LONGING FOR GOD’S PRUDENCE, DAY FOUR

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Monday, April 14th

(These are a few related excerpts from my memoir; my journal entries written during Advent of 2015, when Jim and I were trying to discern our future plans after our serious medical issues. We needed much wisdom for the days ahead! In my morning journaling, I often asked God, “What would you have me know?” and wrote what I sensed God was telling me.)

God of discernment, what would you have me know today?

Seeker Karen,

Listen… Notice… Pray… These three practices from your Spiritual Foundations studies have deepened your faith and awareness of my active presence. Listen attentively to your life and pray about what you notice, especially as you discern your future and your writing plans…

~~~~~

Hope-filled Karen,

You and Jim are asking for guidance about your future; where, when, and what you will be doing. Listen to your hearts. Watch for my nudges and small indicators. Be courageous. Wherever you go, you can trust that my love will go with you. How might you serve me and others in new ways? Keep writing and listening…

…As you and Jim approach 2016, I know you are eager to leave this year behind. You are eager to live a new future, perhaps in a new way or place. And yet you have lingering fears for both of you. You worry at times about cancer returning or new heart issues forming. Trust that I love you. Let go of your fears, or give them to me. I will give you peace. I will give you all that you need. You and Jim are in my loving care. No matter what may come.

…I have new lessons for you in the birth of my Jesus. Consider how he came so small and humbly. Consider how he followed my way of love no matter what the risks were. Consider his life; how he loved and healed, how he cared for the poor and lowly. Let his life’s story shape your heart in a new way. You will learn and grow this year, this season. I am always bringing new gifts and new insights to you.

~~~~~

God of Light, what would you have me know today?

Beloved Karen,

As you keep growing stronger and feeling better, you have this timely opportunity to begin anew. The season of Advent is a new church year; 2016 will be a new calendar year; Jesus came to give you new life; your treatments are over, and you have a new, healthy body.

What other ways are you ready to begin anew? Do you need a new way of thinking in some area? Is it time for you and Jim to be in a new place? …In what new areas would you like to grow? Ponder these as you consider resolutions for the new year. I am here to make you a new creation.

Becoming new means letting go of the old. This is the time to release fears, hurts, resentments, old ways of thinking and viewing the world. Turn to me and leave that baggage behind. “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19, NIV).

~~~~~

Reader friends, as you seek wisdom and discernment for any decisions you are making, may you feel both God’s wisdom for your guidance–and God’s compassion for your missteps. We are in good hands.

(Personal note: When I scheduled this post, I found the date quite timely… ten years ago, I was meeting with my oncologist for the first time. I am so very grateful for these ten years of life and love! And the crèche pictured above was created by our dear friend, Alan Dietz, now in his heavenly home. His birthday falls on April 14th.)