The Pause

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNHqD-t7VHI

Where I Belong ~ Cory Asbury & Anna Asbury

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house;
They will still be praising You. Selah

~ Psalm 84:4 NKJV

Confession: Usually when I see “Selah” in the Psalms, I barely glance at it and keep going. What if I didn’t? What if I did what it said? Selah means, “rest, silence, pause,” indicating to the singer of the Psalms that his/her voice should be silent while the music continues. What if, instead of rushing through God’s Word, I paused where it indicated?

The Selah’s purpose is for the listener, though the instruction is to the singer. The pause gives a chance for thought and reflection. We live in such an instant messenger world, that we expect the revelation and answer to come lickety-split. Seldom do we take the time to just enjoy the silence, giving pause to our days, to listen to, reflect on, and ponder what the Lord has to say.

I don’t know about where you live, but here, many traditional summer activities have been canceled and remain closed. While it’s frustrating and hard on the kids, perhaps this is a perfect time to take that pause. Selah is a brief, silent note – not forever, not even all day – just a moment to sit still and listen to what the Lord speaks when you pause.

Selah

©Heather Potts 2020

Chapters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUc86gfzToU

All In ~ Matthew West

 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

 I love a good action novel, but if the plot takes longer than 5 pages to get moving, I may not keep reading. I know I have high demands. A few years ago, I read an intense series, and as each chapter closed and the next began, I didn’t want to put the book down. However, that often led to forcing myself to close the book at midnight, which made for a hard early start the next morning. I’ve enjoyed reading that author’s – and similar authors’ – books. Our lives are crafted by the greatest Author. Why, then, do we fight to change chapters when He’s clearly compelling us forward?

 I’ve been facing a chapter change in my life – no, it’s not turning 40 in a few weeks – and it’s been difficult to let the old chapter close. But it’s necessary, in order to fully embrace the next. I have friends who are facing chapter changes in their lives, some for career changes, others are moving, and still others are considering permanently homeschooling.  I wonder if they are having a hard time changing chapters, too?

 There was a time in my life that I allowed fear to immobilize me, keeping me from the joy and beauty the next chapter held. Though the next chapter is different from the previous – sometimes different feels a bit scary – I don’t want that to stop me. Instead, I want to be “all in,” giving my heart fully to this new adventure. After all, God said, “Fear not, [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you… (Isaiah 41:10 AMPC).

 If you’re facing a chapter change in your life, do not be afraid. If God called you to it, then remember His promises to be with and help you through it. Don’t let fear hold you back. Instead, decide to be “all in”!

©Heather Potts 2020

Thank You for Freedom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVvCA8w3Cm0

One and Only ~ Rend Collective

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ~ Galatians 5:1, 13 NIV

I was unprepared for the scene as the road to the grocery store took me past two cemeteries, where dozens of flags waved in honor of military heroes. One of my grandpas is among them. As I continued past, I realized that for far too many, this weekend would be a moment in which time would stand still, as memories of their fallen heroes flooded their minds.

It was shortly after my grandpa’s death that we found the article about his younger brother, Pfc. Clayton Hayes. The article told of how Clayton and his troop helped families carry their belongings back to their war-ravaged homes in Normandy. The article was written in June 1944, just three months before Clayton died as a war-hero.

For many of us, it’s been a long couple of months that we’ve felt our freedoms were stripped under orders to stay at home—not work, not see friends or family, not go out unless necessary. While it’s been a trying season and we’re all ready to experience more freedoms, let’s not forget those who died for them.

First and foremost, Jesus died—paying the highest price—so that you could live, not to please yourself, but for Him. Second, remember the men and women who fought and died protecting the freedoms we enjoy in this country. Today, take a moment to pray for the families who’ve lost loved ones in the wars. Pray also for those who are currently serving in the military, as well as their families. Then, as you see those who’ve served, say, “Thank you.” My stepdad, who served in both Vietnam and in Desert Storm, always says, “All anyone has to say is, ‘Thank you.’” Finally, spend time asking God how you can serve others. We’re not all called to the military, but we’re all called to serve one another in love.

http://normandie44.canalblog.com/archives/2012/01/14/23241133.html

Article on Pfc. Clayton Hayes, and the others in his troop.

©Heather Potts 2020