I thought about your question, I really did. And I asked Keith and we both feel that this is where we are supposed to be at this juncture in time. He tends not to be a deep discusser unless I catch him in the right moment. 😂 Maybe it's because I've learned some things in my advanced stage of life, but I don't really ask why I am where I am at any given time. It's not that I don't tentatively plan things about the future, but I hold the plans loosely and have faith that if I am listening, God will show me where I need to be and what I should be doing next. Now granted, sometimes when He tells me those things, it may take me awhile to agree with Him. I see God directing my path in the way things play out and the opportunities that come. I'm good (mostly -- I'm still a flawed human) with letting Him lead and try not to question it too much, though sometimes I feel like I can't see the purpose. I almost always find there was a reason and it was for my good or the good of someone else. Your walk was its own illustration - first the climbing, the narrow path, the rocks and roots, then the summit, the open grassy areas, the smoother path. All the while being pelted with rain like the day to day trials. There are always good lessons in your prayer walks, even if we all see them differently. Hope you dried out! 😊
What a blessing to be in such a mind set. And cool observation of the illustration of my walk through the paths to the open field. I remember feeling that open space but focusing more remaining on the topic than enjoying the space God had me in the moment. Thank you for pointing that out.
Good morning, Donny. Your question of where am I, is a really good question. I am being led more to help in my church. So I am following His leading in this. I haven't taught a Sunday school class in many years but will be doing this in a few weeks. Is it easy for me? No, because I am a very shy person and it will be hard for me to stand in front of 25 - 30 people and teach a class. But I know God has this and He will be with me. I continue to pray for you daily.
Wonderful Terri - If God is leading you to serve in this way, then He alone will give you the strength and the words to share and to lead. I am so happy for you and will pray for you regarding this. God bless you!
A good instrument for God is one that sounds beautiful and brings Him glory. Old Testament scriptures below tell me my purpose.
Deut 6:5 love God with all my heart, soul and strength, Micah 6:8. He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”
Because I’m sinful by nature and need direction.
He has shown me I’m to befriend those that have no friends. To be a place of confidentiality for those that have wounded hearts and the desire to trust.
My daughter is my sweetest blessing and she needs her mom’s love and patience no matter how much she messes up. This time her story came home with a tale of abuse. I hold her tears and pass them on to Jesus who with the Holy Spirit can bring us both comfort. Whatever God calls me to I’m willing to do. I can’t do a lot but if God needs me to do something I’m not equipped in He will give me the tools to fulfill His wishes. Thank you my friend for putting this question into a perspective that even being retired can find her calling and explain it.
I asked myself that “Why?” “What’s My Purpose?” question for many years. I’m no longer questioning or searching. Now, that I’m 77 I just live life as it comes , using my gifts to serve God and mankind the best I can. I figure I’m on the right path when things turn out well in the end. For example: I started a ministry with hands-on classes in the fine arts for kids in Grades K-5 so they could find their talents. Over 300 kids participate. I staged a production of M*A*S*H to raise funds for mental health awareness earlier this year. We raised $25,000. I am writing a blog about aging and am selling a compilation of the stories in a paperback on Amazon to encourage people to look at the positive side of life. Both are being received really well. I think God planted all those ideas in my head and helped me with them along the way.
Although I am no longer searching, I’d say I am in the “verifying” stage. That’s one reason I was drawn to your Prayer Walks. Not only are you a very authentic , encouraging messenger that takes us on beautiful walks, you have been introducing me to a lot of Bible verses and stories – making me want to look up your Bible references. I think a lot of that has been missing lately. I hope you get back to that. (and I hope I didn’t just offend you.) *wink Thanks, Jan xoxo
Oh, Donnie -- the “verifying stage” is a great time in Life. It’s like an exciting ah, ha moment.
The best way for me to explain is a couple examples. I spent most of my life teaching. I was most successful with students who didn’t learn in the traditional left-brain way. When I was in college, no one taught creative teaching methods; I just knew how to use them intuitively. So now, it has been wonderful getting to know Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor. Her books, workshops, personal messages have verified what I did intuitively. AND now she's teaching this old dog even more new things about the right & left hemispheres.
