RUDE AWAKENINGS

Okay, I am prone to waking up in the middle of the night! There, I've said it. My friends call this "Oh-Dark-Hundred!" and with just cause. I mean, who in their right mind gets up from a sound slumber? Actually, I have an answer to that question -- those who are awakened to the possibilities God brings. Getting up in the middle of the night doesn't make one more spiritual than the next person sleeping. But if called, I hope it makes one more obedient to hear what our Savior has to say.

Usually, I get up to read, write or pray (those options keep you out of trouble and your retinas healthy from watching too many late-night infomercials). I listen too. There's a lot being spoken in the middle of the night apart from creaking floor boards and leaking faucets. God seems to share His heart in a passage of scripture or His thoughts in a magazine article. But listen I do. And believe it or not, sometimes I may not hear an answer to a deep issue. It still doesn't make Him less God. He is God and He calls us to "be still AND know."

Well, this particular "morning" (mind you, I'm using this term loosely), God placed on my heart to email a couple of people -- one near, the other far away. My dear friend close to home (only less than 10 minutes away) has been a "sistah" through thick and thin. I felt the need to offer up words of encouragement for no reason whatsoever. And then I was led to lift up in prayer a sister in Christ who loves being called "Just Julia." Her and her husband, Eric and their 3 great kids just recently left the states (Columbus, OH) to plant a church in Amsterdam (check out their blogspot below). Anywho, Julia's just "mad about Christ" (absolutely adores our Savior). Talk about on fire for God -- simply, no words!

Am I tired after typing this? Maybe a bit physically, but spiritually, I feel renewed. It isn't everyday we get the chance to meet God at "Oh-Dark"Hundred." I, for one, want to be ready when He calls on me. If I answer, I may be in for a wonderfully "rude awakening!"

Blessings!