Rest. Renewal. Remaining in relationship.
We all need it. We all crave it, but rarely do we ever take the necessary steps to receive it. If not guarded and carefully tended to, our soul’s can crack with the dry and withered weary from our well-intentioned doing.
I’m there, friends. And my necessary and much needed portion requires that I step away from the computer in intentional pause to find some…
peace…
for my journey.
What good would I be to God or to you if I didn’t heed the urging that he’s been scripting into my soul for over two weeks now? What hypocrisy would be lived in me if I urged you toward peace in your journey but refused the steps to find my own?
I want my talk to match my walk, and so for the next week or so, I will be selectively guarding my time and tending to my “remaining” and my “attachment” to the Vine. It’s not that I don’t want to be here with you; it’s simply and profoundly because my desire to be with Him is greater. Some days, those desires coincide and weave together in beautiful measure. These are times of wonderful fruit bearing; but when the fruit bears less, it’s time to step back.
To re-evaluate and to refresh.
Seven months ago, I began this blogging journey; I couldn’t have imagined then what it would birth inside of me. The growth I have known on a personal level has yielded an orchard! It’s been fun to watch, and even greater to write. From its earliest inception, Peace for the Journey, has always breathed with the intention of allowing readers to pause from the ordinary and to partake of the Extraordinary—a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Jesus is our Peace, and the only way we will ever walk in his peace, is to tend to our souls. Keeping our lives on the journey toward peace means keeping to Jesus. The easiest way that I have found to do this, is to be in his Word. Daily. Learning and striving to implement his Word at a deeper level that roots rather than blows away with the first sign of conflict and confusion.
I’ll be honest. It would be easier to write about other things on this blog. I could rant and rave about a great many things (from the mundane to the complex), but one more voice simply adds to the noise, and quite frankly, nothing from my kitchen or my chaotic life would warrant your need to take notes. The world is noisy enough, and my life is simply not that exciting. Writing about it would put me to sleep.
It would be easier…require less of me…but friends, I’ve spent the better part of my 42 years walking my easy and my less. I am no longer content to do so. Does it make me popular in blog land? Perhaps not. But blog land is not my end. Jesus is, and I am done making apologies for my trying to lead you toward his end.
Thus, when I return, you can expect more of the same. My focus will not change. My parameters—my boundaries for doing this thing called “blogging”—have to change. It’s become too important to me, and it has consumed far too much of my time. That being said, I will be back. As my dear friend, Judith told me the other day on the phone…
Elaine, you write to live! I celebrate that God-given gift and will continue to honor it via my words for as long as my Father allows me the pen.
I want to personally take a moment to thank my friends who have taken some time this week to speak words of life over my weary spirit. Lisa, Judith, Joy, and Pastor Guillermo (aka: “preacher Billy”; further aka: “my man”) you have been the breath of Jesus to me, and I am forever grateful for being able to share my journey with people who aren’t afraid to reach beyond blogging and to get their hands “dirty” with the likes of me. God bless you each with a rich sense of purpose as you continue to minister to others on the journey. He’s allowed you some fruit bearing upon the soil of my heart this week.
One final thought, readers (I feel like a mother getting ready for a vacation—leaving you a “checklist” in my absence)…
Never fear tending to your soul. Never worry about what might be required of you. Your temporary sacrifice is worth the forever gain that comes with seeking Jesus. Don’t be afraid to step away from the table and to get down to the business of your heart. God’s never been after your performance. He’s after your personal.
Your rest. Your renewal. Your remaining in relationship with Him. All of which can be cultivated and found as we pause to embrace his Peace…
for the journey. Yours and mine.
I will see you soon. In the meantime, for those of you who are willing, I would appreciate your prayers on my behalf as I seek my Father’s face and his intentions for my “next.” As always…
You know you have my prayers, as always. I will miss you friend, but understand this step back.
Do keep in touch and let me know how it’s going.
Big hugs from down south,
Melinda
Dear Elaine,
You have our prayers and complete support. God has a special path for you to walk and I’m not just complimenting you. I say that with complete Direction. You are in His hands and his flashlight will light your way.
As to this post…did you intend to remind us all of the table in “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe?” hmmm…
You are loved!
I knew I would find this here tonight.
Elaine, the word ‘abide’ is like gold. The treasure of our relationship with Christ is remaining in the Vine. As Mary chose, you are choosing the better thing.
Getting my hands dirty is reality. Friends, like plants, need care. The beauty of Christ in your life rubs off on me as together we are seeded in the same soil.
