Welcome to the first Saturday of the month! Today, Edie Melson invites us to sit alongside her to simply catch a glimpse of how her one-on-one time with the Lord often unfolds.
To say that Edie has impacted my life is an understatement. She teaches me something about the craft of writing everyday via her blog, meets with me over grits to catch up on life, and most importantly, models what a true prayer warrior wears.
Please remember, I share these glimpses not to say that a quiet time should look a particular way, but rather the opposite. My heart is to invite you into the freedom that awaits when we meet with our heavenly Father {thank You, Jesus!} in a variety of ways.
Today was supposed to be about sharing numerous ways to use our prayer journals, but something my pastor’s wife, Emily, shares in an upcoming post made me re-think the premise of this post.
So, what did she say?
It went something like this, and I should’ve said it from the get-go.
While having a regular time with the Father is a holy, beautiful privilege⎯our salvation, His love for us, His acceptance of us⎯is not dependent on it.
As we bring the Drawing Close to the Father series to a close I want us to embrace grace and freedom through Christ, rather than finding another way to do something. Please don’t hear me say that journaling (or using any other tool) should be shunned — no way! Otherwise, I wouldn’t have my own well-worn journals lining the shelves, nor would I be giving away one of the most beautiful journals I’ve come across in a long time.
This month, we learned valuable insights from friends who graciously allowed us to get a glimpse of their personal times with the Lord. Thank you Marcia, Lori, and Dee Dee. Although the series is coming to a close, the glimpses will continue every first Saturday in 2016. In February, Edie Melson will be our guest. You will not want to miss it!
If you’ve followed my blog for long you know I love to share a little treat (my grandfather always referred to this type of treat as a “sercy”) at the end of every monthly series. So, last week I came across this Dayspring journal. While tempted to keep it for my own {just keeping it real!} I knew it had a bigger purpose. I pray this sercy will bless one of you during your time with the Father. And I love the saying on the front cover: When God speaks, take good notes.
To enter the drawing, you simply need to answer this random question in the comment section. (If you have trouble leaving a comment for some reason, please private message me on Facebook.)
So here’s the question:What book are you currently reading OR what’s the next book you plan to read?
Oh! In case you’re wondering about our February series you need wonder no more. Check out the image below. (Loving my new camera, thanks to the hubster! The snowy day did its part, too.)
Many of you may already know my dear friend and author, Dee Dee Parker. She and I have been friends for several years. In fact, we’ve come to realize that we’re two peas in one strange little pod.
Dee Dee is one of the most talented writers I know and we always have a blast when we’re together (especially at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference!), but when all is said and done, it’s her heart, her walk with Christ, and her vibrant prayer life that I most respect.
Thank you, Dee Dee, for allowing us to take a glimpse into your time with the Lord.
If we were to join you during your one-on-one times with God, what might we observe?
I love meeting with God in the morning, most times in the
wee hours. I tiptoe to the kitchen, not wanting to wake my hubby, and pour a cup
of coffee or tea into a lovely, antique china cup. The dainty cup was a gift
from my daughter, Brooke, who now resides in glory. As the morning unfolds I already
feel close to God knowing precious Brooke sits at His feet. I return to my bed
and open the blinds directly behind me to enjoy the stars for a few minutes.
Star gazing always draw me closer to heaven.
Sitting quietly, I enter my one-on-one time, listening for
the Lord’s voice. I wait with great expectation with what He might have for me
to ponder, learn, or pray about. It is a privilege to enter His courts, isn’t it?
Other than the Bible, what is your one go-to tool you use during your time with the Lord?
My prayer notebook. In my notebook are the names of people I pray for, broken down in sections such as family,
friends, events and so forth. Writing down their requests engraves them on my
heart. I also use The Secret Power of Speaking God’s Word by Joyce Meyer.
I cherish starting my
day knowing that I’ve prayed for each name in my prayer notebook, and other
people the Lord lovingly brings to mind. I picture them with a prayer covering
over them as they move through their day. Such a joy!
Sometimes I
also incorporate other books, such as commentaries, always keeping a spiral notebook on hand.
What’s one of the most unique experiences you’ve had during
your one-on-one times with God?
