Saturday, February 28, 2009

I Know





The Springs has become such an important part of my life. It is a time set apart to focus on the Lord. A time of refreshing. Times of quiet and solitude. Time to "listen." Time to reflect. Time to take a walk and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. Even time to take a nap!
Looking back, I can see how the Lord has used my times at the Springs to give me a deeper understanding of His character. I remember the day I went for a walk (after waking from a wonderful nap!), and I was so aware of the beauty of the flowers and the mountains, the joy of hearing the birds singing. At the same time, there were situations going through my mind that were grieving my heart. As I stopped and looked closely at a flower, or looked up at the spectacular mountains, I sensed the Lord's presence in such a special way, and became so aware of His sovereignty. I sensed in my heart that He was saying over and over "I know...." He knows where I'm at. He knew I would be admiring these flowers on this day. He knows the situations that are burdening my heart. In quiet communion with Him, as each thought came through my mind, I sensed Him saying "I know." What a comfort that brought. What a peace that passes understanding!
I finished my walk, got my Bible and journal, and spent the next few hours looking up all the Scriptures that describe what God knows. Powerful. And life-changing. My all-powerful and loving Father God knows every detail of my life, and is with me and working in every situation!
That experience embodies to me the heart and purpose of the Springs. A time set apart, to be refreshed, to receive from Him, to worship, to "soak" in His Word. I know I left there changed, encouraged and strengthened.
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Sunday, February 22, 2009

Social Networking

If you'd like to stay in touch, several of us are on FaceBook.
Register, and then invite us to be your friend. Luann Budd, Christy Wold, Susan Booker.

We've also begun a NEWIM Facebook Group -- come join us.

Newim also has a blog: http://www.newimtalk.blogspot.com/. Leave a comment or start a discussion.

We'd love to stay in touch.
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The Springs is just weeks away

Yesterday, I was at a NEWIM Board meeting. Maureen is just joining the Board. As we introduced ourselves and shared our connection to NEWIM, Maureen said that she's a CPA, working in southern California. She was first introduced to NEWIM when a friend invited her to The Springs. She went on to say that next to her conversion, The Springs was the most significant experience in her Christian journey.

As incredible as that sounds, many of us knew what she meant. It's truly amazing what the Lord does in our lives when we set apart a couple of days to be with Him.
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