"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.

5.04.2010

Abiding Monday - on Tuesday



I had nothing to give yesterday.

Some days are like that.

In my reading this morning I found this from "surrendering hunger" by Jan Johnson

Brokenness Gives Life
The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.
(1 Samuel 2:6)

I welcome my pain and desperation because they force me to examine myself and come clean. They bring forth life.

I feel so miserable that I gather up my courage, set aside my pride, and admit to someone else that I have been dishonest and conceited. Then this person thanks me, saying, "You have named my problem for me. I see it all now and I want to change, just like you said." This person's brokenness speaks to mine and we are a team. We form a strong friendship and continue to share our stories.

I'm glad I've surrendered to this death of myself. Without it, I would not have found life.

Help me God, to accept your way of bringing me new life from my brokenness.


This is what happens when we begin to remove our masks.
This is what happens when grace is extended.
This is what happens when we feel safe and secure in God's love and stop performing.
This is what happens when we stop pretending.

I see more and more of this.
Is it just I have eyes that see more of it now?
Or is there a fresh wind blowing?

I think it is both.

Thank you my blogging friends for being so supportive and encouraging to me.
You bless my socks off!

20 comments:

Butterfly Works said...

Oh Mary,
How I can relate.....examining ourselves and coming clean....that's just what's been going on with me since the retreat.....God is just not going to let us stay in the same place and even though it hurts to have our hearts examined, the peace that comes in so wonderful.
I feel like I have had heart surgery and now I am recuperating....I have to wonder what mask or heart issue will come with the next retreat..But oh His presence is so worth it.....
Love you girlfriend and appreciate your honesty
and transparancy.....
Hugs and Blessings,
Nancy

Sandra Hall said...

Its reciprocal Mary - you bless us with your wisdomous ponderings and openess! Thank YOU!

Unknown said...

all I can say is PRAISE GOD!

Denise said...

I love your heart, it is a beautiful treasure.

lori vliegen said...

thanks for sharing what God is showing you through these readings.....you bless our socks off, too, sweet gal!!! :))

Unknown said...

You are so good Mary : ) Thanks for your words.

Unknown said...

Gosh Mary, you are so simply amazing! Your words are always so timely....and such a blessing!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

your honesty...your vulnerablity inspires....stay strong.

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

This came at a good time for me, too. Thank you for this post. I've been feeling really hurt and down and have been trying to stay strong and full of my faith...this helps. ~Kathy

LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious said...

You know what Mary? I love how you are so real in your writing and share your soul and vulnerable side with us. You always seem to say so many thoughts that hit home with me. It's so true that God uses our brokenness to help others, and in helping others we are helped too. You are an awesome woman Mary! Your courage and sincerity gets to my heart! Thanks!

Keep on keepin on!
Lee Ann

Anita said...

Thanks Mary...Your blog is always a SANCTUARY for me

Poetic Artist said...

Mary,
You and your words. Do you realize how much them help and such a blessing. You are of a good heart and a lot of wisdom. Yea I know you do not think that but is true.
What a blessing to bless your socks off. LOL>
I love that.
Hugs
Katelen

kelvin s.m. said...

Dear Mary,

Oh, I can relate to this... i felt like some part of this piece was written for me... it's like reminding me of what i had been from the past weeks... and how i survived from all those brokenness i had experienced...

"I'm glad I've surrendered to this death of myself. Without it, I would not have found life.

Help me God, to accept your way of bringing me new life from my brokenness."

These phrase remained on my mind... and touches deep inside... i'm really blessed to be here again and readin' inspiring words of yours... thank you for bein' the light that shows me the way to where i really belong... it's here... here, with my family and friends!!!:)

Good day!!!:)

God Bless!!!:)

>Kelvin

Buffy said...

Hi Mary, I had a pastor come into where I work today and kinda talked about the same thing. Thanks for sharing.

Kim Mailhot said...

Hi Mary ! I love the expression "You bless my socks off !" ! It goes that little bit further to express the gratitude and appreciation we have for our friends who are on the journey with us. I am glad that you have a close circle to travel with.
You asked about my rocks - I do occasionally find heart shaped rocks and include them in the bags that I give away. I also have a collection of my own that I keep on my prayer altar at home. They seem to find me wherever I go ! I would love to share one with you if you decide you would like a bag. Just let me know through Etsy or an email !
Big Love to you and more peaceful blessing.

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Even when you don't think you have anything to give, you give your honesty and that my friend is the gift.

S. Etole said...

You bless our socks off, too ... thank you!

Alyce said...

I just found your blog and I can't express what your words have meant to me. Your love of God is a blessing and an inspiration to me. I'm going in for a lumpectomy next Weds. and God gave me the most wonderful verse that sustains me everyday. Joshua 1:9. You are a blessing. Thank you.

Dena E's Blog said...

Hey ya Sweet Mar's,,,such a great post and I should have seen it sooner. This just hit the s;pot for sure with me too. Now will I be able to relate it to our teen boys ..suppose we just will have to keep living it.. We see more God shine through our everyday,,thats for sure, when we quit seeing our I wants. I have that bad some times meself . Even Kent at times..I was soooo thankful today when he found some scriptures to copy and put up on our fridge...I was HAPPY that they hit home with him too,,Gods word can TOTALLY work when we let it, PRAISE THE LORD and Amen to your post.. BTW~~~ THANKS for your help at my latest post Sweetie..
HAPPY MOM's DAY again!!!
Dena sending (((HUGS)))

Unknown said...

I know this is so very late sis, but I had to add that even tho you feel at times you don't have anything to share, just being YOU honest, and such a giving heart you can't help but touch so many of us with your God Give wisdom!! I love you sweet sister...