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When it’s all been said
and my spirit flies away
may love have spoken
~
Wendy / 2016
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When I’m feeling like a wrung out dish rag that’s too tattered to make it through another wash and rinse cycle without disintegrating, and I’m tempted to throw a pity-party (without balloons or guests), I look up and remind myself where I’m headed when this feet on the ground adventure is finished.
~
Within nanoseconds I sense a Presence.
~
And unlike voices from the past who would have told me to pull myself up by my whatever-straps (I rarely wear boots), I hear a whispered, “I’ll lift you up.”
And that’s enough to make my spirit soar.
I know where I’m going.
I know Who loves me.
~
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Now excuse me while I go about my Father’s business.
~
How do you handle the temptation to indulge in self-pity when you’re feeling overwhelmed?
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Fatherly Love Blessings ~ Wendy
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My other blog: www.wendylmacdonald.com
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Beautiful and encouraging. Thank you for the redirection.
Thank you, dear Karen. Blessings as you serve Him in the ways He’s called you to.
Beautiful haiku, Wendy.
Thank you, dear Cheryl. A haiku is short in words but long in story.
Awesome post and photos Wendy! Thank you! Have a beautiful weekend! 💗
Thank you, dear Rhonda. <3 I may need to get back to my watercolor paintings if our rain doesn't stop. 🙂 Blessings on your artwork, friend.
Beautiful, my friend. And where do I go with this all too familiar feeling? To my Daddy’s arms. 🙂 He is always waiting there, no matter how long it takes me to get to the end of myself. Thank you for a wonderful reminder. Be blessed!
I love that, Marisa–“no matter how long it takes to get to the end of myself”. We’re blessed to know the width and strength of our Father’s loving arms. <3 Thank you for your lovely comment.
That is an interesting question.
I know what many Christians would consider conventional wisdom, but I am learning that we can experience a number of feelings all at the same time. We can be sad enough about something to shed tears while still being very much aware and thankful for the Lord’s provision. I have found in the Book of Psalms where David lamented one thing, poured out his complaint, and praised the Lord all in a single psalm. I think that it would only become sinful if we concluded that the Lord was unfair. There is a passage I like:
“5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7
In verse 6 we might add In all thy ways (and moods). 🙂
Love and Blessings,
Theresa
“
I love your answer to my question, Theresa. David’s example of pouring out his heart (raw & real) to God was the secret to obtaining real help. Denial never gets us anywhere. Yes, “In all thy ways (and moods). 🙂 ” And David’s example of praising and trusting God no matter how dangerous life got is a testimony for us to follow too. God can handle our tears, our anger, and our fears. He longs to draw us under His wings. <3
So beautiful … we can never pull ourselves up like God can. Love that, Wendy. xoxo
Thank you, dear Shelli. I like your wording. <3 Yes, He longs to lift us.
Dear Wendy, Your haiku resonated within my heart as I grieve the loss of a dear old friend whose “spirit flew away” in the early hours of this morning after battling lung cancer. Her life reflected the love of Christ in far reaching ways. As I share my condolences with her family, would you mind if I shared your poem with them? (giving you credit) Sometimes we can convey so much in so few words and I think your haiku captures what I’d like to say. <3 Dee
Dee, I’m sorry your time with your friend has been cut short on this side of Heaven. <3 I'd be honoured if you shared my haiku.
Cancer can cause havoc with our flesh, but it can't hinder our spirit. Hugs. May you and her family be comforted with His peace.
Thank you…<3
This is a wonderful post Wendy. The fact that our lives are eternally linked to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is enough to spur us on when the going gets tough!
Have a wonderful weekend!😀
It sure is, Seyi. Blessings on your weekend, too, dear writing friend. <3
Interesting that scripture encourages us to RUN to our strong fortress – He is our safe place. (Proverbs 18.10) We often don’t run — we dally — and we develop unhealthy coping mechanisms along the way to manage the inner turmoil of our heart. Yet, we know that a deep connection with Jesus is the only place of security.
