PRESENCE
My husband and I are spending a week with family on the beach in Treasure Island, Florida. It gives us a chance to relax, to take a breather from the everyday responsibilities at home. The weather is cool, but the beach is still an inspiring place. Being in the presence of family is such a blessing. Because we all are followers of God, we also enjoy His presence in all our activities.
Practicing the Presence of God in our Lives
My friend, Anna, shared with me about #thepresenceproject with Summer Gross, so I decided to join. We will explore ways to practice the presence of God, to develop a closer, deeper relationship with our Lord. It will last for twelve months. Each month will have a different focus. This month we focus on breath prayers.
This song by Michael Card is one such prayer.
Invite Jesus into the Ordinary Moments
One of the suggestions this week was to find ways to invite Jesus into our ordinary moments rather than only seeking to find time alone with God. In our busy lives if we always wait until we can find alone time, we tend to forget that He is always with us.
What would it be like to remember that Jesus is right here with us in our ordinary days?
Would we notice more of the beauty? I thought about this as we took a walk on the beach yesterday morning. We enjoyed the walk, feeling the sand beneath my feet, watching the waves roll in, looking down to find shells. I was not in a hurry, and it was a very relaxing time.
When I returned I wrote this poem:
A Stroll on the Beach
Walking on the beach
A beautiful sunny day
Bare feet on the sand
Finding shells to keep
Strolling up and down the shore
Grounding with the earth
Waves come rolling in
Breezes blow across my face
Relaxation comes
Open eyes to see
God’s handiwork all around
Beauty to behold
~gsw~
Later in the evening, I put together a collage from photographs cut from magazines. My friend, Bettie, said it is so full of life and beauty. It was a beautiful way for me to end the day that had been full of God’s blessings.
I believe God used the words from Summer’s video, along with remembering Jesus in ordinary moments to bring beauty and help me find relaxation and rest. As I shared my day with Bettie, she was encouraged, too.
In Bettie’s words:
It is just such sweet moments with the Lord! And then your video of the waves at the beach with it also. Wow. I can feel God in it so much. ~ Bettie Gilbert
What a blessing to have friends who pray and encourage one another daily!
Enjoy the soothing sounds of the waves rolling in from the Gulf of Mexico:
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers,nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (CSB)
I’m linking up with: #TeaAndWord, #LMMLinkup, #TellHisStory, #HeartEncouragement, #TuneInThursday
Beautiful poem, Gayl. Enjoy your time away… <3 Blessings and love.
Thank you, dear Bette. Blessings to you! xo
Yes, Gayl, your words and images are so full of life here. Thank God that He has assured us that nothing can ever separate us from His abundant life in us through Jesus! I appreciate your sharing so much! For those of us who are locked in with the “polar vortex,” this is perfect timing to encourage us that He is still here with us too! I look forward to hearing more of the oveflow of what you are learning in the Presence Project this year. Blessings, love, and hugs to you Dear Poet/Sister/Friend! xoxo
Dear Bettie, Your words always encourage me so much. I pray that you will all be able to stay warm during this very, very cold weather for you. Thank you for letting me quote you. 🙂 Blessings and much love to you my dear sister/poet/friend. xoxo
I love when I am able to see and appreciate God in the ordinary.
Yes, Brittany, me too. Sometimes I forget, but I pray that I will see God and appreciate Him more and more in the ordinary days. Blessings to you! Thanks for visiting.
What a blessing – this refreshing time you are having with your family! God does the most lovely things in the ordinary! Blessings!
Yes, it is such a blessing! Yes, so many beautiful things in the ordinary that we could miss if we move too fast through life. Blessings to you! Thanks for visiting.
Thank you for the Michael Card music. I’m looking forward to reading his new book!
Treasure Island sounds like a magical vacation spot!
You’re welcome, Michele! I love Michael Card’s music and I’m also looking forward to the new book on hesed. We are definitely in a beautiful spot with lovely sunsets. Blessings to you, dear Michele! xo
I echo that “thank you,” Gayl! Listening to Michael was like hearing from an old friend, and discovering we are on a similar journey. <3 (I have no idea when he recorded it, so…) Thank you for sharing it!
Michael Card is like an old friend. We love his music. I believe the album the song is on came out in 2011. I’m glad you enjoyed it! Blessings to you, Jenni, and thanks for stopping by!
Love this! From the beautiful collage, to the ocean wave sounds, to the Michael Card song, we’re encouraged to invite the Lord and to observe the Lord in everything. It reminds me of Brother Lawrence and his instructions to practice the presence of God. He’s everywhere!
Thanks so much, Jerralea, for your encouragement! Yes, I need to read that book by Brother Lawrence. I’ve heard a lot about it but never actually had a copy myself. Blessings to you!
Hubby and I are also spending time in Florida this week (but not at the beach). Bringing God into our everyday existence is exactly what we need to do. He should not be reserved only for Sundays in church!
Is it cool where you are in FL? It’s pretty cool here, but we still walk on the beach. 🙂 Amen, God should not be reserved only for Sunday. He’s with us all the time even if we don’t notice or think about it. Blessings to you! Thanks for visiting, Laurie.
Beautiful post, Gayl. I love your collage! Pinning and tweeting.
Thank you so much, Sarah! Many blessings to you! <3