Just for a moment

I realize that I disappeared from here for awhile. If you are my friend on Facebook, (or in real life for that matter) you know that I spent this last weekend moving into our new house. I meant to leave an "away" message here, but time was in a bigger hurry then I realized... Facebook didn't get an update until it was all over with, and even my E-mail didn't get checked for three days straight. That is how focused I was.

I got a lot accomplished. Everything was moved out of storage and into my new place. All the big pieces are in their proper room, a lot of cleaning was done, since the lady who rented this house before me was not exactly fanatical about details, and even some boxes were unpacked and put away. My sisters helped me start a pile of stuff to get rid of - yard sale, here I come!

However, in all this time of being busy, I have neglected something very important.

God time.

I have been crashing into bed late at night, and picking up my Bible while barely able to keep my eyes open. My reading has been unfocused and my prayers have been selfish. I have still talked to Him all through the day, because that is habit, but I have noticed that our conversations have become very one sided.

I am doing most of the talking - I have not been doing a lot of listening lately.

This morning I finally had a little extra time again. I am back at my parents for a few days once more, so I sat at the breakfast table and picked up my very neglected copy of "Streams in the Desert" and I was fed, SO much more then eggs this morning!

The first thing I read was "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." (Isa. 48:10) Let me tell you, I have been dealing with some "affliction" lately. Just one thing after another. The death of Frank Kaleb, and then Seth Sharp. Wondering about our adoption. Multiple car problems. Moving stress. Mildew on my furniture in storage. Worry about Andy, and exactly when he is coming home.... "affliction".

The answer is, "Does not the Word come like a soft shower, assuaging the fury of the flame? Let the affliction come - God has chosen me!"

I love that "Soft shower", calming the fury of the flame - however, I do need The Word in order to have that soft shower.

I am going to make sure I spend some time seeking my flame "extinguisher" in the next weeks. There are still afflictions to be overcome - there always will be. But I have a promise that my God will never leave me nor forsake me. That is promise enough for me!