Don’t get me wrong -- I had plenty of struggles, mistakes & challenges in my life. But even though I was an Am. Lit teacher, I found the Bible very difficult to read so I pushed it aside. I just spent my life talking to God all the time. It led me to using my talents successfully to Serve Him and others. I have really enjoyed your Prayer Walks because they have helped me relate to the difficult scriptures finally. They have been verifying what God told me. And you have been teaching me even more about the Bible.
The ‘verifying stage” feels good -- like “Oh boy, I got some things right. Oops, I missed a few, but it’s OK. ” This was kinda hard to explain, but thanks for asking. I hope you get what I'm trying to say. ~ Jan xoxo
Maybe being settled in where God has us comes more easily in the later seasons of life. I feel the same that I don't question so much anymore. God opens doors to use me and my giftings and I try to step through them without overthinking. Maybe that's a gift He gives us at our "stage of life".
Donny - great to see you again even in the rain. Beautiful fall colors on the mountain. It's amazing how God works. I was actually reflecting back a little last night about my past, why and how some things were and were not. It didn't make me unhappy, but actually brought me joy in a new discovery that I forgot about.
Where is here for me now? Here for me is to experience and draw near to God even more than I did the day before. James 4:8a (NIV) - "Come near to God and he will come near to you." I have a deep passion to serve Him deeper than the day before.
What did the Holy Spirit tell me? I'm at peace today in my walk of faith. When I shared remembering something from my past, I remembered a youth camp weekend retreat when I was about 13 or 14 years old. I remember sitting around a camp fire, someone playing their guitar to a very simple but beautiful song called "Kumbaya My Lord." That is literally when my love for the sound of the guitar first hit me I believe. Last night, I literally got up from my chair, went to the guitar and taught myself how to play that simple but beautiful song on the guitar. It only took a minute or two. God is telling me to stay the course as He is preparing me for whatever the future holds.
Why am I here now? I'm here to learn to be taught for whatever the future holds. God only knows what that is, but He is preparing me for all the tomorrows. He's doing the same for each of us. He's preparing me right now for the tough conversation I will need to have very soon with my brother. Last week, I was actually dreading that out of fear, but right now today, I'm at peace as I'm being taught many things. I'm being taught emotional spiritual maturity. I'm growing in my faith day by day, but I'm also becoming more mature in my faith. I'm being taught to have these much needed deep conversations that I've always run away from in the past. I'm at peace knowing this particular conversation needs to happen, but it is God who is preparing my heart, mind, and soul for the right time, place, and words. I appreciate all the prayers regarding this, and I pray you will continue to pray for me.
Why am I specifically in this place? Physically, I will be wherever God wants me to be. If He wishes me to physically move to serve Him, then yes, I would do that. For now, I believe I'm right where He wants me to be to learn what it is He is trying to teach me about writing, having tough but needed conversations. All this I believe will help me with however and wherever He guides me for the future. Only God knows what tomorrow holds, and I know all I need to do is live for today, this very minute as He guides me through it. I can say with all honesty, I'm beginning to see a little of the "why" God brought me to this community. God has used you, Donny, and many within this community as His vessels to encourage me to open up and take leaps of faith out of comfort zones. In doing so, I want to give that encouragement right back. I'm filled with great joy and so humbled to be able to do that. Thank you Donny for a great prayer walk. Prayers for you as you continue this journey and how you feel called to serve.
One last thing I would like to mention. You mentioned a phrase in the prayer walk, "For Such a Time as This." There is an old contemporary christian song from Wayne Watson called "For Such a Time as This" that I thought I would share the Spotify and YouTube links to below:
Thank you Anne for that beautiful song and thank you. Donny for that beautiful walk and message. I know why God has me here and am so thankful and honoured to do His work in the ministry
Thank you for this prayer walk Donny. A week or so ago I wrote the following and shared it on the THC site. However it really speaks about where I am at, at this point of my life and the reason Why I am here at this time is to grow closer to God/Jesus/Holy Spirit and become the person I was created to be. This is what I wrote.
I don't want to live in the winter anymore
Where it is dull and dreary and no joy or fun
Where everything is locked up - dead
I want to move from here into Spring
Where new life bursts forth and growth can be seen
Where there is joy and fun and love reigns supreme.
