As long as the mud is in motion in the water there is no clear vision through it, and again as long as the surface is covered with ripples there can be no adequate reflection of what surrounds the pool.
As long as the soul is not still there can be no vision, but when stillness has brought us into the presence of God, then another sort of silence, much more absolute, intervenes: the silence of a soul that is not only still and recollected but which is overawed in an act of worship by God’s presence; a silence in which, as Julian of Norwich puts it, “Prayer oneth the soul to God.” ~Metropolitan Anthony Bloom in Living Prayer
May your weekend stillness bring you clear vision,
and may you sense your soul oneth to God.
Welcome to Still Saturday where we pause after a busy week, move in quiet pilgrimage, maybe linger a while in some still place, and soak in the beauty of images and words. We’d love for you to join us. Get the details above, grab your favorite button, and link up below. We all love to hear if something especially speaks to your heart, but please don’t feel pressured to comment. Simply take some time to gaze long and drink deep.
That’s what I want: my soul, in stillness and prayer that oneth it to God!
Love this, Sandy. Makes me want to pull old Julian out from mothballs and re-read her wonderfully wise words.
Indeed there is so much noise around us that it is difficult to be quiet enough to hear God! But God meets us more than halfway and there is nothing impossible with Him. Patsy from HeARTworks
First of all. WOw. I love those shots. With the quote it is interesting as well…as birds are so amazingly quick, busy. based on their make-up. Yet, watching them so often can lead us into stillness…love this post!
Sandra, your post is so beautiful and I love the reflective lines you chose. Thank you for your hospitality here today. We Southerners are big into hospitality, warm smiles. I believe this may be my first time linking up with you. So extra big thanks. I like it over here….a lot. May your weekend be full of blessings.
Your bird photos continue to amaze me. Love those robins. We only see them for a few fleeting days around here at the coast. They are a sign of springs soon arrival. I am enjoying some stillness listening to the birds sing this morning. It’s a glorious still saturday, glad to be sharing it with you. Can’t wait to hug you in a few months!
Thank you for your lovely post.
That second photo of the bird so still in the water is absolutely stunning. Praying peace and stillness for you this weekend, Sandy (and maybe another morning of lazing late in bed?!).
This is my first time here on Saturday. Love your post. We find such assurrance “when stillness has brought us into the presence of God”. Blessings to you new friend.
Oh, wow. What terrifical shots of those robins, miss Sandy.
Blessings.
Wonderful shots of the robin, Sandy! And I love the analogy. I’m trying to figure out that word, oneth, though. I’m not even sure how to say it, let alone what it means. “One with” God, I assume. Then again, my brain is still in pre-orange juice mode this morning. 😉
Have a blessed weekend.
I have been longing for this Sandy. And I know that He is always there and waiting; it is my part to be still.
What a great word!
Usually my Saturdays are anything but still, however, this one is. So grateful for you.
Awesome photos and words. We so need to hear His still, small voice.
Love in Him,
Laurie
This is a beautiful post Sandy. It reminds me of the following text:
“In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” — Isaiah 30:15
Beautiful shots…I wonder if the robin was afraid his toes would be cold before he stepped in?? I am so grateful for this commmunity that connects me in so many ways to the stillness. 🙂
Absolutely true. USUALLY to hear the Lord’s voice in my heart and soul, I need to be in a restful place. [Occasionally, He makes a strong and straightforward speech at me, sometimes very good and directional, but not too often.]
FYI: I can’t seem to put your connection pic/link on my post. Tried and tried. Somethin’s wrong!! Sorry.
thirsty now
to oneth my soul to God:):):)
oh how I love this;
glad thanks for the nourishing share,
Jennifer
Love your photos. It seems to me that the stillness is about letting go of self. And then, God. It is a beautiful thing. Thank you for the image.
I love how you capture these birds! And I thank you for the prayer — praying for clear vision today.