“All growth is a leap in the dark; a spontaneous, unpremeditated act without the benefit of experience.” Henry MillerRecently I had coffee with a friend. There was so much going on in her life, I settled into active listening mode. I asked questions, she told stories. It was glorious. Much of my life I have been told, “You talk too much,” or “You need to listen more.” Talking too much is my greatest character gap between who I am and who I desire to be…but, not for lack of trying. When young, my dad used to tell me, “When you’re talking you can’t learn anything new; you can only repeat what you already know.” I really tried to listen, but I discovered I’m one of those people that learn by synthesis. So I need to draw a correlation in my own life or put the concept into my own words in order to fully integrate the point. I learned it was easier to listen silently with a pen and paper in hand. But taking notes in casual conversation is awkward. As we drank coffee, my friend shared her experiences, and my mind conjured up a been-there-done-that experience of my own, but without feeling the need to share it aloud. It reminded me of a line in the Anne of Green Gables movie where Anne said, “If you only knew how many times I want to say something and don’t.” Listening to my friend I learned so much about her, her family, and even about a book she had read that I now want to read. More importantly, I felt as if I’m growing as a person not having to say every thought that comes to mind. Is there an area of growth that you want to work on? Do you have a habit that you would like to change for the better? What will you do differently today that will be the leap of faith without the benefit of experience that will help you grow? Lord, I hope you continue to surprise me with precious gems of friendship when I choose to listen instead of talk. Amen “Know this, my beloved brothers; let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” James 1:19 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Henry Miller (1891-1980), an American writer and painter, known for breaking with existing literary forms that developed a new sort of semi-autobiographical novel. Examples of this style are Tropic of Cancer (1934), Tropic of Capricorn (1939). He also wrote travel memoirs.
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“Friendship…is a relation between mankind at their highest level of individuality.” C.S. Lewis I just got back from a writer’s conference. At one point another writer approached me and said she had read one of my short stories. She told me how much she enjoyed it. That was a first. I had never before had anyone approach me with a comment like that. A certain kind of joy surged through me knowing that God had used me, through something I wrote, to bless someone else. Later that same morning the singer/songwriter, Josiah James, who was leading worship at the conference, shared his story about meeting Lincoln Brewster, and of Lincoln asking to record Made New, one of the songs he had written. Then he shared the incredible feeling he had when he began to hear his song on the radio. “He’s a writer, too,” I thought, “he knows what it’s like to be published.” We had both labored over our creations, both hoping and praying they would one day glorify God and bless others. We had both felt the amazing honor that God bestows on those who answer the call to use our gifts in service to others. At that moment it felt as if a non-metallic alloy had soldered our souls together, we were connected by a common experience. I still had not spoken to him, nor did I need to. I felt a sort of kinship, a friendship with him as a fellow artist—a songwriter and a writer—both serving God with our gifts.
Are you aware of the gifts God has given you? Do you practice those talents so that one day you might use them to serve God? What will you do today to progress along the path of blessing others with you talents? Lord, thank You for the affirmation that someone actually reads my words and is blessed by them; it helps me know I’m on the right tract, following Your call to write for Your glory. Amen “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” I Peter 4:10 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: C.S. Lewis (1898-1963), British novelist, poet, academic, literary critic, lay theologian, lecturer and Christian apologist. He held academic positions at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities (1925-63). Although most all of his published works (in four genres) are still in print, he is best known for The Screwtape Letters, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Space Trilogy, Mere Christianity, Miracles, and The Problem of Pain. “If cares and worries and fears and discouragement have gained ascendancy in your mind, then you need to open the windows of your soul and let a strong fresh current of hope come surging through.” Norman Vincent Peale “Good morning. How are you?” “I’m great, thanks," I lied, "How you doin’?” as I accepted a bulletin on my way into church. Sometimes I can hardly drag myself to church. My quiet times seem especially quiet, like God forgot to show up. I find a seat in church and join the singing. Knowing the words allows me to not engage, I just people watch. Then something happens…we sing the second or third verse and I have to pay attention to the words. Worship breaks through my fog and the song speaks to my situation. I see myself in the lyrics. The realization that I’m not the only one strikes me. The writer of the song understands. The chorus comes and a tear escapes the corner of my eye. My voice increases a few decibels as my singing becomes my cry to God for help:
The song ends. I open my eyes, my cheeks wet with tears. The room is filled with light as if the sun came out from behind the clouds and illuminated the stained glass windows into my soul. God met me in worship. I am not alone.
Are your quiet times too quiet? Are you weighed down by burdens, without answers? What music will you turn on now to open the windows to your soul? Lord, thank You for blessing the musicians who write the songs that in turn bless me with truth, and remind me of Your love and care. Amen “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” Psalm 100:1-2 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993), an American minister and author, most notable for his book The Power of Positive Thinking. He began a radio ministry that ran for 54 years and included television when it became available. He also co-founded Guideposts magazine, which today is one of the largest circulation Christian publications in the world. “Life isn’t always about finding yourself. More often than not, it’s about discovering who God created you to be.” David A.R. White The church bulletin announced a woman’s event: Bloom Where You’re Planted. With sweaty palms I thought, "No way. I will not limit myself to just the hand I was dealt. I will make something of myself; I will achieve beyond what my parents were able to do. I will be happy." I didn’t want to attend but my friends were going so I did too. My low expectations, however, resulted in not remembering one single thing from that event. But, I was young. It took a while to realize that God not only gifted me with certain gifts and talents, but He also planted me in a particular part of the world, in the state and city where I would be born. He pre-determined my parents who would shape my life (both struggles and encouragement) and build in me the strength and courage I needed in order to do what He had planned for me to do. In addition, God set my life in this generation intentionally. I was not born a hundred years earlier or a hundred years later. My purpose was designed for these very years. All the world events, social change, spiritual influences, as well as technology, automation and medical science discoveries were all orchestrated for me to learn and grow and serve within. My grandmother was destined for her era, but I was destined for now. My soul’s unique thumbprint—gifts, talents, personality—were very intentionally planted in the US in the 20th and 21st centuries. How God has blessed me with usefulness to Him has been in direct correlation to how willingly I have allowed myself to bloom….when and where I was planted.
Do you desire to break out of imposed limits and become all you can be? Are you aware of your gifts and talents, and do you practice them? How will you apply your gifts to become all that you can be in this world, today? Lord, thank You for helping me better understand what it means to Bloom, to discover what it means to be who You created me to be. Amen “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made...” Psalm 139:13-14 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: David Andrew Roy White (1970- ), an American evangelical Christian actor, screen writer, producer and author of Between Heaven and Hollywood. White is co-founder of Pure Flix Entertainment, a distribution and production company specializing in Christian-themed movies. |
WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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