Valley of Vision--Intro

Hi,

I am going to make this a spiritual journal for a while. I don't think anyone reads it but Kelly anyway. I want people to read it--I want a single woman blog, a decorating blog--I am looking for a partner.

The Valley of Vision A Collection of Puritan prayers and Devotions by Arthur Bennett

I have wanted a copy of this book for some time. I am really drawn toward liturgy in my spiritual walk lately. I am also thinking of buying a Book of Common Prayer. At my old church, the Valley of Vision was often used in prayers and given as parting gifts to those who moved. Since I departed out the back door and not through some celebration--I never received one.

I had my tenth anniversary from the hospital and got rewards that you could buy anything with. I got a bread box(Super Excited-I hid my kitchen clutter in it) and this book. Who says secular jobs don't give you spiritual rewards.

This is from the back cover:

"The strength of Puritan character and life lay in prayer and meditation. In this practice the spirit of prayer was regarded as of first importance and the best form of prayer, for living prayer is the characteristic of genuine spirituality. Yet prayer is also vocal and may therefore on occasions be written. Consequently in the Puritan tradition there are many written prayers and meditations which constitute an important corpus of inspiring devotional literature.

Too often ex tempore prayer lacks variety, order and definiteness. The reason for this lies partly in a neglect of due preparation. It is here that the care and scriptural thoroughness which others found necessary in their approach to God may be of help. This book had been prepared not to 'supply prayers' but to prompt and encourage the Christian as he treads the path on which others have gone before"

I know that my prayer life is lacking. I think I am not sure what to pray. I have been reading the biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer--it is taking longer than I thought because I tend to read too fast. Right now he is training seminary students--and he says they don't just need theology--they need to know how to pray, how to know God. I hope by going through the Valley of Vision--I will learn by those who have gone before how to pray. I also like to sing old hymns for the same reason.

So my prayer as I embark on this journey is "Be Now My Vision Oh Lord of My Heart". Then I think if I understand God's love for me, his calling of me--I may figure out the rest of the pieces.

Grasping Grace,

Dawn

Things I Like to Do!

I like the outdoors! Not like rugged endurance sports, but just to take a stroll in the woods. I am invigorated by just walking around and thinking. I love lakes and rivers and oceans. A good body of water rejuvenates my soul. On my recent vacation (stay cation), I drove to four different lakes to just look at them and see their beauty.

I love children! I have been spending lots of time with my young niece and nephew. They are hilarious and ask the funniest questions. It makes me look at life in a whole new way and to think about what I say.

I love to read! I love to be taken away and to meet new people and share their stories for just a little while.

I love to take a hot bath--it is my cure for everything. If I'm hot, if I'm cold, if my head hurts, I hurt myself(I am rather clumsy so this happens fairly often), or if I'm not tired.it is like all the stress, and pain just go away.

I love the fall! The walks outside. All the local harvest festivals! The changing of the leaves.

I love people. I like to meet new people and make new friends. I know this means that other people leave my life. It is sad but I truly believe that God brings into our life the people we need and that need us.

I love to browse stores. I work at a retail store and this is very frowned upon. Apparently it is all about converting lookers to buyers. I will hardly ever buy something from someplace the first time I go in.

I like to learn. Even though life's lessons are really hard.

A New Season.

So it is almost Fall or at least we think it is after school has started and Labor Day has past.

I am thinking it is time to prioritize my life. What do I want to do? What is important to me? I really want to spend more time with God but it seems to get lost in the business of my life.

I want this to be a season of rest. I sometimes let the good things even bible study or service to God steal my time with him.

Oh Lord please show me how not to forsake my first love--and how to love you more. I ask that you put me in the groups and ministries that will bring you the most glory and draw me closer to you. Lord lead me to new jobs where I can use the gifts that you have given me and Lord let me dwell in the beauty of your creation. Lord especially this particular creation. I can be so hard on myself, and never see your beauty reflected in me. Oh Lord let me see your grace in me.

A Year of Giving Thanks!

Yesterday was my Birthday! I always like to reflect on my life a little bit. I have met many new people this year and restored some old friendships. Until last summer, I had been feeling a little lonely. I am thankful that God gave me the courage to make new friends and blessed me with many wonderful people.
The Oakwood Girls:
I crashed a neighborhood bible study of a neighborhood that I do not live in. I have lived so much life with them in the last year. We have gone through family trials, trying to adopt children and just the joys and struggles of a year. I have been blessed by many--but Heather, Lori, Lisa, Julie and Mo you have become like sisters to me.
My House Church:
I'm not sure what a house church is, but I thought I would give it a try. I have been blessed by the members of this group in such a short time. I have a renewed heart for meeting my neighbors and loving them. I also really after being hurt by church want to dive in. Special note to my Quad--Janice, Kelly and Emily you are part of my heart.
Moody Midday Connection:
I have always been a denominational snob in some ways. I started listening to this program and I fell in love. I think this program encourages women to take a Dive and be real, honest, and share your struggles. We need God and brokennes as Christian women and not more roles,more masks and more schedules. I love all the guests. It makes me want to read all their books--mostly it makes me want to write a book and share my story.
My Old Friends:
Thanks for hanging in there when I was miserable. I think I have found a good place.
My coworkers:
I wouldn't have made it through the last few years. You put sunshine in my life. Thnaks for sharing your journeys.
My Family:
We have been through a lot and we are now--but God is bigger than all of it and we are still standing strong. Oh the blessing of children's smiles.
My God:
Not last because you have so blessed me with all the above, but because I am so loved by you--I can feel and love all of them. Thank you for the cross, thank you for calling me to you, thank you for being with me intimately when I often feel alone.

Thank you for the journey that is ahead.
dawn

Tired!

So it is Monday and I am soooooo tired.
Maybe it is because I worked too much this weekend. maybe because I have two jobs and until last week I was taking two classes.
I think maybe it is the weather.
If I am honest it is really that I haven't taken care of my soul. I need to take time to refresh. I love to walk in the outdoors and see the world around me. I love to laugh and hang out with others. I love to worship my God.
Somehow lately I have let my business, the heat, take away my resting in Him!

I need a period of solitude--a Sabbath. I need to rest in he who created me. I need to rest in his creation.

Jeremiah 6: 16 "ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls"

By grace,
Dawn

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Serving God and People too!

In 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, I had the opportunity to participate in a recovery trip to Biloxi, MS. It meant a great deal to me because when I was a child, I was in a disaster. When I was six years old, my house was completely destroyed in the Xenia tornado. Members of my family were injured and some friends were killed. The biggest impact on me as a child was that one day my life looked one way and the next it was completely different. In fact thisis the beginning of my faith in God. I was really scared. My Dad told me that it did not matter what we lost but just that we had each other and that God would take care of us. It helped, even though I was terrified of the wind for some time.

So back to Biloxi, when I first saw the damage I was scared. Later it was great to do my little part in helping the people get back on their feet. We cleaned out houses, we cleaned yards filled with several feet of debris and we just listened to hurting people.

I'm glad that I could minister to others as they had ministered to me.

Serving Him,

Dawn