Comments on peace for the journey: wisdom through words

That was very powerfully said. What a great way to...

2009-12-13T23:27:52.858-05:00

That was very powerfully said. What a great way to express wisdom through words. Amen.

Focus your vision on what is small not big... Oh ...

2009-12-13T15:16:50.732-05:00

Focus your vision on what is small not big...

Oh my! I'm not going to attempt to address it here, but our pastor spoke of the small things this morning...

You know how something just keeps sticking itself in your face!!! Sure gets your attention...and a 'what are You trying to say to me, God?'

This post rings bittersweet to me. I know it's tr...

2009-12-13T06:55:54.219-05:00

This post rings bittersweet to me. I know it's truth. Yet, in the realization, I also know I'm a "far" and not a "near" friend. I'm not within physical reach. I am still blessed to be included in your "otherness" and so thankful for the times when our lives intersect whether through the avenue of the Internet or via phone.

Elaine, God has stirred in my heart the memory of these posts that I wrote over a year ago now. Wondering how obedient I am still being to His call. (September 20, 2008 - both blogs)

I'm feeling right now that come December 31st, I will be taking a sabbatical here. Needing to refocus and return to family. Your writing today has prompted my thoughts. Thank you as always.

Love ya,
Joy

This post alone was so full of wisdom. It was beau...

2009-12-13T06:37:41.579-05:00

This post alone was so full of wisdom. It was beautifully written and touched my heart.

I just found your blog and I'm looking forward to reading more.

Have a great Lord's Day!

'I am grateful for words that change me, and the m...

2009-12-12T22:42:59.512-05:00

'I am grateful for words that change me, and the more intentional I am about finding them, the more intentional they become about finding me.'

Wow. Amen, amen. Elaine, I can always find words of wisdom HERE.

I have truly enjoyed Anonymous - thank you so much for sending it to me. (Sometimes I wonder why you felt led to send it to me.)

Currently my "biggest" small and nears are my little girls - caring for them. Particularly caring for Rhema - it seems I have to do everything for her and the simplest tasks are anyhting but simple... I get tired. But I know God has give me this and I want to be faithful to it, serving her through serving Him in love.

Yes, how I desire edification... wisdom given in l...

2009-12-12T18:51:42.788-05:00

Yes, how I desire edification... wisdom given in love that I might become more like Christ. And how few are bold enough to offer it. To challenge me. Thank God for those who do!

My small is partly related to my blog. Knowing that God is more interested in the one than the many... and not to stop because I can't help the many... because God is in love with each one.

Love you!

It's SO true! If each of us took care of our "sma...

2009-12-12T15:33:20.413-05:00

It's SO true! If each of us took care of our "small and near" the large and far would be hugely impacted.

(Today my small and near consisted of delivering a pan of lasagna and salad to a busy woman who had responsibilities in a community Christmas program today.)

I appreciated seeing Alicia on the video clip and would LOVE to "win" her book!

God always uses our gifts, that is different in ea...

2009-12-12T15:01:24.524-05:00

God always uses our gifts, that is different in each of us, to grow us, and teach His plan big or small. The most content people I know are those who, through their gifts, live out each day. Blessings Girlfriend!!!

this was a wonderful post. For me it has been to ...

2009-12-12T13:38:39.272-05:00

this was a wonderful post. For me it has been to leave room to breathe so I can live the "near" with God as intimately as I can, with my dear family who simply amaze me that they let me use my butterfly wings to soar, and to realize that small is ok...because it is what God asked me to do in the first place.

blessings
Tammy

Coming back here today I realize how much I have m...

2009-12-12T12:29:23.200-05:00

Coming back here today I realize how much I have missed you and the words God lays on your heart. Your spiritual wisdom I cherish, your influence God-sent. I am not a bit surprised that Alicia Britt Chole has again caught your attention. The last book you had me read from her was amazing, this one has to be too...like you my freind.
Blessing in this CHRISTmas season!!

(I'll come back to view the vodeo, it won't open here at work-the hospital blocks it. Grief).

Love you!! Pam

I appreciate all the words of wisdom you share swe...

2009-12-12T11:58:35.883-05:00

I appreciate all the words of wisdom you share sweetie.

A good reminder, Elaine, not to neglect our small ...

2009-12-11T23:09:27.425-05:00

A good reminder, Elaine, not to neglect our small and near in our pursuit of the big and far. Sometimes God does give us a vision or calls us to the big and far -- I guess that's when a careful balance is needed as we keep both in sight and mind...

I may have already shared my "small and near" stor...

2009-12-11T23:05:28.708-05:00

I may have already shared my "small and near" story with you...forgive me if you've heard it before!

When the boys were young, I was actively involved in just about every bible study group, singing group, PTA, etc. I was homeroom mother (for both boys' classrooms)...BUT, I was never home. I stayed so busy with everything - all good things - but they were taking me away from what God called me to be...a wife and mother. First, and foremost.

Never before had I felt God speaking so strongly to my heart about anything. But, He said it to me - and I heard Him, loud and clear!

I gave up a lot of the groups. I even gave up a couple of bible studies. I'm still involved in outside activities, but since that lesson from God, I've never lost sight of the "small and near" in my life.

Hugs,
Beth

God brought me here to read this just before I was...

2009-12-11T22:31:12.829-05:00

God brought me here to read this just before I was about to shut down the computer for the night.

