April 1994. I had just turned 4. It was around Easter and I had some questions.
Questions that would lead to the single-most life-defining decision.
While watching an Easter play on TV with my mom, I started asking,
"Why are they doing that to Jesus?" "What is it for?"
As my mom explained why Jesus died on the cross- to take away my sins so I could live with him forever, I asked very simply,
"Can I have that?"
From that moment on, I became another person that had never existed before.
Because the penalty of death is levied against us based not on what we've done, but because of who we are, our nature, my young self was in just as much need of Christ's blood as the thief on the cross, and God used that moment while I was watching the play to reveal Himself to me.
He gave me a new nature and called me to follow Him, patterning my life after His word, not the world.
And that is what I've done- with mistakes, yes, but my feet have stayed on the path, my hand in His hand.
My walk with the Lord begin at the age of 4 and I have walked closely, unashamedly with Christ ever since. I do not remember a time without Him, and because of that, the Lord recently had me to think about where I would be without Him in my life. Below are my thoughts on that very subject, and please understand that they are only my musings on my own personal life, and not a judgment on anyone else's choices.
Without Christ...I most likely would've experienced dysfunctional views of marriage and family life. How would I know that to live as man and wife is to get a glimpse of Christ's relationship with the Church? Of intimacy that was birthed in the divine? That it is a forever kind of love? That you learn to find freedom and joy in laying down self?
Without Christ...and knowing my own weaknesses, I probably would've become vain, self-involved and judgmental, fearful, not caring about those around me. How would I know any other way? How would I know to love my neighbor as myself, to know that I should combat evil with good? To know that I've been forgiven, so I must extend the same forgiveness?
Without Christ...My involvement in the fine arts would've looked drastically different. The fine arts/entertainment world, as manipulated by Satan, is a dark arena that can turn humans with a genuine gift into self-focused, competitive shadows with the goal of seeking prestige for themselves, while harming others and themselves in that pursuit. How would I know that the glory of earthly success reflecting back on me (instead of God) would actually burn me, not illuminate me?
With Christ, however, I get to experience a love and peace that isn't defined by changing circumstances and guides me no matter what.
So on this April 17th, as I look back over the past 20 years and gaze toward the next 20, I remember lessons learned.
I thank God for triumphs, small and large.
I thank Him even more for times in the valley...
Jesus didn't have to die a horrific death 2,000 years ago. He didn't have to provide a way for me to have a relationship with him. But he did. And he rose again, on that Easter morning so long ago.
He doesn't owe me anything, but He has freely given me everything.
And I owe Him my life.
"What this God has brought me, What this God has taught me- Passion and grace, how to stand in one's space Laughing at lilies, what truly fulfills me Death on a cross, it was I that was lost Oh this God has been life to these bones Oh this God has been life to my bones..."
I read this in one of our marriage books shortly before the wedding and it's a powerful guideline to live by. This seems to solve the other five percent of problems! Truly, in the majority of circumstances, your spouse isn't out to "get you." It's a subtle knee-jerk reaction to assume the worst when there has been a misunderstanding, but isn't it tiring to live like that?
Especially for Christian couples: if you married your spouse in good conscience that this was who God had for you, why would you assume the worst about them?
We are still flawed human beings. That isn't going to change this side of heaven. But our life follows our words (and thoughts!), so what if our first reaction when something negative happens is to tell ourselves "Well, this wasn't what I was expecting to happen, but I trust their heart toward me," how might our relationships improve?
Communication (ahhhh there it is again!) and working through a misunderstanding may still need to happen, but how much healthier would our attitudes be toward our spouses?
Lesson #2: "The greatest barrier to communication is assuming that it took place."
What?! He can't read my mind?!
Earth-shattering, right? But so true. This isn't late-breaking news or anything, but sometimes we make things so complicated!
Keeping healthy communication lines open truly helps to solve a majority of problems. Just because you love someone and live under the same roof doesn't mean you can read each other's minds.
I have to constantly remind myself that if something bothers me, I have to be a grown-up and use appropriate words to communicate that.
If I appreciate something that someone has done, I also have to use appropriate words to communicate that.