I have a rather unusual prayer spot; it is a prayer
bush in my yard. Let me explain. I live in a farmhouse that is over one hundred
years old. Tucked away in the back is a very old, very tall, forsythia bush
with a large, river-rock beneath its limbs is a perfect place for sitting and
praying in all seasons but winter. I tie a different color ribbon for each
person on the prayer bush as a touch point to aide me in remembering to pray
for individuals and events. The ribbons themselves hold no power except to help
me focus. I’ve done this for years and friends often bring me ribbons for this
ministry. Some days the prayer requests are plentiful and the bush looks like
an earthbound rainbow. I rejoice when prayers are answered and I give thanks as
I untie the ribbon’s knot and release the request. (Many of you that follow
Cathy’s blog have ribbons on the bush.)
Once, when at the prayer bush, a ribbon became untied and
fell to the ground. While tying the ribbon back onto its limb, I felt I was being
led to spend extra time for the person the ribbon represented. The next day I
received word that the person was involved in a serious car accident while
traveling out of state.
What word of encouragement would you like to share with the
readers in regard to spending time with the Lord?
I am in my late sixties now and have had the privilege to
spend many precious hours in prayer with my heavenly Father. I can say that
those hours have been some of the sweetest of my life. I would encourage
readers to set aside time to snuggle up close with the Father. Listen for His
voice. Pray for others. Please get in touch with me if you would like to be
added to my prayer list. There is a ribbon waiting for you and together we will
pray it through!
Dee Dee, thank you for sharing your heart with us today. What a blessing.
Is there some way Dee Dee can pray for you today? Please share in the comment section, if so. She would count it a privilege.
Award-winning Appalachian writer Dee Dee Parker infuses wisps of Southern grace throughout her writing. Recent First Place winner in Southern Writers Magazine’s Short Story Contest, she has also contributed articles to Chicken Soup for the Soul, Christian Devotions US, Almost An Author, Inspire a Fire, and Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse Jr. magazine. Proceeds from her children’s book, Josie Jo’s Got to Know, benefit breast cancer research. Visit Dee Dee at http://comegohomewithme.blogspot.com
There is nothing we can do to make God love us more.
and
There is nothing we can do to make God love us less.
He loves us, we love Him, and so it’s only natural to want to spend time together.
Ready to try something new? Me too!
{Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10}
Practice Psalm 46:10: Pour a steamy cup of coffee, bundle up, and head outside just as the sun begins to peek over the horizon. If you’re not up for a morning time of worship, practice the same at sunset. It’s simply about remaining still, soaking in God’s magnificent creative power, and recognizing Him for He truly is…and who we are in Him.
{C. S. Lewis writes, “My own eyes are not enough for me,
I will see through those of others.”}
See art as an act of worship. Visit a local museum, go to a poetry reading, watch a potter at work. See through their eyes. Then set aside some time to create your own art as an act of worship. Sing, write, color, paint, take photographs, try your hand at poetry. It’s just you and your Father. Enjoy!
{“The
King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the
least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40}
Donate hours and/or clothes. I need to do more of this but no doubt, when I do, I sense God’s presence in very real ways and perhaps that’s no coincidence when we consider Matt. 25:40. One idea that came to mind while gathering goods for a local missions group recently was to pray for those who will receive the items. We don’t know who that person will be, but obviously God does.
Your turn! I would love to hear from you. Is there one idea that was shared today that you would consider trying, or would you consider sharing one of your own ideas with us in the comment section? Thank you!
You’ll not want to miss next Monday’s post as Lori Roeleveld will be guest posting. She’ll share some of her journey, including a peek into her one-on-one time with the Lord. It’s sure to be a tremendous blessing.
I
don’t know about you, but when I’m struggling to grow in a
particular area of my life I consider scripture first, and then, if
needed, I also seek out wisdom from those whom I observe have a godly
grasp on that particular struggle.
It’s
for this reason I’ve asked three such women to share their personal
experiences with us this month in relation to their time with God because I always consider myself a WIP (work in progress)…maybe you do as well.
Today I’m delighted to share with you the thoughts of Marcia Moston, a woman whom I respect immensely. I met Marcia years ago at our local writer’s group. Her vibrant relationship with the Lord is evident, and it’s a privilege to call her friend.
Thank you, Marcia, for graciously allowing us a glimpse into your quiet time with the Lord.
Cathy Baker
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