Finding a Stream in the Desert

 I've been thinking lately how terrible of a blogger I've been...and wondering how I would re-enter this world. What would I share? Tales of my family? The recent wedding? My out of town trips to set up new A1 Quilting Machine owners? My recent cruise? Or what about all the beautiful quilts that have graced my frame on the rare days this year that I have been in the studio?

Actually, I've been too tired to think about blogging - or much of anything else for that matter. Kinda hard to be encouraging when you can't think (grin)

Yep, when I woke up this morning I really didn't have much get up and go - felt all spent. Nothing wrong, but nothing that made me leap for joy.

As is my habit, I turn over a small perpetual calendar that resides on my bathroom counter each morning. I like to think of it as my morning Java. Today's verse reminded me that I really haven't been starting my day off well lately...I've been burdened down with "being tired" or with many outside obligations, many deadlines and busyness.... I thought...the best thing for me today is to just go take a walk.

So I did. Looking for a little exercise to jump start my brain as well as some inspiration and some quietness for my soul.

 I always walk with my iPhone and take advantage of it's camera to capture beauty along the way.

Today was a tad cloudy and overcast, but a wonderful spring day none the less - I'm talking shorts and a t-shirt! A little coolness in the air, but not much when considering the brisk pace I was taking.  Well, not too brisk - had to stop and smell the flowers (grin)

Finally I arrived at my "normal" destination - Galveston Bay, about a quarter of a mile down the road. A familiar site if you've followed my blog or my Facebook. Familiar yes, but it's been way too long since I've walked.

I was trying to capture something different with my iPhone camera...trying to figure out "life" and "my purpose" (okay, so I expect a lot out of my walks - grin)  It was after this photo that I started typing on my phone....the below "journal" is unedited and straight from my thoughts as I sat on that flat rock in this photo below...

I am sitting on the rocks trying to listen. Surely there is something for me to learn, something to share.  I was thinking how many photos I have taken at this same location. How familiar it is, almost routine. The pier, the rocks, the yellow wild flowers pushing their way up through the cracks, the sounds that I can't capture on film. Sounds of the sea gulls, the waves, the traffic in the distance...so many things the same ole same ole. Of course the sky changes with the weather and the time of year - and the time of day - sometimes I capture some gorgeous sunrises. But today felt sorta plain. Like I'm reaching out but don't know what I hope to grasp. Can I find something unique to photo? Perhaps a cluster of oyster shells scattered among the broken rocks? Perhaps a unique arrangement of the barrier stones? I'm always pleased when I see a flat surface that doesn't look to precarious so I can have a place to rest. Then in the distance I noticed...

Blue flowers instead of the normal bright yellow - the ones that generally catch my eye. Blue flowers that almost escaped my attention as they were wrapped in the eye pleasing color of green, almost hidden.

Is this significant I asked myself? Didn't know but I snapped the photo anyway.

As I sit perched on a steady flat rock writing this on my iPhone I continue to ponder. What is the Lord trying to share with me, what can I glean that I can in turn share with you to encourage you in your journey?

I'm waiting ... Yearning for that still small voice ... I hear the crashing of the waves, the call of the sea gull. I feel a cool wind, not quite cold but definitely a spring cool and not a warm summer breeze cool. I'm almost chilled, but not uncomfortable

I'm reminded of the seasons that I have experienced sitting pondering in this same location. Days when the water is gray and the waves are fierce .     Days when the reflection of the sun on the waves is so magnificent that it can bring me to tears. Days it is quiet and the bay water is as still as glass.

The seasons change. Even the landscape changes - how many times has the pier been broken down by storms later to be repaired. I'm sure if I'd of taken notice that the very rocks I use as my stool that they too have been rearranged numerous times, yet they are still here.

There are always birds, but even I know they aren't the same ones day in and day out on my visits here. I'd like to think the water is the constant, but I've watched enough nature documentaries to know that it too is a changing element in my quiet place

The only logical conclusion is that the only thing constant, the only unchangeable factor in this quiet place is truly the Lord.

And not just in this place. For He meets me anywhere. He stays the same though the ages, His love never changes

Today, He drew me away with a blue flower. Quietly getting my attention.

I know there's more. I just need to put the phone away, be totally still and find my more...

It was then that the sun peeked out from behind the clouds with all it's brilliance. I was immediately warmed and joy filled my heart. It was time to walk back home, there was now a skip in my step. I knew I could face my day - AND my tomorrows. I'd found my stream in the desert, and I have shared it.

This is the song that I sang on my way home - I hope it brings a smile to your face, a skip in your step, and a joy in your heart!

Jesus Culture - Your Love Never Fails

Nothing can separate

Even if I ran away

Your love never fails

I know I still make mistakes

But You have new mercies for me everyday

Your love never fails

Chorus:

You stay the same through the ages

Your love never changes

There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning

And when the oceans rage

I don't have to be afraid

Because I know that You love me

Your love never fails

Verse 2:

The wind is strong and the water's deep

But I'm not alone here in these open seas

Cause Your love never fails

The chasm is far too wide

I never thought I'd reach the other side

But Your love never fails

Bridge:

You make all things work together for my good

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_2qG22SPwU

No matter where you find yourself today. In a routine, searching for meaning, carrying a heavy burden, or simply enjoying life to its fullest - just remember - He loves YOU and His love never fails!

karen