Surfacing...

I was hit hard
blindsided by pain
dragged down by some unknown virus
submerged

Unable to concentrate
focus blurred
words scurried away
even my prayers mere groanings

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.  Romans 8:26 The Message

I am just now
surfacing
breathing in fresh air
allowing Him to renew my strength

Posts that were partly done, half done, almost done will appear here shortly.  If their order seems choppy, so were the seas I've been sailing on this week.

 

Tired body - hungry soul

I am still a bit feverish and congested.  Coughing makes everything hurt and leaves me exhausted.  Making the bed in the morning feels like a major accomplishment.

My body is tired, my soul is hungry.  Where I would usually feast on the Word I haven't had the powers of concentration to read.  I am blessed that I have cultivated the practice of being quiet in His presence.  Today, sitting in the recliner that I call my "Jesus chair" memories of a time seeking His comfort flooded my mind:

In late 2007 Rick and I went to Kampala, Uganda to be part of a Global build team for Watoto Childcare Ministries. Neither of us had ever travelled such a distance. After an 8 hour overnight flight from Toronto to London and a 12 hour wait, we were on our final leg, another 8 hour overnight flight, from London to Entebbe. I had not slept since leaving home, and restlessly envied Rick's ability to sleep.

I was feeling quite sick and tired but still unable to sleep. I was turned a bit sideways and leaned into the seat, trying to imagine myself finding God’s chest for comfort. I sensed He wanted me to stretch myself full out upon Him, for I was very small compared to His greatness, so I turned again, leaning straight back into my seat.

The word He gave to me was:

I will hold you and I will heal you. As you lay upon my chest, in My arms you will find rest

What I felt and pictured was His arms around me - one hand washing me and the other anointing wounds with oil. I wanted to know what I was being anointed for but instead surrendered and said:

"I don't need to know, as long as You know."

The word and vision carried me through the ordeal of jet lag and illness, teaching me that rest, true rest, is found only in Him.

Today I choose to let His presence carry me again.



Jamming with Bonnie about feeding a hungry soul

and joining Emily and other imperfect but loved

Fighting a cold

The skies have remained gray today.  Rain falls slow in stops and starts. 
It is a good day for rain.
I sit here wondering if the fog is outside or inside my brain.
Wrapped in fleece I sip from a hot mug of chicken broth,
only because we have always been told that chicken soup cures everything. 
I try to inhale the steam. 
My stomach seems less than pleased.  My head pounds with a rhythm of its own.
And this one, who daily chooses to leave self behind is self-occupied
the flesh cries out for attention
I want to fight and I want to give in
and all I can do is heed the words He spoke this morning:

Lean into Me.