Monthly Musings: Appreciating April

Before we move into May, here are a few things I’ve appreciated in April:

• Chris Tiegreen – I think Chris will be featuring here pretty much all year. Here’s my favourite (and challenging) quote from April (13):

If we want to hear God’s voice, we need to understand that He will not speak so definitely that no faith is required to follow; yet He will speak definitely enough for faith to have some direction. The key for us is to move forward when we think we’ve heard him. Some of us don’t do that. We wait until our hearts are absolutely certain – a waiting that never comes to an end because, underneath it, there is a fear of acting on faith. But God is looking not simply for our ability to hear. He wants a believing response.

• For a limited time only, the Hungry Hippo Board Game Cafe has set up shop in Hindley Street, Adelaide (next to Uni SA). The cafe has shelves and shelves of games to choose from, and plenty of options on the food menu too. If you like board games and a fun night out with friends this cafe is worth a visit.

• Apparently Google didn’t like my old blog theme – which it deemed as “not mobile friendly.” So Flourish! got a makeover with a theme called Penscratch. I rather like it and I hope you do too – especially if you’re reading from a mobile device.

• I was reminded how photography helps me to look at my surroundings differently, to pay attention and look for things I might not otherwise see in the busyness of life. And it’s a great way to slow down and just breathe.

• Last, but by no means least, I’ve been captivated by Jenn Johnson’s song In Over My Head. It’s on the Bethel Music worship album We Will Not Be Shaken which I mentioned in Monthly Musings for January. It’s a song that speaks to my heart and challenges me at the same time. Check out this video of Jenn talking about writing the song:

And here’s the whole song:

What did you appreciate in April?

31 Days: Listen and stay a little longer

One of my favourite songs recently has been “A Little Longer” by Jenn Johnson. The story behind the song is worth hearing. When she was running around in frantic busyness to get ready to go and lead worship in a conference at her church, Jenn walked past the piano in their living room and felt the Holy Spirit saying, “Sit down and worship.”

Frustrated and annoyed, but knowing it was God speaking to her, she eventually sat down at the piano and sang “What can I do for you? What can I bring to you? What kind of song would you like me to sing?”

What he said surprised her. “I didn’t want anything, I just wanted to be with you.”

What followed were a lot of tears and this song. Have a listen.

 

When the last thing you think you need is to stop and listen, what will you do if He breaks into your busyness and asks you to stay a little longer with him?

This is Day 20 of the series 31 Days to Listen.

When God whispers “Come to Me”

Come to me, he whispers.

I don’t want to miss this moment.

As I listen to Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson singing “Come to Me” (it’s on repeat as I write this post) I am reminded that I am seen, that I am known, that I am precious.

I am reminded of the Lord’s great love for me, his desire for intimacy with me. I am reminded of his promises, that he is faithful and worthy of my trust. I am reminded that he is always with me.

I am reminded that I can come to him with all my questions, my burdens, my fears and my mess. I can rest in him.

 

This is the invitation he gives to me. Come to Me.

This is the invitation he gives to all of us. Come to Me.

He’s whispering to you. Come to Me.

Will you come?