Many voices ask for our attention. There is a voice that says, “Prove that you are a good person.” Another voice says, “You’d better be ashamed of yourself.” There also is a voice that says, “Nobody really cares about you,” and one that says, “Be sure to become successful, popular, and powerful.” But underneath all these often very noisy voices is a still, small voice that says, “You are my Beloved, my favor rests on you.” That’s the voice we need most of all to hear. To hear that voice, however, requires special effort; it requires solitude, silence, and a strong determination to listen.
That’s what prayer is. It is listening to the voice that calls us “my Beloved.”
~Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey
Still listening,
Sandy
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 on the left, 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.
I always adore your bird photography. And Nouwen is always a good paring. Praying you enjoy your weekend, sweet friend.
Aww, thanks, friend. Praying you enjoy your weekend, too. Stay warm. And rest.
Such beautiful words, and especially meaningful to me right now. In the midst of sorrow, I hear the voice of the One who calls me His beloved – and His words bring comfort and peace.
GOD BLESS.
You *are* His Beloved, dear Sharon, and I’m praying you sense His presence and hear His voice in a new way during this time of grieving.
Henri’s words slip into the peace here
Henri’s talking our language. 🙂
What a beautiful quote to go with your photo!
🙂
Sandra–Thanks for this quote. It’s a song all by itself.
Henri sings some really good songs, doesn’t he?
Good Saturday to you friend. With all you do thank you for also sharing your space and your glorious photography.
Love sharing space with you, my friend. 🙂
Oh, Sandra, that beautiful voice that far too often becomes the undertone amongst those other voices. Thanks for the encouragement to be still with determination and wait upon the LORD.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Often the hardest Voice to hear, but for the solitude. Craving more of the quiet every day. Thanks for posting and hosting, Sandra.
Joy!
Kathy
These words really spoke to me, today, Sandra. Thank you for sharing them.
Doing what it takes to hear that voice… Love this quote and picture, Sandra. Thank you.
Sandra, today I am overcome with gratitude for this beautiful place you’ve made, for the gorgeous community you’ve invited me to join, and for amazing, wonderful you.
I ask His sweetest blessings on you, Dear One.
Thank you, Sandy. This makes me want to sing in the midst of the storm. Oh, how He loves!
May we hear the voice of our Shepherd above all others. Thanks for hosting & God bless!
I love the photo & the quote by Nouwen. I pray that I will always have a “strong determination to hear His voice”. Your photo especially struck me as last night I went to visit my son & daughter-in-law & their newly hatched finches that are now 2 weeks old. Amazing to see the perfection of those tiny birds & the manner in which their parents tend to them. May you have a blessed Sunday!
Oh how I need to embrace that truth these days. Thank you, beautiful Sandra. xox
I love this Sandra. Besides writing on my website at He Cares for Us I also blog at Under the Cover of Prayer. Nouwen’s quote is perfect. It is all about listening to Him, isn’t it?
Blessings,
Janis http://www.janiscox.com
Beautiful photo and words.