Thursday, July 24, 2008

A Journey Through the Desert

Hello Everyone!

As I sit here at the computer, I am unsure as to what road to go down in this post. My thoughts lately, have been scattered and it is hard for me to FOCUS. I don't know if it is all the hot, humid weather that we've been having or what. I have been going through a "desert." Nothing desperate, but a desert nonetheless.

I am "thirsty" for some spiritual refreshment - maybe a ladies conference or weekend away to get some "living water" for my soul! I really miss not having attended a conference that I usually do in the spring. It is only a two-day conference, but several workshops and classes are packed into these two days. I gain so much insight and knowledge from attending and it is wonderful to fellowship with other ladies who, no doubt, are having the same trouble as I am.

A few ladies at church are meeting once a month for a time of fellowship which is nice, but I feel I need some depth - if you know what I mean. I don't want it to be just a time of socializing, which most people will flock to. The in-depth studies and fellowship usually attracts fewer participants, but the rewards are much greater. Doesn't everyone need a time of refreshment?

By now you must be hearing my "Woe is me" plea and I really don't want to sound like I am having a "pity party." I have tried to lift my spirits by listening to some great music, some wonderful radio programs, and just by picking up the dozens of books on the bookshelf. I can't seem to find a place to start. I haven't been able to "get into" the Mary and Martha study on Rachel's blog even though I read the book, "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" - a great book that I loved and found very beneficial. I'm sure I would have something to contribute to the discussion if I had been able to focus.

Do any of you ever find yourself having these feelings? I know God is right here beside me, but I can't seem to feel Him right now. Faith, I guess is better than feeling. I KNOW He will never leave nor forsake me. I long for the time when I can "feel" Him again! Tears are coming now, they have been absent for a while. Hopefully, this is the beginning of my journey out of the desert.

Please remember me in your prayers and stop by occasionally to say Hi!

Be Encouraged! (I am taking my own advice)
Plant Lady

11 comments:

Lynn - JnL4God said...

Plant Lady,
Again we have similarities - yes I have those times. I'm not sure what the answer is for you. I too like the meat of things and find myself going towards studies. Our church has a Saturday service and a Sunday Service. Even though our Pastor teaches the same message both services but he doesn't tip toe around on Saturday. I haven't had a lot to post about lately, but am am excited to do the study I am starting. If I can do anything for you other than prayers, let me know.
Loves and Hugs
Lynn

debrah said...

I have been in the wilderness for quite some time...there are times of refreshing and times when the Lord just loves on me...at one point I felt the Lord say to Trust Him...am I going to stay with Him even when I don't feel Him - when I am not experiencing Him through my senses...am I going to just believe...and hold onto I am with you always even to the end of the age? I will never leave nor forsake you? Last night during our prayer service I was not even able to sing the words never mind enter into worship I sat down and inquired of the Lord- I did not get an answer but I sense His presence -His searching my heart -He was just holding me still - no questions-no answers - Just resting in Him.
Stay encouraged.
In His Love,
Debrah

Mar said...

Hi Plant Lady,

Well, first of all, there must be some kind of spiritual virus going around. Some of us have been infected following a big disappointment, a shock, trial or major change. Some of us might gradually develop a sense of spiritual anemia. Either way we find ourselves thirsty BIG TIME for the One who made us, knows us best, and knows His plan for us. And we can't seem to find Him in the ordinay ways, so we just want to cry out.

Those retreats can be wonderful. I haven't been to one in awhile. It seems like for the past several years I have been doing all the planning, organizing and leading of things. I am looking forward to just EXPERIENCING for awhile.

Anyway, the further out we venture into the desert, it seems the thirstier we become. I kind of think the Lord knows how long we can take the heat and just when to reign us back in. I'm counting on that refreshing coming for all of us - and soon.

God bless you,
Mar

Dorothy Bowen Klass said...

I couldn't agree with you more. Check out "The Cove" website for some great evenings and seminars. I've always wanted to go but never seemed to be able to afford it.

We all need times of refreshing! Hope the Lord sends some your way!
Love,
Dorothy

From the Heart said...

Fron your writings you have been a very busy Lady with the blueberries to pick, the festivals you attended, the week-ends away, your church activities this year, you've had a lot on your plate and I sense that maybe things are beginning to slow down. Sometimes when we are so busy and then all of a sudden everything is done, there's a little bit of a let down. God hasn't gone anywhere, He has been right by your side and now maybe it is time to sit back, relax and just enjoy being in His presence and getting rejuvenated. You will soon find yourself involved in another season of life.
You will be in my prayers.
AliceE.

Lynn - JnL4God said...

HI again,
You're welcome. Something else is have you had any down time. Maybe a book for pleasure reading or maybe a craft projet just because. Wish you were closer We'd do lunch and pedicures. Someday I'll catch up with you and we'll do just that.
Hugs,
Lynn

Shirley Mary said...

Well, I would say this could be Part 4 of "View from your Window" because that is what you are seeing and it is something that we all experience.

My first thought was not to comment but just read what others have said. And some excellent comments have been given and I can feel the love behind what was said.

After reading your post, the first thing that came to mind was a scripture that I love, "and it came to pass"
These times of "dryness" come to all of us but it will pass.

This made me think of a song I would sing when I felt this longing.

"Longing, longing for Jesus
I have a longing in my heart for Him
Just to be near Him
To feel His presence
I have a longing in my heart for Him."

He sees your heart, he sees your longings, and you can trust Him to lead you through the desert to the "springs of living water."

mary

Paula V said...

Yes, I feel I too am in that place of desert wanting some meat, wanting a huge glass of Him to quinch my thirst.

I know what you mean about those weekend conferences...there's so much depth that we don't obtain from our weekly studies.

Your not alone.

From the Heart said...

Plant Lady,
I tagged you. Visit my blog for the instructions. You're a great friend! I'm excited to learn six new things about you!
AliceE.

debrah said...

Plant Lady-
Thank you for dropping by. I also get the Voice of the Martyrs magazine...A year ago I went to a conference they had and then in the fall invited speakers to come and speak to our breakfast(we combined the men's and the women's for this event)...Our prayer ministry for the persecuted church was only three months old when we left the church...It is a time that I felt I was sucker punched by the enemy...Our Prayer Walk ministry was one year old, Prayer for the Persecuted Church was 3 months old and that very week was to be our first weekly intercessory prayer meeting...at the time we left no else seemed interested in taking it over...not sure what is going on now...But from the view I have it seems like Prayer was the real target of the enemy...
Debrah

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Do I ever have these feelings? I wrote an entire series on my blog called "Living our Consecrated Deserts" because of these dry seasons that never seem to vanish! In addition, I read a book a few years back, "Anonymous" by Alicia Britt Chole. We will be doing the corresponding Bible study this fall. It includes DVD's, the book, and workbook. Talk about awesome! It's really helping me walk through this time in my life.

Thanks for visiting my blog, plant lady. I love this post and your capacity for the pen.

peace~elaine