Reduction by Susan Barclay

 

Image by CongerDesign@Pixabay

                                                        

 

REDUCTION

 

In this season of caregiving

I am being reduced

Cooked, simmered, evaporated

A concentrated version of myself

 

Who am I now?

I am daughter

I am mother

I am wife

 

Who am I?

What is this new flavour?

This new texture?

This new consistency?

 

I seek more of Him and less of me

Holy Spirit, come

I am jellied and trembling

When I am weak, I am strong

 

Give me this day love, joy, peace

Patience, kindness, goodness

Faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

Teach me Your ways

 

Make me lie down in green pastures

Lead me beside quiet waters

Restore my soul

Fill me with Your sacred rest

 

In this pressure cooker, sautéed

I become saltier for Christ

Taste and see that the Lord is good

His mercies are new every morning

 

This is my desire

To spend time in God’s stock pot

Take up less volume in the world

And enhance its flavour

 

Father, You are the Master Chef

The 3-star Michelin

Make of me what You will

I am Your creation

_______________________________

c. Susan Barclay, 2025. For more about Susan and her writing, please visit www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com 

 

 

Betach - A Welded Trust by Joylene M Bailey

 

Image by Leopold 13 from Pixabay

I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Psalm 91:2  

~~~~~

Remember those old Sunday School picnics where they had three-legged races? You found your partner, tied one of your ankles to their ankle and then tried to run a race as one. Unless you were perfectly in sync, you just ended up tripping each other and stumbling all over the race course.

The B word God gave me for February means something kind of like that, but only if you imagine the perfectly in sync scenario.

The first time I saw the Hebrew word Betach was when I saw my daughter's new sign by her front door. At the time I didn't know what it meant; I only knew the whispering in my spirit that said, This is it. This is the word you need to share.

I'm not a Bible scholar, but I did a tiny bit of research, and I also asked my daughter, the theology major. 

My research informed me that the word has a few meanings, mostly to do with security and safety. But in the above verse it means to adhere to, and originally came from an ancient art of welding. 

Welded to God. 

My daughter informed me that when the word is used to mean trust, it's the kind of trust that is laid prostrate on the ground in complete vulnerability and surrender. Nothing held back.

I'd have to say it takes surrendering everything to be welded to something. In those old three-legged races, your ankles were joined by a flimsy rope of some kind. Imagine having your whole body welded to another. You give up your way of doing things. When their arm moves, your arm moves. When they turn left, you turn left. It is a complete surrendering.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge

and my fortress: my God; in him will I be

welded in complete vulnerability and surrender.

Well, who wouldn't want to be welded to He who is my refuge and my fortress? I guess someone who wanted their own way, someone who didn't understand that the LORD's ways are so much higher and better than my ways. 

But oh, it takes so much to surrender EVERYTHING, doesn't it? Even my writing - every last bit of it. The words I use, the places they go, whether or not they are published...

There is so much more research I could have done here, but I hope I've sparked something in you with this word BETACH. Let me know how it speaks to you.

Bonded.

Entrusting

This, (whatever THIS is for you)

Acknowledging

Complete

Homage.

~~~~~

Here's a link to a Hebrew word study on Betach.

Joy is currently looking after recuperating grandsons in Manitoba. When she's not supervising naps and making bland meals, she's writing InScribe blog posts deep into the night. Find more of her joy-infused writing at Scraps of Joy.

 

Discovering Soul Rest ~ Valerie Ronald

A few minutes early for my appointment, I waited in my car. Heart pounding, hands shaking, I took some deep breaths and prayed. I was about to see a lawyer about the dissolution of my first marriage. The conflict, trauma and stress leading to this decision still affected me physically and emotionally, yet after I prayed I felt a stillness settle over my soul. A deep, calming peace beyond my understanding kept my thoughts and heart quiet and at rest as I trusted in Christ to see me through.

Soul rest goes beyond rest experienced by merely ceasing from outward activity. It is possible to experience soul rest even in the midst of an exhausting situation or overwhelming circumstances. What this looks like for me is an internal step back from all the outer stimuli and demands to that deep, secret place where God meets me in the quiet. He promises to keep in perfect peace those whose desire rests on Him, because they trust in Him. Rest is not found in perfect situations but in the only perfectly safe Person. Jesus invites the weary and burdened,“Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” (Matt. 11:28-29 The Message)

 I have become more aware of soul rest as I’ve grown older. I find I no longer feel the need to constantly engage in social situations or participate like everyone else. In my mind, I find a chair at the back of the room where I can sit and enjoy the view. It rests my soul to see an elderly couple holding hands ˗˗ a father tenderly kissing the top of his baby’s head ˗˗ two friends laughing together. In everyday scenes these shining moments bring joy and rest to my soul as I experience them with Spirit-filled eyes.

