"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.

3.09.2011

creating space


I really liked what my pastor said this past Sunday about fasting from something during the Lenten season. It's not just about giving up something that we love, a sacrifice for us,

 it's to 

"create space for God to meet and work in me, to expose the things in my heart that need to die."

My share group just began a new study. The timing of it is incredibly interesting to me.

The study is

 "Made to Crave" by Lisa Terkeurst 
"Satisfying your deepest desire with God, not food."

When we (when I) stuff ourselves with food or ANYTHING to fill the emptiness, to numb ourselves we leave no room for God to work. 

I have never been excited about giving something up for Lent. And I can't say I am excited, but there is a hopeful expectation this year. 

I know it will not be easy, I am expecting it to be downright hard, painful at times.  

But I want the things that keep me from true fullness, from true freedom gone!!! 

Grace and Peace to you!


7 comments:

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Oh I just finished that book a couple of weeks ago...I felt God spoke to me more about other issues than even food...it opened my eyes to a lot of issues. Now I do have food issues, but I saw that most of what she wrote you could take out the word food and put anything in its place and that was where your battle was.
I was just thinking along these same lines this morning..thanks for the confirmation.
"Create a space for God to meet and work in me"
Amen

Jennifer Richardson said...

Numbness vs. space for freedom
and aliveness,
the Presence
of Love Himself.
Funny how it doesn't
feel as obvious
as it simply is.
My spirit whispers
"choose life"
Thanks for this, Mary.
-Jennifer

Nancy said...

I want to get that book.......sounds very insightful.....

I have felt led to do something different this year..In stead of giving up one thing, which is what I usually do, is to ask God each day what does He want me to put aside so that He may speak.......

May we all draw closer to Him during this period.....Thanks for this post dear friend.....

jgr said...

Mary, thank you for this post. I am determined this year to have a positive attitude about 'giving up for Lent' and you have really inspired me to see it in a different light.

kelvin s.m. said...

.."Create Space for GOD..." o, i love that phrase... it deeply touches my heart and thought...^^ i had been away co'z my grandfather was confined in the hospital for more than two weeks now and i had to stay with Mom and grandma for any support they needed... grandpa undergone an operation in his kidney and he's recovering already... in few days he'll be out back home, thank GOD...^^ i hope everything is well in your place and always keep safe...!!!^^

GOD Bless!!!^^

~Kelvin

rachel awes said...

yes! let's fill up with the goodness of God!
much love to you, dear! xox

Unknown said...

Mar I'd been thinking about what to give up for lent this year because I haven't been faithful doing it in the past. Perhaps I didn't know how important is would be to truly give up something knowing it makes much more space for God to meet and work in me. My heart is truly yeilding to HIS truths. He has been molding me in ways I didn't think possible...but then all things are possible in HIM...love you sis.