Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Word Filled Wednesday and Prayer Closet

Greetings and Holykisses,

Today's word filled Wednesday scripture is one I'm trying to memorize.
It's the perfect Rx to all the what if's that tend to rattle around inside my head from time to time. Do any of you find yourself entertaining those as well, or am I the only one?


For awhile now, I've wanted to make a little prayer closet. Then of all things, this past week, at the Women Inspired Conference; it was brought up again and I knew it was time. Our garden is actually my favorite place to study and do my daily reading but needed a space indoors as well. Myguy chuckles at me because I have this routine: I carry an armful of books, journals, notebooks and bibles to bed every night. Then first thing in the morning I carry the whole armful of books, journals, notebooks and bibles back to the kitchen table, where it all remains until supper, where it then.... all goes to the floor. Then back up after the table's cleared. At bedtime, I pick them all back up and begin carting them down the hallway to the bedroom. Back n forth, back n forth. Hopefully, that's all changing.

To create a space, I wanted to use this antique door from the 1800's. I knew I wanted to do something special with it. (A door for the potting shed was a possibility! lol) At least for now, it will be part of thy prayer closet. The word says, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." Matthew 6:6 KJV I love that verse! ~

I've been tossin around some other ideas to create this space, but need some help. So.... I'll have to wait til Myguy can give me a hand later in the week. I can wait, and this will do for now.
I don't know about you, but I really needed a quiet place to get alone with God. Away from tv, internet, and all the noises of life! I know some people clear out an actual closet to do this, but I wanted a place I could see to read and to sit comfortably to write. The door for me symbolizes closing the door to pray, just like it says in the scripture. And I liked how primitive it is, because it reminds me thee importance of humility.

Now, do you see the vintage, pink file box? This is the casting box that I'm using after learning about them at the Women Inspired Conference. You can learn more about it from Kathy Butryn, at her site: The Heart Change Place. You can see pictures of her casting box and get ideas if you want to make your own. It really seems to be helping to write down all those things that I worry about ... and "cast" them into this box. I've already started filling it up with concerns, worries and those awful what if's. After writing them, I hold the card and pray, and then leave it in the box. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
Thought I'd share a couple more pictures of what it's been looking like around the potting shed. This is our kitchen window. Walking up to the screen door I happened to notice this little canister yesterday! My friend Jackie gave me these "friendship seeds," for my birthday in August, and I saved them through Winter. After planting them, they sprouted so fast! Soon as the weather warms and danger of frost is gone, these little beauties are going into the garden!
The puddleducks are spending alot more time at the pond now. I don't think we can call them puddleducks really anymore. lol All my friends who have ducks, have told me theirs are setting on eggs now, but ours aren't. I'm beginning to wonder if we have all drakes? I've looked everywhere the ducks have been and no eggs. Oh well; it's probably for the best.
Our tulip tree in the backyard is beginning to bloom. And....
You may have noticed from the wfw scripture picture that fresh buttercups and lily of the valley are on the mantle. Lily of the valley was Momma's birth flower so they'll always be extra special to us.

Walking around the flower beds; Janie and Maxi's rose bushes are leafing out, the red raspberry canes are coming up Heidi, .... the blackberry canes are leafing out, the lilacs have tiny leaflets and flower heads, Merry Bema's snowball bush, and thee azaleas are leafing, the onions are up, and even the grass is looking long in patches. Spring has finally come!

My last bit of news is a new space for prayer requests that will be added to the sidebar of the potting shed. It goes along with the theme for today and is called Thy Prayer Closet. I'll try to check it every night and all of you are welcome to as well.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Have a wonderful day everyone!
God's good!

17 comments:

Denise said...

Hello sweet friend and how are you? I am finally finding time to get over here and say hello......I too need to make myself a prayer closet for sure..... seems that I pray on the run too many times and I need to be still to hear God....... We moved the fence last week while my sweet DH was off and now I will start my garden... I will take pictures........

Sending you Spring daffodils and warm hugs

Unknown said...