When my soul is at rest in my Savior, the drive to measure up, to belong, to achieve in the eyes of others is replaced with a settled confidence in who I am in Christ. I know where I’ve come from, Whose hand has saved me and what awaits me in the future. Such absolute surety leads to the sweetest rest for my soul.

Soul rest is a gift from God, but there is something He requires from me before it is given. Unless I surrender totally to Him, follow Him in obedience and trust Him implicitly, my soul will continue to be restless. There is a direct link between my surrender to God and the rest I receive from God.

Surrendering to God, knowing I am safe with Him, brings serenity even when life is chaotic and painful. How does this sense of safety and security with God happen? The secret is tucked away in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. When the nation of Israel had its back turned on God in rebellion and disobedience, He reminded them, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jer. 6:16 NIV)

The ancient paths, where the good way is, lie between the pages of God’s Word. There He reveals His perfect character, plan and purposes for the salvation of our souls. Walking those ancient paths with a desire to know God intimately, I find rest for my soul because I know I can safely surrender all to my Savior.

So how does soul rest impact my writing? Without it I would be constantly taken up with all the little fires needing to be put out, with imperfections staring me in the face, with the weariness of this world. When God prompts me to write for Him, I go to that secret place of the soul where I find rest and inspiration. He speaks to me there, unhurriedly, gently, gifting me with ideas and words I know come from His own heart. Even when I am busy or distracted, those words germinate and grow in my soul, sending shoots to the creative part of my brain where they bloom and bear fruit as words on the page. Soul rest is a necessity if I am to be obedient to my calling as a writer. As this beautiful hymn expresses, quiet rest is found only near to the heart of God. 

There is a place of quiet rest,
near to the heart of God,
a place where sin cannot molest,
near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
sent from the heart of God,
hold us, who wait before thee,
near to the heart of God.

(Near to the Heart of God by Cleland Boyd McAfee ~ 1903 ~ public domain) 

Valerie Ronald lives in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. She is a graduate of Vancouver's Langara College journalism program, and has worked as a newspaper reporter, freelance writer, public speaker and bookstore employee. She writes devotionals for her home church bulletins and her online blog. Her current book project chronicles how God's faithfulness saw her through the dark valleys of divorce and cancer. Along with her husband, Valerie enjoys spending time with their blended family and six grandchildren. She is a nature photographer, water colorist, cat lover and Scrabble addict.
More of her devotionals can be read on her blog   https://scriptordeus.wordpress.com

Mourning to Freedom - Tracy Krauss

In my thirty-eight years as a Christ follower, I have had multiple experiences when I felt that God was giving me “extraordinary directions”. My issue with this month's prompt was choosing which story to tell. I realize that there may be different interpretations within our fellowship about the so called "prophetic gifts", but suffice to say that I believe God can, and still, moves in ways that go beyond our understanding. I've received instruction and insight through various means - most often through His Word - but also through dreams, visions, words of knowledge, and prophetic utterances spoken by others.

But... I'm not going to share any of those stories! (This time.) Instead, I want to tell you about a time when I felt that quiet inner voice during prayer - and it rocked my world.

The year: 1998. I was happily homeschooling my four children, my husband had a good job, and we attended a vibrant and loving church. I'd been a Christian for a long time already, and thought I had surrendered everything to God. I loved Jesus and life was good. 

I was praying in my bedroom one day, when I 'heard' that still small voice inside my head.

"How much do you love me?"
"You know I love you, Lord! I'd do anything for you!"
"Anything?"
"Yes!"
"Thou shalt have no other Gods before Me..."
"I know that, Lord! I don't believe in any other gods."
"But, HOW MUCH do you love Me? Are you willing to give up _________?"

This is the point where I stopped. I was stunned. Shocked. A horrible feeling crept over me, because I knew... That thing had become an idol in my life. I knew as clearly as if I had heard an audible voice, that God was asking me to give it up - and I didn't want to!

Now, I'm sure you have all kinds of pictures in your mind about my secret sin. In fact, I don't believe it's a sin at all, but the fact that I had made it into an IDOL was the sin. What am I talking about?

STAR TREK. 

Okay, let me back up, here! I am NOT saying Science Fiction, or in particular, Star Trek, is evil. But you need to understand the context. 