Honestly, I think you and I are on the same wave length for these walks lately. Your question "Why are you here?" I asked myself this question just last night as I left my classroom (3 hours after students left) I am in the process of deciding if where I am is where I want to be. As an educator in the US right now so many are asking if this is truly where we want to be. I love teaching, it has been my passion my entire life. But, here I am questioning this path. It is heart wrenching honestly, I am so torn with everything at this time. Physically and mentally the negativity of the media, parent demands and law makers who have no vested interest in education are taking their toll on me. The atmosphere in my school is toxic - and it gets harder and harder to walk into the building every single day. The other side of this - is I love my students, I take great pride in what I do and try to make sure every student in my classroom and that I have contact with knows that I am there for them. Why? Am I here? What is my path? I am lost and heartbroken.
Robin ~ I understand where you are coming from because I have a daughter who has taught 30 years asking the very same questions. It breaks my heart. Things in education & society are such a terrible mess. Just remember that God wouldn't need you there now if things were perfect. The kids need you more than ever. They are living in this nightmare too. Do what you can one moment at a time. Don't be too hard on yourself. Find a way to take care of yourself. You are making a difference. xoxoxoxoxo
You have no idea how much I needed to hear that tonight. It has always been what I love, but it is mentally and physically draining me... Thank you so much - I wish your daughter all the best as we traverse this mess we call education.
I am here to help others in whatever capacity they need me. Since my husband died I have time and energy to do these tasks. This sounds simple but that is it. I do this in my volunteer groups with both adults and children. Stay dry!!!!
Donny, this was beautiful in so many ways! The first word that came to me when you asked what is your “here” was gratitude. Personally, it’s been a journey of hills and valleys over the past three years. I’m in a place of trying to take in the healing place I am in. That’s my “here”. Why me, you asked. I believe God has prepared me to walk in suffering and joys with others. He has brought me to this place for “such a time as this”. God bless you as you take the Prayer Walks mobile! 🙏
I thought on this question for several days. I am here because I am right where God wants me. I live with my daughter because I can't afford an apartment in our area, but I am helping my daughter, first with money (a little!) And, second, with encouragement with her foster teen. But, I am moving to my other daughters house in Dec.. I don't know what God wants me to do there, but I am willing to move until God moves me again. I think we don't know the future, but as long as we keep trusting God, we will prosper.
Donny I really liked this prayer walk it took me a while to really think about it cause when I was with my son's dad I always asked my self why I was still here cause at that time my life was a mess my son got put in foster care and in 2006 my adopted dad came in my life and took me in I still had my problem but thanks to him I got clean from taking pain pills and before he died he got me and my son a trailer and told me that we would never be homeless again 🙏🙏 a good friend of mine Dad told him that he knew now why they adopted me it was so I could take care of him and mama 🙏🙏 I thank GOD all the time for being me and my son from where we were to where we are now 🙏🙏 I feel that GOD has put me here for them and to also get closer to GOD 🙏🙏 I also want to thank you Donny for what you do cause I had made a difference in my life 🙏🙏
I feel called to share this "good news", without omitting the reality of the hatred and divisiveness I see happening in the world right now. To ignore what is so obviously a horrific battle is something my inner voice simply won't let me do.
Please pray with me and for me during this time of upheaval and transition on this planet. 🙏 Thank you 💞🦋
I want to jump in here and repeat something that President Biden just said, which isn't a political statement, and seems to be in alignment with the way the Spirit is working through our prayer group. He pointed out that within each person there is at least some "spark of Light". Our purpose is to be that Light as we ourselves are guided by our inner Lights and walk among others in the world. May God bless him for sharing this perspective as a heartfelt offering to us all. ✨️💞🦋
I thought about your question, I really did. And I asked Keith and we both feel that this is where we are supposed to be at this juncture in time. He tends not to be a deep discusser unless I catch him in the right moment. 😂 Maybe it's because I've learned some things in my advanced stage of life, but I don't really ask why I am where I am at any given time. It's not that I don't tentatively plan things about the future, but I hold the plans loosely and have faith that if I am listening, God will show me where I need to be and what I should be doing next. Now granted, sometimes when He tells me those things, it may take me awhile to agree with Him. I see God directing my path in the way things play out and the opportunities that come. I'm good (mostly -- I'm still a flawed human) with letting Him lead and try not to question it too much, though sometimes I feel like I can't see the purpose. I almost always find there was a reason and it was for my good or the good of someone else. Your walk was its own illustration - first the climbing, the narrow path, the rocks and roots, then the summit, the open grassy areas, the smoother path. All the while being pelted with rain like the day to day trials. There are always good lessons in your prayer walks, even if we all see them differently. Hope you dried out! 😊
What a blessing to be in such a mind set. And cool observation of the illustration of my walk through the paths to the open field. I remember feeling that open space but focusing more remaining on the topic than enjoying the space God had me in the moment. Thank you for pointing that out.
