Extravagant Shopping – Just Ask

I am not a shopper – sorry ladies – I just am not. I have my list, go in, get it and out the door – I am a single-focused shopper. BUT there is one place that overwhelms me – and here, the dormant “shopper” gene erupts. There is a heavenly plant nursery near-by that is -that place – for me. When I arrive there, I walk in to this amazing paradise and every sense and desire stirs, and brings euphoric joy within me.

Over the years I have been lovingly forbidden to enter this paradise, unless finances are lucrative, since I never leave without “shopping” well. I have learned to wait, watch and ask for my desires – then my extravagant “shopping” happens.

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. (NASB)

 I know you are asking – what does “shopping” have to do with that scripture?

Just like the eventual extravagant “shopping” happens for me; our prayers – our desires and needs are extravagantly provided for because HE is able.

     HIM WHO IS ABLE – is my provider.

     HE does far more, abundantly beyond – that’s WAY more then I can ever ask for.

Often our thinking says that what we desire or need is just to small to ask God for or that we don’t matter enough – He won’t answer it; so we have not because we ask not. BUT that’s not who HE is – HE IS ABLE and HE loves you.

   HE wants to extravagantly pour out over your life – JUST ASK!

Face to Face – Heart to Heart

I go to sleep and wake up to a handsome face that has been next to me for over 40 years. I know his eyes, his mouth, his smile, his hands, his voice and even his growing wrinkles; the interesting part is that this man looks the same to me now as he did in his 20’s. I know him face to face; heart to heart, for we have become one.

Jesus knows us the same and he calls us to that type of relationship and communication. He knows every hair, every wrinkle, even every thought – he knows us intimately and asks us -desires for us – to come close and know him face to face, heart to heart.

Intimacy comes from knowing, and knowing takes time; time at His feet, time in quiet stillness, in a face to face; heart to heart connection and we call this prayer. No hurried “hello, have a great day” quick kiss on your way out the door will work.  No relationship is built on fast pace connection, it is all about spending time.

“Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10 (ESV)

This type of face to face, heart to heart adoration changes you at your very core. All the worries of the day, fears of the night – life’s craziness, falls away and peace rushes in.

As my husband’s presence brings me overwhelming love and joy just because he is who he is; so does a face to face, heart to heart walk with Jesus bring an abundant life filled with joy – deep down joy.

What does it take? How do you get there?

Desire it! Ask for it!

Take TIME! SLOW down!

Wait silently! Sit and LISTEN!

And extravagantly ENJOY it!

The best part of your day will be waking up to HIM; for you will walk face to face, heart to heart, with your savior.

Artwork courtesy of: Dennis L. Sanchez