I was a Trekkie from WAY back. I mean, when other teenage girls had posters of pop stars on their walls, I had Leonard Nimoy. (The actor who played Spock, for those who don't know.) I watched the show religiously for years, finally completing my collection of recorded VHS tapes of both the original series and The Next Generation by the mid-90s. We're talking close to 300 episodes. That's a lot of recording and watching and documenting to make sure I didn't have duplicates! (Obviously, this was before you could buy them or watch them on netflix!) I had all kinds of memorabilia, books, figurines, every movie... I'd even indoctrinated my children. Each one of us had a 'character' that we 'played' at meal times, in the car, or what not, and we had the action figures to boot.

This was like asking me to break up with my one true love. Like taking my life's work and erasing it. It was like losing a loved one, which in fact it was, because for me, I LOVED Star Trek! It had become an idol. 

This next part might sound ridiculous, but I think it gives you a glimpse at the gravity of what God was asking me to do. I went into what I can only describe now as a state of deep 'mourning'. I literally cried for DAYS. I could hardly get out of bed as I wrestled with what God was asking me to do. I was like an addict, coming down from heroine. It is the closest I've ever come to choosing NOT to follow Jesus! That's how serious it was.

Finally, several days later, I surrendered. With the help of my wonderfully supportive husband and some friends, we gathered all things Star Trek together and had a huge bonfire. My kids watched their action figures burn! 

And... I experienced a FREEDOM like I had never experienced before. I knew whatever God asked of me from that point on, I could face it. 

I am sure that for some of you, this must sound like a very shallow story, but it had a profound and lasting impact on my life. That day is the day I learned to truly surrender to God.

It took about ten years before I allowed myself any exposure to Star Trek again. It was an addiction, of sorts, and watching would be like waving a bottle of whiskey in front of an alcoholic. Then, a new movie came out in 2009. (You know the one -  starring Chris Pine as Captain Kirk, and Zachary Quinto as Spock.) I decided I wanted to watch it. It was like a re-union, and it was a great relief to know that I could enjoy the movie without falling back into my obsession. Since then, I have been able to re-enjoy watching all the old shows and movies. My love for Star Trek was restored, but in a new context - without the unhealthy idolatry. 

Here are some photos of me taken at Vulcan, AB, last summer, where I finally visited for the first time with a couple of my siblings and a cousin. We had tons of fun. 
 

My brother and I in front of the starship Enterprise. We watched many an episode together as kids.

Leonard Nimoy's handprint positioned in the famous Vulcan greeting: "Live long and prosper."

Sometimes, God gives us surprising directions, but each and every time, it is for our benefit. I look back at this experience with such gratitude and know that it was a stepping stone for further growth in Him. 

Tracy Krauss is currently serving as InScribe's president. Website. 

Mending an Angry Heart by Karma Pratt

Christians are often refined by God before being used by God. God is interested in the condition of our hearts, and it takes a certain amount of personal transformation before God's purpose for your life may be revealed to you. Thankfully, the biggest prerequisites for this transformation are nothing more than a desire to ask God into your heart, and the faith that He will show up to do His part. He will work with what He's given, and miracles will most certainly result. Such was the case in my life. 

Often my prayer has been that of the Psalmist: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; renew a right spirit within me" (Psalms 51:10). Little did I know how that cleaning would occur, or what deep seeded anger God would find there. Of course, this is the beauty and mystery of God: He knew what He would find and was not the least bit surprised. 

I entered into a period of dedicated prayer and fasting recently, believing that God would meet me in the midst of my weakness. I was not disappointed. I lost my temper on day four of a seven day fast. Angry, bitter hearts have a tendency toward impatience and loud outbursts, and my children were the recipients of my wrath on this particular day. As I slumped down on the floor in defeat, ashamed of my failure, God met me there. 

My frustrations were extreme and I know I scared the kids with my volume. My daughter tried to talk to me and I just kept saying, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I got so angry. I'm sorry I yelled at you both. I'm sorry I ruined the day. I'm sorry I am such a failure." 

And there, hanging in the aftermath of those words, was the truth behind my anger. I had failed my family; the people that mean the most to me in the world. The people I am meant to model Christ for. If Godly character is established in examples of what not to do, I was excelling.

That was my final breaking point. I sank down on the kitchen floor crying. I cried because I knew I had failed. I was angry because I had failed. Angry at myself, but taking it out on others. I cried and I prayed, and I heard a voice say, "You had One Job." At first it was very derisive; the tone was mocking. I believed my one job was to care for my family. But then God spoke over all the rest and asked me gently, "What is your one job, Karma?"  And He directed my mind back to a verse in Scripture: Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength (Deuteronomy 6:5).

