Continue the dance!
August 19, 2009 by Debbie Harris
Filed under A Heart That Dances Blog ~ Debbie Harris
Quiet time gals!
Were we delighted or what? It was such a treat to finish our summer study off hearing from the author herself last Thursday. Catherine is full of energy, motivated by her love for the Lord and her passion for quiet time and after traveling through her book “on our own”, we so enjoyed our time “all together”! She dedicated her brand new book, A Woman’s Heart that Dances, to her father, who was there to receive it, and we gifted her with a plaque to recall that she was our “personal quiet time tutor” so that she will always remember this journey! Another big thank you to Catherine! I’m still reveling in God’s entire orchestration from beginning to end!
Many of you were recipients of her gracious gifting of all the books that she has written – Catherine was very generous! And in addition to the book give aways, Laura Touchette took home the treasured quiet time journal and the grand prize quiet time basket went to Connie Hampy! We were also blessed with a time of worship by Joi Bowling! I will be humming “sitting at his feet” over and over again!
I hope all you “ladies” enjoyed your lovely framed centerpieces and have found a prominent place to display them as a reminder not only of our study together, but also of the call from the Lord Himself to “be still and know that He is God!” There was a beautiful keepsake for each of you on the table to take home – a bookmark with Psalm 46:10 inscribed on it along with “Quiet Time in Summer 09” . If you were unable to attend on Thursday, I would love for you to still have one, so if you will stop by the women’s table in the pavilion at Shadow Mountain on Sundays, you can pick one up for yourself ; and please take one for your friend or relative that did the study with you if they were out of town or unable to attend so that everyone can have this keepsake – there are plenty!!
I hope after an incredible study like this that calls you to sit at the feet of Jesus, where you were encouraged and challenged and saw God at work, that you are asking, “what next?”
If you are still finishing your book, do that! If you have completed it, there are 4 more books in that same format to do on your own, or many other resources to choose from by going to www.quiettime.org. Or if you are looking for a Bible Study, I hope you saw the Bible Studies that will begin in the fall at Shadow Mountain! I teach a precept class on Thursday mornings and would love to have you — there are also 5 more Bible studies on different days in different studies – I know you would be able to find one to fit your need and schedule! At http://www.shadowmountain.org/default.aspx?page=3411, you can view these options. The sign ups have begun in the pavilion at Shadow Mountain every Sunday morning and you can also register online.
You will also be receiving a card in the mail inviting you to the complimentary brunch on September 12th called “Finding your Niche” from 9:30-noon (there is no charge but you need to pick up a ticket for the count in the pavilion ). This is a great display of all of the ministries in Women’s Ministries – a great way to meet women, get involved, and find your niche! You will hear from each ministry and have opportunity to chat with leaders and sign up for classes!
Well, it has been wonderful traveling through with you. I pray, as I sign off of this summer study, that you will find your “next thing” and be always moving a little closer to knowing God a little more and serving Him a little better!
Would love to hear a last blog from you all!!
Blessings on your journey as you continue to dance!
Debbie Harris
QUIET TIME in SUMMER 09
@ Shadow Mountain
“LOVE the dance”
July 30, 2009 by Debbie Harris
Filed under A Heart That Dances Blog ~ Debbie Harris
John, the disciple whom Jesus loved!! I want that byline! Debbie, the disciple whom Jesus loved!!! Did you put your name in there? And now at the end of this journey, do you get how very much you are loved! Do you see how God was the One that called out to you, and is so faithful He will never stop? He wants to dance the dance for a lifetime, until He sees you face to face and I suppose even then, we will dance on into heaven and down the streets of gold! What an exciting dance to look forward to!
I will take from this study the awesome truth that it is “I” who determines the level of intimacy I will enjoy – God is waiting on me – and it is ALWAYS my turn!!
I echo with John this side of heaven:
I want to lean on You Jesus!
I pledge to be trustworthy of my God-given earthly assignment!
