Angela BensonWell, I’ve figured out why I’m not blogging: the things I want to talk about, I can’t talk about yet. I keep thinking anyday now, but I can’t talk about them. LIFE!
There’s a lot going on with me in terms of work, writing, relationships, and faith. I’m seeing God’s hand all in it, but I can’t put it into words. Sometimes I just start crying tears of joy at what He has done in my life and how far He has brought me. I don’t want you to think that everything is “perfect” in my life because it isn’t, not in the way we think about perfection. But it is “complete,” and I recognize and appreciate that completeness more and more each day.
Maybe I’m getting older so I’m looking at life differently. I don’t know. I just know that I’m more grateful and more content today than I’ve been in a long time, maybe ever. And I say this even with so many things up in the air. Maybe it means I’m learning to trust Him. What do you think?
Angela, So Many People I Know Are In Very Peculiar And Unfamiliar Seasons In Their Lives Right Now. Thats Why You Havent Heard Much From Me Lately. I Am In This Strange Season Of Silence. All I Can Say Is That I Am Having To Be Led By God With Every Step I Take Now. Nothing, Absolutely Nothing Is Familiar To Me Anymore So I Have To Rely On God Like Never Before, But Thats What He Wants Anyway, Right? It Will Be Interesting To See What Its Like On The Other Side Of This. I Will Keep You Posted! Peace And Love.
God is moving and doing awesome things with his people. I’ve been in a valley for awhile also, but I know I’m on the way out. I stay prayerful and teachable and he continues to help me see my way through. It’s been painful, but I know I’ll be a better person for the lessons in the valley. So will you.
God Bless,
Rhonda
Angela,
I’m in a similar place of contentment, even though things in my life are challenging right now. The Lord showed me that 2007 was going to be a year of hard work, but not necessarily drudgery, and I’ve surrendered to walk in what He has for me. I’m seeing the same in my friends and I just have to praise God for the season of growth. It’s better to experience growing pains, a sure indicator of God working in my life, pruning me to become a better person, rather to experience spiritual death.
God bless and keep you.
Veronica
I’m going through a very dry season, one that’s difficult and challenging for my family. I can’t say I’m content, though I wish I could, but I can say that I’m trusting and learning to trust God more than I ever have. And He has silenced me too. In the past, I’d have talked with friends or family but I’m not led to do that. In the past when I kept silent, it might have been out of shame or embarrassment or not thinking others would understand but I hear Him whispering now that my silence is for His glory.
BTW, The Amen Sisters has finally popped to the top of my reading list. I’ll be knee deep in it this weekend.
Geigh, Rhonda, Veronica and Patricia,
It encourages me to know that you ladies (sisters) are with me in this journey. Thank you for sharing your lives with me. It helps to know that we’re all walking this road together even though we’re physically apart.
Patricia, I like the idea of being “silenced” by God. I’ve never thoght about it that way. Like you said, it’s not a silence of shame or fear or embarrassment. Thanks for sharing.
Angela,
As one who is also in a silent place, I smile and nod. May God continue to bless you in every way.
peace,
marilynn
Maybe that’s why I find blogging hard at the moment. Everything here is constantly changing. I’ve moved but I’m stuck again because the movers put things where I really did not want them–hard for me to be in two places at the same time. Moving the heavy things as some room becomes available by myself is just not possible.
I’ve found resolutions to some of my worst spiritual problems but life is also getting in the way. I’m still trying to figure out how I could have possibly used over $1400 of hydro with the only real power-consumers being a fridge and a computer, the latter most of the time not even being on power supply when not in use. The way it looks right now is that the former landlord pulled a fast one on me. However, I still have to get the proof. That amount represents more than 10% of my total income.
I keep thinking that when I get one problem solved, e.g., moving to larger quarters as I did starting Feb. 1, I’ll feel a little better. However, I feel that normal room temperature should not be what it usually is up here: 80F. It’s still winter here and we’re told to conserve energy. The recommended room temp is 68-71F. My neighbors have control over the thermostat and can’t seem to live without this heat. We’ve always lived by the recommended temp and for me this is “bathing-suit” weather.
I really hope I’m not one of those people who always has to complain. I hate doing so.
I am getting out to church a little more. I’ve started with the seniors’ group that meets once a month. Through our former pastor and his wife, I also get to meet other people whenever they invite me over for a meal. They are great friends. Richard never played games as a child in his own family. It wasn’t until he met his wife that he learned to play games like Boggle, Scrabble and other board games. They taught me how to play Up-Words. I still haven’t mastered it by any means but it’s fun and sometimes I manage to get a good score.
I guess I’m the only one complaining right now. But I feel God’s presence as well. I also know that I still need lots of prayer and today talked to two friends–one Christian, the other not–who are going through very difficult times. I guess all the talking got my “sour” juices flowing again especially when the former tenants of this apartment told me a few of the things they’ve experienced here.
However, I’ve realized certain things that have to be done in order for me to downsize. And that is a good beginning. Now it just becomes a matter of actually doing it. I’m glad God has shown me this as well.
So there are more negatives than positives in my life at the moment but I’m still hopeful that matters will reach God’s chosen conclusion.
Please pray for me that these issues may soon be resolved. My health is still not great but has improved in some areas and I am very thankful for that. However, stress plays a big part in a lot of illnesses but especially in this one.
Sigrun, deciding to “downsize” sounds like a wise decision to me. It’s on everybody’s tongue these days. So good for you. I’m glad that you’re getting more active in church and meeting more people. That’s always good.
You made me laugh when you mentioned those games. My friend and I played dominoes with my mom and step-father over christmas and we had a wonderful time. It’s been so long since I’ve done that. I have to do it more often.
We also played cards, which was a lot of fun — inexpensive, downhome fun. I enjoyed it.
Thanks for sharing.
Angela
Angela:
I visit your web page on occasion and am an big reader of your books. After reading your blog and the responses, I just felt I had to respond, because it appears that a lot of people are really going through a lot of things and I hope to gave a word of encouragment.
Last Saturday (3/17/07), my friend and prayer partner decided to do a fast. One of the messages the Lord gave me was concerning his Word. He said “Stand on my Word” repeatly. He said “There’s Power in my Word, there’s healing in my Word, there’s deliverance in my Word.” He revealed to me that in quoting his Word, if we don’t believe in the power behind his Word, there are just words. Unless we use his Word believing ing them, in Him and his power they are meaningless. Some of us don’t have the victory in our lives because we are not believing that his Word is alive with power. Amen!
I know that I needed that word and relevation from the Lord! I hope that this will be encouragement to those who read this.
God Bless You All.