As with the little forget-me-not flower, God will never leave you nor forsake you.
The daily bread recounted the story of a tiny flower:.
“Several legends surround the naming of the beautiful five-petaled flower the forget-me-not. Among those stories is one from a German legend. According to the story, as God named all the plants He’d created, one little flower worried that it would be overlooked. So the flower called out, “Forget-me-not, O Lord.” And that’s the name God gave to it.”
I smiled as I read the recount of the story. It’s such a comfort that I can confidently say, God never forgets us. He went all the way to Calvary for us to set us free.
No matter our circumstances or role in life, rich, poor, homeless… no matter what, God sees each of us. We are all unique individuals to him.
Aren’t you happy for that? Let’s together shout praise and hallelujah for He has done great things!
The visiting pastor John Bonner talked about goals. If it’s a goal that requires a financial investment, clarity, direction or other, we should begin with prayer – present our requests to the lord.
He encouraged the congregants to journal. I listened carefully capturing each point. Afterall, I pondered whether his points differed from Charles Stanley’s.
Journal writing, when it becomes a ritual for transformation, is not only life-changing but life-expanding. – Jen Williamson
Journaling provides many benefits. Among the reasons are 5 keys listed below.
Journaling Benefits
1. Journaling measures your growth
Journaling is a Faith filler to see how God worked in your life.
2. Journaling Records God’s faithfulness
3. Worship God when you receive answered prayer
4. Journaling provides a Legacy for prosperity
What to Include in a Journal
We can write ad hoc things that are on our mind. Emptying our mind of cares and worries is traditional but the pastor went deeper. He opined that we should include:
Insights on God’s promises
Prayers requests – things we desire of the lord. We ask specifically for what we want. Sometimes it’s not clearly articulated or known to us but we voice our confusions as we seek clarity and his direction
We should include our Bible study notes. These are Whatever became clear as we do our daily devotions, attend church, listen to the word, worship and prayed
We should include acquaintances and special events. Whats gleaned that sparks words of comfort, praise or curiosity. The song by Elevation Music titled in the mighty name of Jesus is an example for me. It came at the right time. Another was Travis Greene’s You Made a Way
What Not to include in Journaling
It was surprising to me that he discouraged us from including sins and failures in our journal. Afterall the lord forgave us of our (confessed) sins. Recording them only brings back memories that we need to walk away from and focus on those great things he has done or have in store for us.
In summary, as Jen Williamson encouraged, journaling is not only life changing but life expanding. A tool that encourages transformation. So journal with God.
Not journaling? Start today. If you have been journaling, what benefits have you gleaned? Do share, we would love to hear.
RESOURCES
HUDSON Taylor – read how lord used his published journal
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
Psalm 23:2
Retreat means to withdraw. To take a step back. Jesus did this many times. He would disappear to spend time in the presence of his Father. He wanted to quiet his heart to gain the strength needed for the next steps on his earthly sojourn. If he needed strength, how much more we? Shouldn’t we follow the example that He set?
Larissa Marks, HuffPost contributor provided 6 practical steps to do a spiritual retreat. Here I share while giving a few of my own commentary.
Create the time and find a place. Any place quiet will do. It may be in your home. It may be away. It may be at a monastery or in nature. For me I skipped home to get away from the distractions. After two decades of receiving a prod to go, I finally gave in. Just me. Solo.
Set your intentions. What is the purpose? What is it you would like to achieve from this time with him? Is it a calling? Is it a life decision that you need to make? For me it was discernment and to follow his leading for the next phase of my life
Settle into God’s presence. Do something that quiets your heart and eases you into his presence. For me it’s walking in nature or sitting quietly breathing–welcoming and experiencing his presence. Ask him what he wants you to receive at this time. Listen and follow his lead.
Reflect. Do some quiet reflection. What have you experienced in the last few weeks, months or even years? What has been draining you? What has brought you satisfaction?
Connect with God. Read scripture. Notice any desire(s) that emerge. For me in his presence there’s always fullness of joy. Even in the midst of life’s storms I find that I can experience his quiet peace.
Receive and return. Think about what you received during this time away. What do you want to stop doing or start doing? Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about the Lord and accomplishing his will and purpose for your life.
Hope these tips will help provide guidance as you make important life decisions or seek discernment for the next phase of your life. If you have done solo retreats, what did you walk away with? What stood out most about this experience? Do share. We would love to hear.
Thank you for being a friend. Lots of struggles but God made you special. I pray God will provide the desires of your heart. That you will always continue to give the gift of love that he has provided to you.
I pray today will be special day for you, you and yes… you too.
Goals are created in the peace and quiet of solace. I was reflecting on the different types of animals. Birds, insects, fish and those that soar. All creatures were created by our great big awesome God. When he did it, it was done in serenity when the earth was without form and void.
Yessss…And when it was done, he created man. The purpose? To enjoy his creations as told in Genesis.
As you go about making your own plans for today, tomorrow or the future, do it with God for only what’s done for the Lord will last. Find that place of solace for your goal. Spend time with the Lord as you dream and create in silence . Then come out and share with others the great things you have done.
At 6am I awoke startled wondering who had turned on the light. Sleep disturbed. Weeks later a repeat after a night of power outage. A Blackout fired the most beautifully decorated Christmas lights. But joy came in the morning as sunrise burst through.
Hmm cause to reflect….
Jesus is the light of the world. There’s no light that shines brighter than his. We too are encouraged to let our light (life) shine. Surprise someone with your light of love today. There’s no better time than during the most wonderful time of the year.
When we don’t know what to do, Father you do. When we don’t know what to Say, speak through us. If silence is all we have, help us not to fear it but receive it. Grant us comfort and strengthen hearts while we wait.
When we are far away from our ailing loved ones, you’re there. You’re near. When we feel helpless, grant wisdom When we are perplexed, grant clarity
Father, please intervene as only you can. Please Quiet all hearts right now. Grant comfort, quiet peace to the entire family’s anxious soul. Intervene now Lord as only you can. Please intervene.
Take care of the Ailing’s body and spirit Take care of the family. Take care of caregiver’s anxious mind. We pray these things in your name. Intervene Lord, intervene. Intervene as only you can.
GREENLiGHT 