Sunday, June 8, 2014

Waterfall, Raining Down On Me


HELLO BLOGGYLAND FRIENDS!!

Yes, I'm back! 
And, as you may have noticed, there are many changes to my blog.

I had a nice break from blogging, though there were some difficult and draining times for me, as well.  I will be explaining about those times over the next few posts. But, for now, I want to share some things that the Lord has been speaking to my heart about, concerning my theme for this blog.

When I started blogging, back in 2011, I wanted this to be a place I could share the joys and blessings that God has endowed in my life. I also wanted to make new friends through sharing and interacting with other bloggers. Everything I started out wanting this blog to be about occurred and my heart(I hope yours, as well) has been blessed seven-fold because of it!

During my break from blogging, I had time to contemplate where God wants me to go from here. Because of some recent events/changes in my life, I feel like God is prompting me to also change the purpose and goals for my blog. Three words have been prominent for me, as I sought God in making these changes.

Prayer - Strengthens our faith

Promises - Give us hope(and joy)

Providence - Allows us to trust that God is in control.

 
More specifically for my own life, God has been speaking to me about how He is involved in my life in these areas:

Praying over my children and grandchildren - Being consistent and unrelenting in prayer for me and my family members, a time of intense spiritual engagement, totally abandoned to God. 

Reading and claiming His promises from the Bible - Learning and believing that He will honor the promises He made to those who follow Him.

Trusting His Provision in My Life(and others) - Through times of uncertainty and anxiety I am to rest in His grace and providence in unconditional surrender to His divine will and purpose.

God also has been revealing to me how the two lists work in and through each other to complete His will. 

He has also been opening my heart to understand/have a relationship with Him by looking at nature....
One of these things is water. As seen in my new heading, I am focusing on how different forms of water - rain, fountains,waterfalls, etc. are reflected upon by God.

Read how water is described in the verses below:
  • Water is a source of refreshment/joy/eternal life:
"but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”(John 4:14)


"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”(John 7:38)

"With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." (Isaiah 12:3)

  • The Holy Spirit is poured out like streams of water.
  •  "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants."(Isaiah 44:3) 
  • Water is cleansing to our hearts.
 “On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.(Zech. 13:1) 
  •  Still waters are described as giving us peace and fellowship with God.
 "He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters." (Psalm 23:2)

 
  •  He supplies all our needs, including rain that produces not only food for our health, but joy for our hearts.

"but He never left them without evidence of Himself and His goodness. For instance, He sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts." 

(Acts 14:17)
 



I love music and especially music with lyrics that I can relate to. A newly released song by Chris Tomlin made me think of how God shows His love for us and gives us joy through the image of a waterfall. 



So glad to be back and writing again!  I still have times where I know I'll falter and feel weak, but I am reminded that in those times, I need to turn to God in prayer, remember His promises, and trust His Divine providence. I also will be sharing in a future post all the blessings I've experienced during these 2 months away from blogging. In spite of the heartaches and hardships, God has blessed me immensely! I hope you will join me in reading what He puts on my heart! 
Blessings and joy to all!



Linking over to these blog hops:


15 comments:

  1. Welcome back to writing. I love that when we step away God renews both our passion and our focus. Blessings!

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    1. Thanks, Barbie! It's wonderful to be writing again and re-connecting with everyone! God has an amazing way of giving us wisdom at just the right time!! Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. Re-entering the blogosphere is so hard!! So glad you're pulling it off :)
    I'm glad to meet a sister from SDG. I love the image of still waters & pray my soul & my home would be places of still waters. :)

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    1. Thanks, Lisa! It did take me a few weeks to get back into the swing of things, but I feel good about writing again. It's really good to meet you, too! I agree that having a peaceful and still home environment is so important.

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  3. Prayer Promises and Provision believing God is in control and will take care of you and your family. Welcome back to Blog Land. 2011 is about the time I began to blog. What a journey it has become. Thank you for sharing your lovely post with us here at “Tell Me a Story.” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

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    1. Hi, Hazel! so glad to be in touch with all my bloggy sisters again!!

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  4. It's so affirming, when we've stepped away from writing for a season, to come back with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. It sounds like you've gotten that in abundance. I relate so deeply with connecting with God through nature - and water is one of the profound ways he refreshes and speaks to me. Your pictures at the top capture this well. I'm glad you linked up with Unforced Rhythms and blessings to you on this journey!

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    1. Hi, Amber! God can do amazing things in our hearts and lives, when we turn our wills over to Him. Glad you enjoyed reading my post. So glad I found the Unforced Rhythms link-up!!

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  5. This is my first time here as you are my neighbor at W2W, but I know God is using you to remind me that blogs are beneficial in so many ways, can encourage others, can lead to friendships, allow prayer. I also know that I tend to be about writing more often than I am about spending time with Him. I thank you for your openness and insights you gained by being away. Praying God will bless you in all He has for you. I pray that He will rain down His love upon us both as well as reign in our hearts.
    Caring through Christ, ~ linda

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    1. I think you may have left comments on my blog before, but it's been quite awhile since I last wrote here and I totally changed my blog look, so this probably feels like it's a first visit for you. I also stopped over at your blog and noticed you have recently updated the look, as well. Very nice!!
      Blessings, Ann

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  6. Ooooh! I'm so excited to see that you are back! I've checked your blog every week or so over the past 2 months and when I checked today and was greeted by your new layout I got a great big smile! I'm excited to hear more about your new theme for your blog and to read about the ways God has been blessing you!

    I'm so glad you're here!!

    Blessings, Joan

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    1. Awww, Joan, you are the sweetest friend! You have been one of my most committed readers and I appreciate it SO much! If for nothing else, I get excited to write, just to read your comments! Can't wait to share all God is/has been doing in my life!! Blessings to you!!

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  7. What a beautiful place he has led you to. We often need to step back and refocus, don't we. Love those water verses. Looking forward to what God has you share with us! ~Pamela

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    1. Thanks, Pamela. I surely had plenty of time and opportunity to learn and grow during my time away from blogging. Aren't those verses awesome!? Praying that you have a blessed week! Thanks for stopping by.

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  8. I have always been drawn to water. Probably for all these reasons. I love that you are shifting and changing your spiritual focus as God reshapes your life. I'll enjoy reading more about your journey. Blessings!

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I would love to hear from you! Feel free to leave me a comment.