Every Sunday morning since last March, I’ve had the pleasure of having girl talk with my friends in England. What an amazing time we’ve had. We’ve seen God do amazing things in us and through us in a sacred space and safe place of friendship. A retreat and book emerged from our time together. This is an excerpt from a section I wrote. Enjoy…

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“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 NIV 

The other day my son was angry with me because I promised everyone a special treat to celebrate our first day of vacation. In the sweet shop, two out of four children disobeyed my instructions, not once, but twice. In fact, the smallest one reaches her hand inside a giant bin of candy and decides to taste one… I was mortified and so was the lady behind the counter. (Apparently, the two-year-old doesn’t know there is a pandemic and people are terrified of germs…) 

After a meltdown with the 5-year-old and scolding the 9-year-old, I had had enough.  I turned around and marched all four children to the car, two of them without ice cream.  The oldest whined and cried, “Mom, you’re being unfair! You aren’t keeping your promise. You said we would all get ice cream. Why does Livi get ice cream, but I don’t?” 

“She obeyed,” I replied. 

“But mom, Mikayla threw a fit and she didn’t obey. Why does she still get a treat?”

“You’re right. She had been disobedient. But then she corrected her mistake, changed her attitude and now she can have what I promised.”

Nothing points out a lesson from the Holy Spirit like parenting… sigh. 

The Holy Spirit reminded me this morning, He has promised that my life as a single mom with four would be marked by peace and joy. And if I’m honest, I will admit that most days, ‘peaceful and joyful’ are definitely not the words I would use to describe my life. 

As I ask the Lord about this, He reminds me of my need to rest in His ability to do what He promised. Not only do I rest in my worship and in His presence, I show my rest and trust in Him daily by my obedience to the full set of instructions He has given. Then and only then will I experience the full force and the flow of promises fulfilled.

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 NIV …

When we stop resisting His presence and give into the rising tides and the favorable winds we will find that striving ceases and that in Him, all His promises are yes and amen! Divine flow restored.

Taken from Girl Talk: The Open Heart Session, Chapter 9

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For now, Girl Talk is only available for retreat participants. If you’re interested in learning more about these private retreats, I’d love to tell you more. Send me a message.