Oh, Diane, I know all about “unhealthy coping mechanisms”. 🙂 But praise God I also know about the effectual ones too. Yes, we must run and not dilly-dally our way to the Lord.
It’s painful to watch others stay stuck—but God sees and cares for them even more than we do. <3 I'm looking forward to our visit, dear friend.
Absolutely.
The soul is God smitten – we were made to walk with God. When the outer us looks for self-pity our souls continue to seek the Father. That’s where we find our center.
Amen, dear Gene. I love the way you put that. We teeter on the brink of despair when we’re not centered on and in Christ.
Wonderful shots of the eagle. Aren’t they majestic?
Thank you, dear Patti. I never tire of photographing eagles.
Stunning! I love the over the shoulder shot of the eagle. So cool to capture the eye contact back from an eagle. They are such a regal bird. Also, a perfect word of the Lord to place with it, when faced with times of trouble or adversity, we can look at the example of the eagle who will raise above the turbulence to a smoother place to glide along. We have that in the presence of our Lord, for we are never alone… He is our friend that sticks closer than a brother. Bless you, friend. ~Zoey
Thank you, dear Zoey, for your encouraging words. Yes, “we are never alone”. The enemy would like us to think we are–but we must remember what the Word says. Blessings on your weekend. <3
I SO love your beautiful expressions in photography and words : )
Thank you, Teresa, for blessing me. <3 Have a wonderful weekend, dear poet friend.
Wow, such a powerful post, Wendy! As usual the photos and the words were fabulous! 🙂 <3
Thank you, dear Natalie. I hope you’re doing well and being kind to yourself, dear friend. I’ll be praying for your health as well as for your brother-in-law’s. <3 Blessings & hugs.
Thank you Wendy! 😊❤️
Oh dear, I don’t handle the temptation well. I tend to wallow in the pity party until I realise it’s not a very pleasant place to be. 🙁
It’s okay to spend time at the pity party at the beginning of our journey. Admitting we’re struggling is the first step to joy. Theresa’s comment explains it well. I start journal entries with my complaints and concerns and then graduate to prayers and praise. Honesty is the best policy for healing. <3
Whenever I am feeling down
The times when I am feeling blue
The moments I feel very alone
When I don’t know what to do
I close my eyes and deeply embrace
The spiritual love which lives within
And as I think of Your beautiful words
Many lovely smiles will soon begin
For I remember there is never a time
Where I am ever alone in my life
And the complexion of my sad day is
Changed as your love makes everything…
Right.
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I read your words Wendy, and these words
came to life so quickly…hope they make you
smile dear sister!
Wendell
.
Thank you, dear Wendell, for making me smile.
This morning I sensed the Lord telling me to keep seeking Him first and the answers I need will come when they should. Next thing you know I was able to start in again on a project I’d set aside.
Your poem reminds me that His “love makes everything … Right.”
~ Blessings, brother. 🙂
A quick poem written to God Wendy!
Thanks, Wendy. It’s a good question you pose. Mostly, these days, I count my greatest blessings and a few of the small ones, recognizing how privileged I still am, despite the challenges, and that helps me land on my feet. These are usually prayers of thanks. When, and if, the bad feelings resurface, I pray again, reminding God and myself that I gave him the issue and must not take it back from God. I’ll keep that up as long as I need to.
Cynthia, you’re a wise woman to count blessings. We’re often what we think—so that explains why you’re a blessing. Hugs.
Beautiful, Wendy….He has our backs for sure!
Thank you, Susan. Yes, God always has our backs. 🙂
That’s exactly how it becomes all tolerable and even good again.
Inese, I was just reading this morning that God uses everything for good–everything. I like that. <3
Wendy I see self pity as another road block. I never indulge for too long, living in the present moment helps. I hope your day got better as you realised the joy of just being here.
I agree, Kath. We should grieve briefly and then get up while our cheeks are still damp with tears. My days always begin and end with joy. And in the middle of a difficult day I rest in the knowledge He’ll bring me safely to sunset.
This are wise words and awesome photography.