My one job. It wasn't to get everything right. It wasn't to keep trying harder. It was to love God. Loving God in my life and my home meant loving my children. Loving God meant speaking soft words of encouragement, not spewing harsh vitriol. Loving God meant surrendering my desire to try harder. 

Jesus found me on the kitchen floor in a huddled mess while leaning against the oven. The anger and frustration dissipated and a sense of peace overwhelmed me. 

I had a vision of the end of my rope, dangling into dark nothingness. There was no where left to go. And that's when I finally experienced true surrender to Christ. At my darkest, hardest, and most unlovable moment, God broke through and showed me His way. Yes, it is my responsibility to care for my family and our home. But God has been telling me to quit trying and let Him take the lead. Finally, finally, I was able to let go. And when I asked how to love Him best, He showed me the faces of my son and daughter. 

In that moment, I moved from trying to trusting, from doing to being. As I let go of the rope, the Spirit of God reached down and caught me in His everlasting love. I knew, going forward, that my life was changed. I had moved from attempting self-sufficiency to relying fully on Jesus to be my strength in every circumstance.

That moment on the kitchen floor did more than renew and repair my relationship with my children. It broke open my heart in a way that I had not experienced before. An act of true surrender will allow God to move in your life in ways that He was hindered before. In the gap between physical reality and mystical reality, I was learning what it meant to truly "live Christ everyday". 

That day also opened up more than my heart. It helped me realize my purpose as a Christ follower and servant of God. I felt more freedom to be a light in the darkness. God had broken the chains of anger, and of fear, that had held me back for so long. Having been refined by God, I was better prepared to be a light in the world.

____

Karma writes from the golden house in Northeastern BC. You can connect with her online at redraincoatcreations.com

Surrender by Loretta Bouillon

I’ve made a personal decision. I have surrendered my writing to God. The past couple of years I’ve set goals, tried to establish schedules, entered contests, submitted pieces here and there and sporadically worked  on my novel.  I’ve had some of my writing published and it’s been exciting, enlightening, challenging, satisfying and stretching all rolled up into one big experience.

While reflecting on this past year of trials and change, I realized that I added to my own stress by trying to do everything. Even though my intent was to write for God, to write His words, according to His timing and for His glory, I easily slipped into my own agenda. Writing became a stress added to an already stressful year and the joy of writing slowly faded. And….it was exhausting. Surrender--there is so much freedom in it isn’t there? Why is it so difficult for me to do?

So here’s my new revelation: I am going to relax. Here's an honest admission: I don’t feel called to write for a career. It’s not my livelihood (although that would be really nice J) and it’s not a race. I realize that we are all at different places in our writing journeys but this is the place I’m at, and I’m okay with it.

So here I am, God. I will write to commune with you. I will write to hear you better. I will write to bless others when you ask me to. I offer up my words, my pen and my laptop. I thank you for the gift of writing.

Amen!

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

Just Keep Walking and Let God Do the Rest - Tracy Krauss

Sometimes we don’t realize God is doing anything until much later. Thankfully, it's not our job to know the future. Our job is to be obedient and let God handle the rest. 

Back in the nineties, my husband and I ran the Youth Group at our church. I think back to some of the stuff we did with them and I cringe. Some of our activities weren’t that spiritual and we basically blundered along just doing the best we knew how. Several years later, we were at a conference for pastors in Banff. We were surprised to meet up with a young man who had been in our youth group almost ten years earlier. He came from a particularly troubled background, and we doubted at the time that he was even getting anything out of YG. However, there he was at the conference, thanking us. He said our unconditional acceptance was what brought him to Christ and ultimately led him into ministry.

I know you’ve had experiences like this, too. Often it’s the seemingly unimportant things that have the biggest impact. All our planning cannot take the place of God appointed opportunities.

It’s a philosophy I use in my capacity as a writer. I have no idea who may pick up one of my books and be touched by something I’ve written. I’ve been privileged to hear feedback from readers expressing gratitude when a certain element of one of my stories impacted them. However, we won’t always know the outcome of every deed we’ve done or word we’ve spoken. Unlike my first example about the young man from our youth group, we may never know all the people we have influenced in this life, be it for harm or for good.

Reflection:

Have you had an experience where someone has unexpectedly expressed their gratitude for an act of kindness or other service?

This is a short excerpt from a devotional I am preparing for publication called 

LIFE IS A HIGHWAY: Advice and Reflections On Navigating the Road of Life

Tracy Krauss works as a secondary school teacher of Drama, Art and English in Tumbler Ridge, BC. In her 'spare' time she writes romantic suspense novels and stage plays. Visit her website or her blog for more.