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Monday, November 28, 2011

The Breath of Grace

I didn't write much last month.  Earlier, in the spring, I felt in my heart that a change was coming in my life.  I didn't know what it was, but I knew it was coming.  I've been anxious and uncertain, but things have begun to be clearer...coming into focus slowly.  We always want to get ahead of the Lord, don't we. I begged Him to tell me what was coming,
                                                    but it wasn't time for me to know yet.

So, the Lord had impressed upon my heart to stay mostly quiet for these weeks and remain in His grace. I've been tucked away there, reveling in His presence. It's been so sweet and I've been covered in peace during a time when I could have been at odds with myself, with others and with Him.  He is so faithful to minister to us and pour out on us exactly what we need.

Here is what I have found to be true in my life. When I feel fear or dread or anger or disappointment or hurt or uncertainty...any of those very real, very raw human emotions...I can take in a breath of Yahweh.  Say it out loud, "Yahweh".  It sounds like a breath.  You can say His name and draw Him in with your very breath.  And where He is, fear cannot stay.  Where He is, hurt, anger, disappointment cannot stay.  So this past month, I have been asking Him to fill me with His grace and chase away my uncertainty. 

He will reveal to me, in His time, what this new direction in my life will be.  I have some idea and my anxiety has turned into excitement.  He will not lead me into something without giving me the grace to carry it out.  I seek His guidance and direction every day so that I do not get ahead of Him or make costly mistakes that slow my path.

Dear Heart, if you are awaiting change and struggling with impatience or uncertainty and dread...just breathe.  Breathe in all that He has for you to wait and walk out this journey with Him.

I am linking with Joan at Reflections of His Grace and Beck from Beck Far From Home.  Take a visit over there to see how the Lord is inspiring others today!

From His lap,


39 comments:

  1. All I can say is this posting brought tears to my eyes. I have been in turmoil for years, with a brief respite and now turmoil again. Oh, how I needed to read what you wrote. I just wish I could sustain that sense of peace that so often alludes me.

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  2. Thank you for writing this, I have gone through a similiar experience and have been enriched by it. I will share this with others! The Lord's faithfulness is wonderful!

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  3. Cindy,
    Let me tell you that any time you feel that turmoil, take a breath and say, "Yahweh". Picture His life coming into you, chasing that turmoil out!!! My son does this everytime he gets up on the starting block during a swim meet. He breathes Yahweh in and breathes fear out. It has helped him so much.
    I will be praying for you, sweet sister!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  4. Mary Lou,
    I am amazed daily at His faithfulness, even as I forget to acknowledge Him. I'm so grateful and honored that you stopped by.
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  5. Just beautiful and so inspiring Erin. Thank you for this post today. I needed to be reminded to just breathe...

    My excitement is building too, but I'm also filled with uncertainty and nervousness. This is what God has called me to. He'll handle the details. I just need to trust Him....and breathe. May He be glorified as I jump forward again in absolute faith and total surrender.

    ~Love you,
    Rosann

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  6. Rosann,
    You are on a beautiful exciting path. I can't wait to see where God takes you. You are handling it all with grace and joy!
    I love you, sister!
    ~Erin

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  7. erin, you are certainly in my thoughts and prayers.
    i have many songs i listen to that bring me peace...songs about breathing...taking that breath when times are tough.
    we all need to stop for a second and let out a healthy sigh of peace...knowing that God is watching over us...and leading us to where we are meant to be.
    thank you for always reminding us of that.
    <3 xoxoxo
    maria

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  8. As always, you said exactly what I needed to hear on this day. I too am going through some changes in my life. I don't know where I'm going to end up. One day it looks this way, the next that way. I am filled with resentment about the path my life has taken and I forget to count my blessings and see the good--AND, sad to say, I forget to trust in Him. I want to know the future! I want to know what is going to happen!

    The need to pull back, retreat, and go within is strong. Hard for us women to do without explanation or accountability to those that are close to us.

    Anyway... praying for you as you go through this time of change, and I thank you as well for your wonderful blog that continues to inspire me and heal me.

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  9. Thank you, sweet Maria! I am still pretty weak. Hoping the meds will kick in quickly.
    You know God has a plan for you and I can't wait to see what it is. It's going to be spectacular!
    Love you!
    ~Erin

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  10. Michael Ann,
    Your kind words touched my heart. I will pray for you too as your life is in a time of transition. I pray that you have the patience to spend time with Him and the blessed assurance that what He has in store for you will be just what you need.
    You are a blessing to me!
    ~Erin

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  11. Erin,
    I was thinking about you, wondering about your silence. I'm thankful to know you have been with Him!!! :)

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  12. I have been with Him, Anne. It's been so sweet and refreshing. He's nudging me to take certain steps now. I'm going to make sure He's with me every step of the way!
    You are a blessings,
    ~Erin

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  13. Change is a cool thing! Anxious to see where the Lord is leading you! Blessings Sweetie!

