A blog where women are inspired and encouraged to grow in their relationship with Christ.

Monday, June 24, 2013

When All You Can Do Is Breathe



Lately, I've found myself quietly sitting in His presence a lot.  I've had a migraine every day for over two weeks.  So, to be honest, writing anything is a bit of a struggle.  BUT,  as a dear friend so eloquently put it... this is a terrible time and a wonderful time.

No, there's nothing pretty or enjoyable or wonderful about blinding, nauseating pain. But, there is something wonderful when our Abba Father quietly nudges the door open and I slip into His loving arms... and He just holds me.  It's at those times that my very breath is a prayer... no words, just breathing in His love for me and breathing out my love to Him.

I'd like to encourage you to take some time today to slip into His quieting, loving, 
strong arms. Perhaps you have words for Him, perhaps you're only 
able to breathe in His love and breathe out yours to Him... 

I'd be honored to pray for you this week.
It may simply be breathing your name to the Lord,
but it would help take my thoughts off
 of 'Me' and would put them on you and our Lord.
If you don't feel comfortable leaving your need in the comments,
 please feel free to email or message me on Facebook.

I'd love to hear about your time with our Lord.
Are you having trouble going to Him in prayer?
Have you made time to sit with Him today?
Leave a Comment!

Living in His grace,
  Mary

54 comments:

  1. As I am home sick today, this is a very lovely reminder!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kate, I'm sorry to hear that you're sick today. I'm praying for you right now!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  2. Mary, I totally understand the headaches, I too, have had a lot lately. Thank you for this gentle reminder to seek Him fully. Bless you, precious friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ashley, I hate to hear of your headaches.
      I'll pray for you this week my dear friend.
      Blessings and much love ~ Mary

      Delete
  3. What a beautiful post! I'm so sorry you've been in pain. I understand totally. I will be praying for relief from your migraines and God's comforting hand on your heart and mind.

    Would you mind praying for me? I've been having some tummy issues and they have gotten me down over the past two weeks. Thank you!

    Blessings - Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Julie, I'm praying for your tummy issues right now and will continue to pray this week for God's healing, strength, comfort and encouragement. He is so good to help us through the tough days...
      Thank you for your prayers; they are so appreciated.
      Blessings and love ~ Mary

      Delete
  4. Dear Mary
    I am so sorry to hear you are not doing well!! Yes, my friend, just go and rest in your Pappa's loving embrace! That is where I need to rest as all today.
    Bless you, dear Mary.
    Mia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mia, it sounds as if we'll both be breathing our prayers in the arms of our Pappa today. I'm continuing to pray for you, dear friend.
      Blessings and love ~ Mary

      Delete
  5. Hi Mary! I'm stopping over to see just who linked up just before me over at Simply Better tonight. I will be praying for you when I go back to bed. I know what it is like to have migraines day after day but that was when I was younger so its only a memory. I ham concerned for you. Why are you having trouble with headaches? It seems I recently read you struggle with health issues daily or frequently? I love that you rest in the Lord through your pain.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judith, I'm thankful that your migraines are a pain of the past! I appreciate your concern. The neurologist says that I have a very unique brain chemistry, making them very difficult to treat. I continue to pray and believe our Abba Father for His best {whatever that may look like}. I'm thankful for His loving, secure embrace.
      I'm so glad we were neighbors today! Thank you for your prayers!
      I'll pray today for your little ones!
      Blessings and love ~ Mary

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. Marty, thank you so much for your precious prayer!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  7. Sorry to hear of that crazy migraine! I've had a four day headache going on and I can't even imagine 2 weeks of a migraine. Will say a prayer for you today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susanne, I'm sorry to hear that you've had a four day headache! I'll definitely pray for you. and thanks so much for your prayer. I so appreciate it!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  8. One of my sons has migraines - due to weather pressure issues - and it is challenging with sports and academics. I so understand those moments, though, where you just need the Father to be with you, to hold you in the midst of the challenge - so sorry about your migraines but rejoicing of that time with the Father.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's so crummy that your son gets migraines. I'm sure, as a mom, it's tough to see him go through that. Isn't it amazing how the seemingly worst things can bring us to the most beautiful place with our Father? He's so good to hold us in the midst of those challenges.
      I'm so glad you came by today!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  9. I just happened upon your blog- what a beautiful reminder. Jesus be with you and your migraines.