You are not alone. Praying you’ll know His peace for your journey.
Love ya,
Joy
Elaine,
You know I was just in this place – where I had to step back and find Him on my own without all the noise.
I am praying, as always. I think of you too often to number and only wish we could sit down together for coffee and talk about writing for Him.
May peace be yours on this renewal journey.
Love,
Kristen
Blessings on your journey, Elaine. You are truly a strong woman to bow down before your Lord. Because one way or another… you will bow down. Better in obedience then any other way…
I look forward to hearing how your time spent refreshing renewed your spirit. This weekend I attended a women’s retreat where we talked about Sacred Moments. So, it is fitting for me to encourage you and to pray for you to enjoy your intentional sacred moments. with love~ Shane
Elaine,
I will most certainly pray for you, that you would be refreshed in Him. To set healthy boundaries for yourself and blogging. I had to too:) That He would be your everything. That your priorities would come from Him. For you to know Him more and more fully:)
katiegfromtennessee
God bless you, “sister whom I’ve never met.” I am glad that you have clear direction and are doing what the Lord wants for you right now. And it will be wonderful to hear what He puts on your heart when you get back!
Elaine: a “Charles Wesley song” for you…
TALK WITH US, LORD
“Talk with us, Lord, Thyself reveal,
While here o’er earth we rove;
Speak to our hearts, and let us feel the kindling of Thy love.
With Thee conversing, we forget
All time, and toil, and care;
Labor is rest, and pain is sweet,
If Thou, my God, art here.
Here, then, my God, vouchsafe to stay, And bid my heart rejoice;
My bounding heart shall own Thy sway, and echo to Thy voice.
Thou callest me to seek Thy face,
’Tis all I wish to seek; To attend the whispers of Thy grace,
And hear Thee only speak.
Let this my every hour employ,
Till I Thy glory see;
Enter into my Master’s joy,
And find my heaven in Thee.”
will miss your posts, Elaine, but will be smiling knowing you’re abiding in him…
“Speak, Lord; for Thy servant heareth.” 1 Samuel 3:10
Words: Charles Wesley, Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1740.
Love this more than I can say. From the deepest places in my heart, this played a chord. I have more to write, but I can’t seem to find the words. I need to stop typing so I can see how God wants to talk to me through this. I feel Him stirring.
Lisa
Elaine,
We all need a rest every now and then. You are being very obedient and listening to the Lord’s Voice telling you the same. Your writings have touched many souls. Let us all take some time to ponder and get more in the word until we meet together again in blogland.
Blessings for your Journey…..
I’ll be praying for you, Elaine.
God Bless,
Amy:)
Elaine, I think there are a great many of us with you here. I’ve been going through the same communication with the Father.
i’ll be praying for you.
Elaine I will miss your posts but I’m sure our Father will be holding a wonderful conversation with you as you rest in Him. blessings, marlene
You give a good example when you do this, friend. We all need to take these deliberate times of rest. Thank you for your transparency, and for giving so much of yourself to us. I know it is not easy. Bless you in this time of listening, Elaine!
Elaine,
I will be praying for you, because I know He has great plans for you. And I know that my heart truly grasps the words you share, as the Samarita Woman at The WELL….I love ya.
Yolanda
Elaine, you are in my prayers as you sit at the feet of Jesus.
I am right there with you, sister! He has silenced me since this past Thursday; I don’t know when He will give me the next post to write, but I do know that I will not write it until He releases it.
In the meantime, I am sitting at His feet, seeking His face, drinking His Living Water, eating His Word, and experiencing peace for my journey!
May He richly bless your faithfulness!
Absolutely praying for you, dear Elaine. SO glad you are following God’s leading. Praying you come back with complete peace and with a wonderful vision. Will miss you (but don’t EVEN come back because of me LOL Not that you would!)
Wisdom!
May it be a special time of refreshing.
Kathleen
Elaine,
Oh, how I understand. I’ll pray for you. Thank you for sharing your heart and honesty. Obviously God has gifted you with the ability to eloquently proclaim His name through the written word. I pray that during your time away, He gives you a fresh sense of your purpose and calling.
Blessings,
Kelli
Amen. Obedience is sometimes great sacrifice, but it is always the right one. Blessings to you, sister.
This time is good….and He will profit much.
I’ll be praying as you seek His face.
My favorite verse….The pure in heart WILL see God. Mat 5:8.