It's a constant process...a constant refining of how we communicate with each other and those around us- nothing wrong with that!
I don't know about you, but I feel like our culture has worked overtime in order to outdo each other in deception. We've seen it all in the past 7 days:
Conspiracies. Hoaxes. Lies.
I'm really writing this note to myself, because I wanted to read something that wasn't a hoax, a conspiracy or a lie. If you too are weary of that, please read on.
During my devo time, the Lord brought to mind this old worship song:
"And Lord you are my hope Because you've created in me A heart that lives the victory That you've already won. "Oh Lord you're my protection from my enemies, You've set me high upon a rock and you defend my soul. And when their ways advance against me, I am confident That they cannot make me less, for you have made me whole."
This is the news story that God want his children to always turn their hearts toward. I can't tell you how this song blessed me this morning.
He is perfect protection.
He is Truth.
He is hope to all who will have Him.
I knew this and I believed this, but my "knower" I guess had to be reminded.
Maybe you don't buy into all this. I would ask you if you aren't tired as well of all the lies. Wouldn't you like for just once something to be true? For something to work out in your favor?
"Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed."
Lamentations 3:22
I think it's obvious that left to our own devices, devoid of God, we consume each other.
From Psalm 73, NLT version:
"These fat cats have everything their hearts could wish for!
They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others.
They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.
And so the people are dismayed and confused,
drinking in all their words.
'What does God know?' they ask.
'Does the Most High even know what's happening?'
Yes, He does.
"Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.
Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside...
Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.
Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.
My health may fail, and my spirit grow weak,
but GOD remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever."
Be encouraged, friends. God is still on the throne.
I don't know about you, but that's the best news I've read all week.
A big white square. That's what's facing me right now as I grasp for words to outline the past 12 months.
But blankness is certainly not what lies behind:
Lunch at Vast
Among many other things...
College graduation.
Best friend's engagement.
My engagement.
Best friend's wedding.
First devotions published
My wedding.
Also throw in a honeymoon, church change, new house, and new part-time job at TriCorps.
Fullness. Newness. Growth. Dreams reaching maturity and blossoming in my hands.
Numerous words have already been spoken on each of these amazing milestones; I am only left with a humble and grateful heart.
I am married to the most incredible man (for his end of the year blog post, click here) and blessed beyond belief to be his wife. My jobs right now are awesome, fulfilling and challenging- and very different from each other!
I have a beautiful home I get to decorate and fix up with my husband.
We both have excellent families that we get to live life with. I could go on...
Tear off that calendar page What now? What is God speaking to me to focus on for 2013?
The words that keeps resonating in my spirit are: hungry, learn, grow. Hungry for more of God.
Thirstyto learn.
Eagerto grow.
I've been filled to the brim and even overflowing this year, but in an odd way, that makes me realize I do need God more and more every day so I can constantly learn, I can constantly grow, and I constantly bless and influence those around me. That gives me an appetite for God he promises to satisfy. (Matt. 5:6)
What words are echoing in your soul as you close your eyes on 2012 and open them to 2013?
"For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things." Psalm 107:9
This morning in Sunday School, we watched a neat video as part of a special worship/testimony time at the end of the year.
Before you read further, please check out the video we watched. It goes by fast and at least for me, it instantly and radically changed how I viewed the praises rising up to surround our Creator.
Stars and whales...wow.
We have no idea the sounds without words (intelligibly to our ear, that is) that must surround the throne of God Most High. For some reason, I have no trouble imagining this.
Praise him, all you shining stars.
I honestly don't have anything insightful or clever to say about this video. All I know is that it lit me up on the inside to imagine creation crying out in wordless praise to the same God that I praise, and I want everyone that is willing to catch a glimpse of that too.
Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures.
This is Samantha Hanni, the writer formerly known as Samantha Maloy. I would've blogged sooner, but it's later...so whatever. In case you hadn't heard...
I am now a wife!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a husband!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wedding photography featured in this post by Valerie Sebestyen.
Check out my or her FB page for the complete album.
And I couldn't be more thrilled, contented, or excited.
