Extra Care and Unexpected Provision: Paths Part 5

I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD , the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121

Staying in the journey and on the path hasn't been easy -- especially this summer. There is no shortage of distractions, hindrances, and difficulties that propel me toward exhaustion, retreat and at times surrender.

On this day, even though the covering of the trees guarded the path from the scorching heat of the sun, things threatened to thwart my desire and resolve to keep traveling. Luckily before I headed down the path I made a quick stop at my car just in case there was anything I might need. I grabbed a light jacket and noticed the bug spray had been left in the car by my husband. I threw both in my bag and headed off. Little did I know the bug spray would provide enough protection that I'd be able to stay on the journey.

I don't think my husband intentionally left the bug spray in the car for me. Yet, in some sense this momento became a gift reminding me I can trust God to watch over me and provide what I need when I most need it. And often he chooses to include others in his provision and care, even without our knowledge.

On that day, thankfully I was able to keep going {without the company of mosquitoes}.

Shaking the System

Here at Grace Community Church we just finished a four week series entitled Shaking the System. If you missed any of these -- you can listen online at www.gracecc.org/sermons.html How did this weekend series stir you? What questions or concerns did it raise in your heart and mind? This past week Dave Rod gave us some ideas for personal engagement -- have you or are you planning to take any steps to personally get engaged in social justice issues?

Praying as We Breathe In & Out

By offering a simple prayer with every breath, we can be reminded "for in him we live and move and exist" (Acts 17:28). Although rather simple, this practice requires a connection between the unconscious act of breathing and a conscious expression to God. A Bit of History The church has practiced breath prayer or "prayer of the heart" for millennia . The Eastern Orthodox Church, in particular, has seen breath prayer as a way of living out Paul's instruction to "pray without ceasing." Examples Jesus Prayer Take a moment to become aware of your breathing. It might help to find a quiet place -- close your eyes and notice your breathing. As you breath in -- bring your thoughts to Jesus. As you breath out -- express a word of gratitude or need. For example, breath in -- saying "Lord, Jesus Christ" -- breath out saying "have mercy on me." Throughout your day -- as you notice your breathing -- take note an

The Shack and Room of Marvels

I love to read. I enjoy hearing what others are thinking and processing. I go through spurts of reading fiction and honestly I don't read very much christian fiction. BUT, a few years ago I read a book called Room of Marvels and just recently picked up a copy of the book, The Shack . Both books are fiction. Both books press in on really hard subjects of pain and loss. Both books profoundly impacted my view of God, our world, and eternity. Any readers out there? Have you read either of these books? Would love to hear your thoughts?

Anonymous13/9/10 3:26 PM
So how are you finding this provision and protection in all the turmoil of current living? I always think of the cliche footprint story of the person walking on the beach and the single set of footprints. I don't think I always realize I'm being carried, provided for or protected at the time. I just mourn the situation or feel the pain. Sometimes it's only hindsight that allows me that perspective. Sometimes I not quite sure I ever see or feel it but have to trust that without God the outcome could have been far different.
corinne13/9/10 3:44 PM
I'm not sure I am finding it but rather it is finding me.

Thinking of the day that I headed out on the path as part of the silent retreat months ago, I remembered "giggling" as I pulled out the OFF -- something likely forgotten in Brad's trunk... but at that very moment being grateful it had been forgotten in the car where I could find it and use it.

Maybe it is simply a coincidence or maybe it was a way for God to remind me in the midst of the difficult circumstances that I had not been forgotten.

I am thinking all I need to do is keep looking around for his care and provision... kind of like trusting that he will provide just enough for the day I am in even when it doesn't feel like it.

Remember the story of the Israelites wandering around the desert and God providing just enough 'manna' to sustain them each day.
debbie2/11/10 8:13 PM
I hope God helps me find a friend like that
deb
Anonymous28/1/11 9:11 PM
Corinne,
Last Saturday's seminar day was such a breath of fresh air. Thanks for your willingness to help lead us. I appreciated the video presentations, the challenges, and the inspiration to keep moving onward in the Lord.
Darlene

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