Rev. Lainie Dowell
Let us go out to the desert.
We can get some rest.
But, before we do that,
we have to prepare.
Because ~
- The air is hot and dry in the desert
- The desert is barren and friendless
- The shade is nowhere to be found
- The water is hidden from view,
if there is any around anywhere
- The night is colder than the daytime
is hot
There. . .
What you have is an overview.
Somewhat of a scaled down look at
what awaits your trek to the desert.
And, if you should take your family
and friends along for the sake of
companionship when you arise from
your rest ~ well, then, do not expect
to have much of a rest?
And, you can forget about the thanks
for allowing others to accompany you
to the desert. Grumbling, mumbling . .
Scripture calls it murmuring and complaining.
Ask the Israelites.
Bowlegged time is at hand.
Cross-eyed time is here.
Run-you-ragged-and-silly time.
Rest?
Forget it.
Did you not know there is no rest for the weary?
That is an old adage to be sure, but it is also
a truism nevertheless.
If cool, calm, and collected time is what
you are after,
If reflection time is your aim,
If need-to-be-alone time is your heart's desire,
Then~
Clothe yourself in God's righteousness.
Wrap up in His mighty presence.
Dress down in your appearance.
It is filthy rags, anyway, and all of your
garments are covered with sin
instead of stained by Jesus's blood.
And~
If you have not believed and received
Jesus as your personal Savior and as
the Lord of your life,
Then ~
You will forever remain parched in a
desert land crawling all around on
sinking sand.
It is just so good to get away and to know
you are not alone in the desert.
Silent Whisperings . . .
Wearer of the Iron Robe
Copyright (c) 2004. Rev. Lainie Dowell.
The Mountainside Ministries. Columbia, MD.
All rights reserved worldwide.
Rec'd Tuesday, August 10, 2004, 7:13 a.m. EST.
A Shepherd Woman's Heart
