Bogged down by daily activities
Smothered by pressures and expectations
Clouded by uncertainties and fear of the unknown
It is easy to lose sight of what matters. Easy to lose the awe and wonder of the lover of our soul. Easy to forget that God is God and HE. IS. All-Powerful.
Like the chores we repeat day after day, He, too, becomes routine.
We forget He hung the stars in the sky.
We overlook new blooms birthed during the night and waiting for us in the morning.
We dismiss the wonder of creation and the miracle of life itself.
But when we pause to remember.
When we choose to reflect and tune our ears to listen Oh! how our heart feels a familiar tug.
When we purpose to worship even in the hard, dry places we find His sweetest presence.
The gentle touch of the Master’s hand.
The soft whisper of our Father’s voice.
The cool fresh breath of God blowing over us – awakening our spiritual senses and renewing desire.
Plucked out of the mundane and transported into the realm of a supernatural God our spirit trembles with longing for its Creator.
Our soul does long for more.
The more we choose to see, the more we see.
The more we choose to hear, the more we hear.
We must practice this position of remembering even when the humdrum and monotony of everyday tempt us to forget. Even when the overwhelming demands of life threaten to dull the ache to know and to be known by a Holy God.
This God who spoke light into day, who breathed life into the living, who commanded rivers and beckoned the sea – He is God who knew you before you were in your mother’s womb. He is God who knows you in your right now. He is the gentle touch, the soft whisper, and the fresh breath.
He is the object of your soul’s deepest longing.
Awake, O sleeper!
Remember thy God.
An invitation has been sent.
How will you answer?
Let us choose daily to:
- Remember
- See
- Hear
- Respond
Let us expect the extraordinary even in the middle of our ordinary.
And let us love God with everything within us.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” ~Deuteronomy 6:5
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Join us for our current online Bible study at Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Linking with Yes to God – Week One Blog Hop
Barbie says
So good. I am reminded of a song, part of which says, “You who hold the seven stars in your hands, hold my heart.” Yes, we can trust Him. He is faithful.
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Yes, Barbie! He is faithful!
Nicki Edwards says
I definitely plan to look for the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Loved this post Shelly.
God bless
Love
Nicki
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Thank you, Nicki! Love and blessings to YOU!
Tracie Bailey says
Great post, Shelly. Thank you for sharing!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Thanks, Tracie! So glad you stopped by!
Angie says
Scripture tells us to praise Him for everything….EVERYTHING! Even when we face struggles and disappointments, praise Him.
It can be so hard to remember that and even harder to pause and praise when we feel we are about to crumble. I am guilty of failing to do this in the moment, but when I do, it is that sweet presence that covers me.
“When we purpose to worship even in the hard, dry places we find His sweetest presence.
The gentle touch of the Master’s hand.
The soft whisper of our Father’s voice.
The cool fresh breath of God blowing over us – awakening our spiritual senses and renewing desire.”
When I read that, you gave the perfect description to what I feel come over me. Now the next time I praise Him at a difficult time, I will feel His touch, hear His voice and feel the awakening of my spiritual senses and be renewed.
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
So glad we are praising Him together, sweet friend! Love you!
Kelsey Ferguson says
I loved this, Shelly! You spoke right to my heart this morning. I, especially, like this: The ‘The more we choose to see, the more we see.
The more we choose to hear, the more we hear.’
How true is that? God isn’t hiding his majesty; we just aren’t looking for it.
Thanks for sharing your heart with us!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
So true, Kelsey! Why do we always make things more complicated than they are? I am choosing to see and hear today! Thanks for visiting here!
Christiana says
Concordo, a reviravolta da carreira do Barrichello é digna de uma mensão honrosa desta lista, mais do que as vitórias, o bom exemplo e o carisma que demonstru durante o ano fazem dele um destqque especial de 20Abr09.aço
Shila says
Love this, I’ve been feeling this way lately and I really need this encouragement to long for more. Thank you!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
So glad you found encouragement here! Thank YOU for joining in the conversation. God is so good, isn’t He?!
Ruth L. Snyder says
Shelly, Thanks for your post. I liked how you expressed the need to stop and remember, see, hear, and respond. It’s true that this world often distracts us from what’s truly important. Little choices each day can help us to remember, see, hear, and respond to God. He is speaking, we just need to listen
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Yes, Ruth! Little choices each day! Thank you for sharing your words here!
Bonny says
Shelly, the choice to see and hear is paramount. Why do I sometimes forget to choose? Lovely post!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Thank you, Bonny! Blessings!
Lisa K says
Love this Shelly! I read a book by Stormie Omartian called, “The Prayer That Changes Everything: The Hidden Power of Praising God” – it was an amazing book and it definitely taught me that there is POWER in praise. If we want prayers answered, we praise God, when we go through trials – we praise God, in everyday life – we praise God! He is the Almighty, All powerful God and when we acknowledge this there is so much power and it seems to be released through praise and prayer! I’m not saying that He answers everything but it helps our hearts to be in the right place which is to be grateful and praise our Lord through everything!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
So true, Lisa! (And I love Stormie, by the way!) Praising changes our perspective and gratitude awakens that awe and wonder of an extraordinary God who does extraordinary things every single day! Praising Him with you this morning! xoxo
Rebecca Jo says
How beautifully written…
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Thank you, Rebecca!
melissa says
Your blog is always one of my favorites to read. Your words are so poetic and full of God’s truth! I love this & I love my new friend!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
And I love YOU!! Thank you!
Mei says
Beautiful words!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Thank you, Mei!
Peggy says
“Our soul does long for more.
The more we choose to see, the more we see.
The more we choose to hear, the more we hear.”