You see - this Sunday night my Bible study is reaching out to the community - we are inviting strangers to a banquet meal that we are preparing her at Shepherd's Walk.

This "near and far" quote that you wrote about spoke so much about what we are attempting to do - be Jesus' Hands and feet with a towel in our hands - and a spoon - to feed those who may not feel welcomed anywhere else. We ivited strangers - people off the street - grocery store checkers....etc.

What hit me so much about your quote is that it's not about numbers. The success of this night coming - will not be about how MANY people came... it will be about who God brought and cared for that night - who was made to feel special - who was ministered to. Perhaps it will be a small intimate group - with only ONE person whose heart will change toward God. We are only "cultivating relationships" in this attempt - not jamming the gospel down their throats with words - but with food, and love, and JOY!

This is what is right in front of me - the "near not far"! I will focus on this task now - allowing and praying for God to do HIS kingdom work in all of it!

You have blessed me with this reminder.

I'd love a copy of the book - but this quote [and your entire wisdom-filled post] was enough to get my focus where it needs to be.

Choosing JOY, Stephanie

Once again I am just blown away at your words! God...

2009-12-11T22:14:44.120-05:00

Once again I am just blown away at your words! God just speaks so powerfully through you and I thank you for your obedience to Him.

I need to get this book now!

Love to you my friend.

If you've learned that as a 40-something, you're w...

2009-12-11T19:16:07.167-05:00

If you've learned that as a 40-something, you're way out front of most of us! It took me many, many years to get acquainted with living so intentionally; and to learn where to dial in my focus.

Indeed, it is from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (and writes). May ours be filled to overflowing with a wisdom reservoir there!

President of Your Fan Club

Coincidence?? I think not....it's all God's timing...

2009-12-11T17:46:03.568-05:00

Coincidence?? I think not....it's all God's timing. Tuesday night in the pouring rain, another mom and I delivered a meal--SMALL--to a church member who just had baby number 5. They only live 8 miles from my house--NEAR. I was so shocked by their living conditions. Oh, Elaine! I held it in until I got back home, and I cried as I told Craig. It has been in the back of my mind since then. What does God want me to do? I am praying and listening for His response--partially through your blog post. Oh...I love you girl!
Thank you.

Hugs!
Susan
**Tell Preacher Billy that he can send in one of HIS yummy recipes for my blog!!! And, if I don't win that book, I'm going to buy it soon. Wow! Thanks, chickadee!

Elaine this is SO packed full of wise words...than...

2009-12-11T16:19:43.817-05:00

Elaine this is SO packed full of wise words...thank you today for allowing God to speak through you right to a place in my heart that was needing this! I am encouraged to be in constant check of my focus, the near is very dear to my heart...and what do I want the near to know that Jesus and I love them greatly...thanks for this amazing encouragement...its a great start for the weekend!

I older I get the more I understand why my mother ...

2009-12-11T15:48:26.125-05:00

I older I get the more I understand why my mother loved life. She was that person who lived the "small and near" life.

I had the privilege to meeting Alicia Chole at our Womens Convention...love her writing.

love and hugs~Tammy
Thank you for your prayers!

This, too, has been on my mind lately. In fact, I...

2009-12-11T15:10:10.546-05:00

This, too, has been on my mind lately. In fact, I read a post by Natalie Witcher - a chapter of a Christmas story she authored - that speaks to the influence we have through future generations because we were faithful to the "small and near" instead of the "big and far". You might enjoy reading it at http://nataliewitcher.blogspot.com/2009/12/chapter-three-beads.html

I actually was in tears by the time I finished reading as it spoke so to my heart.

Now, here you are putting the finishing touches on what God has been speaking to my heart!

Thank you, again, for the eloquence of your words!

Love you my friend,
Debbie

Oh, I need to read this book...small and near...th...

2009-12-11T13:22:42.976-05:00

Oh, I need to read this book...small and near...those "things" very dear...

This statement also hit a cord with me..."I am grateful for words that change me, and the more intentional I am about finding them, the more intentional they become about finding me."

Wonderful words of wisdom....

Sounds like a great read, smack full of wisdom. B...

2009-12-11T12:42:47.466-05:00

Sounds like a great read, smack full of wisdom.

Beautiful thoughts my friend. When I think even about my immediate surroundings (my family) and how neglected they sometimes get in my busyness. What good does it to be a "light" for others, having a servant's heart for the needy, when my own children never see that side of me too. When I was reading your post, that is where my convictions lie. Thank you for sharing...

This does sound like a good devotional. I find my...

2009-12-11T12:18:54.227-05:00

This does sound like a good devotional. I find myself going to the Lord and scripture for wisdom more than people lately. I'm not sure why except that I've had too much questionable advice the past few weeks from well-meaning Christians.

I've been seeking God for an answer to my future, ...

2009-12-11T12:08:46.699-05:00

I've been seeking God for an answer to my future, and I think I found it here. Two ministries to choose between, what on earth to do. But now I see these two choices in a new light...one opportunity is big and overwhelms me, and the other is small, close to home, and brings me joy.

Thanks Elaine, you have no idea how much this post has blessed me...

Elaine, I've truly never thought about the invest...

2009-12-11T11:39:58.635-05:00

Elaine,

I've truly never thought about the investing in the small and near rather than the big and far. I've really only thought about the investing portion in and of itself!

However, I do love my here and now, my small and near and want to love God in all the gloriously messy places in and around my life.

And Elaine, my life is quite good, too! Very, very good! :)

Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca