Sacred Moments

“Those who excel at the art of sacred living know how to savor the romance of life, the beautiful joy and simplicity of knowing Him, and walking in His presence.  It doesn’t happen by adopting a self-focused, pleasure-seeking attitude, but by learning how to cherish and value the opportunities that God gives us each day.  Daily life is bursting with opportunities to enjoy his amazing creation; opportunities to cultivate relationships with family and friends; opportunities to build God’s kingdom; opportunities to create, to sing, to dance, to worship, to serve, to laugh, and to learn.  Are we letting those sacred moments pass us by?  If so, it’s time to return to the peaceful, still waters and green pastures of daily intimacy with our King.  No other lifestyle compares to one lived in His presence!” 

– Leslie Ludy, “The Art of Sacred Living,” setapartgirl Magazine, Sept/Oct 2012, p. 78

[A note about the picture:  I copied this picture from p. 79 of  setapartgirl Magazine, the Sept/Oct 2012 edition, and attribute all photo rights and credit to the magazine.]

My Happy Place

I'm so thankful that God gives me moments like these when I can feel His presence all around.  

As the warm beams from the morning sun danced on the tranquil sea, I knew that He was providing me with a moment of peace in his company where I could rest and talk with my Savior.  

The beach - especially at sunrise - is my happy place.  The quiet of the morning is interrupted only by the pitter patter of sand pipers scurrying along the shoreline as brilliant shades of pink, red, and orange paint across the sleepy sky.  Buried shells and sea glass sparkle like gems in the soft sand, and the salty ocean breeze awakens the day to life with its sweet fragrance. What better place to commune with the Most High? 

Buying a House in Crazy Town

This morning as I was driving to work, I took a few minutes to reflect on the last few weeks.  Life has been insanely busy now that the students are back on campus and our office is gearing up for an eventful fall.  There are some days when I am pretty sure I just don't sit still... which on one hand is really nice, but on the other hand can result in one tired Morgan by the end of the day.  It feels as if I've bought a house in Crazy Town and moved in with no plans to leave anytime soon...

So, I challenged myself with two questions: 1) when life gets tough, what are you running to for solace or rest, and 2) when you need to recharge, what do you fill up with?  Tough questions for sure!  It's easy to get swept up in the business of balancing spinning plates, but how does that business affect my spiritual life?  Am I growing closer to God in the midst of the chaos or farther away from Him, distracting me from abiding with my Savior?  Am I running to God for rest or am I relying on something else to sooth my soul after a long day's work?  These are big questions and it's important to take a step back and talk to myself... rather than listen to myself.  So, I challenge you to do the same.  When things start spinning out of control, ask yourself on what or whom you rely for strength, comfort, rest, and peace - if it's not God, then there's a problem.