"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

4.05.2010

Abiding Monday



It seems the longer I live this life, I find the people of this world have more in common than not.

This excerpt if from the devotional "surrendering hunger"

Progress I Don't Understand

Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you. (Leviticus 26:8)

As difficult as dealing with an eating problem can be, there are small improvements that I can't explain.

I struggle so long with chocolate and turn down one candy bar and suddenly all kinds of food have less appeal for me. I focus on quieting my voice with my children and it seems hopeless, but then I find I'm less frustrated with my co-workers. I progress when I'm not looking, and I can't explain why.

That's the beauty of it. With God, five soldiers can defeat one hundred soldiers. If I could explain it, I would claim I won in my own strength and feel proud, then I would fall. This way, I can only report my progress to my friends and celebrate with them. These small moments of grace become inside jokes with God.

Work in me, using your mysterious paths, God, and I promise to cooperate.

God's ways are mysterious, and that's OK.


I read this and said, oh my gosh, YES!!!!

16 comments:

Karen Kay said...

I never thought of that Scripture in that way. I always related it literally. You made me start thinking about the different kinds of enemies we can have and food can be one as those of us who have struggled with it know. And then you got me to thinking about all the small victories in life that multiply afterwards, I never thought about how Biblical that really is- right there in Leviticus. Thank you so much for sharing this Mary.

Marthann's Musings said...

I just stumbled across your blog and love it already. Beautiful art and words. Keep sharing.

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Oh man, is that the truth or what! Where we look for change, focusing all our energy we meet with more of the same, but then in some unexpected place we see what God has been up to in the secret place of our inner world. Yeah God!

Say It In Color said...

I have often called it His "WOW" factor....and Oh how I need Him .... in all things .... you can be diminished by sooo many people or things that happen in your life and it sometimes seems so overwhelming ..... until you realize you are never diminished by Him .... you are in His arms .... and were the whole time! He is my strength .... even when I don't appear soo strong. Thanks for beautiful art and beautiful words from His heart to go along with it!!! You are a blessing!!

Poetic Artist said...

These words strike right to the heart. You are always a blessing. I am glad I found you or maybe I did not find you God just leads us and we think we just find new friends. Smile.
Take care.
I have not seen you lately at my blog.
Hope all is well.
Katelen

Martha Lever said...

Hi Mar! Wonderful and TRUE post once again. I love your Abiding Mondays I have gotten Alisa's DVD and have started trying to do some graffiti painting. Mine is not as good as yours yet but I do love what she does and it's harder than it looks!!! Hope you have a blessed Resurrection Sunday.

Jo Reimer said...

Oh my gosh, YES! It's like catching glimpses of Him out of the corner of my eye. There You are! I expected something completely different and You surprised me again... with something bigger and much better than I thought I wanted or needed.

Sandra Hall said...

Yes Mary, keep sharing, your thoughts and musings are always uplifting and sometimes thought provoking. x x

Unknown said...

How often we think we have the answer only to find that's not what it really meant...I too look forward to Abiding Monday even tho it takes me a day to respond. You are so faithful in sharing God's word my sweet sister, I love you so much!!!!

Buffy said...

Hi Mary,beautiful post,I enjoy your abiding mondays. Thanks for sharing.

S. Etole said...

I'd like to add my "yes" to that ...

Nikki (Sarah) said...

this is really good. I like that scripture...thank you. Sarah

lori vliegen said...

dittos on the "oh my gosh YES" part!!!! xox, :))

Martha Lever said...

Hi Mar! Yes, Tuplips like to dance all around! I used Hydrus watercolors from the bottle and they are much more intense than regular watercolor. I love them! Comes in yummy colors. Have a great day!

jgr said...

Thank you for that wonderful post! I needed to read that and - it is SO true. As always your words are uplifting and encouraging.

Erin Butson said...

Thank you for this.