Where do I begin? The week leading up to the wedding proceeded smoothly, all things considered. But nearly everyday brought the poignant thought of "This is the last time that..."
The week that never was close, never seemed like it was going to happen was right here: happening, rushing over and past me in a wave that I couldn't control.
However, I did my best to soak in the water from the wedding wave (or hurricane. or tsunami. K never mind that's being dramatic.) and I loved and felt that week more deeply than I thought was possible.
As you can see, the long awaited day started for me bright and early! After that, I don't remember much... except that we got hitched!
No, for real...the day appeared, existed, then vanished.
The day went incredibly smooth though (at least it seemed like that...if there are conflicting stories, please keep those to yourself! Haha.) Many many thanks for all who helped it run so smoothly. Your thank you card will be arriving soon in the mail. I promise!!
Then we were on our own. Finally. Just ourselves, headed to relax in the Florida Keys for a whole week.
Pigeon Key
Reppin' Shimmers in the Atlantic Ocean!
I don't even know...
Marker 88 Restaurant
Outside our resort
Shark Valley- Everglades
Photographing a cute little lizard
Self-explanatory
Random signs I found amusing
.together.
By the end of the week, we were both ready to be back in our lovely Oklahoma and start living life again, but living it together. Just two weeks before had been a week of lasts. Now it was a week of firsts. First time to go to the grocery store, first time to plan and cook meals -all by myself!- first time for Kurtis to come home to me, first time to make our bed, first time to come home together after a Thunder game, first first first!
Everything we have planned, prayed and dreamed about, we are living out now, with more and more to come. I can already say it is a beautiful, restoring, challenging journey.
We aren't perfect, but I can say this without a doubt: Kurtis was created to be a husband and I was created to be a wife. It is an energizing, powerful thing to be living out the role you were created for. Glory to our Creator, and the One who holds our lives and marriage in His hands.
What if you were completely satisfied with this moment right now?
I started thinking last night how much of our time and energy is spent in anticipation of:
the weekend
next month
November 3 (Oh wait, I think that's just me...)
a different season
freshman year
senior year
another year
another time
another place.
There is nothing inherently wrong with this kind of thinking; anticipation can be good. Planning is necessary.
But are you able to set all that aside as needed and be genuinely satisfied with the present?
If yes, great. You don't have to finish reading this post.
If not, let's chat a bit more.
Truthfully, I'm preaching to myself right now. Truthfully, I am living in GREAT anticipation for that November 3 date when my fiance and I will finally be man and wife, and there is nothing wrong with that. Truthfully, I did not expect it to be so hard to be satisfied with my here and now, and that struggle is refining me.
So I go back to God's Word. Psalm 118:24 says, "THIS is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
I cannot dismiss the utter gift that right now is, because it will never happen again. There is much to do, much to say, much to listen to, much to be each day. Jim Elliot once said, "Wherever you are, be all there." Be all here. In this day. THIS day. Not 2 weeks from now. Not next month. Not 2 months from now. Not 5 years from now.
I encourage you all, as I am firmly encouraging myself, to finish drinking all now has to offer before moving on to...
...whatever's next.
"Let not our longing slay our appetite for living."
I don’t know about you, but I love making lists of my favorite things.Top 10 Books, Favorite Foods, Top Dream Vacations, 10 Random Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Me; you name it, I have probably made a list for it.
It’s human nature to list things; it’s one way we can define ourselves and put parameters around our lives. Lists are tangible.
Our desire for the tangible can get us in trouble when we relate to God.God does not think how we think, nor does he approach schedules and situations (if He even calls them that) how we, our family, or our friends approach them.
Here is a list of phrases that though we may say them all the time, we will never ever hear God say:
“Oops!”
“Wait…what?”
“Wait…who?”
“Oh, crap!”
“Well, that was stupid of me.”
“I guess I forgot…”
“If at first I don’t succeed…”
“My alarm didn’t go off…I guess.”
“I just didn’t have time.”
“You just don’t understand MY schedule and MY life right now!”
Let’s praise God that he won’t ever say those things!He is perfect, He never forgets, and He is on top of things.
