Be STILL and KNOW That I am GOD

... another lesson in my ongoing year of lessons on surrender

I am a member of our region’s PWOC board. In the midst of trying to catch up from leave, start a new school year, start a new PWOC year/Bible Study, and take care of my duties in the region…….I made a desperate comment to the board. “I’ve decided to skip September in the future.” A dear friend on the board replied, “This sounds like a great homeschool Mom’s motto.” ::snort::

This is a busy season for me. Sept (and Feb) can easily become frenzied. I can begin to feel that I’m slipping, that I’m going to drown in obligations, that I can’t possibly accomplish all that I’ve been called on to accomplish……and in the midst of it all what does my Lord whisper to me during our trysts? In the very time when I’m “focused” (my righteous word for locked like a laser beam on my GOALS), He says to me over and over, “Be STILL and KNOW that I am GOD; I WILL be exalted among the heathen, I WILL be EXALTED in the earth.” Ps 46:10 (KJV)

STILL? Mike has been trying for months to find a time for me to get away for a weekend. He recognizes, as do I in my sane moments that even high energy women need to be STILL.

STILL? Just sit? It goes against the intrinsic definition of SEPTEMBER! STILL?

Still – Hebrew word Rapah – strongs # 7503. We are told that context is important in defining this word because it can mean a variety of things, “become slack, relax, cease, desist, become discouraged, disheartened, weak, feeble, to let it drop, to leave alone, to let go, to forsake, abandon, be lazy”

“Uh God, you KNOW this is S*E*P*T*E*M*B*E*R right? I mean not on YOUR calendar it is Tisrah or something, but in my world this is S*E*P*T*E*M*B*E*R!”

He continues to say, “STILL, De’Etta….KNOW me, I WILL be EXALTED.”

Still…relax, let it drop, leave it alone…..there are times that I need to let it all go…there are times that I’m called to continue my activities but to do it in a spirit of stillness. The NASB translates the phrase as “Cease striving”.

This theme recurred in, “Saturday with Stella’s” a book that explores the metaphor of obedience training of dogs with our relationship with Christ. Mrs. Pittman writes, “To settle goes beyond simply sitting or lying down. A settled dog is on its back, belly exposed, mouth slack, ears flopped. A settled dog is not asleep, but fully awake, aware of its vulnerability, completely at ease with its master. “ P 17. I’ve been working on teaching Beatrix, our dog, to settle. I most often look like the photo of her I tried to capture while she settled. ::snort::

(I’m giving a copy of this book away on my blog.)

“OK, I’m still! NOW what?”

“Know that I am GOD!”

Ah, Yada, I have this imprinted on my checks, from a previous time of study. I get it. As I let it go, as I cease striving, as I go limp in His presence, as I settle; I begin to know God not simply intellectually but I begin to experience intimacy with Him. He is GOD and He WILL be exalted…..my busy activity isn’t totally essential for Him to be exalted. He’s God.

In all my roles, the bottom line is that I WANT HIM to be exalted. I want to reflect well on HIM……so I will be STILL… I will settle and I will experience intimacy with my Lord. This is more essential than any other deadline. He will be exalted in my role as military spouse, pastor’s spouse, regional board member, homeschool teacher, mom, wife, Bible Study teacher, co-op organizer……

I will above all “Be still and know that He is God!”

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ARE YOU SIGNED UP?????

If you haven't signed up for the International PWOC Conference, do so now!

We are looking forward to a great time. In addition to the main sessions, there will be many opportunities to attend workshops that are sure to challenge and bless you. There will be workshops for those in leadership and workshops that pertain to all aspects of being a Christian woman.

I'm hoping to run into ladies from other assignments.

All the info you need is in the side bar. Don't miss out! Remember, if the $100 deposit is a hardship contact De'Etta (gafbpwocpres@yahoo.com).

For more info contact Debbe (phone number in the Protestant News) or email her at gafbpwocvp@yahoo.com . You may also leave a comment below and I'll be sure Debbie sees your name.

This Year's Bible Study Schedule

I am currently inviting input into the "order" that you would like to study our various studies in the upcoming year. If you've not received a list of studies that are planned, and would like to give input, feel free to leave a comment and I'll be sure you get the list.

{De'Etta}

Have We Forgotten?

Seeking Refuge?

"May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have cme to seek refuge." Ruth 2:12

I'm preparing for study tonight. Betsy sent me this photo and it "fits" so well.

That little kitty is such a picture of contentment, rest.....the big dog is surely capable of providing refuge.

May I learn to lay back, relax, listen to His heartbeat....and let him carry the burden.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

WOOT!!!! ANNOUNCING - we have children's ministry. We've always said when there was a need, God would supply a children's program to run at the same time as our PWOC evening Bible Study.

Two young moms expressed a need last week. It was with a bit of trepidation that I began to explore what God was setting in place.

We have a wonderful White Rope who is excited to provide children's ministry for us on Tuesday nights - starting tonight! God is good!

This signifies that our group is growing "demographically". We've been mostly retirees, students and 40 something year old moms - no young children (Well - ahem *I* have a young child - but I have older children too ::snort::). This year we have 3 younger moms - 20 and 30 yo's joining....Exciting times!

I look forward to the start of our first Bible Study - Kinsman Redeemer (read more below) tonight.

If you've not picked up a book and would like to attend - COME! You'll benefit from attending and we'll benefit from interacting with each other. We'll be meeting in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m.

KICK OFF

A BIG thanks to Debbie and her team for planning and executing our 2008 Kick Off.

Our theme was "Clearing A Space at Jesus' Feet". Our decorations were chaotic and a bit "unfinished". (You can see a bit of the decorations in the background of these photos.)

Debbie started the night by having us introduce ourselves and share what has most recently left us feeling frazzled. A special welcome to our new members: Bobbie Jo, Wendy and Tammy. {There are no photos of our illustrious VP Programs because the photo taken was not very flattering...and she's already been subjected to having her photo on this blog and the International Website numerous times. See? Grace! ::snort::}

Lois led us in worship.

De'Etta made her acting debut....as a frazzled mom with a deployed spouse....


and who IS this obnoxious neighbor???? LOL


The pizza delivery man missed his cue...but we improvised with an Anita Renfroe clip....and more fellowship before dinner. It actually fit the overall theme quite well. LOL

We finished the evening by discussing Mary and Martha...and solutions to our Quiet Time (Tryst) challenges. Thanks ladies, both for sharing your honest challenges and for sharing tips to help others. Goodfellow PWOC is the best! :::sssshhhhh - don't tell:::

Bible Study material was passed out at the Kick off. If you did not get yours, please contact De'Etta or catch up with her on Sunday. The first lesson of Kinsman Redeemer will be discussed next Tuesday at 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall.