Monday, November 2, 2009

"God Moments"

On Sunday after church, I spent some much needed time enjoying "God moments" on the trails. The fall colors were just gorgeous and so vibrant. One of my trail running buddies and I simply ran. No certain distance. No certain speed. We just ran and talked and talked and talked. We stopped when we wanted and just listened. Utter silence. No cars, phones....anything. Just us and God's creation.

As we traversed the winding trails, our conversation was filled with serious discussions....mama's surgery, her son's new school--she moved 100 miles away from me due to her husband's job! It was also filled with joy over the changing of the leaves! We'd jump over a patch of leaves, and both of us would be so squeal about one that was both red and yellow! "God moments!" Before we had even left the parking lot to run, a group of Japanese families were grilling out under the picnic shelter. (It smelled wonderful!!) Also under the shelter was a family member playing a keyboard! On the side of a moutain!!! I had never seen such a thing! As Cheri and I left for our run, he began to play a familiar hymn, and the other family members joined in! It was beautiful! I knew the words, and I listened for Jesus' name in another language! I've never begun a run with church music like that before!

This morning, I had another "God moment" after reading my e-devotional with Wendy Pope. She challenged her readers to put aside fear of not succeeding and not understanding God's Word to join her in reading through the Bible in a year. I have so much on my plate right now, I almost laughed! Then, God spoke to me through these words.

Isaiah 50:4b, "He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught." (NIV)

Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (NIV)


Proverb 2:1-5, "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God." (NIV)

2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (NLT)


Stillness and peace came to my heart. Could I actually do this? Would I have the discipline that it requires? Before I could just shake my head "no" and go on to read my next email, I ordered my Bible study tool for January. It's a new Bible! We have so many Bibles here at the house, but this one is different. It is a chronological NLT that is set up to be read in a year. Wendy says it is only 15 minutes a day. I spend 15 minutes a day on the phone! I know I can spend that time with God!

I forwarded this devotional to some friends of mine. Several of them have responded "yes!" I love it when women say "yes!" to God! If you are interested as well, click on Wendy's name to read her devotional today! It is very encouraging and motivating. I would love for you to join me in this adventure! I'll need all of the encouragement I can get!

My mama goes back to the doctor tomorrow morning for her follow-up. I just got off the phone with her. She said that she is SOoo ready to get the dressing off and take a shower! I totally understand. I'll keep you posted! We'll know which treatment she will need then. We are really praying for the homone pill and no radiation treatment. Thank you all for your prayers! We're still holding onto them! Please keep them coming, you precious friends!





Sweet Blessings!

10 comments:

Misti of Studio M Designs said...

Looks like you have been a busy girl! I love your talk of God moments in the woods. He is everywhere, isn't He? Hope your mother is doing better. No matter how old we get, we still rely on Mom. Hope you have a wonderful week! I just love reading your inspirational posts.

~Misti

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

What a lovely picture you painted for us of your run through the autumn trees! I loved the part about the Japanese family singing and how you were listening for God's name in another language! Just sort of reminded me that I get in a rut sometimes and forget that He's Lord of ALL the world and not just us here in the USA!

Thanks for such an enjoyable "virtual run" with you!

Marilyn...in Mississippi

Paula V said...

Wonderful to hear of God moments.

Your picture is absolutely gorgeous...breath taking.
Love,
Paula

On Purpose said...

Dear Jesus thank you so much for Susan...she is a MOST beautiful daughter...may you hold tight to her and her precious momma...for You have plans for them...oh and boy do they include some most amazing blessings..yeah! We love You Lord! Amen

~Grace and Peace said...

Hi - I saw followed your link from Wendy Pope's blog. I'm joining the 2010 group.

Reading some of your posts, I notice we have a lot in common. Except I don't run - bad knee from a rollerblading incident years ago. Anyway, it caught my attention that you took the Precepts class. How did you like it?

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

If you need any encouragement regarding the "thru the Bible" just talk to our friend, Joy. She's done it and written about it everyday on her blog... I'm not kidding. Actually, it would be neat to do this program with her brief devotionals to go alongside. I've been encouraging her to put this in some type of format for possible publication. It would be a great companion piece to go the Chronological Bible. Tell her so, would you?

We're heading to the TN mountains this weekend for a few days away. Hope the color has hung on for me!

Tell mom I'm praying for her and love her, even though we've never met.

Love you friend. Thanks for weighing in today.

peace~elaine

Lynn Cowell said...

Hey Susan,
I am going to be driving to Roswell, GA tomorrow afternoon. I'm speaking there on Friday morning. I'll be going right through Greenville on 85. If you would have time for coffee Thursday or Friday afternoon, give me a call! 704 771-9268 is my cell.

Jennifer @ JenniferDukesLee.com said...

God has a way of repeating His message to us, doesn't He? God bless you as you dive into His Word.

Cheri said...

We had an awesome run that day, didn't we? I haven't found a church yet here in Lexington, but like you said on the trail, "You can be anywhere and still have a moment with God." I really miss running with you and Robin. I'll get back there soon, and we'll hit the trails again.
Hugs and sprinkles,
Cheri

Joyful said...

Susan, so thrilled you are answering God's call and being obedient. Loved how He spoke so personally to you. Don't you just love that when it happens!!!!

I couldn't help but notice Elaine's comment above. She's too kind. All I've done this year is shared daily how the Lord has spoken to me through the daily walk in His Word. Haven't missed a day yet since January 1st, and Lord willing I will see this through until December 31st. It's been a wonderful journey, and for the first time ever while reading through the Bible in a year, I haven't missed a day and had to play "catch up". Writing every day has kept me accountable.

You have such a sweet heart my friend.
Hugs,
Joy