUTIFUL it was
and how much it CAPTURED my attention.

I believe it was the belly of my soul that would start
to feel overwhelmed in WONDER over a sunset...
or rain on the pond... or watching waves roll on the
ocean... or witnessing a shooting star in the canvas of the sky.

I think the Lord gave me a touch of second sight today..
which was a gift that allowed me to peek for a moment at
the world around me.. beyond ordinary space and time..
and was able to sit. And enjoy.

I havn't stopped.
I havn't stopped long enough...
I may have thought, wow, that's gorgeous......

but have I listened?



I can see the sun.

I can see the rain.

I can see the ocean.

I can see the stars.




But have I listened to what its all saying?

CREATION SPEAKS!




It's affirming and exclaiming the GLORY of God!




..so that from the rising of the sun
to the place of its setting
[men may know]
there is none besides me.
I am the Lord,
and there is no other..
(Isaiah 45:6)




To slow down.
And know that He is



And it's all here to remind us.
It's all here to bring glory to the One that it is due.

Slow me down, Lord
Cause me to listen

________________________________________________
Today I appreciate: Vanilla Lattes, getting out of rehearsal
early, memorization of 2 Corinthians 4, the sun on my face,
the book I bought yesterday that I was able to crack open
and read for 3 hours today, gratitude, affirmation, new mercy.

Gloriously Frightening..

It is a gloriously frightening realization..........

that I am doing what I have always wanted to do.

Some people wish that they will be something as a child...
or wish they could go somewhere and do
something beyond thrilling!
People make goals. Some reachable and
some unreachable.. but they
still take the risk and work hard at what they do.

I've definitely wished...
and I've definitely dreamed..
and I've definitely poured sweat and tears..

But it is JESUS alone that receives the glory
in everything that I do!

The growth doesn't stop here at a reached goal though.
I pray hard that it won't. No, it's only fuel for
this fire that is within me...

A fire that will not be burnt out...
He causes it to keep shining...
He is my glory and strength and sustainer in all things
It's not for me.
It's all for You.


Keep burning.
Keep yearning.
He is worthy!

It's Official

It's official, y'all.....


In August of 2009 I will be dancing at Ballet Magnificat as a full time alpha company member!


He blows my mind....
Seriously....


All the glory to Jesus!

Overview

Today I appreciate: God's forgiveness, socks, peanut m&m's, good friends, coffee to be shared, the pacific ocean, mountain views, embrace, tooth picks, psalm 27m, coca-cola, photos, the Lord's great goodness in my life, humility, in and out, John 1, bath robes, homemade chocolate chip cookies, books, prayer, warm blankets, chick-fil-a, children and the joy that they bring, creation, the fact that He knows the number of the stars and the grains of sand and every hair on my head, witnessing lives being changed from death to life, hope, peace, blow pops, fluffy pillows, internet connection, my home, parents, necklaces, old gene kelly movies, blossoms, icecream, coconut covered strawberries, korean snacks, safety while driving across the country