I have been reading in a variety of places, one of which includes Isaiah. JEHOVAH has been speaking a lot to me these last few weeks about His Living Water, coming to Him, the source of joy, life and purpose when I feel empty, weak or confused.
I'm not sure how many of you have felt this way before, but I recently went through a period of feeling dry Spiritually and even slightly depressed. But by the grace of God, prayers (a powerful prayer with my dear mother), and fellowship in the Word, He brought me out and encouraged, strengthened and filled me.
Here are some passages that have helped me through this season.
"Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." ~Isaiah 48:10
"And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness as the noon day: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." ~Isaiah 58:10-11
"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth , though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls:" ~1 Peter 1: 6-9
And from a book I've been reading during my quite time (I've mentioned it before) - One Thousand Gifts I just read this:
"...the secret of joy's flame: Humbly let go. Let go of trying to do. Let go of trying to control... let go of my own way, let go of my own fears. Let God blow his wind, His trials, oxygen for joy's fire. Leave the hand open and be. Be at peace. Bend the knee and be small and let God give what God chooses to give because He only gives love and whisper surprised thanks. This is the fuel for joy's flame. Fullness of joy is discovered only in the emptying of will. And I can empty because counting His graces has awakened me to know how He cherishes me, holds me, passionately values me. I can empty because I am full of His love. I can trust."
I was convicted, encouraged and blessed by each of these thoughts. I am learning to give thanks for the trials and the hard, dry times, because without the tribulation, will I grow? Without the trial, will my roots strive to press deeper in the heart of God if everything I need is right where I can reach it? A word picture was shared with me recently of a vine - when the vine is transplanted into the ground, it is given just enough water to survive, then it is left to send its roots deep into the soil in search of more water. If more water was given when it is placed in the ground, the roots would have not cause to send their roots deeper - they would be shallow and thus miss the nutrients and water found deep in the soil. This is the same with our walk with the LORD. Sometimes I believe we are forced to dig deeper in the soil - God is looking for one who fears Him and loves Him, who will go searching for His riches found only in the intimacy we experience from fellowship in His presence and in His Word!
I encourage you to continue in His Word. Never miss that refreshing fellowship with Him through prayer and reading His Word. This will affect what we say and what we do, which are the ways we glorify Him.
So, this last week, Amanda, Emily and I held our Future Christian Homemaker's class in our home, and we have started a new phase of learning...
It is always encouraging to open God's Word and study it together. We are all working on memorizing Proverbs 31:10-31.
All the special ladies that were able to attend.
Amanda was ironing the girls' material for our first sewing project together.
Dear mom was more than happy to help get all the ladies started - introducing the tools, how to use a sewing machine and cutting fabric.
We also had a dear friend help us out with all the young ladies and getting them all started on their projects. That was such a blessing!
Some girls had never used a sewing machine before, so every one learned new things that day. What a blessing to be part of that.
Emily is a good, patient teacher - she is showing the girls how to thread a machine.
Most of the girls finished their pillow cases - some had a little more work to do when they got home, but what a wonderful special afternoon we all spent together!
Our garden is planted! About 3 weeks ago, the 10 of us headed out to our field out back and we all helped plant our garden. Everyone had a job to do. It was so fun to spend that time together.
Amanda was collecting sticks to mark our rows of seeds.
Greg, hoeing a patch for lettuce.
Even Peanut joined us - she enjoyed the shade from the card table where we had some garden supplies.
Daddy, spreading wood chips along the rows. Once all the seedlings come up, we will be spreading the wood chips along the whole garden. This will keep the soil moist and less weedy.
Hannah, helping get the rows ready.
This last Saturday, the 10 of us and our dear bass player traveled (in 2 vehicles) about 2 1/2 hours to play music for a Gospel Samboree on Sunday morning. We left around 4:30 and arrived right on time. As Dad was checking in to our motel, I asked, "So who was in charge of grabbing the violins?"... there was silence... Yes, we left home without 2 violins! This was not what we had planned for... we came to play music, and we forgot our instruments? I'm not sure how that happened, but I ended up traveling home with Mr. K. - he was more than willing to make that trip for us - WHAT A BLESSING!! We had a great time of fellowship and talking, but we were both very tired when we got back at 10:30 that night - we are not used to traveling 6+ hours anymore! :) But everything worked out, and we praise God for His purposes.
Sunday morning, we had a fantastic audience - they all interacted well and sang along. It was very encouraging and we pray the LORD was pleased with our worship! That was a very special day.
Finally, Leah, Emily and I went out last week for a photo shoot. I am not a photographer, but Emily is, so she and I had a great time together and she taught me some things about my camera and taking pictures. Leah was a perfect subject!
May the LORD richly bless you as you spend time in His presence, at His feet and in His Word! May He give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. May He make His ways known to you as you Ask Seek and Knock - He will answer! Just patiently wait on Him. May He refresh you and guide you in His ways as you serve your families at home.
Blessings to you all,
~Dani
Aw what lovely pictures :) I will come back to read this in more detail! :D
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