Deep Breaths.....

Do you know when you get that uneasy, knot-in-your stomach feeling?

It stinks, doesn't it.

I have been feeling that way for about 2 weeks now. My stomach has been in knots trying to figure out how in the world that I could juggle all of the balls that I had so carelessly thrown into the air.

It's funny how I get myself into these things. It starts out so innocently, and then BAM, I am face first on the ground screaming UNCLE!

Today, I prayed that the Lord would show me a few areas that I needed to let go of ...for now.

He did. 

Lately, I have not been hearing Him as clearly. I now know why.

Distractions, of any kind, even seemingly "good" ones, keep us from hearing from Him. 

Did you hear me say, "even good ones"?

Yep. It's true.

The Lord showed me 2 areas today that I needed to put down. They are not in His plan for me at the moment. 

Can I just say that I am feeling like the 575 lb. man that was sitting on my shoulders has just jumped off?

Oh yeah. It's true.

I love when He shows up immediately. Maybe it's because I am asking for Him to? Maybe it's because He has been sitting there all along waiting for me to ask Him what to do?

Whatever the case, I am grateful. Beyond grateful.

Sometimes the things we let go of can sting the flesh a bit. They can make us feel like a failure. They can make us feel like we are not "capable".

Without a doubt, that is Satan telling us those things. He wants us so busy that we cannot hear from the Lord. When we are busy, we tune out the voice of the Lord. Oh, you better believe it.

How do I know? Because I have lived it, and still do at times. 

I lose my peace, and I know it's time for something to give.

If I am not at peace, I am not in the will of the Lord. Period.

I want to look at my children, in their eyes, and not have my head somewhere else. 

I want to hear them, really hear them when they speak. I don't want their voices to be droned out by my "busyness". 

My heart is at peace today. I want it to stay that way. 

How's your peace today? Is it slipping, or is it long gone?

Ask the Lord to show you what needs to give, my friend. Then, be ready to give it up. You will be so glad you did. 

exhaling,

jill