A Quiet Spirit

As my first post on my blog dedicated to learning and growing in Christ I want to share the biggest thing that God has been dealing with me on.  I am drawn over and over to blogs about being in the quiet, being  a gentle and quiet woman, hearing the whisper of God.  I find those around me needing me to be quiet.  I think God is trying to tell me something!

One of my favorite verses in the Bible has always been 1 Peter 3:4 which says "Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

I am a rather opinionated woman who has been a single mom for most of my adult life.  I was forced out into the world through work and being the sole provider for my son. I learned how to be a fighter, focusing on survival more than God's provision and promises.  I was strict with my son because I knew he would be on his own without help from a father.  I yelled a lot.  I demanded a lot.  I worked hard and was often tired.

I came late into God's kingdom and realized I was doing it all wrong.  It was too late to go back and do it over but I could focus on doing it right.  I could show my son and others around me that it is wise to change for the better and that you're never too old and it's never too late to change.

I can be the light of Jesus to those around me.  In order to do that I had to look deep inside and allow God to peel away my many layers of flesh that had built up over many years of living in the flesh.  All I needed to do was be still, be patient, listen and believe God's word that He will provide and He will make my paths straight.  He will help me be quiet.  He will help me by filling me with the Holy Spirit and teaching me about the Fruit of the Spirit which if in Christ we will naturally be inclined to practice.

The fruit of the Spirit is a great reminder every day on how to behave.  The entire chapter is a must read.

Galatians 5: 13-22

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.  

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command:
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

May this year be filled with many moments of revelation and growth which I will consider blessings no matter how I am brought to these.  May I hear God whispering to me. May I be more kind, be filled with more joy,  feel more peace, show more self-control.  I am so grateful I have the opportunity to be quiet and humble in the sight of God!

 My step daughter Ami!

Blessing to all of you this New Year!