It was almost immediately after I pried my hands open. Put down this blog. Gripping more loosely…
….That He spoke. I mean, really spoke. His purposes.
Answering. Completely. The number one question most believers have of God, “What is my purpose here, anyway? What am I called to do?”
It couldn’t have been clearer. As He led me to my face. Tears running freely. There in the secret place, I tend to find Him most.
And though this sabbatical from writing has also made me miss all of you.
It has also taught me the freedom, life, resurrection power, that can come when we lay down what we want, offering our all up to Him.
I have been cramming out words. Frantically. All week. A story, birthing in me. One a sweet friend, Mary, encouraged me to write. (Thank you Mary!)
Writing incestuously. As if it is not me….but His message He wants to share with the world. And my hands simply having to keep up.
40,000 words so far. And to be honest, my hands are tired. Cramped. Weary.
And yet, isn’t it, when we feel most like we can’t go on, that He comes to carry us the rest of the way.
And I am finding, there is nothing…nothing more fulfilling…than to lay it all down, fully putting your whole trust in God.
So, wearily, I am afraid I don’t have a ton to say, this UNITE. But, I do want to UNITE you with The One who made all life. The One who brings newborn calves to life. Paths to clear. Our residences to stand strong, regardless of what we are going through.
Yes, I have been witnessing God. All around. So much. Not just in prayer…..but really witnessing God. Here. In the quiet. In the still of it all.
And He is beautiful!
Where we can just “be”. Where I can rest at His feet. Talking without words.
Separating myself from noise. From the clammering of cymbols trying to out do one another.
And more than ever. He is here.
Will you find Him? Seek Him? See Him with me, as I share some photographs of my evening walks with my family?
Then, let us all UNITE. Sharing freely, whatever moves your heart. Whatever you feel called to post.
It doesn’t have to be photos. It can be anything, really. UNITE is just about getting closer, seeing God in each other, finding the good, and striving for a life lived in His beauty.
13 Comments
This is so encouraging to me. I’ve laid a few things down, and it’s so hard not to pick them up again and trust that God has said, “NO. I have a different plan for you.” Thank you for sharing how He’s been speaking to you. Keep writing!!
Amelia – Thanks for much for your encouraging words. I am so glad to hear that you can relate with the call to “lay it down”. How much easier it is to pick things up…than to lay them down, huh? (At least it is for me.)
But oh the joy found in open hands. Praying you receive the fullness of His abundance, friend!
Blessings,
Jen
That’s a lot of works to crank out! So excited for you. May the Lord continue to give you insight into purpose so strongly.
This was beautiful.. I to have been on a book writing spree this week so this encouraged me greatly. I loved loved your writing style and this post! thank you for sharing!
Jen, your words reached into my soul tonight. “Lay down what we want, offering our all up to Him.” And I know why this has hit me hard as I’ve been holding on to something for far to long that He is wanting to take from me. Did that make sense? I’m grateful for your words. Blessings to you, Beth.
Dear Jen
This is so true!! I have found in my life that I shouldn’t talk to much when in our Pappa’s presence! His voice is only heard in a quiet heart.
Much love XX
Mia
You write so beautifully my friend; what love words of peace, comfort, and encouragement! I love these black and white photos…gorgeous!
Blessings for a joyful week!
Denise
So glad you’ve been obedient to His call to REST- may you keep seeing Him more and more! Thanks for uniting us!
Can’t tell you how encouraging you ladies are! I think the hard part of laying down this blog for a few weeks is the fear that the past 2 yrs of work I have put into it, will disappear. Yet, it’s His. All His. And I am finding God is blessing even more, the fruit of my hands b/c of this obedience. But most of all I have been so blessed by all of your faithfulness to keep coming here. Believing in me. Even when I doubt! Lifting up praises of thanks for each of you this morning! Much love, my sisters in the faith! ~ Jen
Beth – Yes, I totally understand. I still have (not so easy) things yet to lay down…and boy, is it hard! His strength! His courage! His surpassing power to help us walk in obedience. I guess is what it takes friend, no!? Lots of love to ya today! Prayers & thanks for your message of identification!
it’s when we least expect it that the Lord calls us. he wants us all-reliant on him. may you continue to lean on him and find refreshment in his presence, friend. bless you. e.
hello again i started a new blog called being real in a plastic world..the same as my old onebut im deleteing the other ,id appriciate it if you would visit this new one for its been a while and im older now,i have new things to talk about but im just starting off again so your support would be a blessing so please visit soon 🙂 thhanx
These photos are exquisite. I’m so excited to hear how the Lord’s working in your life.