I love the way letters strung into words - spoken or on a page - can teach me, guide me, energize me, diagnose me, redirect me, amuse me, calm me, or inspire me. I love how certain ones can put a smile on my husband's face. On my children's face. On my friends' faces.
That's a gift. From above.
I love how the mere act of talking creates relationships and forms bonds. Words knit us. And they can unravel us too. They are powerful and potent.
I think of the Declaration of Independence. And the two-word sentence, "I do."
I'm leaving in a couple hours to drive to Charlotte, NC for the annual She Speaks conference. It's a conference about words. And about God. And about God's Word.
It's about the words we speak to Him, hear from Him, and speak about Him. That's the ultimate, you know. Better than any game of Scrabble. Or chocolate-protein smoothie, which I'm craving at the moment. (Sorry, that was strangely off topic but true nonetheless.)
Yes, I love every moment of She Speaks. And if you are coming, I hope you will stop me when you see me and introduce yourself. Tell me if you're a word-girl too. We'll share a few sentences and start a bond.
And I adore that this magnificent God of ours --who can do anything, who is totally high-tech -- chose words as His primary means of connecting with us.
Words, chapters, stories and verses are the stepping stones in our walk with Him.
That's pretty cool. That's my discovery for today. I think it's a big one.
Words like stones show me where and how to walk, and provide companionship on my journey.
Have you recently read some of those words God strung together for you? If not, it's not too late.
Go ahead and go for a walk with the living God today.
Through words.
Thankful for words.
I love every word of this post. Truly. And He has given you a beautiful way with words.
ReplyDeleteI just read this passage this morning:
Ecc. 12:10-12
"The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.
11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one Shepherd. 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them."
See you soon!
Hugs and many prayers,
Sharon
Rachel - I love this post and am praying for you guys this week. My husband and I finally get to take our long overdue honeymoon so I'm bummed I won't be at the conference... but know that I will be lifting you ladies up!
ReplyDeletep.s. where is the other post on words - would love to read it - this is beautiful!
I collect words - some words feel nice on your tongue - like Chipalawali (lightening in Chichewa) and others words conjure images and smells. I was reading St Patrick's breastplate today & spotted this line: His bursting from the spiced tomb. There are so many words to describe how great God is. Enjoy your wordy conference and i pray that you all meet with the one who spoke Life.
ReplyDeleteGreat verses, Sharon!
ReplyDeleteHey Jenny. I just linked that, but it was my birthday post last week called Turning, Standing, Centering.
Tcsoko - I love that phrase, the spiced tomb.
You certainly have a calling for writing.
ReplyDeletePray your weekend goes well. I live just up the road from Charlotte in Concord.
good morning, I can really relate to your post. I knew I liked to write and I used to when I was a teen. Wish I would have saved some of the writings. In the past couple years I have pondered the thought of writing, but what would I write? Where would I start...Then your post today...hmm. I think thats how I need to get started...just start and the words will flow like stepping stones, one to another. Love the encouragement, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love words, too, and I'm so thankful for the way God used you to deliver words I SO needed to hear, today, in your P31 devotional. I saw the title as I checked my e-mail, impatiently, for the gazillionth time, waiting for something I'm looking for. I've been dangerously close to giving up on this particular e-mail, and moving forward with my life in a different direction than the one I believe God is asking me to.
ReplyDeleteHe has put a call on my (and my husband's) heart and the truth is, I have been downright impatient with Him to bring it to pass. I know, mentally, that His timing is the best, but I'm anxious to get this show on the road, and while the days tick by without the confirmation I'm looking for in this, I've allowed my attitude to sour and my commitment to His call to waver as I start to question Him.
Thanks for the reminder that He has a PURPOSE for the in-between time, and the best I can do is walk closely with Him to see what character qualities He will have me develop and strengthen during this waiting time.
Anyway, thanks a million for your timely devotional. It very well could effect the course of my family's lives, and the people we encounter for years to come. You blessed me. <3
Oh, and have a wonderful time at She Speaks this year. I really wish I was there this year (attended in 2007 but not since), but I hope its an amazing experience for every single one of the ladies that are there this year. My prayers are with you guys!
ReplyDeleteThank You Rachel Your post touched my heart. I just cant seem to start to write for some reason. I have all the tools right in front of me but I lack the confidence in my writing skills. I guess its a letting go of perfection and just starting. I never knew how much I loved words and trying to always build better communication skills in my life, I have always had a communication handicap.
ReplyDeleteYes, you do have a wonderful way with words, Rachel - both your devo and blog post were great today! :) Looking forward to reading your book when it comes out.
ReplyDeleteHope things go very well at She Speaks.
Andrea
I am struggling with patience....And words....I want to lash out with my tongue but know the damage that can do....Its all over Proverbs....So I'm my biting my tongue in my mind....To keep from saying the wrong thing...Crying out to the Lord (literally!), trying to wait patiently for Him to move in this situation....Please pray for me!
ReplyDeleteBeth-msbeth11@sbcglobal.net
"Words are like stepping stones" ~ love that! Beautifully written, Rachel. I know this weekend at She Speaks will be a powerful time for all that attend.
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
thanks for the devo yesterday... sorry I don't get to your blog as much as I would like but just wanted to wish you green lights all the way... until God wants you to have a yellow light to be still and KNOW...blessing to you my friend and happy belated birthday!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your words. I love words too. I am not so much a writer, but boy, do I love to speak them! (Anyone who knows me would agree)! I thank you for the reminder to use them carefully - after all the power of life and death is in the tongue and reckless words can cut like a knife, but thank God the tongue of the wise brings healing.
ReplyDeleteRecently, I chose reckless words when I was angry with my son. Within seconds, I saw the words I had spoken cut into his young heart. I knew that my words had left a scar that has the potential to last a lifetime. How sad and how scary. We have so much power right in our mouths!
I now realize more than ever that it is critical to choose my words more carefully. After all my words can potentially have eternal consequences.
Your devotional is confirmation of this realization. I thank you so much for allowing God to give you His words in order that we all choose ours better.
God has truly blessed you with the gifting of writing - of interrupting His Words into inspirational stories for us. I appreciate it!
ReplyDelete