Day Two of 40 - In the Flow

Well, officially, this is the third day, but my body clock is off so....

Today was busy. Didn't have much quiet time to be still and know that He is God, but you know, God is always at work accomplishing what concerns us. 

My job interview went well. I should have a written job offer and contract to sign on Wednesday of this week! YES GOD! 

I enjoyed some sweet bonding time with a friend and I treasure moments like that. I didn't sense the longing for a mate as strongly today; to me, that means progress. My heart is beginning to let go of MY desires and allow God's desires to grow in me. May my heart be fertile soil.

My photo, "In The Flow" won honorable mention in the Roswell Photographic Society review Monday night! The theme was Water/Liquid.

May I (and you) learn the art, the graceful art of being in the flow of God's Spirit as we learn and grow through these days. 

40 Days and 40 Nights

Yesterday, as I drove toward home, I sensed God's presence, His voice, whispering. I listened long, yet resisted. He won. He always does, through His wooing ways...His winsome gaze into my soul's deepest shadows. He knows me. Yet He loves me. 

Words whispered gently, warm, like light streaming into morning window, His words parted darkness, like curtains, and my heart knew what He desires: 40 days and 40 nights with me, closer...leaning on His chest, John-like. 

He desires 40 days and 40 nights with me sequestered within the "ark" of His protection, from all that floods my world...the longings, the stresses, the enemy's temptations. He desires for me to renew first love, divine and to let go of my desires for a mate...to run to Him and away from the world. To run to Him and away from men. 

What can I say but YES to Him who woos my soul? So, Sunday was day one of 40 days and 40 nights within His "Ark."

Desert Prayer

I'll try to keep my chin up,

cause I look better when I do...

even an empty cup

can be filled anew.

Life's lessons aren't easy to learn;

it takes guts to get up after I fall.

True confessions purify and burn; 

I weep, bowing low, at the wailing wall.

In the forest of tangled confusion,

may I see the path has been cleared ahead.

Can I trust it's no optical illusion?

Cracked dry, lips say rain clouds are overhead,

only to discover, I've been fooled by a mirage...

tired of grumbling in this desert, forsaken;

my wanderings allowed the enemy's sabotage,

but in my dreams I imagine I'll finally awaken,

amazed, realizing I'm resting in Your promised land

because spirit eyes will be fully opened to know

and behold You and intimately understand

your ways, so joy fills my cup so it'll overflow

your Spirit, and I'll yearn for daily fellowship,

face-to-face, you long for me to reflect your glory

and revel in Your sweet companionship,

living fully my part in this God-breathed story...

© Marie Nease 2011

Tranquil Shores

In this life there are no guarantees
and your heart may be heavy with dismay.
When the world pushes you to your knees,
you're in the perfect position to pray.

Has it grown completely still?
There's no wind in your sails.
In the quiet, may you find God's will
and peace during raging storms and gales.

May you learn through the rhythms of the tide
that He keeps you, though the seas may roar.
In darkest night, may His lighthouse guide
you safely to tranquil shore.

© 2011 Marie Nease 

I wrote this as I was inspired by my friend Stevan Overby' this morning. On his Facebook profile he shared this quote, "When the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray."

Moon Danced with Clouds

Could I?

I heard this song on the radio several weeks ago as I drove from one side of Atlanta to the other, to visit my son, his wife and my grandchildren. I was moved, deeply moved. I recognized the voice, that sweetly sang this song, but couldn't place it. For weeks I've tried to find this song, so I could feed my hungry spirit, with it's melody and it's words that speak directly to my spirit. Tonight, I searched again, and my Abba blessed me with finding the song and lyrics. So, I share with you. Kim McMechan is the artist who sings this song so amazingly. It goes straight to our hearts, if we allow it. May we sit with him a while, daily.... Rest in Him....

Could I just sit here a while
Know that there's nothing that I need to say
Safe in the knowledge that you know my ways
Love me completely no need to hide a thing

Could I just stay here a while
Letting you melt away all of my fears
I feel your comfort when you are so near
I'll hide myself in this shelter you've made for me

Could I?

Could I just kneel here a while 
Doing what I was created to do
Bowing in reverence I long to adore you
Willingly giving all that I can surrender

Could I just rest here a while
Letting you whisper my burdens away
In all of my journeys there's no other place
Where I find refuge, strength for my weary heart

Could I?

Could I just sit here a while
Know that there's nothing that I need to say
Safe in the knowledge that you know my ways
Love me completely no need to hide a thing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZKKyBlFPZA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKMcx_jFesY&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Burning off the Fog

On a warm New Year’s Eve afternoon, I sensed a drawing to go to the mountain. I didn’t resist.

No parking spaces. I wasn’t surprised. It was a spring-like day. So, I drove almost to the top of the mountain, found a parking spot, saved for me. Hiking the short distance to the top, I felt a heaviness, yet an expectancy. 

A breeze tousles my hair as I lean comfortably against a rock, on top of Kennesaw Mountain. This spot is always empty and available, every time I visit, without fail. I named it Marie’s Rock. A place revisited, especially during times when life’s weights grow heavy and threaten to be too much to handle. Many memories fill this place-- a mix of emotions. 

I was there hoping for clarity, a lifting of the dense brain fog that hovers and threatens to totally obscure my road ahead.

Though the hoped for quiet wasn’t found, I knew I was drawn there for reasons beyond me. For a while, my camera’s eye captured naked branches gently swaying in the breeze, a distant horizon merging with low clouds, airplane tracks blending with wispy clouds in a late afternoon sky. 

I feel naked, exposed, lonely. Sounds of children playing and conversations mix with thoughts, prayers and longings in my heart. Urgent words spoken in a Jamaican-like accent work their way toward me, carried by the breeze. “Jesus, Jesus use me!” I will go. I’ll go where you want me to. I will Jesus. I want to please you Jesus. Jesus.” At first distracted, then a part of me listens. A fervent cry. My heart hears his heart’s longings expressed. No doubt Jesus hears his cry. His heart. 

Clarity opens her sleepy eyes as warm light begins to burn off the fog. Yes, my heart echos this man’s longings and desires. Jesus, use me! Lead me wherever You want. I’ll go. I’ll obey. I long to please You. A worship song I loved began to sing in my heart, “Where you go, I’ll go. What You say, I’ll say, God.” Nothing’s gonna hold me back.  

As I hiked the short distance down to my car, I knew why I’d been drawn to the mountain. A smile began to take the place of my furrowed brow. 

© Copyright 2011 Marie Nease