January 14, 2013
New Year Greetings!
I’ve been putting away
Christmas decorations. Funny isn’t it, when you rearrange and pack things up,
it feels like the house has more room. The
same thing is true in our spiritual life, when we allow God to rearrange and
pack things up; we have room in our lives for more of God. Dallas Willard says, “Amazing things can
happen when we open up spaces in our lives. It is easier to hear the voice of
God when we practice silence because our world is not filled with competing
noises.”
Sheryl worships God beneath a waterfall near Yosemite.
Silence and solitude are ignored spiritual disciplines. At a
nearby conference center, under the guidance of a spiritual director, I began
the New Year with a four day silent retreat. I asked myself. “What gifts does
God want to give you?” “What are you thankful for? I spent hours in prayer,
pouring over scripture, hiked for miles, journalled my thoughts, feelings,
prayers. I discovered God’s love in a deeper way, enjoyed His creation and
found solace in communion with Him.
“He brought me out into a
spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:19
The Latin term, “Capax Dei” – an increased capacity for God
is something we can develop by allowing space in our lives. I challenge you to
“open up spaces in your lives” – each of us know what we can cut out, so let’s
make the choice to increase our capacity for God. Instead of self-indulgence,
let’s choose God –indulgence. Rearrange and pack things up, so you have room
for every new blessing God wants to bestow on you in 2013! Thanks for sharing
in the ministry of ICM through your financial and prayer support.
“You
have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your
presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11
All my love,
Sheryl
Prayer time with Ben and Megan at their
reception with Dick Compton, Pastor Josh Kirstine
My thanks to you who attended Ben and Megan’s Christmas Open
House Wedding Reception. You completed our holiday by sharing our joy and
your presence with the newlyweds. Glory to God!