Isaiah 50:2 says, “Was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea.”
Backing up one chapter, Isaiah 49:15-16 says, “Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”
Let's face it: we sometimes have Dori-like memories when it comes to how God works in our lives. We're human and mistakes ARE going to be made. However, we must daily (maybe even hourly?) remind ourselves that though we may have our problems with excuses, forgetfulness, and mistakes, God doesn't, and He has promised that His grace is sufficient to cover our weaknesses. Isn’t it cool to have a friend like that?
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and FORGET NOT all his benefits."
In my quiet time this morning, I started thinking about some of my favorite worship songs and I realized that there are only a handful that have stayed on my iPod (and now iPhone) since I got my first Apple product on my 16th birthday.
Here are the 5 songs that never leave my iPod and my favorite lines/scriptures that match up with them.
5) Take My Life (And Let it Be)
Take my intellect, and use every power as you choose. Take my will, and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine; Take my heart, it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind."
Matthew 22:37
4) Praise to the Lord the Almighty
Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him! All that hath life and breath Come now with praises before Him.
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!"
Psalm 103:1
3) It is Well With My Soul
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul.
"Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you."
2) Lord, You're Holy
Wonderful, glorious, holy and righteous, victorious conqueror, triumphant and mighty. Healer, deliverer, shield and defense, strong tower and my best friend. Omnipotent, Omnipresent, soon coming King, Alpha, Omega, Lord of everything; holy, holy, holy is Your name.
"For I am God, and there is no other; I am God and there is none like me."
Isaiah 46:9
1) Medley: In Christ Alone/Solid Rock No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me, From life's first cry, to final breath.Jesus commands my destiny.
This is another thought that has occured to me: In a way, this technology has enhanced my relationship with God. Here's why: sometimes you have to have church by yourself.
There have been many late nights or other random times where I have needed to put on some worship music and put myself before the throne of God. And having my music in this format allows me to have a worship service ready to go in my pocket, and it won't disturb anyone else! Haha!
In today's selection from Jesus Calling, a scripture resonated with me in a way that it hadn't before.
"...You have chosen the better thing and it will not be taken away from you."
This scripture is Luke 10:42 and is referring to the story of Mary and Martha. Jesus was commenting on Mary's choice to commune with Him and how that wouldn't be taken from her.
The devo today talked about the rewards of choosing to commune with God even though sometimes it is not appreciated or even misunderstood by others, like in the story of Mary and Martha. God promises returns when we choose Him, and those rewards are not to be taken away.
This hit home with me as recently I found out that my internship will not pan out how I desired. I enjoyed the work, was very good at it and have received excellent feedback from my immediate superiors. For reasons beyond my control and theirs, it just simply isn't going to pan out beyond the end of July.
A choice is before me: blare my "I'm discouraged" horn (and in this case, I would have good reason to) or hum a different tune.
As we all know, throughout our lives there are seemingly worthwhile ventures that we invest ourselves in and seemingly get nothing. They are "taken away from us," so to speak. It is an encouraging reminder as God's kids that no matter what endeavors in our lives fail to bring returns or are taken away from us, those daily decisions to commune with Him, the hourly decisions to choose HIM over all, will never fail to reward and it can't be taken away from us. I like that kind of security. That's just how it works in God's economy.
This is a prayer I jotted down in my journal 3-4 years ago. I posted it on my blog last April, but never posted a link to it. I felt like I wanted to share it again on this fine Saturday. Blessings to you all! Have a wonderful day :)
I have learned much, lost much, and gained much. And I by no means feel that I have reached a plateau. I cannot afford that luxury. Such is the ebb and flow of life. Oh Father, I am so humbled by you. You have made us in your image; yet we are eternally-bound beings in mortally-bound bodies. You have called us to share the Good News, but there is not a more leaky bunch of jars to carry that Water of Life than us. Yet you so patiently hold us, patch us, reshape us, and pour us out and fill us up at the right time, your time.
Your love permeates every cell of my body. It wraps around me, soothes me, whispers in my ear as I lay exhausted in my bed and directs me as I hurry to class.
