Wednesday, November 10, 2010

EARS TO LEARN QUICKLY PLEASE....

Sometimes I feel like I might be the only one who can't really decide "what" to post about.   Should I stick to my day to day life with the pleasures of my hubby and kids and the wonder of my grandbabies?  Or, maybe it should be about the places I've gone recently, or hope to go, or maybe even about the wonderful recipes I've discovered or my latest crafting attempt, or even the latest re-arrangement of the furniture in my home?  All worthy subjects with plenty of writing possibilities.   Or should I venture into the truths I feel the Lord has taught me, and how He blesses me, and how much I long to share all this with you?  Maybe it is just that my life is a combination of all of these things so this blog should be as well.   Whatever the case, this post is just that ~ a combination of a few things.

How I enjoy my times during the day when I sit down and pour myself a cup of tea and visit all of you.  And I just keep finding more and more of you to visit, and have definitely found I just can't bear to miss a single post of anyone's as well; and the soo many different and interesting things you all find to write about.   Some of you have truly profound things to say.  And MANY of you write 4 or 5 times a week with never a dull word or a repeated thought, haha... I feel lucky if I come up with a couple of posts a week that aren't really the same thoughts said in a different way.  But I decided AGAIN to not stress about things like that and just sit here and write from my heart.  That was supposed to be the purpose of this in the first place.  To journal my rambling thoughts, not to be concerned if it is interesting to read, or blesses anyone one way or another.  I am always happy if it does of course, but it may have become too much of a focus. 

Recently, I have been having a quiet time with the Lord both in the morning and at the very end of my day.  Let me start by saying this has been WONDERFUL for me, but is not something I have always done or even done for very long.  I am just in a position in my life right now where time is something I seem to have plenty of.  I've always led such a busy life.  Raising 4 kids and all that goes with that, plus the running of our home kept me busy for years and years, and then the caring for several of my grandkids followed just as my daughter stepped out of the door.   Time was something I could just never seem to find enough of.  But in this last several months since I am no longer watching those babies a few days a week, and have added on the burden of my knees, I have been forced to "just sit" several times during the week.  Unfortunately for me it took me a while to realize that I could spend a lot more of that time in pursuit of knowing Him.  I have found myself discovering that I truly have just begun to scratch the surface of all He really has for all of us.  Occasionally I find a treasure from Him that I then find myself wanting to share so that others might also be blessed by it.  Here is one of my latest finds....I have been reading proverbs in the evening....and trying not to just you know read along, but trying to really dwell and ponder what the Lord might be trying to say to me with each particular one.  Last night I read...

Proverbs 15:31...The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise.

And as I sat and pondered and prayed MANY thoughts sprang to my mind about the truth in that one single statement.  How many times in my life did I rush by moaning and whining about a particular set of circumstances or trials?  Too many to count that is for sure.  It has only been as I have matured, and forced myself to consider everything, that I truly did find it to be true that the times in my life where God has had to rebuke me have been the times I have learned the most.  When my children were growing up it was soo much easier sometimes to just let things go.  Not fight or rebuke, or punish and correct all the things that I knew needed to be addressed.  Not only because I was weary, but because I too couldn't bear them to have to be punished.  Now most of the time I did what had to be done, but there were numerous occasions where I just "let it slide" or looked the other way, or pretended not to notice.  How glad I am that the Lord doesn't do that with me.  In His gentle way He has led and rebuked and yes at times had to FORCE me to learn.  But all so I could abide among the wise.  SOMEDAY... because I am still waiting for that to happen, haha.  I have found myself saying to my now grown children..."LISTEN to me, LEARN from my mistakes, I have already been down soo many different paths that have proven to be the wrong way."  And I am saddened when they don't listen and chose to learn something themselves in a much more difficult way.  But I am sure that my Lord is saddened for me at all the times it has taken me to learn a particular truth as well.   My new prayer will be..."Lord, please give me ears to REALLY hear, that I might learn (quickly) what you want me to learn."

On a completely different note, I spent a long and good day with my mom yesterday.  She continues to improve and how grateful I am.  And last evening we went to my youngest sister's house to help celebrate her daughter Katie's 11th birthday.  What a sweetie she is.  And watching her open her gifts my mind wondered back to my kids when they were young and the excitement they felt on their birthdays.  How I miss those times and days.  Time goes fast so don't blink.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweet Miss Katie Lynn and may the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you now and always!




Soo many thanks to my friend Kristi who not only offered and then created this signature for me, but then installed it on my blog for me as well....I love it Kristi, and you as well!

To join the other Spiritual Sunday posts click HERE.http://www.bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

26 comments:

  1. Hi sister Debbie! Happy Birthday to your pretty niece! I think it's great that you blog about anything that comes to mind. The different topics/issues from your heart makes it always a pleasure to come by and read what's in your heart.

    That's so nice to have a lot of quiet time with the Lord. To be still in His presence. And I know, you are being nourished in His love each and every time.

    May God continue to strengthen your mom. That is so awesome to hear that she's doing well. Same with you and the rest of your beautiful family. God bless and protect you always.

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  2. Happy Birthday to your niece...what a doll! :)
    So glad your Mom is doing better! Time does go by so fast and I know you cherish each and every blessed day the Lord allows us with our family!!

    Love and Hugs!

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  3. Happy Birthday! What a sweet little girl! I sometimes find myself wondering what to post about as well and feel so intimidated when I visit blogs and they are "profound" also and I post about fixing my toilet.

    Oh well! Enjoy your day!

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  4. Thanks for sharing from you heart on the verse God brought to your attention...I kept thinking it was me writing that. We recently are dealing with an adult child who is resisting God and I so want to say what you wrote here...and yet, I learned from my mistakes.
    Oh to be wise!!!

    Thanks for posting...I so enjoyed and so relate...not extra time yet...LOL, four year old talked from dawn to dark, but in the rest of your post!

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  5. Hi Debbie -

    This is my first time visiting your blog and certainly I will return.

    I loved this piece and that you spend your mornings and evenings with our Lord. I usually do, as well. It is rich time, isn't it?

    Thank you, Lord, for this dear sister in Christ!

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  6. Debbie,
    Your signature line is so lovely! What a kind friend to bless you in such a sweet way.

    Praise God you continue to encourage and exhort your children in His ways. This Mama's heart wants my children to learn from my mistakes, too, but I know sometimes they've had to learn from the pain of experience and God's chastening. It's my prayer they'll always walk in His truth, and I'm daily thankful for His grace!

    How wonderful to have time with your Mom and enjoy the celebration of another birthday. You are so right about time passing too quickly. There are many days when I wish I could hold onto a moment in time just a little longer.

    Have a beautiful day in the LORD!

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  7. I love how you are using your extra time to spend more with the Lord! What an inspiration when there are hundreds of other things you could choose to fill your time with, but you are choosing the most important! Your niece is so adorable and how special to get to spend her birthday with her!

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  8. The pic is "Darling"! Thanks so much for coming over and helping to celebrate Katie's special day! I can't believe she's already 11. Seems like only yesterday you were standing next to my bed while I was in labor and telling me "YOU CAN DO IT". The oatmeal cake was beyond yummy, thanks again for making her "Fav". She loved the books and actually read the entire "because of Win Dixie" book in one day! Looks like she is developing our love of reading! Thanks again for being such a Wonderful Aunt to my Daughter! Love you lots! Donna

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  9. You are in a season in life that affords you lots of "coffee time" with the Lord. I pray he reveals himself to you in rich measure in those times, and then also in the moments when you least expect his witness. No time in the Word is wasted, sister, it's "doing" something for you, even when you can't feel it (Isaiah 55:10-11).

    Know God more today than yesterday! Keep to it...

    peace~elaine

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  10. I just love this post Debbie! Honestly, it's ALL of the above that God has shaped each of us into. I know what you mean, some can write a Bible study every day and not pause and blink. Not me... and yet I love the life God has given me, and the things He is teaching me every day!

    I think our interest in life and what goes on around us, reaching out to our kids, grandkids, friends, church and our love of the life He has placed us in, is ALL pleasing to Him...

    I am so glad to hear your mom is doing so well. You know when she was in the hospital, it so reminded me of when my own mom was right close to where you were , after her stroke, and so my heart listened quickly when you wrote about her. I could picture you all as you gathered and prayed and helped her through it.

    I love your vivacious enjoyment of life Debbie... keep sharing... ALL of it matters to God, and I'm so glad that He knows me and is using my 'every day', just as he is yours! :)

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  11. Deb, you are such a blessing to me and many others! Your joy and love of God, family and life in general are inspiring and I always enjoy my visits here. You share from your heart, and that makes it so very special.

