Perspective

I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
no tender voice like thine can peace afford.
Refrain:
I need thee, O I need thee;
every hour I need thee;
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

I need thee every hour; stay thou nearby;
temptations lose their power when thou art nigh.
(Refrain)

I need thee every hour, in joy or pain;
come quickly and abide, or life is vain.
(Refrain)

I need thee every hour; teach me thy will;
and thy rich promises in me fulfill.
(Refrain)

I need thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son.
(Refrain)

I was blessed this past weekend to get away for about 24 hours with some ladies from our church for a women's retreat. It was just what this girl needed. Great teaching that convicted my heart more than one area that could use a bit of refining. Yummy food--including but not limited too: chocolate, chicken cordon bleu, and a made to order omelet. And a chance to meet and get to know better many sweet women from church.

You see, between moving the last weekend in August, homeschooling, taking care of three boys under the age of 7, and helping my true love start his very own State Farm agency, there hasn't been a lot of time for growing relationships or quiet reflection. In fact, there have been times of loneliness and spiritual dryness that not too many knew about. Of course, God is so faithful and has surrounded me with great teaching on Sundays and even a weekly Bible study last October-December that helped me so much through those times of self-pity to come back to HIM and His great love for me. His sovereignty and His timing. He knew that this time would be difficult for me and He wants me to turn to Him--not to Pete, not to friends, not to facebook or even this blog. Now all of those things are fine and can be turned to in moderation for encouragement, but He is my well-spring, He is my Good Shepherd. He is the True Vine and I cannot grow without nourishment from Him. I will wither if I am trying to get my nourishment elsewhere.

At the retreat, Tammy shared that while touring a vineyard in California she asked why they trim back all the branches so far. She noted that they are kind of pretty. The man giving the tour said, "We're not trying to grow branches, we're trying to grow fruit." I have some branches that to the untrained eye are pretty, but my Heavenly Father is trimming them away. It is my desire to bear much fruit for Him and His glory. What is the chief end of man? To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

I hope this isn't too segmented, but I just wanted to share that God has been so faithful and that I am so thankful for a little perspective that He has given me. I need Him every hour, but He is always there. What an amazing blessing!