My Week in Photos and A Season of Loneliness

Tomorrow is one week since I've had my surgery. It's been quite the challenge to do nothing. I'm finding a theme woven throughout my circumstances the past couple of months. But before I share that, I thought I'd share my week in photos (I'm an excited, new instagram user).

I registered for my overnight stay the day before my surgery. Upon close inspection of my bracelet, I noticed the number 39. Don't they know it's not nice to reveal a lady's real age? :)

And this is, yes, me before surgery. I was so nervous but of course I had to stop for a pose. My husband wanted a pre-surgery pic and I'm a good sport so I consented. I'm having second thoughts about the cap.

My mom strategically placed a vase of pretty flowers beside my bed after I came home.

 Friends and family have been delivering pans and platters and bowls of nourishment.

 I've even been served dessert in bed.

 Our garden continues to birth life.

And I have lots of time to sit outside gazing into this canopy of blue and green, my outdoor ceiling painted by the Master Himself.

This last picture leads me back to where I started. This reoccurring theme is one of separation and aloneness. I am a social person by nature and love to hang out with friends but the past few months I have found myself more and more alone. This week while recovering, the silence has been undeniable. I have been asking God why. Why am in this place? Why have my friendships seemed distant and my usual busy days been replaced with quiet? And today He answered. Today His voice thundered through the silence and rained grace.

And He said to them, " Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest awhile." (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves. ~Mark 6:31-32

So tonight begins the journey to understanding this place I'm in. I know there is purpose here.  No matter how alone I feel, I know He is present. And I know He is speaking.

Have you ever found yourself in a season of loneliness?

Are you currently in a place contrary to or different from your "normal?"

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Linking today with my online community of sisters for Soli Deo Gloria.

Hear It On Sunday, Use It On Monday & A Tribute

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. We will not fear. Psalm 4:1-2

At the beginning of service this morning, the congregation rose, hand over heart, eyes fixed on our American flag displayed proudly at the front of the stage. In unison, voices pledged allegiance to the red, white and blue and sang of the land of the free and the home of the brave.

A Tribute to lives lost ten years ago, on the day that forever changed America and left hearts aching

In the middle of crisis, the fierceness of the storm, the heat of the battle, it is easy to give in and give up. But the victory comes with digging in heels and drawing strength from the inner depths of your being, strength you never knew you had, strength that overcomes the greatest evil...His strength in our weakness. We continue to rise above this tragedy and pray for America to remember who she is, to take her rightful place, to once again stand for truths upon which she was founded ...and to trust in God.

A Tribute to Fallen Soldiers, a moment of silence and prayer for hurting families

A Tribute to active/retired soldiers abroad and in our own congregation

Below is Retired Sgt. Brian Fleming - our guest speaker.

http://www.blownupguy.com/

He gives a powerful testimony of one soldier's journey from being blown up twice in Afghanistan to using his story to bring hope to others and his voice to tell of the love of Christ all across the world.

We are the United States of America. We are the land of the free, the home of the brave.

God Bless America!

Linking today with Michelle at Nebraska Graceful

and counting gifts with Ann at A Holy Experience

76 freedom to worship

77 men and women who risk their lives for our freedom

78 the ability to forgive

79 courage to press on

80 hope to become better

81 love that covers and heals

82 His strength in my weakness

83 gentle reminders that keep things in perspective

84 grace for this journey

85 mercies new in the morning

The Silence Speaks

The silence speaks

Beckoning me to draw near

And listen

Words spoken inflict feelings not meant for me

Guilt

Condemnation

Fear

Anxiety

And questions that shouldn't matter

What?

Why?

How?

When?
What if?

Questions my intellect can't seem to let go of.

And then my spirit quietly reminds me

HE IS THE ANSWER.

The silence breaks with the sound of His whisper

His words fill my soul and renew my strength

His presence lingers and I am whole

His grace covers and I am free

His love heals and I am complete.

My journey continues.

XO

Shelly