What's Your Story?

So, I'm going through Neil T. Anderson's "Journey To Freedom" - a forty day guide which I've taken liberty to stretch into "more" than forty days because of my schedule. I want to savor it and not rush through with the purpose of keeping to the set time frame.

As I've been walking with the Lord since '81 it's always a challenge to maintain fresh perspective and joy. In an effort to spark some of that, (and as part of an assignment) I spent some time going through "my story", i.e., "God's and my story". It was a great exercise and now handy to remind myself of the details and be ready should I be asked the reason for my hope.

In light of that, I've wondered how many people, who clearly love the Lord and walk in His ways, have their story mapped out? If so, was it an easy task, or daunting?

I went through an outreach evangelism course once but it actually made the waters more cloudy than clear... there's got to be an easier way to pin down the details of the most important relationship any of us could ever have... Don't you think?

So, here's my request of you, my dear friends, that have been given to help me on this wild and wonderful adventure... What would be a good first question to ask someone, with the intent of helping them get their story pinned down??

Thanks for your input....

B

Meditations

Where do you find sanctuary?

Merriam-Webster's online dictionary has, as one of its entries, regarding "sanctuary" this definition: 2 a (1): a place of refuge and protection.

I was asked recently what that place might look like for me. I took a few minutes to reflect on my answer. I wanted to word it adequately, but also take full advantage of the exercise.

Certainly over the last many years I have needed and, thankfully, found such a place. Life is comprised of twists and turns and our reactions/responses to them. In the midst, as I've sought to make sense of it all and then re-stabilize a safe place became by necessity, my lifeline.

The very cool thing is my "sanctuary" does not negate yours(and vice versa) if they are different from each other. As our Creator seeks to connect with us, His creations, He will do so as He has uniquiely wired us in order that we will have optimum communication with Him.

As always, I can learn from you, as you from me, so I ask again... "Where do you find sanctuary?" and here, then, is my answer...


I've discovered finding sanctuary with God is not so much about the place I'm in but the place I'm at.
Sure, I love the back corner of our maturing garden, sitting on the swing with the birds as a backdrop to my commune with the Lord. Or, nestled into the soft folds of a favorite couch in our softly-lit bedroom, quiet worship music setting the stage for conversation between Jesus and I. Or another still, hiking to a rocky hilltop behind our property, overlooking the valley God has brought us to and filled us with love for.
These are all great sanctuaries; secret places where I can come apart, quietly contemplating all the goodness of my Creator.
This busy season of life, however, doesn't always permit regular getaways to these places.
Fortunately, God has shown me "sanctuary" with Him, no matter where I am.
"Eyes forward, child," He beckons, drawing the eyes of my heart from outward circumstances. In those moments, it's my Savior and I, in the sanctuary of my heart, communing as lovers do. The Spirit of the Lord surfaces Truth renewing my mind, refreshing my spirit and comforting my busy heart.
Often there's a brief struggle as I determine to take my focus off my surroundings and circumstances, placing it on the Lord. It calls for willfully pushing the distractions to the peripheral.
But always, God's mercies are faithful and true and sufficient for the moment.

I look forward to reading your response,

Just sign me,
A fellow sanctuary-seeker

My prayer for the day...

"Search me, O God, and know me", I begin,
For truly I desire to be cleansed deep within.

"Test me and know my anxious thoughts",
Since Trouble roams around there can be alot.

"See if there's any offensive way in me".
It's not my intent to hide anything, you see.

"Lead me in the way everlasting, my Lord".
Your way is best. In you, peace, I afford.

Amen
(Psalm 139:23,24 NIV)

Today is the first day that I collect my thoughts and dreams and post them upon this page.