“Above all, guard your heart, for from it flow the springs of life!” Proverbs
One of the reasons I am pulling back from the blog and otherwise most of my social media is because I just cannot give up the time with my family, talks with the kids, meals, my local discipleship group and my dear inner circle friends and then keeping my life together with healthy, home-cooked meals, walking for my health, reading at least a tiny bit for my brain and then there is a whole tangle and whirlwind of ministry responsibilities.
But last week, I had 45 minutes to breathe–to myself–that had no other commitment on it–and low and behold, the inspired juices started to flow again. The Lord began to fill my heart with all sorts of inspiration, ideas, faith, beauty, …..!!!!!!
It reminded me that I have not lost myself–the Lord and me are still there–but I have to provide time, sabbath rest time, to be able to have the God-energy–given by Him, vision spoken quietly and bubbling over into my heart–in order to thrive.
No matter what, heart integrity is so important to fight for–because that is what the life flows out of and the messages of our mouths come from what is within.
So, I am excited about messages ahead and life ahead–but I am finding them in my solitude, one 45 minutes at a time. And I am committed to stay in the circle of His heart and His voice and His will and I know that with Him, I always come out inspired and at peace.
Have a great weekend! and be blessed!
Sally, everything you say ministers to my heart. I can tell in your heart are the wellsprings of Jesus love, creativity, and His heart…because when I read your words, they are sweet to my soul, I am inspired in too many ways to list, and I desire to have that joy and life flowing through me too. Sometimes I just want to sit before you and ask heart to heart questions. Maybe someday if the Lord wills. I am homeschooling my 3 cherubs, and devouring some of your books because I need a lot of encouragement for this road. (especially teaching my Jr highers while having a spirited 3 year old running around). I am 41 and have struggled with some physical things…but I press on because I am so passionate not only about raising my own in the Lord, but as many as God would put in my path. Thank you for sowing into my heart and ministering to me in endless ways. You speak my language. I only wish I knew about you and your family many years ago! Praying for you to be refreshed during your amazing journey of changing lives!
Just finished reading chapter 10 of Dancing with my Father and meditating on Prov. 4:23. Thank you for the ‘double reminder’ today!
Sally,
I love that our hearts beat along the same lines. I actually had about 45 minutes alone with the Lord and with the book of Nehemiah this morning. I felt challenged, revived in my thinking, and encouraged. The regular day to day does not often provide for this time, but I am thankful for today.
Much Love,
Michelle
Sally,
You encourage and inspire me so!
Often, it seems EVERYONE around me has settled for–even desires–what the world has to offer while I am constantly hearing the gentle voice of my Savior calling me to be DIFFERENT. I confess I have been guilty of pouting and feeling resentful that He “stays on me” about WANTING me to stand out from the crowd instead of seeing what an absolute privilege it is to receive such an invitation.
Reading your words reminds me. I want to be the kind of person YOU are. You don’t sound like the rest of the world, you DO stand out…in a very good way.
May God continue to bless and strengthen you day by day.
Love you!!
amy
I often take a mom-break for a couple hours at least once a month, sometimes hiring a sitter if my husband is not available to watch the kids. Not to shop, or run errands, but to sit alone in a coffee shop, park, or quiet restaurant – anywhere away from my home and all the reminders of tasks unfinished. I usually don’t bring a study to do or a book to read – just me, God, the bible, and notebook. I share my burdens and God shares His wisdom. He shares His passions and gives me vision. I love these complete breaks from life because in them I am renewed, inspired and ready to be a blessing. Thanks for the reminder of how essential it is to step away from life and step into God’s heart.
Sally – I’ve been enjoying Sarah’s recent blogs so very much. As her last one has her waiting for a delayed flight out of Heathrow, I imagine she is on her way home. I’m sure you will need the hours away from social media, to listen in a long and absorbed way, to all she will have to share from her time away. Enjoy the conversation and be blessed. I can only imagine the inspiration that might have come to her whilst spending weeks largely away from the routine, noisy, web ‘conversations’ which so easily engage and entangle our minds and hearts, given what inspiration can come to her mom in a mere 45 minutes! Thank you for the reminder of what God can do in us in time focussed on Him and His Word.
I agree. I have been in a season of life where I have been hitting my to do list from the moment I awake and still have a list a mile long not crossed off when I put my head on the pillow. The pace of it all often makes me push out what is most important and that is time for refreshment. Time spent one on one with my Father. I was just thinking this morning I need to start writing that time on my to do list and make sure its number 1 each day.
Sally, this is a great, timely reminder for me. Thank you! My husband stays home with my son 2 or 3 times per month to let me get out to a coffee shop and hang out with the Lord. I love those times…. Need to ask him for another one soon. Thanks so much for your heart…
There are so many fun, worthwhile projects to be a part of online and off. It is easy for everything to snowball. I’m glad you were able to take a step back and breathe. Thanks for your lovely post!