Though I see You dimly now, I can hardly wait to see You face to face!
I want to please You by telling others of Your amazing resurrection!
I love the glimpses, but I have a desire to see what I’ve yet to see!
We have a hope!! And that causes me to say, “Hallelujah!” We think dancing with the Lord is so incredible now (and it is), but just wait til glory – we haven’t experienced anything yet!!
I know everyone is at a different spot in the book, just like we are all in a different place on our journey! The quiet time is a process! But, I hope no matter where you are, that you will be coming on August 6th to celebrate the hope that we have in Him together. We’ve done the “on-your-own” part – now it’s time for the “all together” part! The evening will begin at 6:00 with an author’s reception, with Catherine Martin, in the Lower Campus Chapel at Shadow Mountain Church, 2100 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon, CA 92019, followed by the program at 7:00. Catherine will have resources there and we will have upcoming studies available in case you are asking ”what’s next?” I am praying that you can be there. I have only received 12 regrets, so we are in for a party! If you know for sure that you will be unable to attend and have not emailed me, it would be most appreciated to know so that we do not count on you in the setting of the tables. Also, I am still looking for plates of “finger desserts” and “testimonies“ if you are willing.
Well, I pray you LOVE your dance along your busy way! How fortunate that God is always there, never tires of waiting upon our schedule, and is always so very glad to see us when we sit at His feet!! He truly does love us – we too are the disciples whom Jesus loves.
Loving this dance (and the hope of the next)!
Debbie Harris
Quiet Time in Summer 09
@ Shadow Mountain
“Develop your dance”
July 24, 2009 by Debbie Harris
Filed under A Heart That Dances Blog ~ Debbie Harris
Paul showcased this week how his intimacy with God developed over the years!! It didn’t happen without intention and it certainly didn’t happen overnight. Were you surprised to see that Paul lived in obscurity for 3 years — and then another 14 years learning whatever he could from the disciples? No doubt in that time he became intimately acquainted with the God of the Old Testament, who had sent Jesus the Messiah, in the same life time as Paul, to fulfill some of those Old Testament Scriptures right before his very eyes! That would be something to witness!
This week was a great look at Paul’s life and how God used each chapter to mold him into the person He needed him to be for the task He had set out just for him.
In obscurity – I found myself wanting to be a radical disciple like Paul, consistently living “the Lord Jesus in action!” I thanked God for the times of obscurity in my life where I was literally “forced” to “be still and know that He is God!” Many good things came out of that time as God used it to move me along in the plan He had for me!
In weakness – I loved Paul’s poetic dichotomy “when I am weak, then I am strong”. I also loved D.L. Moody’s quote, “I think we will be so ashamed of ourselves when we get to heaven, to remember we ever spoke about our sufferings!” God shows Himself strong in our weaknesses if we allow Him to.
In ministry – Absolutely loved the “ripple affect” – I want to cause a ripple that goes far beyond my pebble as I love others into the Kingdom!
In conflict – a love for God and people (the only two reasons I breathe) are what keep me going when it gets tough. Paul continued to encourage the church even through the tough times – like so much of life, it is a choice!
In life – Jesus was Paul’s “all!” “For I am determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified.” I Cor 2:2
After watching this progression of development, I hope you set some goals and resolves. I’ll share mine and hope to hear some of yours!!
“I resolve to live my life ‘unshaken’ by anyone and anything and allow nothing to move me except Jesus.”
“I resolve to head straight for the ‘Evergreen Wood’ and I will not detour to the left or to the right for anyone or anything because no one and nothing offers anything even comparable to what is waiting for me straight ahead!”
“I resolve to lead as an ‘Ambassador to the King’ in a land not my own, because I know to where I am going, and I want to take everyone else along with me; and I know to whom I belong, and I want everyone to know Him too!”
Hope you are enjoying the journey – the dance! And I am praying that this chance to be encouraged into a quiet time develops in each of you a love for your Lord and His Word like never before, which will spill into a love for spending quality one-on-one time with Him! There is nothing quite like it on the planet – and there will be nothing quiet like it someday in heaven!