    My husband and I are trying to conceive for over 2 years now. I feel quite depressed and I needed to reminder to just keep my heart with the Lord.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kimberly, my heart aches for you. There's nothing easy about waiting and the unknown. I pray that as you sit the in the arms of our Abba Father, He would lift the depression and encourage your heart. I'll continue to pray for you and your husband this week.
      I'm so glad you happened upon WtoW.
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  10. What a beautiful reminder when my words fail or have all been used up to just breathe in the LORD. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kendra, it seems there are times when we can't do anything else but sit in His presence and know that He is God.
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  11. I'm so sorry about your migraine, but happy you are finding this time of quiet. In our busy, loud, chaotic world we need to be still and listen all the more.
    To enjoy time with the Lord, I usually grab my bible and notebook, a cup of hot coffee and muffin (or chocolate!) and curl up in my favorite chair. I pray you are feeling better soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right, it's so nice to have a time of stillness with the Lord. I feel all cozy just reading about how you spend time with Him... Love those favorite chairs!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  12. Oh Mary, thank you so much for your words of life! I think that in our darkest times God swoops in and holds us tight. It's often when life is just status-quo that I forget how important it is to soak up His Word. And then I wonder why I feel empty...of course it's because I am dry and needs the water of truth and life! Thanks for the reminder to sit with Him each day, the more I hear it the more I follow through. I am inspired by you and your posts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Summer, it's so good to have you here! Yes, our Abba Father is always right here, wanting us to come to Him to soak up that water of truth and life...
      I'm so glad you came by!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  13. It seems during sickness you spend a lot of time in the quietness of God or at least that is what I find with my daughter. So many days I sit with her and just listen to God talk to me. Pray that your migraine is healed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Candice, my heart aches for you and your sweet daughter. I'm thankful that you have such sweet moments in His presence... listening in the quiet. I'll pray for you right now.
      Thank you for your prayer.
      Blessings to you, my friend ~ Mary

      Delete
  14. Hi Mary,

    I love those times when no words are needed and I can just feel Him sitting with me. I know from your beautiful words here that you know that feeling too. I also suffer from migraines, and although I go through periods where I have them daily, I've never had one for the duration you mention. I will pray that you experience healing and continued time of comfort with Him. (Visiting from WholeHearted Wednesdays)
    In Christ,
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes Laura, those times of quietly sitting with Him are life-giving and so precious. I'm sorry that you too suffer with migraines. I'm so thankful that we can find respite in His presence. Thank you for your prayer...
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  15. Hello Mary,
    I'm praying for your comfort and healing. I used to suffer from migraines a while back, so I do know what you're experiencing. Be blessed!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trinity, thank you for your prayer... I so appreciate it!
      I'm glad you came by!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  16. I'm so sorry about your migraines. Praying for completely healing! Please pray for my emotions. I am struggling through a little bit of depression and anxiety, mostly menopausal related, but finances are hard as well. Trying to fight the good fight sometimes is exhausting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbie, I'll certainly pray and believe our Abba Father to calm the anxiety and depression, and be your strength through this difficult time. I'll pray that He will help you rest your anxious mind in Him.
      Thank you for your prayer!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  17. So Mary? Can we pray for each other this week? I'm praying for you, and yes, I'd be so grateful if you'd whisper my name to the Lord. So.very.grateful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jennifer for your prayers. Consider your name whispered...
      Blessings to you, my friend ~ Mary

      Delete
  18. Mary, bless your heart...I love your post, you my friend are a Wounded Healer! I wrote a post on that a while back, and what you are doing here is exactly what the Great Physician would order! I have been suffering with Complicated Migraines lately...I used to have the debilitating kind that you are struggling with right now, they are so terribly painful. CM are not quite as painful but give symptoms similar to a stroke at times, numbness, tingling, confusion, sometimes you pass out. There is a headache, a lot of pressure in the head and symptoms hard to explain! I do not like them! LOL! The neurological effects are related to my SI joint degenerative disease. It's crazy! But in the midst of all of this "suffering", the Lord nudged me to start my blog...I had never considered myself a writer but He was persistent. I have been more immobile because of the SI and so many health issues, we had to come home from our overseas missions work in the Baltics because of it. Anyway!! I am rambling...in the midst of it all He provided another ministry! And that is why I loved your post so much...even in the midst of suffering, He calls us to comfort others and become Wounded Healers...blessings and healing to you today friend. Praying you find sweet relief today. In Jesus' name!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so sorry to hear of your health issues... You've certainly been through so much! Oh, but I'm rejoicing to hear how you're allowing God to use your circumstances to bring glory to Him! Wounded Healer... yes, I like that. I look forward to visiting your site; I have the feeling we have a great deal in common.
      Thank you for your prayer and please know that I will pray for you.
      Blessings to you, my new friend ~ Mary

