writing a life

in posts and tweets and status reports

it seems that more and more

of those I know, are writing books

in my honesty, transparency

I admit, here

that my heart stings, aches

turns toward envy

then, yes, then

I console myself with this --

they are writing books

but I am not still

I am writing a life

I have grown accustomed

to much time alone

to breathe, expand

ponder and play with words

now time rushes past me

filled with the tasks

of living my word for 2014

prepare

soon, in the blink of an eye

I will transition yet again

from preparation

to actualization

as we step into our new life

my heart both races ahead

and lags behind

and words will come 

when they will

joining Bonnie in a small act of creation

 

continuing to prepare

We are halfway into 2014

the year for which I was given 

the OneWord

prepare

I wrote about it here

as the year began

saying:

There is work to be done, but not in our own power.  

Only in Him can we accomplish anything.  

I am still learning to relax into the work He has already done

the work He is doing and

and the work yet for us to do

the first half of the year

the preparation was heart

and spirit deep

while we were learning to wait

now the pace has quickened

near frantic it seems

until I stop to breathe in Him

remembering to release

the small and the big details

as we pack things for storage

visit the medical clinic

presenting first one

then the other

arm for injections

vaccines to prepare our bodies

I make lists

of things yet to be done

and ponder the pain pricks

of farewells soon to come

the heart deep work will begin anew

on foreign soil

as this year ends and another begins

His Kingdom come

His will be done

in Canada

in Africa

in us all

 
Linking up and checking in at The Grove at Velvet Ashes

 

prepare

Click here or on image to see a larger version

I wasn't sure if I was going to hear a clear word to walk me into this new year.  I decided not to press or force the issue, even though I felt a vague sense of disappointment.

Rick and I chose to spend our day, like most January firsts, reflecting and praying.  There is much ahead of us.  This will be a season of support building, planning and allowing God to bend, break and mold our hearts for the long term mission work awaiting us.

Then I experienced what could only be described as what people call a light-bulb moment.

Our word for 2014 flashed large, bright and clear.

PREPARE

There is work to be done, but not in our own power.  Only in Him can we accomplish anything.  I am still learning to relax into the work He has already done.:

Behold, I send an angel before you, to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place which I have prepared Exodus 23:20 RSV

the work He is doing:

Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work 2 Timothy 2:21 NIV

and the work yet for us to do:

but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence 1 Peter 3:15 RSV

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction 2 Timothy 4:2 NIV

Prepare your shields, both large and small, and march out for battle! Jeremiah 46:3 NIV

Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Cast up, cast up the highway! Gather out the stones. Lift up a standard or ensign over and for the peoples Isaiah 62:10 Amplified

A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God  Isaiah 40:3 NIV

Is the Lord whispering or perhaps shouting a word into your spirit to focus you in 2014?  Please feel free to share.

  jamming with Bonnie as the new year begins

walking in broken imperfection but graced by His love with Emily