Developing for Jesus,
Debbie Harris
Quiet Time in Summer 09
@ Shadow Mountain
“Choice in the dance”
July 16, 2009 by Debbie Harris
Filed under A Heart That Dances Blog ~ Debbie Harris
At some point we all learn that life is literally made up of choices. I hope you gave serious thought to the choices laid out this week, and I not only hope you “dance,” I hope you make the right choices in the dance.
CHAOS OR QUIET?
“Come away. . . to a quiet place.” He calls to me and I love to come. I can’t wait to meet with Him every morning in my prayer closet – now I want to schedule an extended time to be with Him because “He has both satisfied me, and made me thirsty for more!” (pg 175) Are you finding the time to be quiet?
SCURRY or SIT?
I truly desire Jesus to be my ONE THING (Ps 27:4) and I will forever seek after Him so I that I will “dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold His beauty and to inquire of Him!” Though my life is full of “scurry”, I am determined to accomplish intimacy with God which will only occur when I sit at His feet like Mary did – “sitting at His feet, listening to every Word!”
RELUCTANT or RADICAL?
Did you relate to Luke 10:40 – has anything or anyone dragged you away this week? Many things dragged me away this week, especially this week! And I actually could picture this scripture – nothing like life happening to you to teach you the lessons in the Word! I desperately want to know Him and I know that occurs by being with Him. I choose to be radical, not reluctant!
PRACTICAL or EXTRAVAGANT?
I’m a pretty practical person, so the contrast is clear in my mind! I will be practical in most all areas, but He is the One who gets my extravagant all! And that would include my “alabaster box.” For the God who lavishes His love on me will take lavished love in return anytime I am willing to lavish it! I loved Spur-geons quote on page 194, “Surely as we meditate on the Lord, our hearts burn within us and we long to love Him more!” I want to love Him more and extravagantly more!
SIGHT or FAITH?
Each time I read the Word and catch a glimpse of His glory (the “weight” of God), it gives my faith sight. But to walk by sight without faith is to ask for trouble. God longs to be gracious to me and wants to have compassion on me, and every time I choose His way and what I cannot see (faith), rather than my way and what I am able to see (sight), He is there to show me who He really is! Psalm 18 was incredible! If you missed it, go enjoy it! His deliverance and lovingkindness are indescribable gifts of our faith!
I pray this week as you make your choices, that you choose to be “quiet” and “sit”, living “radical” for Jesus with an “extravagant” “faith” that cannot be swayed! I would love to hear your testimonies!
Intentionally choosing,
Debbie Harris
Quiet Time in Summer 09
@ Shadow Mountain
PS Please look for my second email regarding our evening together on August 6th to follow shortly. Be sure to include it on your summer calendar 6:00 p.m.
“Don’t miss class”
July 9, 2009 by Debbie Harris
Filed under A Heart That Dances Blog ~ Debbie Harris
We have passed the halfway mark and still women continue to join in! I hope you are all finding that you are falling in love with the Lord of the dance as you meet together with Him!
Did you make it to “class” this week or did you get tied up? You know He’s always willing to reschedule and re-reschedule until it fits into your schedule because He is always available. Amazing things are waiting for you in “class!”
I can give you the highlights of “class” but it’s certainly not the same as going! Mary showed up for “class” and found the very treasures for her life!
the lovingkindness of the Lord is for those who meet Him!
the secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him!
the shelter of the Lord is for those who abide in Him!
the ever-present help of the Lord is for those who need Him!
the glory of the Lord is reflected in those who suffer for Him!
I have it straight from the author’s mouth “you don’t want to miss ‘class’ next week – the women at Bethany!” These are possibly very familiar stories, but God can do amazing things with them if we will sit at His feet, and look for anything we’ve never seen before. As we seek Him, He promises to be found!
Can’t wait for the next “class” tomorrow morning!
