Category: listen

List: To Listen To; to Hear


Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
(Philippians 4:8)




This is our lovely cat, Maria. We call her “Kitten” most of the time. I think cats are experts at enjoying quiet. Today, she climbed on this box, which I wanted to photograph to go with today’s post. Oh well . . .

Let’s get back to quiet times. Why do I care about seeking quiet moments? Because it is in the quiet that I can listen. When I listen, I am tuning myself to God’s thoughts through His Holy Spirit. He may bring to mind a Scripture. Or if I’m reading a book or listening to a song, I am drawn to a phrase of comfort. Another way I listen occurs while I write. I may not consciously know that God is speaking in that moment, but when I reread what I wrote, which is a form of prayer for me, I can see where God is working in my heart.

A quick way to listen, it to write down a list. Writing a list can turn a gray, dreary day into a sunny remembrance of many praiseworthy things. Scriptures like Philippians 4:8, Psalm 19 and Psalm 103:1-5 use the list as a vehicle to emphasize a truth about the spiritual bounty our loving Father bestows upon us.

Have fun in your quiet times. Today, as I thought about lists and thinking on excellent themes, I thought of the song, “My Favorite Things.” I used some lyrics from the song as a springboard for my list. You could have a more serious list, but I had fun playing with the word: list.





In 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time, Pam asks a question. Her answer inspired my quiet time today.

What can break the downward spiral to negativity? 

Her answer is based on Philippians 4:8. 

When you are down, spend your quiet time thinking of things that are lovely, like a rose…[or a sweet kitten, who likes to sleep on your favorite chair]

Think of excellent things . . . creating your own list of things to remember when you are tempted to complain or think impure, unkind or just plain ugly thoughts. Post the list in a place where you are often grumpy …

If you’re a visual person, you might like this idea from Pam:

. . .create a Philippians 4:8 photo album. Put personal photos of the people, places and things you love most in a scrapbook. [This is where I would use magazines and a glue stick to make a Philippians 4:8 collage!]

Whether it’s written words, pictures or just a favorite place, God wants to lift our spirits. Be silly. Be serious. Be with God. He will show you ways to improve your atmosphere on those low, gray days. (And sometimes, we just have low days, where we need to take a nap, cry or rant at God.) He knows what we need in each circumstance. Trust Him and be open to His encouragement.

©Pam Farrel from 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time (IVP). For more devotional books by Pam http://www.Love-wise.com


Posted on by kelrohlf 6

Acedia: Apathy or Boredom

Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
For the help of His countenance. 
(Psalm 42:5 NKJV)

I woke up in a funk. I didn’t want to read or pray. I didn’t want to bundle up and go out for a walk. I didn’t want to do anything. So, I just sat on the couch.

I can’t quite remember how I got up off the couch and over to my blue thinking chair. I think it was God reminding me to take care of myself. I did a mini collage, looked at my previous collages, and scribbled a poem using words found within the collage.

false
           facades

                         collapsing,

creating
unassuming
decisions
(or quince frescoes).
 

This made me smile. And it made me think. What false facades do I need to let collapse? When I do, what will this create? Unassuming decisions? What does that mean? Or would I prefer to create “quince frescoes”? Sometimes just being silly and creative can get me out of a funk.

This little exercise rejuvenated my desire to sit and listen. I listen by reading and journaling.

I browsed one devotion and then another, then responded in my journal, where I confessed to God that this time of year just does not motivate me.

I like to talk and rant and complain. God invites me to listen. In my listening time, as I often do, I picked up the dictionary. I wanted to know what it meant to listen. The three entries in my pocket dictionary outlined a handy action plan for listening.

1. Make an effort to hear.

A simple first step, if I am going to listen, I have to make an effort. I have to open my ears. Place myself in the presence of the One I desire to hear. Open the Bible, uncap the pen, listen as one being taught and given words for the weary. (Isaiah 50:4)

2. Pay attention.

Once my listening ears are tuned in, I have to pay attention. Record what I think I’m hearing, ask God questions, and clarify with the Holy Spirit as to where He is leading for the day. (Isaiah 28:23)

3. Take notice of and act on what is said.

And finally, once I’ve noted what has been said; act on it.  Of course, this is a lot easier said than done. As I listened to God invite me to take care of myself, this prompted me to get out of the blue chair, bundle up in some warm clothes and take a walk on this sunshine laden day. When I returned, my funk was gone. I was ready for some more listening. (James 1:25)

Posted on by kelrohlf 4