Good morning, Donny. Your question of where am I, is a really good question. I am being led more to help in my church. So I am following His leading in this. I haven't taught a Sunday school class in many years but will be doing this in a few weeks. Is it easy for me? No, because I am a very shy person and it will be hard for me to stand in front of 25 - 30 people and teach a class. But I know God has this and He will be with me. I continue to pray for you daily.
What a wonderful calling, I am happy to hear you're stepping out in faith. Thank you for your prayers. I am praying for you right now.
Wonderful Terri - If God is leading you to serve in this way, then He alone will give you the strength and the words to share and to lead. I am so happy for you and will pray for you regarding this. God bless you!
Thank you so much, Anne.
A good instrument for God is one that sounds beautiful and brings Him glory. Old Testament scriptures below tell me my purpose.
Deut 6:5 love God with all my heart, soul and strength, Micah 6:8. He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”
Because I’m sinful by nature and need direction.
He has shown me I’m to befriend those that have no friends. To be a place of confidentiality for those that have wounded hearts and the desire to trust.
My daughter is my sweetest blessing and she needs her mom’s love and patience no matter how much she messes up. This time her story came home with a tale of abuse. I hold her tears and pass them on to Jesus who with the Holy Spirit can bring us both comfort. Whatever God calls me to I’m willing to do. I can’t do a lot but if God needs me to do something I’m not equipped in He will give me the tools to fulfill His wishes. Thank you my friend for putting this question into a perspective that even being retired can find her calling and explain it.
sounds like a beautiful calling. thank you for sharing.
Hi Donny ~
I asked myself that “Why?” “What’s My Purpose?” question for many years. I’m no longer questioning or searching. Now, that I’m 77 I just live life as it comes , using my gifts to serve God and mankind the best I can. I figure I’m on the right path when things turn out well in the end. For example: I started a ministry with hands-on classes in the fine arts for kids in Grades K-5 so they could find their talents. Over 300 kids participate. I staged a production of M*A*S*H to raise funds for mental health awareness earlier this year. We raised $25,000. I am writing a blog about aging and am selling a compilation of the stories in a paperback on Amazon to encourage people to look at the positive side of life. Both are being received really well. I think God planted all those ideas in my head and helped me with them along the way.
Although I am no longer searching, I’d say I am in the “verifying” stage. That’s one reason I was drawn to your Prayer Walks. Not only are you a very authentic , encouraging messenger that takes us on beautiful walks, you have been introducing me to a lot of Bible verses and stories – making me want to look up your Bible references. I think a lot of that has been missing lately. I hope you get back to that. (and I hope I didn’t just offend you.) *wink Thanks, Jan xoxo
You did not offend me at all. I appreciate hearing your heart.
The "verifying" stage, I like that, what does that feel like for you?
Oh, Donnie -- the “verifying stage” is a great time in Life. It’s like an exciting ah, ha moment.
The best way for me to explain is a couple examples. I spent most of my life teaching. I was most successful with students who didn’t learn in the traditional left-brain way. When I was in college, no one taught creative teaching methods; I just knew how to use them intuitively. So now, it has been wonderful getting to know Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor. Her books, workshops, personal messages have verified what I did intuitively. AND now she's teaching this old dog even more new things about the right & left hemispheres.
Don’t get me wrong -- I had plenty of struggles, mistakes & challenges in my life. But even though I was an Am. Lit teacher, I found the Bible very difficult to read so I pushed it aside. I just spent my life talking to God all the time. It led me to using my talents successfully to Serve Him and others. I have really enjoyed your Prayer Walks because they have helped me relate to the difficult scriptures finally. They have been verifying what God told me. And you have been teaching me even more about the Bible.
