Monthly Archives: August 2013

Seeking Solitude

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In our busy world the sound, the action, the crowds drown out our souls. We lose ourselves in the ocean of voices and are overwhelmed with everything vying for our attention. Buy me, eat me, take me, trust me, use me, look at me, love me, feed me. The voices erode our essence.

Get Away
Henri Nouwen wrote the book, “Out of Solitude” that talks about the life of Jesus shared in the first chapter of Mark.  Jesus had busy days. Crowds demanded His time, wanting miracles and healings. People with needs were all around, wanting His strength. He became weary, tired, used up. His cure was to early in the morning take time away in the wilderness to be with His Father. That was the source of His strength. Being with God the Father helped him align His commitments. The voices all wanted a part of Him, but the Father wanted all of Him. From that relationship of unconditional love He saw His call and direction. It focused Him on what is real, true and beautiful.

Go Wild
In the wilderness is where we get away from all the distraction and see God in His creation. The beauty of the sunrise. The austerity of the desert landscape. The glory of the mountains. These landscapes shout of the glory of God and pierce our heart. All other voices fade away. Jesus modeled for us going into the wilderness for our solitude. We also need to go wild to be with Him. An extended time to be with God away from major distractions will free us to commune with God.

God is calling to you. He wants to spend time with you away. Accept His invitation. When can you schedule time with Him for solitude? It can even be a walk in the local park. Or just setting aside all other distractions. What matters most is being with the One who loves you most. So take some time today in solitude and experience your soul transforming as you connect with your Creator.

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Lake Powell Houseboat Trip

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The first morning on the lake

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Unloading the boats at Stateline

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Our boat, Going my way

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Driving through a huge storm

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kayaking at Rock Creek

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Our outdoor dining

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Boating to Rainbow Bridge

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Rainbow Bridge is the tallest free standing arch in the world.

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Fishing off the back of the houseboat

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Exploring caves

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Camping in Rock Creek

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Renew to Give

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After twelve hours of traveling through the desert the day before, fixing a blown radiator hose, and unpacking in the dark; I was ready to be restored. And God had the perfect remedy for me. 

The next morning on a houseboat in the middle of Lake Powell, He was waiting for me. The monsoon clouds overhead caught the first rays of sunrise. Glorious! I awoke to this incredible scene with the words on my heart. “You are my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” The God of creation uses the universe as His palette. And His paintbrush is light itself. He shares his masterpieces daily with us. The skies are new every moment and the nature reflects his handiwork. 

New
In the same way He renews those who choose to listen to Him. Every morning He gives new strength to those who ask.  New creativity to be like the creator.  New love, new joy, new purpose are all there for the taking. What God asks is for us to come to him to be replenished.

Give
As we immerse ourselves in God’s love He gives us all we need in abundance to give to others. Like Lake Powell itself, the rains flood down to fill what has been given away. If no water is let out then the lake floods and causes tremendous damage all around. God overflows our lives with love so that it flows into those around us.

So jump in. Renew your life moment by moment in God’s presence. Let His love fill you up so that you can fill others up in a dry land.
  

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