      Delete
  19. Hello Mary! I just absolutely loved your post. What a wonderful reminder to just sit and talk with Jesus. I sometimes feel like that's all I have to give is a breath, a quiet murmur of something that I have longed to say to God through out the day. I will be praying for you that those darn migraines go away. I get them too and they are not much fun. You take ahold of your head and speak life and power into it and tell the enemy he can not take hold of your mind! Only God can have that authority!!
    Many Blessings,
    Amy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy, yes, those quiet murmurs given to God... beautiful.
      Thank you for your prayer, encouraging words and exhortation.
      I'm so glad you came by today!
      Blessings and love ~ Mary

      Delete
  20. Oh, I know all too well about the kind of pain you're in, but never for two solid weeks! Oh my!
    I'm so, so happy that His arms hold us tight while we rest in Him when we're too weak to do anything else.

    I'm here from Jennifer's linky.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elizabeth, to know that we're held tightly in our Abba Father's arms is everything at these times.
      I'm so glad you came by via Jennifer!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  21. Replies
    1. Thank you Inez. I'm so glad you came by today!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  22. I battle with and conquer tiredness each morning as I pace and shake and sit, all to keep up and spend time with my Father. I pray you get healed of the migrane in Jesus name, amen.
    Do have a super blessed day!
    Love

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ugochi, I appreciate your perseverance in spending precious time with our Abba Father. I'll certainly pray for you!
      Thank you for your prayer and for coming by!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  23. Praying for you tonight, Mary. This post was so encouraging ... and convicting. Here you are not feeling well, but you are taking time to encourage others and serve. Wow!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lyli, Thank you for praying; I so appreciate it! God is so good to help take our eyes off ourselves... I certainly couldn't do it without His marvelous grace.
      I'm glad you're here!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  24. Father, God, I lift up sweet Mary to you right now. Thank you for her heart to serve and bless others through her words and I pray that you will bless her for it. Lord, we want to pray the pain away, and I don't want her to be in pain. But even more than that, I pray that YOUR will would be done in her life. God, I pray that through all of her trials and pain in this life that you would continue to draw her near to you. I pray that you will give her your peace and rest, and that she will feel your presence in her heart and in her life. In Jesus' name I ask these things, Amen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal, with tears streaming, I'm soaking in your precious petition.
      Thank you dear friend more than I can say.
      Blessings and love ~ Mary

      Delete
  25. How'd it go this week, Mary? I hope your pain has diminished. I enjoy the way you write about prayer. Would you pray for me? For emotional stability?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jedidja, it would be a privilege to pray for you, my friend.
      My head pain has diminished a bit... glory to God.
      Thanks so much for asking!
      Blessings and love to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  26. Mary, I am sorry to hear about your migraines. I have found myself sitting quietly in His presence too. It is summer vacation (I'm a teacher) and I am enjoying the quiet. I am reading through Kings and Chronicles and feel that I need to read bigger chunks of scripture in order to really get the gist of each king's reign. I love that I have the time to do that. I did deal with disappointment with God this week. I am surprised at my reaction to not getting a job I interviewed for. I thought I trusted God more than my honest reaction proved. I do trust His bigger picture for me but I felt like He didn't go before me and fight for me. It is hard to feel this way toward God but I am continuing to trust in His plans for me. Blessings to you, Rachael

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rachael, I'm so glad to hear you're reading through Kings and Chronicles. It's wonderful to have that sweet time with the Lord. I'm sure not getting this job was very difficult. I'll certainly pray that God will supply His best for you and help you deal with this disappointing news. I'm thankful for your continued trust in His plans for you.
      Blessing to you ~ Mary

      Delete
  27. Hi Mary! I am writing this many days past this post, so I am hoping that your migraine is a thing of the past.

    It is so generous of you to ask for prayer requests! My husband has been out of work for quite a long time, so please put him on your prayer list :)

    Peace in Christ,
    Ceil

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ceil, my husband's also been without a job for a long time, so I know how difficult life can be when that happens. I'll definitely be praying and trusting our Abba Father for both of you!
      Blessings to you, my friend ~ Mary

      Delete

Your comments mean so much to me. I love reading each and every one! Thanks so much!