Learning to Be Still & Listen...

So the last 3 weeks I keep hearing the same message "Be still" from multiple sources. So I knew the Lord was talking to me saying: "Kari, we need some alone time." How cool is that? Just Me and God!

So last night I decided to just go to the beach and have some quiet time with the Lord. It was so peaceful, relaxing and beautiful =]

Don't get me wrong...it's hard to quiet your mind. Especially with all the noise and distractions going on in this world. Some one challenged me to keep the music off when I get in the car and it was so calming and peaceful. So many times we just get into the car and blare music, rushing to our destination. I would definitely recommend no music in the car for an opportunity to have time with the Lord.

So once I got to the beach I laid down by the water and just sat there with my eyes closed. Then my mind started going wild thinking about things I needed to do tomorrow, what the weekend had in store, and things about my day--replaying over and over. So I got out a notebook and just wrote down every thought that popped into my head. It was more effective not being able to see what I was writing (because it was dark). After a while, I didn't have anything else on my mind--QUIET TIME!

I sat there talking to God and praising him for everything he has blessed me with. I sat there praying for different people (I'm learning to pray more often and for more people). I felt the Holy Spirit because my heart was just deeply crying out for these people. It was amazing. I also prayed about basketball. That I could glorify the Lord by just playing at my ability and having fun. Showing him what he gave me. Not worrying about doing things right or wrong. Then the runner's verse popped into my head (1 Corinthians 9:24-26). I thought about playing basketball for the prize at the end of the race--Jesus Christ--not to prove anything to anyone. To be motivated by Christ alone.

1 Corinthians 9:24-26:

"Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So run with purpose in every step"

Then a bit later when my mind was quiet yet again, the passage about Moses saving the Israelites (Exodus 14) popped into my head. This verse specifically:

Exodus 14:13 "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today." 

Being a senior and about to graduate I know the Lord will provide yet I find myself wondering how? and if I am really following the Lord's plans or trying to take control of my future. This verse spoke to me saying, "I'm here and will protect you. Just let me lead and have faith."

Later I got up and walked along the water. The tide was really low and as I sat there watching the waves crash the water ebbed closer and closer to me. Instinct told me to back up so I wouldn't get wet. Then as I began to, I thought, this is just like what is happening with me and the Lord. He ebbs closer to me and I back away. I want that control and am afraid of 'getting wet'.  I sat there trying to keep still and let the water touch my shoes. What was the worst that could happen? Get a little wet? Things dry. Why then am I afraid? Things will be okay-turn out better than I can imagine-yet I don't just let the Lord come to me. Exodus 14:13 came to my head again.

Exodus 14:13 "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today." 

Overall the experience was amazing and precious. We need to have this time with God everyday. So many times we are trying to "fit" him into our schedule yet, it should be weaved into our daily life. I encourage anyone who read all this to take time right now to just sit still and listen to the Lord.

This link is a video that I love. It talks about being still and the significance. Watch it and then have some quiet time of your own =]

Basketball

Basketball. It is my life. I have played since I was at least 5 years old. Basketball. Then in middle school it took over my life. Club team. Tournaments every weekend, practice 4 times a week. Eat. Breathe. Live. Basketball. Its funny how I have spent so much time running up and down a court and shooting a basketball through a orange hoop with a net hanging down from it. Years of all that bounding, hurting, beating on my own body. What athletes do in order to keep going...its crazy. It's crazy for any other normal person. haha, NORMAL :)

Now 16 years later look at where it has gotten me. A scholarship to USC, a private institution worth over $50,000 per year. Amazing friends and a second family (my teammates). This simple gift has provided so many things for me. Gotten me so far in life. I am so blessed.

I sit here tonight just thinking about what I put my body through, and where I have come from and where I am now. I am who I am because of this simply small gift God gave me. It is through basketball I grew up. Through basketball I made lasting relationships. Through basketball I came to know Jesus Christ. And through basketball I am where I am today. Praise the Lord! God is good. He has blessed me in so many different ways and I do not deserve it, yet he provides for us.

How often do we take a moment to look back on our life and think of how we have become who we are. And how the Lord has provided for us so many times. He always comes through. Never doubt, he'll always come through.

Exodus 14:13-14

Be still for the presence of the LORD

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
to guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below

When I think peace and being still in the Lord I see this picture that I took last Easter: 

I discovered today that being still in the Lord means to have faith he will save and protect you. Don't try to do it yourself because only the Lord will be able to save us and make things better. Be still and wait for the Lord. Be patient (which if you know me is difficult for me, but this is important. We can not control what happens, people, or situations. So LET GO and let the Lord do his thing.