Tag: praying

Resting in His Presence instead of Running on Empty

September 7, 2023 / Chiara

As I got in the car this morning I realized I was running really low on gas. So I drove to the gas station. It was a cool morning, and I could feel the autumn season coming around. The leaves have also been changing colors.

While filling my tank, I yawned. I yawned again, and then again. My mind was worn down. A short, fit, older gentleman in a tan jogging suit trotted by and said, “Looks like you can use some rest.”

I nodded and replied, “Yes sir. Yes sir indeed.”

At that distracted moment, I was feeling overwhelmed going over the never-ending to-do lists and tasks to be completed. They circled my thoughts like a swarm of blackbirds. I was just as empty as my gas tank, while my backseat was crammed with burdens, obligations, follow-ups, consultations, and on and on…

After fueling up, I went on my way. I drove through miles and miles of construction and traffic, which were everywhere, and I even caught every single red light. Argh… I hate that. My car felt sluggish, unable to move the heavy load occupying my back seat, or maybe I couldn’t get my foot to press harder on the pedal. Either way, I was running empty because I’d been trying to solve and haul everyone else’s burdens along with my own.

The Bible tells us we are to help carry one another’s burdens as written in Galatians 6:2 and Philippians 2: 3-4. There are misinterpretations and debates over those scriptures, and I’m doing additional research to discern the differences (a good discussion for another time).

The Bible also tells us in Hebrews 12:1-2 to run our own race. We aren’t meant to run someone else’s race but our own. We have to lug our own cross, not someone else’s. I recognized that I have been neglecting my spiritual time in the secret place where I can get in the presence of the Lord and be refreshed and lifted up. We all need this.

Jesus even said, Come all who are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. (Mathew 11:28)

He also affirmed that busyness and checklists don’t matter. Rather, taking the time to lay everything at His feet. A good example of that is the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Mary chose to sit with Jesus, while Martha fussed with petty duties. (Luke 10:38-42).

With the driver-side window down while I drove, I felt a fresh wind come across my face. My responsibilities won’t diminish, but I know now my load is shared with my Savior. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

So, go into your secret place and pray. Get into God’s Word. May it comfort your mind from the worldly chaos, while not letting your tank run empty.

In the end, we have to finish the race that God has set before us. (2 Timothy 4:7).

I hope this encourages you as it did for me.

God bless…

Still Water; Rampant Thoughts

August 16, 2022 / Chiara

It started out with a request to borrow my phone from my eldest daughter. I relinquished the phone, distracted by the scene before me. Caught in the still small sound of water and whistling hummingbird off in a tree, I went to my far-away place. It was in that moment my thoughts came alive.

Unbeknownst to me in this intimate setting with myself, God, and nature, my daughter took a picture. I don’t like taking pictures. They’re always so formal and planned but scrolling through my gallery of photos on my phone, I ran across this still shot of myself. And it brought me back… calming my spirit and sending a joy resonating through my body.

It’s a vulnerable photo of me. I wasn’t ON or had to pretend. It was real and honest. In a world where we have to be STRONG and fake our way, I was talking to God. My protector. Don’t be afraid to be yourself because at the end of the day, it’s you who has to look in the mirror. And, don’t borrow your phone to your teenage daughter. Lol!

The Parable of a Child’s Prayer Request and the Homeless Man

July 7, 2021 / Chiara

Every day I’m reminded of the fragility of our humanness; and the blessed joy that can resonate when there is hope! (Inspired by the Bible scripture: I Corinthians 13:13)

Monday early evening; the temperature hovered around 89 degrees on what was a hot, sun-filled day at the beach in Florida.

My family and I were walking to a nearby restaurant for dinner. We were hungry and couldn’t deny the rumblings of our stomachs any longer.

Hand-in-hand I strolled with my younger daughter, who’s almost 11, while my husband and our soon-to-be-teenage daughter, walked behind us.

Passing a Speedway gas station, she slowed down, turning to gape at a young man sitting on the curb a few feet away from the front door of the store. I glanced too. He looked to be in his mid-to-late-teens and tan. But then I peered at his clothes; torn cargo shorts, a yellowed tank-top in need of a good washing, and no shoes. There was an oversized white garbage bag positioned upright against the building. His hands were flying around, gaily, talking to anyone who would listen.

“Mom, look at the homeless guy. Who’s he talking to?” My younger daughter asked, ogling him.

I tugged at her hand. “I don’t know, honey. Now stop, it’s not polite to stare.”

Letting go, she paused and sighed, “I’m sorry.”

“… Hey, what are you doing?” Her older sibling scowled, almost trampling all over her on the sidewalk. My husband shrugged, and they went around us. I nudged her. “What is it, kiddo?”

“Mommy, does he live there? What if he needs a job?”

I nodded, stealing another look at him. “I don’t know if he lives at the gas station. A job would be good.” And a shower. And a home. And a good meal. “Why don’t you pray for him? Pray that he finds a job.”

She smiled, took my hand again, and we resumed our walk. “Okay, I’ll do that, Mommy.”

