Your Presence, Like Rain

Oh my…the rain is refreshing after the intense heat lately.  The grass seems greener, bird’s songs are sweeter, and the air carries a cool comfort that I forgot I even missed.

Refreshed

But sweeter than the rain to my soul, is the very Presence of the Lord.  Through Him, my dry heart is softened, my mind cleared, and my voice can carry songs and encouragement not present within myself to utter.

I’ve posted a song today, that might bring a little refreshement, like rain, to your thirsty soul.  It has to mine.  Holy Spirit is a deeply worshipful song, by Bryan and Katie Torwalt.  I can’t promise rain wherever you live, but I can promise, that if you quiet your heart, shut your eyes for just five mintues, and listen to this song, the Lord will minister comfort to you…with His Presence.

~~~~~~

Holy Spirit

by Bryan & Katie Torwalt

There is nothing worth more
That will ever come close
Nothing can compare
You’re our Living Hope

Your Presence

I’ve tasted and I’ve seen
Of the sweetest of loves
Where my heart becomes free
And my shame is undone

Your presence Lord

Holy Spirit
You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by
Your presence Lord

Your presence Lord

There is nothing worth more
That will ever come close
You are our Living Hope
Your presence Lord
I’ve tasted and I’ve seen
Of the sweetest of loves
Where my heart is set free
And my shame is undone

Holy Spirit
You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by
Your presence Lord

Let us become more aware of Your presence
Let us experience the glory of Your goodness
Lord

Holy Spirit
You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by
Your presence Lord

~~~~~

This song is available for download at Amazon Music, Itunes, and Jesus Culture. 

A Time for Everything

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Eccl. 3:1

After several months of intense activity and 2500 more miles on Trustee Toyota,  we arrived back at The Hollow and I aggresively set out to tackle a personal to-do list; as one can imagine, The Hollow is ever in want of care and upkeep.

The Hollow

We inherited a lovely herb garden when we bought our home 6 years ago. It is often a source of blessing, and less frequently, a curse.  Loads of herbs, fragrances, and enjoyment; but not without regular weeding and transplanting, and battling with the lemon balm which always wants to take over.

The Herb Garden

But today the Lord let me learn and enjoy a little blessing from it.  He gave me Rest.

Rosemary Clippings

These cuttings were leftover from the day I did the dirty, weeding and pruning work.

But the restful part was bundling them up.  Why?

Because, what else can one do while sorting through little sprigs, tossing the bad ones, gathering 12-15 fresh ones together, cutting twine just so, and tying the twine around each little bundles?  Not much, but…

Listen.

I listened to worship music, the birds singing, hummingbirds at our feeders, and other buzzing things.  And I listened to the Holy Spirit, reminding me how much more important my relationship is with Him, than being busy.

Rosemary sprigs, all cozy in the basket

All in all, it was a pretty productive day.

“This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength….” Isaiah 30:15 NIV

“God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.”  Eccl. 3:11 (NLT)

[Little disclaimer–these photos aren’t from John’s talented eye; instead, my eye and little HTC cellphone are the culprits.]

Someone is Praying for You

Sometimes we’re so alone in our daily life or trials that we think  no one cares, no one is aware of our needs, and certainly, no one is taking time to pray for our deepest every need. 

But in a few short verses, we learn differently.  We learn that we’re thought of, cared, and prayed for more than we realize or imagine.

Romans 8:26   “And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we don’t know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

  :27  “and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

  :34  “…Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”

Hebrews 7:24  “He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

If you feel all alone, you’re not.  God is praying…..for you.

Other posts and encouragement about Jesus praying for us:

Jesus as Intercessor

Jesus in Praying for You

Ask Yourself

“Am I pleasing Him or grieving Him?”

John