I sit on my knees on top of the counter. Camera in hand. Gazing out the window above the kitchen sink. A blazing red orb sinks leaving a trail of pink-orange through the bare black arms of the trees. I have to capture it. God is here in this moment. Providing me a deep breath, a glimpse of His glory. A whisper in my heart, comfort for my soul.
I caught the colors out of the corner of my eye on my way out to the mudroom. It’s the last night of Bible Study. The last night of leading a wonderful group of ladies through Ann Voskamp’s, One Thousand Gifts. I can’t pass up this moment. God is calling.
I grab my camera, hike my leg up, climb onto the counter, adjust my settings, and the breath leaves my chest.
It’s Beauty flowing through my window, right to my very soul.
The day had been a rush of self imposed anxiety. There are parts in the 11th chapter of Ann’s book that I know have created controversy. Words that are so intimate that some have taken them the wrong way. I wonder what the thoughts of the ladies in my group would be. The ultra conservative voices from my past threaten to strangle. And the enemy grinned.
Oh how foolish.
It’s not about what other’s think or how they might read into or twist Ann’s words or even their innocent well meaning opionions. I had fallen head long into old habits, again.
Those words of Ann’s spoke to me. Reminding me of my own heart to heart, soul experience with God.
It’s about a heart that is sold out to Christ. It’s about the Spirit moving, molding, and using me. It’s about pure and un-muddied intimacy with Christ. Soul to soul. Not Ann’s alone, but thousands of others and mine.
I hear the age old whisper, “I will quiet you with my love.” (Zeph 3:17 NIV) Words He uses to soothe my soul. Verse that I’ve hidden in my heart for over a year now. One I cling to when the fear rears its ugly head.
As I watch the sun slipping down He reminds me that “He is mighty to save. He takes great delight in me… He rejoices over me with singing.” (Zeph 3:17) The display out my window testifies to it all. This is His song over me. Color drenched love that soothes my soul.
I am His and He is mine.
Calm floods over me as I sit perched on the counter. An odd place to meet God, maybe… but it is where He has called me to commune with Him. And I am so utterly grateful! Once again He looses the chains and I am free!
I climb down, making my way out the door. Heart assured. He is with me! His words, His wisdom, His guidance they are with me. And any discussion tonight will be flooded with His very presence.
God is GOOD!
My throat forms words of thanksgiving and I know I have sat on my counter top and experienced the presence of the Lord!
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful post Jenn!
ReplyDeleteThose pictures are amazing! The way you described it was like I was right there with you, watching the sun go down through the bottles. I've been misunderstood this week and it hurts, but God is healing me. Once again, He is reassuring me that I need to be a God-pleaser, not a man-pleaser. I can rest in His love when I know I've obeyed and the outcome wasn't what I thought it would be. Other people make choices, judge our hearts. The only judge I need to worry about is THE JUDGE. This post spoke to me so much. Thank you for sharing your heart and a little piece of your world with us.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Jenny! I needed to read this blog this morning. Thank u for reminding me of the little ways Jesus can come to us. I will have my eyes wide open today to see how Jesus comes to me today :) Sometimes I can sit outside and see a beautiful sky with the sun setting and just know Jesus is right there. Very humbling it is! I to felt like I was sitting right next to u on the counter top :) your words are just beautiful! Your pictures are amazing also. :) May Jesus be with u all each day and carry u through. Love,Mindy
Deletelovin' it...He is so good and faithful...i say that all the time but He's always blowin' my socks clean off!!!
ReplyDeletelove the shots and your words to go along with 'em.
blessings friend~
Those moments are so precious...and you captured it perfectly for the world to see...thank you!
ReplyDeleteI really love this.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I would like to say wonderful blog!
ReplyDeleteI had a quick question that I'd like to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts prior to writing. I have had a tough time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out. I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints? Kudos!
My website - best cigarettes