***

The next morning, we had an early boat tour reservation to see dolphins in the bay. We hadn’t done a dolphin tour in a couple of years, and I always remembered it to be a fun time. Plus, my older child had researched that the best time to see dolphins is in the morning. We’ll have to see if she’s right about that.

On the way to the pier, we stopped at one of our favorite breakfast restaurants. We were grateful for the quick seating by the host, as the small diner was packed for a Tuesday morning. After ordering, we were conversing about nothing in particular when my youngest suddenly grabbed my hand. “Mommy, Mommy? It’s him?”

I shook my head trying to understand. “Who? Who are you talking about?”

She tilted her head toward a worker across from us stacking clean plates from smallest to biggest behind the cook. “Him, Mommy! The boy at the gas station!”

My mouth dropped. It was the young man we saw the day before!

“Yeah, it’s him,” my husband concurred.

She said to me, “I prayed like you said to do, Momma. I prayed really, really hard that he’d find a job, and he did! See? He’s here.”

Tears began to pool in my eyes and I had to look away. She had prayed for a stranger. How incredible? Maybe he was hanging out at the gas station for the afternoon, or maybe, I hated to even think this, he was on drugs and talking to himself? So many negative other thoughts started to fill my mind and I willed them away. Was this a coincidence? Nah, he must just work here anyway.

Until…

Our food had come and we dove in, starved for eggs, bacon, and thick toast oozing with melted butter. After a bit, the host came up to us. “Hiya, folks, finding everything to your liking?”

My husband nodded, looking around. “Hmm, hmm, really good. Thank you! Busy morning, eh?”

The gentleman, sunburned with long creases lining his face grinned. “Yep, it’s been busy, but I’m not complaining. We’ve suffered enough during this terrible pandemic. Thank God, we’re doing—”

“Excuse me, Rod, where should I put these?” The gas station man approached the host holding coffee mug saucers. Rod pointed to a shelf across from the toast station. “Right there, son.” The young man nodded and walked away.

The host turned back to us. “… It’s good to be busy, so busy that I had to hire another employee.” He pointed over his shoulder. “I found that fella there hanging around the gas station yesterday and asked him if he wanted a job. He said yes, so here he is. Doing alright too.”

My daughter and I made eye contact; her sweet little face couldn’t hold the gigantic smile she wore. Thank you, God, for listening to my child’s prayers! You are truly an awesome God!

My husband and the host chitchatted some more before he was off seating other patrons. The rest of the day didn’t disappoint, either. We saw seven dolphins and even a baby dolphin. God blessed us with a calm sea and beautiful creatures. He also blessed a young man with a wonderful opportunity.

We should never underestimate the power of prayer.

References:

I Corinthians 13:13

Mark 9: 29

Mathew 7:7-12

Best Time for Dolphin Watching in Florida 2021 – When to See – Rove.me

The Real “Footprints in the Sand”

May 25, 2021 / Chiara

One of my favorite poems ever written is “Footprints” or “Footprints in the Sand“. A popular allegorical religious poem written by Mary Stevenson. Though, the authorship on who wrote this poem has been in dispute for many years.

The poem is about a person walking the beach with the Lord, and seeing two sets of footprints until later on, he or she only sees one set. It’s the realization that during that time where there was one set of footprints, Jesus had carried that individual through their trials and pains. There are many versions of the poem too, but I like the one below the best.

Recently, my family and I were in Florida. We are beach people and love the sun, sand, and saltwater. Every morning before my family awoke to another day of frolicking and fun, I took the time to walk the sandy beach to pray and talk to God. In the lullaby of the lapping water against the sand and the sound of seagulls flying above the ocean, I found peace and solace in listening to God’s voice as He spoke to me.

As I concentrated on my footing in the fine grains and beautiful seashells adorning the fluffy-white powder, I too, realized something. FOOTPRINTS. EVERYWHERE. All shapes and sizes, and depths and curves. I couldn’t help but think of the many humans gracing this beach every day. How many carried burdens, how many carried pains, how many carried joys, and how many WE’RE CARRIED?

What you see on the outside of a person isn’t always what’s plaguing them on the inside. Behind the sunglasses and hats, are real emotions, real hurt, and I’d like to believe there is real authentic joy and happiness.

Help and hope can come in different forms. The things of this world are not always positive and encouraging, just turn on the news and you will understand. It is why in the sounds of Mother Nature and God’s whispers, I’m was encouraged that there is good in the world, there are good people, and above all, we too can make a difference. Even if it’s a small difference. And, if help is what you need, all you have to do is ask and pray to our Heavenly Father who says…”it was then that I carried you”.

God can take away your sufferings. Just ask. It may come in a lover’s touch, a hug from a friend, or a smile from a stranger. Be encouraged today and every day. Get your head out of the news and into the Bible. Believe in the goodness and the goodness will come back to you.

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be well.

References:

Footprints (poem) – Wikipedia

“Footprints in the Sand” Poem Meaning & Biblical Hope (crosswalk.com)

Who Wrote Footprints In The Sand Poem. (footprintssandpoem.com)

Footprints in the Sand Poem – I Carried You (poem4today.com)

The Footprints Prayer – Footprints in the Sand Poem (praywithme.com)