Debbie Harris
Quiet Time in Summer 09
@ Shadow Mountain
PS It’s never too late to join in. Also, I was able to order some of the 2nd printing and have books available in the Women’s Ministries office (call Kelly 440-1802 ext 3525). Just email me a name and email address to register! Blessings as you “quiet time!”
“Keep in step”
July 1, 2009 by Debbie Harris
Filed under A Heart That Dances Blog ~ Debbie Harris
I loved this week so much, and God spoke in so many places – my book is covered and highlighted and written sideways, and crossways, and in between! And I actually am responding a different way to a big decision because of this very week in the Word!! In my quest to “KEEP IN STEP” with God, it is amazing how He works in my heart. I could actually see the benefit for sitting and being still – so much that these four lines came to me as I laid in my bed thinking this week and I jumped up and ran to write them in my journal for keeps: “If I don’t be quiet, and I can’t sit still, I may be guided by You, but I’ll do my own will!” And that’s not what I want – I want to chase after GOD’S will!
Catherine, I must address you and thank you for such a well organized and all inclusive week! When you began on the first page with “KEEP IN STEP” and then finished on the last page with the same, my heart leapt for joy to see those actual words in the Scripture – “Since we live by the Spirit, let us KEEP IN STEP with the Spirit! Gal 5:25, NIV” That verse has become embedded on my heart now! And what a grand message for us showcased this week in the life of David, a man after God’s own heart who kept in step. I also loved how you kept reminding us to personalize the Scripture – it finds its way all the way to our hearts when we do!
Here are some ways to “KEEP IN STEP” that I have personalized from this week!
-I want to “please the Father” as I chase after His will (loved all those verses, pg 116-117)
-I want to “know Him” and “walk with Him” so I can “delight myself in Him”
-I want to “proclaim and bless the Name of the Lord” from the rising of the sun to it’s setting
-I want to “ask of God” and “wait on Him” before anything else
-I want to “celebrate” before the Lord with joy!
Ten more women joined in over the last two weeks, and some are going at their own pace, so we are all in different places in the study, but all committed to sitting at the feet of the same Jesus! Many will not finish by August 6th, and I want to make sure no one thinks that is a requirement for attending. It will be a celebration of being in the Word, not a celebration for completing the book, so everyone please mark your calendars for August 6th. There is an “author’s reception” at 6:00 followed by an “evening with the author” at 7:00. Catherine will be sharing her testimony and her passion for quiet time, and there will be dessert, some worship, a small gift to remember our journey and a “give-away” too. It will be a very special evening! In order to plan for it, if you know that you will be out of town, or unable to be there for some reason, please send me an email so we can begin getting a feel for how many will be joining us for the evening! I pray you ALL can come!
Striving to keep in step,
Debbie Harris
Quiet Time in Summer 09
@ Shadow Mountain
PS It’s never too late to join in. Also, I was able to order some of the 2nd printing and have books available in the Women’s Ministries office (call Kelly 440-1802 ext 3525). Just email me a name and email address to register! Blessings as you “quiet time!”
“It’s your move!”
June 25, 2009 by Debbie Harris
Filed under A Heart That Dances Blog ~ Debbie Harris
What an incredible example we have in Moses!
He “kept company” with God speaking face to face like friends do.
He stopped and “turned aside to see” what it was that was glaring right in front of him.
He kicked off his sandals and “humbled himself” before Almighty God.
He blurted out the extravagant request, “SHOW ME YOUR GLORY!”
He “climbed a mountain early in the morning” to see the God he desperately wanted to know!
Wow! I want that kind of intentionality! Those were all Moses’ “moves” – he wasn’t too busy; he wasn’t waiting for God to find him; he wasn’t sitting idle; he wasn’t doing other things; and he didn’t miss it. He was making a request and seriously seeking God! He was on a specific search and he was making his “moves.”
