The power of a moment

Our pastor invited people to come forward and pray. "Maybe you need more of God in your life, His peace, His presence. Come and kneel at the foot of the cross and lay your burdens down there."

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In front of me a beautiful moment began to unfold. A father walked up to the front and then knelt in prayer. His family showed their surprise with tear filled eyes. Then in a moment, I was moved to tears as his two teenage sons went forward and knelt beside their father. 

I have no idea what was happening in their life to cause them to go before the Lord, but I do know that in that moment, this family was in the most powerful position there is. 

It is on our knees where we can begin to understand how powerful God is and how much we need Him in our lives. 

He offers us Rest
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1

We can share anything with Him
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

God has power to share with us
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29

Brown layer

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Brown layer!  That doesn't sound very good does it?  This weekend, my husband and I attended our church's marriage retreat.  Paul and Susie Ulrickson were our speakers and they reminded us that being a couple takes some hard work.  We did exercises that helped us communicate feelings and come to a better understanding of each other.  At one point the term "Brown Layer" was introduced.
Paul explained it to be like

 the outer portion of an onion.  The stuff that we throw away.

 Often the first things that we begin to share with each other are much like this "Brown Layer"!  It was a great concept for me, since I often process verbally and don't always filter what is said.  It gave me permission to say, "I think that was "brown layer" let's start over!"

It is probably why in Scripture is tells us to be slow to speak and quick to listen!  We are to listen more than we speak!

I will try to put this into practice. My husband has already become used to the phrase "Brown Layer"

Father,

Help me to guard my tongue and choose wisely the words that I speak. Lord help me also to recognize when I say things that are "brown Layer and to own up to them. Give me quick ears and a slow tongue.

Jann