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God in my yard

It’s not your typical spiritual discipline. 
But I’m trying it.

L. L. Barkat invites her readers of God in the Yard to spend time daily in outdoor solitude for 12 weeks. The goal? Spiritual growth.

I’m in week 3.
I dig a little in the dirt. I dig a little in my soul.

Here’s what I uncovered this week.
Do any of these lessons bear fruit with you, too?

1. Carry the beauty with youdaffodils_outsidedaffodils_insideIt starts out there, but you bring it in here. We learn about God from many places and in many ways, but the real beauty grows when we bring Him inside.

Take what you learn outside of you and grow it on the inside. 

2. Slow down to hear moremallardsWhen I first go outside, I notice only car noises and airplanes. But after 10 minutes, I start hearing how loud the birds are and how the wind sings through the trees. Sometimes it takes awhile to hear what God is trying to tell us.

Be willing to sit with Him long enough to tune out the street noise and tune in to His voice.

3. Let the details amaze youmuscovy_wingI admit I think Muscovy ducks are horribly ugly and I wish we had none on our lake. But when I really stare at their feathers, they are totally amazing. Don’t be afraid to look for God in the details of any situation you’re in.

It may look ugly at first, but God is in deep doing a beautiful thing. Keep looking.

4. Expect obstacles thornsI’m paying a price for being outside all week—sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes. But it’s worth it; it will pass. Anticipate costs on your way to rewards.

Discipline may be painful but if you keep your eye on the goal, the Lord will help you run your race.

5. Let joy find you by_the_lakeThis may be the hardest lesson for me: remembering I’m not outside just to pull weeds or plant flowers, but to be still and know. I’s too easy to define success by accomplishment, but that’s not how God does it (1 Samuel 16:7).

Don’t use all your time in the doing; let Grace find you in the being.

* * *

Which lesson hits home with you?

Were you able to spend time outside this week where you live?

12 comments:

Melissa said...

I was wondering how this was going for you. Sounds like it's been a good thing!

Jerralea said...

What an interesting idea! I know that last year, I found great joy just traveling to different parks and sitting by their lakes. Somehow it just refreshed me. I think maybe it's healing to get away from the sounds of everyday life ...

Susanne said...

I love how Godly lessons can be learned from nature! Unfortunately my getting outside is going to have to wait, it's -45* with the windchill today! But come spring I will be right out there.

I think right now, the "expect obstacles" point is really hitting me.

ellen b said...

Oh I love this exercise! I'm going to check out that book. Blessings on your weekend. Time to dig a little in my soul...

Barbara H. said...

Those are all such great photos, especially the duck's feathers. I love the spiritual lessons you saw in each one. I need to learn to expect obstacles instead of being frustrated when they come.

Brenda said...

Beautiful pictures. I've always believed there is beauty everywhere but we have to choose to see it. And blessing from God are everywhere, so we have to acknowledge them.

Catherine said...

What great pictures and beautiful thoughts. I can't wait to see some daffodils. That's still quite a ways off for me, but something to look forward to!

Laura@OutnumberedMom said...

What hits me? "Slow down to hear more." So very, very true and a needed reminder for me!

Great post and lovely pictures. I want the book!

Sandy@Jesus and Dark Choc said...

That is awesome how you tied all of that together! Take the beauty inside....yes I like that! What a great post and such insight!

Willow said...

I love this post and this idea! You have done marvelously in helping us move from the creation to the Creator.
I soaked up some sunshine between the rainstorms. It's important to bask in the Creator's divine love--a great reminder.

Faith said...

Great post...and yes..I feel closest to the Lord when out in nature based on my spiritual temperament. HOWEVER...the time I spent outside today was SHOVELING 8 inches of snow...UGH...but...at the same time I marvel at just how vastly different each, single snowflake is. AMazing Creator. Thanks for sharing in the FFF.

L.L. Barkat said...

Beautiful digging. :) I'm sorry I missed all these!

Thanks for letting me know you did this.

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