"Yet a time is coming
and has now come when the true worshipers will worship
the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the
kind of worshipers the Father seeks." - John 4:23

My Heavenly Daddy is healing
me from the inside out.

Transparency is Real.
Many times painful.

Daddy let me be secure in You only!

Friday, June 25, 2010

SLOW DOWN


Seems all through my life I have been in a hurry. A lot has to do with my upbringing. Rushing through projects most of the time because I wanted to please and be noticed. I desired acceptance any way I could get it. Later on in life I would hurry a lot due to being anxious, angry, frustrated, and still have the tendency to want to please, oh yeah!

The song "Slow Down" by Chuck Girard captivates me. I finally found the full version on the internet. Took awhile. I am praying that the link will work for you all! It should load up and play right away.

The song to me is a very powerful. I took to heart, but really did not apply to my life.

The song was recorded in 1975. Before I even became a Christian. And some 13 years later I heard the song the first time on a local Christian radio station around 1:00 a.m. as I was just dozing off from a long hard packed filled day. I fell in love with the song, but not its meaning.

At the time my life was so full with busyness. I was involved full time in the Deaf Ministry at my church. Involved in church activities. Involved with a major dysfunctional co-dependent relationship which took a lot of hard word to maintain. Involved with so many on-going sport activities, softball, volleyball, and bowling that kept me busy close to 24/7. I was at the lowest for my weight, and loving the attention it brought. I felt important, noticed and worthy.

Had what I thought were friends, but in reality were not. I did not build on the relationships, as I did not know how. I certainly knew how to use people though. I was just there soaking in whatever attention I could suck out of them. Even the opposite sex. Knowing all along in my mind a relationship was not going to happen. I would string the guys along then drop them. Oh I could put on an act. I wore so many masks back then. When those masks would be on, I would even amaze myself. I could be such a bold and determined fake individual and do things and say things that I knew really were not me just to be accepted. But, the constant work at keeping up this front was exhausting.

And all the while in the back of my mind I knew this "fast paced self centerness lifestyle I was leading" and seeking after would one day come to an end. Which it did. And it was not subtle. Talk about a crash and burn. And I was a Christian mind you!

I knew I was racing here and there, enjoying the fast pace and what attention it brought. Although at the same time knew deep in my heart I needed to slow down. But did not. I just "liked the idea" I could slow down.

So when I heard this song I loved the song and played the cassette non stop for really the beauty of the music, forget the lyrics.

Now, if you would ask me today if the song means something to me, I can honestly say, "yes it does." The words are very meaningful to me and my relationship to God. I am in the process of trying to apply them as I continue on my journey. But, back then, nah the words were just words! I thought I was applying the words to my life, but I was not. I did not want to give up the "self glory."

Click on the link below.

Slow Down by Chuck Girard



This song really is very slow and beautiful. I love the violins. In fact there are really some good songs from Chuck during this time period. It really is a great CD.


In the midst of my confusion
In the time of desperate need
When I am thinking not too clearly
A gentle voice does intercede

Slow down, slow down, be still
Be still and wait, on the Spirit of the Lord
Slow down and hear His voice
And know that He is God

In the time of tribulation
When I'm feeling so unsure
When things are pressing in about me
Comes a gentle voice so still, so pure

Slow down, slow down, be still
Be still and wait, on the Spirit of the Lord
Slow down and hear His voice
And know that He is God
And know that He is God

.................................................................................................................................................... I Got The Joy!

18 comments:

  1. Amen, we all need to slow down, and let God be God. I love you.

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  2. stuck-in-the-middleJune 25, 2010

    Life can be busy and slowing down is the only way. Hang in there JBR.

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  3. Oh wow, I needed to read this. I can relate in different ways, but I also rush around too much. I am driven by my parents, by my husband, by my daughter. I just need to be still.

    Thanks for sharing!
    Beth

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  4. AnonymousJune 25, 2010

    JBR you know sometimes I think, including myself that we're not smart enough yet to turn things over to the Professional Problem Solver. We think of God only as a last resort. Amazingly, he doesn't get offended by that. He watches us bang our head into this wall and that, looking with compassion on our foolishness. We run around like hyperactive two year-olds until we can't run any more. He knows what's coming. He knows we'll eventually crumple, exhausted, then ask him if he could help.

    He doesn't even seem to mind that we've botched things so badly that they look impossible. For nothing is impossible with God. Didn't mean to sermonize you. Take care. God Bless.

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  5. Sweetie I don't remember this song but its' beautiful. I can see where you liked it. Thanks for being so honest and real in your journey. Have a great weekend.

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  6. Hi jbr, I can relate to the rushing impatience and constant drive to stay busy. As introspective as I've been and focused on healing, I was still also very restless and talkative. Felt uncomfortable with stillness and silence. I think there are a few reasons but one was I think I was still running from being alone with myself. My current life made me face that fear finally. There was no escaping the parts of my thinking I tried to avoid. And it has helped so much. There's definitely a difference between loneliness and solitude. I'm glad I can finally experience solitude, peace when others aren't around. I'm so glad you've found this too. Though I know in your case this is a time you feel close to god. I'm happy for you :) sending peaceful thoughts your way!

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  7. AnonymousJune 25, 2010

    Sometimes I think the word rush is my middle name. Love your blog. I think I was here in the past can't remember.

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  8. AnonymousJune 25, 2010

    Sometimes I think the word rush is my middle name. Love your blog. I think I was here in the past can't remember.

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  9. AnonymousJune 25, 2010

    Sometimes I think the word rush is my middle name. Love your blog. I think I was here in the past can't remember.

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  10. one description that suits me, and always has, is 'in a rush'. i don't think i do anything at a leisurely pace... and it's been interesting reading why you've felt the need to rush. i've never really thought about why it is that i'm always rushing. i think i should spend some time doing just that, i think... thanks for always being here. and for sharing your thoughts. love and hugs.

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  11. so many truths in your post. I relate to much of it. here’s to us getting better and living more fully and with joy and of course to Just Being Real.

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  12. AnonymousJune 25, 2010

    Have you ever heard Simon and Garfunkel's "Feeling Groovy (59th Street Bridge Song)?" The first line is "Slow down, you move to fast. You got to make the morning last..." As soon as I read the title of your post it made me think of it. It's sage advice, really.

    JBR, I can tell you're getting stronger. We're getting stronger together.

    Wishing you well,
    NOS

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  13. I love the words of this song. I use to listen to Chuck Gerard in the 70's, so you've sparked my interest! Your testimony of what God has done is great. Praise Him for you!

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  14. Ohhhh, I remember this song. This is like running into an old friend...and so very needed at just this moment. Thanks so much for posting...like heaven blowing me a kiss:)
    Peace be the journey, JBR...you're traveling well.

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  15. AnonymousJune 25, 2010

    yes I remmember this song. Like it was yesterday. Great song good for recovery.

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  17. Dearest JBR,

    Thanks for sharing. This post resonates with me... rushing through life. For me, always being told what to do & where to be... strict parents, boarding school; I was an anxious person so could never slow down because I was so preoccupied with trying not to get in trouble/do something wrong/lose something/get yelled at...

    I now know how it can wear one out. I felt like I had no voice and was not allowed to just be me... to just be real. Anyway, thanks for ministering to us. I am now stronger, more deliberate in everything I think, do or say and actually pause, every now and then, to take a breath & enjoy the moment.

    Let us be in control, rather than let life control us. Be blessed & continue being slow.
    LJ xxx

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