Porch #92 * On Cultivating Stillness

 THE PORCH
A CHRIST-CENTERED
WEEKEND NEWSLETTER
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gentle conversation & calming snapshots
uplifting linkage & occasional surprises
for those who delight in doing life
in the company of kindred spirits

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Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10

And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.  And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:39






Be still my soul
I know You're here
This quiet place
You're drawing near
Speak to my unrest
Lord I lay it at Your feet
Recall Your promises
In the shadow of Your wings


Cultivating a quiet soul doesn't come easy.  It is easier to stay in the whirlwind of striving, drama, and expectations that have come to define who we are.

It often takes a crisis in a relationship, our circumstances, or our health to serve as a wake up call.  

Cultivating stillness is not a one and done.  It's a series of ongoing choices.  It requires the removal of our fear of missing out, our obsession with fixing others, our insatiable desire to be heard.  Anything and everything that pushes away the still small voice that is His.

As we invite the Spirit to do His pruning, we wince and squirm and long for the busyness and distractions that held us hostage along the way.  But in purposefully allowing Him to still our hearts and minds, there is great reward.  

Our work, our worship, our witness, our way of life become clarified.  More focused and meaningful, productive and peaceful.  

Space opens up for our grieving.  For comprehending what truly matters.  And our capacity for joy expands.  We are refined.  Energized.

I'm curious to hear what you've removed so you are better able to hear the Savior's voice and the steps you've taken to cultivate that innermost stillness that comes only from Him.  I'm still in learning mode.  Let's talk.
Linda

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Paula & Jeanne & Donna & Richella & Lisa - thank you