    Love this last birthday photo! Just precious!

    Praying my friend, for all that concerns you!

    Love you lots!
    Becky

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  12. I have long enjoyed early hours with the Lord. Once the day begins, it's often hard for me to find a quiet spot. Thus it's best that I start my day with one. Funny how the rest of the day seems to go better when I do!

    Blogging has evolved for me. I must confess that I prefer visiting sites that challenge me; that offer wisdom, or truth-telling, or sharing of the heart; not that the funny or the frivilous ones don't have their place. Sometimes I'm equally frivolous on my own.

    But mostly I see it as an opportunity to build relationships here in cyberspace, and to leave a legacy my grandchildren might one day treasure.

    Blessings,
    Kathleen

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  13. Debbie, You are a wise woman to give the Lord priority. I am sure He has been using your quiet time with Him to bless you richly.
    Happy Spiritual Sunday :)

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  14. Stopping by from Spiritual Sundays ~ I love my quiet time in the mornings when the kids are all asleep, hubby is working and it's just me & God. It's amazing what we learn when we are just quiet & still before the Lord.

    grettajohns.blogspot.com

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  15. I'm so glad that you stopped by for a visit!! Thank you for your sweet comments. I"ve enjoyed my visit here and hope to get to know a new friend better! Blessings to you.

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  16. Great post and love the signature. Most of all I appreciate that you take time in the morning to spend with the Lord, to get your spirit renewed and your faith fanned into a larger flame. Always do that. God bless, Dr. Bobbi

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  17. Love the post and signature.

    Blessings to you.

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  18. I love the blessing you gave to Katie, I use it all the time. She did look very happy so I know her day was full of sunshine. God Bless you all. CML

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  19. the pictures says it wall... you sure must have made her day special.

    Blessings,
    Ruth

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  20. Very well thought out and sweet post. I think that after the years of raising kids and now this time of life to be able to sit back and enjoy a cup of tea and visit with other ladies who God has brought together. I think is such a very special time. I think iron sharpens iron and I know the teaching I am finding from the ladies God has introduced me to has been one of the most exciting things I have had in a long time.

    I start getting so afraid as my birds have flown the coop, and I kept asking God what would He have me do. I am so thankful He has given me this part. Just visiting with people like you Debbie, who since your first comment, have continued to bless my life.
    It doesn't matter how many times a week you post, it will always be a joy and a pleasure to read.
    Thank you for leaving such kind comments too.
    Blessings today on this Sunday.

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  21. Glad that you like the sig line! It looks great on your blog!

    I like what you blog about, you blog about everything. I always enjoy your posts Debbie!

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  22. Love the signature. It is the perfect ending to a delightful post. Love your header picture and the picture under it of the falling leaves. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  23. Dear Debbie, You seem to always write what is on my mind, I was so blessed by your thoughts today.

    Debbie, I know I have probably told you before, but it is worth repeating You truly are a woman after God's own heart, and I count it such a joy to know you.

    I am so glad your mother is doing well, and that you have these special times with her.
    Please wish Miss katie Lynn a very happy birthday, and it looks like she had a lot of goodies too.
    Much love,
    Sue

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  24. Wonderful post. Reading it was like sitting across from you at the kitchen table. Some times God wants us to hear things in gentle ways from a friend. Thank you.
    Have a blessed Sunday!

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  25. Oh so funny, Deb...you could have written this post for me word for word - about feeling as if I really don't have anything to post about...or any real direction for my blog. And then about this season of life....can so relate.

    But I am beginning to see there is much to savor about this season and I am trying to learn to embrace it. Finding more time to really draw closer to the Lord is the perfect example. Goodness, I don't want to waste this time. Thank you for the reminder.

    I pray that He continues to richly bless these extra moments and times you have with Him. It is overflowing into your blog - and blessing all of us!!

    I think your blog is a joy:) Truly I do. Have a wonderful week, friend. Will send an email soon - Hugs.

    Jennifer

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  26. You are so blessed to be able to spend time with the Lord in the morning and at night.I need to do this. Thank-you so much for the encouragement.I was gone for the weekend so I'm late reading most the post for this week.
    Blessings,
    Ginger

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I am so glad that you would take the time to comment on my thoughts and feelings, it is such a blessing to me!