Stacy's page - Thankful Thursday & Solitude

Aug. 21, 2008 - Thankful Thursday & Solitude

What I am most thankful for this week is that we found out dd does not have juvenile diabetes!!!!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!

I posted several weeks ago about a new door the Lord was leading us through, but couldn't go into detail. I feel that I can now share the details. We have started the process of looking for a new church. This has been a very hard thing to do because I have been at our current church for nearly 25 years, and have been very involved in ministry there. I love the leadership there. They are wonderful, and deserve the highest respect for their service to the Body. However, the church has dwindled over the years to the point that there are basically no ministries for my dd, who is 12 yo. The topics they discuss in youth are a bit over her head. The time has come to look somewhere else so that dd has some teaching in a group setting that she can understand.

This week, we attended a church on the other end of town (7-1/2 miles away, whereas, our previous church is five BLOCKS away). It was simply wonderful. I felt like I was "home." I am so thankful for a refreshing time from the Lord while visiting there this week.

A lady I know, who has a dd with juvenile diabetes, is on the prayer team at this church. Since that is what my dd was being tested for on Monday, we had her pray over dd. What an awesome prayer it was! I wish I could have recorded it! Having walked this road with her own dd, she knew exactly what to pray.

I am so thankful that though I was a visitor in a new church, I was made to feel like one of the family.

This devotion is written in memory of my dear friend, Mary Pence, who went to be with Jesus on March 26, 2006. My dear sister, I will never forget you!

Solitude

Most women will admit that they feel guilty if they try to take some time for themselves. We get so caught up in our “Martha” role that we forget to do our “Mary” role. (Luke 10:38-42) Often times, we are so caught up being like Martha that we end up being uncomfortable when we try to switch and be more like Mary.



A precious friend of mine, whose name was Mary, went to be with Jesus last week. Our pastor paid the ultimate tribute to her when he said that Mary was a marvelous example to us of someone who could be busy like Martha, yet never failed to take time at the feet of our Lord. Mary certainly knew the importance of those times of solitude with Jesus.



When I first started teaching a Sunday school class, Mary was one of the ladies who faithfully attended. At first I was rather intimidated, having a lady who was quite a bit older than me in attendance. I was thinking, “She should be teaching me!” As time passed, I got to know Mary better and deeply appreciated her wit and wisdom. The ladies who attended the class really looked forward to coming every Sunday, not because I was some great teacher, but because we couldn't wait to see what Mary had to say! She was so much like the Proverbs 31 lady. When Mary opened her mouth, wisdom and faithful instruction easily flowed from her lips. (Proverbs 31:26) This was just another visible sign of what took place in Mary's times of solitude. She will greatly missed by many in the years to come.



What we must realize about solitude is that it is a MUST for us. Even Jesus had times of solitude.

He spent forty days alone in the desert. (Matthew 4:1-11)

He spent time alone before choosing the twelve disciples. (Luke 6:12)

After the twelve disciples returned from a preaching and healing mission in Mark 6:31, Jesus called them to a quiet place to rest with Him.

After healing a leper, Jesus went off to be alone. (Luke 5:16)

He took only three disciples with Him to a solitary place for the transfiguration. (Matthew 17:1-9) He went off by Himself to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane before giving His life for us. (Matthew 26:36-46)



If the Son of God needed times of solitude, how can we possibly think we don't need it? Solitude is not selfishness. Rather, it is vital for us if we hope to accomplish the tasks set before us. Rest and refuel before you try to meet the needs of your own ‘masses’ of people.



© 2006, Stacy R. Miller
Solitude

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Comments

Aug. 20, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by journeymomma

Praise the Lord!!!!!!!! I am so super happy for you and your sweet dd!!

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Aug. 21, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by http://shortybearsplace.blogspot.com/

I am so thankful that your daughter does not have diabetes.

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Aug. 21, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

God is so good! I'm thrilled your daughter does not have juvenile diabetes. Praying for your journey in finding a new church.

Happy Thankful Thursday!

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Aug. 21, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Serendipity

So glad for you and your daughter. Praise the Lord!

Remain blessed!

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Aug. 26, 2008 - <em>Untitled Comment</em>

Posted by JADsmama3

Stacy,
I am so glad that Rachel doesn't have diabetes!!! That is a true answer to prayer and I am sure you are very relieved!

I am sorry that your wrists are giving you troubles. My dad has a similar problem where his wrists and lower arms are numb and tingling most of the time making his time on a computer difficult. I will continue to pray that if the Lord doesn't heal it completely to provide you with a way to help control it. :)

I think the tent was a great idea and it was so refreshing to see 12 year olds still playing with Barbies and horses. That seems to be something we don't see much of anymore - though my sister who will be 27 was still playing with them until a couple years ago. :)

You are right! Your black cat looks similar to mine. LOL Sheba is 9 years old...she is a very special kitty cat. :)

Will be praying for you as you find a new church. That can be a very hard thing to do, but it is refreshing, too, to hear of how at home you felt while visiting this other one.

Have a blessed Wednesday!
Blessings & Hugs,
Vania

Edited by JADsmama3 on Aug. 26, 2008 at 10:31 PM

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