I look for you everywhere, God. I find you in so many places throughout the day. You gift me with breath in my lungs, the dawn, and unending mercies every day. A second chance. I see your glory in the skies.
I see and rejoice in your unfailing beauty in the flowers- in the trees.
I listen for you in other peoples’ voices. I earnestly seek for evidence of you in their lives to see if I have found a brother or sister.
I rejoice in your safety. Who knows how many times you have shielded me from harm, the unsavory eye, my own self?
God, I feel your love when I am with those who I love. What sweet fellowship!
I savor, I store up, I rejoice in those quiet moments with you when your peace steals over my soul. Peace I don’t deserve. Peace that I should not be having- but it’s there.
I am further humbled when, though I am your child, you reveal areas in my life that have previously hid from your light. Areas I would have said were fine. Areas I jealously guard. Let it all come under your jurisdiction.
One thing I ask of-this is what I seek: to do for others, to live beyond myself. I do not wish to be an ending place, but a starting point for you to reach peoples’ lives. This world needs you God.
Hear my heart, know my thoughts. Keep me in the shadow of your wings.
Here is another devo from the vault! I wrote this Aug/Sept of my freshman year in college. I have grown a lot in the area of trusting God with my future since then, but thought it would be cool to post this before my LAST WEEK of regular classes (maybe ever?) starts up.
Enjoy!
I recently attended a leadership orientation for my scholarship group.As is typical with these types of orientations, we got to partake in a variety of icebreakers.One such task, though relatively simple, proved amazingly hard for me.
Picture this: you and your partner. Small balls on the ground.Your partner directs you to the balls and you throw the balls to try to tag the other people out by listening to your partner’s instructions.
Oh yeah, and you are blindfolded, as are the other people you are trying to tag.
Since I went first, my partner actually had to lead me out of the room where we were meeting to the playing space outside.Here is where I ran into my problem.
I couldn’t see.
I didn’t know what to expect next.
Any step could be my last (okay, not really but just play along).The next step could plunge me into a huge gaping abyss.
Even with my partner leading me by the elbow and reassuring me I was on solid ground, I literally could not tell my legs to take bigger steps out to the yard.I was taking little baby steps.My partner eventually dragged me the rest of the way down the path.
Why would I be telling you this?
This is a message the Lord has been teaching me through a variety of circumstances.Even if we can’t see or think one moment ahead, He has already been there and back again.
Proverbs 20:24 says, “A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?”
Why is it so hard to just let go and trust?I was slightly appalled at how even though someone was telling me,”Hey, it’s okay, take bigger steps,” I absolutely refused to take bigger steps for fear of plummeting to the ground and making a fool of myself.
Can’t you just hear the Lord saying, “Hey, it’s okay. I am right here. Take bigger steps”?
He knows if it was a gut-wrenching sob over a loved one that was taken from you. He knows if they were tears of joy.
He sees also if it’s a heart that is tearing in two that produces silent tears that trickle slowly down your face. He knows the deep longings that echo with soundless voices in your spirit. Longings that you cannot yourself voice.
He sees your shoulders sag and your eyes gaze off in the distance even though you smile and put on the “right” face when you talk with people. Longings that no one else knows about.
Tears hidden from the world. He sees them all.
And he keeps track of them.
That speaks of an incredibly intimate God. I have a hard time opening up to people. Up to a certain point, I’m friendly and open, but once certain lines are crossed, I shut the door. It is hard to trust myself to other people. But God is already there, already “nearer than breathing, nearer than hands in feet." (from Streams in the Desert, May 29 entry) Wow! You can’t get much closer than that!
There is relief in knowing that God knows the content and extent of my longings and desires. It is wonderful to be known. Open up your heart today to the Shepherd, to your Lover- and be known fully.
“…for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.” Psalm 6:8
“O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you.” Psalm 38:9
“For he knows the secrets of the heart.” Psalm 44:21
“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” Psalm 56:8
“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him…” Psalm 62:8
“But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.” Psalm 66:19
“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” Psalm 107:9
“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” Jeremiah 31:25
One of my Mom's friends on Facebook shared this link to a post on Pastor Perry Noble's blog. Noble is the pastor of a church in South Carolina.