I love how Catherine describes it on page 88, “Both Scripture and experience teach that it is we, not God, who determine the degree of intimacy with Him that we enjoy. We are at this moment as close to God as we really choose to be.” Hmmm??????? Sounds like it’s our move!
I am praying that you are choosing to be close enough that you don’t miss the intimacy He wants to share with you and the company He wants to keep with you!
From emails and phone calls and seeing you here and there, it sounds like you are doing this because I have heard from many of you how God is using this quiet time in your life, and I thought I should encourage you to share this excitement on the blog! I will receive an email and wish it were on the blog so that it would not just bless my heart, but potentially bless all of you as well! Let me take this opportunity to “push you” ever so gently to take that brave or extra step and share what God is teaching you or how He is using this study in your life. It really does have grand benefit for us all! Share your comment sometime this week below!
After studying the life of David in my last precept class, I am very eager for the next week because I have already seen what a great heart he had. I am anticipating walking a little closer to God after peeking at the life of David – a man after God’s own heart!
I pray this chapter in life is causing you to move toward intimacy with God. He is the Faithful and True, who has put everything amazingly into place for your growth and your benefit! He has thought of everything and is always patiently waiting — so now . . . “it’s your move!”
Ever moving toward Him,
Debbie Harris
Quiet Time in Summer 09
@Shadow Mountain
PS It’s never too late to join in. FIVE LADIES JOINED IN THIS WEEK! Books can be purchased through www.quiettime.org or www.amazon.com and selected local bookstores. Just email me a name and email address to register! Blessings as you “quiet time!
Let God lead . . . and be sure to follow!
June 18, 2009 by Debbie Harris
Filed under A Heart That Dances Blog ~ Debbie Harris
In light of the “dance”, just picture for a moment what it looks like if the lead partner takes the lead and the other partner does not follow…..we have a partnership and most incredible Leader of all leaders who wants to lead. I trust that one of your goals on this journey is to learn how to follow!
Catherine gave us such tangible ways this week to follow the heart of God –as broken, winsome, faithful, discerning and passionate! I prayed this week:
*that you stepped through, rather than stopped short at the threshold, into the sacred place and let your heart be broken with the same things that break God’s heart!
*that you saw the way God wants to allure you and wants so badly not to be forgotten – He longs to “betroth you to Himself forever!”
*that you saw God’s faithfulness and also the dichotomy of yours and His, causing you to turn from your “raisin cakes” to Him alone!
*that you are beginning to see things as God sees them as you draw near to Him, and really get to know Him!
*that you saw God’s passion for you, His dear precious child, and were moved to share Him with those around you!
I prayed for every one of you by name this week that you would not let this time set aside slip by, but rather would take this opportunity to BE STILL. Go against what is natural and “pause” on purpose in this busy crazy life – for that is the only way you will learn how to follow!
In this third week, we turn to Moses and explore what it means to be “face to face” with God! If you are behind, you can choose to continue where you are, or jump ahead to week 3 and study Moses along with us beginning tomorrow!
With arm in arm, eyes toward Him, feet following every step…………enjoy the “dance”!
Following the Leader,
Debbie Harris
Quiet Time in Summer 09
@ Shadow Mountain
PS It’s never too late to join in. Books can be purchased through www.quiettime.org or www.amazon.com and selected local bookstores. Just email me a name and email address to register! Blessings as you “quiet time!”
“May I have this dance?”
June 11, 2009 by Debbie Harris
Filed under A Heart That Dances Blog ~ Debbie Harris
I camped on day 4 this week, and when I finally passed on to the rest of the week, I found myself returning there again. The review pages at the end are great!! Re-reading and meditating on the thing that catches my eye and my heart seems to be the method that helps the lesson to really begin to sink in. I learned that God is the GREAT PURSUER, that He is the GRAND INITIATOR, and that He is the GLORIOUS INVITER of my life! And quite the Romantic too! My conversion and testimony then do not begin with, “I was raised in a Christian home…” or “I became a Christian when…” or even “I repented and turned to God…” No, they begin with “God”! They begin with “God called me to Himself” because my conversion actually began with an invitation! God has invited each of us to Himself and our testimony is a “response” to that invitation! Isaiah 65:1 was absolutely incredible to me. God said, “I permitted Myself to be sought by those who did not ask for Me; I permitted Myself to be found by those who did not seek Me. I said, ‘Here am I, here am I’, to a nation which did not call on My name.” Before we accepted the offer, He asked for the dance!
