And it's time for another Five Minute Friday post! Linking up with katemotaung.com. The word is HAVEN.
1, 2, 3, GO: Haven is one of those words that sounds like what it is... it is like a peaceful exhale of breath when saying it softly... Haven... security... safety... shelter... refuge... What a lovely word! For me, a haven is where peace can be found, and healing can happen. Chains are undone and wings of joy unfurled. I have two kinds of havens - one based in the physical, one in the spiritual... one tangible, one beyond normal reach. The physical is found in the listening ears, the encouraging words and loving arms of family and friends. To be heard, understood, validated and lifted up by people I fully trust... it breathes life into broken areas, it soothes and strengthens... brings smiles and laughter... and firmer footing through reminders of the truth. The spiritual is found in my faith - not religion, but a relationship with the God of the universe... with Jesus, the Son, and the Spirit... God's presence brings a peace like no other. A relationship with God means He is always available, always understands, and always comforts. When I call on Him, He pours love and joy into heart beyond description. There are seasons when God feels far away, but I know He is still with me, and after coming out of those, the sense of His presence suddenly is back in a flood of sweet renewal like water after a desert journey, and that is when I realize the strength and grace He gave me all along. ...And God is so good, that though He might feel far away and His haven unreachable, He sends His love through the haven I find in friends and family. And eventually... the wilderness ends and I am enfolded once again in God's haven. I can go through anything and come through stronger, be renewed, and have all the broken pieces knit together and healed by running to my haven. One more thing.... this is after the five minutes, but inspired by "Haven" and still a rough draft... Healing in the Haven Seeking solace Seeking stillness Searching for safe harbor amidst the stormy seas Where is the calm Where is the peace The exhale of a breath A cry for calm A plea for peace A whispered prayer A waiting heart Then a stir in the air Love is outpoured From the author of love The God who holds the world This God holds my heart and sends His healing touch throughout every part Every part of my being is becoming renewed becoming alive as I am being healed In God’s haven I am forever sealed Psalm 73:28 (NASB) But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge Psalm 94:22 (NASB) But the Lord has been my stronghold, And my God the rock of my refuge. Isaiah 26:3 (AMP) You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].
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Wow......... over a year....... and I'm finally back to blogging...
And to kick off the close of the long hiatus, I am joining up with Five Minute Friday (http://katemotaung.com/five-minute-friday/ ) - a five minute free write inspired by one word, which in this instance is: EASY. So... here goes... Easy... I wanted to chuckle at that word choice... at the irony. That has been the farthest thing from reality, and what I have been craving most. Seas have been stormy indeed. I have been tossed about and lost all sight of the shoreline. There was only wind and waves... ...and God. However, I was often so distracted by the waves that I missed the One walking on them. Life has not been easy... but now that the seas have at last started to calm, and light is visible through the clouds, I realize that God was indeed there with me, watching over me, but the storm had to run its course. And if I had realized it then, I could have found more peace in the midst of it. Thankfully, God is very patient with me, and is proving again and again that He really is good, and He really does keep His promises, though it may involve painful waiting. Life is not always easy, but God is always good. And it really is true that through the hardest lessons, the most is learned, and strength is forged. "I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:4 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 |
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Please respect my intellectual property and ask permission before reproducing any content. All rights reserved. AuthorHi, I am Angela, and welcome to my blog. I am a woman trying to rise above the tides of this life, seeking to grow closer to God and share His love in the process. Archives
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