    Merry Christmas!

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  14. Yes it is, Becky. I have a few clues and I'll be able to tell more later!!
    Love you!
    ~Erin

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  15. Erin, thanks so much for this post. You may very well become required reading for me. I found myself published at a late age. Consequently, I push too hard as I try and navigate my 11 hr day job, my budding and newfound writing career, and balancing family along with it all. Life has become one big rush. Stopping and breathing sounds really good right now. "Yahweh."
    Thanks for the advice. *waves*

    -Jimmy

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  16. Jimmy,
    You sure have a lot on your plate right now. I pray that God gives you the grace to make it all work.
    Thank you so much for your kind words!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  17. "I have been asking Him to fill me with His grace and chase away my uncertainty." I love this picture of God. He doesn't just stop the uncertainty; He chases it away.

    I was there last year--only I was feeling frustrated. I asked Him to keep showing me pictures of grace...and over this past year, He has chased away the frustration. Thanks for reminding me of how blessed I am to see His grace at work in a tangible way.

    Here's to you seeing more pictures of His grace as you launch into this next phase of your life! =)

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  18. Thank you for this frankly blog. I enjoy it to read about your feelings and thoughts.

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  19. TJ,
    It's hard to realize that we can experience His grace every time we breathe, isn't it. And to picture His very presence chasing away whatever is troubling us is so comforting. Thank you for your kind words. I love when you stop by for a visit!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  20. Jedidja,
    Well dear, I love when you stop by and leave a comment for me!!! I pray that these posts bless you!
    ~Erin

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  21. Erin - I love this, "You can say His name and draw Him in with your very breath. And where He is, fear cannot stay. Where He is, hurt, anger, disappointment cannot stay."

    I said His name aloud and yes, it does seem as if I am drawing Him in with my breath.

    I'm excited to see what God has in store for you.

    Blessings,
    Joan

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  22. Erin this was just what I needed to read today!! Thank you so much!! Much love to you!

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  23. Joan,
    Me too! I will keep you posted. I think it's gonna be good!!!
    Love ya!
    ~Erin

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  24. Kathy,
    I'm so glad you enjoyed it! You know you are such a blessing to me!
    Love ya!
    ~Erin

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  25. Awesome. I loved our discussion on this last month. Thank you for this revelation!

    Dianne

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  26. Simply beautiful, Erin. This post is simply beautiful. I love the thought to take a breath of Yaweh. I did it and felt the peace of God in my spirit.

    I love your blog. I feel peace here. Thanks for sharing this awesome message of God's love with us. He is using you to bless others.

    Roz

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  27. Hi Erin. I felt drawn to your blog today ... and now I know why.
    Thank you.

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  28. Roz,
    That is exactly what I was hoping and praying for as I wrote this post. Anytime you need to feel His presence, just breathe Him in and all darkness has to flee!
    You are such a blessing,
    ~Erin

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  29. Rebecca,
    I'm so glad that God spoke to your heart & you heard Him! Don't you love when that happens. I hope that this post blessed you.
    Hugs!
    ~Erin

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  30. Ahh, I needed to read your post, with so much going on during the Holiday season it's hard to just step back and smell the Holiness of the season, so to speak or write. Love your post as always :)

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  31. Barbara,
    I know what you mean. In all the rush and fuss of the holidays, we need to remember the Holydays!!!
    Thank you so much for stopping by!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  32. *Sniff* Wow...I needed that. I have been lagging in my blogging too...and I've been thinking the good Lord has been telling me to ignore those dumb Alexia ratings and pay a little more attention to the family. I'm waiting too...

    As always, thanks for making me cry.

    Boo Hoo
    Kissy kissy
    Sharon

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  33. hi erin, just wanted to send some love your way. i'm thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers always <3
    xoxox
    maria

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  34. Sharon,
    I haven't thought about my Alexa score in months. I've decided to just write when the Holy Spirit leads me to write and the people who are meant to read it will do so and they will be blessed.
    I bet you are planning a wonderful Christmas for your brood. Have a great time and remember to tell them the reason for the season!!
    Love you, sister!
    ~Erin

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  35. Maria,
    Thank you so much for stopping by. I haven't been feeling well for about 2 months so I haven't written much. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  36. Thank your for reminding me to breathe. I need to breathe in the grace of God and find peace in all things and at all times.
    So glad I found your blog!
    Blessings,
    Cherie

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  37. Just breathe...yep, I need to remember that! Great post! Touched my heart. xo

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  38. Cherie,
    Thank you so much for stopping by! I pray that you find peace in all things during this hectic time of the year. Breathe Him in and peace will flood your soul!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  39. Leah,
    I'm wishing the best Christmas ever, this year! You are so dear to my heart.
    Love you, sister!
    ~Erin

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Thank you for giving us a little nugget of truth from your heart!

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