I hope you are devouring these pages and finding yourself swept off your feet by the Saviour! I am going to encourage you each week to “fight for your quiet time” because I know what we are up against. Being quiet in our day is possibly one of the most difficult things we accomplish in a day! So I am praying the power of God in each of you, by name this week, to find yourselves daily sitting at the feet of Jesus – remember it is very important to have your “time” and your “place” set aside on purpose – it is a proven fact that it will not just happen to you – you must be intentional! Some of you are getting a late start, but do not be discouraged – it is just a suggested schedule – and that’s one of the greatest things about God – He is not limited by time – He can meet you whenever you begin, anywhere in your 24 hours without prior appointment and anywhere you choose and just as you are! He’s not as concerned about your “schedule” as He is about your “heart”! I do believe once you get going, you won’t be able to let it sit – it is just that good!
You may want to “star” the parts in your book that are “wow!” so that you can share them with others – either in your travels, or with your family, or with all of us on the blog! Sharing is one way, as you repeat what you have learned, to help the truths to become solidified in your heart. It also may be a way of encouraging someone else since this is our only means of interaction in this study. I would love to hear what God is showing you this week – scroll down to comment, and share with us all!
I believe it is obvious how God has orchestrated this “dance” from the very beginning, and I thought you might like to know how large is the dance floor! You are sharing it with women in Washington, New York, Alabama, Ohio, Texas, Tennessee, Colorado, Illinois, Virginia, Northern California, Peru, Canada, and Sweden! And how beautiful we must all appear to the Saviour who is eager for our response to know Him, and to love Him – for He knew us and loved us first.
I hope you will take His hand this week, and enjoy the dance! (& then tell us about it!)
Enthralled in the romance of His love,
Debbie Harris
Quiet Time in Summer 09
@ Shadow Mountain
www.shadowmountain.org
www.cathscommunity.com
“The nearness of God is my good…” (Ps 73:28)
Dancers take your “places!”
June 4, 2009 by Debbie Harris
Filed under A Heart That Dances Blog ~ Debbie Harris
Tie back your hair and dig out those shoes and prepare to “dance” the dance of a lifetime – for there will never again be another time in history that you will be able to dance this dance! God has orchestrated this specific dance with you – in this company, in this place, and at this time!
My heart has already been truly blessed as you have shared on the blog – what an exciting way to communicate this summer! A great big thank you to Catherine for creating Cath’s Community, so that we can meet there and share our hearts with each other! Visit the blog anytime throughout the week by clicking http://cathscommunity.com/category/aheartthatdances/ and feel free to make comments below my letter as God works in your heart! To Him be the glory!
I am praying specifically that God helps us past our “good intentions” and teaches our committed willing hearts how to “BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD” during these next 8 weeks! It is very true that the enemy who has it out for us in this world is not at all pleased that there are 230 women who have signed on to get to know Jesus more intimately through the power of the Holy Spirit residing in them, by setting aside a “time” and a “place” to become more closely acquainted with God Himself! I am praying against that enemy who would rather we find ourselves too busy and unable to devote time to this challenge each day. May it be “God who is at work in us, who will help us to want to obey Him, and then help us to do what He wants!” (Phil 2:13) He wants to “dance” with us EVERY SINGLE DAY of our life!!!
Be intentional to find that “time” and “place” this week as we begin this journey! Acts 3:19 says “Times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord.” May you be refreshed by Him!
Be still and know,
Debbie Harris
Quiet Time in Summer 09
@ Shadow Mountain
