Contemplative

 Contemplation:  the act of contemplating;  
thoughtful observation,
full or deep consideration;
reflection:
religious contemplation,
purpose or intention; prospect or expectation.
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In our culture, contemplation requires space and solitude,

which is hard to come by unless seeking it intentionally. 

As a young believer,

I began to journal throughout my struggles in prayer.

Writing offered my heart a slower pace for reflection,

observation,

and frankly the need to assess it’s true condition

through the Word,

and through quieter moments guided by the Spirit of God.

Seasons of writing became a place of tender interaction

in my relationship with the Lord,

especially as I struggled with many questions,

decisions, celebrations, disappointments,

and heart-aches in letting go.

While acknowledging deeper questions of faith,

all the while learning to be content in all things.

(So thankful for the word learning!)

"What if thou make us able to make like thee-
To light with moons, 
to clothe with greenery,
To hang gold sunsets o'er a rose and purple sea!"  
~George MacDonald
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I can’t ever remember a time in my life

of not scribbling out something of contemplation or poetry,

even in my younger years I recall the delight of writing.

God’s faithful and gentle mercies,

continues a workmanship of creativity in my heart,

weaving a depth of understanding and purpose in writing.

To enjoy the spiritual disciplines of solitude and silence,

lingering prayer,

and a deep study of the Scriptures,

is a gift that helps to usher in the privilege of

-Savoring His Presence.

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God will comfort, move, sustain and remove

veil after veil through the Spirit of Christ;

the incredible gift and treasure of pure grace through His

-Mighty Right Hand.

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“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! 
How unsearchable his judgements, and his paths beyond tracing out! 
Who has known the mind of the Lord?  Or who has been his counselor? 
Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? 
For from him and through him and to him are all things. 
To him be the glory forever!  Amen.” 
~Romans 11: 33-36

 

"The Christian poet and artist is one who grows 
not only by his contemplation but also by his open 
declaration of the mercy of God.  
The Christian's vision of the world ought, 
by its very nature, to have in it something of 
poetic inspiration.  Our faith ought to be capable 
of filling our hearts with a wonder and a wisdom 
which see beyond the surface of things and events, 
and grasp something of the inner and "sacred" 
meaning of the cosmos which, 
in all its movements and all its aspects, 
sings the praises of its Creator and Redeemer.  
Christ is the inspiration of Christian poetry, 
and Christ is at the center 
of the contemplative life."

~Thomas Merton, Echoing Silence

“Lord I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your works, O Lord. 
Renew them in our day, in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.”  ~Habakkuk  3 : 2, 19

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Faithful Abba Almighty,
Chariots of God carrying me along
Do what seems good in Thy sight.
God on the move~ taking the lead of the land,
Give us your power and might strong God.
Grace the world with your Mighty Right Hand~
Reap a harvest, for your name and renown!
 
“Preserve me from my Callings snare,

And hide my simple heart above,

Above the thorns of choking care,

The gilded baits of worldly love.”

~ C. Wesley

 

All in hopes to encourage and inspire your heart to seek the Lord’s face,

and be willing to wait as long as it takes-

to know His embrace of perfect, eternal, and unchanging love.

 

“Trust in Him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”  
~Psalms 62:8

 

 

 

 

 

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