Read through it and see what you think.
As I read through the blog post, one of the several thoughts that occurred to me was that these are some of the most frequent "complaints" others have against Christians. If this is what they see exhibited in a Christian's life, why would anyone find that appealing? I sure wouldn't.
If I've learned anything, it's that for the one person you know is watching you and observing the choices you make, there are about five more people watching that you don't know about.
A life filled to the brim, saturated with joy, peace, purpose, passion and trust in God is so attractive. It is one of the greatest testimonies a person can have.
What would someone who didn't know the Lord find attractive or "different in a good way" about your life?
From a journal entry in December 2010, with some modifications :)
Always.
Forever.
Our society really misuses these poor words. I mean, we don't really have other options. The English language didn't give us words to denote varying levels of a particular idea or sentiment, like other languages do.
I personally toss these words around without thinking about them. How many times have you said or heard phrases like these?
"I was waiting for the doctor for forever today!" (Hmm...is 45 minutes more accurate?)
"Like, for real- I was in that line at Wal-Mart forevvaa!" (I think it was probably 10 minutes.)
"Ugh, I was stopped at the light for forever!" (Two minutes, really? Forever?)
Forever is used in these circumstances to denote how long they lasted. It can also be used to declare such unending pleasure in a particular activity as to wish away its unavoidable termination.
"Ohhh, I wish it was always Christmas break!"
"I could just sit here on the beach for forever!"
Etc., etc.
Using this as an example, Christmas Break cannot last forever- we must move on to the rest of our calendar. If it was break all the time, how would we know to enjoy it? There would not be anything significant to let us know that we could and should enjoy this restful period.
These trite phrases are traded fast and furious throughout the day. What got me started thinking about this was eternity and heaven, and how our lives there as Christians really are forever. Our lives there will never end.
Do we really know what always and forever means? Can our brains even process this concept?
Think of how bounded by time our world is, especially the Western world. Everything most definitely has an end.
We finish books, we complete a degree, we consume a meal, we arrive at our destination, the song ends, the party ends, our naps end, the movie ends, the story ends.
Yet in heaven, The End no longer has any relevance. What will that even be like?
Truth is, we don't know yet. We can't know, because our minds are still bounded by time. I'm ok with not fully comprehending yet.
I'm no philosopher or theologian...I just was thinking, and wanted to get you all to do the same...
The Son.
Sunshine.
Breath in your lungs.
Rest.
Restoration.
Family.
Speaking truth.
Little kids crawling up in your lap.
Hope.
Trust.
Opportunities.
Succeeding.
Succeeding despite failure.
The Future.
The Present.
I wanted to expand on my Facebook status from this morning.
Think about how your body feels when it is dehydrated...now apply that to what happens to your spirit when it gets spiritually "dehydrated."
The Lord dropped this example in my mind about this time last year. I talked about it with my brother and we had a good conversation picking apart this example.
One doesn't have to be a doctor or a nutritional expert to know that the body suffers mightily without regular amounts of water. Body systems, brain function, skin quality and so many other aspects of the human body depend on drinking water, and a lot of it.
We all know this. I'm not revealing something radical.
This applies to our "spiritual bodies" (a.k.a. our spirits) as well. They too must be regularly hydrated with "living water."
Do we hydrate our spirits adequately? Do we know when our spirits are thirsty? Can we tell before it's too late that our spirits have become dehydrated?
Our physical bodies are noisy, constantly announcing its need for food, drink, sleep, etc.
Our spirit is much quieter, and sometimes cannot be heard over the annoying clamor of the body.
Knowing this, we must be proactive to take in the water of God's word. (If you're thirsty, you are already somewhat dehydrated). We would never intentionally deprive our bodies of water. We should be far more worried about cutting off the flow of Living Water to our spirits.
Read that Scripture one more time. Listen to that podcast. Drink some water! To start with, check out John 4:1-15 and Isaiah 55:1-2.
One more thought.
It doesn't cost to quench your thirst or hunger for God. He gives spiritual drink and food freely- without cost.
