Oct 21, 2008

Out on a Limb ... er, um... Post


Today I'm joining 'B' at B His Girl for her Turtle Tuesdays. I'm a little late but hey, most people who participate in my Friday RQ, post in the days following, so I figure I'm in good company. I 'met' B when she joined our blog makeover contest and I'm so thrilled that I did. From my first visit to her blog I knew that it was by divine appointment. (Of course I think I can say that about all of my close blogging buddies!) I am always encouraged when I stop by B's blog. Be sure to pay her a visit, you'll be glad you did.


Ever feel like this little turtle, stranded at the top of the fence post? When I saw this picture my heart went out to this little turtle! Unless someone comes to rescue her she will surely fall or die. Either way, it appears that disaster awaits her. No matter how much she paddles those little legs she cannot help herself in this situation. She cannot change her circumstances on her own. She cannot provide for herself. If she panics she will start paddling those little legs as fast as possible and knock herself right off of her safe little spot on that post. She is completely dependent on someone else helping her. By the same token, No one looks at the turtle and thinks she put herself there. Quite the contrary. The turtle was placed there. And it is WAY obvious.


I realized that this is a perfect picture of where I'm at in my life right now. I have had to fend off feelings of being stranded in a place where I have no power to do anything. This is a scary place to be but it is exactly where God has placed me. It is even the adventure I prayed He would give me. Of course I didn't know it looked quite like this but that's ok. Like that little turtle, I have to trust that the One who put me there is keeping His eye on me and will show me the next step at the right time. I can't see what He is doing or how in the world He will work this out. At times it looks hopeless but that is only when I stop looking at Him. This is what it means to walk (and wait) in Faith. To Trust that He means what He says. It is an Adventure and I want my life to be an Adventure with my God.

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you
nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:10)

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, " I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," (Hebrews 13:5)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Dear Lord I praise you for your unfailing Love. Thank you for giving me the courage to take this adventure with you. Thank you that you have not left me stranded. Thank you that you will never leave me, forsake me, or desert me. You are my God. I Trust you with all that is within me. I will follow wherever you lead and do whatever you say. Show me the next step. I love you my Lord, much more than words can ever express. In Christ - Amen




Edie

15 comments:

Angela said...

Can we take a blog buddy field trip to Israel?

Joyfulsister said...

There were times I felt like that poor turtle, hanging on for dear life waiting for the Lord to rescue me. And he wass never too early or too late, he was always on time. I love this post my sistah!!

Hugz Lorie

B His Girl said...

Hi Edie,

Love your insight being out on a limb. You are most definitely a turtle girl! I heard someone
once describing the feeling of being 'out on a limb' with God. They said they were comfortable with that place in their walk. It was when they heard the sound of a chain saw that made them cringe. Yikes! Pruning!

Kelly said...

Edie - this was a GREAT post, and described exactly how you had told me in an email how you felt. I just love the illustration.

I know it's scary up there on the pole, but praying the God who put you up there, will safely let you down to your next adventure...and that you will keep you head and neck stretched out and not go inside your shell. (turtle analogies - fun!)

Lavonda Pflug said...

Sometimes I think I'm rescued from one post just to be placed on another. But, PTL, one way or another I'm movin' on!

debrah said...

Wow...I rarely think of the turtle...for a time I moving slow...not advancing to where I wanted to go...then came the thought slow and steady wins the race...and the tale of the tortoise and the hare...lately it seems my feet are moving but I am not getting anywhere...I thought of the tread mill...but after reading your post a turtle out on a limb seems more appropriate...thank you for such a great illustration. How wonderful when one ponders how will I get from here to there...seems like the distance from where I am to where I should be is great...great if I have to get there on my own...but if My Lord and Savior places me there...well then...no worries...
Be Blessed,
In His Love,
Debrah

My ADHD Me said...

This post is exactly what i was telling you I was struggleing with.

Asking For Help

Once again, you came through!

Leaon Mary said...

Hey Edie...
...Awesome turtle post n scriptures!! I can't help but think too that.. perhaps thee obvious isn't obvious after all? Could it be she'll happily discover she's not going to fall to her demise at all? On the contrary... she will be delighted that where God's landing her is into a glorious aquatic where she will thrive, living well beyond her wildest dreams?
Smoochy holy kisses,
Lea

On Purpose said...

Hey...as I read your words today I was reminded by God...yes He spoke through your blog...isn't that awesome how He does that...you type the words He gave you, He puts His voice to it and touches hearts...YEAH!

So He reminded me..."you asked for more of me Nichole, you asked to be taken to the island!"

Thank you Edie for being the communicator of His message to my heart today!

I love you my friend!

I know He has you right where He needs you...this post is confirmation of that!

Stephanie said...

Oh, Edie, I'll be praying for you! I sooo understand where you're coming from. At times I've felt like this turtle as well - placed in a particular circumstance through no doing of my own, and completely dependant on God to move me to a different place...serving Him is such an adventure. Sometimes there is pain and confusion but even that has its own beauty...thanks for sharing your heart. Love you!

Anonymous said...

"It is even the adventure I prayed He would give me. Of course I didn't know it looked quite like this...". Oh yeah, the story of my life. God seems quite unconcerned with time as we know it. I wait and wait for what seems like forever to be able to see His purposes revealed. All the while, he is undoubtedly in control.

B His Girl said...

Hey Edie,

I have always wanted to make a 'mosaic something' but did not feel like I had the time to develop a new hobby like that. God inspired this idea. He knew I wanted to do that. He is so personal : ) It is probably the only mosaic I will ever do. It was fun. Now I take it on the road sometimes for my speaking engagements. My church is going to hang it in a hallway. It should not be in my garage. You obviously have very creative gifts Edie...designing blogs, mosaics, and who knows what else!!!. Talent...real talent! My creative gifts mix with goofy! I am not sure what you call that. Turtles, Mirrors, B's, Walking by Faith Down Aisle 15... stay tuned. God is always doing a new thing with us if we will follow Him. I'm glad our paths have crossed on the journey Edie! Thanks for sharing on the road home. B

The Patterson 5 said...

You are an inspriration as you- out on the post- daily put your trust in God and share words He has put in Your heart. May you find peace in knowing the adventure awaiting you in God's plan will bring Him glory and He will be right there with you...every step of the way.
Love,
Ginny

Joyfulsister said...

Edie..
Come over I have 2 awards for *U*..

Hugz Lorie

Karen Hossink said...

Yes. Yes!!!
I am so thankful that He never leaves us. We need Him and He is faithful.
As for that little turtle, I better not let my son see the picture, or he will force me to drive around the country until we find it so Joshua can get the turtle off the post and to a safe place. Bless his heart! *grin*