I will remember to pray for you as you step away and listen to what God is telling you now. Blessings!
Elaine, God bless you as you take extended time to sit at His feet –simply being in His presence and worshiping Him and then receving from Him whatever He has for you. I know it will be good!
Well, of all the things I have felt since I have come to know you I’ve never once felt like I was “getting my hands dirty”! ha You are a pleasure to converse with and a blessing to know!
I think blogging is just so addicting that it came become all comsuming and therefore take away instead of add to our lives.
Take care of yourself! I will be checking in with you from time to time you can be sure!
Love ya!
Marilyn
I just wanted to let you know how thankful I am for you sharing your journery. The life that counts. The part of you that is eternal. May God bless you with His peace and presence as you gently rest into Him. May we all take note and never be ashamed, afraid, or intimidated from stopping and allowing God to refuel our inner man. This may not matter – but I absolutely “get” where you are and your need to rest in Him. This past year I have been lead to step away from many “good things” so that I could grasp God’s “best” for me. A friend once said to me, “Good is the enemy of best.” Let us be about choosing God’s best for our lives, and laying aside all else, no matter how nobel and good. In order to run the race set before us, we must train – which includes solitude, rest, and focus. Again, thank you for your openness and for choosing His will. Keep looking ahead steadfastly – see Luke 9:51.
In His love and hope,
Karan
[email protected]
Will miss you dearly!
Rest securely..
Love, Sita
Hi Elaine,
It’s your cousin, Carolyn. 🙂 I just needed to write and let you know how much I enjoy reading you and your thoughts here! I know I haven’t commented in awhile, please forgive me as I have been nearly overwhelmed at work…Mr. Murdoch sold 8 stations and I’m the lucky camper that gets to box all the files up (3000+) and send them to storage, on top of all my regular duties, so you see, I’ve been swamped. Haha, I guess I should be happy I’ve a job, what wtih all the headlines, etc. Let’s pray for our Country, and pray for peace. Sending you and your beautiful family lots of hugs~
Take care,
Carolyn~
Elaine,
Rest, renewal, relationship, exact words that I was working on this morning with my book proposal.
Friend, I will miss coming over for my meaty portions. But know that I am praying for you as I lay my head down to sleep on the West coast tonight.
I am submitting proposals next week. I will let you know how it goes.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you and give you peace…for the journey ahead.
Love, Joanne
Elaine, I have always been touched at how parallel our journeys have been and how He’s used your words to speak to me along the way. I’ve been on a small hiatus myself, and here we are again as I leave this afternoon for an actual retreat!
I wish I was wholeheartedly looking forward to it, but some of what I will encounter there has been the source of the trouble in my spirit and I’d almost rather stay home with those I am most ‘safe’ with. I will go out of obedience though and hope that God will meet me there in spite of the circumstances. I pray the same for you and look forward to seeing you down the road.
I followed the link from my sister’s blog here and really connect with what you are saying. So much of it resonates with many of my own feelings and experiences. One question that continues to come up in my mind is this – how is it that nearly every blog I find that comes from the heart and is earnestly in pursuit of God is authored by women? And that is in a culture where nearly all the leaders are mainly men. What is behind this?
Thinking of you, dear friend…
waiting…anticipating…!!!
Always in my prayers…I’m missing you already but completly understand.
In His Graces~Pamela
Elaine,
I am so thankful when I read that God wants his girls to come near to him. I know He is doing something deep and big in your heart. May you find His love and peace and grace to be all that you ever need. And if he does ask you to continue blogging, i believe He will make it even more fruitful.
Enjoy your pause.
Enjoy His presence.
Peace, my friend,
Tiffany
Abiding in the vine brings forth fruit……. Blessings as you pause to reflect……
Beautiful photograph; beautiful post. Rest and let the Lord renew you. You are such an example to us with your obedience. My prayers are with you :).
Hugs,
Susan
Wow, I just came over from Joy's blog…two obedient women back to back. Beauty.
Elaine, I loved you before I met you at the conference this summer. Your writing is honest and you are such a great teacher, but not preachy. You capture not only the attention of one craving Jesus but the heart.
I am so glad you have more wisdom & devotion in you then a desire to please fellow bloggers. He is what this life comes down to isn't it?
I am so proud of you. Not that you need permission from me, but take all the time you need sweet friend. We'll wait with you. You bless many with your surrendered life.
Love you,
Lelia
always praying for you, my friend! I KNOW He will ALWAYS meet you right where you are. You bless me…even in your rest…