“Pursuing wholeness has led me to freedom from a facade. I’m not pretending to have it all together anymore. Seeking wholeness has trained me to live in very authentic, organic, consistent ways. I live with integrity and can be my true self; I’m not hiding from anybody. I’ve discovered that God’s love for me is not dependent upon my productivity or my positivity. Because I am close to Jesus, I can be vulnerable, and my vulnerability might help others on their spiritual journey. There is no substitute for closeness with Jesus on this soul reset journey. He is the first thing, the last thing, and everything in between!” Junius B. Dotson, Soul Reset: Breakdown, Breakthrough, and the Journey to Wholeness (Upper Room Books, 2019)
I had the above thoughts on my mind for a few weeks. I pondered them! Slept on them! Prayed them! Shared with my husband and sons! Journaled them. Then this morning I read this devotional that said just what I have been wanting to share.
thedailylily.com 
It’s really inspiring to read the devotional quote and how it confirmed exactly what the Lord has been speaking to you, Sara.
It sure does show another dimension to something I have heard/read you quote often from John 8:32, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
The person’s experience spoken of in this devotional seems to really connect to the fulfillment of this from Hebrews 4:9, “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.”
Debi, sees a time of entering a rest from the thoughts of the writer. Great goal for 2022! I add my prayers for Deb’s goal that she will find rest in Him.
I see light….I’ve been studying, focusing and displaying lights of all sorts both inside and outside our home. It’s been a lot of struggles for our community in the midst of a pandemic. In my driveway where lights are part of the display of chairs community gatherings have been the brightest lights. Oh yes, how I have been blessed when God sprang forth with His River of delights as we all shared our lives in various ways. The Christmas treats shared from family to family gave light to me just how God showed His loving devotion to many in the midst of flickering lights, words, symbols and flames from fire pits.
“They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from Your river of delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. Extend Your loving devotion to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart.…”
Psalm 36:8-10
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
I hope my light continues to glow in His light connecting people to people. I have often heard if you love someone you connect people to people. I think the blog writer expressed it well, ‘I’m not hiding from anybody.’ 2022 for me is, in God’s light I see light.
Thanks for sharing your growth goals for 2022! Nice to have encouragers in this pursuit.
I believe honesty or being honest may be a synonym for wholeness? Proverbs 11: 3&5 says: (NLT) “ 3 Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people. 5 The godly are directed by honesty; The wicked fall beneath their load of sin.”
WOW! The writer Tammy quotes sure knew the truth of life. And, Tammy sent a great post it note for my desk, from what she BELIEVES! I believe!
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
Thinking on and reading Sara’s words and scriptures on light, I was reminded of a retreat workbook she wrote titled, “Throwing Your Light Forward – Relationship, Friendship, Fellowship”. thought it a good review of Light and had lots to say about, “I hope my light continues to glow in His light connecting people to people. “ One of the key scriptures was Psalm 36:9 “in Your light we see light “, which Sara quotes above.
The chapter on Friendship also spoke about what Tammy wrote on honesty, and what Dotson’s quote said regarding integrity. From “Sara’s Reflections on Friendships” (pg. 37): “Friendships are built on Honesty and Integrity. Friendship unfolds like a Rose rather than controls like a thorn. Friendship touches the heart rather than wounds the heart. Friendship is a tool of spiritual growth”.
Nice quotes to remind me to stay grounded. The light of connecting people to people seems to be a goal for so many for 2022.
I’m always looking for stories of ourselves or ones we might know that have a story of confirmation on this. It’s very needful now to help so many that have purposed to made this their New Year’s purpose.
Debi, since you have the workbook out for review. I think there might be a poem that talks about making new friends and keeping the old? Also, a quote I really love about the value of introducing others to your friends as a gift.
Think about the beautiful world of connections design by God that taught us to recognize Him as Heavenly Father! WOW friendships should grow faster than weeds when we walk in this truth!
Here is the poem you were referring to, Sara, from Chapter 3, pg. 41 in your workbook.
New Friends and Old Friends
Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
New-made friendships, like new wine
Age will mellow and refine.
Friendships that have stood the test –
Time and change – are surely best;
Brow may wrinkle, hair grow gray;
Friendship never knows decay.
For ‘mid old friends, tried and true,
Once more we our youth renew.
But old friends, alas may die;
New friends must their place supply.
Cherish friendship in your breast –
New is good, but old is best;
Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
Taken from “The Book of Virtues” William J. Bennet
ThanKs Debi! Words of encouragement!