The ‘verifying stage” feels good -- like “Oh boy, I got some things right. Oops, I missed a few, but it’s OK. ” This was kinda hard to explain, but thanks for asking. I hope you get what I'm trying to say. ~ Jan xoxo
Totally makes sense. Sounds like a fantastic journey you have been on. Thank you for sharing.
You are now an important part of my journey. Thank you! ~J.
Maybe being settled in where God has us comes more easily in the later seasons of life. I feel the same that I don't question so much anymore. God opens doors to use me and my giftings and I try to step through them without overthinking. Maybe that's a gift He gives us at our "stage of life".
You’re definitely beautifully gifted.
Your words are an encouragement and a blessing to me!
Donny - great to see you again even in the rain. Beautiful fall colors on the mountain. It's amazing how God works. I was actually reflecting back a little last night about my past, why and how some things were and were not. It didn't make me unhappy, but actually brought me joy in a new discovery that I forgot about.
Where is here for me now? Here for me is to experience and draw near to God even more than I did the day before. James 4:8a (NIV) - "Come near to God and he will come near to you." I have a deep passion to serve Him deeper than the day before.
What did the Holy Spirit tell me? I'm at peace today in my walk of faith. When I shared remembering something from my past, I remembered a youth camp weekend retreat when I was about 13 or 14 years old. I remember sitting around a camp fire, someone playing their guitar to a very simple but beautiful song called "Kumbaya My Lord." That is literally when my love for the sound of the guitar first hit me I believe. Last night, I literally got up from my chair, went to the guitar and taught myself how to play that simple but beautiful song on the guitar. It only took a minute or two. God is telling me to stay the course as He is preparing me for whatever the future holds.
Why am I here now? I'm here to learn to be taught for whatever the future holds. God only knows what that is, but He is preparing me for all the tomorrows. He's doing the same for each of us. He's preparing me right now for the tough conversation I will need to have very soon with my brother. Last week, I was actually dreading that out of fear, but right now today, I'm at peace as I'm being taught many things. I'm being taught emotional spiritual maturity. I'm growing in my faith day by day, but I'm also becoming more mature in my faith. I'm being taught to have these much needed deep conversations that I've always run away from in the past. I'm at peace knowing this particular conversation needs to happen, but it is God who is preparing my heart, mind, and soul for the right time, place, and words. I appreciate all the prayers regarding this, and I pray you will continue to pray for me.
Why am I specifically in this place? Physically, I will be wherever God wants me to be. If He wishes me to physically move to serve Him, then yes, I would do that. For now, I believe I'm right where He wants me to be to learn what it is He is trying to teach me about writing, having tough but needed conversations. All this I believe will help me with however and wherever He guides me for the future. Only God knows what tomorrow holds, and I know all I need to do is live for today, this very minute as He guides me through it. I can say with all honesty, I'm beginning to see a little of the "why" God brought me to this community. God has used you, Donny, and many within this community as His vessels to encourage me to open up and take leaps of faith out of comfort zones. In doing so, I want to give that encouragement right back. I'm filled with great joy and so humbled to be able to do that. Thank you Donny for a great prayer walk. Prayers for you as you continue this journey and how you feel called to serve.
One last thing I would like to mention. You mentioned a phrase in the prayer walk, "For Such a Time as This." There is an old contemporary christian song from Wayne Watson called "For Such a Time as This" that I thought I would share the Spotify and YouTube links to below:
Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/track/0LqLmX5jAXH2VetcEQ9bNW?si=99b18e6c29694284
YouTube link with lyrics:https://youtu.be/YmYOQ8h4wsM?si=ESuOOsSJsr4mF7k7
Thank you for sharing Anne, it has been such a blessing to witness your growth in faith and how you have so boldly stepped out of your comfort zone.
Thank you Donny! Totally blessed and humbled!
Thank you Anne for that beautiful song and thank you. Donny for that beautiful walk and message. I know why God has me here and am so thankful and honoured to do His work in the ministry
Beautiful.
You’re welcome Kathryn and I appreciate your comment. Amen to knowing why God has you where you are. God bless you!
You’re such a beautiful child of God and an adopted sister in Jesus.
Thank you Cindy! I feel the same about you too!