Oh Lea, I LOVE that door and it makes such a special spot for your daily read, I think that corner is just perfect the way it is! LOVE it!!

Artful Gathering said...

Lea,
I loved this post! Thanks so much.... I think we all struggle with some of the same issues with our walk with the LORD.... At least I know I do. It is hard for me to stay focused and on track with my Lord. I try to but it is not always my main priority for which I am very ashamed to say. Your post this am was my perfect way to wake up and greet my day. I feel inspired and would like to make a space for myself like your "prayer closet". It looks like a very beautiful, inspiring, peaceful, place to go to the Lord in prayer and study... I have the perfect spot.. thanks for the inspiration.
Also, I love the door. I have several in my home that we actually use like that one. I live in a 1800's farm house and they are well kept from previous owners. I just love them. I love my old farmhouse. Uneven floors, scratched wood, and all the things that come with age.....
Well my dear you have a great day and blessings to you and your family.....

irene said...

Oh Lea...your Shabby Olde Potting Shed blog is such an oasis in this crazy world!! Thank you, I will check out the casting box idea, I think we all need one. The prayer request are a wonderfun idea. God bless you today my friend!

Sit A Spell said...

LOVE the door! What a great spot you have created. Remember that I actually designed my new hutch? Well, the smaller drawer was created to hold my Bible, notebook and Joni planner! I love sitting at my dining table during my QT. My xm radio is right there too...all in my little corner of the world.

All Drakes, huh? Hmm.

Loved seeing your daffs...I so miss them.

Oh, I have a little lamp very similar to your...from a jar? Mine is full of buttons!

Yolanda said...

You absolutely are THEE cleverest Girlfriend I have and am always amazed at what you have created each time I stop in for a visit.

I loved this and I so love your heart!! Keep seeking Jesus my Friend.

Lovingly,
Yolanda

PS: Your jonquils are gorgeous and your prayer closet is over THEE top!

Heidi said...

Wow! I love how God ties us together with threads of His love! I have a story I've wanted to share about "at prayer" in a prayer closet with the Lord! Someday soon...I've just got too much going on and have had to sort of let my blog sit and be still! Ah, but I DO have my daily time with my Savior...I'm never too busy for that! Hugs and happy spring to my precious friend and sister in Christ: you, Lea!
Love, Heidi

From the Heart said...

It's always a joy to come read your post and see what your doing. You have to be the busiest person I know and so faithful to the Father in all you do.

Love the verse and your prayer closet and thanks for all your prayers.
Love you,
AliceE.

Denise said...

I love you dearly sis.

Kathy Butryn said...

Love your special prayer closet Lea! It is so inviting, not to mention, inspiring! You must be enjoying your times with the Lord there. Thanks for sharing it with us. Such a sweet post.

Have an amazing day,
hugs,
kath

Kathy said...

Lea, I forgot to ask you...where did you get that great sign...Thy Prayer Closet? I LOVE IT! I collect signs like that and would love to find one...!

kath

Denise said...

I am back...... just wanting to hang out again........ Overcast and windy here..... Looking at your beautiful pictures and wonder what you are up to today!

PCovi said...

What a great old door!
Thats a neat idea :)
You asked about my chickens....a cat got 'em...we shall try again soon I hope. With tighter security :)

Rebecca said...

Beautiful post, beautiful "spot" for your quiet time....I, too, love the simple, primitive look.

I was at the Women's Inspired Webinar, too (but just stumbled over here randomly when I saw the Shabby Olde Potting Shed header). What a coincidence.

Laura said...

I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Attic Clutter said...

HI Lea
Love the Prayer closet so darling~~!!
the banner you made is so sweet..
hugs, Patty

Amydeanne said...

hey thanks for posting this! i was looking for Kathy's casting box and couldn't find it on her site! lol your name came up when i googled it!

I see it's nice and warm in your area of the country! it's snowing here today!!! bahhhh but we're getting baby chickies this week, so i can't wait!

hugs and prayers my friend!