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I am excited to share with you my review of The Meeting Place: Moments with God by N. L. Brumbaugh. Norma is an author, a writer, a speaker, a contemplative and a orchardist. Learn more about Norma at her web site.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Meeting Place: Moments with God at Lookout Point by N. L. Brumbaugh. We all need to take extended time with God as she has shared. “Every week this year I want to spend one hour with you at this spot, to think on you, to pray, to worship, to listen to learn, to praise, to thank, to absorb your truth, your lessons, your life.”
Each week, N. L. Brumbaugh shared her innermost joys, concerns and cries for help to God. She then paused and importantly let God respond. I admit, at first I was confused and then it dawned on me. She quietly listened to God and then wrote down what God spoke deep within her. What a wonderful and healthy exercise. I have just begun to do so too.
God unconditionally loves us! God desires to have a relationship with us. Our conversations with God are not meant to be one-sided: we talk and God listens. We are to speak to God and then shut up. We must sit quietly and listen for the inner voice of God.
N. L. Brumbaugh has reminded me to listen for the inner voice of God. I now journal my discussions with God. I tap on my laptop, pause and tap again but this time my typed words reveal God’s words to me. What a powerful experience! I continue to deepen my relationship with God. I continue to learn how to listen to God.
Let me also share some of N. L. Brumbaugh’s reflections that particularly resonated with me. I think they will with you too.
“Why do we grasp onto what has already left us?” We must let go if we want to move forward. If we desperately cling to what has left us, we miss amazing opportunities that God has placed in front of us.
We must put aside our needs, wants and wishes. When we desire God, God’s desires become our desires. “I’ve let my own desires get in the way of my desire for you”
“I came to God for solace—in return, He gave to me refreshment, peace, and comfort.” This is so true! When we slow down and sit with God, God brings to us the peace that passes all understanding! We are filled with God. “Father, I just want to spend time with you, uninterrupted time. Fill me with you.”
“I want to be free, like the bird I see soaring in this canyon—free to be all that God has made me to be.” Each time we sit with God we let go of us. We open to the Divine within. We learn how to become the person God wants us to be!
“Love sees a need and acts upon it.” Love never sits still. Love is always in action. Love is a verb. We are the ears, hands and feet of Love.
I suggest you read one or two of her weekly reflections per day. After you have done so, jot down your thoughts to God. Pause. Let God respond to you via a pen in your hand or laptop on your kitchen table. End your time with praise to God for His continued presence, shared wisdom and constant love. “We adore you, honor you, and thank you for becoming living water to our thirsty souls.”
I hope you enjoy her book! I did!
Thank you Rich for highlighting my book of contemplations. One cautionary note that I feel impressed to say is this; when listening for God to speak to us, we must prepare ourselves first. This requires addressing areas in us that are stained by rebellion or ungodly activity and thoughts. It takes a pure mind. In time we can sort out our thoughts from God’s voice. His has a weight, purity of expression, calm tone, and modulated delivery. Anything harsh, confusing, or contrary to Scripture is not His voice. Those who already practice meditation and centering prayer will be in a position to hear God’s voice because their hearts are turned toward things of God.
Hope you don’t mind this clarification. I wouldn’t want to mislead anyone by the misinterpreting of thoughts.
God Alone,
Norma
Norma, thanks for the clarification! I agree. It does take a pure mind. My centering prayer practice involves letting go of all thoughts, emotions and physical sensations so there are no obstacles between God and I. I trust that God will act in me during this silent time. I sit with God simply because I love Him.
Beautiful reason, “…simply because I love Him.”