Thank you for this prayer walk Donny. A week or so ago I wrote the following and shared it on the THC site. However it really speaks about where I am at, at this point of my life and the reason Why I am here at this time is to grow closer to God/Jesus/Holy Spirit and become the person I was created to be. This is what I wrote.
I don't want to live in the winter anymore
Where it is dull and dreary and no joy or fun
Where everything is locked up - dead
I want to move from here into Spring
Where new life bursts forth and growth can be seen
Where there is joy and fun and love reigns supreme.
Honestly, I think you and I are on the same wave length for these walks lately. Your question "Why are you here?" I asked myself this question just last night as I left my classroom (3 hours after students left) I am in the process of deciding if where I am is where I want to be. As an educator in the US right now so many are asking if this is truly where we want to be. I love teaching, it has been my passion my entire life. But, here I am questioning this path. It is heart wrenching honestly, I am so torn with everything at this time. Physically and mentally the negativity of the media, parent demands and law makers who have no vested interest in education are taking their toll on me. The atmosphere in my school is toxic - and it gets harder and harder to walk into the building every single day. The other side of this - is I love my students, I take great pride in what I do and try to make sure every student in my classroom and that I have contact with knows that I am there for them. Why? Am I here? What is my path? I am lost and heartbroken.
Robin ~ I understand where you are coming from because I have a daughter who has taught 30 years asking the very same questions. It breaks my heart. Things in education & society are such a terrible mess. Just remember that God wouldn't need you there now if things were perfect. The kids need you more than ever. They are living in this nightmare too. Do what you can one moment at a time. Don't be too hard on yourself. Find a way to take care of yourself. You are making a difference. xoxoxoxoxo
You have no idea how much I needed to hear that tonight. It has always been what I love, but it is mentally and physically draining me... Thank you so much - I wish your daughter all the best as we traverse this mess we call education.
I was taught in second grade that we were born to know, love, and serve God in this world and to be happy with Him forever in the next.
I am here to help others in whatever capacity they need me. Since my husband died I have time and energy to do these tasks. This sounds simple but that is it. I do this in my volunteer groups with both adults and children. Stay dry!!!!
Donny, this was beautiful in so many ways! The first word that came to me when you asked what is your “here” was gratitude. Personally, it’s been a journey of hills and valleys over the past three years. I’m in a place of trying to take in the healing place I am in. That’s my “here”. Why me, you asked. I believe God has prepared me to walk in suffering and joys with others. He has brought me to this place for “such a time as this”. God bless you as you take the Prayer Walks mobile! 🙏
I thought on this question for several days. I am here because I am right where God wants me. I live with my daughter because I can't afford an apartment in our area, but I am helping my daughter, first with money (a little!) And, second, with encouragement with her foster teen. But, I am moving to my other daughters house in Dec.. I don't know what God wants me to do there, but I am willing to move until God moves me again. I think we don't know the future, but as long as we keep trusting God, we will prosper.
Donny I really liked this prayer walk it took me a while to really think about it cause when I was with my son's dad I always asked my self why I was still here cause at that time my life was a mess my son got put in foster care and in 2006 my adopted dad came in my life and took me in I still had my problem but thanks to him I got clean from taking pain pills and before he died he got me and my son a trailer and told me that we would never be homeless again 🙏🙏 a good friend of mine Dad told him that he knew now why they adopted me it was so I could take care of him and mama 🙏🙏 I thank GOD all the time for being me and my son from where we were to where we are now 🙏🙏 I feel that GOD has put me here for them and to also get closer to GOD 🙏🙏 I also want to thank you Donny for what you do cause I had made a difference in my life 🙏🙏
I feel called to share this "good news", without omitting the reality of the hatred and divisiveness I see happening in the world right now. To ignore what is so obviously a horrific battle is something my inner voice simply won't let me do.
Please pray with me and for me during this time of upheaval and transition on this planet. 🙏 Thank you 💞🦋
I want to jump in here and repeat something that President Biden just said, which isn't a political statement, and seems to be in alignment with the way the Spirit is working through our prayer group. He pointed out that within each person there is at least some "spark of Light". Our purpose is to be that Light as we ourselves are guided by our inner Lights and walk among others in the world. May God bless him for sharing this perspective as a heartfelt offering to us all. ✨️💞🦋