Yes, yes, and yes. It always amazes me that I can forget this, but when I’m pressing into Him, when I’m saying, YES more, the more I see and hear Him. I love it!
Thanks for sharing Shelly!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
HI Peggy! Thanks for stopping by! Looking forward to pressing in together as we seek Him throughout the rest of our study!
Peggy says
Me too! 😀
Mary Davidson says
I echo my sisters’ comments above. This was beautiful. I am current reading Mountains of Spices by Hannah Hurnard (The sequel to Hinds Feet on High Places). Your writing here, poetic and peaceful in nature, reminds me of her writings. I found comfort in my soul, even amidst the challenges, as I read your blog. Thank you so much for sharing!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Mary, YOUR words bless me! Thank you for your kindness. So glad you found comfort and encouragement here! I have read Hinds Feet in High Places but will have to check out Mountains of Spices. Blessings!
Melissa says
How wonderful to be reminded to Remember, See, Hear and Respond to God in everything at all times. Thank you for sharing your thoughts today. I am enjoying the “What Happens When Women Say Yes to God” study.
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Hi Melissa! So glad you are enjoying the study! I am looking forward to Week 2 already!
Billie says
Thanks Shelly. Love your writing style!!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Thank you, Billie!
Vashti says
Love. Love. Love <3
Thank you for sharing!!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Hello my sweet Vashti! Thank you!
Sherry H. says
This is so true.
The more we choose to see, the more we see.
The more we choose to hear, the more we hear.
When you open yourself up to God, he meets you where you are and takes you on an incredible journey. I’m ready! Palms UP!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Me, too, Sherry! Palms up!
Heather King says
I love this challenge: “Let us expect the extraordinary even in the middle of our ordinary.” What a great way to live, expecting God’s glory!!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Yes! And I’m taking the challenge, too! Thanks for visiting here, Heather!
ConnieH says
Love this! Thanks for sharing.
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Thanks, Connie!
Janice says
I am going to purpose to worship even in the hard, dry places we find His sweetest presence.
thanks Shelly
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Me, too, Janice! Thanks!
Anita Greenland says
Shelly, that was poetry. Loved it.
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Thank you, Anita! What a gift to seek God with you in this study. Blessings my friend!
Melanie (OBS FB Small Group Leader) says
Shelly, I love your beautiful words. Thank you so much for sharing. As I think about the blogs I have read today, all I can say is WOW! GOD IS GOOD. It is so exciting that we are just in chapter 1 and so much is already happening. God is moving and women are saying YES!!! So excited to be doing this study with you and all the other ladies participating. God Bless, Melanie
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Yes, HE IS SO GOOD! Looking forward to the rest of the study! Thanks for sharing YOUR words here!
Jennifer N (OBS Core/Teaching Team) says
I absolutely love your writing and the way you wrap the Lord so deep into your writing. It is always a blessing to read your blog, sweet girl. I cannot wait to see what is next!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Thank you, sweet Jennifer! What a blessing to serve with you. So glad God has connected us!
Myrtlr Cash says
Beautiful Shelley very inspiring Thank you !!! I look for more & more of God everyday in small things as well as Big <<<3
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Yes, Myrtle…in the big and the small! Thank you!
Beckey says
Just beautiful! It’s important to remember to stop and look at all God’s glory, grace, love and the miracles. They are all around us – we just have to look for them.
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Thank you Beckey! You are so right…all around us
Tristine (OBS Group Leader) says
Shelly, thank you for your beautiful words of encouragement. I have found myself in a spot like you mention, busy, occupied, just “Ahhhhh”. I am now running to Him as soon as I notice. He is my calm. He is so worthy of our praise, day and night, all the time. I look forward to reading more through our #SayYesToGod study. Thanks for your dedication.
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Tristine…so happy God encouraged you through these words tonight. I, too, am running to Him. He is so good. Thankful and honored to serve with you in OBS. xo
Deb Brewer says
Shelly,
The first 5 lines of your blog described my day today. For some reason this day has just been crazy!! Lots of emotions and just a feeling of blah!! But as I was able to sit down and check out the blog posts this evening, God reminded me of how much greater He is than all the struggles and mundane activities of my day. I’ve been able to be still and just take in all He wanted to give me today. Your words helped remind me of what a great God we serve. He created everything around me and blessed me with so much. Thank you for helping me put the mundane behind me and concentrate on the beauty of God of which I am surrounded. God bless.
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Deb…YOUR words bless me tonight. Thankful you found encouragement here and on the other blogs you visited. What a blessing to seek God with so many beautiful women in this study. My heart is full tonight. xo
Vickie says
Yes Shelly! What a timely message that touched me just as I needed it. God is so good!
Blessings!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Thank you, Vicki. Yes, He is so good! And He always knows exactly what we need when we need it. I love how He loves us
Jacki says
They look beautiful. Husband LOVES cookie dough but isn’t into cake. Maybe these will convert him, worth a try FOR SURE!!!.-= Ju8;1&#al0is last blog .. =-.
Mary @ The Calm of His Presence says
“When we purpose to worship even in the hard, dry places we find His sweetest presence.”
Oh how I have experienced that in the hard, dry places of life. God has ALWAYS proved Himself faithful when I have praised & worshiped Him in the hard days. He is Faithful! Thanks for sharing.
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Yes, He is so faithful! Thanks for sharing here, Mary!
Karri says
Shelly,
I am crying from your beautiful post! I so needed your encouraging words!! Thank you my dear sweet Jesus sister!!
shellyafaust@gmail.com says
Karri…I am so humbled that God would use these words to encourage your heart today. Blessings sweet sister!
Debbie W. (Blogger Loves The King) says
Shelly your posts ALWAYS bless my heart. Thank you for that today. Love my sweet friend. Debbie W. (OBS Facebook Group Leader)