tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7588328928227524790.post2723465798853793191..comments2023-07-09T19:59:16.047+01:00Comments on Journeys of heart and mind: Ten years in the wildernessChris Jefferieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07024046243018838005noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7588328928227524790.post-11335435579454295582012-09-25T21:04:39.859+01:002012-09-25T21:04:39.859+01:00Thanks for this Chris. We can confirm everything y...Thanks for this Chris. We can confirm everything you list here. Really encouraging. Sometimes we can think that we're totally off the wall, as we are only five people at the most, but I can say that the Lord is slowly growing us (emphasis on 'slowly') to community. <br><br>"We learned not to confuse stubbornness and faithfulness. Stubbornness comes from wanting my own way, faithfulness from wanting Jesus to have his way in my life. To those outside the situation the two may appear very alike."<br><br>Oh gosh yes. And for me, who in the natural needs harmony and peace and understanding in relationships, it's tough when the many outside, with whom we still have contact think we have left the faith, or are nuts, or both. :)What's in a Namenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7588328928227524790.post-84699809994445400092012-09-01T07:59:09.679+01:002012-09-01T07:59:09.679+01:00I too have learnt from being in the wilderness. Du...I too have learnt from being in the wilderness. During this wilderness period I read a book by Joyce Huggett called Formed by the Desert. It was a real eye opener to my spirit just how much we can learn if we desire it during this testing time. The other book I read during this time was The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen which was a real comfort to my spirit. Even Jesus retreated to the desert, so if the example by which we try to lead and live our lives retreats to the desert why shouldn't we? During this time was the first time I learnt about the holy spirit interceding on our behalf. It was the one thing that really spoke to me. The very fact that the spirit of Christ can stand in the gap for us without us even having to ask for it truly is an amazing event. God is SO gracious to us at our weakest point that the spirit of God himself intercedes and helps us. What an amazing God we worship. Lord I stand in awe of you.....Ashley Bucknoreply@blogger.com