July 15th, 2008
Stargazer Lily
My Christian life has not been one full of distinct messages from God, audible or otherwise. Generally, the way He teaches me is subtle and happens over time. Of course, truths from the Bible jump out at me in study; of course, a phrase in a sermon can knock my socks off—and I attribute that to God. But as far as personal messages just for me, the ones I get don’t often come in complete sentences… they’re usually in the form of ideas, or concepts. Usually.
One time, a long, long time ago, I was in a fabric store to buy the material to make a dress. (WOW, it’s been a long time since I sewed a garment!) I kept being drawn to the perfect blend in this very vibrant pink, but I hesitated because I didn’t know if that shade would simply draw too much attention to me. I was a brand new Christian and I wanted the way I dressed to please Him. I stood there in the store in very sincere confusion and I prayed some question about it that I don’t really remember. But I’ll never forget the answer; it was immediately impressed upon my heart, in words that were crystal clear:
“I have many flowers in my garden, and some of them are brightly colored.”
For all these years I thought the biggest part of that message was that He created me on purpose, with my personality; my “color.” But today as I re-read it, something else brings tears to my eyes.
[Susie Larson](http://susielarsonblog.typepad.com/), who has been a real blessing to me lately, recently hosted a local Christian radio show. Near the end of the [program](http://www.kimjeffries.com/newsite/?p=779) she advised a caller to say, “Oh God, You love me so much.” She said, “The more awkward it feels to say that, the more you need to be saying it.”
It’s very uncomfortable for me. I can hardly say it out loud. But it is the truth. He does love me so very much.
I’m His flower.
July 20th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Helen,
Father, you have not promised us endless happiness, but you DID promise to give us joy. You also told us that it is up to us in Phil. 4:4 when you said, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always.’ and in 1 Thes. 5:16 when you said, ‘Be joyful always.’ So we know it is important to remind our silly minds that our hearts are confident in the joy that you provide in ALL circumstances. When we see the answered prayers, the countless blessings, the fathomless grace that you pour out on us, we stand in awe.
Help Helen and every woman reading this to know that you are our Jehovah-Jireh, our ever-faithful Provider. Strengthen our faith so we can believe your promises are the same today as they were for the disciples who walked beside you.
Protect Kenny and prepare Helen for the turbulent teen years that will most surely come. Never allow him to wander away from your grasp. We love you Lord and thank you for this avenue you have provided where we can lift every request to your throne. It is in Jesus’ name that we pray, amen.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 am
I love your prayers on Renee’s blog for Gloria. You are a very thoughtful and compassionate friend and partner in prayer for Gloria. I enjoyed reading those scriptual prayers.
I, too, experience His answers to me in puzzle pieces and incomplete most times, but I’ve come to understand that if He was to give me a complete answer or reveal His complete mystery to me, I would be too overwhelmed, because they are too powerful and great for me to handle all at once.
Be blessed! Shoua
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:42 am
Hi Shoua!
It was really fun to look on Biblegateway this morning. I don’t think in my almost 20 years as a committed Christian that I have done that to this degree; I pray Scriptures when I think of them, but I don’t know if I ever sat down specifically to find Scriptures to use to petition God for a particular person, in a particular situation. It was better than the best homework assignment ever!
And, honestly, as I sat there hunting for Scriptures for Gloria and Renita, I kept thinking, WHY don’t I do this for myself?!
Then the kids woke up and came down… “Will you EVER get me my breakfast?” asked Will (4 yrs.)
And I 100% agree that if He taught me stuff all at once I couldn’t bear it. But, Shoua, I am starting to really want Him to just blow me away with something new; something I’ve never understood, or never thought of, or just never really apprehended before….. like a mighty rushing wind that should flatten me, but doesn’t….