Truest of prayers

Grant, Almighty God, that since we are so disposed to indulge sloth, and so devoted to earthly things, that we easily forget our holy calling except thou dost continually stimulate us, -- O grant that the afflictions by which thou triest us, may effectually rouse us, so that leaving the world we may strive to come to thee, and devote ourselves wholly to thy service; and that we may so carry on the warfare under the various afflictions of the present life, that our minds and all our thoughts may always be fixed on the hope of that eternal and blessed rest which thine only-begotten Son our Lord has promised as having been prepared for us in heaven. -- Amen.

(Prayer of John Calvin)

What would your word be?

A couple of weeks ago, while reading on Bible Cafe for Women, I came across the One Word 2012 idea.  The thought is to choose one word for 2012 as a focus word.  That word would be what drives all that you do in 2012.

My chosen word in RENEW:  to make like new, restore to freshness, vigor or perfection; to make new spiritually; to restore to existence; to make extensive changes in; to do again; to begin again.

Actually, the Holy Spirit shouted that this was going to be the year of change and renewal.  Part of me is extremely excited about the process that is ahead.  Another part is scared to death of the unknown.  Yet through it all, I'm convinced that He will hold my hand and gently guide me on this journey.

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

di-ag-no-sis

The art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms; investigation or analysis of the cause or nature of a condition, situation, or problem 

Have you ever had the Holy Spirit demand your attention?  He whispers, taps at our hearts, yet we are too busy to fully listen.  Finally, in answer to our prayers to draw our hearts closer, He answers.  

He answered.  He has my full attention.  I'm barely able to breathe.

The past month or so I've been dealing with some type of gastrointestinal issue.  I've undergone testing with more to come.  An answer is still not definite.  The pain has been aggravating and extremely distracting.  It has effected what I am able to eat safely - without pain.  If you know anything about me, you know I love to cook and eat.  This love has diminished.  

The lack of answers and the lingering pain has wreaked havoc on my emotions.  For one, who through life circumstances, has learned to "control" her emotions - this has been foreign territory.  

The Holy Spirit brings rest and peace.   The lie from Satan is that we have control over anything in life, much less our own emotions.  I belong wholly to God - soul, body and spirit.  HE alone controls all.  I'm learning that when the Holy Spirit strips away all distractions, His voice can be deafening.

"Speak, Lord, for your servant hears."